Fall Trends Preview For 2012

Posted on August 9, 2012 by nyic intern

New York City stores have officially switched seasons (goodbye neon, hello jewel tones!). Summer styles are on sale and fall clothes are everywhere. We may not be ready to let go of beach days and sun dresses just yet, but what better time than now to discuss what’s hot for the cooler days of fall.

Two major fall trends we’ve been spotting are leather – skirts and tops – and metallic – nails and shoes. Styled together or separate, leather clothing and metallic accessories are a must for fashionistas this fall.

Here, we have rounded up the crisp weather looks that we are eyeing for the upcoming months. Start shopping and planning now for your crisp weather wardrobe makeover!

Peplum tops

They were huge for spring and summer but worn with a cropped blazer and leather mini skirt, they are still going strong for next season. For a more office appropriate look, pair your favorite peplum with black trousers. Or, throw on your basic peplum with a pair of print trousers (which brings us to our next trend, see below).

Print trousers

These are a great statement piece for fall! If you are new to prints, opt for solid-colored blouses so that your fabulous pants do all the talking. However, if you are daring, you can mix prints. Just remember to keep colors in the same family and that stripes go with practically everything! Balance is key. With a slouchy trouser wear a tight fitting top. With a more fitted trouser wear a looser blouse (or peplum top!). If cropped, pair with a great oxford. If ankle length, wear with a wedge.

Jewel tone cords

Mix up textures and add some edge by wearing your jewel tone cords with a leather motorcycle jacket. Skinny ankle cords look great with printed or metallic oxford flats (remember to keep the shoes in the same color family as your pants) or ankle booties (which just happens to be our next fall fashion trend, see below).

Ankle booties

We agree it is too early to think about squeezing your bronzed legs into a knee-high boot. That’s why we love ankle boots! They are easy to slip on and easy to style with almost anything. A basic suede flat bootie is an everyday fall trend essential. They go with everything from your skinny jeans to your printed dresses. In addition, make sure to get an ankle boot with some flair or some height to wear for a night out. Worn with leather pants, black ankle boots not only make a great date night outfit but they elongate your frame.

Metallic Accessories

While we love the metallic trend for fall, don’t over do it with the accessories. Stick to one or two metallic details at a time. A metallic nail polish with a matching metallic belt looks ultra chic with a lace LBD for a night out. Or gold metallic pumps and a bronze tote worn with trousers and a blazer is just right for the office. Just remember, metallic accessories shine on their own so tone down the rest of your outfit when sporting this fall trend.

Stay tuned, fall is not even here yet, so there is more where this style advisory came from!

First Look: The London Olympic Uniforms, Country By Country!

Posted on July 25, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

As one of the most fashionable cities in the world, it comes as no surprise that top fashion designers have capitalized on the London Summer Olympic Games. Olympic athletes will be dressed to the nines beginning with the opening ceremonies on Friday, July 27.

Famous designers from different countries have created Olympic uniforms representing their home teams. These will be showcased during the 2012 summer games.

While some designers created looks strictly for the opening ceremonies, others have gone above and beyond to create performance wear lines athletes can actually compete in called “team kits.” With the whole world watching, we can assure you these Olympic Games are are going to mirror a true fashion runway show!

Here we take a look at 7 different countries’ Olympic uniforms (with our favorite being first) and the renowned designers who created their unique looks.

1st Place:

Jamaica (opening ceremony and team kit) designed by singer and designer Cedella Marley (Bob Marley’s daughter) in collaboration with Puma.

Marley said she used some of her father’s songs as inspiration for her designs. The line is vibrant and upbeat with flashy prints, a reflection of the Caribbean country’s culture.

2nd Place:

United Kingdom (team kit) designed by Stella McCartney in collaboration with Adidas.

“I always was excited from a design point of view in pushing boundaries on design technology so having access to materials that were cutting edge in the sporting arena and also working with different fabrics, ” said McCartney.

