Miche's StyleWatch for Fall 2014

Miche's StyleWatch for Fall 2014

Fashion Friday: Embracing the Camo Craze

Embracing the Camo Craze

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Posted on October 4, 2013 by Miche

When you think of camouflage (camo) print, what comes to mind? A few answers might be military fatigues, deer hunting and—yes—Elmer Fudd. But savvy fashionistas have different answers: new colors, hot trend, street style and sexy—yes—sexy! Camo has come out of the functional closet again in the last year and hit fashion runways with a vengeance. More great news? No “fashion fatigues” here—the trend shows no signs of letting up. Not sure how to wear it while keeping it stylish? Try these quick tips.

1. Add a touch of femininity: By its very nature, camo print is masculine and a little bit edgy. If you choose a tailored camo shirt or jacket (they’re everywhere right now and they are gorgeous), add gold or silver jewelry or a crisp white blouse. Don’t try to overwhelm the camo since, after all, it’s the focal point of your outfit …just add some girly touches.

2. Keep the rest of your outfit simple: Yes, yes. Mixing prints is also a big trend this fall, but camo is not your everyday print. Combining it with something else dilutes the sexiness and it no longer looks powerful. Pair camo slacks with a simple black biker jacket and pumps or wear a camo shirt with jeans.

3. Accessorize with camo: Let’s face it—not all of us are ready to go all-out camo or you may not feel age-appropriate to embrace it fully. But you love it, so what do you do? Accessorizing with camo is a great addition to a neutral outfit and it doesn’t require a total commitment. Opt for a handbag like the Miche Gabby and you’ll look and feel sexy—with a little bit of edgy thrown in.

Fun :)

Fashion Friday: Bling It On!!

BLING IT ON!

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Posted on September 27, 2013 by Miche

What is it with us women and bling? We just love it! Rhinestones, studs, crystals, sequins, glitter, and don’t forget the real deal. There’s a reason why it’s said that “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend.” The reason—no doubt—is that a little bit of shine makes us look and feel utterly feminine and (BONUS!) draws every eye in the room. The trick is to keep our use of bling classy as well as fashion-forward.

1. Clothing: Trends for outerwear bling definitely come and go, but if you really love glitter in your life in any season, a safe rule is to go easy during the day and let loose a bit at night. Those stud-speckled jeans are perfect for an evening movie yet are probably a bit much for the office, even on Casual Friday. Full-blown shine works in Vegas, but keep in mind that for those of us who live elsewhere, less is more. Let your natural beauty glow during daylight hours—don’t rely on over-decorated outerwear.

2. Jewelry: This is the fashion category where most of us feel most comfortable in “blinging it.” And why not? You can choose your focal point and the possibilities are limitless—a single large cocktail ring; diamond studs to spotlight an excellent hair day; layers of crystal rhinestone bangles for a diva look or an illusion necklace dotted with zirconia. It doesn’t have to be expensive to look expensive, so take advantage of today’s much-improved fashion jewelry choices.

3. Handbags: A handbag is arguably a woman’s favorite accessory, so a bag with bling is about as close to Nirvana as it gets, isn’t it? As long as it’s not over the top, a little shine on a purse catches the sun during the day and glistens under electric lights at night. Unless you’re going to a formal dinner or the Oscars, choose a handbag whose studs or other shiny embellishments compliment an already-fabulous design rather than overwhelm it.

So go ahead and shine, ladies—and keep it classy!

Fashion Friday: Warm it up!

Warm it up!

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Posted on September 20, 2013 by Miche

As weather starts to cool off, fall fashion colors definitely heat up. Although black is always an autumn favorite and a safe choice for any occasion, there are warm neutrals that are stunning and will perfectly offset the brighter colors in the Pantone® palette(the industry standard for fashion). One of these warm Pantone® neutrals is Carafe. Here’s how to incorporate this rich, glamorous brown into your wardrobe.

