SheFinds» Trend Alert

Trend Alert: The Flirty New Plaid–Lumberjacks Need Not Apply

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:00:43 +0000

We love plaid shirts–if you love the style, too, consider continuing the trend into spring with a few pieces perfect for transitional weather. You can wear them lots of ways. That’s how you know they’re worth the money.

Roxy does a great transitional plaid dress ($19) that works in winter with a pair of tights and booties, and is equally cute for spring with ballet flats.

The basic wardrobe addition: A peppy LOFT plaid scarf ($34) takes a basic dress or cardigan to the next level.

This Splendid plaid dress ($139) in pastel colors lets the plaid be a little more feminine–without compromising its roots, which are casual and cool.

The American Eagle plaid fedora ($19.95) makes a plain pair of jeans that flatter your shape and a button-down shirt seem instantly dressed up.

Hurley plaid halter top ($19.99) and bikini bottoms ($42) are different than the standard bikini–why not switch things up on your next vacation?

Get more in our guides to plaid shirts, see our spring trends, and be inspired by our guide to celebrity denim styles, skinny jeans, and black jeans that work with everything in your closet. Subscribe to our newsletter for all the best sales and deals.

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The Safari Jacket That Everyone Loves–From Petite To Plus Sized

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 18:30:28 +0000

While runway looks on models don’t always translate off the runway, one item designers always come back to is the safari jacket. Since the ’70s, these versatile jackets have crept back onto the runway (and into our closets)–and for good reason. They add instant structured style to dresses, fitted trousers, and even shorts, helping you survive the jungle of your busy life in seconds. The best part is you can utilize the functional cargo pockets and leave that gigantic bag at home–it’s so 2006 anyway.

The real reason this spring trend works is because it’s structured enough to create a clean line, so petites feel more pulled together with a safari jacket that has a belt, because it creates a waist. If you’re looking to hide your tummy, you’re in luck: the short-sleeved safari jacket allows you to be comfortable, but buttoned up, all the while streamlining your look easily. It is an easy piece you can throw on if you have no clue about how to dress for your body type. See more shirts to hide your tummy, and get Spanx swimwear before it sells out, too.

Pockets on top of pockets means enough room for your lipstick, Blackberry, wallet, keys, and any other essentials you need for your daily life. Gap ($86.50) has mastered the art of belting, buttons, and pockets in this waist-cinching jacket.

This simplified version by Isaac Mizrahi for Target ($14.99) is such a steal that no one will believe that you spent less on your new spring jacket then on last night’s dinner.

Take the safari look to a literal level with this belted blazer by Newport News ($49). We don’t necessarily recommend including the giant sunhat unless you really are tramping through a real life jungle.

Shell out a few more dollars for a more heavy duty jacket, like this timeless number by Tory Burch ($365).

Get all the best clothes and accessories for spring with our guide to rain gear and really chic rain boots. And see how you should plan your spring wardrobe by checking out our top five spring trends.

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Trend Spotting: Black Lace Off The Red Carpet And Onto Main Street

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:30:06 +0000

Celebrities have been liking the black lace trend for a number of months now, each taking it to more and more adventurous levels than the last. But because the look is a hair short of walking out of the house in lingerie, it just never seemed incredibly approachable–until now. Out at dinner last night, I came across a woman wearing the trend just like the celebs: black lace top, black bra, nothing else. OK, so I’m not condoning you do the same, but black lace can be pretty without being tacky. Here are a few numbers that do the trend right without baring all.

Wear this basic Free People Scandalous Lace Top ($48) over your favorite black cami and under a blazer for a sexy, yet functional day to night look.

For a luxurious take on the trend, try topping off a pencil skirt and pumps with this Robbi & Nikki Ruffle Lace Halter ($165) with its delicate pattern and cascade of ruffles.

Keep your look subtle by just wearing lace on your back–this is a great way to show off your time spent at the gym. The C&C California Lace Back Tank ($45) has a pretty cowl neck front, to boot.

Lastly, consider this Diane von Furstenberg Hasina Top ($179) a trend with a twist in dark violet. It’s less harsh than a jet black top and the classic scoop neck and lace sleeves give it just a touch of sex appeal.

Want to integrate some lace into your wardrobe? Check out our advice on what goes with lace, how to wear lace tights, and accessorizing lace dresses. Plus, don’t miss these new trends.

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Would You Give The Cold Shoulder (Jewelry) Trend A Whirl?

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 22:00:48 +0000

We love weird trends, so we couldn’t help but look twice when we saw this jewelry to adorn our bare shoulders, which gives the phrase “cold shoulder” a whole new meaning. Would you wear it? We couldn’t help but wonder what will be next: elbow earrings, or knee bracelets, perhaps?

Strangely enough, the shoulder jewelry line, Babette Epaulette, was inspired by a certain pop star the designer once worked with. Post your guesses who inspired the cold shoulder trend in the comments, and tell us if you’d wear it.

[Photos courtesy Babette Epaulette]

Tell us in the comments if you’d wear it, and which pop star you think inspired this look, plus check out our guide to the best one-shoulder dresses, shoes, and jewelry.

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Top 9 Improbable Fashion Trends Of 2009

Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:00:30 +0000

Our countdown to 2010 would not be complete without a roundup of the odd fashion trends we never could have predicted. Here are our votes for the best 9 of 2009:

1. Vampires: Vampire-inspired makeup, jewelry and clothes were an odd if not entirely surprising spawn of the wildly successful Twilight series, among other Vampire-related media.

2. Harem Pants: Mostly weird because we see no reason to drop the crotch of a pant, thus shortening the leg and making most shirts seem out of proportion. Less weird looking if, as usual, you are very tall and thin.

