Fall Fashion: Braiding

This Tuesday I went to the mall, and as I went along browsing through Nordstrom I took note of the trends I saw. All I have to say is that you couldn’t take more than 6 steps without seeing something with some sort of braiding detail in the clothing department. Braiding is huge this fall. Sometimes the straps of the clothing are braided, but mostly you see tops with braiding around the neckline. If you ask me it kind of reminds me of Rami from Project Runway, with all the braiding detail he put on his designs. I picked out a few great pieces with braiding detail that were my favorites.

One of the first tops I found was the Silence & Noise Printed Braid top from Urban Outfitters. I picked this top because not only was it in a cute print but it was different. Instead of the braiding being only on the neck line it travels down the back too, and for only $20 it’s a great buy. Another great find was the braid flutter top from Forever 21 (see left). Not only was it a good price for only $19.80, but it’s cute and casual which is perfect for back-to-school. A top that you can wear this summer but will still be perfect for back-to-school, is the Sparkle and Fade Braided Trim tank from Urban Outfitters (see left). Again, I love that it comes in a striped print. This top will be perfect for those warm fall afternoons when school first starts, because you won’t have to worry about getting hot. Last but not least is the Victoria’s Secret Braided Trim top. I love this top not only because of its color, but because it’s different from some of the other empire waist tops you see. Also the volume of the sleeves adds a little drama and style to any outfit. No matter which piece you choose, wear it braided and you’ll be rocking one of the biggest trends for fall.

Pleats

This fall pleats have taken over clothing racks at stores everywhere. So here at Runway2Hallway we scoured the stores to find our favorite pleated pieces. For a more casual take on pleating there is the AE Pleated T from American Eagle. Not only is it super comfortable, but AE T’s hold up well so you should be able to wear them next year. Also this particular T is versatile so you could even wear it in the spring if you wanted to. Also the pleating is subtle so it feels more casual. For something with a little more pleating there is the Kimichi Pleated Front Henley. I chose this top because it’s something you could dress up or down which means you’ll get a lot more wear out of it. To dress it up you could wear it with some slacks or dress pants and heels, or dress it down with jeans. Another great piece is the Pleated Woven Cami from Kira Plastinina. The reason I like this top is because you can layer it with sweaters and jackets, which lets you get more use out of it and more outfits. The final piece we found was the Flounce tbd Pleat Top (see top left). I liked this top because of its layers of pleating. Not to mention it comes in two different colors, so depending on which color you choose you can wear it more than one season. Weather you choose one of these pieces or one you found on your own, it’s all about pleats for fall.

Fall Fashion: Ruffles

Fall fashion has arrived, and what’s taking over the racks are ruffles, ruffles, and more ruffles. Whether it’s huge dramatic ruffles or just a few around the neckline, it’s hard to deny that they are making a splash this fall. This fall, ruffles took over the runways of designers such as BCBG and Valentino. Now you can find this style practically anywhere. We went out in search of clothing that featured this trend and narrowed down a few of our favorites. If you want your ruffles to be a little more subtle then the Robin K. Ruffled Eyelet Top is for you. We chose this top because the ruffles are more subtle, not to mention the great sheer polka dot material it was made of. This top can be dressier with nice pants or skirt and heels, or more casual with jeans and flats. Now if your want your ruffles to be a bit more noticeable then we have the top for you. The Ruffle Front Halter from Forever21 is great for fall. Since it’s a tank you won’t get hot during warm fall afternoons, but the ruffles and color show it’s strictly for fall. Now if you decide to go all out with this trend with big, dramatic ruffles, then the Fleurish Ruffle Top (see top left) is for you. I love this top because it is the definition of big dramatic ruffles, without being to over the top. Not to mention it comes in three great colors, so you can choose which looks best on you. Last but not least is the Gatsbys Ruffle Front Dress from Lulus. I love this dress because you can dress it up with a cute jacket and heels, or you dress it down by wearing it over black leggings, with flats and a cute sweater or jacket. No matter how big or dramatic the ruffles you wear, as long as you’re wearing them you’ll be fashionable this fall.

Fall Fashion

Fall fashion is here and is taking over the racks of stores everywhere. The outfits shown on the runways this spring and summer have traveled off the runways and into stores everywhere. Among the trends to be big this fall are ruffles, floral prints, classic plaid, pleats, lace, statement coats, and big, bold, jewelry. During fall fashion week ’08 this year in NYC ruffles, floral prints, plaid, pleats, and vibrant hues were all the rage for this coming season. A great example of the pleat and ruffle trend is the BCBG show in New York, where many of the dresses and jackets had delicate ruffles around the neckline. Many of the dresses and coats also featured pleating in the skirts and around the neckline. Another show the featured the ruffle trend was the Valentino collection in Paris (see left), dresses and blouses featured big dramatic ruffles. Plaid also made a statement in many shows, including the Marc by Marc Jacobs show. Floral prints made a splash in the Matthew Williamson show. Dresses, jackets, you name it. Clothes were covered in bright colorful floral prints and flowery accents. Vibrant fall colors were a staple in many designers’ shows. Some of the more prominent colors were red, purple, royal blue, and orange. Also in Milan this year lace and statement coats were big on the runways. A great example of how statement coats made a splash on the runway is the Missoni Fall 2008 show, where big dramatic coats were constant on the runway. A great place to find lace this year was the Prada Fall 2008 show where lace was the main theme. Everything from skirts to dresses, to blouses were made of colorful lace. And last but not least was the jewelry from Paris. All around Paris designers were featuring huge standout necklaces. Many of the necklaces were huge and chunky, while other longer styles were piled on (see right). These are the main trends to look for when shopping for your fall wardrobe. Check back to find out how to take these trends from Runway to Hallway and incorporate them into your fall wardrobe. Also look for places to find these trends for great.

