Gifts that give twice

Mother’s Day this year is on May 12th in many countries, including USA. This year I collected 7 gift caring ideas that give twice. Many of these products support a charity, are made from recycled materials or are made with all natural ingredients. Great gift ideas for granola and fashionista moms alike!

1. Jonathan Adler Retro Floral On The Go Coffee Mug ($14)
The Jonathan Adler porcelain coffee mug with a coordinating silicone sleeve and lid isn’t just any pretty new coffee to-go-mug when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. $2.80 of the price goes to any cause of your choice, easily with a click of a button. Perfect for the soccer mom-on-the-go!

2. Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch ($95)
Patent Foundation Double Wrap Logo Stud Bracelet by Tory Burch is gorgeous and perfect for the trendy fashionista mom. All profits from the purchase of this item benefit the Tory Burch Foundation, committed to providing economic opportunities to women and their families in the United States

3. Smart Traveler Makeup Bag Set by Cuyana ($85)
Smart Traveler Set by Cuyana comes with two makeup bags, perfectly sized for traveling. The large one for toiletries and the smaller one to fit inside a carry-on or a purse for daily essentials. This set comes in several colors but the trendy emerald green is my favorite. The bags are Handmade in Argentina and Cuyana donates a percentage of profits to charity:water.

4. TOM’S Shoes ($53.95)
The ‘Classic – Circle’ Slip-On by TOMS shoes comes in cute new prints. And like for years now… With every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need.

5. FEED India Bag in Flame Navy ($75)
This colorful block printed FEED India Bag is handmade by artisans working in India. Each FEED India Bag will provide 50 school meals for children in India, and in ADDITION 15.00 goes to any cause of your choice when you purchase it from Gifts that Give. The do-good bag also looks good and it’s perfect summer, for beach days or farmer’s market runs.

6. Mereset scarf from fashionABLE ($36)
The soft 100% cotton Mereset scarf from fashionABLE is handmade in Ethiopia and allows women in Ethiopia to have a way of living. This thin scarf is perfect even for summer.

7. Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfume ($100)
Pure Natural Diva Botanicals Perfumes are a perfect a gift for an eco savvy mom. Made with natural ingredients and scent from heaven. May we recommend? Try the Natural from the four different varieties. It is fresh and inviting, with notes including a hint of clary sage, exalting pink grapefruit, Moroccan rose, and soothing ylang ylang. Calming yet luxurious, just what mom wants. 1.69 oz bottle $100.

Converse ♥ Marimekko collection has arrived

The success of the first Marimekko-Converse collaboration was so big that Marimekko and Converse unite again for a fun shoe collection for spring/summer 2013. The Converse ♥ Marimekko collection includes colorful Marimekko prints by Maija Isola and Maija Louekari, and the collection will be available in Chuck Taylor All Star and a brand-new silhouette, Chuck Taylor All Star Platform. A few of the Chucks in the collection have just arrived on the Marimekko online store for purchase.

The trendiest shoe of them all is the new Chuck Taylor All Star Platform in Marimekko’s delicious strawberry print called Mansikka (strawberry in Finnish), designed by Maija Isola in 1967. The print, depicting fresh strawberries in a bowl of cream, will be seen on the classic Chuck Taylor All Star style as well, both in red and blue.

Two other all time favorite Marimekko prints will be in this spring’s Converse ♥ Marimekko collection: Unikko, one of the most iconic Marimekko patterns, designed by Maija Isola in 1964, and Räsymatto, inspired by colorful rag rugs and designed by Maija Louekari in 2009. My two favorites are the last two ones pictured above: the blue Unikko making the large poppies look more like clouds than flowers and the very colorful multi-color Räsymatto print. Which ones are your favorites?