3rd Place:

Republic of San Marino (opening ceremony) designed by Salvatore Ferragamo.

In true Italian chic style, the line covers everything from sportswear to gala event with an emphasis on sophistication and craftsmanship.

4th Place:

New Zealand (opening ceremony) designed by Rodd & Gunn.

The line has a 1960s retro feel with the white trimmed blazers and busy patterned dresses.

5th Place:

France (equestrian team kit) designed by Hermes.

Hermes created tailored riding jackets using flexible technical fabrics to be worn by the show jumping and evening team.

6th Place:

United States (opening ceremony) designed by Ralph Lauren.

Although Ralph Lauren is under fire for these uniforms being made in China, we still think the red, white and navy designs represent true American patriotism and athleticism. However, we must question the berets, they look très French.

7th Place:

Italy (team kit) designed by Giorgio Armani.

“”Fashion represents a great Italian flag for the whole world and it is a beautiful idea to combine it with sports,” said Armani.

The London Olympic uniforms really represent a wide array of cultural styles and it’s incredible to see such big name designers coming forward to show their support.

Ambush Makeover For A Friend – A Do Or A Don’t?

Posted on July 11, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Have you ever thought about changing a female co-workers image? If so, don’t, and we repeat DON’T, suprise her with a Today Show style ambush makeover. She will feel humiliated and hurt.

Instead, talk to this person first to ensure they are on board. Then, and ONLY then, seek out a professional but PRIVATE image consultation.

In the world of fashion and beauty, we share stories with other image consultants. Recently, we heard about a company that drove an employee across the country (from Ohio!) for a “meeting in NYC”. Unbeknownst to her, she was meeting a stylist for a complete image overhaul. Let’s call her Betty.

Betty cried (not tears of joy) but went along with it anyway. She was already hundreds of miles from home and probably felt the pressure. With a fake smile plastered on her face, she sat through a hair makeover and color, a make-up tutorial and tried on dress after dress in Bloomingdales.

After an 8 hour day of altering her look, Betty went back to Ohio only to quit her job and return all the clothes her boss and personal shopper had purchased in NYC. She wasn’t ready for a change or willing to budge from her comfort zone.

With that being said, there are certain styles that should NEVER be tried in the professional world. Unfortunatly, Betty was sporting most of them.

If you are trying to determine whether or not your co-worker needs an image update, check this list for our top 3 cringe-worthy styles. But remember, sometimes the soft approach is a better remedy for bad fashion than a surprise beauty and wardrobe trip:

Business in the front, party in the back hair (A.K.A. mullets)

There should be no party going on with your hair if you want to be taken seriously. To change a mullet hairstyle into a more polished do, cut off the length in the back and go with a shorter, choppier style with bangs. This will look more professional but still keeps things fun.

Moo Moo dresses

Do not hide under shapeless dresses. They look sloppy and are unflattering. Clothing does not have to be skin tight but a little tailoring goes a long way in making you look better and feel more confident. Wrap dresses (we love Diane Von Furstenburg‘s signature wrap dress) and dresses with rouching are great alternative styles that will accentuate your shape while concealing flaws.

Purple eyeliner

Colored eye make-up can make you look like a clown if not put on properly. If you must have purple on your eyes, we suggest laying off the bold hued pencil and opting for a soft lilac shadow instead. Also, head to your local department store’s make-up counter for a free tutorial on how to apply eye make-up.

Hampton’s Summer Fashion 2012: Montauk Edition

Posted on June 21, 2012 by nyic intern

Heading out east this summer? Whether jamming out to Ziggy Marley at the trendy Surf Lodge or star spotting at the local IGA (hello @Julianne Moore!), Montauk is the place to be and be seen this summer. There is a laid back charm to this town that can be felt the minute you step off the Jitney. Get ready to shed that work attire and plan for a complete summer style makeover!

Spotted directly from Montauk’s gorgeous beaches, bars and restaurants, we have rounded up some of the hottest fashion trends to help you pack for your weekend getaway. Think Bohemian chic meets Palm Beach.

Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are a wardrobe staple for watching the sunset at Navy Beach. We are especially loving maxi dresses in tribal patterns and brightly colored prints. The flowier the better but don’t be afraid to show off some of that bronzed skin – a plunging neckline or an open back is right on trend for the rising temperatures. Choose a maxi in a light-weight jersey fabric for extra comfort. Worn with a pair of simple metallic flats you will ease right in with the locals.

Halle Berry in a deep V-maxi halter dress/ Ella Moss Printed Maxi Dress

Crochet tops & fringe

Crochet is one of the biggest trends out east this summer because nothing feels better than the breeze of the beach on your skin. We especially like over-sized crochet tops in off-white hues. Throw one on over your bikini and a pair of denim cut-offs for the perfect bathing suit cover up. Then head over to the beach-side Sloppy Tuna to cool off with a delicious cocktail.

We are seeing a lot of fringe this year especially on crop tops and cross body bags. Wear a fringed crop top with a pair of floral printed high wasted shorts for daytime festivities or layer a fringe adorned top over a casual form fitting mini-dress for a night of steamers at Gosman’s Dock. A mini cross-body bag in a bright hue with fringe adornments is an ultra stylish way to carry around the essentials (think camera, sunscreen, lip gloss and cell phone).

Free People Tape Yarn Beach Sweater in optic white/ Ralph Lauren small fringe cross body/ Heartloom Bohemian Fringe Crop Top

Tribal-chic flat sandals

Flats are a fashionistas best friend in Montauk. Don’t get stuck trying to maneuver the sandy, beach-themed bars in 4-inch heels. Instead, style your night time ensemble with a pair of flat sandals in a bright Chinle print or ones with beaded Ikat accents. (Read what fashion’s “tribal” prints are really called @Refinery29). Find a unique pair of flat sandals at the Brooklyn flea market and you will not only be comfortable but you will be the talk of the town. Before you know it the locals will be looking to you for their own fashion makeover inspiration!

Cynthia Vincent Love Sandal in Multi (also available in coral and black/white)/ Giuseppe Zanotti Tribal Cuffed Flat Sandal

Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Trends

Posted on April 25, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Alex Woodhall

Regular contributor at the UK-based men’s online fashion blogs FashionBeans.com and wardrobewarrior.co.uk, Alex Woodhall is one stylishly busy writer. He took some time out of his schedule to create a guest blog post for us devoted to his picks for this summer’s best menswear trends. We want our male readers to look divinely fashionable this season, so pay attention to Alex’s wardrobe makeover tips for the styles of the season.

Here’s what Alex had to say:

As summer draws ever nearer, it’s around that time where your spring summer wardrobe begins to make an appearance; shorts are reinstated having been shelved. and lighter fabrics fleet-foot their way to the front of the queue. Today I’m going to introduce some of the major trends hitting menswear this spring summer season.

1) Prints

It may seem a little loud at first glance and impossible to pull off at the second look, but prints are by far one of the biggest menswear trends of the season. Shirts, trousers and even blazers have been given the print treatment as polka dots, paisley, camouflage and the like look to entrench themselves into the male wardrobe for the coming season.

The easiest way to wear print successfully is to anchor it with a neutral: for example Pair paisley trousers with a plain shirt and blazer or trench to avoid clashes. Similarly if you wanted to rock a polka-dot top, neutralize the pattern with some plain trousers in a safe color like grey or navy.

2) Double-Print

The alternative to playing it safe with an anchoring neutral, is to brave double prints. This is definitely not one for the novice and requires a lot of confidence in yourself and your look. Essentially you don’t need to worry about clashing prints but should be aware of complimenting colors, you can make the look easier to pull off by opting for smaller prints such rather than ‘go big or go home’ tribal inspired patterns, like those seen at Burberry Prorsum SS12.

I’d also fully recommend easing yourself into the trend with some accessories. A bold scarf, bag, tie or even pocket square is an easy, subtle way to incorporate a variety of prints into your outfit.

