The 2014 Spring Fashion Report from the Runway

On Wednesday of this week, I attended a Spring Trend Presentation hosted by Neiman Marcus Stanford Center at the gorgeous Rosewood Sand Hill Hotel. It was an intimate setting with around 75 guests who enjoyed wine, culinary nibbles, mingling, followed by an informal presentation of spring trends for men and women.

Before the fashion show commenced, there was a nice presentation about a local Bay Area non-profit called Project Glimmer. Project Glimmer was started by a Silicon Valley venture capitalist Sonja Perkins. Simply put, this non-profit pulls donations of gifts (think costume jewelry you’ve had in your closet forever or perfumes) and distributes them to underprivileged women and girls in the Bay Area. In total, Project Glimmer has donated more than 45,000 gifts and are always looking for people to get involved.

Here we see that DENIM pops with the right accessories, don’t be afraid to mix washes.

Theory denim jacket:$335
Haute hippie white blouse:$295
Jbrand denim pant:$202
Cusp necklace 2 stone necklace :$75
Gucci denim handbag:$1230
Cusp earring:$48
Prada silver/beige wedge:$650
And another play on demin here I need this seriously fabulous wrap skull scarf bracelet by Alexander McQueen! As you see, backpacks are everything this season as well. Effortless chic.

White pants are a major trend for men for SPRING, Manolo only makes drivers for men no other styles, exclusive to NM. Men can wear pink too, you’ll see pops of orange this Spring too
Isaia blue/red plaid blazer:$3495
Nm white pocket square:$45
Isaia pink plaid button down:$450
Orange Neiman Marcus orang vneck cashmere:$195
Manolo blahnik teal driving shoe:$545
Zegna white pant:$375
AMAZING beading on dress and shoes, it’s not about just one tone of pink it’s all shades of pink. And don’t take everything serious, pair Oscar with a bomber jacket and make a black tie dress fun with a less serious jacket!
Oscar de la renta floral dress:$5990
Rebecca Taylor white jacket:$495
Trend jewelry:$325
Valentino red swirl:$1195
Valentino red studded handbag:$3795
White with black, NOT black with white will be huge for SPRING
The row black leather bow tie top:$2490
Alexander McQueen white trouser:$785
Alexander McQueen white with black cuff:$345
Alexander McQueen black with white cuff:$345
Blush wrap around balenciaga bracelet:$195
Blush crossbody/clutch balenciaga clutch:$1095
Jimmy choo black/white pump:$595
When I saw those Jimmy Choo’s…I nearly jumped off my seat to grab them! Another play on white with black and not black with white.

Anything Valentino and neon pink will always be so chic. PINK really makes white with black pop, the matching PINK shoes and bag make an egdy outfit look a bit sweeter and more approachable
The row black leather pant:$2290
The row black and white blouse:$750
Balenciaga sunnies:$675
Trend pearl necklace:$350
Cusp leather jacket:$368
Valentino pink handbag:$2195
Hot pink Valentino flat:$695

Very fresh and modern white with black, the Jimmy Choo heel with a bit of transparent pink and black leather jacket adds some interest to this demure dress.
Joie black leather: $928
Alexander wang black/white dress:$745
Proenza Schouler white clutch:$1675
Oscar de la renta earring:$350
Jimmy choo heel sandal:$895

We’re not suppose to play favorites in fashion but I LOVE this Mary Katrantzou skirt, totally on trend with the artistic print trend.And very on trend for SHIRT CHIC (white button downs will be big in SPRING) with the white equipment blouse.The Charlotte Olympia pink heels are super sweet. Love that she calls the platform an island, what woman doesn’t want to float around on an island all day!
Mary katrantzou skirt:$1435
Equipment white blouse:$208
Jason wu blush pink leather jacket:$3990
Dior sunnies:$450
Saint Laurent gold clutch:$990
Cusp pink earring:$50
Cusp gold/green necklace:$50
Charlotte Olympia pink shoes:$945

