style

The Fashion Statement: Waist Not Want Not

About a month ago, my sister dressed my niece in a denim-blazer-and-high-waisted-Capri set. The seven-year-old -- a Project Runway addict -- looked at herself in the mirror and groused, "I look tucked in like an old man. That's not usually how I roll."

High waists, however, are where the fashion industry seems to be going as evidenced from a few pre-fall shows this week. Above is a look from Oscar de la Renta's vision of the end of summer, 2010. And, after years and years of how-low-can-you-go jeans and pants, we might be soon hearing that's-not-how-I-roll cries from consumers.

In my experience, we'll have a little time before high waists really come back in style. A few prescient designers have and will continue to be reacting to the low-waist trend with the opposite reaction. But it will take time for most designers to catch on. And even longer still for the mainstream's eye to embrace the trend. So don't panic, you won't have to buy a pair just yet.

Even in their heyday, high-waisted pants were tricky look to pull off. In the mid-'80s, when the look was last embraced by the fashion flock, pants reaching up to the armpits completed SNL's Ed Grimley hyperactive, neurotic nerd's schtick played by Martin Short. It was the joke.

Still, pants can't get any lower. So what come down must come back up. Interestingly enough, the original low-waist culprits -- denim designers -- were the first to try out high waists a few years ago. Celebrities here and there tried it, including Fergie and Mary-Kate Olsen. Earlier this year, Jessica Simpson got skewered as much for a high-waisted denim look on her petite frame as much as her much-talked about weight gain. And, yes, I confess: Yours truly sported a pair from Radcliffe London in 2007. I put them on again this week and decided I looked positively matronly.

There's something to be said about high-waisted pants, particularly at a time when the '40s are making a resurgence. It's particularly tempting to those of us who think we have short legs. A high waist lengthens those legs. But it also lengthens the derriere, too. And there's the rub.

Sure, a super slim, high-waisted silhouette might eventually tip the scales toward becoming a full-fledged trend. In the meantime, try convincing our boyfriends and husbands this is a sexy look. I mean, they are just now embracing slim, '60's-esque suits.

What's your view?

Tags: fashion, high waist, HighWaist, pants, style

Cynthia Rowley Legwear is Hot

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Your dress may be an inexpensive LBD from a discount shop, but no one will notice if you're wearing fabulous designer tights.

This holiday season, times are (ugh) still tight, but the opulence and flashy glamour of the 20s and 30s speakeasy culture are in. The way to follow the trend without breaking the bank is to focus on your accessories: make them as eye-catching as you dare. Textures, dark jewel tones, and all things that sparkle are your friends, and we just love these Cynthia Rowley tights.

Also, as with other accessories, you can get them for a far more frugal price than, say, a Cynthia Rowley dress. The tights range from just $15 for Antique Dot Tights to $250 for the breathtaking Embellished Tights shown. It's a smart way to buy into a designer who might otherwise be out of your budget.

Now, go spend your money on presents!

Tags: apparel, cynthia rowley, fashion, holidays 2009, legwear, style, tights

Win A Copy Of The New Secrets Of Style

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Books

Sometimes we all need a reminder of the basics of good style. InStyle is releasing the latest new edition of its top-selling classic, The New Secrets of Style (Time, Inc. Home Entertainment, $29.95) on October 27, 2009. This comprehensive style resource features expert guidance for looking fabulous with confidence and ease. The book uses celebrity examples to discusses the finer points of effortless and timeless dressing. Each chapter analyzes different aspects of a wardrobe, from lingerie to coats, and features "flattery" charts arranged by body type. Written by the editors of InStyle, The New Secrets of Style includes chapters on shoes, bags, jewelry and shows how to combine the various types of accessories with specific outfits to create an elegant, unfussy look.

We received a copy of this book to give away to one reader. To enter leave a comment with your own style tip below.

Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before October 30, 2009 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive a copy of The New Secrets of Style valued at $29.95.
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete contest rules here.

This contest is closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: book, fashion, giveaway, style

The Sartorialist: The Book

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Books, Men's Style

Scott Schuman, who worked in the fashion industry for 15 years before starting his now famous blog, The Sartorialist, and landing a column in GQ, has come out with a book of his stunning street portraits that's a must for any student of modern style.

The Sartorialist the book is a 500-page collection of Schuman's favorite photographs from around the world - "from the quiet dignity of a man with silk handkerchief carefully popping out of his jacket pocket, to the pride of a young woman who fashioned her father's shirt into a skirt, from the lightness of a diaphanous dress to the unexpected flash of neon under muted tones."

The Sartorialist captures the "inspirational aspect of people styling themselves in ingenious, playful, creative, unpredictable and distinctive ways," be they models, regular joes, fashion editors, or in a couple instances, children. Schuman sees inspiration in everything, be it gorgeous, garish, or just plain weird, as long as it's done with flair.