Shoe designer Alexandre Birman

In 2008 the Alexandre Birman brand came to market. Birman, following in his father’s footsteps, has been surrounded by fashion for much of his life. Regarding his brand, he has always focused on creating luxury designs with imported raw materials. Birman is recognized for his iconic use of exotic skins such as snake, python, and lizard. Within a short time, the brand grew rapidly, picking up popularity. His line has achieved success in major departments stores, and has caught the attention of celebrities such as Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, and Leighton Meester.

My fellow Skimbaco fashion writer Nina already is a fan of Alexandre Birman and met him last fall when his fall collection came out at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Alexandre Birman celebrated the debut of his spring 2013 collection at Saks Fifth Avenue during fashion week, and I attended and sat down with the designer to discuss his new collection as well as his brand. After meeting with him, we headed to the 8th floor shoe salon to celebrate and view the collection while sipping Veuve Clicquot. Actress Kelly Rutherford was in attendance and shopping the collection as well.

Wes: When you reflect on your spring 2013 collection and designs, what image are you trying to evoke regarding your brand?

Alexandre Birman: A casual, good looking shoe. That is what we really try to do. A shoe that is wearable daily. Our shoes are really timeless pieces. Although they do change season after season, they are really timeless and can be worn again and again.

Wes: Where did you garner the most inspiration from for your spring 2013 collection?

Alexandre Birman: In Brazil, especially Rio de Janeiro. I am a triathlete and all the colors I have seen on my biking through the rainforest inspired me. My main inspiration was the colors.

Wes: What women’s footwear trends are you most excited about?

Alexandre Birman: I love single soles. It is something that is unique. For next winter I have changed the shape of my heel to make it straighter. This makes the silhouette a little longer.

Wes: If you had to pick one shoe for every woman to have in her closet from your collection, what would it be?

Alexandre Birman: From my collection what is really timeless is the flat sandal. The natural/black color scheme goes with everything. It can be worn to a nice day-time activity, during the evening, or even to the beach.

Wes: From the inception of your brand, what has been your vision of the “Alexandre Birman woman”?

Alexandre Birman: A woman that is in life to really have a focus, they aren’t just there to have fun. A woman that is a mature woman, my customer is too young. She also loves to travel as I do.

Wes: With many of the hottest women in Hollywood and New York wearing your shoes and the popularity of the brand growing, do you see an expansion of the collection beyond footwear in the near future?

Alexandre Birman: Within the next 2-3 years my biggest focus is to open my own store in New York. I would see myself uptown.

Wes: As a relatively new footwear designer who has already won distinguished awards, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your design career thus far?

Alexandre Birman: Having worked with a lot of celebrities with these shoes. Leighton Meester started to use our brand when it was only 6 months old. When she asked a Gossip Girl stylist to put as much as he could in the series, that was something unforgettable.

Photos taken by Gustavo Campos

Dreaming of English Countryside

I am flying to London on Sunday, and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m going for business, but how I wish I had time to sneak some time for wrong-side-driving and take a road trip to countryside.
Satu is already in Devon, and she just spent some time in the countryside in Ireland, including staying in Durrow Castle, and her photos have been enticing. And to add to my wanderlust of experiencing UK, the new James Bond Skyfall movie worked pretty well as an invitation to experience London and Scotland. Now, please don’t get England, Scotland and by no means Ireland mixed, they are all completely different animals, but for the sake of fashion simplicity, I named the post according English countryside.

We might not make the REAL English countryside happen, but we can dream of visiting the castles and riding horses, and dress like it right at home. Instead of bird hunting, go rake some leaves and come back indoors for hot cup of tea or to sip some whiskey by the fireplace. Me? I’ll be shopping on Oxford Street in London on Sunday, and if you want an idea of my dream shopping list.. read along.

English Countryside Fashion for Women

Two things that are on my personal wish list at the moment: Mulberry wool scarf and Barbour coat. I’ve had both before and I have no idea in which move they got lost, because I haven’t had either for years. Neither are cheap by any means, but worth every penny, timeless style, and good quality. It might be the Swedish influence too, but I love the equestrian style at the moment, and it is very trendy as well. However, unless you get sweaters with pictures of horses, most of the equestrian style clothing is very timeless, and you can’t go wrong with tall boots or high quality belts, and I am truly missing Ralph Lauren stores back in NY at the moment. Product details below.