Sydney’s look is a great play on pink and mixing of high end designers with CUSP items. I think this Stella McCartney printed top is adorable and easily dressed up with this L’agence jacket and gold rhinestone necklace from CUSP. I really love the white trousers from the ROW which keeps it all fresh- who knew those Olsen twins would grow up to be such great designers, but they have and we’re so happy to be carrying their line. I also think the Lanvin bag adds so much sophistication and who can resist a sparkle peep toe- especially when it’s a Louboutin!
Stella McCartney printed top:$385
Pink and white L’agence jacket:$450
The row white trouser:$450
Lanvin pink handbag:$1640
Cusp gold necklace:$95
Alexis bittar earring:$345
Loubotin sparkle peep toe:$845 Models striking a poseIt’s all about the sunglasses! LOVING these gorgeous accessories! Perfectly pretty for Spring! I got a lot of compliments and questions about my ensemble. What am I wearing? I have a pair of light demin 7 boyfriend “Josefina” skinny jeans on that I cuffed paired with some YSL nude pumps, a Zoe and Sam silk blouse, pink with gold scarf, a Louis Vuitton Alma GM color Rose Angelique (with monogram ball accessory), and my topper jacket is vintage. I bought the coat a year ago in the desert (Palm Desert area) at a little vintage store. It has this fabulous brass buckle that secures the coat together and as you can tell it is very delicate. There is no brand to this one-of-a-kind piece. Someone made it by hand…my guess in the 50’s. Some ladies at the fashion show came up to me and said they were taking bets on “how much” it was and if it was Valentino. To their complete shock, I shared it cost less than a sushi dinner for two (sans booze). Samantha Hartwell of Neiman Marcus Palo Alto, Sonja Perkins of Project Glimmer, and my dear friend Renee Coker….

A few NM Spring 2014 Must Have’s:
Artistic Prints, Pinks (from blush to anything but shy), the pink lip, summer booties, white & black (partners in style), demin on demin, backpacks, layered bracelets (all eyes on the wrist)

Twitter: @neimanmarcus @linxdating @GlimmerSF

Linx Ladies Visit Neiman Marcus Palo Alto

Time flies considering we are quickly approaching November. We had so much fun doing a wardrobe consultation for our male client at Neiman Marcus, Palo Alto a couple of months ago that we had to pay them another visit.  The demand for ladies wardrobe consultation is high, especially with the holiday season approaching.  

Every woman regardless of age whether she is fresh out of undergrad at Stanford or planning her 50th birthday wants to look fabulous.

What we love is that today’s modern woman doesn’t need to spend a fortune on looking good. She can incorporate a few key pieces into her wardrobe to spruce it up and feel confident in her everyday life. 

Today, we are doing a wardrobe consultation for a woman in her late 40’s. She is an executive by day for a conservative financial firm and typically opts for business suits and closed pumps. Yet don’t let her fool you. She has a little rock ‘n’ roll going on with an edgy hair-cut and  a wardrobe at home with some quality edgy yet sweet pieces.  When she came to us for matchmaking we thought it would be a really nice change of pace to bump up her wardrobe with date appropriate clothing. Think…Confident. Sexy. Colorful. Fearless. Feminine. 

When we mentioned doing a wardrobe consultation with her in our initial meet and greet she was very excited at the opportunity admitting she has very few date clothes. Like so many of our clients, she has been focused on work and her kids, placing dating on the back burner. 

Neiman Marcus, Palo Alto graciously extended themselves and introduced us to one of their premier stylists, Dean Taylor, who radiated enthusiasm and expertise through and through. 

Leading up to the consultation we worked behind the scenes with Dean to provide him with our clients’ measurements as well as her sense of style, comfort zone and general lifestyle. We agreed to nothing baggy and instead to focus on clothes that will instantly attract and importantly make our client feel totally gorgeous.  In some cases elegant knee-length sheath dresses, trousers, pointy-toe heels, and playful details.  Admittedly, we directed most of our energy on this session with lovely dresses. 

Upon arrival at Neiman’s,  Dean had put together an exquisite wardrobe filled with a wide range of different looks (rich jewel toned colors, lots of great figure flattering items, tasteful dresses for evening, pretty classic pumps, and playful colorful accessories from their new department CUSP.)

The way that Dean hand-picked the styles is to be able to have each piece seamlessly work together. In other words, a perfect marriage between day into evening clothing. Dean was spectacular to work with and totally “on it” from beginning to end, very responsive and professional.

We had so much fun sipping cappuccinos in a private consultation dressing room and watching our client transform before our eyes. Our client has a rockin’ body- a tiny little waist, no hips, long slender legs…that she was the perfect model.