There are two versions of the book being published later this month: a $25 paperback (above) and a $175 "bespoke" limited edition hardcover. The Sartorialist was picked by Time magazine as one of the Top 100 design influencers, and has been lauded by the New York Times as "the bellwether American site that turned photoblogging into an art form."

Tags: blog, GQ, photography, Scott Schuman, ScottSchuman, style, The Sartorialist, TheSartorialist

Win A Copy Of The Handbook Of Style

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Just as we all could use a little more money in our pockets and a little less fat in our diets, so too could most of us use a little more style. The Esquire Handbook of Style offers a handbook for men not just on looking good but on finding your own individual style. Style as defined by Esquire is equal parts fundamental basics and individual taste. The book addresses not just what to do but why. From hair care to stain removal, from packing for a trip to how to wear a scarf with elan, Esquire's handbook instructs without being overly cutesy or pedantic.

The 240-page book could just be your new best friend when it comes to looking great. We are giving away one copy of The Handbook of Style to one style-challenged reader. To enter, leave a comment telling us why you might need a little style help.

Some other important details:

* To enter, leave a confirmed comment below.
* The comment must be left and confirmed before Friday, January 16, 2009 at 5:00PM Eastern Time.
* You may only enter once.
* One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
* One winner will receive The Handbook of Style, valued at $14.95
* Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

See complete contest rules here.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your participation.

Tags: esquire, handbook, style

Hlaska Ties Have a Secret Theme

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Make a quiet statement of individuality with these men's ties from Hlaska. At first glance they appear to be fairly standard patterns and stripes, but look closer and you'll see a definite scientific influence, especially to do with the stars and solar system. Available in light to dark colors, you can be wearing stripes that double as strings of dna helixes or binary code, or even the rings of Saturn.

We'll leave it up to you whether you want to enjoy your somewhat geeky (said with all the love in the world) fashion statement in relative silence, or go pointing out the details to everyone in the office. $125

Via acquire

Gallery: Ties by Hlaska

Source

Tags: apparel, fashion, hlaska, men, menswear, style, tie, ties

Mogul Furniture

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor

Turning high fashion glamour into high-end living environments is the unique talent of the men behind Los Angeles furniture store Mogul. Designers Thomas Piscitello and Neal Wagner were inspired by fashion designer Tom Ford to create rooms that are both luxurious and sexy with rich colors and tactile materials such as fur, leather and exotic skins, highlighted by Swarovski crystal chandeliers and gleaming chrome, acrylic and lacquer details. Neal Wagner also sells his own abstract art pieces which blend seamlessly into the decor.

The company sells furnishings and accessories as well as offering design services and staging. And like Tom Ford, they know that you can't go wrong with a little flesh. The intro for the mogul website features rock music and a parade of semi-nude models reclining on the furniture.

[via Furniture Style]

Source

Tags: decor, furniture, los angeles, mogul, style

Domino Magazine's "The Deal Hunter"

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Services

Domino magazine, "the guide to living with style," has a fun column called "The Deal Hunter," penned by young Columbia alum Nick Olsen, that features a plethora of style for (mostly) low prices. I know here at Luxist we're often about the high-end, big ticket items, but I think it's OK to watch the finances now and then in order to keep affording the big stuff. Olsen writes in that chatty, bloggy style (which I haven't mastered, alas) and regularly finds things from all ends of the home decor spectrum. Just to show he's not all about the cheap stuff, he recently featured a $950 table from Mecox. Check out his blog if you're looking for a deal but still want lots of style or something colorful for your home.

Tags: blog, blogs, deals, decor, Domino, Domino magazine, DominoMagazine, Nick Olsen, NickOlsen, style

Shoe Designer Extraordinaire: Nicholas Kirkwood

by Marsha Reid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, and Christian Louboutin - these are just a few of the legendary design houses that are able to make a woman's feet the sexist part of the body. You may just want to add British shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood to that list. Kirkwood's artistic ability to create sculptures of art has enabled him to work with the likes of Phillip Lim and Belstaff for their Spring 2008 Collection. And although he has collaborated with many, his own collection is nothing to shy away from. Kirkwood's collection combines a sense of fashion forward edginess with a sexy majestic quality. Featured here are his silver metallic lizard slingbacks accented with a mirrored butterfly wing detail, open toe, and 3 1/2" heels. Price: $545.

Gallery: Shoe Designer Extraordinaire: Nicholas Kirkwood

Nicholas Kirkwood Mirror Strap Slingbacks

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Tags: fashion, fashions, Nicholas Kirkwood, NicholasKirkwood, shoes, style

Gordon Rush Dress Slides

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style

Generally, I'm no fan of a sandal on a man, but is it really fair to expect a man to encase his feet in leather prisons in the summer months while I run around in little wisps of footwear? And what about a dinner at a beachside restaurant on a warm summer night, a man should be able to enjoy a nice toe breeze off the water. Luxury men's retailer Gordon Rush has created the dress slide, a type of shoe normally reserved for women but made masculine with rich woven leather details. The slide comes in brown or black and sells for $265. It just might make you rethink mandals.

