Christmas wish list: cashmere

It's been a few weeks since I last wrote - a lot has happened: a hurricane, midterms and projects, Thanksgiving weekend, a Miami vacation.. As Christmas quickly approaches, I thought it would be fun to put down all the trends that I am obsessed with in this Autumn/Winter, and the "must haves" that could be great presents or stocking fillers. Most of the inspiration comes from the trends that I see here in NYC, but in a few days I will be travelling to Milan, so I will be updating you also on what are the trend for this holidays on the other side of the ocean.

But let's start with the first one: cashmere. Who doesm't love it: soft, warm and cozy. Many cashmere sweaters are quite basic, v-neck, turtle necks and crew necks in all the possible colors. Have you ever noticed that? But here in NY I found a brand that produces great cashmere and in fashionable styles, it is called Aqua and as far as I know it is primarily sold at Bloomingdales stores.

I fell for this particular electric blue and deep blue v-neck sweater that Kristen Stewart wore a few weeks ago, I made a research online and there it was on bloomingdales.com! I bought it online and got it for 40% off with one of the endless promotions Bloomingdale's sends me daily! I cannot provide you the link, because the sweater is, of course, sold out.

http://thefashion-court.com/2012/11/kristen-stewart-the-twilight-saga-breaking-dawn-part-2-la-press-junket/

But there are other styles in trend that are worth trying: here in NYC you can see almost in every store crew necks with animals intarsia, or stars, or hearts. Here a few example from Aqua in casmere:

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19

http://www1.bloomingdales.com/shop/product/aqua-cashmere-sweater-bulldog-crewneck?ID=627878&CategoryID=1000658#fn=BRAND%3DAqua%26spp%3D28%26ppp%3D96%26sp%3D1%26rid%3D19

Another brand that I discovered here is C.Wonder, and they offer the same styles, in wool at great prices (88$), here a few examples.

For the cashemere lovers but friendly budgets, I can suggest Uniqlo cashmere collection, from $39.99 to $79.99.

How would I wear it? with classic jeans, or leather skirt, as simple as that!

Aqua cashmere by trendfulnyc featuring a cashmere crewneck sweater

Aqua cashmere crewneck sweater / 3.1 Phillip Lim leather skirt / Ted Baker skinny fit jeans, $100 / Jimmy Choo high heel shoes / Valentino ballet flat

Black skinny pants, leggings, jeans

http://www.thefancy.com/things/152979602552129913/Faux-Leather-Leggings

This is a timeless trend, but every season it is a fun fashion exercise to start from the basic skinny pants or leggings or jeans and play around with them with the trends of the season. Here a few examples to comment, all:

I kind of like this outfit: jeans jacket, black leggings, black booties, structured black bag. To replicate the look: 

Soho NYC inspired by trendfulnyc featuring a denim jacket

Denim jacket / H&M , $9.61 / rag & bone high heel boots / Satchel handbag, $120 / Ray Ban Wayfarer black, $175

What about this? Cream sweater, black leggings, beige suede booties, big black leather bag. Replicate the look like this:

Cream and Black by trendfulnyc featuring shiny pants

Jumper sweater / River Island shiny pants, $29 / ALDO western booties / Yves Saint Laurent genuine leather handbag

I really like this ensemble, mix of basics with a touch of color: grey sweater, black and white scarf, black denim and red boots. Replicate this look with a bit of cachemire and Dr Martens!

grey, black and red! by trendfulnyc featuring patent leather boots

Jardin des Orangers knit top / J Brand skinny leg jeans, $195 / Dr. Martens patent leather boots, $145 / rag & bone wool scarve

Black skinny pants are not a trend just for women, also men pull this out woth a jeans shirt and black jacket. Here below this fall menswear inspiration:

Menswear Fall Inspiration by trendfulnyc featuring sneaker wedges

J.Crew tailored shirt / Barbour quilted jacket, $240 / dVb Victoria Beckham skinny leg jeans / NIKE sneaker wedge, $135

Great pieces: parka jacket, black leggings, sneakers and a black balenciaga bag. To replicate this look you can have a look at one of my previous posts NYC Uniform.

