Posts tagged Ray Bans

Spotted: Top 3 Accessory Trends Off The Runway at NYFW

While Fashion Week is known for its runways, fashion show attendees can be just as inspiring to look at. With the tastemakers of the fashion world flocking to Lincoln Center to see and be seen, it’s no surprise that street style photos are just as influential as the designers’ new collections. After much obsessing over candid shots of editors and bloggers galore, here are three of the hottest accessory trends from the streets of New York.

1. Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces have been around for a few seasons now, but they were still ever-present on the most fashionable NYFW attendees. As we segue into spring, many of the statement necklaces that we spotted were bright and colorful in pastel and neon hues. While a gorgeous statement necklace can make even the simplest outfit look chic, fashion risk takers preferred to layer their necklaces over a contrasting pattern or design for an even trendier look. For a twist on menswear, layer a statement necklace (or multiple) underneath an oxford collar.
(middle photo credit: refinery29.com)

2. Colorblocked Bags

Colorblocking is far from a new trend; every season sees numerous colorblocked outfits sent down the runway. However, colorblocked bags really seemed to make an appearance on the streets of New York this February. A perfect way to add a colorful (but not overwhelming) pop to any ensemble, a colorblocked clutch is effortlessly chic. The best thing about this trend is the versatility, grab a slouchy option for a more casual jeans-and-tee ensemble, or go with a structured, mini version for your fashion-forward office or a night out.
(photo credit: refinery29.com)

3. Mirrored Sunglasses

Step aside, Wayfarers! There’s a new sunglasses trend in town, and it’s a lot more fun than the classic Ray Bans style we’ve come to know and love. Though New York may have been a tad chilly (ahem, Nemo), the sun was still out, and many fashionistas completed their outfits with a pair of super reflective sunglasses. This awesome 80s-inspired trend was spotted everywhere this season, and is the perfect way to add a quirky twist to an outfit.
(left photo credit: refinery29.com)

This season, set aside classic accessories and try something a little more colorful and fun. I can’t wait to add extra spice to my closet with these new accessory trends!

What was your favorite street style trend from fashion week? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter!

~Alyssa, fashioniSTA

Shopping My Way Through Boston, STA-Style

Confession. My name is Meredith. And I’m a shopaholic. An STA-aholic, to be exact. While I tell people I live in Boston to be closer to work and the Red Sox, the real reason why I live in Boston is to be close to some of STA’s best and beloved locations. Truth. Each location is like a different treasure chest. A fabulous fashion-filled treasure chest. Who needs pirate’s booty and gold coins when you have some of the amazing designer items I’ve snatched up.

Where: STA Charles Street
On a particularly gloomy day (rainy, gray skies, and my pad thai from an unnamed restaurant was dry and inedible), a ray of light shot down via STA. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the beloved brown leather case. Black logo. Center silver snap-button. My eyes darted over and there I found them. Classic black Ray Ban Wayfarers with a gradient lens. A staple for Audrey Hepburn, Tom Cruise, Mary-Kate Olsen – and me. A steal for only $59! My only wish? That there were more pairs – I would have bought them all!

Where: STA Burlington
My roots lay on the North Shore of Massachusetts, so it’s natural that I venture to STA Burlington from time to time.

Wedged between stores filled with the same trends, the same shoes and the same tired accessories, STA Burlington is a shining star in the middle of a suburban mall.By far the best part of STA Burlington? The oh-so Jackie O cream Chanel flats (right) with contrasting black cap toe that I found for under $100. These shoes top the must-have-gotta-have list for every sophisticate. Paired with a pair of skinny black pants, a black and white sailor striped top, and a baguette – any fashioniSTA can be perfectly prim and proper.

Where: STA Charles Street

My old copy of the original Preppy Handbook lists Burberry as one of the must-have, never fail brands for true preps. My mom (a self-proclaimed prep herself) taught me the same. “Burberry plaid was in style 20 years ago, and it will still be in style 20 years from now.” Her words rang in my ears as I spotted a pink Burberry plaid scarf (shown at right with blue companion scarf found later) at STA Beacon Hill for $79. The classic plaid print in 100% cashmere – and long enough to wrap twice around my neck! While I distain the imminent frigid New England winter, at least I know I can keep warm in style.

Where: STA 219 Newbury
Every fashioniSTA knows that shoe selection is no joke. Choos, Blahnik, YSL – so many choices, and only two feet! While I adore the Jimmy Choo’s edgy style, the timeless quality of Manolo Blahnik’s and the to-die-for platform pump in a pair of YSL Tributes, my heart bleeds red for Christian Louboutin.
Lucky for me (and my feet), with a tip from my best friend (fashioniSTA’s own Ashley), I found the most perfect pair of black suede Christian Louboutin platform pumps at STA. My ever-small foot (no joke, I’m a size 5.5) cozied up to the leather lining perfectly. Bells rang. Birds chirped. Forget Prince Charming, I found true love in my new shoes.
My love for my STA-found Louboutins grows everyday. A true fashioniSTA knows that there’s no wrong time for a killer pair of heels. I strut in them. I do laundry in them. I watch Gossip Girl in them (I swear I saw the same pair on Serena van der Woodsen!). And it all feels a little sweeter knowing that I found them at such an unbelievable price (under $250!) at such a fabulous store.


