Taming the Animal Print Trends

The truth is animal print can be a fashion disaster, or pleasantly pleasing, depending on how you wear it. Even though it seems as if animal print comes in and out of style every couple of years, it’s always in, whether it be tiger, cheetah, zebra or even giraffe spots.

The trick is because animal print is such a bold trend you have to be even more discrete about how you choose to wear it. In other words, don’t let the trend wear you, you wear the trend.

The most important thing about animal print is that which ever way you choose to incorporate the animal print into your look it should be seamless. The reaction shouldn’t be “Oh you’re wearing animal print today.” It should be about you and feeling great. You should be the focus, not the print. Here are some general guidelines on how to wear it successfully:

Be an animal print minimalist:

Animal print looks best when present only in one pattern, in no more than one element of an outfit. You don’t want to look like a coach. However, don’t let this discourage you from wearing an animal print dress. Keep the length above your knees, the skirt slightly A-line instead of clingy and throw on a blazer and leggings to tone it down.

Think about the shape:

Because the print is so bold make sure to keep the silhouette of whatever you choose simple. Also to keep from looking like a cougar on the prowl, try wearing animal print tight only as a skirt and wearing it with a solid color flowy top or vice versa. I recommend a loose top in animal print, with skinny jeans and a blazer thrown over it.

Avoid anything fuzzy or weird colors:

Just because somebody decided to make a pink zebra top, doesn’t mean you should wear it. Also refrain from fuzzy animal print in any form unless you’re under the age of 10 and your mother still picks out your clothes. Felt and color is too Lisa Frank for you.

Pair fun colors with animal print:

Bright colors like green or turquoise add a little freshness to this classic print, making it more youthful. Try pairing bright colored shorts.

Accessories are usually a safe bet:

Animal Print was made to be a great accessory, especially for those you who are shyer about wearing it. However, whether it is an armful of bangles, a scarf, or cute ballet flats, remember to keep the rest of the outfit simple.

All in all when it comes to animal print, you must exercise good fashion judgment. Just because something is available in animal print doesn’t mean it should actually be worn. There is no shortage of clothing manufacturers out there committing fashion crimes with animal print.

Unless you’re a six-foot fashion model or a tour guide at the zoo, it’s probably not a good idea to wear pants, jackets, coats or skirts in animal print patterns– unless, that is, you’re going for the Cruella DeVille look.

Paris Fashion Week Was Burning

Fashion Month seemed almost endless this season. Thankfully, it ended in Paris where there were highs and lows, ruffles and bows, lots to chew on and even more to spit out. My favorite collections were Chanel, Lanvin, and Hermès. Three distinct looks...all impeccable and "chic, chic, chic" (at the risk of sounding like Elsa Klensch). Jean Paul Gaultier, Albert Elbaz, and Karl Lagerfeld ran neck and neck, so we have a trifecta; they all win.

Yes, I know, all the editors loved Louis Vuitton, but I say fotz. That shizz screams Emperor's New Clothes plenty. Since Marc Jacobs is so big in Japan, there is a touch of Harajuku sprinkled into each look. If you remember correctly, all the LV ensembles worn by the likes of Madonna, Lake Bell (zzz), and Leighton Meester last season ended up on my "Not Best Dressed List."

John Galliano was wonderful as was Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga. Alexander McQueen was fierce, too, though no one can wear those shoes in the real world. I really liked Miu Miu, but I take issue with designers showing in more than one city. It annoyed me about Alberta Ferretti showing in NYC, and Vivienne Westwood should stay in London, where she is the toast of the town...and a Lady no less.

