1. Vinyl Leggings:

How did they even convince us these pants were sexy to wear? Hot, sticky and just plain ol’ tacky, these once popular party pants must be packed away into the fashion time capsule and opened…never again.

2. Phrase Graphic Tees:

I know what you’re thinking, “But, t-shirts are comfortable and quick!” right? Yes, they are. We can’t argue with that. But, a graphic tee on a grown woman is an automatic fail. Stock up on your solids girls!

3. Neon & Printed Stockings:

Remember the Fall Report? Sexy, sophisticated, sheer! That’s the direction we’re headed. We want to accentuate our legs not draw circuslike attention to them.

4. Rope Chains & Bamboo Earrings:

The retro phase has been dying out the past few seasons but, we’re still seeing an occasional bamboo earring and rope chain here and there. Tisk, tisk, tisk. Definitely time to hang this one up unless you’re headed to a throwback costume party.

5. Lace:

Lace gloves, lace shirts, lace dresses, cross them all off the list of trends you might’ve been hoping didn’t get the axe. Just as 80’s inspired as a rope chain and bamboo earrings, this phase of fashion has ended, for good.

6. High Waists:

Anything too high waisted is out these days. For the professional woman, a slight high-waisted skirt is always a classy alternative but, once you start inching too high up the rib cage whether in a skirt or jeans you’re crossing into the bad trend zone.

7. Uggs:

We love Uggs in the same respect that Jay-Z does Autotune. We got it, we enjoyed it but, lets get back to style the Ugg overkill is the equivalent of “T-Paining too much”. Uggs are soft and warm in cold winters but, they aren’t waterproof in a snowstorm and definitely shouldn’t be worn in place of sandals with a miniskirt and tank top in the summer.

8. Pointy Toed Stilettos:

If you own or are considering purchasing a shoe in which the toe is a 20 degree angle to wear out on the town, don’t do it. The point of your shoe should no longer be able to kill a bug in the corner.

9. Studs:

Put the bedazzler down! Rocker chic studs and diamond embellishments are sometimes fun, chic and flashy but, only a few accents are needed to exude the look you’re going for.

10. Layering:

Homeless chic is no longer an “in” look. No need to throw on leggings, a mini skirt, a tank top and long sleeved button down shirt underneath that cardigan and oversized jacket. That’s way too many clothes. Less is more!

Looking and feeling your best is always a fashion do but, beware of the dont’s because there are fashion police lurking around every corner!

This isn’t going to be the typical Fall Fashion Report you’ll find everywhere from your favorite magazines to your favorite sites across the web. We aren’t looking to cheerfully report to you all of the hot new trends and designers you should be on the lookout for. Why? Simply because we here at Clutch have grown to know our readers as the most stylishly confident and informed women around. But then, who are we going to enlighten with the upcoming seasons best choices you’re wondering? This time around, we’re helping you school your favorite yet, fashionably challenged girlfriends, awkwardly developing younger relatives and even your clueless and comically dressed co-workers. Spread the style this season with Clutch’s Fall Fashion Guide for Dummies. Trust us, they’ll thank you later.

It’s always easy to tell a woman what she should wear each season but, who’s advising her of what not to wear? Transitioning between summer trends and falls trends can be tricky. Unknowingly mixing and matching the wrong pieces can and usually always leads to a bi-seasonal disaster. With fashion finally phasing out of the retro and vintage inspired period, it’s crucial to choose the right looks that will mark your knowledge of the arrival of modern style. Embrace the change by bidding farewell to some of these common and beloved fashion trends of seasons past.

