We saw it first with the arrival of fringe boots and bags, but now we are seeing an undeniable Native American influence on some of Fall’s best collections. Designers like Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen, and Gucci all have pieces that speak to the first people of America. The look has a strong link to nature - the wild side of nature, as well as its free-spirited face. To get the look, you should mix color, pattern, and texture. Ground an airy dress with the weight of leather, either in boots or a jacket. Bring in textures like suede, fur, and metal. Layer boots over leggings, vests over dresses, and necklaces over it all. I love the look, it has a bit of a bohemian feel but it’s more defined. A refreshing, and intriguing style. Can you pull it off?

free-spirited items in this observation:

It’s pretty fair to say that by the middle of August most of us are tired of our summer wardrobe. You stand looking into your closet feeling very uninspired as you try to find something to wear to a wedding you have this weekend. Walk Away! Go out and buy yourself a new dress that can easily work itself into your Fall wardrobe. The Julie Haus dress is perfection. It’s in one of Fall’s hottest color, Plum, and can be worn in a million different ways. When the weather gets colder you can pair it with opaque stockings and pumps. Or you can make it more funky by throwing on some boots. We’re loving this dress with layered gold necklaces; they will hang beautifully subtly emphasizing your assets. It’s sensual, rich, and sophisticated. We love the alluring quality of this outfit - it doesn’t give it all away at first glance. It will draw them in time and time again, and the wonderment will be infectious. Success!!

infectious items in this observation:

Mary Poppins’ tapestry bag worked wonders for her, but does it make magic for the rest of us? Gucci seems to think it does. They are featuring tapestry bags in their Fall accessories collection. Does the fact that Gucci deems them fashionable actually mean they are? Are you more likely to embrace it, because they designed it? To be honest, I took a longer look at it primarily because Gucci designed it. I would never have considered a tapestry bag before, but I actually think there are certain styles that can pull it off. I can see it on a woman who is a bit of a gypsy, free in style and spirit. She has great appreciation for an artisan’s work, and loves to acquire pieces that speak to a persons craft. While the bag may not be for me, on the right person it could work Mary Poppins style magic. If you don’t have a Gucci sized budget, we found a few at lower price points. Good Luck!

a tapestry of observations:

clockwise:

middle:

There is something so sexy about fringe and how it dances with every move you make. It goes to the heart of American style, along with denim and a classic white tee. The fringe of this season has graduated to the next level. High end designers like Gucci, Prada, and Thomas Wylde have used the best materials and design to create “über” fringe fashion. Retail shops like Asos, Topshop, and dELiA’s have fabulous fringe styles at more affordable prices. You don’t have to be completely country, or even a little cowboy to pull of the fringe of Fall 2008. Don’t go overboard; choose one item to showcase. A bag is a great way to pop in some fringe. Throw it over your shoulder and you immediately look current. Or pull on a pair of black boots over your jeans, and you’re look is a bit more modern and urban. To pull it off, you’ve got to love the piece you buy. That way, your love will inevitably enhance your creativity with the item. Enjoy!

observations with fringe:

Left side:

Middle:

Right Side:

We’ve all been there, too busy to get dolled up after we hit the gym. So, how do we do it without looking a mess? Easy… plan ahead. Pack a bag with a fresh pullover or wrap shirt, include some flip-flops, so you can get out of your sweaty sneaks, face wash, and your favorite make-up. Don’t go overboard with the make-up, you want to look sporty. Remember to choose pieces that dry easily and quickly. Wear sleek bottoms that work as well outside the gym as they do in. Or, you could always change into a pair after the workout. With all the new yoga clothing out there, you’re bound to find a perfect pair. Toss your hair back in a low pony-tail, throw on some shades, and you’re good to go - for a few hours anyway.

gym clothes in this observation:

Left:

Center:

Right:

Let’s play a little bit with color this summer. Bold colors have been everywhere all spring long, it’s no surprise it’s a trend that translates right into summer. A watch is great place to show some color and you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. Tons of companies have a bold colored watch in their collections. You can go ultra-feminine with a more delicate watch, or a sport watch in a big bold beautiful color. We love to see a brightly colored sports watch, because it’s a masculine watch in a feminine color. It becomes a more unexpected and intriguing piece. Grab a blue watch that’s the color of the summer sky. Or a yellow one that is as brilliant as the sun. There’s even candy colored pink, and tangerine orange. The colors are refreshing and completely cool for the summer. I’m considering the Gino Franco with the yellow band and the pink face. It’s like a combination of lemonade and pink grapefruit juice - love it!

watches in this observation:
1st Row:

2nd Row:

3rd Row:

It’s hard to even look at Gucci’s spring line without feeling a huge sense of loss. Tom Ford revived the House of Gucci almost the second he stepped up to the design table. In his ten years at Gucci, he took the company from a $230 million dollar company to a $3 billion dollar company. He was known around the world as a fashion genius. Gucci had become sleek with a modern edge while still maintaining classic lines. His vision aligned perfectly with how women around the world envisioned themselves.This season the lines are over the top, and not nearly as accessible to most women. It consists of giant, graphic patterns, black and white plaids, with strikes of yellow throughout. The lines are reminiscent of the eighties, in that they are overly structured. It is lacking the fluidity that has become so important to the modern day woman. It doesn’t look anything like the sensual Gucci we have all come to love and obsess over.

Gucci - please, oh please get Tom Ford back!!!