UMBRELLA:
Lyndhurst Umbrella by Jack Wills is inexpensive way to get the countryside look. The first Jack Willis store I visited in the US was at Southhampton, and I’ve been in love with the brand every since. It’s like the Brit A&F.

JACKET:
Barbour ‘Heritage International’ Quilted Jacket is on my Christmas wish list. Santa, do you hear me now?

SCARF:
Mulberry check scarf, still longing for the lost one, and I decided I will once again own this soon. It goes with anything, with a black pea coat and with the casual looks, like the Barbour jacket.

BELT:
Leather Stirrup Buckle Belt by RL Lauren. Get trendier inexpensive clothing – and mix with high quality accessories and you’ll look like million bucks.

BOOTS:
Leather Knee-High Riding Boots by Burberry are to die for. For less expensive look boots from Ecco or Nine West.

MY CUP OF TEA:
Carolyn Feather Cup and Saucer by Ralph Lauren Home is perfect for English tea. Or rum with hot water and honey, you know, to keep you warm during cold fall days.

Fashion for Him

My husband is quite far from being a preppy Englishman, nor James Bond, however my Texan helicopter pilot has something in common with both: wanderlust to see the world and classic style.

THE JACKET:
James Bond (Daniel Craig) wears a Barbour “X To Ki To” Beacon Heritage Sports Jacket in the movie SkyFall in the scenes in Scotland. The specific (pictured) Barbour tailored jacket has the classic Barbour tartan lining and it’s part of the Beacon Heritage collection inspired by Barbour’s sporting, motorcycling and military past. The production of this (high priced) jacket is limited and it is rumored to be sold out already. But Barbour has plenty of other great

SWEATER:
The sweater is also from Barbour. The District Half Button Jumper sort of combines classic wool jumper with buttons with more relaxed style sweatshirts, and that’s why this has my handsome husband written all over it. The sweater has detachable quilted hood making it not just warm, but also a little more relaxed style.

SHOES:
Islay boots by Crockett & Jones were also seen on James Bond. They are made from the finest scotch country grain calf and have bold detailing, and go from city streets to countryside.

COCKTAILS & DREAMS:
While James Bond is known for his martinis, there is another drink much more suitable for English countryside and Scotland: The Macallan Sherry Oak whisky. The Macallan is a brand of single malt Scotch whisky first distilled in 1824 at The Macallan Distillery near Easter Elchies House, at Craigellachie, in Moray. My ideal weekend in Scotland with my husband would include visiting the beautiful The Macallan estate where you can watch the whisky made.

BAG:
Handsome Mulberry Clipper is my ideal weekend bag for the trip. It’s classic and manly enough for a man to carry – but something I wouldn’t mind stealing for my own use either.

BOOK:
If you want more scoop on James Bond behind the scenes, check out the book Bond On Set: Filming Skyfall by Greg Williams. Maybe not for travel reading, but a great coffee table book and for daydreaming of living life on the wild side.

Check out also how Wes was inspired by countryside on his this week’s post at Life Through Preppy Glasses.

Photos:
Daniel Crieg/James Bond – Greg Williams
Scotland scene – Macallan
Products – product manufacturers mentioned in the post.

FASHION FRIDAY
I’m linking up with Blonde Episodes and Jo-Lynne Shane’s Musings of a Housewife for Fashion Friday.

Check out what else is trending right now and subscribe to our weekly newsletter.

Fashion challenge: Equipment Blouse

Our third challenge at Marshalls Fashion Face-Off was to find a trendy tunic or an equipment blouse for this fall. I don’t wear tunics so I was heading straight to the blouse section at the store. The “equipment blouse” is a name for the relaxed button down shirt which often has two front pockets. The name of the blouse is coming from a high quality French brand called Equipment. Equipment is famous of it’s best quality silk shirts and the brand is highly appreciated around the world.

