Fall Transition Trends 2010

I love plane rides. They give me an excuse to splurge on ridiculous and copious amounts of fashion magazines in the name of having 'reading material'. My trip to New York this weekend certainly gave me the excuse to indulge, and I certainly did. Along with the street style that I observed in the Big Apple, I also came home with armfuls of the August issues of my favorites: marie claire, VOGUE, InStytle, GLAMOUR and more. Many of the magazines featured Fall transition styles and trends. Read on to see the most prevalent trends below.

Fall Transition Trends 2010

1.Traditional and Timeless: As we enter into the second decade of the 21st century, we are seeing fashion veer towards more mature and professional looks. Gone are the days of gaudy and tawdry. Personally, I feel that the economic recession has forced the fashion world to become a bit more practical in what they are pushing. People just don't have the money to be buying the 'next new thing'. Pieces need to be more than just weekend, work, night or day looks; Pieces need to multitask and be able to transition.











This season is all about elegance and sophistication. Looks that will be in (or still in) are classic Trench coats, blazers and over coats. Colors to look out for are mature dark tones, neutral and muted tones.

2.Frou-Frou Preppy Girl: This style is spin-off or subcategory of the 'Traditional' trend. Classic feminine styles with flowy skirts and shirts dominate this 'soft' style. Colors utilized by this style are often neutrals with neutral pinks and corals. Delicate prints and sheer-layered shirts, skirts and dresses dominate these styles.













Even in the realm of accessories, expect to see a TON of classic lady-like bags. The day of the over sized hobo and microscopic clutch are gone. Practical shoulder bags with classy straps or chain embellishments are very in! For shoes, one of my favorite looks is the Oxford heel. This look is sexy, cute and proper at the same time.



3. Ferocious Fur
Namaste. I would like to thank all the animals that have given their lives for fashion, but the fashion world has revived this age-old look. My oh my, and it is back with a 'fur'-vor indeed (pardon the corny pun, it was hard to resist). Fur is making appearances on coats, collars, boots, scarves and more.


Now most of us aren't in a position to be purchasing a Roberto Cavalli lynx-fur coat, but there are some easy and subtle ways to incorporate this look into your Fall wardrobe. You might purchase something with a fur or shearling collar or even go for faux-fur. However, while this look is warm, fuzzy and glam, don't over do it. This look can easily look desperate so be careful in what you choose to indulge in.

4. Call of the Wild: It seems like a big theme this season is the 'Call of the Wild'. There are so many adventuresome, explorer looks this season. Many incorporate leather and leather accents. This trend mostly brings with it the proliferate use of colors like camel and sienna in everything from boots to skirts.

5. Military: Military is still in, but mostly in the tones of neutral green and brown hues. Do not indulge in camouflage print, but do indulge in blazers in military colors.

EXTRA* Hot items that you should have owned yesterday!
1. French Nautical Striped Shirt. These are a timeless classic and are a hot style for 2010.

Damsel in Distress No Longer

I know a girl who is always in need of something. She constantly borrows my things or is need of a helping hand from a friend. Often times I wonder, "How does she function without these basic necessities?" However, I've come to realize she may not be alone. Even though we are officially a whole decade into the 21st century, many young women are sorely unprepared for living independently. Although we may not be any closer to having flying cars or saucers, I think that it's time that we young women put the age-old 'damsel in distress' stereotype to rest. I realize that we can't always do it alone, but below I've listed some items that will help get us all closer to becoming 'Miss Independent and Self-Sufficient'.

Things Every Miss Self-Sufficient Should Have:

A Simple Toolkit
A little will go a long way in this department. The average college girl won't need a 20 lb monster tool set with a power drill. Having the following tools will usually be more than enough for any projects that come up; You should have a Phillips and Flathead Screwdriver, pair of Pliers, a Hammer, and a Wrench. As we head into 'Move-in' time in August, I usually get several requests to borrow my handy little kit. But it is my firm belief that every girl should own their own set of tools. Nothing fancy, but enough to help you assemble and disassemble your own furniture without needing to run and cry to the nearest fella with a tool belt.


HOW:A great tool set option for the ladies is this FIXA Tool Set from IKEA. Not only is this gem only $7.99, it comes with pretty much everything you will ever need and more to do some handy housework.