3. Cocktail shorts: We’re totally fine with the spring version of this trend – a modern, masculine-ized take on the sundress. Just please don’t buy jacquard hot pants and wear them with tights to a holiday fete.

4. Jumpsuits: These onesies can be flattering when done correctly, but have lots of potential to go wrong: Too loose and you’re reporting for combat, too tight and you’re a streetwalker from the seventies.

5. Shoulder pads: The new versions are actually quite subtle and wearable, but we’re not sure what possessed brands to bring back the ghastly eighties mainstay in the first place. Maybe the challenge.

6. Liquid leggings: These work if you’re super tall and super skinny. For everyone else: it’s ok if you’re not comfortable wearing reflective pleather stretched over your butt. Neither are we.

7. Sequin leggings: We’ll go out on a limb and say these aren’t really classy, ever. And are even more reflective than liquid leggings.

8. Monokinis: The first generation of this bikini-one-piece hybrid was almost universally unflattering, but designers have slowly created more figure-friendly cutouts – we’ll be looking for them this spring–along with Spanx swimwear.

9. Peep-toe booties: I’ll repeat what I said the first time I saw these in 2008: If I’m wearing boots, that means it’s cold outside, and my toes should be covered up.

For from our countdown series, see the Top 9 Fashion Collaborations of 2009, and if you haven’t checked your Fashion IQ lately, check out our Taste Tests.

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The Most Stylish Celebs Continue To Cut Up The Red Carpet

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 22:30:27 +0000

Known for her awesomely edgy taste, Rihanna stepped out for The American Music Awards in this striking Marchesa gown, and as always, she was on trend. Cut-outs were a central theme on last night’s red carpet. Mad Men star January Jones donned a slightly more modest, (but equally covet-worthy) razor slashed frock in electric purple. We’ve long loved the cut-out trend, but if you’re going to dabble in this daring look, we suggest these simpler styles, below.

The risque shoulder cut-outs on Alice + Olivia’s long sleeved design are balanced out by not-too-clingy fabric and a conservative neckline. We also like Kain’s comfy, tank dress for its subtle side slashes–so unexpected, you almost don’t notice them at first glance.

Want more tips? Browse our guides to the best in sweater dresses, wrap dresses and celebrity dresses.

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Is The Future: Conjoined Knees

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:00:27 +0000

Move over, bound feet – we’ve got a new way to hobble women for the modern era. Trendhunter brought us shots of conjoined-knee clothing from the brand Arajo (and we’re sorry to report that we have absolutely no idea where one actually buys these wacky onesies.

Besides the most glaring, obvious detail, we also find it notable that these looks are one-piece items. Hobbled knees might not be a must-do, but a good onesie never hurt anyone. We like Current/Elliott’s short sleeve jumpsuit, which is trendy without being so cool it doesn’t allow us to, you know, walk.

Need more eye-catching elements in your wardrobe? Check out our guides to harem pants and fingerless gloves for some good ideas.

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Forget Pepper Spray, You’ll Be Safe And Sound In Louise Goldin For Topshop

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:00:25 +0000

If you thought Alexander McQueen’s now-famous Fashion Week pumps were monstrous, get a load of these crazy, ultra-glam shoes from Louise Goldin for Topshop. We got a sneak peak of the upcoming collection, thanks to Mykromag, and although it’s clear you could seriously injure someone while wearing these, we still think they’re pretty darn cool. This fashion-forward designer knows that extreme footwear is it right now – just be careful when crossing your legs, ripped tights don’t go with these heels.

It may be difficult to find equally spikey shoes right now (we’ll see if Goldin’s line starts a movement come spring) but you can’t go wrong with some trendy studded styles. Dolce Vita’s Trinity pumps are chic (and the studs won’t break the skin) while Steve Madden’s glitzy gladiator heels will certainly jazz up any ensemble.

For some slightly less daring designs, be sure to check out our guides to the best in platform shoes and high heeled boots.

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Get One Step Ahead In The Booming, Extravagant Shoe Market

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:30:01 +0000

The fashion industry may still be suffering as a result of our floundering economy, but according to the Los Angeles Times, shoe sales seem to be on the rebound.

Designers have only gotten more creative with their footwear, and from studded bondage shoes to unbelievably high heels, styles are getting increasingly extreme. Supposedly, many women feel that investing in an expensive “standout” shoe is more prudent than shelling out for say, a faux fur vest. So, buyers are tending to go for crazy, aggressive platforms and bizarre not-shoe shoes to make plainer ensembles more eye-catching. After all, who could forget Alexander McQueen’s twelve inch lochness monster pumps at Fashion Week?

Need your own pair of fun, festive footwear? We like L.A.M.B.’s interesting but understated cut out bootie and Frye’s studded take on the Deborah boot.

If you’re on the prowl for more statement shoes, we suggest you take a look at our guides to the best boots, platforms, and party shoes.

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Inflate (And De-Inflate) Your Chest

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:00:41 +0000

Move over, water bra. The greatest thing, and there are many, about this Chinese inflatable bra is that you can de-inflate it, too. You know, for a demure look, which is clearly what this piece of lingerie is all about. Going up two cup sizes is really recommended for “parties.”

Alas, the She’s Mine bra is available only in China, but we did manage to find you some inflatable inserts, so any normal brassiere can take you up a cup size or two. Or, in a more normal vein, you can cop the lacy look and still get the cleavage with this Calvin Klein push-up bra.

Though none of the options could double as a life-preserver, be sure to check out the best in bras for big busts, for smaller busts, and for wearing under t-shirts, in order to cover all your lingerie needs.

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