Trendspotting: Stripes

From the photo diary of ioulex, via The New York Times Style Magazine

Stripes are everywhere at Fashion Week, from New York to Paris.  Stripes evoke classic prep, especially this past summer when everywhere we looked we saw nautical boat stripes!  This fall and upcoming spring, the style gets edgier from designers.  The stripes are still there, but in varying widths, colors, and fabrics.  Sonia Rykiel had stripes on top of stripes on top of stripes, while Marc Jacobs played with knits, diagonals, and color to evoke a more bohemian-inspired look:

Haider Ackermann, Marc Jacobs, and Sonia Rykiel 

Of course, how could we talk about stripes and fashion week without talking about PRADA??  The Milan show was stunning, and made us think of Futurism, Gatsby, and pop all at the same time.  The fabrics in the show--fur stoles, Japanese cotton--were luxurious while the simple horizontal stripes were simple, clean, and minimal.  Overall, the catwalk captured an artistic glamour, one that seems unattainable and commonplace at the same time.  Here are some of the amazing stripe looks:

Doesn't it make you want to be walking the beach in Saint Tropez?  Especially with that HAT!!

So eclectic and classic.  This look can definitely work in Fall as well with some updated stripes and great accessories.  Below, Kitty pulled a stripe top from AKA New York with beaded/jeweled detailing at the shoulder.  She paired it with an orange linen scarf from Love Quotes and a killer Kenneth Jay Lane necklace.  This look matches bold colors and patterns with intricate accents, so it's classic and fashion-forward at the same time.  It's casual and sophisticated, and works for anything from having a chic lunch with friends to cheering on the alma mater sports team at alumni weekend!  Swap out every color scarf for every mood.  The linen feels so fresh and young--perfect antidote to dreary fall days!

AKA New York top, Love Quotes linen scarf, Kenneth Jay Lane necklace

Inspiration: Vintage Feel

This season, one of the biggest trends we've spotted is a vintage look that goes back to the 50s and early 60s.  It's all about classic cuts, A-lines, pencil skirts, and emphasizing femininity.  We love how the look is being updated with new fabrics, fabulous prints, and killer shoes without losing any of its charm or grace.  Here are a few fave pics off the runways for Fall 2010 from Prada, Louis Vuitton, Veronique Leroy, and Mulberry:

Prada, Louis Vuitton, Veronique Leroy, and Mulberry

To recreate the runway trend, think tailored knits and tweeds, full skirts, fur (or faux fur) trims, and sculpted tops.  And don't forget your pearls and diamonds!  These outfits are classic and timeless, especially for fall/winter.  The cuts let you look structured even when you have a lot of layers on for chilly weather!  Below is some more inspiration to get your closet creativity humming...

So chic, even 50 years later!

LOVE these behind the scene pics of Mad Men...ultimate visual feast!

Of course, Gramercy is stocked with adorable items to give you the look.  We are obsessed with this amazing leather belts by B-low the Belt!  They come in black and tan and give every outfit that touch of vintage detail:

So amazing...We threw one on top of an amazing cashmere Magaschoni wrap sweater.  It really makes the entire outfit pop.  Wear them on top of sweaters, around blouses, over a-line dresses and skirts, or anything else!  Pair it with heels and simple stud earrings for a perfect 50s look!