ULTRA BRIGHTS & NEONS

Initially apprehensive to the inclusion of neon’s into our wardrobe, ultra bright pieces over the last few years have become somewhat of a staple. “Want your look to pop? Grab a hot pink clutch!” we dared, preached and supported personally. But, as contemporary fall style is centered around the concept of sophistication and futurism, these audacious color palettes are being replaced with the opposite muted versions. As fall’s base color ways are typically charcoal, navy, black and shades of browns, we’re finding the new accent colors to be pale pinks, jade greens and sultry reds. This seems a little boring you might believe at first thought but, as fashion evolves for women, we’re finding the new focus to be complex minimalism. And this change isn’t a seasonal trend but, a sign of the evolution of fashion. Can you still stand out from the crowd wearing these seemingly drab colors? A truly stylish woman definitely will.

THE MICRO MINI
Fun and flirtatious, we courageously weathered many a season in our minis. Long sleeve turtle necked minis in the winter and strapless minis in the summer. Looking back, time sure does fly. Who would’ve realized that for the last four years, Beyonce has had us all shaping up and stepping out in our foxiest “freakum” dresses. There’s nothing wrong with showing off those great long legs in those killer heels but, style has settled on a rather mature commonground this season. Blending both the best cuts and accents of our favorite fitted minis and carefree maxis, lie the classier knee range alternative. Two inches above or below the knee and cut for a sleek and accentuating fit, this comfortable and wearable medium is both sexy and fashion forward.

THE SHOE
So as fashion is essentially an art, where do we look to express ourselves as the cuts and colors seem to promote simplicity? The shoe of course. With a slew of fresh and captivating new designs being birthed out of our favorite fashion houses every season, a woman’s shoe smarts is no longer determined by her knowledge of labels but, her taste and appreciation of the architecture. Heel construction alone is becoming way more intense and exciting. Color and print are no longer the attention grabber, the blueprint is. As an added compliment to creating the ultimate leg appeal, the stocking. While tights have reined the norm for the last few years (even making wearing peep toes in colder weather acceptable) the heavier opaque option has fell short visually this season with the re-emergence of the sheer stocking. The slightly tinted leg has proven sexier and more subtle, the most suitable pairing with an exotic shoe choice.

THE BAG
As fate would have it, a great clutch never goes out of style. So what are the more modern approaches to our favorite bag? Flatter, wider and more luxurious. The classic rectangular cut has been reshaped and repurposed. Appearing a larger wallet as opposed to an actual purse, unfortunately for you bag ladies out there you won’t be getting away with stuffing the maximum amount of your daily necessities into this chic accessory. Fortunately, the larger alternative in replacement of the hobo is the slightly smaller and stylish briefcase. Heavily accented and detailed, this once basic and masculine piece is becoming a symbol of worldliness and refinement for fashionable women.

What is happening to fashion you’re thinking? It used to be fun and daring. Take it all in and pass it on to those in your circle who might get left behind. Although designers are always changing with the season, the last few years have been somewhat safe and repetitive. But, the world is different now and designers are scrambling to dress our fashionable first lady. So if you’re like us, then you’re ready to embrace the change of the new face of fashion.

WHAT WE’RE LOVING ABOUT THE NEW FALL SEASON:

- Oversized jackets
- Trench coat and blazer cut dresses
- Lean trousers
- High collared shirts
- Pale pinks, jade greens, deep reds
- Leather
- Longer gloves
- Tailored suits
- Bias cuts
- Masculine and feminine hybrids

“Are you the young lady who is supposed to be interviewing me?” he beckoned charmingly. Nervous and unsure if I would be dressed to his liking, I forced a tense smile, nodded yes and stood awkwardly in admiration spellbound by the iconic man before me. “Well come sit with me!” he warmly motioned inviting me to come closer and sit beside him this one Sunday afternoon at George Faison’s Firehouse Theater in Harlem. I’d been prepped earlier on that I’d be granted a quick interview and had already primed myself for an abrupt reception given his many other important cares scheduled for the intimate event. Instead I was welcomed with a much unexpected and opposite treatment. Within the next fifteen minutes, I was a more enlightened and appreciative lover of fashion and the man whom granted me this courtesy intrusion. Perched luxuriously in a grand velvet chair, wearing a chic authentic African clothed cape and caramel-mauve peep toe velvet slippers, this alluring industry legend had proven to be modest, sophisticated and compassionate.

