The 80’s party was great and everyone looked fabulous. Thanks for joining in and making an effort to come in costume (80’s outfits were like costumes). In the process I learned a few things about America in the 80’s, from  Jean Nate and Love’s Baby Soft, to Ciao bags, Capezio shoes and Sweet Valley High.

The competition was tough, but here are the outfits that tickled me the most:

• 1st place is a tie between Keri and Antje. Your outfits are so OTT I can hardly stand it.
• 2nd place goes to Diane whose black buffalo check jumpsuit finished me off. To think that her son borrowed this outfit for his own costume party sent me into orbit.
• 3rd place goes to Dani, whose collegiate preppy Benetton look with Madonna touches brought back loads of memories. My Mum also loathed the rolled down socks.

Congratulations YLF’ers! As we saw in Style.com’s Fall trend report, the 80’s trend is far from over.

My favourite retail season has arrived and I’m excited to discuss what the next six months of fashion has to offer. We’re kicking off the new season with Style.com’s top 2008 Autumn trends:

• “Belle Curves”: It’s all about peplum details that spotlight the waist. A peplum is a flared extension of a jacket, dress or top that comes below the waistline. It’s very 40’s and 80’s. If you like waist-cinching belts, you’ll like this look. It’s the voluminous trend with a waistline. There are loads of different peplum styles so don’t give up after trying one example.
• “Country Life”: Tweeds, tartans, plaids and checks rule. These fabrics take on a series of moods, from equestrian vibes and Chanel-esque looks, to 80’s punk and schoolgirl uniform styles. I love them all.
• “The Long View”: Mid-calf skirts and floor grazing skirts are back. I do not like ankle length skirts, but I’m into the mid-calf length if the skirt design is funky and interesting. I was surprised to have picked up a Winter skirt this length in London last season and it’s become a favourite.
• “Minimalist Tendency”: The “less is more philosophy” at its best. The look is about architecturally structured clothing and fab shoes. No jewelry or accessories. I like the look on the right person, but it’s hard to pull off without the perfect piece. I’d also miss my pearls.
• “Superhero Worship”: I do not know how this trend will be translated into wearable fashion. We’re not sporting the Superman cape or the Wonder Women cuff and leotard. But I do fancy the idea of a shiny waist cinching belt and boots that can fly.
• “Winter Garden”: Prints of foliage, feathers and leaves are hot. I’m curious about this trend and reserve judgment until I see it in stores.

My dominant season is in full swing and I’m ready for boots and tartan. If you live in a warm climate, bring Autumn colours into the mix but keep the clothing lightweight. It’s nice to sport a different look when the season changes.

The strongest trend over the last few seasons has been the revival of ‘80’s street style. It’s hard to believe that “the decade of anti-fashion” serves as an inspiration to creative fashion designers today. But the key word is “inspiration”. The trends we see coming through today are a cut above the tasteless and unflattering ensembles most of us wore 20 to 25 years ago.

80’s fashion was awful in many respects, but I loved it at the time. So to mark the end of another season of 80’s revival, we’re throwing a virtual YLF party. Come as an 80’s icon or create your own deliciously dreadful 80’s outfit. I’ll be turned out much as I was in 1985:

• Shocking pink, boxy V-neck pullover tucked into high-waisted, tapered, ankle-length, front pleated white pants.
• Mile high shoulder pads, white plastic bangles, pink dangly earrings and a turquoise studded belt.
• Pink plastic, pointy picklewickers over thin white rolled down ankle socks for my feet.
• Neon pink lipstick, green eyeliner and teased, sprayed hair to finish off the look. I can barely see you through my curtain of a fringe.

Thankfully, the decade with the worst fashion had the best music. It’s a night of Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Wham, U2, Ultravox, the Thomson Twins, Brian Ferry, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Simple Minds. Everyone’s invited, but first you have to share what you’ll be wearing. I will choose my favourite outfit and showcase it on the blog next week.

My raves list is always long. I find good things to say about every fashion season because it’s a matter of knowing how to sift through trends and make them work for you. These are the items that did not make it through my filter:

• Maxi dresses: The word “nightie’ springs to mind when I see someone in this style. Maxi dresses weren’t as big in America as they were in Europe. Thank goodness I live in America.
• Wide leg pants: They look great on the right body type but are generally hard to wear. There was too much of this product in US stores. Complete overkill. It’s interesting that this look did not take off in Europe.
• Empire cut tops: Another overkill. You can’t wear these tops if you’re busty and many of my clients “feel pregnant” in them. There was little else to choose from in mainstream fashion stores which makes for a poor tops season.
• Denim rises still too low: Higher rise pants were a fringe fashion statement, but generally mid rises on jeans were still too low. The best way to beat belly and back bulge is with a higher rise and layering techniques. Flattering rise measurements are still hard to find on premium jeans.
• Pants with side entry pockets: It’s great when 50% of all dress pants have pocket detailing. But when 90% of them do, it’s a challenge. Pants with clean, flat fronts look best on most body types. I wish fashion buyers would get this.
• Soaring heel heights: It’s the old story. Most fabulous looking shoes are uncomfortable and hard to walk in.
• Skirts and dresses generally too short: When petites start shopping in regular departments to gain 3 inches of length on a dress and skirt, you know items are too short. I’m all for mini’s as part of the fashion mix, but when most of the frocks are far above the knee there’s a problem.
• Too much trapeze: This little jacket makes a great retro fashion statement but moderation is key. I’m relieved to see them side by side with fitted jacket silhouettes for Autumn.

Missed opportunities:

• Shortage of skinny and straight leg jeans: Voluminous tops look best with sleek bottoms. Most voluminous tops were matched with wide leg pants because that’s what trending in bottoms. An awful look.
• Denim skirts and denim jackets: These no-brainer versatile items are always hard to find.
• Casual pants that aren’t jeans: We need casual micro-check pants!
• Short length tops to wear with skirts: A store that specializes in shorter tops to wear with orphan skirts would make a killing. I’d take all my clients there.

Bring on Spring and Summer 2008 rants ladies, and don’t hold back. We are putting this topic to rest today.

Some people loved the Maxi dress trend, but I wasn’t one of them. Just too much fabric for daytime in Summer.