Top Trends from Miami Swim Week

The hottest fashion shows of the country (both literally and in attitude) was in South Beach. Distinct fashion trends from Miami Swim Week emerged. We rounded up the top trends for the beach for the upcoming year:

Get a hold on the best fashion trends for the beach

Flash Tattoos 
Metallic body jewelry was everywhere. I saw these on multiple runways and all over the streets. It makes sense. actual jewelry is too heavy in the humidity and how else do you glam up your look when you're wearing nothing more than a few inches of bikini?

Fringe 
This was the one of the top trends for the fall 2015 shows in New York Fashion Week. This detail also ruled the runways of Miami as well. Fringe decorated everything from necklines to sleeves to skirts and tunic hems. Any body part you can shake is a place that you can add some fringe.

The Butt-revealing Cut
 The posterior is the erogenous zone of this decade. While thongs are more daring than many women are comfortable with, the high-cut back to frame the behind was popular across almost every collection I saw in South Beach. I'm just waiting for the hip-hop community to immortalize this silhouette in music.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

Bollywood Chic
Several swimwear labels looked to the East for their muse this season. The Filthy Haanz show used gold thread embroidery, color-blocked styles inspired by the Indian flag and prints that took its muse from the graffiti of Mumbai. Dijana's fashion show opened with traditional Indian dancers. San Lorenzo Bikinis opened their show paying tribute to yoga and multi-limbed deities.

South Beach brought the heat. Now it's up to your to bring Miami Swim Week's hot trends to your own sandy runway.

Check out The Hottest Runways of Miami Swim Week 2016
by Ms. Fabulous at Mode

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Trendspotting: Asian Grandparents

Who are the biggest trendsetters this season? Chinese grandparents as influencers may sound surprising, but the popularity of several style blogs has confirmed this trend beyond a doubt.

Mixed prints and geek chic?  Yep, grandparents in Chinatown have been doing this for almost a century. They weren't trying to be street style stars. As my own Mom explained, my Grandmother's love of color and pattern came from wearing cheerful clothes as a way to reflect the emotions you aspired to. Her wardrobe was ahead-of-her-time.

For an East Coast perspective, check out the blog Accidental Chinese Hipster.  For West Coast style-makers, you will find a great collection of photos at Chinatown Sartorialist. The men and women of this generation were all about practicality. Mom explained a clothing print that incorporates 10 different colors will pretty much coordinate with whatever else you own. If you read comments from the subjects of Chinatown Sartorialist, some of the fashionistas wore the outfit they did because it was a gift or happened to be the most comfortable.

Grandma, baby sis and me in the 1980s

On the hair front, there are two blogs celebrating the most embarrassing of Asian coiffure. Behold F**k Yeah, Asians with Perms and Asians with Bowl Cuts. Old yearbook photos you would hide from the public are the predecessor to the salon styling of modern hipsters now.

Sun protected, alabaster skin? Asian elders have been militant about sun protection for centuries before SPF BB creams were the industry standard.  ll hail the visor as the fashion accessory of choice.

Every child of immigrant parents or grandparents has had that moment in grade school where you were mortified by what they wore. This came from the insecurity of your efforts to fit in when they didn't dress by the narrow rules of the "cool" kids.  In reality, they were inspiring the runways of today's best designers all along.

Street photos by Andria Lo of Chinatown Sartorialist, 
Runway Photos by Mariana Leung and David Leung

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Trendspotting: Stripes for Spring

It's the most classic pattern in spring fashion.  Stripes seem simple at first, a timeless look that retailers and designers bring out year after year when the snow melts away.  However, there are so many ways to design them to look fresh every season.

The striped top has its roots in sailors uniforms, chic French gamines or even (yikes) mimes.  However, change out the traditional navy and white for variegated widths of stripes with this years trendy colors and you have a bright fashion staple for the season.

