Fall On the Horizon

This edition of Store Window Style incorporates what I enjoy most about the onset of fall: inspiration to dress in cozy knits and layers, play with an amalgamation of sumptuous textures, and the richer, deeper hues typically associated with fall. While my geographic area here in coastal California boasts warm weather more often than not, it's still difficult to shop for faux fur vests, knit beanies, and parkas while it still feels like summer. Here's to hoping that temperatures will drop soon, giving me the opportunity to make use of the military jackets, Fair Isle knits, lace-up boots, and faux fur accessories that I have stowed away.

all photos © 2010 Fashion Trend Guide

The Miss Selfridge Mix

Amongst the many online retail sites that I browse on a regular basis for style inspiration is British high street brand Miss Selfridge. Fortunately, I've experienced shopping in their brick and mortar stores during trips to England and Scotland, although it's not even necessary since they ship to the U.S. While I easily do more browsing than buying when it comes to my online activity, it's nonetheless enjoyable to see how they present seasonal trends. A recent peek at their fall lookbook gave me inspiration for many potential fall outfits. Despite this crazy heat wave we're currently experiencing in southern California, I'm daydreaming about wearing floor length frocks, faux fur pieces, and glamorously embellished dresses. What appeals to me most about this lookbook is the array of luxe textures from the use of velvet, faux fur, knitwear, and shiny jewelry. It's quite the contrast from the emerging minimalist trend championed on the runways of Céline, Chloé, Calvin Klein, and Stella McCartney.

images via missselfridge.com

It's Leopard Love

I rarely meet an animal print that I don't find myself drawn to. Leopard prints in particular are my ultimate weakness, especially when it comes to footwear. Having ogled many a blogger wearing the vertiginous Lita boots by Jeffrey Campbell, I knew I wanted to put them on my feet, however, they're offered in so many colorways that I found myself indecisive for weeks. I also hesitated to buy them online, since I wanted to confirm their comfort level before purchasing, and ensure that they weren't heavy or clunky like some of my clogs. After reading positive reviews about their comfort, I tried them on at LF, where they're available in new colors and prints (and named the "It boots) as part of a limited edition collaboration. Truth be told, I found their comfort level to be very high, even higher than I expected (Ashley, you were right). I attribute it to the roomy toe box, solid heel, and super high hidden platform. As I type this, I've had them on my feet for about five hours, at which point they're still comfortable, and I'm envisioning various ways to style them.

Limited Edition Jeffrey Campbell x LF Collaboration

It's no secret that I'm a fan of Jeffrey Campbell's edgy and affordable footwear. Whether I'm wearing my leopard print Tick wedges, my studded Mel sandals, or my new Denmark clog boots, I always get compliments on them. While I'm still deciding which color to buy the Litas in (there are too many options), they've come out with a new collaboration with LF. A series of head-turning shoes was created exclusively for LF this fall, and I don't know about you, but I'm thinking these tan/black cheetah print ones, featured beautifully on Shiny Plastic Hag, will make a nice addition to my fall footwear collection...or perhaps the sleek and sexy It boot in black suede.

images via TMI

Tucker for Target - A Fitting Room Review

Another quiet Sunday morning, another GO International collection to review at Target. Truth be told, the Tucker for Target collection didn't motivate me to wake up early or stalk Target in the days leading up to the release (in the hopes it would be released early), as the Rodarte or Erin Fetherston for Target collections did. After reviewing the Tucker for Target lookbook and the Gilt pre-sale, I knew I wanted to try on the floral button-front dresses, the bomber jacket, and the fleece jumpsuit.

My store appeared to have about 75-80% of the collection, and shoppers weren't exactly mobbing the racks, although a few were trying the Tucker pieces on when I got to the fitting rooms. An interesting side note - as I walked to the fitting rooms, I spied quite a few of the Tucker dresses and long-sleeved blouses on the go-back racks, especially the black boucle dress and the signature dress in diamond print.

The racks appeared fairly organized and neat around 11am. I only took five pieces to the fitting room. First up, this floral pull-on number, in size XS. The waist has flattering elastic cinching, which gives the dress a feminine hourglass silhouette. The barely-above-the-knee length was also flattering, and the skirt has a subtle A-line shape. Bonus - it has two side pockets, which I love. Although it's made of polyester, it's soft and comfortable. It would be perfect for the office with a skinny belt, a tailored blazer, and some peep-toe pumps, or ideal for lazy weekends with a chunky cardigan, a beret, and ballet flats.

