Fall Trends: Episode 1: The Roaring 20's

Fall 2012 should be veeeery interesting.  The fashions this season seem to be shifting quite a bit from what we were seeing in Spring, the bright hues, prints (zig zag and chevron), bold florals and Tangerine...EVERYWHERE.  What I have noticed in the fashions coming up for fall and also a shift in my clients attitudes is people are ready for a little more sophistication, a more subdued chic. If not neutrals than rich jewel tones like navy, emerald, amethyst all will make an appearance this season.  I get asked all the time what's going to be be big for fall so here I am breaking it down.  One of the biggest trends I'm seeing for fall is the roaring 20's, the "Gatsby Girl" so to speak.  What do we know about the 20's...hmm flappers, prohibition, speakeasies, hats, and glamour..I am seeing lots of possibilities already.    This trend is particularly easy to use in accessories.  Anything crystal is being shown over and over again in jewelry.  Crystal with emerald, crystal with black its all good and all so easy to throw on with any color.  Chan Luu has made some amaaazing crystal pieces for Fall that will spice up the glam factor in any outfit.  Be sure to check out our website www.williamsshoesonline.com as we continue to update with new things so you can pick your own fall 2012 pieces.

Silver on Silver

Yesterday as I sat outside at a cafe on my day off reading the worst book ever written (50 Shades of Grey) I became rather bored and started to people watch, day dream, sip my iced chai and wonder how many times an author can say murmur and why she didn't use a thesaurus.  Anyways, out of nowhere I see a gorgeous silver Cadillac with silver detailing.  I have loved Cadillacs since as long as I can remember coveting a Gold Cadillac Coup Deville in my younger years and now admiring the more modern sleek designs which, while not as "vintage cool" would make a sassy ride for a city girl.  So why am I talking about Cadillacs when I am supposed to be writing about fashion and my boutique, Next Door?  Well seeing this gorgeous thing drive by in its subtle metallic silver with silver metal detailing made me think just how good a silver dress/top or even grey with bold silver jewelry (enough to really stand out and pop) is undeniably chic and rich looking.  They don't call them luxury cars for nothin' right?  This look can also be carried off with gold on gold or some variation of gold ie: mustard or camel and will perhaps be a bit more on trend since gold is everywhere this season.  What do you think?  Would you rock the silver on silver or gold on gold look?

"Go" with Nature

Ladies. I have been M.I.A. in a major way for a long time.  However, I am back and newly dedicated to sharing my thoughts on fashion and insights I have gained from working at Next Door and Williams Shoes and observing people and their choices everyday!  One thing I encounter constantly at my store which I'm sure you encounter constantly in your closet is figuring out if things "go."  Does this color go with this color?  One thing I often use as a reference to see if things work is nature.  As we approach fall there are beautiful things happening in nature that we can take our cues from.  Think of a tree with the leaves changing.  Reds, oranges, yellows, greens, the browns and tans of the trunk and all of these in varying hues ALL on one tree.  Nature usually doesn't get things wrong especially when it comes to colors.  Beautiful sunsets, a field of flowers, the night sky with stars (think a Navy dress with silver jewelry or something white like the moon) even as things wither and fade there is a certain harmony in those colors too (think pastels).  What nature inspirations will you channel?

Orla Kiely Spring 2012

I didn't come up with a catchy title, or really much of a clever entry for the Orla Kiely Spring 2012 collection because her bags pretty much speak for themselves. A seasonal favorite she has her devoted following and attracts more devotees every year. Light and durable, fun and functional, these bags just make sense. This season is no different and she has delivered once again. Shown here is her classic stem print in this seasons colors but be sure to check out her new Spring 2012 patterns in the store and more to be added to the website www.williamsshoesonline.com soon!

Look Like A Princess

Have you ever wanted to be a Princess? Well, sorry, we can't make you a princess but we CAN make you look like one! Check out Kate Middleton in this ruffle trench which goes for a cool $1200 and then check out the similar one we now have in the store for $150. This classic trench is stylish flattering and affordable!

Go on a Bird Watch this Spring!

Along with colorful trousers and the color tangerine tango, another fun trend to watch out for this upcoming Spring is the bird print! You will see this from different companies in dresses, blouses, tanks and scarves. We picked it up in a fun and flattering dress from Ingenue London. The wrap style flatters so many figures and the navy color has a great nautical summer feel and can easily be paired with tan or brown sandals. Also stay tuned for the other fun and adventurous prints to come from them beginning of March!

Silk Kattans from Tikka

Sometimes there are beautiful things that are unattainable to most people. These things can only be dreamed about or maybe seen on occasion on someone else. Then there are things that are luxurious, beautiful, special and affordable. I'm not saying cheap, but I am saying affordable. Maybe you will have to save a bit or maybe you won't but once you have it, it will last you a long time because it is quality; because it is handmade. It will add a style and elegance to any outfit wether it be casual or dressy. Are you asking what this affordable luxury that will change your fashion life is yet?! It is the Tikka silk Katan. It is luxurious , light weight , soft, and a perfect scarf for all seasons. Its silk content ensures warmth in cooler climates globally. The Katan is also perfect for spring and evenings in resort climates around the world. The diamond weave pattern creates a 3 dimensional appearance and adds to the sheen of the yarn. They can be worn as a dressy shawl or a stylish addition to your favorite soft tee. See all the beautiful colors these come in on our website, www.williamsshoesonline.com