You can use engineered stripes and color blocking stripes as a graphic illusion.  The wide sections of bright colors on the dress above from Mossimo uses the striped, color block effect to lengthen the silhouette making your legs look like they go on forever.  Placing different widths and colors of stripes at different places on the body help the perception of maximizing curves or minimizing bumps like the Xhilaration dress on the left.  The examples above are the antidote to all of the old-fashioned myths about horizontal or vertical stripes making you thinner or wider.

If you're still paranoid that stripes might make you look like a prison inmate, you have a full range of accessories at your disposal.  A striped carryall tote, nautical flats, graphic rainboots, a scarf or a pop of pattern on a ribbon instantly give your outfit a fresh sunny update.

Are you ready to run your lines? Go forward and stripe out!

It’s Time for Springtime.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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How to Wear Sheer to the Office

One of the biggest spring trends is to wear sheer.  While light, transparent fabrics are pretty to look at on the runway, how do you translate that to an appropriate outfit for work?  I'm talking about a proper office, outfits that don't get the raised eyebrow or a whisper behind your back.

Sheer doesn't have to mean a head-to-toe look.  An implied translucent part of the garment works just as well and counts as being on-trend.

You can pile on the layers.  A skirt with several layers of transparent fabric eventually becomes opaque.  You can have the full coverage you're comfortable with, but when you move, you will see a faint hint of sheer when your skirt swings.

Sheer can act as a trim instead of the main part of the garment.  A dress with an organza hem or mesh sleeves gives a sexy impression, but everything is covered and safe.  You can always add a blazer on top and a co-worker will still see maybe an inch or two of your trendy sheer neckline.

Do you remember the first season of HBO's "Girls"?  Jessa wears a flimsy voile nightgown to her job as a nanny.  You know you don't want to be that girl.  A sheer blouse can always be paired with a solid tank or camisole.  A flowing, easy silhouette looks great with a second fashionable top underneath.  You can keep the colors tonal, or choose an under-piece with a completely contrasting color to shake things up.

Did you think about putting sheers into accessories?  That is always the easiest way to incorporate any runway trend into your work wardrobe.  Silk chiffon scarves are lovely.  How about the lace sheer bootie?  

No matter how strict the dress code is at your office, there are plenty of ways to stay on top this season!  Now how about that promotion?

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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Spring Shoe Trends

Oh yay! With the weather thawing out, boots open up and toes come out for spring shoes.  I can’t wait to shop for my favorite footwear trends for spring.

One of the biggest spring trends all over the runways was the mix of artistic prints.  Abstract floral, brushstrokes and kaleidoscope patterns have made every fashion item a canvas.  Spring shoes are no exception.  Many designers on spring 2013 catwalks crafted shoes to coordinate to the patterns of the clothes.  For my budget-friendly designer picks, you can’t go wrong with Prabal Garung’s pumps and laced up sandal in a “Nolita”print for Target (only $40).  If you want something more romantic, go for Xhilaration’s dark floral Sae pumps for only $30. 

The wedge was a big hit for fall and reconstructed in more spring friendly trims for the upcoming season.  I love wedges because they are safer (for clumsy me) to walk in than your typical stiletto.  Spring materials like cork, rattan, rope wood give it a bit of a warm rustic edge, while still keep styles sophisticated.  You can mix up all sorts of colors, contrast trims and configurations with a pump.  Stripes give you a nautical look, bows are ladylike and solid colors are bold enough for any spring dress.  All these fun styles come from Merona, Xhilaration and Target’s shoe collection, starting at $17 and topping out at $75.

Are you ready to step out of your boots and into the sunshine? I am.

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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Trendspotting: Polka Dots

One the most simple and classic patterns, yet it instantly screams spring and girly.  From a graphic design standpoint, you can change the entire vibe of this print by changing the scale of the dot itself.  Small dots are demure and feminine.  Large dots are more eclectic.   Overlap them with the right combination of colors and a mix of sizes and you have artsy bohemian, (that's my penny class for Print Design 101).

