In a recent post summarizing the upcoming trends for Spring 2013, I mentioned that a blouse cut in the shape of a roomy T-shirt would be one of the new silhouettes for next season. Well. Zara, has already knocked off the concept with panache and it’s just hit their stores (see photos below). It’s been less than a month since the last Spring 2013 runway show in Paris. Fast fashion is FAST. 

Zara, one of the most successful retail chains in the world, is unique for many reasons. For one, it can turn around an item much faster than other chain stores because it is vertically integrated. In other words, it owns much of its own supply chain, from production all the way through to retail. This cuts down operating costs and speeds up the manufacturing process. The fastest turnaround time for chain stores who outsource clothing production is approximately three months — and that’s if everything runs smoothly. That’s how long it takes to design, order fabric and trims, cut and sew the item, and deliver it to stores. Clothing production can be turned around faster if the fabric is already in stock and does not have to be especially produced for the garment order. Zara, on the other hand, has a three week turnaround time from sketch to delivery. Unbelievable. 

As far as the new “T-shirt blouse” goes, I hope to see it in an assortment of colours, patterns and solids for Spring 2013. Its dressy yet casual integrity is modern. It’s roomy and comfortable with just the right amount of structure, especially with the addition of the banded bottom. Woven fabrication amps up its versatility allowing it to be dressed up or down. Great for work and play. I’m a fan of this new silhouette. 

Fast fashion has its advantages and disadvantages, which is a topic for another day. But one thing is for sure. As a fashion professional I continue to be fascinated by the trend cycle. Seeing new trends and fashion concepts appear in stores at virtually the speed of light is part of what makes fashion such a fun sport.

This poll celebrates our third trouser season in a row. Important note: we are talking any style of jeans and any style of trousers. Trousers do not mean classic dress pants, but all styles of casual or dressy pants that are NOT jeans.

I love jeans and trousers, and both items are represented equally in my wardrobe. I still wear jeans regularly, but I reach for my trousers as often as I can because I’m trouser crazy at the moment. My style feels refreshed and extra modern when I wear trousers. I have absolutely no interest in purchasing more jeans, but could purchase several pairs of trousers right this second. This puts me firmly on Team Trousers. 

Over to you. Are you on Team Jeans or Team Trousers? Tell us why and no batting for both sides. If you can’t pick a side you’re sitting this one out on the bench with fries and a shake. I have a hunch that Team Jeans is going to win this race. 

Holiday parties are becoming more and more casual, which I find a great shame, but what can you do. We live in the age of casualization. These days a pair of fab jeans matched with heels and a sparkly top is as holiday-ready as a little black dress with all the trimmings. 

How about an in-between holiday look that’s not as casual as dressed up blue jeans, but not as formal as a LBD? A couple of years ago Kendall Farr wrote about the little black pant as a holiday party option. This year I bring you the Little Shiny Pant, or LSP — an on-trend outfit formula for our trouser season. 

The photos below provide great inspiration for the look. Here are the components:

Little Shiny Pant: You’re after anything with shine. Sequins, brocade, lace, lurex-rich fabrications, satin and metallic coated jeans are ideal options. Silhouettes can be cropped or full length. Slouchy, baggy, tailored or body con. 

Simple Top: I like the ensemble best with simple tops because they make the pants really shine. Think roomy or tailored fine gauge knitwear and soft drapey blouses over tight skinnies. Boxy blouses with high-low hemlines will also look fab. Tailored tops tucked into baggy and slouchy little shiny pants are another way to go. Or even a layering t-shirt worn under a tuxedo jacket or black moto jacket. For a maximal effect add a brocade jacket (see the model below with the green blazer). 

Heels: To my eye, dressy heeled pumps or heeled stacked sandals are the best way to finish off the look. That way you’ve created just enough formality. Shooties and booties are not my first choice because they dress down the vibe no matter what. That said, patent shooties are a nice option. 

Clutch: Hands down the best handbag to carry for this formula. Large or small. With or without a dainty strap. 

As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that they are in line with your own style persona. I’ve chosen a predominantly neutral colour palette because I’m taken with this look in metallic and black. But choose any colour spectrum. Keep it tonal or high contrasting. Add arm candy or a necklace. Add a belt. Or throw in your significant other for a serious bit of arm candy. 

I am feeling this vibe the most for my holiday look this year because I am trouser crazy. I wanted to wear sequin pants last year, but a minimalist midi dress won me over. It’s trousers this year.

Your worst colours are the ones that do nothing to brighten your complexion, bring out the colour of your eyes or capture the hues that run through your hair. Unflattering colours can make you look a little dull or grey, sometimes overly yellow or overly pink, wash you out, and even make you look sickly. 

My worst colours are beige, stone, flat light grey, most shades of camel, most shades of olive, and taupe. I look awful in what I call “dirty colours”, which are muted shades that have been mixed with grey to dull the effect of the pure hue, like mauve and sage green. I also don’t look good in eggplant, oxblood, maroon and burgundy. 

That said, I can wear light grey or beige when it’s shiny and has an iridescent quality, in which case it’s more of a silver or gold. I can also wear a very dark olive, and some pastels like crisp light blue, peach or baby pink.

When I shop with clients, it still amazes me how a particular colour can look sensational on them and desperately drab on me. Just last week I was with a client who wears oxblood, camel and light olive with the best of them. Yet those colours are disastrous against my skin tone. 

Which are your worst colours?