RED CARPET PREDICTIONS FOR THE OSCARS

Success on the red carpet for a designer is priceless. It does what no form of advertising can do, and elevates a brand for years to come. Besides eagerly awaiting who wins the awards for the night, the second most important thing is, “Who is wearing what designer.” Various styles and colors of dresses set the tone for what trends we can foresee for spring and summer of 2014. This is one night that everyone breaks down the fashion of Hollywood’s leading ladies, leaving a top stylist no room for fashion flubs. As a fashion blogger I love to break down with my friends what were the “hits” and the “misses” of the night. Based on my research I narrowed it down to four trends that we can expect to see this year.  Read further so you are not surprised of what to expect this Sunday!

Crazy with Prints

Prints are so hot right now.  Not only are prints in every retailer, but they were seen all over the runway for New York Fashion Week. It wouldn’t surprise me if we saw this on a nominee.

Black Magic

Forget about the term “little black dress" designers this year have replaced this term with the extravagant over the top black gown. Variations of black with different silhouettes consisting of beading, lace, shimmer and other fancy embellishments are going to transform this basic black dress into something extraordinary and mysterious.  

Golden Rule

Get ready to be blown away by some fabulous golden tone dresses.  Designers are following the golden rule when it comes to getting creative with this tone. We can expect to be blown away by the various silhouettes that will be overstated with beading, lace, sequins, and metallics.   . T

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PINK IS THE NEW BLACK

Pink is a color this year we can’t run from. It was evident from New York Fashion Week with Fall and Winter 2014 collections displaying this stellar shade in dusty rose or berry. Most recently retailers are showing this powerful hue in pastel colors. I expect to see this trend amongst the leading ladies. 

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FASHION SPOTLIGHT: MAKE YOUR WATCH AN ULTIMATE ADD ON!

In today’s digital age, so many of us look at our cell phone, computer, or other portable devices to know what time it is. I am guilty of this hundred percent. So, why on earth would we need a watch? The answer is “Style.” A watch reflects not only your personal style but if worn right can be the ultimate add on! Here are some ways you can make your watch the highlight of your style.

CHOOSE A MENSWEAR STYLE

A favorite look amongst editors and celebs that has been gaining popularity over the years is the chunky, oversized masculine watch. This look complements feminine dresses, business attire, and can be worn with jeans and t-shirts too!

MIX IT

When it comes to wearing timepieces, it’s fun to pick a watch style that can be mixed in with your jewelry, especially bracelets. Wearing a watch that has a narrow band and small face in either a gold or silver finish will blend better with your jewelry.

WEAR YOUR WATCH IN VARIOUS WAYS

So your not a fan of wearing a watch on your wrist, try wearing a timepiece in the form of pendant-style or ring!

GO FACELESS

This concept may seem a bit weird to most of us. It’s a no brainer that the whole point of the watch is the face. However, having a faceless timepiece is a great way to make a fashion statement, and looks amazing next to your favorite wrist jewelry. This trend is frequently popping up more often.

TRY A STANDOUT TIMEPIECE

Instead of going with the classic timepiece, spend time searching for a unique find. A great starting point to get the creative juices flowing would be browsing online for different looks. Another option would be to spend the day exploring boutique and vintages stores in your neighborhood, rather than opting for the traditional department store like Bloomingdales.

SEE WHATS TRENDING

This guideline is my favorite. Being a fashion blogger I live and breath by this. I always stay abreast with trends in order to get a flavor of what designers and retailers are showing. For 2014, some trends that watch designers are focusing on are using different images to make dials become more attractive, watches saturated in bright colors like emerald-green, shades of blue, burgundy, red and pink, and models that have chains made of luster.
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BECOME A JEANIUS: THE NEED TO KNOW TRUFASHION FINDER JEAN GUIDE!

