FALL STREET FASHION…ON THE LOOSE IN NEW YORK CITY

This week one of our fashion bloggers is set loose on the streets of New York City to discover and report the latest trends in Fall fashion street wear. What is the common girl on the street wearing to business, lunch, and evening? And how do New Yorkers incorporate fashion into their busy, non stop lifestyles? Let’s discover what’s trending and find out ways you can implement into your Seasonal wardrobe and your lifestyle needs this year.

PRACTICAL COATS WITHOUT THE YAWN 

In preparation for the trip, I ended up packing only one bomber leather jacket. However, I should have followed the chic coat option all of New York is wearing this Season. In the city that never sleeps, women know that an all purpose, durable coat is the way to go for Fall. Lighter than fur or wool, the camel trench coat is one of this Season’s favorite jacket options, suitable paired over your work suit and later with a chic midi dress and over the knee suede boots.

Be FURocious 

Being from L.A., I had wondered if “fur” is a taboo touchy clothing piece for Fall so ended up leaving my faux fur vest and real fur jacket at home. That’s not the case here in NYC. Cozy fur vests and coats are all the rage paired over anything from business suits to a day out in Central Park, faux of course for the protection of animals.

And Don’t Forget The Brights

You hear the myth that all New Yorkers only wear black and dark colors, so as to not stand out too much as a tourist, I opted to pack and wear neutral colors only. Boy was I wrong. New York women know how to stand in color, but with a more sophisticated approach. They pair one brightly lit statement piece and accessorize with solid colors and minimal jewelry. Try your black slacks with a bright outer piece to stand out like an “Oh So Chic” New Yorker.

ALL WHITE IS STILL OK 

Throw out the “no white” after Labor Day rule, and make your own rules like the New York women do. I tend to always push my white and ivory clothes to the back of the closet for Fall and Winter, but the New York women know that rules were made to be broken. They steer clear of silk and chiffon pieces, in favor of heavier fabrics like wool. I am actually on the look out for a white leather jacket for Fall here in the Fashion District.

Seen outside Carnegie Hall, I liked how she dressed up for the night in a tailored dress and crisp heels for a busy night out on the town.

Some Of Our Favorite White Pieces 
Ivory Tailored Bolero Jacket
Catrinah Lace Dress
Laszio Sequin Cocktail Dress
Silk Charmeuse Dress
Joe Ultra Suede Leggings
Bruna Embossed Faux Fur Jacket

SILKY SLIP DRESS

I’ve always been a bit leery of wearing a barely there silk slip dress during the Fall. But New Yorkers are pairing the slinky silhouette this Season with hardier fare, from tees underneath, to moto jackets, to long trenches. Combine with your favorite ankle boots for downtown shopping style and switch to strappy heels as you head to a Broadway show. Check out this flowy one I found at Bloomingdale’s in the heart of the city.

Need a little romance in your afternoon? Try a glitter knit slip dress paired with a chunky oversized cardigan for a chic and comfortable New York errand running girl. No time for a trip home? Pull slinky heels from your tote and meet friends at Hudson Clearwater hidden restaurant.

Check out the Brooklyn Museum  in a sophisticated black & white slip dress and leather jacket then dine at Saul for a NY evening to remember.

ANKLE LOVING BOOTS 

And speaking of ankle boots, they are my “go to” shoes roaming the streets of NYC. As I expected, the streets are covered with every single boot style imaginable, from combat, to suede, to rocker style, to patent leather. My ankle boots were perfect to pair with my leggings all day and with my jumpsuit at night for the ballet. If you only get one shoe this Fall, get the versatile ankle boot.

Rocker Style Ankle Boots

Office Slash Evening Ankle Boots

Utilitarian Chic Ankle Boots

LONG VESTS AND SKINNIES MESH

What a great styling option, suitable for women from young to old. Skinnies are easy to pack and slim the leg on everyone. I brought a variety of these adaptable pants to switch out with different shirt options. How does New York style their skinnies? With an oversized chunky sweater and ankle boots or heels for a night on the town. I just had to head to Macy’s on 34th to grab me a pair of NYC’s favorite.