I found a lot of different kind of equipment blouses at Marshalls. All the famous brands had their own versions of the shirt. Different color variations, with one or two front pockets, different materials etc. I had one problem.. I liked them all, and I couldn’t decide which one to take.

Then I hit the jackpot. I found a fantastic sheer silk blouse from Equipment! I was amazed! I didn’t know I can find famous European brands from Marshalls as well! I’m so happy I found this blouse! I bet it’s going to be my favorite blouse this fall. Even the color is perfect. The original price was $218 but I got it at Marshalls for $79,99! Talk about a deal!

The pumps and the fabulous leather tote are from Marshalls as well. The pumps you already saw at my colored trousers post but the bag is new. I totally fell in love with this Gianni Chiarini tote so I just had to get it. And why not to buy it when you can get the tote for $179,99! The retail price was $320. Simply love it!

I love mixing different materials and this time I wanted to combine my sheer silk blouse with a black leather. Black leather pants are one of the trendiest garments this fall. And hey, this blouse looks good with the red pants I bought for the last challenge. It’s so nice to mix and match all the things I’ve bought this fall, and I got them all from Marshalls!

I would wear this outfit at the lunch date with my friend.

Marshalls Challenge on Pinterest

If you think I did good… Please help me to win the Marshalls Fashion Challenge by repinning the pictures – and get a chance to win a $100 gift card to Marshalls as you play along too.

OFFICIAL RULES:
Pin this post or photos from from Skimbaco’s #GotItAtMarshalls Pinterest board for a chance to win a $100 Marshalls gift card! Just tag your post with #gotitatmarshalls and you’ll be entered to win one of five gift cards to Marshalls. Open to residents of the US, 18+. Closes on October 24, 2012.

Marshalls has Fall’s hottest designer fashion without designer prices. See what’s being spotted in stores now on Facebook. Make sure to subscribe Skimbaco Fashion feed via email to get all of our fashion posts delivered on Fridays.

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

Marshalls Fashion Challenge: Colorful Bottom

The second Marshalls Face Off challenge was colorful bottoms, and I was excited to create a look that is so on the trend, this fall colorful jeans are everywhere. It IS possible to dress trendy while staying on the budget.

I like especially all the different shades of red so I was happy to find these light burgundy trousers from Marshalls to complete my second challenge. In fact, this time my entire outfit is from Marshalls. I wanted to create an outfit with fashionable but inexpensive clothes, and uplift the look with a nice leather bag (the Michael Kors one I got when we kicked off the Marshalls fashion challenge) and a high quality leather pumps.

FASHION TIP: When your shoes are high quality the whole outfit looks neat and you can wear it everywhere!

I had never been to Marshalls before this fashion challenge and two things I’ve learned so far: you can make trendy finds from Marshalls for a good price, but you can also find some timeless elements to your wardrobe. This time I found a well made white cotton button up shirt for $16,99 (retail price $50) and an off-white cable knit pullover for $39,99 (retail price $80). The pullover is very soft, it even includes luxurious cashmere.

FASHION TIP: When you have timeless elements in your wardrobe, you can spice them up with the trendy garments.

My trendy light burgundy trousers were only $19,99 (retail price $40) and together with the rest of the clothes in my outfit are only $76,97! Can you imagine!? While I was looking for colorful pants I visited the shoe section as well. I was so amazed about the shoe section when I did the trendy fall bootie fashion challenge, I just had check out the shoe selection again. And I’m glad that I did. I found a very nice and classic Elie Tahari leather pumps and especially because I had some money left of my $100 outfit budget I bought the pumps to complete my outfit. The retail price for the pumps was $198, but I got them from Marshalls for $99,99! What a great find! With the timeless high quality leather bag and the designer shoes my entire outfit is $346,95. While that’s going over the “budget fashionista” limit in my book, I could have just chosen cheap tennis shoes and a fabric tote to stay under $100 budget for the entire look, but I chose to make the entire outfit to look more luxurious by combining the inexpensive clothes with high quality bag and shoes – which were also highly discounted at Marshalls.

