How To Transition Into Fall By Shopping Your Own Closet

As fall has "befallen" us, and summer bbq's and vacations seem to be a distant memory, some of you may have some trouble adjusting to the sudden and dramatic change in temperature. However, don't go rushing into a retailer nearest you to drop money on clothes you think you might need to help you transition into fall. You can save a whole lot of money if you simply just shop in your own closet, with some minor adjustments, you could still rock some of your summer frocks (put away the terry cloth clothing please, you can't get away with wearing that material in the fall). Here is a short list of items that you can start adding into your wardrobe, that I am sure you already have at home, so roll up your sleeves and start digging in your closets!

• Cardigans/Blazers: adding these classics to summer clothing, like shorts and dresses will give them fall appeal, as well as shield you from breezy fall days or chilly nights. For example, leggings are a necessity to me and are easy to assemble in an outfit. So I'd wear a nice pair with a cool blazer and heels or ballet flats.
• Boots/Booties: although some of you may choose to rock sandals until the first flurry of snow arrives or even after, boots with a summer frock, or shorts, could change the outfit into a fall look. I'd pair my fave Gap denim jacket with a flowy floral dress & cowboy boots for an evening out with friends.
• Scarves/Hats: another fun way to add fall flair to a summer wardrobe is by using accessories. They are also easier on the wallet, if you must buy some new fall additions to your closet. I've been wearing my favorite Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M scarf as a shawl to avoid wearing jackets right now! Have fun mixing fall accessories with summer clothes, so you don't have to wait until winter to start wearing scarves.
• Socks/Tights: as seen on the runways lately, pair some slouchy socks with your fave sandals or shoes, or just add tights to a pair of high-waisted shorts, and voile! You've got a trendy fall outfit! (make sure your socks/tights work well into your outfit; don't be a fashion victim!)

Fall & spring are my two favorite seasons because it isn't too hot or cold, so you interchange more clothing, like summer clothing, into your wardrobe. Also, a layered look is very polished, and comfortable.

What's your favorite fall accessory and why?



Photos: Fall Accessories; Sonia Rykiel Pour H&M Scarf

Somewhere...Over The Rainbow: Irridescence Forcasted for Fall

     "For every cloud, there is a silver lining". But this fall, irridescent hues are lining the catwalk as well as the sidewalk. Irridescence is a phenomenon described when an object, surface, or living thing may appear to be various colors depending upon what angle it is being viewed from. That can also be interpreted as how we all view the world from different angles, depending on where we live, how we feel, among other aspects. Therefore, differences are what make this world so colorful, as well as beautiful and fun. It is befitting that, as we all approach the fall season, irridescence reflects in the clothing and accessories we are or will be wearing.

     Because irridescent fabrics mimic the same effects found in nature, such as an insect's wings, a rainbow or bubble, they will be very bold and it is very important that the garment, makeup or accessory worn stands alone. In other words, keep everything else simple so the irridescent pattern can shine on its own without clashing with another bold pattern or color, such as red or yellow. If you dare wear a dark colored dress, for example, wearing an irridescent accessory to reflect the color of the dress while the dark color absorbs light is a great balance (dark purples, and cobalt blues are wonderful examples).  Please note that the word "accessory" is singular, don't get carried away with this trend; this is one that could make for a recipe for disaster!

 

     If you want to try out this trend by using makeup and cosmetics (one approach I usually take before gravitating to garments and accessories), try a fun irridescent Dazzle Glass lipgloss by M-A-C, or try some eyeshadows and lipsticks from Illamasqua, a dramatic makeup line at Sephora. But remember, if you choose to have irridescent eyes, make sure your lipcolor is neutral, or simple enough to allow your eyes to pop. If you choose to rock an irridescent lipcolor, the same rules apply. keep the face as simple or natural as possible. Unless you've got a career that is appropriate for dramatic makeup, I suggest you limit the trend at work to a lipcolor.

  I view irridescence as a reflection of the moods of designers abroad: hopeful, bright and optimistic as we approach the end of a decennial and the beginning of a new season and new year, and maybe, just maybe, a flourishing economy. What's your view on this trend?

Photos:    DazzleGlass;

Gown;

Proenza Schouler Heels;

Pendant

In The Nude: Summer's Natural Hue

     When I think of summer, I think of many things: the beach, sipping ice cold cocktails while enjoying the warm breeze, and vacationing. But as a fashion blogger, and self-proclaimed fashionista, I cannot help but to also think of the latest trends that seem to accompany the warm summer months. While there are so many summer trends that there isn't enough paper, tweets, or Blackberry message statuses to mention, I couldn't help but sit up and take notice of the nude trend ths season, and no, I am not referring to a lack of clothing. We'll save that for another post.
     Brights are fun colors for the summer, but if you want to get closer to nature, there's nothing like the color nude. It gives that "barely there" appeal, so it is very soft and subtle. Just like the clothing we shed during the warmer climates it is also befitting to shed away some bold colors from our makeup palletes, wardrobes and shoe collection. Nude makeup (lips & eyes), clothing, and accessories (shoes, scarves, handbags, etc) allow other elements of your wardrobe to shine.