If anyone knows how to update your jeans it’s designer Euclide Avridor who created the brand EARUGBY. I had the opportunity to attend his fashion show which premiered some of the hottest denim trends.  His show inspired me to help all you fashionistas into becoming a Jeanius! When it comes to choosing the perfect fit and style we are inundated with so many options that it could leave an everyday fashionista, including myself overwhelmed. Today, I’m going to share with you tips how to wear this basic yet most challenging style item in an eye-catching fashion! 

KNOW THY BODY
It’s important when shopping for this classic item that you know your body type.  Determine what body type you have.  They fall into these categories: Pear, Apple, hourglass, petite, athletic, curvy, tall, and boyish (straight).  Then you can choose the best fit for your figure.

All ABOUT THE FIT
Basically finding the perfect pair of jeans comes down to the fit. It’s important to get your body familiar with all the fits. Spend a day and do some retail therapy. Go to a department store and explore what styles and fits work for your figure before committing to purchase. Now is the important stuff, so listen up fashionistas and get familiar with the fit, which consists of the leg style and rise. The rise is where it lays on your waist. The leg style options are skinny (my favorite), flare, wide leg, trouser, boot cut, straight, and boyfriend. The rise consists of high, regular, low, and super.  Knowing this denim terminology and putting it to use will bring you one step closer to becoming a jeanious!

KNOW YOUR LIFESTYLE
With so many endless possibilities of denim washes on the market today it’s important to choose a wash that complements your lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy professional or a young mother running errands all day, it’s important to know which styles and washes work with your everyday routine.  For instance, jeans that have a darker wash are more suitable at posh restaurants, workplace settings, or more formal events. On the other spectrum, lighter washes, patterned denim, and color denim are worn more during the day, and in more casual settings.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Today, the denim market has diversified with the introduction of manmade fibers. There are so many combinations available that mix jean and denim with materials such as spandex and polyester. Materials like spandex give jeans that extra stretch to allow the jean to adjust to your body frame, whereas jeans made from pure denim will be more rigid and will take time to break in. Choosing the right material will allow you to feel more comfortable and enable you to maximize wear.

POCKET POSITIONING
Ladies, when shopping for the right pair of jeans it’s so important to take into account where pockets are positioned.  If the positioning isn’t right it could ruin the fit of the jeans. When it comes to the pockets make sure the pockets are placed higher, because this gives a perkier behind.  Beware of pockets with bulky embellishments because they can add bulk to your behind. Overall, slim pockets are a great choice and you can’t go wrong.

SET A BUDGET
Do have a set a budget in mind when shopping. A quality pair of jeans doesn’t necessarily have to cost an arm and leg. Don’t go in with the notion that you need to shell out hundreds of dollars. You can still find a decent pair of jeans at a good price point.  Just be prepared to dedicate some time, and ladies most importantly let go of those preconceived notions of brands.  Go in with an open mind and don’t turn your nose up at a brand you wouldn’t normally try, because you never know how it will look on.

Remember it’s all about the “look and feel” principal I stress in my blog, and not the price tag!  All of us have a different strategy for picking the right jeans. I know first hand that finding the perfect pair of jeans is no easy task, so fellow fashionistas when you find them I suggest you buy multiple pairs in different washes.

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DO’S AND DON’TS TO ROCKING A MINI SKIRT IN DAYLIGHT

With the mini skirt making a huge comeback these past few years, the question that most of us tackle is how can we rock this “scandalous” piece of clothing during daylight. Yes, we realize that wearing the notorious mini during the day can bring you back to scenes from the iconic movie , Pretty Women.  No longer do you have to fear feeling less than worthy wearing a “mini skirt” during the day. Instead this notion has disappeared with the ever-changing perception of fashion.  Here is some DO’S AND DON’T to rocking the “mini skirt” during the day!

DON’T WEAR TO WORK

Yes it’s ok to wear this item during the day but don’t wear to your office.  Knowing your audience when rocking this is important.