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.”

“I loved any picture in Vogue that evoked a world that I didn’t know about in Durham, North Carolina. I was very much creating my own world.” he tells of his days of obsessively channeling fashion as a young man. “I dreamt about visual stunningness, visual sophistication.” he shares. This curiosity of visual expression would later be honed during his time as a student at Brown University where he’d befriended several fashion students studying at the esteemed Rhode Island School of Design. Mastering his natural aptitude for developing innovative and eye pleasing style stories, he’d earned himself a name within the fashion industry having worked for Women’s Wear Daily, The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, W Magazine and of course his current residency at Vogue Magazine.

“Always have an education to fall back on. That’s the most important thing.” he preached reassuringly. Stressing that quality, consistency, passion and faith are the pillars to success for a fulfilling and lasting career in the fashion industry and life in general, his honesty and encouragement exudes with an authenticity unmatched. An authoritative but, gentle giant Mr. Talley is the finest example of the phrase “Never judge a book by its cover”. Distinguished and enigmatic, whether in Kente or on the tennis courts, Andre Leon Talley is filled with enough charm and humility to heal the world.

DENIM JACKETS
One of the most unexpected fashion comebacks of the year, denim jackets have seemingly become all the rage. Whether classic, trench or motorcycle cut, everyone from Rihanna to Kanye West has stylishly proven this vintage outer piece has regained its modern purpose. No matter if you’re relaxing in a pair of crisp linen pants and tank top or just need something to wear over that sexy LBD, a denim jacket is sure to exude a cool and casual confidence.

SPIKED PLATFORMS
As most followers of the fashion faith would attest to, the shoes make the outfit! Show you’re a risk taker in a sexy pair of spiked platforms. Can’t afford those Balmain’s you saw Cassie in a few weeks ago? More affordable designs by equally talented designers such as Melody Ehsani and Jeffrey Campbell will set you apart from everyone else in the room just the same as their higher priced counterparts.

DAY CLUTCHES
When the notoriously chic evening accessory grew oversized a few seasons ago, clutches went from dinner to daytime. Having a fun afternoon with your fabulous girlfriends? Grab that large clutch. It’s now designed to fit just as much as you would be able to store in your faithful hobo. Are you secretly a large bag carrier with hardly anything in it? Trade it in for a day with a cute yet, practical sized clutch. The right clutch can add a sexy air of sophistication to any daytime look.

CLASHING ACCESSORIES
The days of matching accessory sets are over! Ladies, matching earrings, chains and bracelets are a thing of the fashion past. Don’t be afraid to wear your gold, silver and bronze bangles together. Yes, at the same time! Shoes don’t match your bag? Don’t worry about it. As long as you are combining the right adverse hues and show an overall consistency in your style choices, you’ll be sure to accentuate your summer appeal.

What are some of your favorite trends of the season?

A few weeks ago, a few of my favorite girlfriends and I decided to get together for an afternoon of lunching and shoe splurging. As we’d all seemed to have gravitated to the recent Alexander Wang Spring Shoe Collection, I’d silently concluded without hesitation; Mr. Wang was one of the newest sensations to hit the fashion world. Indeed a splurge, the little over $600 pair of open-toed booties would require a fair two week purchasing grace period considering my overdue phone bill. So, until I’d have them, I couldn’t stop dreaming about the fringed, black leather, platform beauties. Curious to hear what similar minded fashionistas thought of Wang’s latest collection, I googled them. Unexpectedly, I’d come across this recurring headline: “Forever 21 Vs. Alexander Wang Fringed Platform Boot.” Versus? Although the detailed physical differences vary dramatically (quality of the leather, thickness of the fringes, height of the heel), the Forever 21 version of the Alexander Wang boot is indeed a pretty undeniable knockoff. As I’d began to dig deeper I’d soon discovered an overwhelming amount of headlines titled “Forever 21 Vs. (Insert Designer Name)” comparing everything from shoes to outerwear to even jewelry! But, myself as well as many other stylish young women had grown to openly enjoying perusing Forever 21. So, while I might be constantly studying and keeping up-to-date on the latest styles and designers to hit the fashion world, I honestly had to wonder: How many Forever 21 “knockoffs” I’d overlooked and even purchased myself?! Has Forever 21 become the fast food chain of fashion? Is it healthier for our overall style and social health to readjust our wardrobe diets to pieces organic, meaning authentic?