Very wintery: camel coat, black leggings, leather brown boots, red cross satchel bag. Replicate the look around a camel coat as the key piece:

Warm camel coat by trendfulnyc featuring low heel boots

Joseph hooded coat, $600 / Diane von Furstenberg skinny pants, $375 / Sergio Rossi low heel boots / John Lewis body bag, $145

And this pic is for those who like it very edgy :) For those who want to try, here are my tips:

Fur Vest by trendfulnyc featuring leather handbags

SLY 010 fur vest, $1,280 / Current/Elliott / Leather booties / Zara leather handbag

So, which you prefer the best? Don't forget to leave here your comments! And stay tuned for more updates!

What I'm wearing

My dear follower Cécile suggested me to dedicate some post to what I wear here in New York. So, as now we finally approached into Fall fashion, I can start sharing with you some outfit pics! Do you think I am pulling off the trends of the season?

Today was a super cold day, therefore I decided to wear: a newly bought grey wool oversized sweater by Zara, a black long-sleeved T-shirt by Benetton - the jeans are a bit of a splurge (Dolce & Gabbana, a similar style here), as the biker boots (which I love, by Fendi. A similar style here).

Hope you like it!

ps: sorry for my pink flip flops, they are always in my way :P

Fall trends in Soho

I have to be honest: I've had a hard time. Up to know I was not able to spot any particular trend, because the weather has been changing so much. It is one of those transitioning periods in the year when you can't spot a definite trend, because people don't know what to wear and mix up everything: summery clothes and jackets, jumpers or sweaters (whatever more suitable to keep warm if it gets chillier), sandals, Uggs or boots.

Today I wondered around Soho, because it was one of those New York-only beautiful sunny dry days and it was the first really cold day of the month, 11° Celsius. As you can read, I am still referring to Celsius for the temperature, the other table confuses me a lot and actually I am not putting a lot of effort to learn it!

Anyhow, I spotted this woman in Prince Street, and I believe she shows exactly the "scruffy chic" "non pretentious" trend of downtown New York. And the trend is basically this: total black, jacket, leather (leggings, jacket or pants), motorcycle boots, high street designer bag (possibly in a color that grabs attention), big scarf, Ray Bans. That's it. As simple as that. But Newyorkers are really good at this, because even though it is a really simple trend to put together, it is never ordinary. There is something in her outfit that makes her pull this trend in an edgy and not pretentious way. Would you wear it?

how to replicate a look

Olivia Palermo inspired by trendfulnyc featuring short sleeve shirts

H&M short sleeve shirt, $11 / Zara leather jacket / J Brand cropped skinny jeans / Gucci eyewear / Zara Teardrop Choker / Shoemint shoes

I recently saw this picture about Olivia Palermo running errands in New York, and I instantly loved it. I believe this ensemble is a great transitioning outfit and realy easy to replicate. Put into the mix: a leather sleeved grey jacket or sweater (I bought them both at Zara, but the sweater is not available online), a basic burgundy H&M t-shirt, skinny jeans and a yellow-earth suede pumps, big black cat-eye sunglasses and a statement necklace  And you would look absolutely street chic! Here below the inspiration.

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/lookoftheday/0,,,00.html

NYC Uniform

NYC Uniform by trendfulnyc

Sandro Parka Linen Jacket  / DKNY leggings / Isabel Marant leather boots / Tory Burch ballet flats / Oasis leopard scarve, $32

I created this set on Polyvore that gives you an idea of what is the trend here on the streets. You can literally spot this look on a good number of ladys, age 25 to 35. I believe it is a great combination, easy to put together and pull it off in this first chilly days of Fall. When days get a bit cooler, I have noticed ladys trading the linen parka with a classic and never-out-of-style Barbour jacket. I was so surprised to see it worn here in New York! I remember wearing it as a must have piece back in Italy like 15 years ago! And at that time it was actually a status symbol. 

http://www.barbour.com/us/womens-clothing/jackets-coats/wax/classic-womens/beadnell-jacket

What do you think of this ensable? Would you wear it? Would you change it? I love it - especially the ankle booties (which btw are a huge deal here in the city, as I will show you in the next posts). 

NYCB Gala

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.486511461373805.113437.295987887092831&type=1

Last Thursday, September 20, Lincoln Center was still under the spotlight. This time not for Fashion Week, but for the New York City Ballet Gala. I can't wait to go and check one of the Balanchine ballet that are scheduled for the next few weeks. A part from fashion, the second top passion I have is ballet. I have been ballet dancing since I was 4, and I have been examining with the Royal Academy of Dancing in London, so for me ballet is a big deal.