DO WEAR IT WITH LOOSE TOPS

It’s important when wearing a mini to keep in mind the rule of balance.  It’s important not to wear tops that are too tight and reveal too much cleavage.  Pairing this with a t-shirt or a flowy top during the day make this so chic appropriate!

DON’T GO TOO SHORT

Make sure the length is appropriate so that you can’t see your underwear.

DO CHOOSE A-LINE STYLE

This style tends to be least tight of the “mini skirts.” 

DO WEAR WITH TIGHTS OR LEGGINGS

This applies for all seasons except the summer and late springtime. There is no shame in a woman wearing tights or leggings with the mini.   Sometimes pairing it with tights or leggings introduces a variety of possibilities to the outfit.

DO WEAR WITH THE RIGHT SHOES

Wearing the right shoe with the mini skirt is essential in making this wearable during the day.  Please avoid heels or stilettos during the day.  Instead choose more of a casual shoe along the lines of a ballet flat, wedge, or a casual knee length boot.  

DON’T OVER ACCESORIZE

Remember ladies, the focal point is on the skirt and your legs, and you don’t want the emphasis to be taken away from that, so keep jewelry to a bare minimum.  This means no statement necklaces, huge earrings, or tons of bracelets.

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COLLECTIONS TO TALK ABOUT FROM 2014 FASHION WEEK: RECAP FROM NEW YORK TIMES

Attending fashion week to view some of the hottest designers is like getting tickets to the Super Bowl for an every day fashionista, including myself. Unfortunately, this year I wasn't able to attend the big-ticket designer events, however there are so many great news sources online that you can feel like you’re actually at an event. If you’re like me I tend to get all my recaps from different sources. As I was browsing online through several articles from Fashion Week, one that stuck out was from the New York Times, "Front Row to Fashion Week." This article provides a window to what designers are "hot" and what we can see foresee for Fall Fashion 2014. These fashion recaps are an important tool to aid in recreating your runway looks. I recommend taking a few looks from those collections that the Fashion Editors are favoring or if you have a favorite designer in mind that you would love to wear and then set those pictures aside or print them out so you have it on hand when you are ready to carbon copy looks that work for you! If you have been following my blog I do this every time with any runway look that I want to copy. This is a key step to looking great but not spending a fortune. I recommend this article below by the Times. It provides great highlights from Fashion Week.

Please see below for the introduction and link..

"By MIKE BOSTOCK, SHAN CARTER, ERIK HINTON and RUTH LA FERLA February 14, 2014Of the hundreds of fall 2014 collections shown during New York Fashion Week, here are the ones that left the biggest impressions on fashion editors as they headed off to the next round of shows, in London, Milan and Paris. See the article in full details below

http://www.nytimes.com/newsgraphics/2014/02/14/fashion-week-editors-picks/

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BE MINE: FASHION TO HEAT UP VALENTINE'S DAY

Valentine’s day is less than a week a way, and it brings up mixed emotions for everyone no matter if your single, in a relationship, married, or have a family.  I think February 14^th is just another day to flaunt your style no matter who you are!   Besides wearing the typical red dress, try to get creative and have fun.  Here are some unique outfit ideas for everyone to ring in Cupid’s day!

VALENTINE’S DAY OUTFIT WITH YOUR FRIENDS

Leather is a great choice to wear out with your friends and is so hot for this season.  Why not rock leather leggings and pair it with a silky cami in a neutral color that has a v or scoop neckline along with your choice of black stilettos.  To complete this V Day look add a red clutch!

VALENTINE’S DAY OUTFIT WITH A FIRST OR SECOND DATE

Now this definitely a tricky one.  You don’t want to get too dressed up or too dressed down. I recommend referring back to my article on first date style tips. Since you really don’t know the person, I recommend wearing a black pencil skirt with a top that has the color pink or red in it. Complete this look with heels or wedges. Another option that I recommend would be wearing skinny jeans, a black v neck top in ether sleeveless or long sleeve with a statement necklace in the color of red.  To complete this look I recommend wearing knee high stiletto boots.

