Fall & Winter 2014 - Women's Fashion
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The Year of "The Lady in Grey"
Did you ever wonder if you spell Grey or Gray? Answer: Grey is the preferred spelling in British English, but Gray is more common in American English
First American Woman to Receive Damehood Wearing Grey
Fall/Winter 2014 is all about 50 Shades of Grey and The Lady in Grey. Silver, slate, dove, gunmetal, ash grey, dark grey and cool grey are only a few of the refined greys making a ladylike entrance this season. Grey symbolizes a sense of calm, composure and elegance especially in a fast paced and chaotic world. The fashion industry and influential rags emphasize grey as the cornerstone of a Forever Chic Style mavens wardrobe with fresh pops of oranges as the new black, ravishing reds to wicked wines, greens with envy, precious pinks and ending with stately navy. For extra sophistication blend a dash of tartans, herringbones and hounds-tooth fabrics, black and white, leopard prints and exceptional accessories. Additionally, lengths, cuts and styles vary with a mantra of "anything is goes" this season and ultimately depends on the person preference. For instance, skirt lengths vary from above the knee to below the knee, pants are cropped, skinny or drapier for holiday parties. Oversized coats are in, pointy toed shoes are a must, full sweaters prevail and several other fashion trends remain supreme. What is crystal "grey" clear this fall and winter is the "classics in apparel" remain forefront and center for Fall/Winter 2014.
Fashion Follows Art
Ralph Lauren capitalized on the "grey effect" hypnotizing the runway in a variety of shapes and styles while adding a paintbrush of dynamic color. Fashion follows art and film in 2014 as displayed throughout a splash of television shows and movies. Mad Men ( AMC 2007 -) showcases the gents in dark suits with the ladies in subdued hues unless on the west coast with a dash of 60's boldness. Downton Abbey (PBS, 2010 -) royal characters adds taste and refinement with gorgeous dresses, bold jewels finishing with exquisite makeup and well appointed hair. Fargo (FX, 2014) and The Leftovers (HBO, 2014) sets are dark and dreary with one solving a murder mystery gone array and another seeking out the meaning of why people have disappeared without a trace. Or The Outlander (STARZ 2014 -), based in the 40's and the 1700's with glorious 1940's fashion and the Scottish tartans of the 1700's. As for the big screen, Maleficent (2014), was a spring and summer blockbuster set against a backdrop of light versus dark. Lastly, the film 50 Shades of Gray (February 14, 2015), an expose on deep secrets and love signifies that nothing ever is just black and white. Bottom line, Fall 2014 fashion follows suit with informal dress rules rather than ten commandments on what is in and what is out. Instead the focus is on every style though combined with creativity bouncing from light vibrancy to shades of darkest grey all the while worn with grace and elegance. Thus, the Lady in Grey aptly signifies the season and the world surrounding. Stand tall and envelop glorious grey sporting confidence and intrigue with an air of colorful mystery.
Forever Chic Style 2014 - Lookbook Overview
A Dash of Grey Suits You, My Lady!
I. Lady in Grey: Grey is unemotional, detached, quiet, subdued and definitely a hue of compromise which is essential in a ladies wardrobe. Add a touch of vibrant color or the palest pink in jewelry, pumps or even lips for extra pizzazz and memorability. From grey turtlenecks, sweater dresses, pants to a well tailored grey suit and behold an image that is solid, stable in harried world. Angelina Jolie the master of white, black and grey apparel was stunning wearing a Atelier Versace grey skirt suit with peplum and cuffed kimono-sleeve silhouette when attending the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence. Addtionally, on October 10, 2014, Jolie was presented by Queen Elizabeth II, the Insignia of an Honorary Dame Grand Cross of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George at Buckingham Palace for her work fighting sexual violence and for services to UK foreign policy. Following British protocol when meeting the Queen, Jolie donned a Ralph & Russo dove grey suit, curtsied and showed respect for the honor. "Dame Commander Jolie was The Lady in Grey."
The Lady in Grey - Fashion Picks:
II. Black and White Royal Statements: The elegance associated with black and white is memorable and so easy to put together. A black pant or skirt with a white blouse or a suit with white underneath is very polished and regal. Add in houndstooth and set the standard at an event. Never underestimate a fashion maven lady in black and white with a pretty black handbag and pointed toe pumps. "Simplicity, clean lines with luxe materials in black and white paint the perfect picture of success."
Black and White - Fashion Picks:
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| Pink Tartan 'Tabitha' Camo Jacquard Pleat Skirt - Nordstrom
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Kate Spade - Fall & Winter 2014 |
III. Flourish in Pops of Color - Red, Orange, Wine, Green, Pink and Navy: Color is essential with grey making a directorial scene. Decadent reds leaning toward wine combined with grey's or black and whites is eye catching riveting. Orange demands instant attention and is beautiful with grey, black & white and camel. Visions of emerald green sparkles and shines highlighting the bearer of the hue. Soft to bright pinks swirl throughout the season's line up of complimentary tones next to the greys. Lastly, navy makes a lasting impression of formality. "Warm up any day with pops of color against a neutral background for instance energy".
Pops of Color - Fashion Picks:
Add a Touch of Color - Warby Parker - Annette
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IV. The Feline Lady - Leopard, cheetah and feline prints remain classic and spot on for fasthionistas from blouses, sweaters, pencil skirts, pumps and accessories. "Lion, Tigers and Leopards, Oh My!"
