One of my clients bought Ecco’s Casual Bouillon Sandal recently and is much impressed. It looks SO pretty on the foot, especially in the metallic shade. The tiny wedge heel gives this sandal some support. The leather is very soft and the footbed cushioning. A well made shoe too. 

As I was creating seasonal fast fall back outfits with my client last week, we were matching these sandals with skirts, dresses, clamdiggers, cropped pants, walk shorts and straight legs jeans.  A versatile, dainty and polished addition to a casual Summer wardrobe.

Cold shoulders, split sleeves, or peek-a-boo sleeves. Whatever you prefer to call this clever style detail, I can’t rave enough about the gorgeous effect that it has on the body. The silhouette is both covered and alluring. Breezy and interesting. Ageless and timeless. 

The beauty of the style lies in the cut out effect that exposes a small portion of the top part of the shoulder and upper arm, but nothing else. In my mind, this is always a pretty part of the body and worth exposing. The cut out also creates an attractive drape. Furthermore, you don’t need to wear a special bra, and a camisole is optional unless the fabric is sheer. Ideal for hot weather. 

You’ll find cold shoulder detailing on tops and dresses, both in knits and woven fabrications, solids and patterns, and all sorts of styles. Of course, some cold shoulders are more cut away than others and it’s up to you to find the version that is the most suitable.  

I’ve fitted a cold shoulder dress or top on petites, regulars, plus sizes and tall ladies of all ages and they ALL look divine in the style. Remarkable! Dare I say it’s a pretty flop proof vibe.

My heart skipped a beat when my full busted, plus sized client tried on Adrianna Papell’s Flutter Sleeve Jersey Dress last week. Absolutely sensational and WOW. The neckline is in the perfect covering spot – not too low and not to high. No camisole or special bra required.

The flutter sleeves are alluring, breezy, romantic and covered. The ruching across the bust line gives the girls a phenomenal lift. The fit down from the bust drapes perfectly, thereby skimming smoothly over the contour of the body. My goodness, no spanx required either. The length is on the knee and gorgeously classic. 

Although my client wasn’t on the hunt for a black cocktail dress, I encouraged her to snap up this sale baby right away. That way she has a killer little black number ready to go for the holidays, or any other dressy evening event. What a win for her dressy capsule.

As a fashion professional and someone who loves fashion, I’m constantly immersing myself in the trends. I watch the runways shows, both online and twice a year at New York Fashion Week. I read magazines and blogs. I take an interest in what celebrities are wearing, and note how models are styled for fashion shoots. I follow retail very closely. 

I also believe that there is nothing wrong with incorporating new trends. It is fun to watch them develop and experiment with including them in your look. The newness makes things exciting and keeps your style feeling fresh.

Right now there are three strong elements that the styles of many fashion conscious women have in common:

1. Long cascading hair. Somewhat messy at times, worn down or tied up. 
2. Heels. Usually three inches or higher.
3. Statement costume jewelry. Especially a maximal pile of arm candy. 

There is no question that these elements can be fabulous. Luscious cascading hair is always a feature. Heels can give you style superpowers. And statement costume jewelry looks interesting, shows personality, and is fun to wear.

Here’s the thing though: I don’t have any of these elements in my style. I can absolutely appreciate them, but they’re just not me. My hair is very short. I wear flats and low heels 99% of the time. And have sworn off all jewelry apart from a daily wedding ring and oversized watch. Occasionally I’ll wear my pearl necklaces, which I still love with all my heart, and my late Mum’s vintage gold jewelry, but that’s it. 

On the other hand, there are other areas where my style is really resonating with current trends. I’ve always worn  bold colors, high contrasting combinations and statement handbags. I’m really getting into pattern mixing. I love wearing tapered jeans and trousers. I enjoy wearing baggy tops and high vamped footwear.  I absolutely love the slouchy trouser and pant suit trend. I’m having fun adding a softness to my style. And ballet flats are my thing. 

I’m sure this is true for all of us to some extent. We will stay true to certain elements of our style, even when they’re not trendy. Other elements of our style will just magically align with the trends. And in some areas we will break new ground by stepping outside our comfort zone and letting the trends inspire us to try something new.

The degree to which the trends will resonate changes from season to season. The important thing is that you can have just as much fun being in sync or out of sync with the trends. In sync means your favorite things are plentiful in the stores and the outfits come easily. Out of sync means you can be more distinctive and creative with your style.

What are the “in sync”, “out of sync” and “new ground” elements of your style today?