The Ponte Vedra Recorder

30 Fall Fashion Ponte Vedra Recorder · October 22, 2015 EMBRACING DIVERSITY: Fall Fashion 2015 Kelly H. McDermott The Recorder Around this time every year, I begin to scour the archives of high-fashion magazines, poring over the fall looks that designers from around the world sent to New York Fashion Week. My hope in doing this—as unlikely as it may seem—is that I’ll be able to distill what I find on the runways down into a few practical trends that I can share with readers... Most years, I am at least passably successful. In 2012, I told you to keep an eye on the color dubbed “oxblood”—a rich burgundy. Lo and behold, Pantone announced “marsala”—a rich burgundy—as its Color of the Year for 2015. Oxblood, marsala. Po-tay-to, po-tah-to. I’d say I nailed it. Unfortunately, I also told you to avoid neons that year. The neon trend did not die, despite my condemnation, and still marches strong through plenty of collections. In 2013, I assured you that your fashion bucks would be well invested in hats, chunky knits and clutches. Whether or not you love those trends, you can’t deny that fashion retailers are pushing these items more than ever before. And last year, I insisted that shearling, fur and vintage-inspired bohemian elements would continue to be staples of fall fashion. Like it or not, those trends are here to stay. So as I sat down to peruse the offerings from New York Fashion Week this year, I was already patting myself on the back for being great at predicting fall trends. Fast forward to a few hours later as I looked at my notes in dismay. Phrases like “sparkly bling, big earrings!” “flounce hemlines,” and “big black boots with literally everything” make an appearance next to phrases that I can’t decide are statements or questions: “turtleneck dickies?” and “red plaid again?” Maybe it’s simply that I’ve been paying attention to so-called high-end fashion long enough to see it circle around and cannibalize old trends, presenting them as if they’re brand new. Or maybe I’ve become mentally unfashionable enough to not understand the appeal of the new collections. But identifying a through line in this year’s fall fashion collections is no small task. Some designers moved backwards by decades, choosing to put out unlikely long-haired furry boots and “car wash” pleat skirt silhouettes (with wide ribbons of fabric or unattached pleats). Some designers moved back centuries with Vic- torian details like lace and high-necked shirts. (Please, hold your jokes about Seinfeld puffy shirts.) Others circled back by just a few years, plastering everything in rhinestones that harkens back to the recent heyday of “bling.” One thing is certain: there are more designers today than ever before, and each one is looking to leave their mark on the fashion world. With the advent of fashion blogging, street fashion and microblogging platforms, it is easier and easier to find an audience that loves niche fashion. And more than ever, there is less pressure to shop from stores that offer one-size-fits all fashion. Perhaps instead of a prescriptive fall fashion report this year, I should simply tell you to shop local and embrace your own personal style—whether that means black leggings seven days a week with streamlined blouses or over-the-top patterns and vintage-inspired accessories. I think it goes without saying that the spectacle of New York Fashion Week was overwhelming this year—and it’s more difficult than ever to predict which of these trends will resonate with the companies that design off-the-rack fashions for the consumption of non-models like myself. But there are certainly a few trends that will be flattering and budget-friendly, even if they don’t sweep through the fashion industry. Big earrings Design heavyweights like Prada and Balenciaga sent models down the runway this season in big, bold earrings. Forget statement necklaces: late 2015 will be the season of statement earrings. Look for bold pieces that you can get some wear out of with multiple outfits—but be sure to give your poor lobes a break in between marathon earring-wearing sessions, as even longstanding piercings can stretch and become uncomfortable under the weight of these massive bling showpieces. Chunky mid-heels It’s unlikely that high heels will ever go out of high fashion, but more designers are embracing footwear with a modest heel. Designers like Miu Miu, Chanel and others featured shoes with chunky mid-rise heels. Think of kitten heels but thick and stacked. Like them or loathe them, the chunky mid heel is great news for our ankles and feet. Flounce hemlines The pencil skirt silhouette saw a fun twist this season with the addition of a flounce FASHION continues on Page 31 42!$% ).%6%.4 RESORT 2016 TRUNK SHOW /#4/"%2 THURS., OCT. 29 —SAT., OCT. 31 2ECEIVE4RADE )N!LLOWANCESWHENYOUTRADEAGARMENT ANDPURCHASEANEWGARMENT!LLTRADEDITEMSWILLBEDONATEDTO LOCALORGANIZATIONSSUPPORTINGVICTIMSOFDOMESTICVIOLENCE Purchase Price: 5PTO$ Trade Allowance: $ $ TO$ $TO$ $ $ ORMORE $ $ THE MORE YOU TRADE, THE MORE YOU SAVE! 1049 Kings Avenue, 32207 399-4864 M-F 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m Ponte Vedra s!!.ORTH3UITEs www.lindacunningham.com 95N to Prudential Dr. East, 2 blocks to Kings Ave. !LLOWANCEVALIDATTIMEOFTRADEWHENYOUTRADEONEANDPURCHASEONE/FFERNOTVALIDON*!'-IRACLEBODY4YLER#ANDLES4RIPLE#2EDLINESORWITH ANYOTHERDISCOUNTCOUPON4RADEDINITEMSDONOTHAVETOBE0ATCHINGTONBUTMUSTBECLEANANDWEARABLE6ALIDn

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