~Meredith, fashioniSTA/Super Shopper, Second Time Around

Rank Your Travel Style on the Sunglasses Spectrum

While we all use our cars to take us from point A to point B, if you’re anything like me, your car has become almost like a second closet/bathroom sink. I think we all forget that when we step into our cars, people outside of our vehicle can actually still see us. I know that I always thought I was invisible when I turned on the ignition, until I started getting weird looks when I applied eyeliner at red lights. It’s about time that we started using the highway as a runway, and the best way is to learn to accessorize what people see the most when we’re on the road: our faces. But instead of just slapping on any kind of sunglasses, let your vehicle be your guide.

DVF Sunglasses

Convertible

Flashy car, flashy accessories; it’s an unwritten rule. Diane von Furstenberg has pushed the UV boundaries this year with cool shades in even cooler colors and patterns. Try an all-white ensemble with a pair of her purple glasses, or go in the other direction with a sleek, all-black look completing the outfit with a pair of DVF’s leopard-print shades.

SUV

Whether you fit into the “Rugged SUV” category or the “Trendy SUV” category, there’s one eyewear that will fulfill all of your needs: Aviators. This versatile accessory can easily be paired with khaki (or army green) and black for an “I can jump out of a helicopter and change a tire while still looking good”-look, or these sunglasses can go with a preppy ensemble, complete with argyle and Jack Rogers. Think of them as your key to any fashion world, all you have to do is put them on.

Sedan

Your best option: Ray-Bans in a bright color to stand out. There are so many of these cars on the road and you’re low to the ground, it’s strategy, people. This twist on a classic will put you ahead of the game, giving off a low-maintenance sedan vibe while revving up the cool factor. Consider yourself an undercover superstar about to be discovered.

Train

Channel a Serena van der Woodsen boho vibe with large, square-shaped sunglasses in an earthy brown or olive color. Complement this eyewear with a long, drapey open cardigan – sans buttons, of course – in an olive green or deep, earthy neutral, and straight-leg jeans. Top off the look with leather riding boots.

Or go with a pair of gold-rimmed aviators to give off the whole Top Gun, frequent flier style, it’ll make you look like you routinely fly your own plane and you’re taking the train for some classified, badass reason. (And if you happen to also own an SUV, these will perform double-duty.) Pair with a fitted, brown leather jacket or a simple jeans and a tank look. Extra points if you manage to work in an Army duffle bag.

Cab

Go for the glam when taking it cab, it makes the experience more chauffeured-living rather than schlepping in public transportation. Try big, round sunglasses in black, like from David Yurman (right) or Prada with subtle embellishments and studded detail on the arms for extra glamour. Pair them with a shift dress or cigarette-style pants – either jeans or black riding pants for a complete uptown look. Hermès Birkin bag optional.

Whatever your mode of transportation may be, travel in style, fashioniSTAs!

~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around

An Inside Look at Cannes

View From the Top: Cannes Red Carpet

Whenever I click on the TV to watch the awards shows I am so entranced with what looks like effortless beauty radiating from every actor and actress that grace the red carpet. There could be a hurricane barreling through; wind, rain, the whole nine yards and the stars would still be statuesque. It wasn’t until this May that I was actually able to get up close and personal with the Hollywood scene and watch as they transcended down through paparazzi lights and shouting fans. Though I hate to admit it they are pretty perfect but a lot more goes into it than I ever imagined.

Our FashioniSTA on the Red Carpet

The festival was grandeur! I was afforded the opportunity to intern for a public relations company over in Cannes and I jumped on it quick. The publicity side of things was very interesting but what got me most was how fashion and style was so commoditized on and off the red carpet. Never in my life have I been able to walk down the street and see so many people with immaculate personal style. It was fascinating.

Seeing this relationship between the famous wearing haute couture and civilians wearing their best was intriguing and really took away mystery that surrounds the elite. After all, they are just like us but with bigger bank accounts and an entourage. My point is, that style doesn’t just come from a designer or a fashion magazine it really comes from the person wearing it

Make that sidewalk your red carpet and price and designer aside, your confidence makes the look.

Top Red Carpet Trends:

Camilla Belle in Gucci

1. Leg Baring Evening Attire

2. Chanel and Gucci Gowns

3. Old Hollywood Red (lips, dresses, heels, you name it)

4. Off-the-Shoulder Gowns

5. Tuxedo Dresses

Top Sidewalk Trends:

1. Jumpsuits

2. Flowery scarves (on men too)

3. Tailored trousers

4. Shoulder pads in jackets

5. Oversized striped shirts

6. Small chain link shoulder bags

7. Clubmaster Ray-Bans

~Kirsten, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around