Update for Spring: Knee High Gladiator Boots

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Alicia Devins

Not everyone wants to splurge every season on a brand new updated wardrobe. Sometimes all you have to do is add in some fresh pieces that will make old clothing look new. Accessories are less expensive than clothing so you can buy a few pieces that are current and wear them for multiple seasons.

If you are looking for a mini makeover, a super-hot update to your spring 2013 is a gladiator boot. Shown at multiple Spring 2013 collections, this fun and sassy shoe is super fun and eye-catching. While they may look intimidating, they are actually pretty easy to wear. Here are three ways we think this spring trend 2013 looks fashionable.

1-With a slit a la Anne Hathaway at the Les Miserables premiere. She paired Tom Fords super sexy thigh high boots with a long dress with slit so just a leg peeked through. The look was intense but still kept her covered up so she didn’t like too provocative.

2- With a knee length skirt. Most designers at Spring 2013 Fashion Week showed their sandals with skirts that skimmed the tops of the knees. A short skirt went a little too risqué, so this was a good choice for the runway because it made the look much more wearable. Check out Altuzarra’s country chic look below.

3- With an oversized or sporty ensemble. A loose dress or shirt balances the look of these boots by mixing covered with exposed. Alexander Wang’s styling was spot on when he put the girls in super sporty looks that weren’t revealing. The oversized dresses also kept the girls from looking too bare which wouldn’t be a good look for day.

The key to wearing these sexy shoes is to stay covered up. A short or bare dress is too revealing and will make the boots go from sexy and classy to trashy. You want to look like a modern Greek goddess – not a 50 Shades of Grey bondage girl. Try them in a nude or tan tone if the black cutout ones seem a little bit too intense for you, and be sure to have tanned legs (spray on is great!) so you don’t get a checkerboard effect.

If you need help styling a new trend you want to try, contact us at NYIC. We offer makeovers and styling sessions for all kinds of women and styles.

The Trends: New York Fashion Week 2013

Posted on February 21, 2013 by Alicia Devins

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!

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.

The Extra Spiffy T-Shirt Makeover

Posted on May 2, 2012 by NYIC Image Consultant

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

New York Image Style Report

New York Image Consultant

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