Shu Pei Qin in Richard Chai Love.
From “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Eccentric Ladylike” themes littering the fall runways, the new looks for fall combine classic cuts with a bit of fun. Think a mix of summer with dash of fall and that’s the route that a lot of fall trends seem to be taking.
And it’s easier than ever to achieve — just add a few key fall items that are already staples in most women’s closets with your current summer wardrobe. What’s more is that summer clothes are on sale everywhere right now, from the mall to online boutiques. Essentially, you can buy what’s “in” at sale prices, and then work them into your fall wardrobe.
To start off, let’s review some summer trends that’ll work for fall:
Summer Prints
Stores from J. Crew to Urban Outfitters showed an explosion of floral prints this summer.
Lightweight, Feminine Blouses
Light, sheer blouses with details like ruffles, ruching, embroidery and lace are hot on the racks everywhere, as well as etailers like ShopBop.com.
Utility Shirt and Jackets
Utility shirts and jackets come in different lengths and colors, and they were key ways to get your military vibe on in your spring and summer looks. Stock up at Gap.
To transition these key summer pieces this fall, wear them with those fall essentials that everyone has: long cardigans, blazers, sleek jackets or coats, and leather boots.
A crisply tailored jacket, a printed scarf and boots, like these at Ralph Lauren, are staples in most closets.
A chunky cardigan, a long blazer or even a fur vest worn over a summer blouse or floral print is an easy fall ensemble.
Chanel Iman pairs a long cardigan with a vibrant print in Tommy Hilfiger.
A faux fur vest and knee high boots add heft to a lightweight summer blouse, as worn by Liu Wen in Anna Sui.
Wooly textures and faux fur pairs nicely with a floral print. Eugenia Mandzhieva in Mulberry.
Have a summer dress you love? Instantly update with a faux fur vest and opaque ribbed tights, as modeled by Hyoni Kang at Karen Walker.
Additionally, utility shirts accompanied by scarves or leather boots can be a great fall look as well. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more chic, a utility shirt or jacket can make any outfit look presentable and pulled together.
Liu Wen in Salvatore Ferragamo.
Shu Pei Qin in Etro.
Tao Okamoto in Jonathan Saunders.
So get a jump start on fall by checking out your favorite stores for summer sales on the best summer trends.
Enjoy!
Summertime is one time when I do not feel like fussing and preening. When the weather’s this nice, I don’t even feel like shopping! Of course, that doesn’t mean I’m just going to let myself go. Thank goodness for these quick fixes that’ll make the hottest season just a little bit cooler.
Goody Pro Volumizing Comb and Simple Styles Spin Pin
Be forewarned: I’m not a hair person. That is to say, I’m a lazy hair person. I can’t straighten, pin curl, or do anything requiring bobby pins. I’ve never been a very good French braider. That’s why I love the messy ponytail seen on spring runways — I know no other kind.
Shu Pei Qin in Vera Wang, spring 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
Liu Wen in Alexander Wang, spring 2010. Photo courtesy of Style.com.
On the other hand, a messy updo is a bit trickier and generally far too complicated for my unskilled paws. To get it just unkempt enough, but still chic, one needs a whole lotta bobby pins, more than a pair of hands and apparently eyes on the back of one’s head. To wit, Filipina-Irish-Native American Vanessa Hudgen’s wonderfully undone updo:
Vanessa Hudgens at the Night of Fashion & Technology with LG Phones event held at Soho House on May 24, 2010. Vanessa is wearing an M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza big pave blooming flower pyramid ring. Photo courtesy of D'Orazio & Associates.
Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin.
But I have to admit. Goody makes it pretty easy. Their Pro Get Volume comb features several rows of tines of variegated length, so all it takes is a couple of backcombing swipes for instant volume.
Then use their Spin Pin, which is fairly easy, even for me. Just twist your hair into a bun, then spin the pins in. The twisting action magically keeps your hair in place, but not so much so. Instant undone! It gives you that perfectly undone chignon we all covet on actresses on the red carpet. And best of all, no bobby pins.
Goody Pro volumizing comb.
Available in blonde and brunette shades. Get it at Walmart or Target, starting at $2.50, or at Goody.
We Love Colors shoelaces
Versace, spring 2010.
One of my favorite things to do is tweaking my existing wardrobe with little DIY projects that instantly update for the new season.
Case in point: last year’s booties. The easiest update for last year’s lace-up booties is with bright neon laces. Whether in black, cognac or grey, a pop of neon color instantly gives your shoes a modern twist.
