Sweater Dressing

One of the fall season's most coveted pieces is the over sized cardigan. Now that most of the country is experiencing or has been experiencing cooler weather every woman should know how to wear this piece. My favorite stylist of the moment, Kate Young, can be seen on The Stylist giving some great tips on different looks that can be created. The best thing about the cardigan is that it works great on most body types. Oval shapes may want to stick with a style that has a bit more structure, shaped more like a jacket. Tubular shapes need to be careful not to get lost in an over sized style.

Below are examples of some of the trendiest styles for fall; the classic boyfriend, the over sized shawl and a great intarsia patterned grandpa style. Each piece can be styled differently to work for career wear or weekend wear. The addition of a belt creates a feminine hourglass silhouette and will prevent the wearer from being overwhelmed. I have seen some great, affordable cardigans at J. Crew, Gap and Banana Republic. Any questions on how to wear this trend, just ask and I'll be happy to help. :)

Fall Trend: High Waisted Pants

The newest pant silhouette for fall is the high waisted trouser. Stylist Kate Young tells viewers how to work this great style for fall in three different ways on The Stylist. It's an easy to wear shape as the wide leg balances the hips and attracts attention to its' flowing silhouette. This style trouser is especially appealing on Triangular Body Types and Inverted Triangular Body Types but works on most figures. Click on the images below to find out where to buy. :)

Fall Skirts that Flatter

Glamour.com recently had a great article on fall skirts and seeing that it can't be shared on a blog I figured we would do a summary here.

If you're a petite fashionista try a short skirt with nude legs, which will extend your silhouette.



Oval shaped gals should don a high waisted a-line skirt to enhance their figure.


A full knee length skirt is the look of choice for a triangle shape girl.



Tubular and Rectangular body shapes should look for a fitted calf length skirt to create the illusion of curves. Adding a belt to this outfit will enhance the look even more.



Never fear if your body shape wasn't mentioned :). You can always email me for suggestions!

Trends from the Streets of Milan Fall 2008

There is no question about it, Milan is a city that lives and breathes fashion. People walking in the street could be strutting down the catwalk that night. Check out what people are wearing in this fashionable city for Fall 2008.






Leggings continue to be a huge trend in Milan. Women are wearing tunics or dresses paired with leggings, often time with a chunky belt around the waist and worn with shin high slouchy boots.

It is definitely a season all about the gams. Women are continuing to wear short skirts and even shorts into the fall sometimes worn with leggings or tights and predominantly paired with boots.

Short and unstructured is the dress silhouette of the moment. It’s a very feminine and sweet look.

As far as pants are concerned the skinny still rules. Though, some women are starting to don a wider leg pant. This trend will most likely be adopted further into the season as new arrivals of this billowy silhouette dominate the selling floor in stores.

The most popular colors of the season are purple, black and grey along with a color palette of chocolate brown and yellow.

Overall you could say the predominant silhouette is one that is loose and sometimes voluminous on top with a focus on a narrow leg. Whether it is a skinny pant that creates this line or a pair of leggings or tights finished off with a beautiful pair of slouchy boots.

Hope you enjoyed the trend report from Milan, ciao!

Fall/Winter 09/10 Trends from Milano Unica

Milano Unica is the premiere textile tradeshow in Italy. It is an exhibition of European textile manufacturers and is the unification of five previously separate prestigious Italian textile fairs; Idea Como, Idea Biella, Moda In, Prato Expo and Shirt Avenue. Each show is known specifically for a certain textile, for example the region of Como is known for silks, while Prato and Biella are known for wool. Over the past 10 years the Italian and European textile industry has faced extreme hardship and therefore they combined the five shows to unite and promote the true quality of the finest fabric and accessory collections in Europe. The products shown at Milano Unica are used in designer collections and represent the most exclusive fabrics in the world for feminine elegance, trendy and high tech fabrics as well as trims.

Four trend presentation areas summarized the latest trends in fashion, color, innovation and trims as demonstrated by the exhibitors. A video presentation of the Fall/Winter 09/10 trends by Moda In, Ideacomo and Prato Expo further encapsulated the physical display of fashion trends. The four main themes proposed for the season were Soft Seduction, Restrained Glam, 3D Animation and Chromo Divirtissement. Within each category there were sub-themes depicted by fabrics with similar characteristics. Unfortunately, pictures were not allowed in the show so you will have to let your imagination run wild.


