Street Chic from NY Fashion Week

Fashion week is over, but the trends are still being analyzed. I stumbled upon this list of 11 trends seen on the streets of New York City during Fashion Week.
1. Wind Power: Skirts, dresses, and long shirts that flow with the breeze. Let go with your inner Marilyn.
2. Neon: Whether an accessory, like a purse or bracelet, or a piece of clothing, these colors were seen on and off the runway.
3. Statement Skirt: If you're only adding one piece for Fall, make it this - a skirt that says something about your style.
4. The Hardcore Heel: Powerful shoes for powerful looks.
5. Valentino clutch: Oversize and studded, these clutches are gaining cult status.
6. The Necklace: Bold necklaces are used to accentuate the shirt collar.
7. Shorts: They are defying the seasonal boundaries and staying out even when the temps may start to dip.
8. Geometry: Bold geometrical shapes in prints and on accessories.
9. Sunglasses: The bolder the better!
10. The T-shirt: The good old standard is out and about.
11. Friends: Find a friend and share the fun.
Check out all of these looks at Elle.

Happy Styling,
Coco Blackwell

Don't Wait: Update

January. Sometimes it feels like the longest month of the year. It's the let down after the holidays. Sometimes, a new piece in your wardrobe brings a bit of light to a dark month, but who's got the funds?
Here are 10 ways for under $10 to update and refresh the items you already have!
Everything from adding a Philip Lim touch to your purse to updating that cardigan with some awesome leather buttons.
Take a look and get creative! Let us know if you try any of them.
10 Ways to Update Your Wardrobe for Under $10

Toasty, and Cute, Toes

It's winter; here in the Pacific Northwest that means socks. Do you find that sometimes it just doesn't seem "right" to be wearing those socks to keep your toes extra toasty? Me, too! I've found hope though.
The folks at WhoWhatWear are showing us that many are following in our great PNW tradition of wearing socks with all kinds of shoes. They've captured of Gwen Stefani, Dani Stahl, and Diane Kruger sporting some cuteness with their socks. Here's what they're saying:

Oftentimes it's the most minute details that make or break an outfit, which is why we've rounded up some spot-on styling inspiration for you today, featuring one of the more fickle ensemble components: the sock! Seemingly trivial, this wardrobe basic can be surprisingly difficult to maneuver when incorporating into your (cute) look. However, thanks to a few savvy stars and a couple stylish civilians, we're sure you'll be well-equipped come your next sock encounter.

So, break out those socks, be cute, AND have warm toes.

http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/slideshow-story/ways-to-style-3/

Tie a Knot in It

I am falling in love with scarves. Not only are they adorable, but they keep your neck warm! I get bored with the standard ways to wear them though, so when I saw this step-by-step guide from whowhatwear.com on scarf tying, I literally squealed with delight.

There are five, very adorable, ways to wear a scarf. Here's the link for the guide: http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/slideshow-story/ways-to-style-1/

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some scarves to dig out of the closet!

Plaid: It's Not Just Grunge Anymore

Stepping out this morning, the first thing I saw was my breath. These days make me yearn for warm items. I like to turn to plaid. The rich hues and deep colors create a sense of snuggly delight, but I want to stay on trend - I've decided to stop living in the '90s.

The Fall/Winter collections were FULL of plaid. The tartan was turned into sweaters, pants, scarves, and so much more. This year even saw a wrap-around dress made of delicious plum themed plaid. And there were some classically silhouetted dresses perked up by the always fun plaid. And, of course, lovely thick coats to wrap around and ward off the cold winds.

So, while we here in the Pacific Northwest have been famous for our love of all things plaid, we can join with the rest of the world and put a trend-setting, fashion forward spin to it. Check out millionlooks.com for some inspiration.

Take a look in some local shops, Vanity, Megs & Mo, or anyone of the Shopgirls of Tacoma to see what pieces you just need to add to your wardrobe for the season.

6 Looks for Spring '12 that You Can Wear Now

Yes, the days are getting shorter and colder, but there are ways to warm ourself. Ways to keep thinking ahead. According to FASHIONISING.com there are trends set for Spring '12 that we can wrap around now and keep some warmth rolling through the winter.

The runway shows for Spring '12 included looks inspired by historic eras and muses. Check out the mini how-tos for the following six trends.

1. Matte complexion -- The irony of this trend is that to create a timeless look, you need to step away from the trends. This balanced-out skin tone is an inspiration from the 80s and 90s, where a shiny or glossy face was nowhere to be seen.
2. Contoured cheeks -- Napoleon Perdis says, “A high cheek bone with a kiss of peachy pink blush is an epitome of Hollywood glamour. And why wouldn’t you want to look like you’ve just got dressed for the red carpet?” 
3. Bare eyed Mascara --  This 60s-Twiggy-inspired, bare-eyed mascara look has taken the celebrity-filled red carpet by its horns and it’s only fair that you include that in your daily ritual too. This trend is all about the lashes, but the secret is to keep them natural; let the eyeliner or eye shadow go on a much-deserved break.
4. Metallic Colours -- To update your look from summer to fall, include accents of warmer hues in your everyday make-up routine. If plums, violets and olive scare you, then opt for metallic shades. A little dust of silver under the eye or a sparkly topcoat of nail lacquer will not make you look like a teenager. Napoleon suggests, “Don’t be scared to add sparkle during the day. If it makes you feel on-trend and fashionable, brave against the boring and dull crowd on the street”.
5. Brows are bold but feminine -- Not sleeky thin or roughly thick, for the next couple of seasons, brows are strict but groomed. This involves a lot of filling, perhaps even growing them out to get optimum results for next year. For now, stay clear from pointed or bushy looks. Napoleon takes runway inspiration for this season from Oscar de la Renta and Donna Karan for this trend.
6.Nude vs. Classic Red -- This cold war between nude and red lips is a never-ending saga. The bright stained lips have had enough publicity, and Napoleon says this fall, the pout needs a warm nude shade.