1. Boots: Thigh-high boots were all the rage at New York Fashion Week this month, but if that’s too racy for you, no worries! Boots in ALL styles are always a popular fall choice, especially chunky ones. Find some in deep brown Carafe . . . this shade goes with just about any color.

2. Lightweight Cardigan: You’ll see sweaters of all types in Carafe this season, but don’t go for the woolies yet—winter will be here soon enough. Opt instead for a lightweight cotton or chenille. Pair your cardigan with jeans or a pencil skirt for a casual yet sophisticated look.

3. Handbags: Do you love to wear the brighter colors in the Pantone® palette like Samba or Emerald? Give your outfit warmth with a shimmering Carafe handbag like the Valicity for Miche Prima bags. This is a look that actually transcends all seasons—gorgeous!

Happy autumn!

Fashion Friday: Lasers in Fashion

On the Cutting Edge—Lasers in Fashion

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Posted on September 13, 2013 by Miche

     

We love patterns—they turn an ordinary dress or handbag into a real statement piece. It was only a matter of time before laser-cutting technology made the jump from medicine and manufacturing to fashion, and this technique is revolutionizing pattern creation in a variety of fabrics.

1. Clothing: Laser-cut patterns are all over the runways for Fall 2013. The pinpoint accuracy of lasers allows for sharp, detailed cuts that create a sexy lacy peek-a-boo effect. In fact, it allows leather—normally a cold-winter choice—to cross over to summer.

2. Jewelry: Intricate laser-cut patterns are showing up on artisan-tooled earrings and bracelets both in wood and precious metals.

3. Handbags: If peek-a-boo clothing isn’t for you, you can wear this hot trend over your shoulder instead. Miche’s Devanee collection for Fall 2013 features a laser-cut pattern of delicate circles in soft dove grey, and the effect is breathtaking and utterly feminine.

When high-tech meets high-fashion, the endless possibilities this union creates are exciting and fresh—not to mention absolutely beautiful. Go ahead—be on the cutting edge!

Fashion Friday: Back with Black

Back with black

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Posted on August 30, 2013 by Miche

Once again we are taking the latest trend straight from the fashion runway and bringing it to your shoulders. That trend is black—the New Black, as it’s sometimes called— which actually isn’t new at all, is it?! But fashion is cyclical, so black is back in style.

Are you looking for sleek and confident? Fashion-forward? Office chic? Black can be your go-to color for all these looks. It’s hard to go wrong with something this classic.

• Spice up your favorite pair of distressed jeans by wearing a casual black blazer or jacket.

• Take that white tee to the next level by putting on a pair of fitted black slacks.

• Throw on some cute black heels, or polish off your ensemble by wearing a classically cool handbag, like our Honor Shell.

Don’t be afraid to be daring. Black is a great neutral hue to build your entire outfit around, or add just a touch to instantly enhance your look.

When was the last time black was considered fashion-forward? The answer is now; have some fun with it. Black is back!

It IS easy being green, after all!

Kermit the Frog says “It isn’t easy being green,” but—as much as we respect this loveable Muppet—when it comes to fashion, we disagree. We love green! And it just happens to be one of the most popular trends for Summer 2013. Whether you go for jade, pistachio, mint or teal, if you’re passionate about this color, here are some tips on how to wear it with style.

1. It’s wedding season! If you need an excuse to wear green, this type of event is perfect. Pair a green dress in any shade with gold jewelry or heels for a look that’s all class.

2. Love that neutral pantsuit or a crisp white sundress? Give it some drama by wearing a green handbag like Miche’s Trisha designs or Hip Bag (teal). Just one accessory like this breathes new life into any simple outfit.

3. Got brown eyes? Creamy shadow and glittering liner in soft shades of pistachio or chartreuse complement doe-eyed ladies’ peepers to perfection and create a sexy look for summer evening activities.

4. Use it as an accent color. One amazing jewelry piece like our Turquoise Stone Accent for Double Pendants paired with Turquoise Drop Earrings makes a beautiful statement.

It IS easy being green! This fresh, dewy color cools the summer’s heat—why not give it a try?