3) Double-Breasted

Make yours a double this season with tailoring reminiscent of the power-dressing 80s. Forget wide shoulders and unflattering flares, a modern DB should be slim cut and with softer shoulders. The beauty of double-breasted is that, yes it is currently trending but it is also timelessly stylish and will always look sharp. Accessorize with a pocket square and possibly a lapel pin for the authentic sartorial effort.

4) Blue

Yes blue, the color which adorned the walls of the bedroom and clothes of your new-born-self. It may rouse up the debate prints do but blue has potential to be as loud or toned down as you want it to be and can be used to create some great outfits.

An all blue outfit created through tonal shades is the best way to rock this trend and when combined with tailoring it creates a really sharp look. GQ dressed Ewan McGregor in a couple of all blue outfits in their January issue showing you how to rock this trend in the best way.

Tell us, which of these wardrobe makeover trends will you be trying here in New York City? If you have any questions, you can always tweet us at @NewYorkImage or follow Alex at @AlexWoodhall.

Until next time!

Nail Art Style Beauty Advice for Spring and Summer 2012

Posted on April 12, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Thank goodness those boring French Manicures are over and done with! The Stepford Wives look reigned supreme for so long, we didn’t think anything would ever surpass it. Now, nail art has evolved with cooler and edgier colors. We love any style makeover that goes from from dull to electric!

Take a look at some of our favorite new nail makeover tips as you wave goodbye to the old.

COLOR ME NEON

Bursts of neon are everywhere this spring and neon nail art is a fantastic way to add a brightly colored splash to your summer look.

Pop princess Katy Perry knows neon polish is a great pop accent

REMAIN NEUTRAL

Taupe, grey, or beige looks charming this season and goes well with a day or night look.

Katherine Heigl's neutral hues compliment any look

PATTERNING

This is better be left for the professionals manicurists, but patterned nails are way too adorable not to try! Ask your manicurist for something simple, like stripes, to start with.

Solange Knowles loves a funky patterned nail print

GREEN SPACES

Maybe the spring smell of freshly cut grass has gone to everyone’s heads because green is so in. Go for a wild, shimmery green or a lighter, minty green for a fresh nail look.

Lauren Conrad has gone green

OMBRE ALL OVER

Ombre is simply beautiful. Either in dark tones or light tones, this is definitely statement nail art for the fashion risk-taker!

Models at Jen Kao SS2012 made ombre nails a hit

Fashion We Like NOW: Floral Denim

Posted on April 11, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Celebrity fashion stylists all over New York City have one thing on their minds: floral prints! They are totally unavoidable this season, in the best possible way. Jeans, shorts and capris have all been seen on celebrities and fashionable New Yorkers. We like the warm weather feminine feel of floral-printed denim and totally recommend this summer fashion trend.

Here’s how to wear floral denim:

Match your Shape to your Florals

If you’ve got a small frame and want to add some curves, pick a floral that is big and bright. If you’re born with some dangerous curves, then try a smaller flower print.

Stick to What you Know

Since floral denim will be cropping up all over, you’ll see it in a variety of styles. Pick a denim style that you normally go for. If you’re not a shorts girl, don’t buy floral denim cut-offs, they’ll most certainly just sit in your closet until whenever this style comes back around. Do you wear skinny leg jeans? Great, go for a skinny leg floral.

What About the Top?

Easy, pick a solid colored simple t-shirt or blouse. Try to find one that brings out the color of the print. The pants are eye-catching, the shirt should be a compliment.

Jewels & More

As for accessories, long strand necklaces and sunnies are a great accent for this summery ensemble. We like cropped jeans with flats for a day look and a neutral-toned heel for night.

Fashion Forecast: Summer 2012, Bright & Beautiful

Posted on March 26, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Is it getting hot in here? Summer is just around the corner and this season is full of fashion inspirations. From prints that pop to nude shoes, get ready for the best trends summer 2012 has to offer with our fashion forecast! If you need any advice, make sure you talk to our image specialist who will help guide you through any makeover tips!