I think this outfit would be a perfect for the day at the library or even work. And after studying hard you can just call a friend and go to dinner, straight from the library. The heels make the outfit suitable for almost everywhere!

FASHION TIP: Think of multifunction outfits that take you from day to evening to keep you living life to the fullest on the go!

Marshalls Challenge on Pinterest

If you think I did good… Please help me to win the Marshalls Fashion Challenge by repinning the pictures – and get a chance to win a $100 gift card to Marshalls as you play along too.

OFFICIAL RULES:
Pin this post or photos from from Skimbaco’s #GotItAtMarshalls Pinterest board for a chance to win a $100 Marshalls gift card! Just tag your post with #gotitatmarshalls and you’ll be entered to win one of five gift cards to Marshalls. Open to residents of the US, 18+. Closes on October 24, 2012.

Marshalls has Fall’s hottest designer fashion without designer prices. See what’s being spotted in stores now on Facebook. Make sure to subscribe Skimbaco Fashion feed via email to get all of our fashion posts delivered on Fridays.

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

Luxury Brand will Launch in Europe in 2013

The rumors about H&M launching a new brand started emerging this spring and today H&M announced their new chain, called & Other Stories will launch in the first half of the 2013.

A completely new concept, separate stores, and clothing collections focusing more on quality. The price point will be higher than what you normally expect from H&M – but so will be the quality. I couldn’t be more excited to see what’s in store (pun intended), and I’m so excited I currently live in Sweden, because I am hoping to see a & Other Stories flagship store in Stockholm… H&M said the & Other Stories will launch with stores and online shopping during spring 2013 in selected European countries, but no additional info as of now. Sorry my friends in the US! But now you will have even one extra reason to start planning your trip to Europe next summer.

The & Other Stories will have a large collection of clothing, accessories, shoes, handbags and even cosmetics. H&M reports that their creative ateliers in Paris and Stockholm are paying attention to details, quality and the materials, and making & Other Stories better quality clothing and up par with designer brands, but considering the high quality, still affordable. I’m all for affordable luxury, and quite honestly I’ve liked so many H&M clothes before for their looks but not bought because of the quality (says a girl who doesn’t wear polyester), so I am super excited about the & Other Stories and can just imagine it could be the brand made for me!

From H&M’s official press release:

& Other Stories is about bringing everything she can wear into one place, focusing on the whole look. We believe shoes, bags, jewellery, lingerie and beauty are key for styling and just as important as clothing.

Our collections are built around inspiring fashion stories. All our lines are diverse, ranging from masculine tailoring to feminine chic and designed to provide endless styling choices. Carefully selected materials are an important ingredient in every piece. & Other Stories aims to design lasting wardrobe treasures within a wide price range.

It’s no doubt that & Other Stories is a result of so many popular designer collections H&M has been rolling out the past several years, and luxury isn’t all new to the Swedish retailer. They have teamed up with Lanvin, Versace and Marni in the past to name a few, and they also rolled out the red carpet collection Exclusive Glamour Conscious Collection earlier this year.

Summa summarum, luxury market isn’t completely new to this Swedish company. H&M also owns a higher price point brand COS, not available in the US.

Even if & Other Stories is not opening in the US this spring yet.. you have some great news. H&M said it is speeding up opening new stores and they will hit a 300 mark for by the end of the year. And yes, that’s 300 new stores for 2012, so keep your eyes open, maybe one is coming to a mall near you – or just opened.

Stay tuned with latest fashion and trend news and subscribe to our weekly fashion update

Source/photos: H&M

FASHION FRIDAY
Linked at Fashion Friday at Musings of a Housewife

Got it at Marshalls Challenge and you get to play too!

