The Trends: New York Fashion Week 2013

Now that Fashion Week is over, style editors have a chance to sit back, breathe and examine each collection to decide on the trendiest of all trends for the coming season.

Lucky for you, we’re doing all the work. So, you get to enjoy the trends and highlights of Fashion Week on us! We’re examining the trends that we saw from runway to runway and focusing on the ones that can be worn in your day-to-day life, because face it, not all the runway looks can be replicated in the office or out with friends.

Here are our favorite trends from New York Fashion Week 2013 and how to wear them in your regular life:

1. Military Bottoms: These are not your usual skinny army cargo pants. These have some room for movement and are made with a lighter textile. Rebecca Taylor and Rag & Bone both showed the new military-esque pants.

2. Folk for Days: Floral-patterned embroidery was seen on the models of Prabal Gurung and Suno. The bright tone of this aesthetic is a welcomed change from this winter’s darker hues. Well, almost. Most of the floral patchwork was sewn atop of black dresses or dark green suits making the contrast between the colors a splendid site.

3. Overexposed Prints: These tech-created prints look like sunspots, bleach stains and bits of overexposed in a photograph. The sun-kissed looks were seen all over from Creatures of Comfort to Rachel Comey. This fun take on print-making makes wearing a dress with a peek-a-boo ray of sunshine feel warm and perfect for the spring and summer seasons.

4. Quilt-Making: Quilting was seen on everything from skirts to coats this season. It reminds me of those classic Chanel bags, but less pronounced. On the 2013 runways, leather dresses and skirts were a quilting favorite. The new quilting is more subtle and was best utilized by Elizabeth and James, Theyskens’ Theory and DKNY.

5. Sexy Sweatpants: This must sound crazy. How, how can sweatpants be any kind of sexy? Well, they can when the pants are leather. Everyone needs a break from skinny pants and leather sweats are a great new shape for pants. Not to mention, they look awesome with booties. Who did it best? J Brand, Christian Siriano and Charlotte Ronson all featured a look reminiscent of a bad girl in gym class. Don’t knock it before you try it!

Which of these trends are you eager to try and which are you going to skip? See you after London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week when we have more fashion week trends to show you.

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

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.

The Extra Spiffy T-Shirt Makeover

Jerry Spiffy T shirts

Jerry from Extra Spiffy

Normally, we blog about style tips and image makeovers. This time around, we’re going a bit more casual. T-shirts have slowly crept their way into becoming a fashion staple for city folk and every designer has a bold graphic t-shirt in their line. As summer approaches, we couldn’t ignore the t-shirts anymore. Besides, a good graphic tee works well to add color  to any casual look.

We were lucky enough to convince super graphic designer Jerry Hayes from the label Extra Spiffy to select some of his favorite graphic shirts right now. Take a  look at his picks and let us know how you wear your tees:

“Even though I’m pretty diverse and picking favorites is tough for me, I managed to find four picks. One from a new company I found that had a nice design, two from companies I’m a fan of, and last but not least, an in-home favorite of mine.”

 

1) So this new company called DTA (Don’t Trust Anyone) had a great design, “Like A Fish Tee” based on a cool phrase, “Drown your sorrows.” This design could have gone wrong, but they used just the right amount of detail. Also, the typography was done well. I favor the white tee, it’s clean.

Spiffy Tshirt Mens Trend Summer

 

2) Next we have the “Emblem Tee,” by HUF. The small chest print is subtle and the back design reads, “WORLDWIDE DIRTBAG CREW” and reminds me of 7’ dudes named Tiny. I’m a fan of HUF’s work, plus they use a capital H on their hats and apparel, which I’m proud to wear because my last name starts with the same letter.