Starting from the top: Hair Trends

From day to night, the look is wavy and wild or slick and styled. Models at Hervé Léger wowed audiences with slicked-back ponytails that defied the standard while models at Givenchy’s ready-to-wear show gave off a more relaxed feel with loose and lightly styled tresses.

Herve Leger Hairstyle Trend: Unexpected Ponytails

Givenchy Hairstyle Loose and Wild Trend 2012

Givenchy Hairstyle Trend: Loose and Wild Waves

Kiss and Makeup

This season, well-defined eyebrows become the focus of the face–as featured in Vogue and all over Fashion Week’s catwalks. Especially, if they’re paired with light or nude lips. Otherwise, there’s always the smoldering cat eye look, a favorite of fashionistas across the globe.

Makeup Trend: Exaggerated Cat-eye (Emma Stone)

Vogue Magazine Makeup Trends 2012 Eyebrows

Makeup Trend: Well-defined Brows, Vogue Magazine

Always Accessorize

As that saying goes, “Go big or go home” That sounds like a great description for summer’s big bracelets, earrings and necklaces! Designers like Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy and Aurélie Bidermann are on top of the list with baubles that are sure to turn heads and add punch to any outfit.

Jewelry Trend: Aurelie Bidermann Necklace

Jewelry Trend: Givenchy Shark Tooth Necklace

Print Me Up! Print Me Down!

Bold, statement making prints are this summer’s fashion staple. Jil Sander, Peter Som, and Stella McCartney are just some of the designers that went wild for bursts of color using ethnic inspirations and neon graphics in their work. Beware, this trend is not for the wallflowers. Wear it loud and proud!

Trend: Peter Som's Bold Prints

Trend: Stella McCartney Prints

Flower Power

Maybe it’s the aromatic smell of blooming flowers that inspires us to fall in love with floral prints this summer. Designers Mary Katrantzou for Top Shop and Anna Sui did! This sweet trend is worth a try.

Trend: Anna Sui's Florals

Floral Trend Summer 2012 mary katrantzou

Trend: Mary Katrantzou's Florals

Tip-Toe

Louis Vuitton, Guiseppe Zanotti and lots of other designers are showing cap-toe shoes this season. Cap-toes have been around for a while, but look has a modern twist with bright, two-tones or metallic tips. It’s an update on the classic, with some drool-worthy results.

Trend: Modern Cap-toe by Louis Vuitton

Trend: Bright Two-Tone by Guiseppe Zanotti

Barefoot Beauty

Light colors, nudes and understated tones are this summer’s hottest shoe trends. Designers to watch are Phillip Lim and Alejandro Ingelmo, who fully embraced the quiet, sleek sexiness of a soft color palate. Consider this trend a minimalistic approach to shoes.

Trend: Nude Shoe by Phillip Lim

Trend: Nude Shoes by Alejandro Ingelmo

Spring 2012 – Sheer Style, Pretty Prints, and Funky Bags

Posted on February 10, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Believe it or not, spring isn’t always about florals and pastels. More often than not, the best thing about this time of year is trying out something fresh and new. Get inspired by including the hot spring trends that will be making their way into the top boutiques around the country. After all, there’s nothing better than celebrating the new season by stepping out in sensational style!

If you’re the kind of woman that wants to start the season off with a splash, why not take a chance with a sheer sweater? They’re just as fashionable as they are comfortable and are light enough for a casual day around town. You can take a page out of Rebecca Taylor‘s book and pair one with a sharp blazer or go the demure route and complement them with white and neutral colors like Rag & Bone and Fendi did. Should you decide to take things a step further; you can pair a cropped sheer sweater with a full skirt a la Oscar de la Renta!

