A great, new year FUR sure!!!

I celebrated the first few moments of 2010 on a balcony overlooking Rome's Piazza della Rebulica with some classy bubbly and a classy faux-fur, long vest (compliments of Zara in Rome)! I may not eat meat, but I have no problem showing my appreciation for the many things animals provide us with, which includes wearing real fur when I can afford it! Until that splendid day, Zara will suffice!

InSight Abroad 2

Style Notes: Over-the-Knee Boots


Europeans are stepping up the sex appeal and inching their way into the American magazine market for this winter’s attention grabbing, ‘must have’ boots. From coarse lizard skin to soft leather and comfy suede, over-the-knee boots are essential for any woman’s closet.
Pacing down the ‘Oh so chic’ Via del Corso, Rome’s main shopping drag, you can’t help but drool over the eclectic mix of footwear that the Italian women are going crazy for! Perfect for daytime meandering or nighttime posh club hopping, the Italian boot trend is highly stylish and definitely recommended.
An adjustment from last winter, this season’s boots are flirtier than the mid-shin length of last year. Cutting off right above the knee or in the mid-thigh region, the thigh-high boots of this year up the ante and test your willingness to get a little sexy. These boots are perfect for accentuating and lengthening your legs as well as ideal for nightlife by adding them to fun, flouncy skirts and dresses. Or, you can push the edge and dare to achieve the ‘grunge look’ with dark wash skinny jeans accompanied by an oversized cotton tee and chunky jewelry.
Thigh high boots are not only highly practical for long moped rides and gracefully jumping over puddles of rain water sitting between the cobble stones, but they are very versatile- a necessity when attempting to achieve the ‘European look’. Italian women are always on the go, yet they love to stay feminine and pulled together while at work, running around the city and meeting friends at upscale restaurants. Living on the go while maintaining tall style expectations, Italian women sport boots as a highly fashionable staple piece.
Tights are also a ‘must have’ when looking fabulous in Rome. Patterned, opaque and see-through leggings are seen on every block and in every shade. Over-the-knee boots are ideal for showing off your cute, new tights while giving just the right dose of modestly and edge. You will most definitely have a leg up when it comes to Italian fashion while ‘workin’ it’ in your thigh high boots.
From upscale, ritzy designers, like Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Ferragamo, to more ‘wallet friendly’ stores, like Zara and United Colors of Bennetton, a girl on the hunt for some super-high boots will never be out of luck here in Rome. For those of you back in the States, there is hope! Stores like H&M, Aldo and Macy’s are catching on to the hype buzzing in Italy. Shipments of thigh high boots are beginning to hit the racks, so go treat your soles to a tall delight.
Whether pacing the slick, uneven cobblestones lining Rome or lingering down the Avenue on a frigid winter’s day, over-the-knee boots will keep you looking fierce, fashionable and so, very Italian!

Until next trend.
Ciao, ciao.

InSight Abroad

Roma Style Notes: The Harem Pant

My life has officially hit its’ peak now that I have taken up residence in Roma, Italia for the next seven months! What else could I possible ask for? Immersed in The Eternal City, an ancient jewel that has stayed polished and shining brightly for over 2,000 years, she continues to leave visitors speechless and in awe. Your senses will hit ‘overload’ as you wander the streets smelling the fresh food and sipping incredible espresso, not to mention dazing off as you gawk at the most beautiful clothing in the world, top designer names of course. Armani, Roberto Cavalli and Valentino are just a few of the world’s most influential designers who began their love affair with fashion in the city of amore, Rome! These designers aren’t the only ones in love with the way fashion thrives in Rome; I too have joined the club.
Aspiring to work in the world of editorial fashion, I have always had an obsession for fashion journalism and style, but having the opportunity to observe international fashion first handedly has nourished my zeal and given me a taste for what ‘European style’ really is.
Wandering the winding cobblestone streets of Rome I have observed men and women dressed to impress, and for success, whether running down the street, Panini in hand, or perched on a motorini (moped) dangerously whizzing through stop lights. No matter the weather or activity, Italians usually reflect perfection when it comes to their ensemble. A favorite of mine, and a very common trend I have noticed worn by the women in Rome, is the harem pant.
Popular in the 1980’s, this bellowed pocket pant, fitted at the ankles and reminiscent of English riding pants, used to be popular in bright metallic colors and shiny fabrics. After nearly a three-decade absence this look has resurfaced and is extremely prevalent on Italian streets and in the boutiques. Toned down to black and seen most frequently in lightweight cotton or linen, these pants can be paired with anything from simple flats to hardware studded riding boots, especially common in Rome. Harem pants tend to be funkier due to the layers of fabric and the slit pockets, so stacked thin tees, a classic cardigan or a cropped menswear blazer on top is a great way to simplify and finish the look. Not only is this trend practical, but it is very chic, and after all isn’t that the point of Italian style?
This is not a fashion trend to let slip by! Instead, slip into a pair of these feminine pants and you will be well on your way to conquering the ‘Italian look’, even if stuck in The Bend for the time being.