Below is the same dress in a different print. The buttons have "Tucker" printed on them, which is nice instead of "Tucker for Target." Although the fabric is lightweight, I can envision this dress with tights, boots, and a sweater when the temperatures drop, making it versatile and seasonless (at least in California, where I live).

The standout piece, and also the most expensive piece in the collection, is this faux fur Persian bomber jacket. The soft floral lining is what sold me on this jacket. It's not only a nice feminine touch, it's comfortable and whimsical. Quality-wise, this jacket is a winner. The zipper is sturdy, the pockets are comfortable and easy to access, the cuffs and hem are ribbed, and the texture of the faux fur is plush. I'll be reaching for this jacket several times per week when the weather cools down, so the cost per wear will make it well worth the $79.99 price.

I opted to try on the velvet burnout dress out of sheer curiosity. I wasn't crazy about the smocked back, although the Southwest-inspired print and vibrant colors intrigued me. Plus points - velvet is an emerging trend for fall/winter, and this dress would work well on taller ladies. The length was too long on my petite frame, but I appreciated the side pockets and shoulder-baring silhouette.

The last item I tried on, the gray fleece top, had a slightly awkward cowl neck and stiff hand to the cotton fabric. The fit was slim on the XS, but as on previous pieces, I adored the side pockets. If you've got great arms, the cap sleeves will show them off.

My overall observations on fit: the long-sleeved blouses run big, the dresses run fairly true to size, and most of the tunic dresses would look better with a skinny leather belt. I can't write about the fit of the sweaters or vests, as I didn't try any on. For reference, I tried on size XS in everything except the bomber jacket, which was a small.

Quality is an improvement over previous collections, although polyester seems to dominate. Prices also seem to be slightly higher. The least expensive piece I spotted was the circle print tee for $19.99.

Silhouettes are more sophisticated and modest than other GO International efforts. The skirts in this collection are long and A-line (so they aren't flattering for shorties like me).

Colors are deep and muted, in line with what I'd expect for a fall collection. There's a wide variety of colors and prints, which is a plus. (I'm generally not a fan of rust, mustard, merlot, or chocolate hues, so a few pieces didn't appeal to my color preferences.)

I think Gaby Basora stayed true to her design aesthetic of making versatile, easy-to-wear tops and dresses that impart a carefree yet chic vibe. Her tunic dresses and breezy blouses translate well at Target's price points, although silk instead of polyester would've been nice. In the spirit of designer collaborations, let the countdown for Mulberry for Target (on October 10) begin...

© 2010 Fashion Trend Guide

First Day of Fashion Week

The fact that I found the perfect Burberry-inspired aviator jacket today almost makes up for not being at NYFW. All the Twitter coverage, the live streaming shows, and endless updates available online allow for a vicarious experience. In between being glued to my iPhone for NYFW coverage and browsing the fall looks at Zara, I managed to photograph a few of their windows. Key looks included: belted sweaters and shearling coats, military jackets, rust-hued florals, ankle boots embellished with buckles and straps, mid-calf skirts, canvas two-tone bags, sweater capes, and plenty of shearling jackets. I declare myself officially ready for fall. Let sweater weather begin.

A Glimpse of Glee

Confession - I've yet to watch a single episode of Glee. That doesn't mean that I'm immune to the buzz surrounding its stars and the new Glee-inspired clothing line at Macy's. As I strolled down Stockton St. in San Francisco about two weeks ago, the Glee-themed windows at Macy's caught my attention. Apparently, they also caught the attention of many passersby, because as I was taking these photos, no less than half a dozen young women walked by and squealed "Glee!" with excitement. Naturally, my favorite part about these windows is the use of layering and textured/printed legwear.

Sale Alert - Blue Bee

The Blue Bee sale in Santa Barbara begins this Friday September 10th and continues until Sunday September 12th. Hours are 10am to 6pm at all three locations: 923 State St., 925 State St., and 911 State St. Happy shopping!

Los Angeles Fashion's Night Out Events

I've been receiving a lot of event information for Fashion's Night Out in the Los Angeles area, so I've made a listing of events. Please note that I will update this listing over the next week as I receive more invites and information.

