Sunday, September 13, 2009
Life, In this Issue..., Style, "Haute Stuff"
Haute stuff
SP’s annual fall fashion guide
By Alison Abbey
This season’s fashions are all about the amped-up attitude.
To quote one of the great thinkers of our time (Heidi Klum), when it comes to fashion, “one day you are in and the next day you are out.” Lucky for you, SP has its fashionable finger on the pulse of what’s in this season. Follow a few basic rules from our Fall Fashion Guide to ensure rave reviews as you strut your stuff along the proverbial ATL runways.
From roughed-up ruffles to boyfriend-style blazers, fall fashions require a double dose of attitude. After all, it takes a seriously chic psyche to pull off “Dynasty”-sized shoulders and lips a Molly Ringwald alter-ego would envy. But it’s not a totally ’80s throwback of a season. “Mad Men”-inspired shift dresses offer up a sexy librarian look straight out of the ’60s, and banded skirts are a modern way to add va- va-voom to your wardrobe.
Fall in, and get ready to rock the runway. Auf wiedersehen!
Ruffle and Tumble
Forget the pristine, prissy ruffles of seasons past. This fall’s ruffles are all about the edge. Unfinished, lined with zippers, or layered with leather, these bad boys give dull looks a street-and-sweet makeover. Plastic Island black wrap dress with belt, $180 from www.chickdowntown.com. Lafayette 148 Luscious Weave Hilary Jacket, $598, www.lafayette148.com.
Shift Shape
Have fun: Go "Mad Men" in these sexy shifts. Channel your inner Betty Draper with a modern twist on a classic style. It’s housewife-meets-sex-kitten for a new fashion era. Black Halo Jackie O mini dress in geranium, $345, BB Dakota Purple Mansfield dress, $70, both at www.chickdowntown.com.
Saddle(bag) Up!
Be a happy trailblazer with these plush pouches. To keep the look less cowgirl and more city slicker, sling it across the body with a long strap and luxe leather. Janis Large Messenger bag by Linea Pelle, $395, available at Meringue, 1393 N. Highland Ave., 404-724-0960.
Making the Band
To call it a mini would be an insult. These body-hugging band skirts pair perfectly with a tee and boots for breezy autumn days, but keep cool fall evenings sizzling with pumps and a sexy sweater. Pleasure Doing Business black-and-white 5-band skirt and pinstripe 3-band skirt, both $88, at www.chickdowntown.com.
Big in the ’80s
They’re baaaack. Big shoulders are the silhouette to rock this fall. Pair wide-shoulder dresses with tough-as-nails leather booties to give the Crystal Carrington look a fashion-forward kick in the you-know-where. Dress, $59.95, at H&M.
Recessive Jeans
The hottest trend this year? Pinching pennies. But saving paper doesn’t mean looking like a pauper, thanks to two high-fashion lines that offer low-price luxury: Jimmy Choo launches an eco(nomically) friendly line at select H&M stores in November, and funky fashion maven Anna Sui recently designed a runway-meets-recession chic line for Target.
Pinkie Swear
Word of mouth is that anyone can wear this season’s sassiest shade. When it comes to lips, think bright pink or nothing. Shimmering glosses in sizzling hues are all the rage. And that’s not just lip service. Chanel Lip Glossimers, available at Saks Fifth Avenue.
Denim Du Jour
Are they leggings? Are they jeans? Just think of them as your second skin this fall. Done right, these tight-fitting fellas flaunt your figure by hugging all the right curves. James Jean Twiggy in Black Cat, $112 at Jac, 245 N. Highland Ave. 404-681-4696 or www.dearjac.com.
S’il Vous Plaid
The whole world has gone mad for plaid. From young Hollywood to young lumberjacks, plaid is the perfect pattern to don this season, be it on a jacket or a dress, in traditional hues or bolder shades. Slanted zipper plaid jacket, $27.80, and gingham plaid dress, $26.90, both at Forever 21.
I Didn’t Steal Your Boyfriend (Blazer)
Go big and baggy with boyfriend blazers. These oversized jackets are a perfect complement to a fitted dress or skirt. And remember, it’s not your father’s blazer. It’s your boyfriend’s. Jaques 3/4 sleeve blazer $24.80 at Forever 21.
SP