While in New York City for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and the Fall 2011 Collections, I realized that fashion is completely cyclical. Some trends from the past will rear their head again while others remain buried never to return. This is both good and bad. Sometimes the looks that come back are unflattering, ungainly and downright unwearable while others seem to remain bulletproof. Thank goodness that this year the looks for Fall 2011 are already on our radar, and we can start to seek them out at our local Milwaukee retailers. These are the top trends to know, and in future columns, I’ll show you how to access these looks for yourself!
Top Trends for 2011
 |
| Callula Lillibelle. |
Four Eyed And Fabulous
Four Eyed And Fabulous
There was never a better time in fashion to be a nerd than right now. At Callula Lillibelle, horn-rimmed glasses and heavy black frames were dominant on the runway. If you already wear glasses, now might be a good time to invest in an extra pair of frames. Think Clark Kent or even James Dean studious to keep your peepers stylish.
 |
| Yoana Baraschi. |
Blooming Large
Blooming Large
Garden flowers were in bloom at Lincoln Center at the Yoana Baraschi presentation. Brazen floral motifs figured into the design schemes on dresses as well as tops and even slacks. Year-round blooms will make sure your fashion garden comes up roses.
 |
| Nico Lena. |
Go Bold Or Go Home
Go Bold Or Go Home
Hot pink, orange, persimmon, coral, ruby red, emerald and canary lead the way when it comes to hues about to be huge in the next year. Step up your wardrobe with one or two bright pieces and you’ll be good to go! At the Downtown show of Nico Lena, the colors were as bold as the designs.
 |
| Custo Barcelona. |
Mixing It Up
Mixing It Up
I know this look from Spanish designer Custo Barcelona is a little extreme, but it does illustrate that if you have the conviction to wear what you love, you can make it work. If it looks good to your eyes and you wear it with confidence, you’ll get attention in all the right ways.
 |
| Eric Javits. |
Hats Off!
Hats Off!
Eric Javits’ wonderful and whimsical hats were the perfect complement to designer Douglas Hannant’s elegant and ladylike collection at the Plaza Hotel. I don’t believe in bad hair days, I do believe in hats!
 |
| Carlos Miele. |
Caped Crusaders
Caped Crusaders
Carlos Miele gave us his take on little red riding hood with soft flowing capes, separate hood pieces, worn over his colorful collection of dresses and separates. Easy on and off, a cape seems timeless and modern at the same time.
 |
| Helen Yarmak. |
Fur Real
Fur Real
Luxury fur and jewelry designer Helen Yarmak actually pulled off the near impossible. Fur capes that didn’t look stuffy or grandma like. They were over the top in only the best of ways. Whether you like fur or not, it was seen as an accent or as the focus at many, many shows. Don’t forget that there are plenty of faux versions out there for the fur adverse.
 |
| Mackage. |
Shopgirl Chic
Shopgirl Chic
The savvy working girl of the ’30s and ’40s was brought up to date by design team Mackage. Feminine, flirty and work appropriate. I applaud them for bringing ladylike sass back to women everywhere. The bowed blouses are reminiscent of a lot of other eras. Like I said in the opening, good things always make a comeback!
 |
| Pamella Roland. |
Baby Got Back
Baby Got Back
Careful attention should be paid to how a woman looks when making an exit. A particularly elegant example was shown in this exquisite design from red carpet designer Pamella Roland’s collection. There were plenty of versions of detailed back treatments on blouses and day dresses alike, and I heartily welcome the trend.
 |
| Adrienne Vittadini. |
Sexy Slacks
Sexy Slacks
The trend of higher-waist slacks with more flowing legs somehow looks very up-to-the-minute again after all the painted-on jeggings. At Adrienne Vittadini, the veteran designer showed that she still has a few classy tricks up her sleeves. Paired with an off-the-shoulder knit top, they still feel feminine and not at all mannish.
*
Top trends are always about ideas and not hard-lined rules for dressing. Fashion at its best is fun and thought provoking, and at its worst bland and boring. My week in New York City is always inspiring not just because of the fashion shows that I see, but also because it causes me to think about how what we wear represents us as individuals and as a society. Make Milwaukee proud by putting a little effort into your attire and you just might make a top trend list yourself.
For more information about the designers I’ve mentioned and where to purchase their designs, see the links below.
