Style Envy Fall Trends 2008

Finding my favorite looks for fall 2008 was easy. Most of the trends are the classics revisited with a modern attitude. It was just a matter of narrowing down what to include. Many of the must-have items and trends are beautiful pieces that you can wear for years to come. Remember, trends come and go. Style is your way of telling the world who you are. Discover your personal style – which may change slightly from year to year but will act as a solid foundation. Have fun with trends but don’t stray away from what works best for you.

COLORS
Berry colors – purple, violet, burgundy, plum, wine and cobalt. Experiment with neutrals like navy and gray. The brown (cognac, rich chocolates and warm sienna) handbag takes it's place this season's list of coveted colors. Black is back. Did it ever really leave us?

Shown here:Quilted Quincy patent leather hobo in wild peony by J.Crew, Chloe Saskia small tote,Ametrine Twisted Treasure bracelet by Hearts Desire Jewelry Sparkling and clear nuggets of Ametrine in soft shades of lavender and golden tones and carefully selected faceted amethyst along with faceted and smooth freshwater pearls join in this striking 5 strand bracelet. Nine West Cedargrove booties in purple suede.

SHOES & BOOTS
Stilettos –a trend? Hardly, here to stay and always in style,even better when you choose a heel height you can walk in comfortably. Many designers make sexy skinny heels in a range of 2” – 4-1/2”. Read about the Stiletto's at NET-A-PORTER.COM. If a stiletto is not your thing, a kitten heel can be chic alternative. Look for lace-up or peep-toe oxfords –with sky high heels. Very naughty school girl.

Booties –once again we’re seeing ankle boots – this season welcomes the addition of cut outs, straps , ties and decorative hardware. Upgrade your fall wardrobe with the bootie. The perfect blend of feminine and edgy with a skirt and tights or this season’s winter florals.Shown here from left to right; Sam Edelman Melanie boot. Snakeskin embossed leather trims the top of this vintage inspired peep toe bootie with alluring cutouts. A mix of gleeming patent leather, plush gray suede and sexy cutouts make up this mod look by Sigerson Morrison. The anything but basic black studded bootie is Babouska by Gucci.

TRENDS IN HOSIERY Fall 2008 hosiery gets influenced by the soft goth trends seen on the runway. You’ll see fishnet, lace patterns, colors in berry, sheer black and colored tights.

HANDBAGS: Totes, Big Bags and Animal Skin Clutches in taupes, textured black leathers with rich gold accents, rich berry, new neutrals like gray and navy.

FABRICS AND PATTERNS Satin, Lace, Suede and Leather. Satin is perfect for a day to night look. Wear a ruffled satin blouse under your jacket at work. Take the jacket off, add a piece of statement jewelry and your evening ready. Satin is also an affordable alternative to silk and can look just as appropriate for a special occasion. Lace isn’t always sweet. This vintage inspired fabric shows its punk side with metallic threading. Leather pants but in a much skinnier shape mimic leggings.

Satin and suede shoes make their way down the runway. Wear with care. They require extra care and many times special spray (for suede). I love jewel toned shoes in suede. Colors appear so luxurious and rich in suede. Find gorgeous satin and suede shoes at jcrew.com .

Winter Floral – rich jewel-tone floral prints are set against dark backgrounds. I love the idea of wearing floral all year. Tough up your winter floral pieces with short leather booties and soft goth statement.

Animal prints-a snakeskin pattern blouse, a leopard clutch or on shoes and bags in gemstone colors. pieces. Check out Steel Couture jewelry (our newest designer find) for some great looks.

Plaid – flashes of plaid. Don’t overdo this trend.

Fringe- the Gucci Fall 2008 collection has accents of fringe on booties and bags. Browse through the collection for ideas of how to wear this look. Wear this trend in small doses.

Feminine Blouses one of my favorite go to pieces is a blouse with a bow or ruffles. It brings a suit to life and turns pair of denim jeans into a evening look. Fall 2008 is overflowing with layered frill, bows, ruffles, elaborate folds and pleats. The look is feminine and best paired with something simple and strong. For an instant touch of ruffles or a bow use a scarf. Update your look with this leopard Ocelot Bow scarf by Echo available at echodesign.com. It's already tied in a bow. Just let it peek through a blazer or cardigan or wear with your favorite cashmere sweater. BOSS Black 'Itany' Silk Blouse
A large ruffle travels down a vibrant whiskey colored silk blouse with ruching details along the front panel. A slouched collar and loose cap sleeves complete this stunning look. If you love the look of a ruffle front dress you'll love the easy glamour of this Silk ruffle dress in Ashen gray.

Statement Jewelry - again something that really never goes out of style. A bold piece of jewelry is a simple way to update your look or give a casual outfit a shot of glamour.

Sunglasses are retro inspired cat eye frames updated with a more rounded shape.

SILHOUETTES
The Siren Dress – needs no explanation. If the dress is strong and sexy there's no need to over accessorize.

Classic Ladylike Look– Grace Kelly comes to mind. Simple and sleek shapes – form fitting with an aire of sophistication. A body hugging sheath dress stays sophisticated by stopping at the top of the knee. If you wear something that’s form fitting, like a pencil skirt. Keep it a conservative length. Remember balance is key. Of course pair it with a pair of stilettos or peep to pumps with a kitten heel. Shown here: 3.1 Phillip Lim Half bow blouse, Rebecca Taylor Pencil skirt, Anya Hindmarch Rocky Bag Kenneth, Jay Lane Gold Clusters Bracelet, Giuseppe Zanotti Tortoiseshell pumps
80's Techno Modern - bright colors – a little neon if your super trendy – leg warmers or socks.

Must-Have Looks for Fall 2008 –The short jacket - last years favorite makes an appearance. If you don’t already own one, I suggest you think about it. It’s a quick way to update your look. There are many affordable short jackets available. A statement coat - whether it's the red satin trench coat by Burberry or the double cloth lady day coat in royal violet by JCrew, a coat in an unexpected color, cut or fabric will keep you looking polished and modern.

Pants – the Katherine Hepburn/Lauren Bacall trouser. Trousers have a wider leg but still remain classically structured. Pair this look with a ruffled blouse and animal print pumps.

Designer to watch - Richard Chai. The Richard Chai Curve Seam Silk Dress embodies all that is fall. The shape hugs the body in the most flattering way. The design is filled with feminine details. From the front view the design is sleek and simple. Look further and you’ll discover the bottom and back is like a present filled with surprising details and lush ruffles. The Amethyst color is so rich and exciting. This is not a basic dress so it’s not in a basic color.