FASHION Magazine

There’s just something about fresh out of the box boots. And a brand new bag between our fingers. And the swing of a fresh statement earring… Stores are suddenly stocked with a million tempting accessory options. But how to choose? Whether you’re replacing last season’s salt-stained standbys, or splurging on something new just because, there’s […]

The post Fall 2015 accessories: 25 statement pieces to top off every outfit this season appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

In the last ten years or so, music festivals have morphed from sweaty acquired tastes for music diehards to ultimate destinations for the world’s trendiest denizens to flock to. Coachella, the biggest of the bunch, has doubled in size, now offering its same stellar lineup for two weekends in a row. Beginning this Friday in […]

The post How to dress for a festival: 5 tips that balance your Coachella fashion wants with your practical needs appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

Fashion loves buzzwords. From arm party to It girl, these trendy terms infiltrate our minds, our Twitter feeds and our cocktail banter. Midway through the Spring 2015 collections during New York fashion week last September, there was a new bumper crop: artisanal, sock bootie, athleisure. But one in particular was light years ahead of them […]

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See all the backpack styles here »

No longer just for high schoolers, the backpack has undergone full fashion resurgence over the past few seasons. Its appeal is quite simple: it leaves you hands-free and perfectly in-line with fashion’s ongoing nineties fascination. Whether you need to schlep around your groceries or double fist two coffees, the backpack is a must-have for gals and guys on the go.

This season, everyone from Proenza Schouler to 3.1 Phillip Lim have created luxe versions of the style. And while the backpack has been making runway appearances since 2011 (lest we forget The Row’s alligator skin $34,000 take), some skeptics still deem it too junior. Haters would be directed to Chanel’s Spring 2014 collection, which featured a graffiti style canvas number already holding a waitlist demand.

Given that Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday this year, the options for how you chose to celebrate are pretty plentiful. Requisite tearjerkers Endless Love and Winter’s Tale hit theatres that day and there’s bound to be your fair share of love-seekers swiping right on Tinder all night long. For those looking to go all out however, we’ve planned out 3 Valentine’s Day date ideas and 3 perfect outfits to go along with ‘em.

Jump to: THE ROMANTIC DATE | THE FRIEND DATE | THE PARTY

When it comes to sharing news or a sneak peek at a new collection, brands are starting to feel a little “been there, done that” with the major social media channels. Thankfully, with apps there’s always something new waiting in the wings. So move over, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram: Snapchat is quickly becoming the publicity tool of choice for fashion and beauty brands.

This morning, Nars shared its upcoming Guy Bourdin holiday makeup collection via the blink-and-you-miss-it app. The 10-second preview was sent out to those who had added the Narsisisst account to their friends list and it’s a move that successfully combined every-gal access with insider exclusivity.

However, they’re not the first brand to use Snapchat: Earlier this month, Rebecca Minkoff embraced the app during New York Fashion Week. The unheard of marketing move was announced via Twitter and allowed users to receive Snapchats of looks from the Spring 2014 collection before they hit the runway.

It’s impossible to deny our dependence on statement accessories when faced with the challenge of upping our outfits. We lay gem packed baubles on our necks, slip into OTT heels and carry the new It bag whenever possible. Say “aye!” if you agree that the bolder, the more vibrant and the more elaborate the accessory, the better.

With this season’s riot girl trend requiring metallic hits and the power skirt suit relying on femme’s demand of opulence, it’s no surprise that the Fall 2013 runways featured many statement accessories. From decadent gold crosses at Dolce & Gabbana, to fur-covered heels at Fendi and a globe shaped purse at Chanel, we love that accessories have morphed into nouveau shapes and textures this season.

And here to help us navigate these new statement accessories is the Style Panel. Barbara Ann Solomon of Barbara Ann’s Style Blog upped the ante on her composed look by slipping into her on-trend plaid Erdem for Nicholas Kirkwood heels. Proving that it’s possible to pair neon and animal print, Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino shared one of her street style looks from New York Fashion Week, and we have to say brava on the lacey neon skirt and studded animal print clutch combo. And a Rebecca Minkoff bag makes a double appearance in this week’s challenge: Anum Khan of SummerXSkin wears the mini Morning After Clutch (M.A.C) in “Bittersweet” while Nicole Wilson of Dainty Girl rocks it in “Port.”

It’s safe to say that our girls are all for accessories that add a little va va to their voom. Keep reading to see all the statement accessories that our Style Panelists are wearing this season.

