While the slew of holiday lacquer collections are perhaps a bit, well, expected — deep cranberry hues and dark purples, balanced with universally-flattering neutrals like soft pinks and golden taupe — but that doesn’t make them any less gorgeous! After all, there’s something to be said about the classic prettiness of signature holiday hues — in fact, a holiday nail set without more predictable shades would hardly seem like a holiday collection at all! Regardless, it’s nice to see some sets switch things up with a few fun bonus shades; for example, Deborah Lippmann’s show-stopping copper Superstar shade, and Sephora Collection’s sleek metallics in addition to its classic red and emerald. Given that these shades are on the “traditional” side, they’re perfect for the friend who loves her manicures but doesn’t necessarily already have her own extensive at-home collection! And even if she does already have one or two of the shades included, it doesn’t hurt to have another in a boast-worthy brand like Nars or MAC, especially when it comes to goes-with-anything pearly lacquers and pretty neutral tones that she’s bound to get plenty of use out of!

- By Our Fellow Fashionista, Alex Gambardella, of The Find

TheFind: Holiday Nail Lacquer Sets For The Pal Who Stays Polished! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Unless you’re particularly fond of fashion risks, you may turn up your nose at the thought of feather details. You’re probably thinking, sure, feathers were fashionable once… back when flappers were the pinnacle of style and social edginess. But much like fur, feathers are slowly but surely making their comeback into the realm of what’s considered haute, making their way on bags, jewelry, and even skirt hemlines. No, despite whatever horrific images are flooding your head at the moment, feather trim won’t necessarily make you look like an ice skater, a Vegas showgirl, or Bjork in one of the most epic red carpet disasters in fashion history. In fact, when done right (read: less is more), the look is slightly boho, kind of earthy, yet at the same time adds just the right touch of extra drama. It’s not necessarily easy to pull off, but then again, didn’t the thought of faux fur sound completely heinous when it hit the racks again last year? Just don’t get carried away if you find yourself loving the look despite all your preconceived notions — I’m pretty sure the fashion world isn’t quite ready to bring back the feather boa.

Pictured above: Opening Ceremony Two-Tone Full Skirt, Rebecca Taylor Fly Away Feather-Hem Dress, Forever 21 Tribal Beaded Necklace, and Diane Von Furstenberg Marlene Evening Bag.

Fancy Up Your Fall Wardrobe with Feather Details is a post from: Violet Revolution

Of course, you can always check out more fashion show coverage by checking out the latest fashion videos on the right side, or under the “Fashion News” menu above.

Let’s start with my all-time favorite: Zac Posen.  Couldn’t you see yourself wearing one of these gorgeous ballgowns to a gala of sorts.  I could.  Hell, I’d wear them around my house if I could!

Lanvin is all the rage these days.  They’re collaborating with H&M, and their collection was one of the favorites from this year’s show.  This gown was my favorite:

Brights continued to prevail in Paris.  I loved how Akris, Loewe, and Nina Ricci incorporated brights into professional-looking attire.  Even if you can’t be this bold at your workplace, add a little pop of color to your suit with a tank top, scarf, shoes, or accessories.

I think it’s rare to see casual, wearable looks on the runway; or maybe it’s just that no one focuses on them because they aren’t that interesting.  I disagree.  These are some casual looks from Balmain (left & right) and Christian Dior (center) I’d like to incorporate into my wardrobe for a semi-casual night out to dinner, a lounge bar, or a wine party.  What about you?

Finally I included these dresses from Rick Owens.  If you’re not familiar with his designs, clearly you haven’t been watching Kell On Earth.  Andrew Mukamal is obsessed with Rick Owens.  His daily outfits on the show capture the essence of Rick Owens’ designs: black, goth, and arguably, drab.  You wouldn’t know it from these designs (make no mistake, most of the collection is black), but really, any of us could wear these for a dressy night out (minus the freaky, um, hair clips?).

What are your faves (favorite designers, favorite looks) from Paris Fashion Week?  Leave a comment or let us know on Facebook!

(Photo Credit: Lanvin, Akris, Lowe, Balmain, Christian Dior)
(Photo Credit: Zac Posen, Nina Ricci, Rick Owens)

What You Can Wear: Paris Fashion Week – Spring 2011 is a post from: Violet Revolution

I thought these were some essential casual looks for fall that could be worn in to meet friends for drinks, go shopping in, go on a first date, or take a fall weekend trip to a winery or San Fran.  Okay, maybe that last one’s wishful thinking on my part as I’m dying to take a quick trip out of town, but these outfits are perfect for pretty much any chillaxin’, laid-back time.

