leather – Always Fashionably Kate

Rebecca Minkoff Fall 2014

Rebecca Minkoff mixed soft and feminine with a bit of edge this season. Think blush pink mixed with a little leather, even a bit of metallic and throw on a beanie and some great booties to face the cold winter weather. Minkoff’s models strutted down the runway in oversize menswear-inspired clothing and dark vampy lips (so happy that trend is not going anywhere!).

This collection was not lacking the very popular fur trend this season. Minkoff wrapped fur scarves around models necks while the rest of the outfits were quite simple – light and airy but with clean pinstripes. The whole collection encompassed the true New York fashion girl and I can’t wait to get my hands on this collection – especially that cream, leather trimmed skirt.

Marissa Webb Fall 2014

What’s black, white and tweed all over? Well, that’d be Marissa Webb’s Fall 2014 collection! This is quite possibly the most versatile collection so far this week. The perfectly tailored skirts/blazers separates came together to make stunning outfits. I can see these looks being worn to the corporate office then out for a night on the town. Webb’s collection was simple, but stunning nonetheless.

Each model displayed a perfectly put-together look complete with easy hair and make-up. I do have to admit, the few colors trailing at the end seemed a bit out of place in this collection however the pale pink and vibrant red brought just enough pop of color to an almost all black-and-white show. Overall, I LOVED this collection!

Summer Black + White

Many think that summer is all about vibrant colors, popping prints and glowing ensembles in general. However, we can’t forget about the old-faithful color combo – black and white! Yes, this can be done in the summer months and can look put-together and cool (even in sweltering temps). All you need is a few shorter hems and some breezy material and you’ve got yourself a classic summer look. Take a look at the inspiration below for fabulous summertime blacks and whites!

The Essentials : Now & Forever

While styles may come and go and we all look back on certain trends that we probably never want to revisit again, there ARE, however certain things that must really always be in your closet. At all times. For every and any occasion or outfit. These are the old-faithfuls that have treated us well over years of fashion. Here they are, along with some of my favorites in each category.

Black Ankle Boots – paired with jeans, skirts, dresses – you name it! The perfect go-to shoe to dress up or down.

Acne, Rag & Bone, Maison Martin Margiela

Statement Necklace – Need to glam-up an outfit? Look no further than the statement necklace! It pulls together any outfit and can turn a plain tee and jeans outfit into a great night-out look.

Tom Binns, Emporio Armani, Marni

Clutch – The perfect “bag” for a night out or an errand to run when you just need your card, phone, and maybe some fab red lipstick.

Lanvin, Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent

Flats – These can be switched out with the first “must-have” and can be worn with almost everything. Flats are great everyday shoes that you can just slip on and be off! Plus, the colors and prints that you can choose to work them into an outfit are limitless – just look at the ones below!

Valentino, Stella Mccartney, Tory Burch

always FASHIONABLY kate

New Must Have Bag : Trapeze Tote

With Fashion Week in full swing, every fashionista needs to be prepared for the unexpected and that means carrying a lot of extra essentials in your bag while running around NYC. Luckily for us, designers have created the perfect bag for toting around our alarming collection of necessary items – the Trapeze Tote. What started strictly with Celine, the Trapeze Tote has been expanded and is included by many other designers and now we have the difficult decision of picking our favorite. With a top handle, winged-out sides and coming in a larger size there is basically nothing that can compare to this do-it-all, carry-it-all, fit-it-all bag. Best part is you won’t have to decide what you must leave behind – just throw it all in and be on your way. See some of my favorites below!

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG
440 leather trapeze bag

MARC BY MARC JACOBS
Flipping Dots embossed leather trapeze bag

3.1 PHILLIP LIM
The Pashli shark-effect leather trapeze bag

VALENTINO
The Rockstud leather trapeze bag

always FASHIONABLY kate

Don’t Forget the Basics for Spring ’13

While most may think of an abundance of colors for the Spring months, Alexander Wang decided to give colors the season off and stuck with basic blacks, whites, grays and creams. However, there really is nothing basic about his collection – with leather accents, major cut-outs (including some seriously intense cutout, strappy shoes), zippers and mega-sexy high slits and low V cuts, the designer has got us begging Mother Nature to bring on the warm weather to wear these pieces! See some of the looks below, enjoy!

always FASHIONABLY kate

The Perfect It-Bag

I feel like something has been missing in my life. Oh, I know – I need a new go-to, perfect for every event, and super cute BAG! When I saw Michael Kors Large Fulton Pebbled Leather Satchels, I almost fell over and died because I had found it, the perfect bag. This bag comes in fabulous colors. It has a top handle as well as a strap – totally versatile. And finally, it’s roomy so I can store all my totally unnecessary items that I must carry around with me at all times. At a perfect price of $328, what else could you want besides Michael Kors himself to walk around with you, guiding you to the vey best styles and trends (wait, can that happen please?) Until that can actually happen, I’ll just take the bag for now…. But I’ll be waiting for you Mr. Kors.

always FASHIONABLY kate

Get a HANDle on the Cold

(Valentino)

Everyone knows we can turn jeans and a t-shirt into a glamourous ensemble with just a few key accessories. Well, the newest underrated accessory is now making a comeback with some fancy embellishment – the leather glove. No longer will this cold weather add-on be overlooked, it now has all eyes shooting toward your hands with spikes, studs and lots of sparkle that adds lots of pizzaz to any outfit. Yes, one little item can change an outfit and this season, it’s all about the hands.

always FASHIONABLY kate

Winter Warmth with These Most Wanted Picks!

Is there a worse feeling than walking around in the blustery cold with a coat that is just not living up to your body warmth needs? Fear not, check out the looks below to choose a new style (and cozier) winter coat! The best trends of the season are brights, graphic prints, menswear and my personal favorite, leather accents! Although the freezing temperatures will make you want to hide under a whole bunch of blankets, these picks will make you want to throw on your new coat and face even the chilliest of days! Bring it on Mr. Winter! Enjoy!

Brights

Graphic Prints

Stripes

Menswear

Leather Accents

always FASHIONABLY kate

Roughin It With Leather

No longer do we see leather only associated with bikers on Harley’s. Anyone who knows even the slightest bit about fashion knows that you cannot have a complete wardrobe without some leather! Those in the know are also aware that leather has transitioned from basic black (although that is most definitely still most popular) to a variety of colors! You can wear leather for it’s warmth – such as jackets, gloves or boots, or you can wear a leather shell top or skirt and feel instantly slimmer and a bit tougher. Maybe we haven’t left behind the whole leather-wearing-badass-on-a-bike picture, however we’re making it a much chicer trend these days.

Here are some pieces that I love!