Remember I told you about the fashion hauling I’d get to do with Marshalls?

What I didn’t tell you is that it is actually a fashion challenge and I am up to pretty tough competition, fashion bloggers High Fashion 4 Less, Lauren Messiah, Swa Rai and What The Frock.

The coolest part: you’ll get to play along for a chance to win a $100 Marshalls Gift Card, and I hope you’ll join me for Fall Fashion Pinning Fun on Pinterest! Re-Pin any photos from Skimbaco’s #GotitatMarshalls board, and the more you pin, the more chances to win you have, we’ll play until October 24th. Details here.

Fall Fashion Challenge: Booties

Let’s get to the actual fashion challenge of the week!

Our first Marshalls challenge was to find booties. For the challenge I headed to Marshalls for first time ever, and I was a little skeptical, but curious. We don’t have discount stores like Marshalls in Scandinavia, and basically I didn’t know what to expect.

But boy when I first laid my eyes on Marshalls shoe section, I was blown away!
I saw Louboutin heels and Gucci boots, I couldn’t believe it! It was way beyond my wildest expectations.

The selection was amazing. At first I was browsing all the fancy and super trendy high heel booties and the selection for trendy fall booties was amazing. I had very hard time choosing a favorite pair among them.

Here are some of the fall booties I found from Marshalls – Pin your favorites (don’t forget to use the #gotitatmarshalls) from these:

In true Skimbaco-spirit I wanted to be adventurous and look for trendy booties that also were a little more daring what I normally buy – without forgetting the top fashion trends this fall. I found these wild animal print booties, and then these tribal ankle boots perfect for fall. Both prints are trendy this fall.

These wedge booties are like the perfect daughter of preppy oxfords and wild wedge sneakers = both trendy this fall.

.. but I also loved these sexy booties that would be perfect dressed up – or with jeans. Pretty much anything black leather is very Fall 2012.

Did I mention that the amazing selection made it very difficult to choose?

I was hypnotized by the Louboutin boots, and then as I was trying on a pair of super high heels as I realized what I really needed was boots I could walk all around New York City this fall.

I picked the boots I instantly laid my eyes on when I walked into the store, but forgot for a while since I was really trying to focus on the mission to buy booties. And once I tried them on, there was no turning back. I know I went to Marshalls for booties, and despite the fear of failing my first fashion challenge, I had to get this pair of boots that were like made for me and exactly what I needed for the fall. These Franco Sarto boots are the softest leather ever and they are maybe the most comfortable boots I’ve ever worn. I guess I also learned a true Marshalls lesson: you never know what you can find!

Plus.. the retail price for these was $180, I got them at Marshalls for $99,99.
Can a girl hope for more? Well, maybe for YOUR opinion.. How do you think I did?

I updated my summer outfit by changing my flats to a warmer boots.

The outfit is perfect for a sunny fall day when it’s warm in the afternoon but it gets colder at sunset. I rocked this outfit at a movie date with my boyfriend!

If you think I did good… Please help me to win the Marshalls Fashion Challenge by repinning the pictures – and get a chance to win a $100 gift card to Marshalls as you play along too.

OFFICIAL RULES:
Pin this post or photos from from Skimbaco’s #GotItAtMarshalls Pinterest board for a chance to win a $100 Marshalls gift card! Just tag your post with #gotitatmarshalls and you’ll be entered to win one of five gift cards to Marshalls. Open to residents of the US, 18+. Closes on October 24, 2012.

Marshalls has Fall’s hottest designer fashion without designer prices. See what’s being spotted in stores now on Facebook. Make sure to subscribe Skimbaco Fashion feed via email to get all of our fashion posts delivered on Fridays.

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

Fall trends from Stockholm to L.A.

Our fashion team has literally scouted the stores and streets from Stockholm to New York City, and from Frankfurt to L.A. to get you the scoop on the trendiest look for fall 2012. Here we present the 10 trends for fall, and tips how to follow them. Stay tuned with latest fashion and trend news and subscribe to our weekly fashion update to see what’s IN the next week!