     For example, a nude pump worn with a pencil skirt could elomgate the legs, while a nude eye shadow pallette could give way for a red pout to stand alone. If you are new to the nude trend, trying out nude eye or nail colors is a great start. Too-Faced cosmetics has a natural eye pallete, called the Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection (Sephora, $35). It is a blend of matte and shimmery eye colors that can transition from a "day" to "night" look. Although there are so many nude nail colors on the market these days my favorite is Sally Hansen's Cafe Au Lait, which reminds me of a tall, iced coffee. 

     Another way to wear this trend is to find some great nude accessories, like a sassy clutch, or nude colored garment (top, pants, shorts, suit, etc). Nude is sexy because it gives the illusion of nakedness, be it a natural face, alluring nails, or tawny legs. While being bold is fun and flirty, being nude takes a bit more vulnerability, more sex appeal. Although  nude seems very basic, it's versatile and looks great on everyone (now go out there and embrace your inner nudist!)

Photos: Nude Louboutins ; Nude Face ; Too Faced; Sally Hansen; Marc Jacobs bag

Dita Deems Designers of "Fresh Baked Goods" Tastworthy

Tastworthy. (tays-t-wur-thee) adj: Any person, place, or thing, that Dita believes deserves honorable mention and is oozing with style and/or taste.

I must admit that I'm an avid sweet eater. But when I heard about Fresh Baked Goods, a clothing company that bakes the kind of sweets that would leave a man feeling "so fresh so clean", I just had to talk to one of FBG's creative masterminds, Marquis Thibodeaux, so I could satisfy my fashion "sweet tooth" for all things tastworthy.

So, I felt honored when he agreed to do an interview with me, just to answer some questions about the brand, it's concept, and even some advice Marquis could give to other young, aspiring designers.

Dita (Tastmakr): What is your background?

Marquis (FBG): I was born in Boston, MA, on November 15, 1988, and I went to several different schools while growing up, because I moved around alot. My mother was an artist and my father was a muscian/rapper.

Tastmakr: How did you come up with the FBG concept?

FBG: The idea of FBG wasn't mines. A friend from my first college I went to in North Carolina came to me with this idea of a clothing line called FBG cause he knew of my artistic skills. At first I didn't want to do it because of the "Johnny Cupcakes" concept in Boston, but then I just started to ease into it. I started to come up with ideas entirely on my own using my own artwork and cleverness. Then as it started to get bigger I started to figure out more things like creating a website and stickers and all kinds of things that I learned entirely on my own. When it first started out there was an original three: me, Dean Ross who came up with the idea, and another artist John Misshoun but things happened and Dean had to leave the group so FBG split into 2 parts, which is how Fresh Baked North and Fresh Baked South came about.

Tastmakr: Who is your target audience?

FBG: I dont really have a target audience just yet because it is still all so new, but so far the FBG line has attracted a hiphop/rocker crowd.

Tastmakr: What makes FBG stand out from, let's say, a company like Johnny Cupcakes?

FBG: To break it down from my point of view Johnny Cupcakes is more gimmick based; all of his t-shirts revolve around one type of image, which is the "cupcake"; basically when you name your brand around one specific thing there's only so many things you can do. Fresh Baked Goods revolves around so many things, not just food, but there are metaphors using slang, like "cake" means money, and you "bake a cake". Get it? lol. So there are so many ideas for my line and I try not to revolve around one thing. I like to change it up with every new design, while using street refrences, sarcasm, visuals, etc. so many things that can be used. Also from a product standpoint the graphics on the shirts are made with a special print that doesn't fade off over time, unlike other shirts.

Tastmakr: Where are you located? How can male customers purchase FBG merchandise?

FBG: Right now we are "street corner" based, using word-of-mouth to spread buzz about our product, and online-based, using social networking sites like Twitter, Facebook, and FBG's blog. I currently am located in Brockton/Boston, MA.

Tastmakr: Any role models? Who inspired you to design t-shirts and other apparel?

FBG: Pharrell Williams and Kanye West are my inspiration; they are multitalented!

Tastmakr: Any future plans for FBG? Where do you envision the company in 5+ years?

FBG: I like to stay in the present and not think that far into the future, that way I continue to build the company and make progress as I go along.

Tastmakr: What advice could you give to other young, aspiring designers/entrepreneurs?

FBG: Don't give up, and anything is possible.