With everything stripped away, one bad outfit tarnishes the collection...as in the case of YSL or Sonia Rykiel. Another case in point: the Emanuel Ungaro show, a.k.a Lindsay Lohan's foray into fashion. It was like the editors were primed to hate this; it wasn't THAT horrible. OK...it wasn't brilliant...perhaps slim pickins, but the venom that spewed about this show was unprecedented. Where were these horrified editors at the A.F. Vandevorst collection or Bless (as in bless this mess), a presentation that was Cirque du Soleil meets schamtehs. And when I read good reviews for Bernhard Willhelm's messy nonsense or kind words for Vivienne Westwood's hodgepodge lodge, Rick Owens' emperors-new-clothes, Vanessa Bruno's lace-knee granny things, and don't get me started on Zucca because "refreshing" and "the right dose of cheer" is the last thing I would say about this collection. See? I'm exhausted. As must be Anna Piaggi...who must be napping as we speak.

Spending Fashion Week in Jail

As part of its Fashion Week coverage, New York magazine published a fascinating account of Kevahn Thorpe, a teenaged shoplifter who is serving one to three years at Sing Sing. It seems that the allure of golden Prada sneakers, skinny Dior jeans and Fendi eyeglasses was too strong for the 17-year-old honors student from the Queensbridge Housing Projects to resist. And even though the calculus-loving thief is doing time alongside murderers, rapists and other violent offenders, he’s said he’ll probably resume his shoplifting ways when he is released in March.

It’s easy to dismiss Thorpe as a hopeless recidivist whose problems run deeper than the law enforcement community seems to realize. But in the midst of Fashion Week, it’s also worth considering the impact of all the hype on poor kids inundated with upscale imagery. Consider the very American maxim, “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” What, exactly, is dressing like a rapper, an athlete, a model or video vixen, even if you live in the projects, if not dressing for the job you want?

For many African Americans, this is nothing new. As historian Stephanie M.H. Camp has shown, slaves in the U.S. South went to great lengths—often risking their personal safety—to attend dances and other events that offered them opportunities to wear stylish clothing. For women, wearing full skirts with hoops fashioned out of grapevines or tree branches and dresses with colorful and vibrant patterns helped not only to show off their feminine curves but also to showcase their ingenuity and creativity in procuring and designing festive attire. In dressing up, those men and women claimed their bodies as sites “not only of suffering but also (and therefore) of enjoyment and resistance.” The very epitome of aspirational dressing.

Who’s Next International Fashion Trade Show Dubai

Two weeks ago Eduardo was in Dubai to show his winter 2009-2010 menswear collection at Who’s Next & Premiere Class in Dubai 2009 . It was a chance to show to and learn about the new and rapidly growing Middle East fashion market. Showing the first Eduardo Rivera collection alongside 205 brands from 16 countries with 1200 buyers attending made for a tough few days work, but Eduardo managed to get out and about and see a few sites in Dubai. Here’s a quick video of our hard working designer enjoying some down time.

Dressed in Black

In 5 words or less, describe your style:

Lady-like, retro, bombshell, classy, girly.
Describe two items in your closet that you love:

This is a hard one because I have so many treasures. And, yes, I actually refer to my clothes as “treasures” on a regular basis. I’m vintage-dress-obsessed and I’m constantly rediscovering things in my closet I forgot I had and falling in love all over again. Nothing in there is an accident, I assure you. Although, I do use the word “accident” to absolve myself of any feigned guilt over yet another vintage purchase, as in “Uh, oh. I had another accident at Dressed in Time today.” This way, it’s only the fashion gods who are to blame. I mean, if it wasn’t so cute and it didn’t fit me so well, maybe I would have been able to resist.

I recently popped my etsy-cherry when I bought a black, quintessentially-1950s dress with a fitted bodice and a full circle skirt. The material has a light pink pattern, a pink satin collar, 3/4 length dolman sleeves with peter-pan cuffs and rhinestone buttons all the way down the front. You have to wear a crinoline underneath to get the full effect and I’m just waiting for the right occasion to show it off.

I also recently hit the 1940s jackpot at my all-time favourite vintage store in Halifax, with this gorgeous red satin, mid-calf length gown. In this case, the beauty is in the details. The entire dress is covered in black lace overlay and zips up the front-something that seems rare for the period. It has a v-neckline, the original belt, shoulder pads, peter-pan cuffs and two peplum-style flaps at the hips that make it feel especially regal. It reminds me of something one would wear to a masquerade ball since the combination of deep red and black lace is so sultry. Also, it fits like a glove, which is very important for wearing clothes from this era.