Soft Seduction:

• Vaporous Comfort: puffy swelling with minimal weight, voluminous techniques in a duvet style, prints simulating fox and lynx fur, dense embroidery on swan feathers, quilting

• Pajama Party: precious silk and wool, camel velour, silk chenille, arabesque patterns, silk satin paired with cashmere tulle

• Antique Softness: mohair, baby alpaca, cashmere blends, workmanship resembling dreadlocks, fur, ribbons resembling disheveled shaded fur, strings and tapes interwoven with loose knits

• Fabrics: jacquard, lace, embroidery, paisley, raised textures, rouching, velvet

• Colors:
o Burgundy, fuchsia paired with dark brown and taupe, cherry reds
o Blush colors like pinkish nude
o Gold paired with burgundy reds and cherry
o Raspberry reds paired with blushes and soft neutrals

Restrained Glam:

• Pictorial Shading: Painterly strokes, abstract florals, watercolors

• Working Class: Functional elegance, menswear inspired fabrics including
houndstooth, herringbone, tweeds, suiting, saville row

• Daily Luminosity: metallic threads interwoven in wool fabrics, rouching, surface texture

• Colors:
o Berries
o Purple paired with dark taupe
o Shades of blue including navy, teal and aqua
o Camels and taupe paired with burgundy
o Bronze
o Grey

3D Animation:

• Thin Graphics: Burnout, flock embroidery, spider web embroidery, tucks, pleats, stitching

• Geometric Evolution: Checks, stripes, glen plaid, tartan, argyle, geometric shapes, houndstooth

• Optical Illusions: architectural elements, development of the honeycomb structure which is imitated by quilting, embossed cellular structure, symmetric gathering, ribbons overlapping organ pipe pleats

• Colors:
o Black
o Silver Metallics
o Grey
o Yellow
o Teal

Chromo Divertissement:

• Green Ideas: Bark effects, techno nature

• Juvenile Nostalgia: Freedom and optimism in a movement of green and pink; velvet, embroidered prints, color blocks on plush fabrics, looking to cheer up the adult world

• Virtual Exuberance: Eco-fantasy, inspired by natural surrealism, folk & pop art, video games, pixilated eastern folklore, kaleidoscope

• Fabrics: ethnic, embroidery, ikat, animal prints, juvenile florals possibly inspired by Japanese anime, large florals

• Colors:
o shades of green including olives, forest, and yellows
o cherry reds and berries, bright pink
o combination of reds and blues in plaids
o oranges mixed with brown
o aqua


In summary the most predominant textile trends for Fall/Winter 09/10 is surface treatment, in the form of embroidery, rouching, pleats and gathers, as well as textured fabrics such as lace, velvet and fur. The dominant colors are purple, berry tones, black, blues from navy to aqua and shades of green from olive to yellow tones. Overall it is a season of opposites, on one spectrum there is focus on antiquity and vintage elements however there is also a heavy influence of future technology, graphics and animation. The common ground is a focus on protecting the earth, whether it is by preserving what we have or through research and development of new technology that will lessen our impact on the environment.

On The Stylist

Style.com has created a fabulous site called The Stylist that features videos showing people how and where to get the latest looks. It's a fabulous tool for the consumer and a great form of marketing for the brands and stylists. I particularly like a couple of videos by the stylist Kate Young, a former assistant of Anna Wintour who now dresses stars including Natalie Portman, Rachel Weisz and Hilary Swank.

The first video features a sweet, feminine ruffled blouse and shows how you can create many different looks from bohemian to cocktail chic just by changing a few details. The second video also by Kate Young demonstrates how to wear an lbd (little black dress) to work or on the weekend around town. Kate gives great tips and the pieces she shows are completely affordable, how great is that!!

If the video doesn't play when you click the link just choose the videos you want to watch from the panel at the bottom of the screen. :)

Fall Fashions from Italy

Reporting from Italy, more specifically Lucca, a small, yet chic town outside of Florence. The people here are very polished, they still get dressed for the nightly "passagiatta", or walk, around the downtown streets. The main color's for the season are purple, black, grey and a kelly green with purple being the obvious favorite.

In this photo note of course the color which is all black. Secondly, you can see the shape is more voluminous on top and skinny on bottom. The Italians are still in love with their cigarette pant. This works on most of them because they are usually very thin. However, many Americans have a different shape so be careful when donning the skinny pant. Though, it can be worn with a vouminous top that ends just below the largest part of the thighs. Also note the fabulous slouchy boots on the left.

Black again, but this time with a shot of kelly green belted at the waist. This is a great classic coat with a slightly oversized collar. Here again are a great pair of slightly slouchy boots that hit just below the knee.

In the photo above I want to point out most of all the lace leggings worn by the mannequin on the right which I love!! It's a great update to leggings which I have grown kind of tired of. These are worn with a cozy sweater dress that is...belted, the season's most important accessory.

Here is a shot of the menswear inspired shoes that have become the rage this season in the U.S. However, I haven't seen any similar to the flats on the left. I am now confirming a trend spotted that the lace up jazz shoe will replace the ballerina flat that has been the chic city shoe of choice.

In this shot notice still that the focus is volume on top with a skinnier leg. You see the loose dress worn with leggings on the mannequin in the middle and the flowing paisley top here on the left worn with a slightly bootcut jean.

You can see here this young woman is wearing a look similar to the one shown on the middle mannequin, a voluminous top/dress over leggings paired with a slouchy boot.