Until next trend.
Ciao, ciao.

Very Wonderful: Vera Wang RTW Resort '10

Described as 'light, airy and athletic with a resort mood' and 'sophisticated enough to go urban' Vera Wang's Ready to Wear collection is full of light layered fabrics and (as always with Vera) embodies femininity.

Do You Dare 'em? Harem Pants!

A very chic, Parisian look has filtered its way into the strainer that drainst the 'must have' fashion trends for the U.S! On every Fashion Week runway and filling the pages of all style magazines is the harem pant! Soft and feminine, but still edgy, these pants are essential for the current summer and the approching fall season.

Linen, silk, spandex and simple cotten harem pants create a light-weight, comfortable and breath-easy feel while providing a high fashion look! Dressed up or down these trousers are perfect to pair with simple cotton tees, fun jackets and dressy chermuse blouses in addition to fun accesories like thin, leather belts! Also, due to the shorter length of the pants a pair of stunning heels can be seen at all times- a great excuse to slip on those killer shoes!

This is not a fashion trend to let slip by! Instead, slip into a pair of these feminine pants and play with adding fun colors and embellishment to add spunk to the ensemeble!

Fashion Forward Forecast

Isabel Marant's Heavy Footwear

Though it is only a few days into July, I have an obsession that is very much geared towards Fall and Winter! I know, I know it sounds rather 'zarbi' as the Parisians say (crazy), but once you feast your eyes on these decadent pieces you will yearn for the leaves to fall just so that you have a legitamate excuse to spend your money (wisely, of course) on Marant's chained footwear!

Isabel Marant, a French designer, mainly focuses her lines (both shoes and clothing) on bohemian inspired moods. She layers her clothing and focuses on heavier materials such as leather and suede in her footwear. Usuing chains and spikes Marant has mastered the art of attention grabbing, yet designs wearable pieces! She is a 'must' on my very focused list of 'gotta have' items!

Rendering with the 80's in Mind

Key Item: oversize blazer

Key Items: glossy spandex leggings, worn black leather bootsKey Items: distressed jeans, acid wash denim skirt and Ray Ban inspired shades
Key Items: more ripped and acid wash denim, midriff baring tee
Key Items: light-wash denim jacket, leather biker vest embellished with zippers, studded leather cuff bracelet
Other 80's Ideas:

Stencil Dresses

Cut out Cut out Cut out!

Stuningly Stella: The Epitome of Everything 'Woman'

From Corporate Career to Sailing and Dinner Parties Stella McCartney's Got 'IT'

All women want is to feel beautiful- confidence can then grow and blossom. (Valentino knows this well eh?...well so does Stella McCartney) What she also knows is how to give women clothing that is versatile enough for various environments and occasions!

Busy as a mom and a key figure in the fashion industry
Stella McCartney knows what it is like to have her hands full. To prove herself (just in case we didn't think she was superwoman in the first place) her new collection shows the deep understanding she has for other mothers and career driven woman. Her new collections features pieces that offer clean, unique and stunning beauty that will make you stand out without being to bold and allow you ease as you dress up and dress down for the events on your calendar this summer.

Using lightweight fabrics like silk, cotton and tulle, Stella's collection is perfect for warmer weather, but allows for layering as well (very important for cool summer evenings and more conservative occasions). Constructed using clean lines, fun patterns and light (but cheery) colors Stella shows Nantucket sailing preppy looks for days at the yacht club, light and sophisticated silk blazers and high waisted skirts for business and embellished cropped jackets and beaded dresses for evening occasions- who could ask for anything else?!

This line gives us all confidence that looking fully feminine not only possible, but is more simple than most think. Feast your eyes on the delicious, tasteful collection Stella has created this season it won't dissapoint!