  While you can't take dots too seriously, they are the most chic in a basic navy/ivory or black/white combination.  All of the looks above are super-affordable pieces from Target's Mossimo, Merona and XHilaration collections this season.  

Ready for something fun?  You can check out a bunch of spring trends including polka dots in the video above.  See a look that looks cute for you? You can just click right on it and shop for it immediately.   The shoppable video concept is one step closer to the chocolate transmitting television from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  It is a fantasy I used to have when I was about 5 years old and watching Sesame Street.  I used to dream of just pressing a button and being to able obtain Barbie's car or that box of Cocoa Puffs right away... I guess I'm just a classic victim of commercial tv.  

When the sun peeks back out at the end of winter,  fashion boutiques, big and small, online or off start filling with colors and prints.  Even from the comfort of your home, things are blooming.  

It’s Time for Springtime.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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Trendspotting: Pastels with Pop

When the snow begins to thaw, stores inevitably bring the pale to your wardrobe.  Pastels may be a spring fashion staple, but that doesn't mean you have to look like an Easter egg!

The designers who showed at NY Fashion Week for Spring 2013 understood that.  Like me, the Gotham style crowd likes to live in our dark colors.  So how did they bring pastels to the runway?  How do YOU bring it to your life (in an affordable way?)

One trend I saw was to keep our beloved dramatic black and accent it with pastels.  Today’s pastels are less powdery and sweet.  Actually, many of them read like a softer version of last season’s neon fad.  Labworks has terrific, edgy basics like this dramatic black peplum jacket and asymmetrical pink skirt.  You can layer multiple shades of soft Mossimo scarves and accent with jewelry of citrus colored stones.  Prabal Gurung for Target made these great pumps with a pastel splattered print.

The other runway trend from spring was to see modern pastels worked into artistic prints. Tops were paired with sleek leather basics or served as a canvas for a bold look all around.  An accessible way to get this trend is to grab one of the fantastic kaleidoscope print tops with liquid black leggings.  Prabal Gurung again takes credit for the top and the lemon yellow shoes.  Continue the drama with multi-color chevron earrings duo and a solid coral bag.  The pale coral phone case has a terrific crocodile texture (without the cruelty or price tag).

I'm loving the color options this spring has to offer.  My dark-centric wardrobe can welcome these new shades without feeling like Morticia in The Addams Family Values.

Remember the quote?  "You have gone too far. You have married Fester, you have destroyed his spirit, you have taken him from us. All that I could forgive. But Debbie... pastels?"

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions
expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or
positions of Target.

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Trendspotting: Hair Fashion

Not sure if this is gross, avant-garde or rehashed vintage... Charlie le Mindu just showed a Goth chic collection feature human hair as embellishment in Paris for Spring 2013.  He was inspired by women who scared him.  The dramatic looks were tastefully done, but he certainly wasn't the first to use hair...

Alexander McQueen's Savage Beauty exhibit showed pieces with some taxidermy chic... A dress featuring horsehair and a dress accented with bird skulls:

Monkey fur was widely used in the 1920's and 1930's as a way to add drama to vampy femme fatales on screen.  It also fave a sleek, black, hair-like appearance.  Here is a vintage Gloria Swanson photo:

If you want to kill this trend forever, all you need to do is take a look at these outfits made from dog hair and worn by their owners... EW.  

Photos by Giovanni Giannoni,nowfashion.com,Metmuseum.org,vintagegal.tumblr.com,lostateminor.com

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Trendspotting: Unexpected Models

Have people become very jaded about fashion ad campaigns?  The surest way to get attention for fashion brands these days seems to be to use the "aww" factor in your photo shoot...

Chinese clothing shop owner Liu Xianping was being aided by her 72 year old grandfather when she was putting together her collection for the upcoming season.  He started giving styling advice and one thing led to another and he ended starring as the model for her website.  He works those looks.  The story went viral internationally and sales of her shop, Yuekou increased by 5 times.