Top 10 Fashion Trends for Fall 2012

1. Fashion Trend: Military Coats

The best about military coat trend: it always comes back every few years. You invest in one great military mid-season coat, and you’ll have a trendy, yet timeless coat for years to come. Just keep it in your closet every other year or so!

Yes, I will salute to that trend! The military inspired look is so chic and fierce right now, I have to get my hands on a military jacket with grommets on the collar! I recently spotted one at Zara.com, to die for!

says Ali Levine.

Shop the trend at Zara.

2. Fashion Trend: GOLD & now with more Gold.

Glam it with gold this fall, and it’s OK even if you don’t splurge on expensive gold jewelry. Everything that look golden, doesn’t have to be real gold. Go for shiny gold clutches, gold studded shoes, golden bracelets and large statement rings.

Well everyone knows this fashionista loves GLAM! Gold is hot, especially this year dolls. Whether it’s your gold accessories, or those gold sequined pants from H&M.com, gold it up!

says Ali.

Pictured: H&M pants, Ippolita bracelet, ring from Cindy Dennis Mangan.

3. Fashion Trend: Wedge Sneakers

The trendiest shoe in Europe this fall is the wedge sneaker, love it or not. The most seen sneaker with high heels comes in black and white, but it’s been spotted in all colors of the rainbow, and even with animal prints and added studs. Even if the wedge sneaker isn’t for you – you can’t avoid high heels this fall. Crazy high platforms is the other high heeled hot trend in Europe this fall. Check out the photos what’s in stores in Sweden and Germany right now.

4. Fashion Trend: Color Plum

Plum is probably one the easiest colors to do in your makeup! Head to Sephora and check out their new fall collection for fantastic purples and plums for your lips, eyes and nails. My favorite is OPI’s new fall collection Germany and the several purple nail colors.

Purple happens to be one of my favorite colors, and PLUM is the it color of the season dolls. Plum lips or a plum top, your choice! Have you seen Lady Gaga’s cover on VOGUE?! She does Plum right!

says the fabulous Ali Levine.

Pictures: Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Marie-Galante – iridescent orchid/ iridescent regal blue, Sephora Alchemy Of Color Eye Shadow Palette, Joli Rouge Lipstick by Clarins in Plum

5. Fashion Trend: Peplum
If you truly are a trend-followers, you can’t miss the peplum trend this fall. Try it in blazers for work, and cardigans for more casual look, and match a colorful peplum top with a pencil skirt for sexy yet very professional look for work.

You’ll either love or hate this trend my friends! I think personally Kate Hudson does this best.

says Ali.

Photos: Kate Hudson for Ann Taylor, white cardigan H&M, floral top Ann Taylor

6. Fashion Trend: Waist Showing Belts

Michelle Obama has been showing us how to wear a belt for the past few years, and a waist showing belt on the top of shirts or dresses is a must fall accessory. The waist belt is great for those with an hour glass shaped body, but Victoria Beckham has also been showing how it’s done in size 0.

Belts are also a great inexpensive way to wear other trends – like some bolder colors, exotic leathers or prints. Belts done right are perfect for tricking the old LBD to look like new and you magically lose 5 pounds.

No more WAISTing time, covering up. The Waist is back! Nip that waist in with a sassy belt and show it off! Personally I am drooling at the ones from aliah right now. Did you see Michelle Obama’s collection recently?

says Ali.

Photos: Victoria Beckham in the dress from her own collection, The President couple photo AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, blue exotic leather skinny belt Ann Taylor, arrow belt Zara, brown leather belt Lauren Ralph Lauren.

8. Fashion Trend: Embroidery

Whether you add a little embroidery in solid colors like pictured from Zara – or go all the way looking like a Russian matryoshka in embroidery in all the colors of the rainbow (preferably flowers or some wild print), you will be trendy this fall. If you want to give it a little try with a small but super trendy item, get an embroidered collar.