So, while waiting fall trends to take their stage in the streets of NYC, my attention is going to the  red carpets. And the exclusive opening gala of the New York City Ballet al Lincoln Center was a big one. Not just for opening ballet season, but for a special partnership with Valentino Garavani,.

The beloved Italian couturier (in my opinion the best Italian designer ever) has realized 30 ballet costumes for the corps de ballet. And of course this glamorous evening couldn't be it without the many celebrities, wearing Valentino gowns.

First, Sarah Jessica Parker, who's in the Boards of the NYCB, was wearing a 2012 Valentino Couture collection floral gown, with a golden waist belt, jewels by Fred Leighton, purple  Louboutins and a ballerina style updo with a flower in it.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html

Another dramatic look that loved was Anne Hathaway. She was wearing a dreamy floral gown from the 2012 Valentino Couture collection as well. As the gossip says, Anne came to support the designer because she would have chosen Valentino as the designer for her wedding dress. I am usually not a fan of florals, but I have to say these 2 dresses are beautifully designed, ethereal and glamorous. Looking at this 2 dresses, I would say florals can be a trend...let's wait a couple of days to find that out.

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2012/09/best-dressed-at-the-2012-new-y.html

A tip for people in London at the end of November: on 11-29 the Somerset House in London will
open an exhibition in honor of Valentino's extraordinary career called “Master of Couture”, featuring 130 haute couture pieces created by the maestro.

And tonight, I am tuned on the Emmy's...

transitioning to fall...

Today in New York is one of those days that made me fall in love with this city. Dry, intense light blue sky, nicely warm and a bit breezy. Fashion wise, it is a challenge to dive into the fall trendsat this time, and what I can see is people starting to mixing up pieces, especially for the chilly mornings and evenings. Blazers are key. And jeans jackets. I see them worn with still summery pieces like dressers (long and short), shorts and tanks.

Zara white blazer, Zara grey tank, LiuJo jeans, Chanel balle flats, Chanel sunglasses, Balenciaga bag

The people who know me, know that I usually wear key color or key pieces "uniforms", and I like to focus on the dear colors I wear any season: black, white, gray and jeans. And every season I play around with them, adding up the color trends or the must-haves pieces of the season. Today here in NYC is a late summer beautiful day, and my uniform is: grey tank, jeans, white blazer, black and white ballet flats, and grey bag. I did not know that here in NYC they say: don't wear white after Labour Day...but white is a great neutral color and is also one of the big trends of this upcoming Fall. 

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/falltrends/photos/0,,20620024_20617030_21187113,00.html

a new quest.

I know I have been away for a while. But believe me, I really needed a vacation. I enjoyed my time off from school, travelling around the East Coast. But back to business, as it happens every season, every fashion week – actually every week to be completely honest – I have started gathering all the possible fashion magazines to see how the Fashion Authories are declining Fall 2012 fashion trends, that I already seen on runways in January. A perpetual exercise, season after season.

But, I won’t be talking much about FNO of FW here in NYC, nor Milan. It’s already done out there. Extensively. What I want to continue doing, as I did last Summer, is focusing on documenting and delving in the comparison between two of the most fashion capitals of the world, NYC and Milan, and how the trends of the Season are interpreted and pulled off – and who followed me in my journey during last Summer saw that the same trend can develop in totally different ways in the two cities.

This journey is really interesting to me. Personally, even though I have been living in NYC for 9 months, I cannot give totally up my Milanese fashion sense. What I am trying to do is to absorb the eclectic and scruffy-chic downtown vibe with my classic colors and never-out-of-fashion pieces of my trademark Milan style.

At this stage, my counterpart in Milan, Benedetta (who already participated in this blog and I thank her for the help she has given so far), is going to help me out in documenting and detailing even more what she sees and spots in Milan. So, we will be going back and forth between the two fashion capitals to actually get what’s going on, beyond the glossy magazines and personal style blogs. 