My favorite pieces of the outfit below were the gloves and the skinny olive cargo pants.  So comfortable and a much-needed alternative to skinny jeans and leggings.  I also liked that the outfit could be warm enough to wear without a coat in early fall because of the vest, and the hat and gloves (and a scarf) if you wanted to be a little warmer.  Can you tell I became obsessed with the gloves?

Sanctuary Runway Cargo Skinnys

525 America Rabbit Fur Vest

Christina Lehr Gray Ruffle Henley

deLux Grey Cap

Odd Molly Leather Gloves

This top actually has an asymmetrical neckline and slightly ruched ribbing on the front.  It’s paired with skinny jeans, clogs, and a fun scarf instead of jewelry as an uneven neckline doesn’t work well with many necklaces.  It’s best to stick with an oversized earring, or position a scarf off-center like we did here.

Bailey 44 Asymmetrical Top (Here’s another shot of it:)

Sold Design Lab Skinny Denim

Epice Purple Plaid Scarf

Sven Custom Nubuck High Heel Clog

Which outfit do you like best, and where would you wear it?

What to Wear: See the Cutest Casual Outfits for Fall is a post from: Violet Revolution

For example, I’d like to have a peep-toe transition boot. I bought a pair last year, they seemed comfortable, but I wore them out and was in major pain the whole night. The soles were too demolished to even attempt to return them so into the donation pile they went. I thought these cage peep-toe booties were adorable. The first is pricer but the other is pretty inexpensive. I might go for those since fall doesn’t last too long here and it’s way too cold and snowy to wear them in January.

Shoebox Chain Bootie $595

Chinese Laundry Labyrinth Bootie $92

I also want to buy some lace up booties, but they have to look a little different than just your average lace-up boot.  The pair I pick definitely must have a heel as I just can’t get into the flat lace-up shoes or boots.  I like both of these, and am partial to the less expensive zipper and vertical lace-up ones, as they just have their own unique style:

Ash Onyx Suede Booties on Lug Sole $230

Bronx Treverr Pewter Boots $142

While I was out, I noticed buckles are everywhere. They are certainly on the motorcycle and utilitarian tall boots, but I also noticed instead of lace ups, there were rows of buckles instead, like these peep-toe boots or these military-inspired short ones:

Ash Glen Platform Booties $230

Jeffrey Campbell Climber – Black Suede $188

Another look I like is the foldover cuff boot.  I’m not sure yet if I’d like to get a little cuffed bootie, like this one:

Ash Iona Grommet Cuff Booties $275

…or this taller one with a longer cuff:

Restricted Rumble Foldover Cuff Boot in Wine (also in Black) $76

But what I really need is a flat boot that I can walk around in.  It’s a little tough for me personally to like the utilitarian/motorcycle look.  I think that was my trouble when I went shopping is that a) they were all really plain and b) some of the styles looked dirty.  Like they were worn walking through mud and grass, then cleaned off, so the leather or suede looked faded and discolored.  I could just hear my mom and sister saying “I can’t believe you paid all that for dirty, manly looking boots.”  We’re all a little too “girly” for this style, I guess.  But I did find a cute pair that I could see myself wearing:

Ash Remix Studded Engineer Boots $360

Here’s another similar pair I found for almost half the price:

Laredo Studded-Strap Motorcycle Boot $198

So those are my boot picks that I’m coveting for fall.  What styles are you dying to get (or have already bought) for fall?

What to Wear: Top Boot Picks Violet Must Have for Fall! is a post from: Violet Revolution

Nika Butik, a boutique located much closer to home (my home, anyway), sits in Park Ridge — a suburb close to O’Hare, so it’s not too far from most suburbs and the city itself.  I’ve featured clothing and accessories from Nika Butik in my posts now and again, but I recently had the pleasure of visiting the boutique in person.  So of course I’m sharing my visit, and what to wear (or what I’d wear anyway) from Nika Butik, with you…my fabulous readers!

The boutique: inside and out!

Okay, on to the fashions!

Like Rachel Zoe says, “I’d die”…for these leggings!  Leather and embellished leggings are so in for fall.  This legging has both (click for closer look!):

Tops/Dresses (depending on how you categorize them) like this lace long-sleeve one and…

Hello, buy me!

…this peacock feather green one are great for fall and winter because you can wear them with leggings or skinny jeans and dress it up more, depending on your mood, where you’re going, etc.  The green one is my fave as a) green is in for fall b) love peacock feathers on anything (I’ve even bought some to stick in vases instead of flowers in my home.), c) it can be worn year round by throwing a jacket/blazer/sweater over it, and d) it has what I like to call “thin-appeal”, meaning it appeals to me because it makes me look thinner.  (Always a good thing in my book.)  Yes, the envelope clutch is from the store too.