Trends shown on the runway and on stylish celebs have always trickled down from high end to affordable (remember the Steve Madden version of the Manolo Blahnik Timberland?) but, is this “copycatting” too extreme? Are designers expected to lower their retail prices in lieu of the economic downturn or should the integrity of their work be respected more so now for their own financial survival? And frankly, how are popular and established stores such as Forever21 able to get away with this? Well, to answer the last question, they aren’t getting away with it at all. According to public documents, between 2006 and 2007 alone, the retail chain faced 15 infringement lawsuits. Everyone from Anna Sui to Diane Von Furstenberg has pursued legal action against Forever 21. But, no matter how many times they are sued, financial analysts report that Forever 21 is sound enough to survive. Due to their phenomenal turnover and production rate the cheap and chic retail giant has grown to rival stores like H&M and TopShop.

I guess if you decide to consider this a matter of “Splurge Vs. Steal” rather than a knockoff, you’d obviously choose “the steal.” But, beware, the cheaper alternative definitely has its unforgiving share of risks. Breaking heels and bursting seams seem to be the most commonly complained about and not to mention, embarrassing.

Debonair and eager, young tie salesman Ralph Lifshitz had inevitably grown exhausted of his product peddling days. With an infectious drive and a natural entrepreneurial intuitiveness he would create the first Ralph Lauren collection in 1968. “I didn’t know how to make a tie, I didn’t know fabric, I didn’t know measurements. What did I know?” Lauren was famously quoted as saying in a 1982 issue of Vogue. But, this early niche tie collection would soon catapult the Ralph Lauren name into Fashion’s Hall of Fame.

Within only a few short years, the Lauren empire would begin to swell at an unexpected rate. With such apparent little experience in manufacturing, shipping and financial management, these early years were also amongst the darkest. Nearing the brink of bankruptcy, a distressed Lauren would finally secure a strong handle on his ever growing empire by the late 1970′s. By the 1980′s, the line had been fully expanded into including complete collections for men, women and children. A home accessories line and fragrance line would also launch during this decade.

But, while the brand’s most apparent competition gained aggressive momentum during the 1990′s, today Ralph Lauren has victoriously remained at the forefront of traditional American fashion and conversely within the urban community. “I think Tommy Hilfiger exploited its popularity during its height and didn’t stay true to its core fan base.” says popular Hip Hop journalist and declared Polo loyalist Brian “B-Dot Miller. “Polo, to me represents a level of sophistication.” he adds. “Polo is an upper crust sport originated in the east and for some reason this guy from the Bronx encapsulated that lifestyle into his brand better than any other designer.” continued “B-Dot”. And while further research yielded similar praises, it becomes overwhelmingly apparent how the Ralph Lauren brand has managed to maintain his devoted customer base.

Hailed for never compromising its core identity, what the Ralph Lauren brand represents is the importance of consistency and integrity in the world of design. In its thirtieth year of existence what was once one man’s small collection of ties has spawned an empire worth more than $3 billion, over 12,000 employees, a charming magazine, a foundation benefiting cancer research and a little polo man that will be encrusted into our hearts forever.