Horsing around ~ Equestrian Chic is BIG this Fall

One of the most fun trends for Fall, 2013 is equestrian chic. An equestrian is someone who rides horses, but you definitely don’t need to be one to look like one! It’s a timeless look that never seems to go out of fashion, and it’s as at home on the streets of your home town as it is at the country club. Here’s how to pull off this look in style.

1. It’s all about the fitted jacket or blazer. The look is sophisticated and classic. If that’s not for you, try an argyle-patterned cashmere sweater, layered with a crisp white collared blouse.

2. Go ahead—spring for some knee-high leather boots. Whether you choose to pair them with true equestrian breeches or just tan leggings, you’ll look the part instantly.

3. Keep hair simple. The most classic look for equestrian chic? What else? A pony tail!

4. Your accessories should reflect the vibe as well. In other words, resist pairing a flowery handbag with your outfit.

The most important tip of all? Take the reins and don’t be afraid to try something new—equestrian chic (like horses) symbolizes strength, beauty and freedom.

** Mavi Classic Shell with Chestnut Interchangeable Handle Straps & Shiny Gold Chains are shown above **

How to Wear Timeless, Cool Pastels

The palette of pastels—light pink, lavender, pale green, peach and more—is as at home in the summertime as it is in spring. When the weather is blazing, cool down your look with any one of these restful, soothing colors. The trick to wearing pastels for maximum effect is not to overdo it. Here are some tips for pulling it off in style.

1. Choose a Single, Perfect Pastel Piece

Head-to-toe pastels are rarely a good idea, but wearing a single cool item of clothing can be understated, yet absolutely stunning. Do you usually opt for white tops with jeans or a simple skirt? Choose pale pink or yellow instead. Pastels are a great substitute for white and add a new level of interest to an otherwise monochromatic look.

2. Soften up your Edgier Side

Don’t feel like you have to be a complete girly girl to pull off pastels. If you love to look “dangerous” for a night of clubbing or when you have a date to a concert, go ahead and pair baby blue or dusty pink with that biker jacket or black leather pants. You’ll be surprised at how feminine you feel (and look) without losing that edgy vibe.

3. Pastel Accessories? Yes, Please

Still not convinced? By far the easiest way to wear this timeless trend is with accessories—pale green rims for sunglasses, a peachy silk scarf or a rose petal handbag. A little touch of pastels may be all you need to freshen up your summer look.

Go ahead.. be Hip!

The Hip Bag is the hottest handbag trend for summer—hands down. Or rather, hands off! You can wear it cross-body or over your arm and still keep your hands free for carrying a beach bag and soda.

The Hip Bag’s greatest attraction is that it’s a small, easy-to-carry purse that still offers plenty of storage space for essentials. There are lots of styles to choose from, but what they all have in common is the bag falls to your hip…hence the name!

A Hip Bag is the perfect choice for you when . . .

. . . you’re just bopping around town

. . . you want an accent piece to complement that simple little sundress

. . . you’re going to a summer barbecue

. . . it’s date night and you have tickets to the twilight concert in the park

. . . you want to enjoy freedom on the go and still keep valuables secure

Now go take on summer!

“Fun Size"... More than just for Candy Bars!

Summer style is casual, laid-back, and most of all: EASY. When it’s time for a fun afternoon of shopping or an open-air concert at the park, less is definitely more! So do yourself a favor—grab a fun size handbag as you breeze out the door.

Think Beyond “One Purse Syndrome”

Too many women get stuck in a One Purse Syndrome rut when it comes to their handbag collection. They carry the same large bag everywhere they go, whether they fill it up or not. For those occasions when you only need to carry your wallet and keys, wise fashionistas have a fun size bag at the ready. Just pop in a few essentials and GO—easy peasy lemon squeezy!

What to Look for in a Fun Size Handbag for Summer

Bright colors: This is not the season to go conservative—go happy and fun.
Interior storage: Just ‘cause it’s small doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be functional. Insist on a zippered inside pocket and even credit card slots.