This is a documentary, a journey, an exploration on what is the definition of a trend on a runway or on a glossy fashion magazine, but how different metropolitan styles can develop a common way of styling distinctive of a city. We all follow a trend. Or more than one. Each of us. Even the most eccentric follows a group within the city he/she is leaving in. No BS. We all try to make it personal, and express ourselves (fashion=communication) trying to be unique, we always follow a rule. And we are the product of the city we live in. Iin Milan you can spot people from NYC right away; in overcrowded NYC Milanesi can be recognized instantly. Ever noticed that? I have.

And finally..here I am! A colorful day at the beach, in Coney Island. 

Going on a well deserved vacation for a couple of weeks, before starting off again in September with our style posts about fashion trends experienced in NYC and Milan. 

Buone Vacanze!!!

Ciao, 
Jennifer

http://ldnshopaholic.com/2011/08/02/trendwatch-bdib-arm-party/

Arm Party = Layering Bracelets + Bracelet Combinations. 

Probably Leandra Medine, better known as The Man Repeller, when coined the Instagram hashtag #armparty last year had no idea that this would become a major accessory trend. This trend involves piling up to your wrist every possible bracelet - everything from bangles and cuffs, to rope bracelets and silver or gold. 

And in NYC every major trend is never overlooked: bright coloured bangles are the celebrities of this summer, with gemstone-embellished wristlets and leather strapped cuffs sit next to metallic gold bracelets. You probably all have noticed that the jewelry this summer is chunky and bold, a bit geometrical abstract but also and baroque, sparkly and colorful. 

There was a time when jewelry accessorizing meant statement earrings or necklaces, but not this summer: you have to host a summer arm party and your wrists are the centre of attention.

http://simplicityisultimatesophistication.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/bloggers-do-it-betterarm-party/

http://styleofsam.blogspot.com/2011/08/armed-and-dangerous.html

http://thebeautydepartment.com/2012/04/fashion-friday-bracelet-layering/

http://www.styleite.com/media/schiaparelli-prada-impossible-conversations-review/#0

Color inspiration at The MET. Today I visited the successful exhibition "Schiaparelli and Prada: Impossible conversations"  at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This exhibition is a retrospective on the not-so-well-recalled eclectic Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, stilista Milanese globally acclaimed for her creative minimalism. 


The exhibition opens and reiterates with videos (directed by Baz Luhrmann), in which we see these 2 fashion masters sit at two opposites of a big black table sipping champagne, and talking about their inspiration on fashion, how they envision women and their style throughout the years. 

You'll find more than 90 outfits and 30 accessories that capture the most iconic pieces of the two designers, and you will appreciate the similarities and parallelisms (“Waist Up/Waist Down”) of the two Italian designers, starting from the Twenties and Thirties for Schiapparelli, to the Eighties and contemporary for Prada. They definitely explored very similar themes (in fact the exhibition at the end leaves you with a sense that Prada has re-interpreted very clearly Schiaparelli's key styling concepts throughout the years), but the outcome of the two designers has been different as it is filled by the culture, inspiration of the era in which they have played.


If you are in NYC and you haven’t seen it so far, hurry up! It will be open just until August 19, 2012 and it is well worth the visit.

http://www.metmuseum.org/en/exhibitions/listings/2012/impossible-conversations/introduction

http://www.fabsugar.com/Spring-Street-Style-Asymmetrical-Skirts-22602656

I am trying to show post after post how in NYC the bright color trend is a big thing. And colors have been showed off in various types of outfits, from shorts to shoes, from accessories to dresses. But a huge trend building up on the bright color trend is the asymmetrical skirt. Being quite an unusual fashion piece, an asymmetrical skirt is not easy to choose and not that easy to wear. Most of the ones I saw here in the streets of New York are pleated bright color skirts worn in a quite simple and easy way: bright asymmetrical skirt, a simple t-shirt or a tank top, a pair of sandals and a statement bag.

But I prefer asymmetrical skirts worn with high heels. This because the cut of the skirt would stand out to be very floaty thanks to the posture given by wearing high heels. Like dresses, skirts are one of the most feminine and elegant pieces in a woman’s wardrobe. I believe all of you would agree with me in saying that there are days when you want to feel special, girlish and feminine and wearing a skirt gives that additional non-so-che.

I received a very specific fashion question from Camilla: What to wear and how to incorporate bright colors to a professional outfit for a conference she has to attend in New York in August?