Event #1 - A Current Affair Los Angeles Debut

A unique shopping event featuring the best vintage dealers from Los Angeles and beyond

Opening preview and party launch on Fashion's Night Out Los Angeles

Exhibitors at A Current Affair will feature signature designer vintage, historically significant wardrobe, modern bohemian, and luxe classics. A Current Affair takes place in the center of the Los Angeles fashion district in the beautiful penthouse of the Cooper Design Space.The opening preview and party will take place as part of Fashion's Night out Los Angeles on Friday, September 10, 2010 from 6pm-10pm. Setting the atmosphere will be music by DJ Total Freedom and beverage service sponsored by IZZE sparkling drinks, Fiji water, and PAMA pomegranate liqueur.

What: A Current Affair
Where: Cooper Design Space
860 South Los Angeles Street, 11th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90014
When: Friday, September 10, 6pm-10pm
Saturday, September 11, 10am-5pm
Admission: $10

Event #2 - Girls In Tech

Girls In Tech Los Angeles is a rock 'n roll inspired event at Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills. There will be a red carpet, private VIP lounge, rock icon makeovers, backstage style tips from our resident fashionistas and so much more.

Event #3 - Vogue Fashion's Nights Out

View: a dynamic assortment from Velvet Angels new fall collection
Meet: Stylist Taylor Jacobson who will showcase her latest collaboration with Kasil denim
Listen: to DJ Chopper
Drink: complimentary cocktails from Flawless Vodka, Hansen's Natural & Monster Energy
Enjoy: 15% off your purchase that evening
Take: a goody bag full or surprises (while supplies last)
When: Friday, Septemer 10th from 6pm-11pm
Where: 8741 W. 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048

Event #4 - Vogue Fashion's Night Out at Fred Segal Feet

Event #5 - Diane von Furstenberg

Los Angeles DvF will be celebrating Fashion's Night Out, in addition to DvF locations throughout the states. Join the DvF team for cocktails, a special gift with purchase and a chance to win a DvF handbag.

Where: DvF Los Angeles 8407 Melrose Ave
When: Friday, September 10th, 6pm-11pm
Email: ibelisle@dvf.com

Event #6 - Santa Barbara Shop Spree

Santa Barbara residents and visitors are invited to celebrate shopping downtown and indulge in exclusive in-store discounts, events and seasonal premiers as they stroll along State Street and the surrounding side streets on September 10th and 11th during the inaugural Shop Spree SB weekend shopping festival.

Kick off Shop Spree SB on Friday, where there will be over 30 stores offering incentives. Enjoy live music along State Street while you get your shop on. Between 4-6pm be sure to stop by the KSBL live remote tent at the State Street entrance to Paseo Nuevo for free gifts and giveaways. Then make your way to Blush for a refreshing Shop Spree SB Sangria. Starting at 6pm you won’t want to miss Paseo Nuevo’s Fashion’s Night Out event, a global initiative to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and put the fun back in shopping. Here you will find live music, live models, refreshments and special events under the spotlight, highlighting the latest fall fashions.

Saturday continues the shopping extravaganza with more outdoor music performances, discounts and unique in-store events. Samy’s Camera challenges shoppers to document their Shop Spree SB experience on camera with a photo scavenger hunt for prizes while Sephora offers tutorials on fall makeup, and Santa Barbara Outfitters hosts free kid’s rock climbing clinics and much more.

The Tucker for Target Lookbook

For those that don't already know, Target is partnering with celebrated designer Gaby Basora to create the next limited-edition collection for GO International®, an innovative program designed to provide affordable fashion created by world-renowned designers. The collection will be available at select stores and online on September 12. (As soon as my Target store gets it in stock, I'll be shopping the collection and possibly doing my fitting room review as usual.)

Known for silk-printed blouses and dresses, not specific to any age, style or state of mind, Tucker is a favorite of fashionistas with a youthful spirit and lifestyle. With perfect layering pieces for the season, the Tucker for Target collection includes an eclectic mix of bold bohemian-chic prints and versatile shapes that are perfect for the woman-on-the-go, reflecting designer Gaby Basora’s carefree, yet fashionable sense of style. The collection ranges in price from $19.99 to $79.99, and here are long-awaited images from the lookbook.