Top Fashion Trends of 2011

As 2011 comes to a close and we look forward to what 2012 has to offer, let's take a look at the top fashion trends that this year has brought us.  The top fashion trend of the year was color blocking and bright hues.  From the runway to the red carpet and everywhere in between, color blocking reigned supreme.  Colorful jeans and accessories also has made a splash this year and has been a definite 'do' for the fall and winter. 

Furs and feathers also took center stage this year ranging from fur handbags to feather earrings.  The added fur detail to some pieces enhanced the look and added flair as seen below.  Furs and feathers were seen everywhere in 2011 and are definite classic essentials that will carry on to 2012. 

Another hot trend of 2011 was the tuxedo for women.  This look was sleek and formal and was seen on the likes of Beyonce, Kim Kardashian, and many more this year. Although the tuxedo had a resurgence in 2011, tuxedos are classic and timeless and can be worn be worn at any time. 

Fashion took a turn into the wild this year and turned exotic and animal prints into one of the top trends of the year.  This trend was a definite way to make a statement, be seen, and take a risk with your ensemble in 2011. 

photos via minkysfurs.com, getwhitit.com, chanceplus1.com, and millionlooks.com

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley by Tom Munro for Harper’s Bazaar UK January 2012

Styled by Cathy Kasterine, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley delivers a fierce spread for Harper's Bazaar UK January issue. Huntington-Whiteley glams it up up with sexy swimsuits, fabulous shoes (that would make any woman run to the nearest Neiman Marcus), and accessories which makes these looks effortless. Although temperatures are dropping outside, this spread is perfect motivation for that winter getaway.

Shoe Pick of the Week

Although a women's closet should have an abundance of heels, flats are a definite must for your shoe collection.  They are perfect for all occasions (travel, work, a casual night out, etc) and provide a level of comfort that your 5 inch stilettos won't.  The negative connotation that came with flats is no longer due to the plethora of trendy designs (such as the Diane von Furstenberg Madison zebra flat featured above) that suits all women.  Here are a few options to flirt with for your closet.

Prada Paillette Ballet Flat

B Brian Atwood Carabelle Leopard Ballet Flat

Valentino Rockstud Python Ballerina Flat

       

Vera Wang Lavender Landyn Flat

Photos via ioffer.com, 123456789go.com, polyvore.com, & yournextshoes.com

Adrienne Landau Furs

This fall/winter liven up your wardrobe with a classic trend, fur.  Furs not only provide warmth but are versatile statement pieces that can be paired with a variety of clothing items.  Former painter and now designer, Adrienne Landau has created an eclectic collection that transcends all styles and generations.  Her collection includes capes, stoles, furs, and has expanded to luxury home furnishings, handbags and more. With the likes of Madonna, Halle Berry, Liza Minelli and more donning her unique designs, Landau's furs have become a staple within the industry. Here is a glimpse of her glamourous furs:

Raccoon Stole

Ocelot-Print Fur Stole

Natural Textured Rabbit Fur Jacket

Twisted Raccoon Boa Scarf

Raccoon Vest

Fur Hat

Raccoon-Trimmed Cape

photos via neimanmarcus.com, blacktiestilleto.blogspot.com, shopdivine.com, & saksfifthavenue.com

Look of the Week

The look of the week goes to Kim Kardashian who looked fabulous in her color blocking ensemble while at the Atlantis Aquarium in Dubai. Her look is classy, conservative, and sexy and accentuates her curves. She donned a teal high waisted pencil skirt with a yellow bow blouse.  Her look is from L'Wren Scott's Fall 2009 collection. She finished her look with a pair of Christian Louboutin's platform nude Mary Janes and a gold clutch. 

photos via yournextskirt.com

Versace for H&M

The wait is finally over; Versace has revealed the H&M collection that will be in stores November 17 worldwide.  The collection, which contains pieces for both men & women, features bold colors and prints, handbags, shoes, and more. The Versace H&M line will have 90 pieces sold in stores and online and will bring its classic iconic designs to the masses.   A pre-spring Versace for H&M collection will make its debut in January.

                    Click on the slideshow to enlarge

photos via forbes.com

Vogue Covers

Vogue magazine is the premiere publication when it comes to fashion.  Their various editions (Russia, Italia, India, etc) has increased their influence around the world.  Vogue has pushed the envelope in the fashion industry having plus size models on the cover this year, having the controversial "All Black" cover,  publishing their record breaking September 2007 840 page issue, and many more. A key to their success has been their eye catching covers.  Here is a look at a few of Vogue's fabulous covers.

photos via fashiongonerogue.com & hurricanevanessa.com

Shoe Pick of The Week

Now that fall has finally arrived, ladies booties are a must for your closet. Since it has been some time since the last shoe pick, this week there are three shoe picks! The shoe above is the fabulous Brian Atwood Inez ankle bootie with studded detail. These booties are great for making a statement with your ensemble.  The second selection are Alice & Olivia Paige platform booties.  With and exposed zip in the back and hidden platform, these snake-embossed leather booties are a great glam addition for your wardrobe as well.  The final pick is the Maison Martin Margiela open toe booties.  The Margiela draped leather booties are great for dressy or casual looks and can be worn in the fall and winter despite being open toe!  

Alice & Olivia Paige

Maison Martin Margiela

photos via shopbop.com & brianatwood.com

Stylist June Ambrose Heads to VH1 for "The June Ambrose Project"

Style maven June Ambrose has geared up for her latest endeavor, a reality show tentatively titled The June Ambrose Project.  The style diva who is known for donning a fierce turban has styled the likes of Kelly Ripa, Alicia Keys, Jay-Z, Missy Elliot (Ambrose was the mastermind in placing Missy in a garbage bag-like outfit for the 'Rain' video), and many more. The show is slated for an early 2012 premiere on VH1 and will chronicle June and her team as they work on image makeovers and rebranding for celebrities. Viewers will also get a glimpse into her life as a mogul and a mom. Are you going to tune in?

photo via roc4life.com

Elle Russia - Tara Jean by Asa Tallgard

A great editorial enhances designers' creations and brings forth a vivid picture of their collection.  Photographer Asa Tallgard does just that in the October Elle Russia issue. Tara Jean elegantly models great ensembles for the fall.  The pieces are chic and sexy and have an added edge with the addition of animal print, bold colors, and fabulous accessories. 

photos via fashiongonerogue.com

The Perfect Accessory...Jewelry

The right accessory can turn the simplest look into something eye catching and stunning.  With the countless number of options, jewelry is the perfect accessory to spice up your look.  The haute coin feather bib featured above does just that by giving this dress a chic look. Here are a few other pieces that can help create fabulous ensembles:

The Coco Ring 

RoxU Couture Black Feather Earrings

The Business Necklace

Marc by Marc Jacobs Turnlock Katie Bracelet

Cornelia Webb Draped Chain Vest

Photos via etsy.com, shopbop.com, & ssense.com