Meow- Fashion Picks:
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Diane Von Furstenberg 'Jessica' Leopard Print Genuine Rabbit Fur Jacket - Nordstrom
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V. The Stylish Coat: Coats are the icing on the cake this Fall and Winter. A must have from the Peacoat, to oversized numbers, cashmere wraps, capes or shearlings all in varied long or short lengths. Always spend the most on a timeless coat in camel or black below the knees. All other options spend less. For instance, be on trend without breaking the bank donning a pale "pretty in dusty pink" short full coat rocking a Chanel flashback that compliments a fashionista. "Embrace the chill in a luxurious and warm number meant to be noticed."
The Oversized Coat - Fashion Picks:
Must Have...
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The Celebs
VI. Chunky, Warm and Cozy Sweater: The sweater is everywhere from cardigans, pullovers, crew necks, v-necks, dusters, drape necks to comfy knit dresses. Knitted and warm pulled over a white blouse or alone keeps the cold at bay while being upscale and casual in an instant. Combine with pencil skirts, jeans, pants opting for a fitted sweater over a loose and baggy concoction. Always choose flattering pieces to the silhouette instead a sack of knitting yarn. "Life is perfect when dressed in a favorite knitted piece while sitting before a fire with family, friends, wine or hot cocoa."
Cozy Sweater - Fashion Picks
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VII. The Favorite Legging, Pant and Jeans: Break out the dark blue denim jeans, favorite black pant and black leggings with pleasure and excitement. Styles vary from cigarette pins, straight legs to very full pants. With jeans always choose mid-rise or high waists versus low waist counterparts. The effect highlights the body. Autumn and Winter season is filled with a plethora of pant leg sizes that works well for a variety of body types. Add black boots, pointed pumps or pointed flats for a finished and polished appearance. "The classic pant is always flattering."
Fav Pant - Fashion Picks
The Legging
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| Vince Scrunched Ankle Leggings - Mid Rise The "Go To" Pant for Work and Nights Out |
The Perfect Fit in Deep Dark Demin
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VIII. Watch Timepieces: In the land where smartphones, computers, tablets tell time, it is refreshingly chic and grand to sport a luxe or casual watch to every affair. The watch has become a status symbol much like a piece of jewelry such as the engagement ring. The watch is the favorite accessory of the rich and famous and for that matter any woman of substance. Victoria Beckham, Sophia Vergara and Carolina Herrera embrace the wrist with beautifully crafted watches. Favorites include stainless steal, diamond encrusted or a gold bracelet. "Wear a watch and not only set time but expectations".
Timeless Timepieces - Fashion Picks
IX. Menswear Shoes: Think Audrey Hepburn when lacing up a pair of shiny menswear pointed toe flats. Add cigarette jeans or black pants with a sweater or blouse and jacket for a Hepburn moment. For the fashion inclined, wear menswear shoes with dresses and skirts for a yesteryear glimpse in fashion.
Menswear Shoes - Fashion Picks
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| Attilio Giusti Leombruni - Patent Leather Pointy Toe Oxford (Women) - Nordstrom |
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| Stuart Weitzman - 'Leman' Flat (Women) |
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X. The Extras: Handbags, Scarves, Jewels and Lips: Coveted top handled handbags with scarves in all shapes and sizes, jewels from chunky to simple and vivid red and wine lips complete the Fall /Winter 2014 lineup. Images of Betty Draper, January Jones, from Mad Men come to mind. Yes, the 50's glamour of a rope of pearls, minimal handbags carried in the crook of the arm and a scarf tied around the neck summarize the finishing touches. Add a touch of red or wine lipstick and the image is complete. "The Lady in Grey has made an unforgettable moment."
The Finishing Touches - Fashion Picks - Classics that Last
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| Longchamp - 'Roseau' Tote - Nordstrom |
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| Virgin Saints and Angels - Magdalena - San Benito' Necklace (Nordstrom Exclusive) |
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| M A C - Russian Red |
Marella Agnelli, last surviving social stars of the 20th century, lived an extraordinary life. Read about her in the new magazine - "Porter" - powered by Net - A - Porter. A beautiful magazine filled with interesting articles and fashion. Something to remember when purchasing anything of substance:
"Like all great ladies, she was never impressed by elaborate clothes. She only wore one jewel for 40 years, and one necklace." Wherever she went, her friends followed.....
"No one, in my many years as a designer, represented the word 'elegance' better than she."
Valentino
In other words, purchase quality, wear with enthusiasm and keep for a lifetime.
Fall 2014 is indeed the year of the The Lady in Grey. The visuals from Angelina Jolie to other fashion doyennes embracing grey through apparel and accessories is making impact. Add a spot of color to lighten the mood. Of course, intelligence, knowledge and ultimately grace are the true value of The Lady in Grey. Take time this season, review clothing wardrobes, purchase wisely and be empowered. After all, as appointed directors of your daily life, why not dress to impress, add a smile and fascinate the world around. Carpe Diem!
Oscar De La Renta (1932 - 2014) - Dressed the Famous and the Royal
"Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself."
Oscar De La Renta
Oscar De La Renta
"Every day is an opportunity to brighten the world. Everyday is a new stage to walk across. Why not take the time and play the part? Stand out, be beautifully attired. Why not? Dress for success, dress in simplicity and rejoice in the beauty around."
Great Design. Loved these looks. Keep updating.
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