Laine's Trend Overview

Fall is upon us, ladies! It's time to bring out those sweaters, coats and boots!! The trends this season are all about versatility, layering and mixing of soft fabrics with more substantial pieces. Here's what Laine Weinberg, KOKOON designer, has to say about this season's hottest trends:

"*The 'of the moment' colors are purples and plums! Blues are also important.

*The best neutrals are grays and lighter, richer brown tones, like fawn and mocha, which look great popped with colors like gold, reds and bright jewel tones.

*Ruffles are huge! And they look very modern and surprisingly strong. I love them!

*Asymmetry looks great to me now, and Michelle Obama's Inaugural gown turned a nightclub look into the number one requested evening look of suburban moms, and insured demand for one shoulder styles that will last for several seasons.

*The shoulder needs attention. While the eighties still influence a lot of what's being shown now, designers have been scared off by shoulder pads. But, you will see the use of poufs and gathers to create volume, taking the place of the shoulder pad.

*'Completer' looks, like layering cardigans and longer vests, and sweater coats over dresses, skirts and jeans. The appearance of being pulled together and 'complete'; a modern version of retro glamour. I owe this to the continuing influence of shows like Gossip Girls and Mad Men."

The great thing about fashion this season is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to update and freshen your wardrobe. 2 or 3 basics added to your existing wardrobe can easily give you 6 to 10 new outfit options. Don't believe me? Shoot me an e-mail to schedule a private wardrobe consultation today. I can show you how to instantly update your wardrobe and save money too!! Stay tuned for more of Laine's Trend Overview....

Is that my new outfit or are those doll clothes?!?

Ladies, have you ever washed a new favorite outfit only to find when it comes out of the dryer as a miniature version of itself, that the label shouts those 3 dreaded words at you: "Dry Clean Only!!"? Yep, been there, done that.

Well, I might have the answer for you! Woolite has teamed up with fashion guru, Stacy London (What Not To Wear), to put together a comprehensive e-book entitled "Find the Look Keep the Look". With the help of Stacy London and Woolite's Style Stars (a team of fashionable boutique owners from across the country), Woolite's "Find the Look Keep the Look" program will help the fashion-conscious find styles that extend beyond seasons, and make fabric appropriate laundry choices to keep their favorite clothes looking newer, longer. This book not only speaks to the style-staple trends, but offers solutions on how to launder almost any kind of fabric and fashion- from darks to whites, heavy denim to cotton tissue-tees.
To print your FREE copy or watch the accompanying video, click on this link: http://www.findthelookkeepthelook.com/find-the-look/index.php

Don't trust the hanger!

How clothes look on the hanger can be misleading. According to the September issue of InStyle Magazine (my personal go-to guide for all things fashion related), simply looking at clothes on the rack does not do them justice. While t-shirts and pants look fine, this fall's soft, draped styles won't "read" until you try them on. Why? Most clothing items are three-dimensional, just like the body. The moral of the story: If you see an item on the rack that intrigues you, take a chance and try it on. You'll likely be pleasantly surprised!!

Tips on finding a great pair of leggings...

Moments after making my last post about leggings, the phone rang. It was my sister over at The Coupon Coalition (http://www.thecouponcoalition.com) calling to comment on my new appreciation of leggings. She told me that she had never found a great pair of leggings that actually looked decent and flattered her figure. I agreed that at our age it can be a bit more difficult to find a pair that don't pinch at the waist to reveal those dreaded muffin tops. Here are my suggestions for finding a really good pair of leggings:

1-Look for leggings with a yoga pant style waistband. This is key and will not only give you a smooth appearance at the waistline, but will also "hold you in".
2-Find fabric that is heavy and substantial enough to hide the lumps and bumps of middle-age. Avoid shiny lycra type fabrics and patterned fabrics, however.
3-Choose a color to blend with your tunic, dress or top. Dark colors such as black, chocolate or slate gray work best.
4-Leggings with cute detailing at the ankle (or just below the knee for capris) are also good choices. Look for gathered drawstrings, studs, a bit of lace - you get the idea.
5-Of course, my favorite brand of leggings are KOKOON. They aren't too tight, but give me support right where I need it. I wear them with cute mini-dresses that would otherwise be too short for a 43 year-old to wear. Yes, I am definitely a convert. Never say never!!

Leggings? Yes, Leggings!

So, what's the deal with leggings this season? We middle-age women are wondering if we are too old for leggings, but we're literally seeing them everywhere. I've always resisted wearing them for fear of looking like I'm trying to dress like my teenage daughter. Here's what Laine Weinberg, KOKOON owner/designer, has to say about leggings: "They [leggings] have transcended the brat pack and they are here to stay (for a while). I'm really good with this, as it's a great way to get through the cold months, and they're really flattering on most women. We are crazy about our new 'anklet' leggings with a bit of shirring at the ankles. Plus we have the best tunics to pair with them this season!" I don't know about you, but I'm going to take the plunge and include leggings as part of my core fall/winter wardrobe!! Click on the KOKOON link to the left for fresh ideas on how to wear them. I think you'll be impressed with how stylish and "mature" leggings can look. Carpe diem!

The One Item I Can't Live Without for Fall!

While the economy is slowly but surely rebounding, people continue to tighten their purse-strings - and rightly so. That's why the number one trend this season is versatility. Everyone is looking for that one great piece that can instantly update several outfits in a wardrobe. KOKOON's Alternative Cardigan is one such item. It can be worn open as a loose casual "vest" look. Or, pull it on over a dress or skirt and it looks like a dressy light coat. Wear it closed and cinched up in front, and it can look like a totally different piece altogether. Wear it over a slip and tee with tights, and VOILA! It's the cutest dress ever. Now throw it on over a tunic and leggings, open in front, with a belt from your closet, and it's the best money you've ever spent on a single piece. Five great new looks with one classic piece! This is definitely the one item that I cannot - will not - live without this fall!!

Fall Trends & Trunk Show Dates!

I am so excited to receive the new fall samples! I just received a message from the director of operations at KOKOON, and the samples are on their way. Here are a just a few of the latest fall trends to whet your appetite:

*The 'of the moment' colors for fall are purples and plums! Blues are also important.

*The best neutrals are grays and lighter, richer brown tones like fawn and mocha, which look fantastic popped with colors like gold, reds and bright jewel tones.

*Animal prints are back in a huge way and better than ever. The prints seem to be a bit bigger in scale and a little more abstract than in previous years. For example, the "Unruly" print in the Girlie Warfare dress shown here looks like an abstract print; it takes a minute to realize it's a zebra animal print!

Trunk Show Dates!!

I have finally finalized my show schedule and will be holding Open House Trunk Shows in Tulsa, OK, on Thursday, August 27th, and Friday, August 28th, from 11 to 2. (Message me at lschemmer@sbcglobal.net for location details.) If you cannot stop by during those times, please feel free to call and schedule a private appointment - 633-9253. Samples will be available for private shopping from Monday, August 24th through Monday, August 31st. Shop early for the best selection! All major credit cards are welcome. And don't forget the Early Bird Discount!! Just mention my blog, and you will receive a $15 discount on orders placed with me from now until September 8th!!