Trend Watch: Military

Fashion is unrestricted, exhilarating, changeable and at times fickle. Yet one thing remains the same, it is the ultimate form of expression, because you live your life in it. And often times your outfit is the first impression others use to perceive you.

With each season comes an array of new trends and as most fashion lovers know, spring 2011 fashion shows have already taken place. With the quick overturn of fashion trends from season to season, it’s easy for the everyday woman to become a little unsure of what to try out and what to steer away from. And even more so, it can be hard to figure out how to wear the trends without compromising your personal style.

But when used effectively fashion can bring you unstoppable confidence. So before you knock fashion and decide to step out of the house in your Pink collection sweatpants take a moment and think about it. Paying attention to the latest trends does not mean giving up your personal identity to join the swarms of robotic fashion followers.

To illustrate the point, let’s take one of this season’s biggest trends, military-inspired outfits. The military trend has been around for many seasons now, with it first popping up in the form of 19th century inspired military jackets back in 2008 all the way up to the trend’s evolution of 20th century military inspired ready-to-wear for fall 2010. This trend features everything from army green cargo pants and worn in combat boots to double-breasted cardigans and army chic accessories. As a trend based on functionality and utility its a style that should remain current for a while. Now you may be thinking, "Military fashion? That’s not my style." However, this trend is extremely versatile and can work for a variety of personalities from super girly fashion lovers to your too cool for fashion droids.

Check out a few styling options!


Who says you have to be tough to be military chic? Try pairing your favorite cardigan with a pair of military inspired pants. The combat cuffed military trouser pant by Splendid is a great way to rock the military trend without utilizing cargo pants. A pair of riding boots lends the ensemble a harder edge while still maintaining a romanticized feminine appeal. Military inspired skirts are another great way to test out this trend. The key is mixing the harsher elements of military inspired clothing with feminine items. The contrast in styles adds a fresh look to your outfit.


While it’s nice to get in touch with your inner woman, you don’t have to be uber feminine to follow the fashion trends. Thanks to amazing designers such as Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent, menswear-inspired clothing in the female closet has become as regular as breathing. The military trend is a great way to follow "what’s in" while remaining comfortable and cute. For a simple look pair a loose fit white tee with a pair of army green cargo pants.

A pair of worn in combat boots finishes off the look of perfectly. Keep warm on cold, windy days with the shearling jacket, which is a hot item for fall 2010. This piece fits in nicely with the military trend, updating the look even further taking inspiration from Pilot fashion. This looks works best from a minimalistic standpoint. But if you want to dress it up a bit, try adding some army chic accessories like a pair of bedazzled dog tags or a chic handbag.


You don’t have to be Beyonce to dress like a diva. With the right attitude you can rock any style! Need some new items in your artillery? Try paring an olive green oversized dress shirt with some shiny leggings. The look is for perfect for daytime fun with a pair of cute flats. Or you can dress the look up with a pair of high heeled combat booties for a night of drinks on the town. For a little flair, try accessorizing with a statement ring and an army chic clutch bag.


So you rock out to Lacuna Coil, read Anne Rice books and love movies like Queen of the Damned? Well, we’ve all got our dark side. Let loose with some inspiration from 19th century military fashion trends and try pairing a military inspired jacket with your black skinny leg pants. Or for a dressier look try a form fitting little black dress with big shoulders and double breasted detailing. A high heel wedged boot would be the perfect piece to top off either of these looks.

No matter your personal style, anyone can follow the trends and tailor them to their own personal aesthetic. There are a million and one ways to interpret the trends. Just remember to have fun with fashion and always maintain the style that makes up you.

*This posting was featured on Richmond.com and can also be viewed at:

http://www2.richmond.com/content/2010/oct/14/trend-watch/

Carytown Street Chic

A number of exciting trends have hit the scene this season, from minimalism to maximalism and everywhere in between. Getting lost in the fashion landscape? Ground yourself by mixing some of this season’s top trends with classic pieces.

It’s the call of the wild this fall. Animal prints and fur have infiltrated the runways of multiple designers. Chanel turned out everything from yeti boots to full out suits made from faux fur while seemingly everyone including the likes of Dolce and Gabanna showcased tops, dresses, and accessories galore in leopard print. It’s a wonder PETA didn’t spring to action. Just remember there is such thing as too much of a good thing. Try to limit yourself to one leopard print garment or accessory. A fur vest, one of the season’s top pieces, is the perfect finishing to touch to spice up a simple ensemble. Or for a more sassy look, try mixing fur and animal prints together. You’ll look positively ferocious.