And here is my answer, Camilla: I would keep it quite professional, but trendy at tasteful at the same time. For an occasion like a conference, interview or client presentation you really can't go wrong with a silky blouse— mid-length sleeves will add a little polish if you're wearing a skirt— and I would wear it in a neutral color (I suggest the basic white). The skirt should me in my opinion a basic color, too. I love the classic and endless black-and-white contrast. As it is summer you could opt for a light-weighed chiffon black skirt, effortless yes elegant. To add a pop of color, I would wear the trend in your accessories choice. I would personally go for a bright color bag toad a pop of color and incorporate the bright color trend we are all in love with!

To get a visual inspiration, I believe what Anna Kendrick wore at the High LineCoach Summer party was a great outfit and easily replicable.

http://fashionlynne.blogspot.com/2012/06/anna-kendricks-black-and-white.html

Don’t forget the shoes! If you are choosing a bright color bag, you could follow two strategies from here. Either pairing a color-blocking shoe if you feel particularly bold! Purple or electric blue would be great as a color blocking contrast if you carry an emerald green bag. Otherwise you can opt for what Anna Kendrick chose, that is a neutral wedge – always classy. The shoe should be either a ballerina flat or a simple wedge over a stiletto shoe, simply because they're easier to run around in.

Camilla, I believe this outfit idea is great for your occasion and it is quite easy to replicate! What do you think? And if you go for it, please send me a picture of your outfit and we can share it on my blog! 

Enjoy J

Sometimes the best answer is the simplest one.  A few days ago, I spotted this wearable T-Shirt dress in Soho. Its deep aquamarine color makes it very fashionable for this summer, even though it is a very simple fitted dress. It's super warm in New York right now and the ladys of the city are opting for relaxed and easy outfits, without giving up the bright color trend at all. This dress seems very comfortable and leightweighted, and I believe the T-Shirt cut makes it really fun. I like that to make the color of the dress pop out, she paired it with neutral accessories: a light brown leather bag and matching flat summer sandals. And not to freeze for the A/C in the office or whenever you enter in a store here in NYC, why not carrying with you a simple white summer jacket?

In my previous post about colorful flat sandals, Cécile asked me if I could pick some high street options that could be as trendy and fun. And here are my favorites:

http://www.stevemadden.com/Item.aspx?id=94493&np=710_390

This pair of flats is quite similar to the Balenciaga ones I bought, here I chose green, but it is offered in dfferent color as you would see from their website and the price is $79. The brand is Sam Edelman, a brand I discovered here in NYC. He is an American shoe designer and I believe his collection follow carefully the trends of each season, and then he adds a special "edgy" and "rock-and-roll" touch to it. He has a lot of celebrity fans, like rachel Bilson, Lauren Konrad and Kim Kardashian. And I found out that one of my favorite style icons, Kate Moss, is a huge fan, and I ran into this great yet wearable outfit with the designer's embellished flat sandals.

http://www.shoespotlight.com/2008/06/20/kate-moss-loves-steve-madden/

The next options are from TopShop, a brand that we all know of and has always great eclectic findings to add to our wardrobe. I selected two pair of flats. The first one here below is a coral greek-like chiffon sandals, which I believe are quite dramatic for a summer evening and very playful, even to wear with a simple jeans short, or a total white or black outfit.

http://www.topshop.com

This other pair is instead super simple and super chic, and recalls the Fiona Jimmy Choo Sandals i previously posted in yellow (but for your reference you can find the same style in gold as well). And the price is great, too: £10 on the UK website!

http://www.topshop.com/

Chinese Laundry is another great brand and e-commerce to find budget-friendly shoes, but still very very fashionable. Here I chose the basics white and black sandals, at a very great price of $39.99.

http://www.chineselaundry.com/chineselaundry/sandals/gotta-have

Last but not least, my favorite pair of Aldo collection: a bright pink embellished T-strap sandal (in other colors as well), a style that  was seen on both Blake Lively and Solange Knowels. A colorful embellished sandals can add a little edge to every outfit.

http://www.aldoshoes.com/ca-eng/women/sandals/flats/89568953-cheshunta/55

http://trendmill.com/celebrity-style/13546-blake-lively-in-red-balenciaga-sandals-by-stalker

http://fashionbombdaily.com/2012/05/14/splurge-solange-knowless-mothers-day-azzedine-alaia-studded-suede-flat-sandals/

Hope you enjoyed this selection!