Question 69: Which statement accessory are you rocking this season? Read the answers now! »

See the Spring 2014 nail art looks up close »

The nails at New York Fashion Week were right in tune with the ’90s minimalism style we saw on the Spring 2014 runways. Sheer is in, colour is out and the nail art trend seems to be winding down. The bare and buffed nails of last spring are still going strong for 2014, with designers like Altuzarra, Alexander Wang and Jeremy Laing opting for pale shades of pink, lavender or beige instead of punchy pastels and neon brights.

See the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic red carpet »

This past weekend, a number of A-listers attended one of summer’s most stylish social events in Liberty State Park, New Jersey: the Sixth Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic. Celebrating the sunshine on the first of June, many well-dressed celebrities were spotted including a dapper-looking co-host, Matthew McConaughey in a three-piece linen suit and wife Camila Alves in a yellow Herve Leger dress by his side. Models, Olympic athletes and style icons like Leigh Lezark, Ashley Olsen and Julia Restoin-Roitfeld also made their way down the red carpet looking fabulous in florals, stripes and spring colours.

The Olsen sisters are famous for their bohemian and minimalist red carpet looks. So at her first public event since the Met Gala last month, it was no surprise to see that Ashley Olsen wore another eastern-inspired dress. Dressed in a vintage red kaftan dress with gold embroidery down the front, neck and sleeves, she paired her vintage look with black Hermès studded sandals, aviator sunglasses and a small off-white shoulder bag by her label, The Row.

See all 36 must-have Spring 2013 accessories »

If you’re looking to round out your Spring 2013 wardrobe before the thermometer hits a favourable temperature, we have some easy fixes and it’s all about accessories. From peekaboo panels on red leather purses to woven wedges, these on-trend pieces can complete any look.

For Spring 2013 we saw festival style take its place on the runways of Altuzarra and Band of Ousiders, so why not complete your Coachella packing with a woven bangle and wicker clutch? Sun-drenched raffia, wicker and straw are woven into wedges, stacked heels and shopping totes, signalling laid-back summer style. And if you’re not flocking to one of the many summer festivals and want to keep it basic, the new see-through trend is one that will keep you in the clear. Basic accessories have been redefined by giving oxford shoes plastic inserts and chunky heels on strappy sandals have been made see-through. These peekaboo plastic panels lend lightness to polished metallics and patent leathers.

5 fashion websites and apps that you need to know about now »

Without a doubt, it’s time to take a closer look at what designers, fashion brands and industry fans have been getting up to online. From live-streaming fashion shows, envy-inducing social media chronicles, mobile shopping apps and e-retailer pre-sales, the fashion world is becoming more and more tech-oriented. And while customers love these new innovations, brands are also loving the benefits that come with increased technological and online engagement.

Rebecca Minkoff is one company that has had business thrive thanks to its digital presence, which includes an e-commerce site, blog and social media presence across Twitter, Instagram and, most recently, Vine. However, the biggest payoff came with the launch of the Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2013 jewellery collection via a YouTube video featuring Man Repeller blogger Leandra Medine. Uri Minkoff, CEO of Rebecca Minkoff, told WWD, “January [2013] became the biggest non-holiday e-commerce month sales wise in the company’s history. January jewelry sales specifically have increased by 250 percent over sales from November and December combined.”

Indeed, partnerships do make a difference, especially for fashion brands. Earlier this month two fashion-themed hackathons took place during New York Fashion Week. (Don’t worry, we also needed to Google the definition of hackathon: they’re collaborative events where developers gather to create a new app or software platform in a limited amount of time.)

See our favourite shoes from Fall 2013 »

Forget diamonds, everybody knows that shoes are a girl’s best friend. As the Fall 2013 trends begin to emerge, so too do the must-have heels, boots and flats of the season. This round of fashion week has brought with it oodles of new shoe trends to look out for. From strappy suede booties to architectural high heels, the New York, London, Milan and soon-to-be Paris runways are filled with quirky designs that can certainly be the finishing touch on any outfit.

So far, many designers are reinventing old classics and updating them with modern details. Case in point: high-heeled loafers, seen at Mulberry, Rag & Bone and Moschino, which gave a new feminine twist to menswear’s most classic shoe by using fresh yellows, and unexpected patterns. Speaking of unexpected combinations, one of the most unusual footwear trends is the emerging sandal-boot. Open-toe booties are nothing new, but this time designers such as Prada have created a boot customized with cutouts around the sides and front of the shoe.