We all know good things often come in small packages—that’s true for your summertime handbag too!

Summer Fashion Passport

Get noticed this summer. Here’s how: safari prints. Snakeskin in subtle colors will add some bite to your style. This print is vogue this season and you’ll see it in balmy combinations inspired from far-flung excursions. From shiny metallic to glossy faux leather, luxurious silks to understated cottons, snakeskin is in.

Don’t have plans to head out to an exotic location this year? Add this safari trend to your summer look effortlessly without even dusting off your passport. Here are some easy accessory ideas to make you look like you’ve been touring the Serengeti:

1. Bangles. Trends from high-end designers show snakeskin arm charms in a variety of colors.
2. Handbags. Cream snakeskin and pleats make this style one you can wear with anything from safari khakis to that little black dress.
3. Pumps. Metallic snakeskin strappy sandals to a peep-toe high gloss in bright hues make this a simple style to step into.

What other ways have you seen snakeskin this season? Tell us your favorite ways to wear this style.

Color Trend: Sweet and Dreamy Caramel

Caramel is one of our favorite go-to colors for warm weather. The tasty combination of vanilla ice cream and gooey caramel topping isn’t just for tickling your taste buds—this summer you’ll want to blend the two colors in your wardrobe too. Try these delicious ideas to create your own eye candy:

1. Top a pair of colorful sandals with creamy white jeans and a cropped caramel top or blazer.
2. Slip into a cool white dress with a caramel belt.
3. Dress up casual denim with a tortoiseshell sunglasses and a handbag in caramel and white.
4. Start with a caramel leather skirt, add a pretty white shirt and top it off with a sparkling multi-strand necklace in pale turquoise and purple.

Go ahead and serve up a second helping of this style because it’s so simple and dreamy.

Bright & Cheeky for Summer 2013

Funky prints are a summer blockbuster. Whether you wear it in bright shades or subtle hues, tie-die and kaleidoscope prints add spunk to your look. Almost any bold print goes with a neutral palette. If you want to branch out, here are some other ways to wear eye-popping prints:

1. Sport a pair of cheeky printed skinny jeans with an understated shirt.
2. Pop on a pair of power-printed pumps. If you match a color from the print with your outfit, you’ll pull off this style seamlessly.
3. Carry a bright, cheery handbag. A print reminiscent of your childhood kaleidoscope (like this one!) is fun and effortless.
4. Downplay any bold print with a menswear-inspired navy blazer. This look incorporates both feminine and classic looks.

Wild Fashion Summer - Tamed!

This summer’s hottest trend is chic and earthy, and pulling off the safari look doesn’t require a passport. Take an expedition through your closet or talk to a Miche Representative who can help you find the perfect handbag for a walk on the wild side.

Whether you suit up in olive and tan or simply grab an animal print accessory to spice up your look, this trend is slightly less treacherous than hunting down a rhino through the savannah. Here are some easy color combinations to help you pull off the safari look:

1. Green and white. Throw on some dark khaki skinnies and some strappy tan sandals with a soft, white linen shirt.
2. Black and beige. Try a beige jacket with a tied waist and a black tank over a taupe skirt.
3. Animal print. The versatility of animal print with just about any color means you can incorporate the jungle look into nearly any outfit. We like a dark forest green poplin shirt dress with a leopard print handbag.

However you wear this look, you’ll lead the pack with style.

Dreamy Creamy

Versatility in fashion makes life easy and beautiful. Cream is a practical wardrobe staple color that can pull together any outfit. In fact, any vanilla hue can easily be added to a colorful ensemble or blended nicely with neutral threads.

You probably already have some shade of ivory in your closet. One of the simplest ways to use this color is to grab an accessory like a simple soft wallet or handbag. Need some color-blending ideas? Create looks from dreamy to exuberant by combining a variety of rich creams.