In the photo above note the colors, purple combined with a dark mustard for a striking effect. Once again you see volume on top and the addition of a belt to create shape.

All in all the fashions are not extremely different from those in the U.S. In the states there is more of a focus on berry colors and we are not yet so taken with black. With the poor economy in the U.S. it may be retailers attempt to provide a real reason to buy. Black is not necessarily a color that invokes excitement. The main trend in silhouette is a voluminous look on top paired with leggings or a skinny pant and slouchy boots attempting to balance the shape.

Fall Shopping Report

Ok, ok, I know I haven't been exactly a loyal blogger, on my site anyway, but I am now committed to providing regular updates. This past weekend I indulged in a few additions to my fall wardrobe. The pieces I felt were essential updates were transitional pieces that extend the summer wardrobe including a light weight, black tuxedo style jacket and a cardigan with of course, a skinny belt. I could not pass up the seductive, on trend lace top from Express, perfect for a night on the town. The final purchase was a jersey knit, above the knee, empire waist dress from Urban Outfitters. It is the perfect piece for me, living in South Florida where it is still in the 90's and will continue to be hot until December. However, when paired with the cute little cardigan and skinny belt from Urban Outfitters, is perfect for my upcoming trip to Italy where the weather is a bit more mild. Check out this look below!

Fall Trend Preview

I know it's not even August yet but I am officially a fashion addict, so here it is July 31st and I'm writing the Fall Trend Preview Report. Whether or not you want to accept it, fall is right around the corner. For me Fall is the more exciting fashion season as new silhouettes and trends are more likely to appear at this time. Fashion designers did not fail us for Fall 2008, check out the trends below...

The Return of the Pant
It has been season's since there has been any representation of the pant except of course for the skinny but not everyone can wear that silhouette. Now there is a selection, whether lean, cropped or voluminous, you will be able to find pants to suit your needs.

Tailored Jackets
Whether or not Yves St. Laurent's death has anything to do with the resurfacing of Le Smoking I don't know. However, variations on the tuxedo jacket for women has been spotted on many a celebrity including Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson and Natalie Portman.

Skirts
Note: Hemlines have officially fallen! We are seeing the continuation of the summer focus on the billowing 50's circle skirt but in a shorter version (still below the knee) which is not as full. Dresses and skirt lengths on the runway were predominantly from below the knee to floor length. This is a good thing as during the winter months our legs are not so tan!

Dresses
Dresses are still holding their own this season though pants are taking the spotlight. Prevalent silhouettes include the sheath, whether kept minimalist or enhanced with tiers of ruffles, and a looser more bohemian style.

Lace
Whether an accent piece or full ensemble as seen at Prada lace adds just the right amount of feminine detail to any garment.

Menswear Fabric
Plaid, herringbone and tweed are traditionally thought of as fabrics used in menswear but not this season. Ladies who don these fabrics will be looking quite dapper!

Ruffles
Ruffles, ruffles everywhere...blouses, skirts and dresses are adorned with tiers of ruffles for a look that's feminine and sweet.

That's it for the Fall Trend Preview. Once the season is upon us we will be detailing what trends are best for the various body types so stay tuned...

Have you heard about...

NiteSweatz, a collection of loungewear, daywear and pajamas designed to keep you cool all night long. Created by Leslie Hatfield, an experienced Exercise Physiologist and licensed Personal Trainer, these pieces are made from a silky, sumptuous fabric that wicks moisture away from your body and will keep you cool through the most intense hot flashes. Hatfield got ideas for her designs by talking with women she knew about their likes and dislikes of loungewear they owned. This resulted in comfortable, feminine styles appealing to any woman! NightSweatz can be found in 450 boutiques nationwide or online at www.nitesweatz.com. Have you tried NightSweatz? Let us know what you think…

Not Your Daughter's Jeans, a denim brand that designs jeans made from cotton and spandex with a patented front panel that flattens your stomach and lifts your butt! Amazing!! Understandably, this brand has created quite the splash amongst women. Recently I was in a store that carries NYDJ, browsing through their assortment of the brand and a fellow shopper professed that she loved those jeans and that I just had to try them on! Unfortunately, this particular shop didn't have my size. Publications from Vogue to Oprah to Women's World have included at least a blurb about this brand. Check them out at http://www.notyourdaughtersjeans.com/. Let us know what you think if you've tried these jeans...

Welcome to the Blog for Self Assured Women!

This is the first official post of the blog for Self Assured Women. You may be wondering what or who a Self Assured woman is. Well, she is a confident, sexy, and stylish woman! Here at selfassuredwomen.com we will provide all the Self Assured women, including you, with style tips, seasonal trends and address how to apply those trends to specific body types. So be sure to check back with us or subscribe to the RSS Feed for the latest fashion updates! Also, feel free to post any questions or comments by clicking the comment link below.