For years, the sister’s shared an obsession with celebrity style. “We vote on which celebrity wore which Prada dress better, we examine their Oscar gowns with microscopes” they’ve admitted. “There’s such a lack of individuality now, what we’re trying to say is, do it for yourself!” preach the headstrong pair. A combined eye for style and with Savannah’s degree in fashion production and design experience for the legendary Alexander McQueen, the girls set out to turn their dream into a reality. Having secured the backing of Carlos Ortega, owner of denim brand Pepe Jeans, Twenty8Twelve was officially ready for production. Why endorse a brand, or pose for an ad, when you can own the company?” says the business savvy duo.

Differing in design than the celebrity threads they admittedly study for inspiration, the Twenty8Twelve collection is both wearable and undeniably trendy. “Throughout the collection we’ve really covered all different ages, all different body types. It’s really fashionable clothes for all different sorts of confident women.” Sienna tells People magazine of their formula for delivering great collections since the label’s inception. Flirty yet subtly bold, the sisters designs stay true to their own free spirited and willowy styles. Modern cuts with traditional detailing, makes the collection both feminine and powerful.

Three collections in, the sister’s have expanded their line to include a beautifully designed collection of accessories including handbags, wallets, belts and gloves crafted of crocodile and elephant skins. “We decided to add bags to the collection because it felt like a natural progression for the brand,” says Sienna.

“We just wanted to wait until we had a supplier who could deliver an affordable, good quality product so that the bags would sit in line with the rest of the collection.” Sienna tells.

To learn more about Twenty8Twelve please visit www.twenty8twelve.com.

Silks, cottons, full, short or long, this darling design duo has garnered a following both extraordinary and eclectic due to their collection of lovely bottom frocks, or skirts. While their full line includes a quaint but delectable assortment of women’s pieces, skirts are their primary focus. Influenced by the styles stemming from the early days of fashion, Sofistafunk pieces possess an alluring vintage appeal.

“Inspired by the eras that span from the Victorian period to the late fifties, Sofistafunk offers a season-less collection of bottom frocks (skirts) in silks and cottons that whisper I love being a girl. We also offer dresses, tops and accessories, but our first love is skirts.”

tells Arlinda.

Challenging the calm of simplistic modern designs, Sofistafunk pieces are exciting and girlishly couture. With pieces made to pretty even the smallest fashionista, no audacious inner princess is left un-frocked. “Our clients ages range from 2 -102, LOL, OK, so maybe we don’t have any clients that are even close to 102 but, we do have a few that are in their 60′s and 70′s. Our size range for all our girls are 2-22. And because all of our design and production is done on the premises, if her size is not on the rack we will make it for her, in some cases while she waits.” Arlinda adds.

Discovering the epithet of chic feminine expression, it’s to no surprise that the Sofistafunk Boutique has been revered the “Jewel of New Jersey”. Having reinvented the design and playfulness of the traditional skirt, the darling design duo Arlinda and Chesire have made an undeniable mark on the world of fashion.

For more information on Sofistafunk Skirt Co. & Boutique please visit www.sofistafunk.com. Address: Sofistafunk Boutique, 21 Grove Ave, Verona, NJ 07044, (973) 433-7098, info@sofistafunk.com.

[Photo Credits: Rowena Husbands, Darius Vick and Tomoko Smith]

The audaciously comical blend between Candyland and couture had given the downtown NYC fashion extremists a voice. Now nearly a decade later reports have placed co-founders and renowned club kids Traver Rains and Richie Rich on opposite sides of the country with no definitive word on the future of their beloved label. With rumors of bickering, bankruptcy and book deals, the fashion world is left asking “Whatever Happened to Heatherette?”

