Top Row (left to right): Marc Jacobs, Raf Simons, Tim Hamilton, Phillip Lim, Rag & Bone
Bottom Row (left to right): Louis Vuitton, Annhagen, Robert Geller, Yves Saint Laurent

The Trend: Pop is not a Trend

What: This season, ditch the neon colors and grab the underrated: mustard yellows, purples, greens and blues.  These colors are available in everything from outerwear to pants.

With: Wear one key “pop” color; two if you’re bold.  Highlight them by wearing various shades of black and gray.  Also try layering different materials for depth and interest.

Top Row (left to right): Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Dresscamp, Number (N)ine, Y3

Bottom Row (left to right): Attachment, Maharishi, Adam Kimmel, Yohji Yamamoto

The Trend: Hunting Games

What: Fitted and relaxed plaid outerwear with a burst of color or dulled down.  Unique flannel that stands out from the crowd and utility inspired (ie. Adam Kimmel) pieces.  Earth toned neutrals for bottoms and boots ranging from chukkas to lace ups and pull-on.

With: Play with pieces, mixing the hyper masculine with softer fashion forward pieces.  Stick to a color palette of greens, deep blues, dark grays, and earthy browns.

Top Row (left to right): Endovanera, Yves Saint Laurent, Dolce and Gabbana, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Perry Ellis Signature

Bottom Row (left to right): Unconditional, KTZ, Robert Geller, Richard Lindqvist

The Trend: Inside These Pants

What: Switch out the jeans and traditional trousers.  This season is all about mixing it up.  With a new collision of materials, silhouettes, and a splash of color, nothing is off limits.  Be on the look out for tapered sweats, excessive pleating, and relaxed loose fits.

With: Focus on your overall silhouette.  If going with a super relaxed bottom, bring the top half in and make it slim.  If you’re working with tapered bottoms, the options are endless depending on your individual style.  Keep it slim, but not as narrow as your bottom or wear exaggerated portions; skinny bottom, oversized top.

Top Row (left to right): Number (N)ine, Yves Saint Laurent, Unconditional, Jil Sander, Ann Demeulemeester

Bottom Row (left to right): Costume National, D&G, Burberry, Filippa K

The Trend: Bloodsport

What: Deep hues of red, burgundy, and purple found in everything from pants to sweaters.

With: Try pairing these pieces with clothes of complimentary colors like gray, brown, burnt orange, and olive green.  For an extra punch, try layering different shades of the same base color.

My philosophy towards accessories is quite simple. Unless the piece is constructed well and a unique piece from a respected designer that I am not likely to see again; like the above pieces, I am not willing to spend a great amount of money.  I view most accessories as throw away pieces.  I’ll spend a lot on a coat, because it is an item I plan on keeping for years; accessories not so much.  For most of my accessories, I buy them at cheap prices at places like H&M and Topman.  I leave the bulk of my spending for actual clothes.  After the cut, you will find the type of accessories I buy.

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The last couple seasons of Yves Saint Laurent have been so good.  There is the excellent spring 2009 cruise collection and now this.  I definitely need to snag a pair of those pants.

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I’ve never been a huge YSL fan, but this collection has nonstop hits and no misses. If I had to wear only one collection this fall, Yves Saint Laurent would be that collection. I love the colors and the proportions. I love that it goes from the skinny silhouette to the wide legged pants. The collection is so wearable. In other words, this collection is amazing.

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