Two threads and a Needle
Your pants are too long. Your interview is today. There is no time to go to a tailor. A simple solution would be to do a quick and dirty hem on your pants that lasts long enough for you to get them through the day. Needle and thread are two of the world's oldest inventions. However, I can't tell you the number of times people have come to me begging for a simple needle and thread. Even if you aren't interested in becoming the next Project Runway star, you should at least own a simple hand sewing needle and two thread colors: a dark(black/navy) thread and a light(white/ivory) thread.


HOW:A great option is to pick up a free sewing kit from the next hotel you stay at. These kits usually come with more than enough thread colors and a sewing needle.

The Phone Number of a Cab Company
For those late nights when you've ventured downtown with your girls and don't have a DD, DON'T phone your roommate to pick you up (unless she's asked you to!). Instead share a cab and get home safely. I can't tell you the number of times this has come in handy when I've been stranded!

HOW:I use Yellow Cab Austin (512) 452-9999. Put this in your list of phone contacts. Now. You never know when you'll need it!

A Suit or Professional Outfit
Every business student knows that wearing a suit to an interview is Rule #1. However, it surprises me how many college students show up to job fairs or (even worse) interviews not wearing professional business attire (e.g. dark Grey/Black Jacket and matching pants/skirt). For many job opportunities, being dressed professionally not only shows that your respect but also that you are a professional. But there are some exceptions to the rule, if you're interviewing for a creative position or industry a business professional suit may not be the best option. I learned this the hard way when I showed up to interview for the fashion industry in my boring suit only to see the recruiter dressed in a very cute and color professional outfit demonstrating her fashion taste. Needless to say, I didn't get the job!
HOW:If you're in need of a suit, shop around. Suits can be purchased at many department stores. Get a basic color in a basic cut, a good suit is an investment that will last for years. For those looking for something a little less conventional, the current August 2010 issue of VOGUE has some great professional and chic inspiration for professional wear!

Iron, Ironing Board, Starch and a Lint Roller
Unless you intend for that wrinkled look to be crumpled(even though this look is 'in' right now), you should iron it. Unintentionally wrinkled clothing looks sloppy. But even if you iron, you need starch if you're going to be ironing.
If you don't starch, you will most likely have wrinkles again within 10 minutes! Lint rollers pick up all that nasty lint off your clothes. It beats having to take a piece of office tape to your black suit for an hour!

HOW:If you don't have these items, go to your nearest Target or Walmart and pick them up. They are all pretty cheap, but go a long way in presentation value. For those of us living in small spaces, ironing boards also come in mini sizes to be placed. Convenient!

Updates, Old and New

So I have finally completed my burnt orange sundress. It took a lot longer than originally planned because of the many modifications from the original pattern. Since my dress looked a little plain without some frills, I decided to make it a little more 'frou-frou' with some lace trimming. Not to the point where I look like Marie Antoinette, but just to spice it up so I don't look like plain jane.

In my next posting I promise to post pictures!

However, as happy as I am to be done with one project - I'm onto the next one as soon as I'm blinking. I can't wait to start on my Jacquard Jacket!

I'm going through a little bit of a damask/Jacquard obsession right now. Although this fabric commonly seen on tablecloths, curtains, upholstery and other miscellaneous items it has the potential for so much more.

It is kind of hard to explain but I'll try. For those who have trouble picturing what kind of fabric Jacquard is - it's a type of fabric with the pattern/design woven into the fabric itself. Imagine threads sitting/floating on top of the other threads rather than being woven and intertwined. These threads sitting on top can create a picture.However, at some point they are woven back into the fabric and the border of the design is created. This is repeated until these borders and floating threads turn into designs/patterns.

My inspirations for this jacket come from the character of Mia Mason played by Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia. This show was alright while it lasted (Lipstick Jungle was better IMO even though I started out liking CM better...), the fashion was much better than the actual plot line!



All of Lucy Liu's outfits throughout the series were so over-the-top and amazing. I love the work her stylists did throughout.



I am so excited to start on my own version of this jacket. It looks so unique and fantastic :)
The fabric I chose is more of an off white than a brilliant gold, but I still think it will be pretty, elegant and eye-catching.


Other updates to come... July Holiday Shopping Haul!