Rochester: Fashion Flash

Dear readers,

First off, my apologies for falling off the face of the earth this summer. I have been focusing energies on a fashion/beauty photographic project about to be wrapped up. (Images coming soon!) I am back and in business.

If it's any consolation, the fashion mood is JUST shifting now, as it always takes AMPLE time for Rochester to AMP up. But, never fear! Fashion is in the sweet smelling air of fall!


~andrea

Two major upcoming events will be defining style this season.

Fashion "Week" of Rochester

Rochester's first ever Fashion Week has been declared for Sept 30-Oct 2. More of a expose week-end, it boasts of a 3 day foray into what Rochester has to offer: a boutique crawl through 14 of the area's locally owned and operated destination stores; The Art of Fashion, a still modeled fashion show at Four Walls Art Gallery; and the weekend culminates with The Height of Fashion, a live runway show hosted by Rochester's own Memorial Art Gallery. This sounds built for success.

One criticism: scheduling for this event was not clearly defined online or in print until a mere 3 weeks before the event. Even the local area stores selling tickets were not updated with details before/at the point when tickets arrived. For the sake if fashion aficionados awaiting in anticipation, get your info out there sooner!
 

Eye Candy hosts during Fashion Week's Boutique Crawl Thurs, Sept 30th.

 

Dado Fall Fashion Show


Dado kicks off it's third bi-annual fashion show October 19 at Good Luck, with a preview of fall/winter samples to salivate over. Don't fix what ain't broke seems to be the theme, as jewelry shown remains to be by Mann's and Futurpointe performs at intermission for the second time consecutively. New to the mix and will be hair (and makeup?) by Rock, Paper, Scissors Salon, an up-and-coming salon in the area salon circuit. One can't help but wonder why Scott Miller pulled out of Dado's fall/winter preview to do Fashion Week of Rochester...makes for a slight sense of competition. But, who are we kidding, here? Rochester's scene is just burgeoning such that the reality is beaucoup room for growth. 

Ok, ladies and gents- get dapper, get set and GO!

Dado Fall Fashion Show- Tues, Oct 19th. The third bi-annual show slated to be a success. 

Spring Style Notes

Spring is soon upon us and it is the ideal time to shop. New inventory is pouring in and if you like a steal, then cleverly mix up some winter clearance into your spring wardrobe.

andrea's spring must-haves

denim leggings

This is the new rage. Trendy and comfortable, you can't go wrong. Occasionally referred to as jeggings, jean leggings look best paired with tunic length shirts.

All of the prominent denim companies have a version of this trend; so, GO find your favorite pair!

  



 (above, top: Joe's denim from shopbop.com, available in Rochester at A Step Apart; above, bottom: H&M leggings available at H&M retailers)


shirt dress/men's dress shirt

There's nothing sexier than getting out of bed and throwing on your boyfriend's rumpled button up. New takes on this style range from ultra feminine, body forming to loose and literal.

Which ever direction you steer, make sure your shirt is long enough to graze your cheekline (down below) and pair it with your new denim leggings!




andrea's pick:
Matt shirtdress by Jack by BBDakota, above,  keeps it structured and girly by hugging the natural waist. Available at Thread in Rochester.

jumper/romper/playsuit

Love your legs?? Show them off in a cutesy romper. Here's the key: WEAR with wedges/espadrilles to keep those sunkissed limbs looking toned.


Hate your legs?? Buy a full romper that draws attention to your arms. Problem solved.


The point is, buy a romper this Spring!!




andrea's picks:
Lucca Couture Jumper, above left, available at Urban Oufitters
Dolce Vita Romper, below right, with peekaboo lace back   available at shopbop.com (Dolce Vita sold at Dado of Rochester)

 

 (above left, Floral Playsuit available at topshop.com)

hidden wedges 

Hidden wedges are spectacular. They give the allusion of wearing a flat while still adding height and tone to the leg- perfect when wearing a romper. Best of all, they are comfortable to walk in. This may be fashion's best kept secret, as they are not easy to find. 

andrea's pick: 

Molly Classic by 80%20, above, available online at Amazon.com

 

(Note: any hidden wedges by 80%20 are amazing, although it is difficult to find retailers in this area. I use http://www.8020nyc.com/ to find styles first, and then the site will direct you to online retailers where you can purchase.)

 

(above, Aldo hidden wedge booties available at all Aldo locations)

How to Wear a Scarf

The great thing about Rochester is "weather" it's summer, winter, spring or fall, you can always rock a scarf. As it happens, I have a particularly long neck and I wear them almost daily in the winter. Lately, my clients keep asking me how to wear a scarf. I took these inquiries as encouragement for my next assignment.

May I suggest two main pointers?
1. Chose a fabric that is unique, looks great and hangs nicely.
2. Scarves look better on a blank canvas- wear them with solid colors and simple necklines.

 

Scarves allow YOU to be creative, but here are some ideas for inspiration.

Trendy Summer Scarf

 I like the shape of a square piece of material worn as a scarf.  The method here is a cowboy-esque, bandana wrap but using a woven scarf. I suggest you put your own spin on it and STOP with all the fringe....it's been overkill since last summer. 

Try this similar look instead:

The Gauzy Scarf
Scarves made of lightweight gauzy material look beautiful and can be worn casually wrapped and draping. I prefer to buy them on the wider side, as they can double for a lightweight shawl. For a trendy take, look for unique prints, weaves, or hand dipped dyes. There are so many gorgeous designs out there. When in doubt, a solid-colored, gauzy, cotton fabric still takes dyes with beautiful variation...you just can't go wrong. 

 This scarf has been wrapped continuously around the neck, end tucked in.

Modern takes on prints and dyes create a melted look when draped around the neck. 

The Eternity Scarf/Circle Scarf

This is my favorite new trend! The eternity scarf is merely a large loop of fabric that can be wrapped multiple times around the neck. I prefer these scarves in lightweight gauges or jersey knit (soft, t-shirt material). So comfy! The trick: it's hard to wear these with collared jackets. Most people wear over or under the collar. I like to get creative with all my oversize collars and wrap them "together forever". (Ok, that was corny.)

 

 

Classic Looks

Of course, we must not discourage the tried and true minimalist ways of wrapping a scarf, depicted below. 

 

Now, go buy some scarves!