Fashion trend you swore you would not partake in but have fallen victim to and now kind of love (example: skinny jeans):

I would say my style has become pretty hardcore vintage over the last two years or so and since then most trends haven’t really applied. I wear pants about twice a year and when I do, they’re skinny jeans-which definitely weirded me out at first. I do get a little annoyed whenever elements of my dress become super popular-like leopard print is right now-but on the other hand it makes shopping for accessories a lot easier, since it’s the belts and hats and scarves that deteriorate the quickest. Also, it’s not like I have a monopoly on leopard print-it’s cyclical like everything else. Over-sized cardigans and oxford shoes took a little while to catch on with me, but now I love the shoes because I can wear them with a dress and still run to catch the bus. The over-sized cardigans are great because now I can borrow my boyfriend’s clothes when it’s chilly and still look like I know what I’m doing.

Students Can Strut Their Fashion Sense

The Art Institutes International is inviting local high school students who picture themselves one day designing runway threads to submit their designs to "Passion for Fashion 2009." The two grand-prize winners will receive a full scholarship to the Art Institutes International, a tour of "Seventeen" magazine and will attend New York City Fashion Week.

"It's a great opportunity for students to strut not only their fashion design sense, but how well they are organized in retail marketing or retail management," said Anjila Kozel, director of communications at Art Institutes International Minnesota.

The competition is a scholarship program for those interested in attending the school. The categories are broken into fashion design, and also fashion marketing, merchandising or retail management. The Minneapolis school only offers the fashion marketing, merchandising or retail management program.

Students who plan to attend the Minneapolis campus can submit a process book of their designs. The process book includes a summary of the design process, influences of the design, sketches, photos or illustrations of the designs and other research to show that the design is feasible. Contestants need to do so by Nov. 20.

The closest Art Institutes International campus is in Minneapolis, but another school exists in Chicago. There are 40 locations across North America.

Last year's winners provided a video blog of their experience on YouTube, Kozel said. Contestants will need to show their creative edge that sets them apart from the other designers.

"They usually walk to the beat of a different drummer," Kozel said.

Local winners will be selected in December. National winners will be announced in January.

Before You Buy Jeans

They'll take you on a first date or to the grocery store. Wear them with high heels and they're hip; pair them with sneaks and they're relaxed. Denim jeans may have started out as sturdy workwear, but they have reached fashion icon status. According to Cotton Inc., the average American owns seven pair of jeans and wears them three or four times a week. Here's the lowdown on what to buy:

• Trendy

For the chic at heart, it's not enough to have a nice-fitting jean: it's paramount that it be the hottest wash, coolest leg style and hippest length. And a designer label doesn't hurt either. Primo labels can set you back more than $100, so make sure you can get them zipped without laying down. Hot labels: J Brand, Chili & Pepper, Blue Cult, Hudson, Paper, Denim & Cloth, Seven, Earl Jeans and Joe's Jeans.

• Customized

If perfect fit or personalized style is what you're after, try custom-made jeans. Online merchants will use your measurements to design a one-of-a-kind pair; in-store shops let you customize or create a pair from scratch. Do-it-yourselfers can add crafty touches like patches, crystals and studs for self-expression.

• Basic

You may love splurging on new styles, but it's the trusty five-pocket style that you'll probably reach for day after day. Look for comfort and great fit: a bootcut jean (your choice of rinses) with some stretch tops the list.

• Budget

No question: you need plenty of jeans in your wardrobe. Stock up on sales, promos and discount-store priced jeans to see you through. Look for basic and classic styles (glitzy knock-offs usually look cheap).

Best Dressed Of London Fashion Week - 24/09/2009

Londoners love a party. And the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week was the perfect excuse for the style set to celebrate, with a party programme that was almost as packed as the show schedule and offering plenty of opportunities to dress up, of course.