Photos, courtesy of  Fresh Baked Goods

Favorite Fragrance Du Jour: Armani Diamonds Intense

This perfume smells sooo good, and is very enticing. I've gotten several compliments on this perfume by men and women alike (mostly men, though). Rose is an aphrodisiac, as well as my favorite scent. So, when I did a bit of research on Armani Diamonds Intense, I was not shocked to find that it has notes of rose in it. This fragrance is soft, subtle, feminine and sexy. I suggest that you buy the 3.4oz ($69.50, Sephora Stores, or www.sephora.com), because I bought the 1oz Eau de Parfum (here's a quick French lesson, ooh-DAY-PAR-foom) for $39.50 (at Sephora, of course), and the bottle was gone in less than two months. (Eau de Parfum is stronger than Eau de Toilette (TWA-lay), which is French for "toilet water". (Don't get too worried, "toilet water" isn't actually from the toilet, but is so weak it might as well be). As I've stated in my previous blog about fragrances, I love to layer, so what I did discover is that Macy's has a gift set (www.Macys.com, unsure if it is available in stores) for $60, which is $9.50 cheaper (taxes not included), than purchasing the 3.4oz bottle alone. Although it includes a 6.7oz bottle of scented lotion, it only includes a 1.7oz bottle of Eau de Parfum. I must admit that I am quite vain and will covet things just because they look attractive, but I actually enjoyed the contents of this oval diamond-shaped bottle. If "diamonds are a girl's best friend", Armani Diamond Intense should be her "BFF" or "Best Friend Forever".



Photo: Armani Diamonds Intense

Spring Cleaning Tips: What to Store, Wear, or Give Away

1. If you discover items that you have forgotten that you've own, chances are that you may not even use it, or wear it.

2. If you do stumble upon long-lost items, and you have trouble letting them go, try this: If you can add it to your current wardrobe within two weeks, it's a keeper. If you don't find yourself wearing soon after, get rid of it.

3. Store away items that can be used during the summer; Keep items that can be layered, or worn for the current winter season within reach.

4. Toss out those Old Navy flip flops from last Summer. Because they are affordable (2 for $5.00ea), they can be replaced. But also, dirt and bacteria from last year's strolls on the beach could have seeped into them.

5. Try to go over your garment/shoes each season to evaluate what to wear, store, or let go. This way you will always leave room for new things, but also compel you to wear what you already have. Get as much use from your purchases as much as possible!

6. Give away useful items, as well as those in good condition, to charity (Planet Aid, Red Cross, Salvation Army). Remember, successful people are also generous people who give back to the community in some way. (Sarah Jessica Parker gives many of her fabulous clothes to consignment Boutiques in NYC)

I recently gave away six (and counting) garbage bags of good clothing away to Planet Aid. Why hang on to things that others in need can put to good use?





photos: century 21 logo: http://www.redtag.ca/; model & thinking bubble: http://www.geekygadgets.com/; check mark: http://www.environmarketing.files.wordpress.com/; salvationarmy logo: http://www.mita.org/; flip flops clip art: http://www.stockphoto.com/; storage totes: http://www.wrapables.com/; cardigan: http://www.polyvore.com/

Hottest New Women's Summer Fashions by William Rast

(Guest Blog, by Pammy Rosen, who works for Luello, a North American clothing company; I am both honored and delighted to have been chosen to feature her post on my blog :-)

William Rast is a fashion company based in Los Angeles, California. It was founded in 2005 by Justin Timberlake and his longtime friend, Trace Ayala. The company name, William Rast, is a combination of Justin Timberlake's grandfather's first name and Trace Ayala's grandfather's last name. The brand initially made only denim clothing, but has since expanded into a lifestyle brand that includes shirts, knits, leather jackets and outerwear.
William Rast can be seen on many celebrities and in TV shows. There are William Rast retail stores in Los Angeles, and San Jose, California. William Rast is also available at specialty boutiques and high end department stores like Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales.

The new summer line for women includes flowing, lightweight tanks and shirts, fitted, feminine jackets, and classic William Rast denim pieces with a twist. Pieces range in price from $100-$600. All of the pieces are of the highest quality and are well worth the price. The pieces fall back on the classics with a twist of biker couture, but modernized with small, unique touches.

The tanks are light and flowing with a beautiful touch of femininity. The standout of the collection is a goregous, silk tank in a lush, deep, peacock color. It drapes beautifully and has a comfortable racerback. This tank would look stunning with a pair of jeans. It also comes in a lovely, light pink or a pale yellow. Other tanks have the same flowing fit and come in subtle patterns or fun, graphics that would work on everybody.

There are a handful 0f shirts, but they are all unique and beautiful. The woven blouse is an almost paper-like texture in  a stunning, flowing, cut. It has short sleeves and comes in a blossom pink, cream, and seafoam teal. There is also a more fitted, long sleeved shirt in a tailored cut. These come in  a Chambray blue, seafoam plaid, and a brown and cream plaid.

"Tony" Stretch Jegging in Midnight Oil, $ Available Upon Request

 sea foam cream & plaid shirt, $145

The roots of the collection are amazing denim, plus the collection expands into shirts, skirts, and capris on top of the classic jean. This collection also includes denim leggings called "jeggings". This is a fashion trend that is very in right now. William Rast offers 3 styles of leggings in 9 washes, ranging from white to black, and all the "blues" in between. The newest addition to the collection is the long, denim short, which falls just about the knee. It is built for comfort and versatility.

The new collection from William Rast is versatile and feminine. Built for comfort and durability, this collection will be a fashion investment worth the money.






Silk Raceback Tank, Peacock $110






Photos: JT & Trace Ayala, Raceback tank & plaid shirt: http://www.williamrast.com/
                Jeggings: http://www.jeancouture.com/