FALL INTO COLOR: COLOR REPORT A/W 2009

Subtle contrasts, like those found in a painter’s masterpiece, make up the diverse color palette for fall 2009. Designers play with a broad spectrum of unique color combinations this
season, resulting in distinct, yet cohesive color palettes.

“The fall 2009 palette is more unique and thoughtful than the typical autumnal hues of years past,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®.

“Designers recognize the desire for fundamental basics that speak to current economic conditions, but also understand the need to
incorporate vibrant color to grab the consumers’ eyes and entice them to buy.”













A natural choice during uncertain times, patriotic American Beauty, a wonderfully balanced, true red, speaks to the need for cohesiveness. Perfect for all skin tones, American Beauty is a feel-good color. Purple Heart connotes a sense of refinement and sensuality, adding an air of creativity and excitement to the top 10, especially when paired with American Beauty.

A warmer, more subdued Honey Yellow carries the 2009 color of the year, PANTONE 14-0848 Mimosa, through to fall and winter with its golden tones. Pairing Honey Yellow with its color wheel opposite, Purple Heart, will surely add a surprising flair. Or, for a more typical fall combination, group Honey Yellow with Burnt Sienna and Iron.

Strong yet understated Iron serves as the “new black,” making traditional basics much more interesting. Neither gray nor brown, Iron is a grounding color that coordinates well with all colors in the palette. Crème Brûlée, a grayed-down beige, and Nomad, which bridges the gap between beige and light gray, also speak to the need for timeless neutrals. All three classics can stand alone or serve as anchors when paired with other colors.

Fall would not be complete without a seasonal favorite like Burnt Sienna, a deepened, earthy shade of orange, reminiscent of an autumn sunset. Pair this versatile hue with Nomad and Rapture Rose for a different twist. Adding spark to the fall palette, Rapture Rose artfully captures the vibrancy of fuchsia and the softness of pink. Underscored by nurturing and feminine tones, the addition of Rapture Rose enlivens the more traditionally subdued fall hues.
Look for it in cosmetics as well as clothing and accessories. Like the olive in a martini, Warm Olive, a rich yellow-green, adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to fall. When combined, this tangy, intriguing hue makes all other colors come alive. Look for it paired with Majolica Blue, a deep, mysterious teal blue with more vibrancy than the usual navy. Majolica Blue brings an exotic flair to the group, especially when paired with Burnt Sienna or Purple Heart.

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. Like a painter’s palette, fall 2009 offers choice and diversity, but the unique integration of colors is what makes it so appealing.


HOW THE DESIGNERS INTERPRET COLORS INTO THEIR DESIGNS



























































































































Source: Pantone, InStyle, Barney's NY, WWD

KNIT WIT (MEN)

Men knitwear looks really brutal this autumn and winter. These are hand-knitted sweaters with textured patterns. However, the coarseness of weave in most cases is an illusion; actually they are knitted from very mild types of weave, merino and cashmere. By the way, these are not only sweaters, but jumpers and cardigans, and jackets, These knits come with all the bells and whistles, including hoods, patch pockets and zipper on leather hanging loops.

But the thin pullovers and jackets are becoming more universal: they are now allowed to wear even with a strict suit. Patterns play an intricate part of their appeal. Argyle, stripes, and plaids keep the knitwear fashion forward. No need to ask Aunt Liz to knit you a cozy scarf or Grandma Caroline to stitch you a sweater, from retail stores to department favorites, you will be surprised at the selections this season.

Some of my favorite knit-worthy pieces, . . .











A. O'Neill hooded sweater. Available at O'Neill.com.

B. Knit Cap. Available at Hollister.

C. Striped Sweater. Available at DBLAclothing.com.

D. V-neck cardigan by D&G. Available at D&G.

E. Knit & leather gloves. Available at True Religion.

CHECK, PLEASE! (MEN)

For an inner layer that is sure to turn heads, men pile on the checked shirts this season. In flannel and cotton, these colorful and eye-catching patterns are a pleasant way to add punch and panache to your wardrobe.

From ordinary to extraordinary, guys are all about throwing on button-down checked shirts over a long-sleeved tee or thermal shirt for an easy, casual look. With a variety of colors and patterns available, there’s surely something for everyone to keep warm this winter. Depending on your style, you can make checked shirts work for your look -- ranging from urban cowboy to punk hipster.















1. SAVE A HORSE, RIDE A COWBOY. John Varvatos USA flannel is a great item for the urban cowboy. With embroidered details on the chest and collar and sleeves with a slight country twang, wearing this shirt should add a little swagger to your step. Pair this checkered shirt with dark denim and boots for a trendy look.