• Go romantic. Combine a lacy ecru with pastel pink, lilac, sage and subtle mustard to achieve a dewy glow.
• City chic. Wear bright white with charcoal, soft taupe, terra cotta and blue jeans to plug into your urban side.
• Beach bright. Slip into off-white, aqua, sky blue, indigo and a touch of black for the look of endless summer.
• Carefree color. Put on bright coral, deep navy, reddish brown and a yellow-white for a breathe-easy style.

Purple Pick-Me-Up

How to Wear the Palette of Royalty

Worn by royalty from ancient to modern times, purple is the color of choice for the regal and stately. You don’t need blue blood to adorn yourself in this splendid hue. From the lightest lilac to the deepest aubergine, purple has a permanent spot in spring fashion. Make place for this sovereign shade in your everyday look—here’s how to add it to your wardrobe:

• Feisty fingernails. Make a statement with a violet heliotrope or dark blackberry at the end of your fingertips. Bold like red, but less intense, purple instantly draws attention and gives you confidence.
• High contrast. Wear a plum-accented handbag with a celery green top or a pair of deep lavender pumps with a pastel teal blazer. Matching intensities of green and purple look stunning together.
• Lavender blue. Just like the night sky at twilight, donning an inky blue with sparkling amethyst will elicit a calming effect.
• Eyes have it. Smolder with a dark grape smoky eye or simple plum-lined eye to add interest and complement any eye color.

Everything's Coming Up Roses

5 Ways to Rethink Pink

Spring flowers are making their debuts, and you don’t have to be a gardener to appreciate a delicate pastel rose or peony. This season’s color trend is coming up rosy— from the softest pink pastels to bright flamingo pink.

Here are five ways to wear this happy hue:

1. Tone-on-tone ensembles. You don’t have to be matchy-matchy with your pinks. Try wearing deep fuchsia and petal pink together.
2. Blushing tights. While there’s still a spring chill in the air, don a pair of pink tights with that little black dress or a simple A-line skirt.
3. Blooming lips. Find the right pink lipstick or lip stain for your skin tone. Whether your pout sports a shocking pink tone or a purplish cherry blossom, your pout will pack a punch.
4. Tickled-pink purses. Stock up on pink handbags like the Miche Virginia or Dillon and add a splash of champagne pink to your jeans and tee or navy business suit.
5. Golden rose. Pull out your favorite gold jewelry and wear it with your preferred shade—blush or bashful. Gilded accessories make your pink gleam.

Cheery & Confident Coral

Easy tip: add one of these coral shells to your spring wardrobe right now

4 tips for wearing this spring trend

Things are heating up outside. Hasten the onset of the warmest season of the year by adding fruity summer color to your wardrobe. Coral hues are sweet and juicy like a ripe mango or nectarine. This lively color is fun and fiery and looks great on virtually everyone. Enliven your look by adding a dash or a bushel of coral.

You’ll exude confidence when you slip on vivid coral. Here are some tips on how to incorporate it into your look:

• Accessorize with coral: sandals, belts, handbags, necklace or whatever you can imagine
• Pair coral with bright hues—cobalt, fuchsia, aqua or lemony yellow
• Use a single coral accent to bring out the brilliance of a crisp white blouse
• Add coral to a neutral blue ensemble for a zing of cheer

No Hassle Tassel Trends

Classic drapery pulls, graduation caps and men’s loafers all sport the same eye-catching accent— tassels. Tassels are unique and add a bit of extra interest to any look. You can include this fun, dangly trend into your wardrobe effortlessly. You’ll find them on:

• Necklaces
• Belts
• Handbags
• Bracelets
• Shoes

A little goes a long way, so don’t overdo it with more than a few. The easiest way we’ve found to add tassels is to grab a cross-body bag and throw it on over jeans, a bright top and gold earrings.

A-list stars are seen wearing tassel flair all the time. Why not borrow their look and make it your own?

• Strappy high-heeled sandles with tassels as worn by Blake Lively
• Understated black tassel necklace as seen on Kate Moss in LA
• Boho-chic feather tassel earrings as seen on Gwyneth Paltrow

For more ideas on how to wear tassels, visit this style blog.