VALENTINE’S DAY OUTFIT WITH YOUR BOYFRIEND OR HUSBAND

Pull all the stops out for your special someone. Especially on this day you must surprise him. Guys love surprises, so try to wear something that you normally would never wear on a night out. Try stepping out of the basic Valentine’s outfit and opt for a solid black jumpsuit and pair it with a magenta or red high heel, or even a heel that has sparkle. You can even try a black long sleeve v-neck romper and pair it with the same color stilettos as well.

VALENTINE’S DAY WITH YOUR FAMILY & KIDS

So definitely want to keep this PG, and not rated R.  Try wearing fun t-shirts that contain Valentine sentiments and designs to encourage V day spirit.  You can get even more creative if you have little kids and spend the day prior decorating plain red or pink t-shirts with your kids and then wearing them out to dinner as a family. For more info go to www.trufashionfinder4u.com 

FASHIONABLE WAYS TO JAZZ UP A BASIC T-SHIRT

Between concerts, retail, sporting events, and charity causes I have probably stockpiled about 30 or more t-shirts over the past decade.  Of course they are comfortable and amazing for lazy days, but what’s a girl to do when she wants to take a tee from casual to stylish? Ladies, you no longer have to consider your t-shirt as a go-to for lounging around the couch only, but it can be a luxurious staple worth dressing up.  Today, I’m going to share with you looks to jazz up your basic t-shirt.

LOOK 1: ADD A STATEMENT NECKLACE

Statement necklaces are a great way to enhance any basic t-shirt. If the t-shirt is a neutral color try adding a pop of color in the necklace. Depending on the type of statement necklace you choose this look is usually innovative and speaks who you are.

LOOK 2: WEAR A JACKET

This is one of the easiest ways to jazz up a t-shirt by pairing it with a distinct jacket like a boyfriend blazer, leather jacket, or cardigan.

LOOK 3: DRESS IT UP WITH A SKIRT

Pairing the basic shirt with a skirt and high heels is one of the easiest ways to transform the t-shirt.  Maxi skirts, pencil skirts, and hi-low skirts are great options to be worn with this item.

LOOK 4: WEAR IT WITH COLOR DENIM

Color denim is the easiest way to jazz up a t-shirt.  Wearing color denim provides great contrast as well as creating a transitional piece from season to season.

LOOK 5: ROCK IT WITH BOLD PRINTS

Rocking the basic shirt with prints is an easy way to amp up this look. Prints are huge right now for spring and summer of 2014. Pair this basic t-shirt with prints that are trending like the florals, geometrics, stripes, or tribal patterns will easily jazz up this look.

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FASHION ALERT: WHITE HOT HEELS

If you’re like me and follow the latest celebrity trends and styles, be sure to step out wearing  white hot heels. No longer are the days when wearing white was reserved only from Memorial Day to after Labor Day. Instead celebrities and designers are advocating white as a must have for everyday fashion. Especially with the rebirth of the white heel it has been seen recently on major style icons like Jessica Alba, Kim Kardashian, Jordin Sparks, Rhianna, and more. Rather then going full force with a bright white heel, stick to hues of cream and off white. I recommend wearing the white heel as an enhancement of an outfit that has small hints of white in your clothing like Pattern prints.www.trufashionfinder4u.com

BLACK OUT DAYS ARE GONE: FOOL PROOF GUIDE TO BRIGHTEN YOUR WARDROBE

Is your closet a black hole?  Do you often find yourself struggling to incorporate color into your wardrobe without looking like an elementary art project? Over the years I have learned that adding color into your wardrobe can elevate your style, uplift your spirits, and ease style transition from season to season. For those of you who constantly fear color when shopping I will provide you with my foolproof guide to overcome this obstacle.  No longer do you have to have monochrome wardrobe that consists of black, white, and grey, but one that will brighten your life! Read further to find out how you can brighten your wardrobe!

