Wow & Forever

Oliver B. here and there's nothing I love more than the fall season. Aside from the fact that I love cold weather, I also love the fashions of the fall. I always go for a sweater, long pants, scarves, hats, coats, etc. It's very easy to be sexy in the summer time where you show a little here and there. But to be just as sexy (if not sexier) in head-to-toe clothing ... now that is something to envy. Today's blog will focus on the overall picture I see in this season's fashion choices. Some of you may not be ready for it but you'll just have to bend over and take it like any of my other prisoners. Here goes ...

The theme I think is best to describe this fall season is passion. It is not a complete novelty to think of heat and fire in the fall, is it? But, that's what this season is all about. "Fall's palette paints nails with drama, as accessory to the season's perfectly polished fashion. Vivid pinks and violets. Darkest cobalt and emerald. Warm reds. Rich nudes. A passion for color." (Colección de España by OPI) And there could be no truer statement of the fall trends. In it's continuing run through the seasons, color is still the main staple. Often, especially in the colder seasons, our fashionistas retreat to blacks and greys and whites, and shy away from a bold and mesmerizing color. This would be a mistake. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO DRAW ATTENTION!!

I have seen a vibrant violet Gucci suit, to a rich plum Calvin Klein ad, to a bursting pink from Tommy Hilfiger, neon colors on Chanel couture, and let's not forget about the patent leather shockingly bright flats from Coach. All of it beautiful and really spruces up the dreary season. No more of this earth tone look in the fall. Stop matching the leaves as they fall. There's something inherently optimistic about a vibrant color, and Lord knows we all could use a touch of optimism these days.

Are we losing our confidence people? Every fashion magazine I have read lately from InStyle to Harper's Bazaar has some statement that wearing a certain look will bring you confidence. NO NO NO NONONONONONONO. Confidence should never come from your clothes. It should always come from you and you alone. You must never let the clothes wear you. And as a practical matter why should you base your confidence on items that will be out of fashion in a matter of months? Does confidence have an expiration date? Really?

My tips this blog come from Michelle Obama's wardrobe. Take a cue from our lovely First Lady whose unstuffy style is just the kind of optimism I want to see not just on the catwalk, but on the sidewalk as well ...

1) Bursting with color, a clean-line coat that comes to the knee makes a tasteful statement.

2) The new business chic swaps restrained suit jackets for spirited sweaters, often belted.

3) Anyone can pull off juicy tones, as long as they're worn with confidence (not worn to get confidence)

4) The knee-length silhouette may be simple, but the fabrics are quite the opposite: rich brocades, nubby tweeds, and dazzling metallics. Instead of offsetting the skirt's sumptuousness, play it up with a bright belt or an embellished sweater.

5) Pearl chokers are the jeans of the jewelry world--they go with absolutely everything.

6) Wide belts give definition to boxy jackets and unstructured cardigans.

7) A cluster of oversize brooches adds oomph to classic blazers.

8) A pair of low heels in snakeskin or metallic leather are in step with any occasion.

All of these tips are simple and fashionsteady, not fashionforward. Remember that you must always have a proper foundation to build a house on. Too many times I see perfectly good looks destroyed by a simple crack in the foundation like overaccessorizing. It doesn't have to be you. Learn the lessons.

Here's to style. Cheers!