2. PLAID AROUND THE COLLAR. Wrap yourself in a touch of plaid if this trend seems a bit overwhelming. Try this grey plaid scarf by American Eagle for $15. Great with a dress shirt & blazer for a brisk winter evening or out on the town. This scarf adds a touch of preppy into a boring or bland wardrobe.













3. NOT YOUR PAJAMA PANTS. When many people think plaid, only a few things come to mind, the Brawny Man, Catholic school, or pajama pants. This season, try a classic flat front plaid pant by Penguin, paired with a dress shirt and a v-neck striped sweater for an edgy approach to a classic print. Pants are great way to add a bit of style to your ensemble. If you get any braver, you'll be wearing a kilt!













4. THE GRID IRON. Athletic wear more of your style? Michael Kors plaid track jacket will definitely suit the athlete in you while keeping you warm on your daily errands around town. Stylish and chic it looks good over a t-shirt and jeans or a polo and slacks. This jacket has fearless combinations for your cool evenings.













5. CHECK MATE. Comfy, cozy sweaters can never do you wrong for winter. This cashmere checkered sweater from Theory is a great layering piece for your wardrobe. Pair it over a dress shirt or under a blazer for a polished to perfection look that will be sure to leave them speechless. Turn heads in style while walking like a man!

HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER (MEN)

In a sea of suiting grays that flooded the runways of Milan and Paris, one-off pops of red bloomed like poppies. A pair of velvet slippers here, a jaunty riding cap there, puffer vests, pocket squares and cyclist jerseys. Among the bevy of burgundies, raft of rubies and multitude of maroons, mauves and magentas, we spotted hunting-jacket linings, screen-printed tromp l'oeil boutonnieres, pairs of pants, cardigan sweaters, car coats and a surprising number of suits. Nearly every label, it seemed, served up a flash of scarlet, but curiously never more than a piece or two per collection (with the exception of Etro, which made the "man in red" the thematic centerpiece of its collection).

A beacon of hope in a world of darkness or a symbol of economic bloodletting? Either way, look for cardinal as an attention-grabbing accent hue coming to a store near you for fall 2009. (Source: LA Times)

If you do not crave couture, take a look at the pieces below and incorporate them into your style. These key trends will transition, no matter your budget or your taste. Start small and embrace the red-hot trend that is sizzling into 2010.



1. SEEING RED. These D Squared2 Red Plastic Aviators will have you seeing red, red hot! Protect your baby blues with these retro shades. Available at Neiman Marcus, $395.












2. LIL RED RIDING HOOD-IE. Vroom. Vroom. Ferrari. Fall. Fun. Zip into this Ferrari Hooded Jacket by Puma will definitely have you yielding into winter in style. Available at Puma, $129.















3. RED ZONE. This trend is time sensitive. You will be stopping traffic with this oversized plasteramic watch by Toy Watch, USA. Available at Neiman Marcus, $225.














4. RED, WHITE, and SHOE. Stride into style in these D&G Patent-Striped Sneakers. True patriotic style reigns supreme this fall and is evident in every step you take. Available at D&G, $295.











5. RED STRIPES. Read between the lines, red is in. Get hot under the collar with the Striped Silk Brioni tie. Available at Saks Fifth Avenue, $195.

SOLE SEARCHING: 10 HOTTEST OXFORDS FOR WOMEN & MEN

Yes, OXFORDS are the HOTTEST shoe for the A/W 2009 season and were even shown on the runways for S/S 2010. These classics lend timeless elegance to any outfit. Great transitional shoe that works well with your favorite slacks, fellas. And ladies, these show-stoppers are this season's ankle bootlet.

What is an oxford shoe? An oxford is a style of leather shoe with enclosed lacing. Oxford shoes are traditionally constructed of leather and were historically rather plain. Until this season, at least for the ladies. Men stay more clean and basic, whereas, the ladies add an element of panache, with a detailed or wooden heel.

TOP 5 MEN'S OXFORD. (Note, prices are from low to high. Best thing about oxfords is that they really are timeless, so they are a great investment shoe to have in your closet.)



1. KENNETH COLE REACTION 'SIM PLICITY'. Available at Nordstrom, $79.95.














2. COLE HAAN. Available at Cole Haan, $189.












3. JOHN VARVATOS. Available at Nordstrom, $265











4. GUCCI. Available at Gucci, $650.













5. SALVATORE FERRAGAMO. Available at Neiman Marcus, $950.













TOP 5 WOMEN'S OXFORD. (Note, prices are from low to high. Very versatile. Can be paired with a short dress/skirt, jeans, or dress slacks.)