SWAP OUT!

This is a great tactic for those who want to take baby steps with adding color.  To introduce color to my clients that are scared I recommend swapping out colors like black for colors like navy, chocolate brown, or olive.  Try replacing the color white with pastel colors like yellow, pink, or blue.

BUILD AROUND YOUR FAVORITE COLOR

In my past article I mentioned a style rule of mine that I follow is to pick an article of clothing or accessory and build an outfit around it. Similarly, apply this strategy with color. Start with a piece of clothing in a color that you just love. Then choose a secondary color that is more of a backround color, one specifically in neutral tones, like crème, beige, or grey. You can become even more of creative by adding another garment/accessory in either a complementary or clashing color!

ADD IT IN ELEMENTS

If you still feel very hesitant towards color try incorporating it certain elements of the outfit, such as shoes, purses, scarves, belts, or jewelry.

ORANGE YOU GLAD

A rule of thumb I go by every season is focus on the color that is trending. This spring for women's fashion the color Orange is trending in all shades like tangerine, rust, cantaloupe, to coral red. From the runway to retail the color Orange has become the new black this season. Go to my article to find out more http://www.trufashionfinder4u.com/#!TOP-COLOR-FOR-NYFW-SPRING-2014-ORANGE-YOU-GLAD-/c1xrd/F6F65D4F-B9D2-4142-90E5-3FED089C3014

BE A FREE SPIRIT

Wearing color adds mood and personality to even the most basic outfit. Leave all your rules and preconceived notions about wearing color behind, and change it to one of self-expression.  Shifting to this mindset will transpire creativity, excitement, and make you stand out.  Stick to colors that you like or feel comfortable. It is important that you're the one wearing the clothes, not the other way around. To find out more go to www.trufashionfinder4u.com

GET IN AND GET OUT OF THERE! MAKE THE MOST OF THE SALES SECTION

I don’t know about you, but every time I walk in a clothes store I feel like a little girl in a candy store. However, many times this euphoria has been shot down due to the chaos of a Saturday afternoon in retail. I have learned over the years to shut off what I call a “shopper’s panic mode.” This term I define as mind chatter that ultimately cancels out any smart shopping strategy in order to avoid mayhem. When this “panic mode” is on, many of us, including myself are guilty of selecting the first thing in sight, ignoring the price, and most importantly, which is a big No No to becoming a Tru Fashion Finder is avoiding the sale section. Today at Zara I explored the sales section to share insider tips in how to utilize this section to maximum capacity! My Fellow Fashionistas listen closely:

SKIM THE INVENTORY

Any sales section that you enter briefly walk around and glance at the section to see if anything visually appeals to you. Since these sections are often flooded with piles of clothes and are often disorganized, go with what your eye is naturally drawn too. I found myself gravitating towards bold spring colors.  The first color was a bright pink sleeveless top and the second was a vibrant yellow hue entailing a tribal pattern beading around the neckline.

IDENTIFY TRENDS

Once you visually identify what your eye is drawn to, then pick two or three trends. Grab items regarding the trends you have in mind. For me I focused in on pleats, pastels, and prints.  I found two unique skirts both with these trends, and pointy heels in pastel tones that blend great with jeans, skirts, pants, and dresses.

THINK PRACTICAL

Knowing that you will wear an item several times rather than it just filling up space in your closet is key to making the most out of the sales rack. There has been several times I have gone through my closet and was like what planet was I on when I had purchased this. This concept is great to apply when you feel overwhelmed by the array of choices and have no clue in terms of how you want to spend your money. This will eliminate the need for impulsive buying and guide you to choosing practical items.  If I had the choice to purchase three items today,  I would of bought the indigo wash skinny jeans, the print skirt, and the solid pink top. These items can be easily mixed and matched within my current wardrobe, and can be used throughout the years.

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