Menswear Makeover 2012 NYIC

 

3) So, ONLY NY is similar to Supreme (another apparel company) in my opinion, which may be why I like them. This brand is extremely innovative and is a good reference of what I’d like to do with my company in the future. The tee I picked from them is the “Service Tee,” because it’s so simple but has such strong elements. The circle and rectangle shape contrast well along with the blue and red color topped off with their fresh logo in white. Also, the back displays a past year, which gives me a nostalgic feeling.

menswear 2012 tshirts trend 2012 summer

4) As far as my pick from my catalog, I’m torn. It’s between the “Geronimo Jump Tee” and the “BKLYN 718 Tee,” but I’m going with the “BKLYN 718 Tee” because that’s my backyard. The design came about using a familiar font that will probably be displayed heavily in our catalog. Once I was happy with the kerning, I added the knock out on the 718 for a retro look. I like it a lot and it’s getting really good feedback so far. We also just dropped it in a Tank top as well so check ‘em out.

menswear tshirt design 2012

Spring/Summer 2012 Menswear Trends

mens fashion trends wardrobe

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

Fashion 2012 Summer MenswearIt 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

summer mens style fashion makeover

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

men fashion wardrobe style tips new york

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

nyc stylist consult wardrobe makeobver men

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.

Men 2012 NYC Fashion stylist Consultant

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

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.

nail trends fashion summer

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.

nail polish trends summer

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.

polish trends 2012 spring summer

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.

nail polish trends fashion style 2012

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!

nail polish trend style fashion 2012

Models at Jen Kao SS2012 made ombre nails a hit

 

Fashion Forecast: Summer 2012, Bright & Beautiful

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 Hairstyles 2012

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.

Emma Stone Makeup Trend

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.

Aurelie Bidermann Necklace Trend

Jewelry Trend: Aurelie Bidermann Necklace

Givenchy Jewelry Trends 2012

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!

Bold Prints Trend Summer 2012

Trend: Peter Som's Bold Prints

Summer Trends Prints 2012

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.

Anna Sui Floral Summer 2012

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.

Louis Vuitton Shoe Trend 2012

Trend: Modern Cap-toe by Louis Vuitton

 

Shoe Trend 2012 Summer

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.

Summer Shoe Trend 2012

Trend: Nude Shoe by Phillip Lim

 

Shoe Trend 2012 Nude Summer

Trend: Nude Shoes by Alejandro Ingelmo

 

Spring 2011 Bloomingdales Designer Sale!!!

Next Wednesday and Thursday there will be a huge blowout designer sale taking place at Bloomingdale’s on 59th street and Lexington.  Amandawill be taking as many appointments as she can during this mega sale.  All high end designer brands will be on sale for the two days on all of their previous fall/winter as well as new spring/summer items.  This would be a great chance to stock up on fall/winter merchandise for the upcoming year or to even snag some great spring/summer items to be completely trendy and fashionable for this upcoming season.Visit the New York Image Consultant website for further info as well as how to contact Amanda Sanders to schedule your shopping appointment and make over during the huge breakout sale.  www.newyorkimageconsultant.com.  This sale would also be a great opportunity and gift to give a mom or a great women in your life as a fantastic and life changing and fun mothers day gift; so think about it and consider it.  Don’t forget go log onto our website and book your appointment now while you still have time! We look forward to working with you soon!

Top Ten Female Wardrobe Tips

Although no women’s body is exactly the same and females come in all different shapes and sizes; there are still a few wardrobe tips that every female can follow in order to get the best use out of their wardrobe.  Also if you as a female follow these ten simple tips, you will in return become a much savvier shopper and learn how to best dress your body.

1. Opt for open necklines such as scoop neck or v-neck tops.  It opens the neckline and lets the upper body appear taller and slimmer.

2.Wearing a great bra that lifts and pushes up makes all clothing look 10x better.  Amanda recommends Le Mystere.

3. Wrap dresses by any brand are the most flattering dresses on any and every woman. The wrap on the dress creates a long sleek v shape across the entire body which makes the body appear taller and slimmer.

4. Do not put on heavy layers.  Although layering can be cool, casual, and trendy it is not for all body frames.  Layering appears to drag your body down, add weight, and make one appear shorter than what they are.