Following on the heels of Choupette Lagerfeld and the Algonquin Hotel fashion show, Juicy Couture cast frisky felines as the stars of their accessories campaign.  Cute? Yup. Am I worried about allergies when I try them on? A little.

Cats are every bit the divas that their human counterparts are...Check out the hilarious outtakes reel: 

Eco-friendly collection EDUN by Ali Hewson had birds as the co-stars for their Fall 2012 campaign.  This is less "aww" than Hitchcock nightmare for me though.  While they are beautiful, some of the images of the birds in flight with the models looking perplexed just look like it was a better idea in theory than execution. See the full campaign here.

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Trendspotting: Thanksgiving Fashion

Happy Thanksgiving style lovers!  I hope you are having a relatively stress-free holiday with the people you love.  I am thankful for being able so spend time with my family and friends this year, learning new things and still loving fashion the way I did 20 years ago.

Ok, it is a little bit of a stretch, but I thought I would pull together some style boards inspired by both Pilgrim fashion and Native American style.  They actually looked pretty good!  

Under Pilgrim style, I found that Tokyo Fashion Week label, Fur Fur had taken the inspiration literally in their Fall 2012 collection with big collars, pilgrim hats and the full head to toe look.  Marc Jacobs did the most blinged-out luxe version of the big buckle pilgrim shoe for fall.  They came in ostrich or bright colors, with crystal encrusted buckles.  Mara Hoffman's Fall collection mixed native American patterns with gaucho, pilgrim-esque hats.  Not a literal interpretation, but a chic one.

Lots of designers have been inspired by the beautiful patterns of Native American tribes.  Woven Navajo blankets provided the muse for designers like Proenza Schouler and Isabel Marant.  Fringe details give a rustic, but luxury accent to boots and clothing.  Feathered headdresses can be scaled down to statement necklace from SweetLime and a great pheasant ear cuff from TopShop.  I also love the intricate textile covering of the blanket flats from Frye.

Shop our entire list of Thankgiving style picks from LYST:

follow me / make your ownLYST

If you want to see humiliated pets in Thanksgiving costumes, mosey over to Huffington Post.

photos from style.com, tokyofashion.com,Lyst.com

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Trendspotting: Dia de los Muertos

Celebrate the Day of the Dead.  While quirky bars and restaurants have always used Katrina dolls and dioramas to decorate their interiors, I have seen a huge rush of the Dia de los Muertos trend in fashion circles of late.

666 Photography had a gorgeous beauty editorial that mixed makeup, floral headpieces and elegant, burlesque corsetry that went viral over Pinterest.  Other beauty bloggers and stylists were also inspired by the embellished skull look with their own interpretations.  The not-so-macabre trend made its way onto the nail art circles with amazingly detailed manicures.

Accessories designers have always found the holiday to be a muse.  There a bunch of jewelry artists who make everything from earrings to necklaces to cufflinks.  You can find the motifs on ties, handbags, and elaborate headpieces all over Etsy.  You can even complete your look with bony pumps .

My husband has always had a fondness for this Mexican holiday as it was very close to his Halloween birthday.  We have purchased some great art pieces from galleries that specialize in Mexican art.  In the last decade, mainstream companies have increasingly incorporated the decorative, morbid aesthetic into their product offerings.   LucasArts even had a cult-favorite video game called the Grim Fandango that takes place in a Dia de Los Muertos world.  Over at the Offbeat Bride, this aesthetic has found a romantic hold on many couple looking for alternative themes.

Want to see what YOU look like with Dia de los Muertos makeup?  I found this fantastic Day of the Dead Me app.

Conclusion?  Whether you are living or dead, you have no excuse not to look fierce.

Credits: 666 photography, Viveros via lewdfox tumblr, http://cdnimg.visualizeus.com,

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