CHRISTMAS 2006 FASHION TRENDS

Some fashion trends seem to stick with us year after year and there is no other season, like Christmas, that this is so true.  Let us put a new spin on some of the traditional holiday season fashions.  Grab a cup of hot cocoa and head for the closet to see what you may have as a base to add something new to.

Dressy black pants:  Heavy fabric pants that make you look thin and awesome.  How about adding a fitted black chiffon top and a beautiful rhinestone belt.  Accessorize with a pair of rhinestone chandelier earrings and 4” heels in black with a nice rhinestone trim.  Need a coat or jacket???  There are nice fau fur wraps that would complete the outfit perfectly.  Don’t forget that handbag. 

Whiting & Davis makes FABULOUS black holiday handbags.  Some are plain and some have rhinestone trims.  They are also available in gold and silver for the holidays.  You can choose a bag that is clutch, one with a small chain handle or even a large bag that would fit in most anything you may want to carry.  (Even your little doggie)

Whiting & Davis handbags are collector’s items, which makes it an investment not an expense.  They have been in business since 1876.  People are endlessly fascinated by the look and feel of this incredible material.  It is not cloth but an intricate weave of interlocking metal links formed from rings of solid brass, aluminum or stainless steel, plated or enameled, and polished to a brilliant finish.

Every fashion closet should have a little black dress in it.  Everyone can wear black and look like the bell of the ball. Not only is the black dress universally flattering, it will take you to almost any event in style. Just add accessories and you are set.

A recent article on Elizabeth Taylor’s jewelry showed a large diamond teardrop (69.42 carats) with smaller, diamond squares holding the drop. (Cost $1.1 million) Two similar replicas of this style are available at Elizabeth Michaels, at a much lower cost. Large jewelry, such as these pieces, looks best with simple clothing as the background.

Nicole Miller has a large number of black fashions again this year.  Some in her metal fabric that stretches making every curve a beautiful statement.  Here again is an opportunity to put your stamp of individuality on an outfit.  When accessorizing make sure you call attention to what you want to draw your audience’s eye to.

A wonderful, stunning jewelry company is CrystaLair.  These pieces are all handmade and can be custom ordered to match your outfit perfectly.  The crystals come in any color imaginable and most designs are somewhat chunky in nature making them look extremely rich!  A favorite is a large teardrop in a smoky crystal with three rows of blending beads that hold the drop.  The earrings are a smaller matching single strand drop. 

For a little more casual outfit Inside Style and Fashion suggests the An’ and Me jean line.  These jeans are limited editions and each has a number for its place in the series, such as 65/210.  The jeans are decorated in Christmas colors and would be perfect with a gold knit sleeveless shirt and a pair of stiletto gold heels.  Tall and lean!!!  A great fashion statement!!

Can’t find anything in your closet???  Well grab your coat and let’s go shopping!

A new fabric on the scene this holiday season is the gold lame.  Gold is a great holiday color and with a plain background you can again have a great time with accessories to make it YOU.  Nicole Miller has a wonderful holiday print on a gold background.  It will be a stunning outfit on some lucky lady.

How about a gold satin in a long flowing gown?  Very red carpet and glitzed up a little bit with gold sequins.  I can see this with some gold shoes and jewelry as a monochromatic fashion statement.  There are also some very cute short gold pleated skirt dresses with tiny gold sequins. 

Taffetas in green and red would turn any head.  Iridescent taffeta is really beautiful as it changes colors in the light as you dance or move about a room.  Add a bubble hemline and you are at the top of the fashion chart for this season.  Nicole Miller has a beautiful red taffeta short dress with a knot front bodice with a fuller skirt.  This is a perfect style to draw attention to the face and bust line while minimizing the problem areas such as hip and tummy.

Remember, when shopping for a special outfit, shop Wood County first and support your local businesses.  It is very much appreciated.  Have a very Merry Christmas and Inside Style and Fashion will be back next month with some cruise items.  It will be time for that winter holiday in the sun.