Hot Shoe Trends for Cold Weather

Footwear is in the midst of a seasonal evolution; it is transforming out of delicate lace and hot neon trends into leather, velour and deep jewel tones that are taking over the fashion circuits. Don't allow yourself to be out of the fashion loop this upcoming season. Go out and get yourself some of this year's hottest cold-weather trends.

Boots beat the cold every year; and this year, rocker boots are tougher than ever. With their characteristic metal spikes and studs, they epitomize the "no bull" attitude and demand respect. If you're into being rocker chic, these boots are the perfect addition to your fall/winter wardrobe. Ash, Steve Madden and Frye are only a few designers that are heading up the biker boot trend. Another style craze in boot fashion leans toward a more earthy, tribal look reflecting the new "Wild West". A cowboy boot shape with Native American textiles and patterns give these boots a rustic, colorful twist on standard fall/winter attire. Plus, everyone likes to play "Cowboys and Indians"! Check out the Wild West trend at Free People, Urban Outfitters, Aldo and more.

Dress up any fall/winter outfit with a pair of velour shoes. Ballerinas, wedges and stilettos are warming up your feet with one of the softest fabrics out there. Coming in a variety of seasonal colors, like ruby, emerald and sapphire, this shoe trend will be the key element in all of your formal wear for the season. The rich hues enhanced by the plush sensation make this trend fit for a queen, like you. For the latest styles of velour shoes, check out 6pm. Take advantage of a 6pm coupon for even greater savings on seasonal fashions.

The last, but not the least of this season's trends, is made for women who love to dress up a casual look. Innovative in design and transcending the line between dressed up and dressed down, the notorious wedge sneaker is popping up all over the world! A perfect combination between hip hop and grace, this sneaker elongates the legs with its height and soft curves, while keeping up with the street fashions of today. From Nike to Ash, everyone is falling in love with this trend.

These are only a few of the fabulous footwear fads that are hitting the streets this season. Remember, shoes complete any outfit; they are the staple that holds everything together. Channel your inner rocker, cowboy, queen and/or fashion icon to inspire some of this year's most daring outfits.

How to Dress to Look Your Best at a Wedding

While most of us like to look our best at all times, we want to make a particular effort if we have a wedding invitation. Everyone knows that the wedding day belongs to the bride; nevertheless, women in particular, like to make a special effort when they are going to a wedding. Your choice of outfit may depend on the type of wedding you are attending, and whether any special dress code has been stipulated. Unless you are attending an extremely formal wedding, any length and any colour dress apart from white, should be acceptable.

For Her: Gloves – to Wear or Not to Wear
Again, depending on the formality of the occasion, you may want to wear silk gloves that match the colour of your dress. Gloves look better and keep their shape for longer if you have silk glove liners. Normally, only the bride and the bridesmaids will wear gloves to a wedding, a lot depends on whether any particular dress code has been stipulated. A very formal, long dress, for example, is usually enhanced when the wearer has matching gloves. Only wear opera length gloves with a strapless, formal dress, otherwise, stick to gloves that are wrist length.

Weddings in the Day Time
An increasing number of brides want a day time wedding with a sit down meal and no evening entertainment, especially if they want to get off on their honeymoon on the same day. If you are attending a less formal day time wedding then a shorter dress or a suit should mean that you look your best without going over the top on the day. Business suits are okay if the wedding is in the morning with just a brief reception afterwards. Too much bling and too many sequins are a definite no for day time weddings as you don’t want to take the sparkle away from the bride. Just a reminder, black is not really suitable for day time weddings. Equally, at an informal wedding you may not require either gloves or silk glove liners. 

If you have been invited to a wedding during the day and an informal disco and buffet in the evening, you might want two outfits. In cases like this you might choose to wear a suit during the day and a dress or trousers and fancy top for the evening’s entertainment. Try to avoid clothing that is overtly sexy or see through as these are not usually acceptable, even for an evening buffet and disco wedding do.

For Him: Tails, Shirts and Jeans
Male guests may be required to wear a top hat and tails to a very formal wedding. If you have been invited to such a wedding, and have been asked to play the role of usher or even best man, then silk shirts may be the order of the day.

Informal does not mean jeans and a tee shirt, a dark suit and perhaps a contrasting shirt should be fine. Black shirts are not acceptable wedding wear, even if it is only a buffet and disco to which you are invited.
Wayne Barker writes for Patra, an online retailer offering exclusive design in exquisite fabrics – specialising in pure silk shirts. Find Patra on facebook.

Autumn-Winter 2012 Trends

This summer we`ve all been enjoying the comfort and flow of the luscious maxi dress and the nautical touch of stripes, but what fashion trends can we expect to be hankering after when the cold weather sets in? Here`s our guide to key trends for autumn winter 2012.

Big is beautiful - particularly when it comes to coats. These, trousers and hips all get the oversized treatment this winter. Catwalks were, quite literally, full of voluminous coats. Often double breasted, these were anything but skin tight. Effortless to wear, this is one key trend you`ll be oh so grateful for come the windy weather. Not one for the faint-hearted, baggy leather trousers were also a common theme, seen from Sportmax and Mulberry. Many designers also exaggerated hips on dresses and skirts.

Pick a pattern - a winter wardrobe staple is the oversized jumper with bold, geometric print. Cuddle up in a statement knit and, this year, the louder the better. Trouser suits are an evergreen, but don`t be a plain Jane. However utilitarian the structure, be sure your two-piece has a look of luxury and glamour with elaborate brocades and appliqués. Another print theme making an appearance, the swirly prints of the psychedelic seventies were also seen from Miu Miu and Marc Jacobs among others.

Belt up - with volume the watch word of the season, belts come into their own once more. Whichever style you choose, stay on trend by keeping it on show on your outer layer. Mulberry and Marc by Marc Jacobs among others showcased the wonders of the belt in fantastic style.

Watch the birdie - every season has its favourite animal theme, whether by prints or design. By winter you can forget summer`s favourite the flamingo and opt for an owl. Make it big and bold for maximum impact. The models of the Mulberry Porsum runway, wore theirs with pride.

Anyone for polo? - layering is so often top of the agenda for the colder months and, this year, make your base layer a classic polo neck. Keep it simple and comfortable in an ultra-fine fabric.

Colours of the season - burgundy is this season`s wardrobe staple, as an alternative to black. Black on the other hand will be bang on trend when paired with navy blue.

Love lace - luxurious and detailed fabrics dominated the runways of spring summer 2012 and, with luxury and detailed fabrics in the spotlight for autumn winter, continues to be a popular choice. Choose lace inspired accessories such as the stunning Dolce et Gabana ankle boot.

The thighs have it - most designers agreed that longer is better. You can`t go wrong this autumn with a knee length skirt or dress like these at Couture Candy. Whichever style you choose, think luxurious and ornate fabric, add a belt and you will be well on your way to mastering the look of the season.