MKE Style Spy

I’m not one for making New Yea’rs resolutions – especially when it comes to style. So instead of resolving not to purchase another handbag this year or some other absurd gesture, I’ve decided to focus on fashion to look forward to in 2011. Here are a few things I (and several Milwaukeeans) will undoubtedly embrace:   Wool wide-leg trouser, United Colors of Benetton, $50. Wide-leg trouser Tailored to the tee, wide-leg trousers are perfect for the office or as an alternative to a skirt or dress in most occasions. I’m planning on wearing a pair of light brown wool trousers…

  Handbag: MZ Wallace, $365, Stephanie Horne I read somewhere that someone buys a handbag on eBay every 30 seconds. Guess that proves the handbag is indeed a woman’s most-trusted, can’t live without, statement-making accessory. It’s also the most personal. Staring into a woman’s handbag can be akin to staring into a dark abyss. Stick your hand in and you never quite know what you’ll pull out. Yes, our handbags hold our essentials, but they can also be telling of our personalities. I met up with boutique owner Stephanie Horne (324 N. Water Street & 18000 W. Blumond Rd., Brookfield)…

Complain as I may about the onset of frigid temperatures, I like fall. More accurately, I like fall fashion. I welcome in the season by piling on the layers, slipping into a pair of knee-high boots, and pulling on a luxurious wool coat. Fall clothes lend themselves to substance and style – and a lot of the trends I see this season have classic appeal, which means they can be carried over to next year and beyond. Here are the must-have fall items for fall:   Fur-trimmed mittens, Fred. 1. Open finger mittens Open-finger gloves are perfect for layering. I…

  Reversible Swell Jacket, $10; Inspire Black Crop Pant, $86, lululemon athletica I admit it. I’m that girl at the gym. The one wearing her husband’s sweatpants and a t-shirt circa 1995 that reads something like “Youth Volleyball Camp.” I never thought of gym-wear as an opportunity to make a statement – at least a fashionable one. I was wrong. Be it yoga, circuit training or spinning, the clothing options are limitless – and most of them are outright trendy. I no longer have an excuse to enter the gym looking like I just rolled out of bed. When it…

Waist-cinching belts. Flashy cocktail rings. Colorful bangles. All of these accessories can change your look, but nothing is more of-the-moment than bold statement necklaces.  This season, go big or go home. No matter how fashion-forward you may feel, remember this: If you’re willing to wear a statement-making necklace, push it to the edge – just don’t go over it. Take a minimalist approach to the rest of your outfit. Tops with clean cuts and colors will work best. Avoid big belts, tops with ruffles or busy patterns, or large earrings. Not only will these pieces compete, you also run the…

Ah, fall. Cooler temps, changing leaves and fashion events. Annual favorites and newbie fashion shows and events are cropping up all over Milwaukee. They are the place to see and be seen – and what you’re seen in while at the event is almost as important as what’s coming down the runway. I checked out MKE Fashion Night Out at Bacchus and the always-memorable Lela Fashion Show. Two very different events, but both required a well-thought out, head-turning outfit. Fashion events tend to be glitzy, glamorous and compelling. So should your outfit. Some believe it’s proper etiquette to arrive decked…