She isn’t the type to necessarily opt for figure flattering clothes but we discovered Helmut Lang was the designer of choice for many her top picks. Two in particular worked amazing on her (one sleeveless  ‘folded wool knit’ dress in red and one long sleeve print Helmut Lang asymmetrical dress which fit her body like a glove.) Accented with gorgeous mary jane Manolos..she looked like a million bucks. Here’s another Helmut Lang we love- ideal for after hours. Remember men go crazy over a woman in red! Juxtapose this look below with an edgy leather clutch and metallic heels. You will have him calling mama from the bathroom that he’s met ‘the one.’

Elie Tahari also provided to be a winner for our client on many levels. We’d place Tahari in the safe category- demure, ladylike, sweet, and slightly more conservative. Here is a Tahari we love….pair this with yellow satin heels for a seriously romantic, feminine look. 
What we love from CUSP by Neiman Marcus- great for any Linx lady’s wardrobe……

Triple Drop Thread Earrings – $68.00

Agate Pendant Necklace – $30.00  Amy’s top pic!  (“This is ideal for a first date. Use it as an ice breaker in conversation, play with it, flirt, and allow his eyes to gaze in the ‘right’ direction. How can you beat $30.00?”) 

Got the goods and are fearless fashionista?  We love….

Robert Rodriguez Sequined Sleeveless Dress $295.00

Amy suggests pairing with a gorgeous velvet blazer  such as the Alice + Olivia ‘Elyse velvet blazer’ or Elie Tahari ‘Bethany velvet blazer’ (below) with closed toe pointy pumps or round toe pumps. 

“This velvet blazer is so rich in color, jewel-like. Blend with everything from your fav jeans or jazzed up with your date dress. Be bold and mix with all colors- reds, blues, etc. Don’t limit yourself just because it already has color in it. And don’t be scared to pair it with a different blue hue. Keep re-energizing your fashion by mixing  and playing with the unexpected.”   

After reading this, our hopes are you have a date in with yourself and your current wardrobe. Sometimes there is nothing better than a night in. Forget all the silly boys emailing you pointless things on Match. Shut down the computer and silence the phone. Light some candles. Pour a glass of great champers, turn up some Miguel, and play with some looks.

Maybe you have a velvet blazer from years ago that you never wear or perhaps you have a lady-like dress that you haven’t found the right occasion for. Call your best girl up for a night in with fashion. This is your time to mix, match, play, and have fun.

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If you like this song by Miguel, we recommend  checking out Maxwell. In the music business, very few songs are actually original.

Linx Wardrobe Consult

One of our newest summer bachelors’ has come to us after spending the last several years focusing on his career, traveling and enjoying time with his buddies.

After meeting him and getting to know him – we are thrilled to welcome a kind, intelligent and charming new client to Linx.

Our featured song for this entry is Digital Underground’s Humpty Dance 

We immediately began with the basics – a little wardrobe consultation to align his personal style with his quiet and confident personality.

I had him send over his measurements and clothing preference, from there I visited Neiman Marcus over the weekend and pulled some conservative and tasteful looks for him.

This week, our bachelor arrived to NM to a rack filled with looks (casual day date to a dressier night out on the town look). Guys don’t want to have to think about clothing. Our services make it so easy for them to simply show up and *magic* the work is done!

It’s amazing what a huge difference a few pairs of perfectly fitted jeans, nice button up’s, a couple cashmere sweaters, basic t-shirts, a gorgeous Armani sport coat, light

jacket, and Ferragamo drivers can do! And to top that…what some good tailoring can do! 

It was so much fun watching him transform before our eyes, literally and figuratively! With just a few tips and feedback on his attire – he was truly so happy and excited with his new looks.

A few fall fashion tips for any men out there who would like to get the inside scoop on what women think. 

– Layering is a very sexy look (especially for Fall and Winter.) A nice pair of fitted pants, t-shirt underneath, button up, a nice sweater/cardigan and coat.

– Get creative! Try new colors, patterns, mix and match for a fresh and stylish look!

– A pair of nice casual shoes and one that is dressier.

– Whatever you choose to wear, be sure you are comfortable and aim to look good effortlessly!

-If you aren’t feeling “it”, don’t buy it. You need to be yourself and feel good

about your new look.