Rebecca Taylor

Fendi

Oscar De La Renta

Rag & Bone

Perhaps, you are looking for a way to break out when it comes to your style. The easiest way to make that happen would be with printed shorts, which are huge this spring. Much bolder than the lace and pastels that are normally associated with this time of year, this season’s selection offers geometric prints and dizzying designs that would look fabulous on anyone. The high-waisted shorts that dominated the Balmain, Balenciaga, Richard Chai, and Erdem recalled the 50s silhouettes that provide the femininity that epitomizes springtime style.

Balmain

Balenciaga

Richard Chai

Erdem

Another great way to set your style apart from the rest this spring is with a funky bag that jazzes up your look. The season’s picks specialize in mixed textures such as snakeskin and leather, which gives you that bang for your buck. Choose a tote such as Fendi’s colorblock bag or a saddle bag like Michael Kors’ lovely satchel to punch up your neutrals for a fabulous spring look. If color is your go-to trend this spring, you’ll find that Diane Von Fustenberg’s woven clutch or Emilio Pucci’s multicolor clutch bag will add that splash of color that you’ll definitely adore!

Diane Von Furstenberg

Emilio Pucci

Fendi

Michael Kors

Spring brings plenty of opportunities to showcase fantastic fashion, you will find that it is easy to incorporate the latest trends into your wardrobe. With just the right amount of help from us at New York Image Consultant, you will definitely look wonderful for the season. You certainly have an incentive to start anew with your spring wardrobe, which will work wonders for you!

Spring 2012 – What’s Trendy This Season

Posted on January 25, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

Though the weather outside is frightful, the thought of spring style is certainly delightful. While we’re still a few months away from warmer weather, it’s always good to be prepared when it comes to looking good. This is why it is the perfect time to get to the trends that will be popping up in boutiques this season. After all, shopping savvy is the key to getting those wardrobe pieces that you want, need, and must have in your life!

With the return of tribal prints to the style palette, it seems that déjà vu is a theme this spring. Fans of the funky print will be happy to know that that it has carried over from last fall via safari-inspired pieces. Designers such as Carolina Herrera and Michael Kors embraced eye-popping color in their mixed prints, while Donna Karan and Herve Leger played with raw textures to highlight the tribal theme. You can easily work the tribal trend into your spring wardrobe by pairing it with solid neutrals such as a simple top or leather accessories such as a braided brown belt.

carolinaherreratribal_blog donnakarantribal_blog

hervelegertribal_blog michaelkorstribal_blog

On the flip side, pastels are back in fine form as this season’s version of the classic neutral standard. Equally posh and it is pretty, this palette showcases the gentle side to spring while highlighting femininity in all women. DVF and Erdem presented polished versions of pastel in their Spring 2012 collections, while 3.1 Philip Lim and Jonathan Saunders offered a flouncy take on these beloved hues. Have fun with these colors and try out the color-blocking effect by pairing a peach top with a pair of mint-colored pedal pushers.

philiplimpastels_blog dvfpastels_blog

eerdempastels_blog jonathansaunderspastels_blog

Spring 2012 has also given way to edgier fashion in the form of fabulous footwear. Statement heels, in particular, have made a powerful impression on the catwalk as they created quite the buzz. Barbara Bui‘s heels competed with Balenciaga‘s and Walter Steiger‘s for the title of most sensational skyscrapers, while Aperlai and Manolo Blahnik gave pastels a nod with their head-turning designs. Consider statement heels as your opportunity to add an edgy touch to your spring wardrobe as you pair them with a chic minidress.

barbarabuistastatementheels_blog balenciagastatementheels_blog

aperlaistatementheels_blog waltersteigerstatementheels_blog
manoloblahnikstatementshoes_blog

With the spring season providing you with ample ways to embrace fabulous fashion, it is a great reason to punch up your style. After all, you want to make sure that you look your very best in the latest trends, as we have shown you plenty of ways to make this happen. Do stay tuned to our next report on this spring’s fashion Dos, as we at New York Image Consultant have got the inside scoop of what is hot and happening this season!

New York Image Style Report

New York Image Consultant

Category Archives: Fashion Trend 2012