Not just any little detail, Baroque! This finish is so appealing, romantic, fantazing, well you can tell I love it. If you want to stand out more than a print, here’s the trick.

says Ali.

Photos: embroided top & skirt Zara, Coat Plenty by Tracy Reese Turn to the Tundra Coat from ModCloth, the collar from Bottica.

8. Fashion Trend: Black Leather

Leather is back and better than ever, whether you want to bring out your inner bad girl or not. Try leather in small quantities in accessories like gloves and hats, or get the black leather jacket you’ve always dreamed of. Match the black leather jacket with white tee and colored jeans with super high heels for rocker glam look, or m

One of the most important fall trends this season is leather, and I can find the most hip cloth for the fall from my own closet! Four years ago one of the biggest fall trends was black skinny leather pants. I loved the look and I got myself the most soft leather pants ever. Nowadays trends are changing fast. That bothers me, especially when you have bought something expensive and you are able to use it only a short period of time. I was happy to notice that the black skinny leather pants are here again!

says Skimbaco’s fashion writer Nina Varis.

Photos: leather jacket All Saints, skinny leather pants J Brand, Studded Leather Gloves Burberry

9. Fashion Trend: Prints

I could almost say.. anything goes when it comes to prints this fall. Believe it or not but vintage and flea market finds is one of the best ways to wear this trend and stand out. Because you know, with prints, one day they are in and the next day they are out. May I recommend flower printed pants with dark solid top for semi-subtle way to sport this trend?

Print me crazy, prints as big and wide as ever. Don’t feel like you have to tone it down, because it’s a print, no show off that print! Match your printed jacket to your printed pants, it’s a wild one, but a fun one to pull off!

say Ali.

Photos: confetti dress by Rachel Roy, black print trousers H&M, peacock feather scarf from ModCloth

10. Fashion Trend: Oversized Coats

Last but certainly not least, oversized coats! Go big and bold with minimalistic oversized coats in colors like red or yellow – or mint like in the H&M coat in the picture. Or try a military green (or grey) oversized parka for more casual look.

Now dolls, make sure it looks big enough in VOLUME and yet still Chic! You don’t want it to be taking over you ;) It’s oversized, not hidden :) Make sure you wear that coat, and it’s not wearing you!

advices Ali.

Photos: street style from Copenhagen Street Style, grey pea coat Lacoste, Fairbanks parka from Madewell

Ask the Stylist

Have additional fashion trend questions? Follow our stylist on the call, the Hollywood stylist Alison Levine on Twitter, @AliLevineDesign or connect with Ali Levine Design on Facebook to get all of your style questions answered. You can also use #TrendsTues on Tuesdays when Ali is on the look for trend questions.

I attended a special event to see Brazilian designer Alexandre Briman’s fall/winter 2012 shoe collection at Saks Fifth Avenue last week. At the same time it was my first visit to Saks’ new shoe department on their 8th floor. They say the shoe department is so big that it has its own zip code, 10022-Shoes. Just a few designers to mention, you can find Chanel, Prada, Louboutin, Alexander McQueen, Fendi, Gucci and pretty much any designer shoes you can hope for at the Saks’s 8th floor. Join me for a quick photo tour and enjoy Briman’s fall collection shoe pictures.

I was no very familiar with Alexandre Briman’s shoe collection, which includes shoes with several specialty leathers, such as python and alligator before, but after the designer himself snatched me for a quick hug and a photo opp – it was easy to turn into a big fan of his. Of course it helped that I found the absolute perfect pumps from the collection. Black suede, almond-shaped front, gorgeous heels wrapped in python. Geez, the shoes were so perfect for my and my taste, that they’ll stay in my day dreams for sure.

Editors note: I’m sure Alexandre Birman himself will be in many women’s day dreams as well, is he hot of what?

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