Fashion

Wear to Where: Falling for Fall
08.10.11
I think you’ve heard enough about summer fashion for the year, we’ve all worn our flowing maxi dresses, our embellished sandals and the occasional bathing suit (I hope). It’s time to get to my favorite season of the year….FALL. It seems that every store is having a “next season sale now” so it’s an opportune time to cash in on all the pre-fall savings, but what should I buy you ask? This week I’ll break down what the top designers have put down their runways, with some styling tips on how to make the trends your own.
BOLD COLORS: Forget moody and dark. The Fall collections came in happy hues and the bolder-the-better brights. But what really set the season aglow were the unexpected color combinations: pink, orange and deep purple; teal and taxicab yellow; crimson (the hottest hue of the season) and cobalt blue.
Styling Tip: Choose a shade to suit your skin tone and wear with contrasting accessories for a bold daywear statement.
SPOT ON: Polka dots made their mark on the runway from micro-dots to the full Dalmatian treatment. The polka pièce de résistance, however, came from Marc Jacobs, who tattooed his entire collection with spots and circles, injecting the classic print with a new grown-up glamour.
Styling Tip: Supersized spots have a built-in wow factor so limit yourself to just one polka-dotted piece.
PRINTWORKS: Designers brought a dose of drama to the runways with graphic stripes, abstract patterns and tribal motifs painted over everything from evening gowns to prim button-down blouses. The explosive clash of patterns is guaranteed to liven up any dreary day.
Styling Tip: Mixing prints is a modern move, but be sure to keep all your pieces in the same color family.
PYTHON: While leopard has run wild the past few seasons, snakes have taken a bigger bite out of Fall. Designers swooned over all things serpentine, and python in particular was offered as a decidedly chic and luxurious look. Whether as a second-skin dress or scaled back as an accent accessory, reptile is a wardrobe essential.
Styling Tip: Neutral-toned accessories are a classic way to tame the exotic edge of python. We love wearing it in hot jolts of color as a top or skirt—just one skin per outfit.
EMBELLISHMENT: Exquisite embellishment and decorative details finally swept away the ever-present spirit of utility. The feeling of opulence emerged in the form of feathers, beading, paillettes and lace appliqués, but it was Sarah Burton, Alexander McQueen’s material girl, who took a shine to the season most dramatically with glitzy gem-kissed collars and mirrored mosaics.
Styling Tip: Decadence can dial up your look around the clock, and sparkling sequins can spice up any outfit at the office while pretty plumes are perfect for cocktail hour.
MIXED BOUQUET: Having strewn spring’s runways with flowers, designers burst into bloom again for Fall. Whether in the form of girlish daisies and dandelions or simple sketched sprigs, these feminine flourishes are a garden of earthly delights.
Styling Tip: Bloom-inspired pieces go best with a great pair of stems, so opt for opaque black tights to winterize the look.
Leslie Christen writes "Wear to Where" for pacific-creative.digital each week. She is the owner of Leslie Christen | LifeStyling a business that does personal shopping, fashion styling, closet edits and organization. For tips on What to Wear and Where to Buy view her website at www.LeslieChristen.com and contact her at Style@LeslieChristen.com.
Blog

Opening Tomorrow!
08.09.11
Sprouts Farmers Market celebrates its grand opening starting at 7 a.m. Wednesday at its new E. 17th Street store in Costa Mesa. Find incredible savings on great-tasting, fresh foods and receive free reusable totes with all purchases throughout the day.
Be one of the first 500 customers to make a purchase, and you’ll receive a coupon booklet for 10 free sandwiches. There will also be a variety of popular items for just $1 and $2 through Sunday. Sprouts feature natural, organic and indulgence foods at a great value, including heaps of fresh produce, all natural meats, fresh seafood delivered almost daily, and more than 300 bins of bulk rice, spices, nuts, grains and coffee.
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
It’s at 222 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa.
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