Trends


Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Cape is the New Coat

When Hermes sent models down the spring 2011 runway wearing coats draped over their shoulders allowing the arms to dangle in the back as if they were capes, it was only natural that the rest of the fashion world would get inspired and respond with capes one season later. The new coat is the cape. While classic pea coats and trench coats are standard for every wardrobe; whether male or female, the cape is taking over as the ultimate way to stay warm for women this fall.

The fall 2011 runway shows tossed coats and jackets on the shoulders of models in a cape-esque fashion. Although the cape itself did not dominant the catwalks, it did make an impression on buyers who flocked to designers and ordered capes for their stores. Buyers have stocked their shelves with capes by Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and Chloe to name a few.

The cape is in stores as we speak and it is proving to be a highly sought after way of keeping warm when the fog rolls in off the bay. Capes are being shown in classic black, shades of brown, camel, bright colors and one of fall’s hottest hues; burgundy. While the cape will never take the practical place of the great pashmina trend of 1998, this form of warmth is fresh and new and definitely a sassy alternative to the same old coat from last year.

Capes for fall are being shown in many sizes and fabrications for fall 2011; from soft cashmere to wool gabardine. There are capes that flow down to the knees and others which barely cover the bottom of the shoulder blade. Cape-like details are also popping up on dresses and blouses; which is in line with the overall flowing silhouette of the season.

Since the cape trend is in its’ infancy this fall, there is a good chance that it will continue for a few more fall and winter seasons to come. If the cape trend for fall tickles your fancy, this is the perfect time to invest in one that catches your eye. By purchasing a fabulous cape at the beginning of the trend, you will get more wear out of the piece than those who wait until everyone else has one. Happy shopping and stay fabulous 

 

capes for fall by bayareafashionista featuring Nordstrom Collection

Fall 2011 Fashion Trends: The Return of Ladylike Fashion and Leg Coverings

When Louis Vuitton created a Depression-era train station vibe for their fall 2011 runway show, onlookers were instantly taken back to a time of glamour, gloves and satchels. Although Marc Jacobs left legs bare on the runway, a strange trend has started to creep back onto the legs of women everywhere; the dreaded leg covering.

Ladylike fashion is currently dominating store shelves as we speak. While shoppers seek out delicate suiting, satchels and such; nylons and tights are starting to appear as a trend for fall. Gasp!

Ten years ago nylons and tights finally saw the end of their life. As corporate casual took over in the height of the dot-boom, women celebrated and flaunted bare legs as much as possible. Now, as a more formal way of dressing returns to runways and store shelves, the pendulum is swinging back to covered up legs.

While nylons and tights make for a finished look, they are incredibly annoying to wear! Let’s face it, when you rub up against a table, or lean on a chair, a snag can appear and ruin the whole thing. To make matters worse, we have to carry a back up pair, or two, just in case the afore mentioned event actually occurs! In addition to accidental snags during the day, nails are getting longer this fall which means putting on nylons in the morning can be a dangerous activity.

It should be interesting to see if leg coverings return to the fashionable legs of women everywhere, or if they remain on store shelves, unpurchased, as a continued stand against covered up legs. What is your take on leg coverings? Is this a trend you might follow or will you continue to “just say no” to leg coverings and bare those fabulous legs? Feel free to leave a comment below or weigh in on our Facebook page.

 

leg coverings by bayareafashionista featuring distressed picture frames

The Lace Trend Continues into Fall with a Vengeance

Lace was one of the dominant embellishments or fabrics on the runways for spring 2011 and the trend continued on the fall 2011 runways in Paris, New York, Milan and London. Lace popped up as both the main fabric on a garment as well as edging, detailing and overlays. There were also lace inspired leathers, metals and prints on everything from handbags to jewelry to the garments themselves.

Lace is an intricate fabric that is being shown for all types of looks this fall. Casual attire is showing lace fabric as well as lace details while more formal wear is featuring fine lace overlays and embellishments. Lace is adding texture, femininity and sex appeal to fall fashion, making it one of the must-have trends for fall. Love it!

One reason lace is continuing in popularity for the fall season is that is can easily fit into the varying style trends that appeared on the runways including the vintage trend, ladylike trend and continuing boho-chic trend.

We have a few fabulous tips from Tucker by Gaby Basora to help you style your lace pieces this fall. Special thank you to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these amazing tips for us!

“Take a hint from trendsetter Selita Ebanks and pair a sophisticated and subtle colored lace top with a bold printed skirt, like this Pleated Skirt from Tucker by Gaby Basora. Top the look off with simple accessories and a sleek hairdo.

(Second Photo) Revamp a classic lace, like this Short Sleeve Yoke Blouse from Tucker by Gaby Basora. We suggest pairing it with a bright colored cami or for an edgier look, a colorful bra adds a pop of color. Dress this look up by pairing with a solid skirt, or for a more casual look, a pair of jeans works just as well.”

Special Thank You to Tucker by Gaby Basora for providing these fabulous styling tips!

For shopping for these lace looks and more, please visit tuckerbygabybasora.com

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