The likes of Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Victoria Beckham, Emma Watson, Olivia Palermo, Agyness Deyn, Leigh Lezark, Natalia Vodianova and London's other glamorous party people kept style watchers happy with their after-dark and show-side ensembles at some of the week's best parties including the Browns party for Mark Fast, Mulberry's carnival-themed knees-up at Claridges, Christopher Kanes post-show party in Mayfair and the Alll Walks Beyond the Catwalk event.

Meanwhile, the front rows of the Matthew Williamson, Topshop Unique, Henry Holland and, of course, Burberry shows were the place to spot the best dressed celebrities.

10 Fall Fashion Classics You Need to Own

1. Fitted Jacket :

A great tailored jacket -- fitted to show off feminine curves, not a baggy masculine style -- will pair with everything from work trousers to jeans.

A jacket adds structure to your figure: gives curvy girls more angular lines, creates waistlines for boyish figure types and smooths out lumps and bumps for all shapes.

Choose traditional fall jacket fabrics like tweed, corduroy, denim or menswear plaids; or go luxe with velvet, leather, brocade.


2. Neutral Coat :

There's a reason timeless fashion pieces retain their popularity: they go with most things in your closet and transcend the trends. The neutral coat -- especially in a camel color -- is an enduring fall classic because it has so many possibilities.


3. Turtleneck Sweater :

Neckline trends come and go -- cowl necks, plunging Vs, henleys -- but a turtleneck sweater has earned its place as a classic. Here's why:

• The turtleneck brings your face into focus.
• A mock turtleneck is a good option if you don't like the bulk of a true turtleneck (it's the same height, only the fabric doesn't fold back over).
• Stick with cozy, touchable materials for your turtleneck sweater because anything itchy or scratchy is unbearable on your sensitive neck area.
• The black turtleneck is the ultimate classic because it creates a blank palette to show off wonderful necklaces, cuff bracelets or just a pretty face.

4. Sheath Dress :

Match a sheath with a hem-length coat or wear it on its own with pumps; anyway you wear the classic, knee-length sheath dress it's a winner.

Fabric choices include knits, crepe, silk and menswear fabrics. Or try something edgy like a leather sheath.


5. Plaid :

Plaid -- a perennial menswear print favorite -- translates very well to trousers, coats and jackets. Pair with everything from a solid shirt to a twinset.


6. White Shirt :

Sounds basic, but a crisp, long-sleeve white shirt is a building block of your fall wardrobe.

The varieties are endless -- cotton with stretch, fitted silhouettes, cuff and sleeve details, collar variations -- but they all work under everything from cardigans to jackets or on their own with wide-leg trousers.


7. Black Pantsuit :

Pantsuits may be the ultimate power suit for the working woman, but they also pull their weight after hours when paired with a silky cami and heels.

A solid black pantsuit is the most flattering (head-to-toe monochromatic color) and the most classic. Look for a fabric with drape -- nothing too stiff or shiny -- preferably in wool (or wool with some stretch for comfort).


8. Tall Boots :

Knee-high boots make great sense for fall because they let you get more wear out of everything from skinny jeans to miniskirts.

Tuck in slim trousers for a young look or layer on opaque tights with a skirt or dress to keep out the chill.

Choose a mid-heel height for the most trend-proof look (something 2 inches or less).

Brown boots are a great choice if you wear lots of denim; black pairs with almost everything.


9. Pearls :

Feminine pearls are the perfect trend-proof accessory to compliment the more structured styles of fall. Wear gray pearls with black for a sexy tonal look; or choose layers of creamy white pearls worn with a simple black sheath dress for a perfect cocktail dress look.


10. Leather Bag :

Bags get bigger with cooler weather because you have more to carry (umbrellas, wraps, hats).

The leather bag doesn't have to be boring -- there are logo ed styles, patent, exotic skins, quilting, bold hardware, bright colors and much more -- but the most classic looks have a ladylike feel to them and understated luxury.

Unlike an in-today/out-tomorrow "It" bag, the large leather bag will be your faithful friend for years. This is one splurge where you'll get lots of mileage on your investment.