It would be a chance encounter with Sushi Sakai, power buyer for Patricia Fields’ boutique in December of 1999 that’d become the catalyst to fame for the most flamboyant design team of our generation. An order for twenty leather tops had been enough to garner major buzz amongst the boutiques celebrity clientele. Within a few weeks, the boys had secured custom orders from Foxy Brown, Lil’ Kim and Gwen Stefani. With no full collection and this instantaneous new demand, limited Heatherette pieces had begun being placed in major publications from Vanity Fair to Rolling Stone to Italian Vogue. Finally, in 2001 with their debut collection “Look at Me” completed, Richie Rich and Traver Rains had made an impression so memorable that Heatherette’s show was said to have signaled Fashion Week’s official kickoff. The fashion world had been wholly entertained by the duo’s cast of proud celebrity models from Anna Nicole Smith to Boy George.

In the next five years the two would dress some of entertainment’s most eccentric stars from Pink and Kelis to newcomer Teyana Taylor. They’d go on to land design collaborations with Puma, UK sneaker brand Irregular Choice and cosmetics giant M.A.C. Just as fun-loving and exciting in person as their designs, television welcomed the two with open arms. They’d been invited to appear as guest judges on popular reality shows America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and My Super Sweet Sixteen. In true to form avant-drag enormity, the House of Heatherette had been built.

But, whispers of a Heatherette demise began earlier this Spring after their scheduled February Fashion Week show had been canceled. Rumors of overzealous spending and personality conflicts had begun circulating throughout the industry mill. Although the two initially denied the rumored reports, sources close to the duo openly confirmed the stories. While Traver Rains is said to have relocated to L.A., Richie Rich is said to be preparing to launch his solo line, Rox & Riley, while writing a book on NYC club kids. But are these stories true? After weeks of speculation and no official word from a Heatherette representative, style enthusiasts were left with so many questions unanswered.

As the summer season approached, finally a word from Heatherette’s former publicist hit the press. It was a late yet, spirited attempt at putting the rumors to rest. Promising this was the not the end of Heatherette but, a well needed business overhaul. The two were said to be close to securing a deal with an “encouraging” new investor and working on a new marketing direction. But, as we’re told to hold on to the hopes of a September 2009 Fashion Week show, we’re seeing what’s left of Heatherette’s last collections sell at discomforting discounts. Was the fashion world sold false hopes? Will we ever see another Heatherette Fashion Week show?

Technically defined as an item at least 20 years old, in fashion the term vintage is commonly used to refer to the most exceptional of pieces designed between the 1920′s and the mid 1980′s. So expect your vintage piece to be a fashion investment. Not to be confused with thrift store bargain hunting, shopping for a great vintage item can actually run a bit costly. Vintage pieces are usually top quality in fabrics and detailing and have been well restored and cared for. Although you shouldn’t expect mint condition, save yourself headache by taking into consideration the color, fabric, zipper, buttons and added special detailing before making that purchase. Will it be almost impossible to replace or find? Keep in mind these are rare finds so spending a lot on a nice-looking piece that needs work may be worth reconsidering if you plan on getting a few wears out of it. Quality and integrity should be your first priority.

Industry sizing standards are constantly changing and have come a long way over the last 20 years. As a result, the most common tip you’ll hear in vintage shopping is size matters! Shopping online? Be sure to have the exact measurements for yourself and the piece you’re interested in buying. As these pieces can be hard to have altered or repaired you want to make sure you’ve found the piece that’s perfectly fitted for your body.

Now what do I look for?
Finding the perfect item is half the battle! Cleaning and maintaining are next on the checklist. You’ll want to take great care of your piece to retain the fabric and more importantly the character. As it may be hard to find or read care labels in much older pieces your best bet for washing cotton would be to use a mild detergent and lowest drying temperature. Wash delicates like rayon, silk and lace by hand in cold water and air dry. Vintage Guild experts suggest using unscented padded hangers, avoiding light, smoke and animal hair when storing your piece.

But, before you head out to that fancy vintage boutique you’d be surprised to find the season’s hottest trends already stashed in the back of your Mom’s or even your own closets. As goes for history, fashion trends inevitably repeat themselves.