1. BANANA REPUBLIC. Available at Banana Republic, $138.











2. UNITED COLORS OF BENNETTON. Available at UCOB, $138.















3. YVES SAINT LAURENT. Available at YSL, $640.













4. MARC JACOBS. Available at Neiman Marcus, $695.















5. BARBARA BUI. Available at ShopBop.com, $1300.

PANTIES REQUIRED!

Even though the infamous paparazzi loves to catch Hollywood's hottest starlets without them on, . . .here's one simple fashion rule to abide by: If you wear a short dress/skirt- sexy PANTIES are REQUIRED!

PantiesRequired.com is the one-stop shop for all your lingerie favorites- Elle McPherson, Cosabella, Fleur't, Eberjey, Undrest, Wendy Glez, Keep Me, Commando by Her Look, just to name a few.


Oh and guess who loves this site? Ms. Spears is a FAN, yes, . . .maybe Brit Brit has learned the cardinal fashion rule now to cover her "naughty bit bits" when going out in public! (Britney loves the lingerie from PantiesRequired so much, she rocked it in her "If You Seek Amy" video & so did her dancers. We hear her favs were Wendy Glez’ leopard thong and brief (as seen in picture), ‘Undrest’ ruffle panties, ‘Eberjey ‘India boy thong, ‘Elle Macpherson’ Dentelle Underwire Bra, and the ‘Cosabella’ Ceylon cami and matching hot short. Good news, these items are usually always in stock!)

PantiesRequired.com is the sexiest designer lingerie, lounge wear, & sleepwear website based out of the beautiful Los Angeles, California. Co-founder, Randa Rose created this site because of her passion for lingerie, lounge wear, and all sexy pretty things. They carry unique brands that aren't available in every store so you aren't always stuck wearing the same old Victoria's Secret outfit! Each and every piece of clothing displayed on their website is hand chosen by our buyer. They promise to only sell merchandise that is beautiful, feminine, sexy, and has a nice fit to ensure it looks great on the body.


Listen up guys, this site was inspired to help YOU! Yes, they created this site so that MEN can buy their favorite sex goddess (girlfriend/wife) the perfect gift to prance around the house in. The best part is that this site is MAN FRIENDLY, so no need to be nervous about all of the details. A special section of this site (Man Friendly Search) was created to help all of the men out there who never know what to buy their wife or girlfriend. You choose her body type, personality, the occassion, and your budget! And don't stress guys! Even the average woman can feel overwhelmed with so many choices of bra styles, panty styles, chemises, camisoles, different sizes, etc. At PantiesRequired.com they pride themselves in assisting men in finding the right size, style and color to create the most perfect and memorable gift for their special someone. Please take a moment to visit their ‘Man Friendly Search’ section if you are looking for suggestions.

This is a genius way to get guys to buy the perfect panties & bras that we already love. And guys, what is better than slowly unwrapping the present? Answer: the slow striptease in flirty lingerie. (and how do you get that lovely lap dance? by going to PantiesRequired.com and BUY! BUY! BUY us something pretty!)

And if your girl isn't into the bra and panty combos, don't panic. That is alright, the ladies at PantiesRequired.com (with a 90% female staff) can help suggest conservative options, like cozy sleepwear or comfy robes.

Please note that gift buying help doesn’t stop here. PantiesRequired.com are always here for you via email to assist in choosing the gift you think she will love. Email them with any questions you may have to info@pantiesrequired.com.

Follow them on Twitter- Panties Required's Randa Rose
Or become a Facebook Fan- PantiesRequired on FB


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SHOES FOR A CURE, it's a WIN WIN!

As October approaches, we are quickly reminded by every pink ribbon that it's BREAST CANCER AWARENESS month. An important time of the year to celebrate being a woman and all it's sexiness-- and that includes FASHION!

Kim Kardashian's company, ShoeDazzle.com, that I am a Shoe Style Expert for is doing our part by teaming up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, to offer a Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness Shoe, the pink “Stephanie” pump. Ten percent of the proceeds from each Stephanie pump sold will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. BCA is a personal cause to the company. For starters, the pump is named after the loved one of a ShoeDazzle employee who has a rare form of breast cancer. Also, Kim found her grandmother’s experience with breast cancer to be life-altering, and so the company wanted a way to show their commitment to prevention and awareness—and they wanted to do it in style.

ShoeDazzle.com, monthly online “shoe society” co-founded by celebrity style icon, Kim Kardashian. For just $39/month a team of celebrity stylists (led by Kim, who serves as Chief Fashion Stylist) select five styles of shoes for you based on your unique fashion personality and tastes. A member then chooses which of the five she likes best and those shoes are sent to her doorstep. $39 is quite a steal as it includes a stylist, shoes and the cost of shipping, and it’s easy to opt out any month you don’t find a pair of shoes you love.