There’s also more casual options too.  I loved this batwing printed top.  Do you think it might have a little something to do with the purple color?  I paired it with skinny jeans and then topped it with this functional military jacket.  I say functional because most military jackets I’ve seen are more for early fall, and do not provide real warmth.  So with this one you can wear for warmth and style.

And finally, my favorite, this super hot, super trendy, super everything…motorcycle jacket and studded bag.  Love it.

Jacket, I love you.  Bag, me likey!

So if you’re nearby, grab a Starbucks or some brunch at Eggsperience (for you downtowners, yes this place is in the suburbs too), and stop by Nika Butik.  Or peruse in your jammies online, no matter where you are.

And as a bonus, you can currently use code “violet20” online, or mention the code in-store, for 20% off your entire order through Oct. 20th!  (Does not apply to already reduced items.)

What to Wear: Violet’s Fun Fall Fashion Picks From Nika Butik! is a post from: Violet Revolution

So what do I do?  Go shopping.  If I haven’t started shopping for fall by now, now’s a good time to for me to start, because at the very least, it will pick my spirits up and make me look forward to upcoming fall events where I get to wear my new finds. 

If you’re looking to pick up some fall trends, but not break the bank, here’s some trends I found under $100:

Jackets and Sweaters and Vests (Oh My) — Who doesn’t want a military jacket this fall?  Here’s a casual one for a little over $50.  Arguably as coveted as the military, is the motorcycle jacket.  You can find these in an array of colors and styles (cropped, ruffled, etc.).  This one has some stud embellishments and a little hoodie.  If you are on the fence about the grandpa cardigan sweater, check out the modernized one below with zipper front for only $44.  And probably the most popular ways to integrate fur into your wardrobe is with a vest, like the one below for $90, or on boots this fall.

Handbags — The satchel is huge this season.  The woven grey and leopard print ones below are on trend without breaking the bank.   Also popular are clutches like the “heritage” envelope style. The bags shown below range from $86-$98, depending on the style.

Jewelry — The layered necklace look is in right now.  I’m seeing a lot of natural and leather materials incorporated into them, and also a lot of layered chain links, like the one below with beading.  If you saw my Lookbook earlier this week, you saw that tough, edgy, and some might say, goth inspired, jewelry is becoming more popular.  What once might have been only for hard-rock aficionados is now trendy for the masses.  I’m seeing rings with spikes or knuckle rings like the one below.  Although I certainly would not want to invest much in them, it might be fun to try out for a season.

Boots, Clogs, and Laces (Oh My Part 2)– I’m sort of on the fence with the lace-up trend.  Some shoes are cute and some are not (they looks like men’s shoes to me…who has ever envied their boyfriend’s/husband’s shoes over their own?).  The cut-out side ones below definitely fall into the cute category, and they’re only $70.  I’m also on the fence on utilitarian, although I see them on plenty of women.  They are a little plain for me, but if I were going to try it out, spending $52 on a boot is not bad at all, as boots are tough to find on the cheap.  That’s especially true of over-the-knee because there’s the most material involved.  Check out this versatile, black pair of over-the-knees below though for only $64.  And finally the clog.  There are all kinds of clogs and wooden-heeled shoes and boots out there this fall.  You can certainly spend over $100 depending on the print and embellishments, but if you’re looking for a stylish, basic clog; you can’t go wrong with the brown pair below for $76.

Leather (Real or Fake) — Real/faux leather clothing and leather accents on clothing and accessories are big this fall.  Obviously real leather jackets are going to be tough to find under $100.  You can certainly find faux leather motorcycle jackets like the one above.  You’ll also see leggings with leather accents on the knees or sides, or leggings with leather finishing like these:

Which fall trend are you dying to get?  Which ones would you not spend more than $100 on?

What to Wear: Where to Find Fall Trends Under $100 is a post from: Violet Revolution

Probably just as important as the military jacket is the cardigan this fall.  You can go many different ways with the cardigan.   Either update grandpa’s look to this decade, bring an edgier look to it with zipper accents (cardigans don’t exactly scream “don’t mess with me” the way a leather bomber jacket can), or wear one of the long shawl cardigans open or with a belt over it.