I like We Love Colors splash color laces in every color from pastels to neon. It’s a little bit surfer chic a la Proenza Schouler and Versace, a little futuristic a la Balenciaga.
We Love Colors laces, starting at $2.
We Love Colors splash color laces.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI
I never believe those testimonials in beauty magazines anymore — “dab it on your blemish and it’s gone tomorrow!” Sure, that may work for the occasional teeny tiny red spot that models swear they get. But for those nasty, hormonal, once-a-month, deep-down painful, rock-hard bulbs, there is little one can do. You just have to wait for the angry mass to run its course. And use plenty of cover-up.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI intensive acne spot treatment.
Now, I’m a big fan of La Roche-Posay. Nothing beats their sunscreens. But when I came across the brand’s Effaclar AI — an “intensive acne spot treatment” — I was skeptical. Like I said, I’ve tried quite a few products as an Audrey editor. But this one not only had a higher percentage of benzoyl peroxide (5.5%) than I’ve ever seen, it also claimed to treat the residual reddish brown spot that lingers long after the blemish itself has actually healed.
So I gave it a shot. The minute I felt that painful lump, I dabbed Effaclar AI on it. No, the lump did not magically disappear the next morning. But the pain was gone, a miracle in and of itself. And the lump did magically disappear in three days.
The ultimate proof? I dabbed it on my husband’s angry little blemish for a couple days, and then forgot about it. A week later, I asked him about it. He couldn’t remember where it was.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar AI intensive acne spot treatment, $29.
What’s your favorite quick fix style secret this summer?
In our Spring issue, I highlighted one of my favorite trends for spring: the techno alien.
Chanel Iman in Nathan Jenden.
It’s what I like to call a hybrid of digitized prints, alien anatomy and tie dye gone awry.
Liu Wen in Alexander McQueen.
I love the way the embellishment on this Leyendecker tank mimics the alienesque print of Alexander McQueen.
A lot of designers showed variations on the theme, from Proenza Schouler’s surf-inspired looks that had a distinct alien-reptilian bent.
Proenza Schouler.
Emilio Pucci’s shine directly referenced the trend, but it’s the abstract, alien pattern that makes it a real contender.
- Tao Okamoto in Emilio Pucci.
Even the more classic Carolina Herrera got into it, showing a ligamental print on an otherwise ladylike silhouette.
Liu Wen in Carolina Herrera.
Of course, if you don’t want to beat around the bush, nothing beats Rodarte’s goth alien.
Liu Wen in Rodarte.
Now, you don’t have to go as extreme as any of the above to get the look. A touch of tie dye gone askew, some slashed cut-outs here or there, or some melting Jolly Rancher-like watercolors will suffice. Try pairing a tie dye tee with an abstract print floral skirt (just make sure the floral print has a similar hue in it for a perfectly clashing-matching look).
Riley tie dye tee.
Leyendecker beaded tie dye tee.
Laeken "Saga" top in granite.
Add a space age-worthy shoe, and you’ve got the look down.
La Rare "In & Out Metal" shoe.
For a more subtle reference, pick an accessory with a techno detail, whether it’s a knotted rubber necklace or a bag with spacey detailing.
Mothe knotted necklace.
Rebecca Minkoff tie dye bag.
- Bryna Nicole “Willow” clutch.
The ultimate way to get the techno-alien look? Add these leggings. It’ll definitely get you noticed.
Wanted snakeskin print leggings.
Get more info on the styles above at: Leyendecker, Riley, LaRare, Mothe, Rebecca Minkoff, Bryna Nicole, Wanted, and Laeken.
What do you think of the techno-alien trend? Are you a fan like I am? Talk to me!
Finally! We have a face that represents us in one of largest cosmetic companies in the world. The next time you see an Estée Lauder ad in a fashion magazine, look for Chinese model Liu Wen.
Liu Wen backstage at Derek Lam.
As the first model from China signed by Estée Lauder, Liu joins the brand’s roster of global beauties that include Hilary Rhoda (U.S.), Elizabeth Hurley (U.K.), Anja Rubik (Poland), Liya Kebede (Ethiopia) and Constance Jablonski (France). Liu will make her debut in the brand’s global advertising campaigns beginning June 2010.
“Estée Lauder has always searched for global beauties that define a generation,” said Aerin Lauder, senior vice president and creative director, calling Liu a “beauty of our time.” Jane Hertzmark Hudis, global brand president, said that Liu has the “style and confidence that reflects Estée Lauder’s modern vision of global beauty.”