[via The Stylephile]

Source

Tags: fashion, gordon rush, GordonRush, leather shoes, mens shoes, MensShoes, shoes, style

The Luxe Life at Zappos

by Lisa Palladino (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

As a longtime Zappos fan, I love the free shipping and returns, ease of ordering and fantastic selection. I knew Zappos carried high-end items, but just discovered its Luxe Life branch. Here you can find couture shoes (natch), jewelry, apparel and bags for women and men, as well as kids' shoes.

Let's do a quick search, shall we? Criteria: women's shoes, size 8, medium width, any heel height, any price, black. The results? More than 530 styles that range from a high of $1,114 for Cesare Paciotti t-strap pump made of haircalf and accented with a crystal vamp ornament to a low of $79 for an adidas by Stella McCartney slide with a rubber sole.

A quick search on boys' sandals (no criteria) brought up 13 styles that range from a $224 Armani Junior sandal with straps for infants (!) and toddlers to a low of $56 for a D&G Junior slide for toddlers.

You can browse by designer, too, that is, if you haven't fainted from sticker shock or spent your whole month's apparel budget on sandals for your children.

Source

Tags: fashion, shoes, shopping, style, zappos

Roberto Cavalli, Swarovski Crystal Jeans

by Star Sutherland (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Italian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli is known for flashy animal prints and plunging necklines, always pushing the envelop and not conforming...just a few of the reasons he is my favorite designer! These jeans have standard pockets, belt loops and stud detailing as well as the signature Cavalli fit and cut. What isn't standard or cheap is the thousand dollars worth of Swarovski crystal detailing the top! Available online for $1,275....be careful these gems don't get thrown in with your regular laundry!

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Tags: denim, fashion, jeans, Roberto Cavalli, RobertoCavalli, style, Swarovski crystal jeans, SwarovskiCrystalJeans

Miu Miu Harlequin Bootie

by Star Sutherland (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Shoes

The Prada fashion house started Miu Miu back in 1992, and while Prada tends to veer towards the norm, Miu Miu designs stray far from it! These Harlequin Booties look like they stomped off the runway, and visited the circus before they arrived at the boutique. Black suede with silver and pink cut out design and a heel adorned with rhinestones, make these shoes quite the little conversation starters. Retailing for $890, and with a limit on the number you can order, apparently brave fashionistas are buying these up in a hurry! I wonder what you wear them with?

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Tags: fashion, Harlequin bootie, HarlequinBootie, miu miu, MiuMiu, shoes, style

Luxe City Guides Offer Only the Best

by Sandy Maple (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Luxe City Guides are not your ordinary travel books. In fact, they aren't books at all. They are are beautiful, sleek, accordion-style guides that are small enough to fit in your pocket. These travel and style guides point the discerning traveler to only the best of the best in Asian, European and Australian cities.

From Bali to Tokyo, the guides are packed with personally researched information from city-insiders who know their way around the fashion, food and entertainment scenes. Luxe takes things a step further by including information on services, shops and secrets that you might never find on your own. With Luxe, you are a visitor, not a tourist.

Whether you are looking for the best martini in Istanbul, want to design your own handbags in Hanoi or desire a quiet moment in a secret garden in the heart of Bangkok, Luxe will take you there in style.

The guides are written in an opinionated and irreverent style and are beautiful to look at. With no paid advertising, the Luxe City Guides are updated twice each year with regular online updates.

Buy the guides individually for $9 each, or get a customized boxed set of twelve for $108.

Source

Tags: asia travel, AsiaTravel, austrtalia travel, AustrtaliaTravel, bali, bangkok, city guide, CityGuide, entertainment, european travel, EuropeanTravel, hanoi, istanbul, luxe travel guide, LuxeTravelGuide, style, tokyo, travel, travel guide, travel secrets, TravelGuide, TravelSecrets

Designers: It's Not Just About Clothes Anymore

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wings

Who you are is largely communicated by your style, whether you like it or not. Whether you try, or don't try, either way says a great deal. And just what does "style" all include? Many major designers believe it's about more than just clothes and fashion, and are hoping to cash in on some of the other "angles" where their respective brand names can help somebody make a statement. After all, designers are all about style, and style is about a lot more than just fashion.

Specifically designers are branching out into technology and transportation -- and they're doing it in a big way. But then we wouldn't expect anything less from names like Prada and Versace, would we?

State-of-the-art touch screen cell-phones, sports cars, private jets, and even helicopters are just the beginning of this trend. So be on the lookout for more than just clothes bearing designer names and, of course, designer prices.

Source

Tags: car, cars, cell phone, CellPhone, design, designer, fashion, Ferragamo, helicopter, phone, phones, Prada, style, technology, Versace

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