Menswear inspired suiting is a major trend for fall 2010, with the pièce de résistance being the boyfriend blazer. Blazers are extremely versatile, allowing you to stretch out your closet by obtaining a variety of look form one piece. Don’t be afraid to get a little experimental with loud colors or prints, the blazer will tone it down. Pair your blazer with a pair of skinny leg jeans for a lunch date in the fan or with leggings and a tunic top for bar hopping in Shockoe Slip. For a trendier look, you can also try rolling up the sleeves, which looks especially great with a colorful lining. This go-to item is not only versatile but flattering and comfortable as well. Pairing a long, tight fitting shirt underneath will give you a long and lean silhouette.

Longer lengths are in this season. But who could resist this leather mini from Pink? Leather will always be in and this is one statement piece that will turn heads. A leather mini skirt is a great way to show off your curves. To achieve the best look wear heels with your leather mini. This will take your look to the next level. Not into short hemlines? No sweat. Leather mini skirts will always be around, but this season leather skirts don’t just mean the mini. A number of retailers are producing leather skirts in longer lengths with A-line silhouettes as an alternative to the mini.

Fall 2010 runway collections were filled with metallic gold hues, from the gold lamé frocks of Dries Van Noten to the gold metallic accents present in Jason Wu’s collection. This fall’s metallic style looks great from top-to-bottom. But beware when wearing metallic gold clothing, shimmering fabrics can highlight bulges. Generally, shiny satin and high-tech fabrics look great in metallic. When in doubt gold accessories will give you the perfect element of understated glamour. Add a bit of decadence to your outfit with gold metallic accessories. These shoes from EuroTrash provide the perfect touch of vibrancy to a dark colored palette.

Every wardrobe needs strong tailored garments to keep it all together. This short tuxedo style jacket offers another great play on menswear inspired suiting. Pairing it with a simple dress draws the eye to the detailing of the jacket and offers an updated look to the simple silhouette of the dress.

The dress shirt is a classic staple item. Fall 2010 styling updates the look by offering a slightly oversized fit, perfect for pairing with leggings or skinny leg jeans. Loose fits have become increasingly popular in womenswear of late, and this season the oversized trend has really taken off. When worn correctly, well tailored loose fits offer an effortlessly sexy look. These black snake skin leggings from Euro Trash offer the perfect edgy element to this oversized dress shirt while cutout booties give the outfit a look perfect for a night on the town with the girlfriends.

The cardigan is a quintessential piece in any women’s wardrobe. A cardigan can easily give an outfit a look of nonchalant sophistication. This fall’s trends in cardigans include chunkier knit fabrics and oversized fits. You can wear this staple item in a variety of ways to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh. Leave it open over top of your favorite tunic top for an easy day look. Or for a more traditional look, simply leave it closed. If you’re interested in a more fashion forward option, leave it open and pair it with a pencil skirt, then fasten a skinny belt around your waistline to accentuate your figure. Any way you wear it this piece flows easily from work to play. Try adding a brooch to your cardigan for a vintage flair.

Model: Courtney Culbreath
Special Thanks to Pink (http://www.pinkstore.com/) and Euro Trash (www.shopeurotrash.com) of Carytown! Remember to shop local.


This story was also featured on Richmond.com http://www2.richmond.com/content/2010/sep/01/carytown-street-chic/

Trend Watch: Lace

Lace by Rva girl featuring Miss Selfridge

Items in this set:
Graphic Tank in White | Refinery29, $59
Lace Vest Scallop Body, $50
Paneled lace pants, $1,475
Lace Trim Pull On Ponti Mini, 22 GBP
Harajuku Lovers Ilyssa Heel - Red Suede, $100

Spring 2010: Men's Skirts

Men's Skirts Spring 2010 by Rva girl featuring 3.1 Phillip Lim skirts

Items in this set:
3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Pleated Mini Skirt, 500 GBP
East Beauvoir Check Long Skirt, Flint, 12, 55 GBP
Paparazzi Camera Necklace, 10 GBP
Salt and Pepper Skirt - Womenswear and menswear at Jaeger, 60 GBP
Are You Ready for Men in Skirts? Because They've Arrived. -- The Cut

Men in skirts? Fancy designer labels such as Prada and fast fashion brand H&M are taking a fashion risk by serving up just that. I guess this was eventually to be expected. Afterall, women have experimented with men’s clothing throughout time so why not the opposite? One things for sure, this trend will truly test even the most fashionably daring of men.

Trends: Pattern Mix

Pattern mix by Rva girl featuring Betsey Johnson

Items in this set:
Marc Jacobs Cropped silk-twill bustier, $825
Floral Printed Mini Skirt, 30 GBP
DOLCE & GABBANA - PEEP TOE LACE LOW BOOTS, 495 EUR
Betsey Johnson Glitzy Floral Clutch at Zappos.com, $152
Paparazzi Nadine Newspaper Clutch, $76

While mixing patterns has been going on for a while, it's a trend that's popped up in the Spring 2010 collections of many designers from Betsey Johnson to Anna Sui.Get funky with your wardrobe and try mixing and matching different prints for a more fashion forward look!