street style trends


Clutches for fall 2014

Clutches are a classic handbag style which seems to enjoy popularity every few seasons as more than just an evening bag. Over the past year, daytime clutches have been pushed to the back-burner as other small handbag styles such as the cross body bag and the mini satchel have rose to fame. Although the clutch has not been front and center, it has remained an important small handbag style; and a classic alternative to the trendy mini satchel.

The clutch is back for fall 2014; and while the mini satchel and cross body bag continue to be hot handbag styles on the runway and on the street, the clutch is gaining momentum and proving to be more important for fall 2014 than it has been in the past two seasons. Clutches for fall 2014 are being shown mainly in medium, small and mini sizes. Daytime clutches are streamlined without a lot of excessive details making them clean, classic and easy to wear.

Aside from clean lines, the only details we are seeing in daytime clutches for fall 2014 are fringe details, color blocking and understated grommets or studs. The majority of the clutch styles out there for fall 2014 are simple and sans logos. In order to make a simple clutch interesting, designers have opted to add luxury hardware closures or silhouettes which push traditional, geometric boundaries.

For fall 2014, look for soft clutches which blur the lines between a rectangle and a soft roll of fabric. Also look for interesting clasps and hardware closures which add a luxurious touch to an otherwise simple handbag. Structured and traditional clutch silhouettes are also important for fall 2014. Look for rectangles which transcend trends.

Clutches for fall 2014 are being shown mainly in neutral hues, metallics, and seasonal autumn color such as burgundy, hunter green and on-trend fuchsia.

I found a few fabulous clutches around the web for fall 2014 and assembled them into the shopping widget below. I hope you love them!

Also, be sure to check out Jill Milan’s collection of luxurious, handmade-in-Italy clutches which are classic, yet on trend for the current season. Don’t forget to check out their sale clutches too! Use code BAY to save 10% off your purchase at JillMilan.com.

Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉


Espadrilles for summer 2014

espadrilles summer 2014

 

Pictured: Black and white espadrilles / orange espadrilles / wedge espadrilles / striped espadrilles.

Espadrilles are a classic summer staple nearly every Fashionista needs in her closet. Aside from walking barefoot on the beach, espadrilles are the one street shoe which makes walking on sand easy. In addition to making walking on the beach a breeze, espadrilles look casual and laid-back; which is what summer is all about!

There are many espadrilles on the market for summer 2014 which reflect the trends we saw on the spring/summer 2014 runways in New York. In addition to the runway trends, leopard print espadrilles are a huge street trend this summer!

Wondering how to wear espadrilles outside of the beach or pool party circuit? Espadrilles look amazing with maxi skirts, maxi dresses, wide leg pants, shorts, cotton dresses and any casual summertime look. Espadrilles are an easy alternative to flip flops or sandals when putting together a ultra-casual look on the weekends, after work or while on vacation. Wedge espadrilles are a great way to be casual without having to give up a little lift.

I found a few fabulous espadrilles for the summer 2014 season around the web and assembled them into this article. When shopping for espadrilles for the summer 2014 season, look for animal prints, stripes, black/white, bright colors and graphic prints.

What are your favorite espadrille styles for the summer 2014 season? Do you prefer flats or wedges?


Chunky heeled sandals for summer 2014

Summer 2014 is almost here, and that means we all need at least one pair of fabulous, thick heeled sandals for the hot weather season! Skinny heels can move aside this summer; chunky heels are all the rage for casual looks this season! Chunky heeled sandals float in and out of fashion, so if you have a pair from a past season hiding in storage, bring them out this summer! If not, here are a few things to look for when seeking out your perfect pair of thick, stacked heeled sandals this summer.

1) Look for a thick design. What does that mean? Look for chunky heels which offer a large piece of fabric holding your foot to the sole of the shoe. One thin strap at the ankle and one thin strap at the toes will look proportional to the chunky heel under your foot. Look for proportion and balance when shopping for a stacked heel. Think, “almost bootie” when looking for a chunky heeled sandal.

2) Don’t go too high. Chunky heels are heavier by nature, this can add a dimension to walking many Fashionistas are not used too. If the heel is 5″ tall, it might be too high and too heavy to walk in. Look for a 4″ heel or lower. In fact, 2″ heels are the current “IT” heel height when it comes to a chunky or stacked heel. Love that!

3) Look for a neutral. Since this is a new trend, you may not have a full, chunky heeled wardrobe in your closet. Rather than blowing your last paycheck on ten pairs of thick heeled sandals in every color of the rainbow, look for neutral hues which can carry you into fall. This heel is staying around, so if you start with neutrals this season, next season you can add a trendy color to your shoe closet! For now, stick with shades of tan, beige, grey or black.

4) This chunky heel is a great alternative to the bootie. Wear them with midi skirt, maxi skirts, jeans and shorts! You will love the stable base you have for standing and walking, plus they add a little “funk ” to your overall look. Love that!

To see how I have styled my favorite pair of SixtySeven chunky heeled sandals, click here, here and here.

I found a fwe fabulous pairs of chunky heeled sandals around the web. They are perfect to wear now and into the warm autumn months we enjoy here on the West Coast. Happy shopping, and stay fabulous 😉