Liu Wen, the new face of Estée Lauder.
Originally from Beijing, the 5-foot-10.5-inch model, known for her dimples, exploded onto the international stage in Paris on the Spring 2008 runways of Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier. Liu has since a fixture on the runways of New York, Milan and Paris, walking a total of 49 shows for the Autumn/Winter 2010 season, including Rodarte, Derek Lam, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo and Balenciaga. She has shot editorials with the world’s top fashion photographers and has recently appeared on the cover of Chinese Vogue, and in editorials for W as well as the French, Japanese and Chinese editions of Vogue.
So, what do you think of Liu Wen’s look? Do you think she’ll make Estée Lauder more appealing to Asian American women?
Photos courtesy of Estée Lauder.
Loving shorts but can’t figure out how to wear it? Take a cue from the runways.
My favorite way to do shorts this season is embellished with a tomboy topper (military- or rock-inspired — you choose) and a substantial flat boot or sandal. Asian American designer (and one of my favorites) Richard Chai shows you how with his super casual look for his diffusion line Richard Chai Love.
Richard Chai Love.
Liu Wen in Rag & Bone.
Generally, spring’s shorts look best with something long sleeved on top. A crisp white shirt keeps shorts sophisticated, like on Tao Okamoto below.
I know, I know. I’ve been waxing profuse about spring, warm weather, bright pastels and must-have khaki for the past weeks as we put our spring print issue to bed. (And it’s a good one — subscribe now to get it on time in March!)
But now I have to shift gears and think seven months ahead, otherwise known as fall fashion for 2010, as I’m getting ready to put away fall fashion 2009. Thankfully, the looks coming out of New York Fashion Week last week are inspiring and oh-so wearable.
Your first preview into the looks you’re going to covet in six months comes from backstage at the Derek Lam fall 2010 show. Estée Lauder’s Tom Pecheux did the makeup and shared his looks for the models with us.
Estée Lauder creative makeup director Tom Pecheux finishing Liu Wen's look at Derek Lam.
“Nude” looks were all over the spring runways. From sporty khaki at Alexander Wang to aggressive minis in barely-there hues at Jen Kao to twisted and knotted nude chiffons at Burberry Prorsum, you’re going to want to run out and get something in this naked hue as soon as the dust settles from the mad rush that is the holidays.
A hard silhouette done in such soft hues at Jen Kao.
Feelin’ blah? Give your pale winter face a boost with washes of glossy bronze and gold. It all started with the glossy lids seen on Chanel’s resort runway models.
Liu Wen in Chanel, Resort 2009.If you didn’t know by now, green is back.
It started with the palest jade nails and jade jewelry on Chanel’s Autumn/Winter 2009/2010 runway.
Then the black nail polish obsession morphed into a penchant for all shades green, from blackened emerald to opaque mint.
And if the Spring 2010 runways are any indication, the color so commonly associated with everything from envy to environmental consciousness is officially back on its own merits: As pure, unadulterated color.
Still model of the moment, Liu Wen wore head to toe peacock green on the Yves Saint Laurent runway, made cooler with pewter accents.
At 3.1 Phillip Lim, the hue of choice was a chartreuse-y lime, done up in satin and made edgy with sheer black.
Can’t do head to toe? Add a touch in your accessories, like the printed scarf and deep emerald earrings on Liu Wen on the Marni runway. (Looks so good with gold — still going strong for spring!)
Treat green like a neutral. Just a touch of olive at Jonathan Saunders adds edge to clean lines. Tao Okamoto in Jonathan Saunders.
The freshest way to wear green is mixed with a shade — any shade — of blue. Emma Pei in a brilliant emerald green Lela Rose dress.
Get in on this trend now. Accessories are the easiest way to go green; they’ll add a pop to your fall wardrobe, or a twinge of envy for the holidays.
A python bag with a sheen — perfect for the office and drinks afterwards. Sang A “River” spring green python bag, Sanga.com.
How fabulous would this look with your LBD or a white tee? Jennifer Elizabeth “The Michelle” necklace, $175, JenniferElizabeth.com.
I love the sporty luxe look of this Nicole Brundage “Freddy” shoe.
The perfect pop of color for everyday. Ananas “Kira” bag, $299, www.AnanasCollection.com.
A pop of sea green draws attention to your eyes. Rosena Sammi “Sovereign” earrings, $170, www.ShopRosenaSammi.com.
So gorgeous, this is like jewelry and a clutch in one. I love the subversive little snake running up the middle. Rene Caovilla satin clutch.