I personally think traditional vests can be kind of boring and/or make a girl look too man-ish at times.  Plus they are also a little binding.  That’s why I like these longer, flowy ones — either the ruffled one by Rebecca Minkoff or the sheer cutaway silk one.  These could also be worn under a cropped, military jacket to change up the look.  And if you are looking for a little bit of structure and a little bit of breathing room, not to mention channel the military vibe; try this Edwardian-inspired long vest.  It’s more fitted on top, but cuts away at the waist, helping hide those stupid trouble areas (take that hips, thighs and stomach!).

You can find other jackets this fall besides the whole military/bomber look.  Channel your inner rockstar with this denim ruffled back jacket.  I can’t help but think of all the hair bands and how this would be seen in one of their rock ballad videos.  I like the A-Line shape of the next one.  The longer length is nice as the temperature continues to cool down.  This drapey jacket, for example, has an asymmetrical, shorter back, but also can be buttoned up at the neck or worn open with an oversized collar.  It’s perfect for when the weather is getting chillier.

What to Wear: How to Stay Warm and Stylish This Fall is a post from: Violet Revolution

1)      Military/Utilitarian  – Everywhere I go I see ads all over for military inspired wear, and shared the Jones Jacket with you last week.   Whether it’s another take on the military jacket from Art Effect or utilitarian boots from Lori’s Shoes, these conservative WWII-inspired (the girl on the right looks like an extra from Valkyrie, don’tcha think?) looks are in.

(Photo Credit)

Buy It!Buy It!

2)      Green Hues – The color olive pretty much goes hand in hand with the military trend, as it’s no secret military colors evolve around camouflage green, black and tan hues.   But also coinciding with the eco-trend are other green hues.

(Photo Credit)

3)      Bomber/Motorcycle jackets — Whether leather, pleather, or cloth material, the cropped bomber and motorcycle inspired jackets, again related to the military trend, are in.  Not only seen as outerwear, there will be plenty of fashion jackets (all style, no warmth) of this trend this fall.  Wear them over long dresses, with skinny jeans, or even pencil or a-line skirts.  Check this one out from Brooklyn Industries where you can unzip the sleeves and also wear it as a vest:

Buy It!

4)      Capes and Drapes – Big oversized sweaters like this one from Akira and capes are in this fall to add more dimension to your silhouette and drama to your wardrobe.  The good news is you can incorporate these with a wide belt over a long pencil skirt and still be business-casual appropriate.

Buy It!

5)      70’s Style — I’m kind of on the fence about flared denim coming back.  I’ll probably rebel for a while then break down and buy some, like I usually do.  Those bow-tie button-down tops are also making a comeback, and clogs are continuing to be seen this fall.  I’ve personally never walked in them, as I hear they are comfortable, so I might have to try this one out.  Here’s a pair from Lori’s:

Buy It!

Which of these Fall Trends do you Love-Love-Love or plan to Avoid like the Plague?

What to Wear: The Latest Fall 2010 Fashion Trends is a post from: Violet Revolution

It’s not the type of place you’re going to find dressy, elegant, or party outfits.  Everything is pretty casual for the most part.  Not that you couldn’t find a going-out outfit or even clothes for work, but this isn’t the place for glitzy party dresses.

Plus it’s worth stopping in just to check out the space and décor.  I know, kind of a weird thing to focus on, but it really is eye-catching compared to most shopping destinations I’ve seen.  The front and majority of the main level is new clothing and accessories, while the back of the main level houses vintage men’s, and the upstairs vintage women’s.  I don’t know if it’s because of watching Diff’rent Strokes as a kid (to be clear, the re-runs) that I’ve always been fascinated with winding staircases, but I certainly darted off to the back immediately just to climb the staircase.

As you can see, it’s a pretty cool view out over the whole boutique, plus there’s a little vintage shopping loft upstairs where you can find all sorts of vintage clothes, handbags, shoes, and even some luggage and home accessories.  They purchase the items out-of-state so you’re sure to find a unique selection:

I couldn’t help but notice the funky chandelier and mix of new and old touches around the store, like the dream catcher and way-back pictures mixed in with a modern chair.  It seemed the décor echoed the sentiment of the merchandise.

I found a new outfit for fall,

a new dress for work which looks like it could be a blast from the past but isn’t,

and a mix of old and new by pairing this vintage flowy button-down top with new skinny jeans.

There’s also an eclectic blend of accessories.  I mentioned the luggage before, but there were also things like these extravagant feather earrings, rhinestone animal-motif bangles, a modern men’s section, and quirky, Urban Outfitter-esque books (which I missed taking a photo of).

I definitely recommend checking this boutique out for yourself, or suggesting it to an old friend or a newbie.

P.S. – Stay tuned for an online store component coming soon!

What to Wear: Dipping Your Toe in Vintage is a post from: Violet Revolution