The Survivor's Guide to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: 12 Tips to Help You Avoid Sale Madness

It's the middle of July so you know what that means, the back-to-schools sales are starting. One of the larger back-to-school sales that take place this summer is the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Everyone knows these type of sales get a little hectic, so to help you avoid all the madness we have given you a guide to the Nordstrom sale.

#1- Be there on time at opening time the first day of the sale. That is when they will have the most sizes, more colors, and best overall selection.

#2- Have a game plan and remember to prioritize.

#3- Have an idea of what you’re looking for before you get there.

#4- Know your size. Make sure you know your sizes in tops, bottoms, and shoes. If you know your sizes vary in certain areas, remember to keep that in mind while shopping. Also if you know you have a very common shoe or jean size, you know to go to those areas first. You can always try and shrink tops, but you can’t shrink jeans or shoes.

#5- Go to shoes first. Because you must have a sales person to help you and bring you your sizes be there first, unless you’re not planning on getting any shoes. Other wise you’re going to end up in line behind 15 people waiting for a sales person. Also because shoes sizes always go first, if you wait too long it might be hard to find your size.

#6- Go to jeans and pants second. Because it’s important that your jeans be the right size you need to be able to find the right size, style, and fit for you. Again, if you know you wear a very common jean size, you want to get there fast to be able to get the size you need.

#7- Don’t just browse. If you see something you like in your size grab it, and hold onto it. Otherwise when you go back to grab it later it might be gone. You can always put it back.

#8- Avoid having to try things on. During huge sales dressing rooms are packed, and lines waiting for them are long. If you have to hold it up to yourself and guess. If worst comes to worst give it your best guess, buy it, and try it on at home. You can always take it back and exchange it for the right size, or get your money back.

#9- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It might take a couple minuets but don’t be afraid to track down a salesperson, it will save you time and a lot of frustration. That’s their job, it’s what they’re there for. If you need help finding something they are usually able to track it down. Can’t find your size? Just ask someone. They will be able to check the backroom for you. If they still can’t find your size they are able to find which of their other stores do have it, and they can have it shipped to you.

#10- Don’t be afraid to return things. Buy what you like. Them bring it home and try it all on, make sure it fits. What you might think fits well in the dressing room, might not fit so great once you get home and try it. Match it with what you already have in your closet. Make sure you can get lots of use out of it and wear with lots of different things. If you decide you don’t like it anymore, or want a different color or size, take it back or exchange it. You’ll get your money back and feel better that that you didn’t waste it.

#11- Go more than one day. If you go the first day, wait and go again the third or fourth. As the sale continues on they gradually bring out more of what they have in stock. What you find the third day, might not have been there the first day. Not to mention the third and fourth days aren’t as hectic as the first two days.

#12- Have fun! Make a day of it. As crazy as the environment might be, relax and enjoy yourself. Sales are supposed to be fun not stressful. It doesn’t matter what or how much you buy, it’s about how much fun you have while doing it.

Summer Sandal Guide

Summer is all about sandals! But how do you know which type is right for you? Here we have shown four of the hottest sandals for summer. Which one will you pick? That is up to you.

Espadrilles

Espadrilles are a summer must! They are a cute sandal that can be casual or dressy. The heels vary in height, but it’s usually best to stick to lower heels. That way you’ll be more comfortable and not have to worry about your feet hurting during the day. Espadrilles often come in colorful prints, but stick to a color and print that can easily go with different outfits (see left) in your wardrobe. If they only match one dress or one top, you’ll never wear them or get your money’s worth.

Flip Flops

Flip Flops are great, comfortable, and cheap! They come in leather, cork, or rubber. Even embellished or simple strap. They are a non-expensive summer wardrobe staple, so I would recommend getting more than one pair, but you don’t have to go overboard. If you’re like me and you wear them everyday, stick to ones that will hold up like leather, or ones that are inexpensive to replace when they start to wear down (rubber). Or you can keep it simple. Have one nicer pair that is made of leather or is embellished a little, that you can wear out to dinner or anywhere that you might need to “look nice”. Then have another pair (like the ones right) for everyday to wear to the pool, beach, or anywhere else. It doesn’t matter what they are made of, as long as they are comfortable and cute.

Gladiator

Gladiator inspired sandals have been gracing the runway for years and keep coming back. This is a trend that comes in all shapes and styles. Straps can go up to the ankle or even to the knee. The sandals are usually made of leather, either metallic of plain. Since gladiator sandals have more straps and require more leather, they usually cost more than typical sandals. But that’s ok because you should only need one pair to shake up your typical look.

Wedges

Wedges are a comfortable summer alternative to heels. One of the many reasons I love wedges is that they are more comfortable than heels and way easier to walk in. And for those of you who aren’t as comfortable in heels yet, they are perfect. Another reason why wedges are great for the summer is that they can be simple and casual or slightly dressier. You can find cute wedges anywhere but you will get more use out of a simple pair (like the ones shown right) that you can wear with pretty much anything.