5. Bootcut jeans are and will always be the most flattering jeans on both women and men.  This is one of the only wardrobe tips that apply to both sexes and will always stand true even when fashion changes drastically. 

6. When wearing tops, the top should always fall right below the hip.  When a top is hitting anywhere else but below the hip it will break the body up in a dis-proportionate way that is extremely unflattering.

7. Dresses and skirts should always either fall right above the knee or exactly below the knee.  Dresses and skirts should not be any higher or lower than that unless it’s a maxi skirt/dress, or a mini skirt.

8. Wearing a thick fashion belt around the waist helps create a more defined waistline.

9. Wearing a straight clean pump will make the overall body appear much taller and slimmer as the shoe will draw the eyes up for a slimmer image.

10. Spanx are every women’s best friend next to diamonds! No matter what shape or size you are even if you are a size 0, Spanx smooth the entire body and look amazing under dresses especially dresses that do not have lining underneath.

We Still Love Serenity Spa!

Last weekend our fashion stylist Amanda Sanders went for another visit to Serenity Spalocated on the Upper East Side of NYC.  She again got human hair eyelash extensions put on and this time around she was more in love with the finished procedure than she was during her first visit to Serenity Spa.  The procedure is painless, fast, and the eyelash extensions look natural rather than having that extension look.  Take a look at our previous blog post on Serenity and read about Amanda’s first visit to the spa.

For more information visit Serenity Spa’s official website at http://serenityspaofnewyork.com/index.html .  Also mention New York Image Consultant when booking your appointment at Serenity Spa for a special discount or promotion.

New Found Upper East Side Skin Care Gem!

Last week our stylist Amanda Sanders visited and received a consultation at Adam R. Kolker, MD located on the Upper East Side on 70th street and Park Avenue here in NYC.  Since Amanda’s visit she has had rave reviews of the spa and since has been telling all of her clients about her wonderful experience.  The Upper East Side’s Adam R. Kolker’s salon is a beautiful spa with a great relaxing ambience.  

All medical aesthetic services are performed in Dr. Kolkers Park Avenue office by their licensed medical aesthetician. More in-depth treatments, such as deep chemical peels, ablative lasers, Botox, Restylane, Juvederm and other injectables are performed personally by Dr. Kolker.

Kolker and his team are masters of their craft. Just ask Alluresbeauty reporter New York Magazine, which continues to nominate Kolker as one of the city’s best doctors in their annual Best Doctors issue. Kolkers promise: our customized treatments and medical grade skincare line are designed to meet the skin-type-specific needs of the individual, Dr. Adam Kolker says. Our products work synergistically to cleanse, firm, hydrate, brighten, replenish, repair and protect the skin.

Kolkers leading medical aesthetician, Jordana Mattioli, consulted with Amanda and customized an individual treatment plan with a touch that’s celebrated city-wide. Jordana recommended a series of IPL Photo Facial treatments (used to diminish brown spots, redness, rosacea, and broken capillaries on the face and body). Her treatment was quick and painless and she was able to return to her everyday activities immediately following. Using only the highest-quality lasers, peels, masks, cleansers and gels, Jordana will have your parched winter skin glowing! Amanda also left with a customized bag of AKMD Skincare products used to treat fine lines, age spots and her dull damaged winter skin at home.

And about those products: they’ve been specially created for Kolkers practice, designed with antioxidants, vitamins, and marine ingredients and botanicals that lend your skin what it needs to glow on its own. Dry? Oily? Sensitive? This exclusive collections got something for you.

Book your appointment with Dr. Adam R. Kolker today, and mention New York Image Consultant for a free consultation ($150 value!) OR book a skin care treatment with Jordana and receive an AKMD gift bag at check out.

Dr. Adam R. Kolker

710 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10021

212-744-6500

www.kolkermd.com

www.akmdskincare.com

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