The vest and skinny work easily for the office or a chill fall NY day. Pair your black lace skinnies with a long sleeve knit top and oversized vest for office days or shimmy into your favorite jeans and satin top and stroll Manhattan for a totally you afternoon.

LAYERED LIKE A LOCAL

Since I only took 1 carryon, I had to think about layers while in NYC. How do they keep so warm, especially on brisk windy Fall days? I spotted jeans paired with a plaid long sleeve, infinity scarf, and a chic wool blazer; an A line skirt with long sleeve sweater tucked in; and I myself wore leggings, tight sweater, and warm vest that kept me comfy all night long.

On the go? Shimmy into a pair of leggings, pullover an oversized sweater and slip into to some concrete loving kicks for a busy New York Minute.

No matter how you choose to layer, the ONE item all New Yorkers never go without is a long warm scarf. From Central Park to Broadway to Greenwich, these girls know how to style a scarf. Layer a long draping sweater over a knit top and infinity scarf with your favorite jeans tucked into some serious leather combat boots for a NY City walk about.

So whether you’re in The City to see the sites, taste to food, listen to the music or everything in between. Be sure to dress like a local, but always remember to
Be YOU, Be Fashionable, and ALWAYS Be Feminine.

FASHION TRUTHS FROM AN EAST COAST GIRL

Last week, L.A. based fashion blogger Natalie Kramer gave you favorite West Coast Girl styling tips. This week, take some Preppy and Polished tips from the East Coast influenced by tradition as much as practical concerns.

Since weather patterns can be unpredictable, with sun one minute and rain the next, East Coasters are used to fashionably styling a light cardigan or sweater year round. The East Coast is the home of Ivy League schools and academia in the North and manners and charm in the South. This influences the region’s style and fashion with the popularity of pearls, polos, plaids, and sweaters. Take a look at our 6 tips on how to dress East Coast style.

CLASSY GIRLS WEAR PEARLS

East Coasters know that the best way to add a bit of class to any style is to simply add a string of pearls. From work to play, any outfit can be enhanced with this simple embellishment. Whether you choose to don a charming A Line Dress or classic oxford shirt and blazer, pearls are a more than acceptable accessory day or night. So grab those heirloom strands of your grandmothers or splurge with Majorica’s Three-Strand Pearl Necklace as a way of initiation.

RAIN BOOTS ARE A FASHION STATEMENT

Every East Coast girl knows that rain wear is not merely a necessity, it is a fashion statement all its own. From rain jackets to umbrellas to boots, an East Coast girl knows how to rock these items in style. Start your fashionable rain wear collection with a trendy pair of weatherproof boots. For a perfect Spring style, we like Hunters Original Tall Gloss Rain Boots paired with Vineyard Vines Cashmere Linen Tunic Sweater and skinny jeans from Hudson. Add a little novelty to your look with jewelry pieces in the Cape Cod Collection from East Wind Silver Co.

GET NAUTICAL

For East Coasters, nautical pieces are tied in from north to south inspired by sailing whether for pleasure or toil due to the convenience of the Great Lakes and the length of the coastline. Since the weather along the East Coast tends to be chillier and not as mild as the West Coast, our “beach wear” often includes a light sweater, cardigan, floppy hat or scarf. Start with Citizen’s of Humanity’s white cropped shorts paired with a striped tee from Paige Denim, your string of pearls, and classic boat shoes from Sperry. Be inspired by Spring’s runway looks from Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, and start shopping your favorite nautical items. Don’t forget the perfect nautical jewelry, we love the anchor inspired bracelets by Kiel James Patrick.

Polished Plaids

Pretty Polos

GO POLISHED IN POLOS & PLAID

On the East Coast, the popular “preppy” style derives mostly from the universities. The polos, plaids, and sweaters have evolved into a very chic yet proper style perfect for anyone to try this Spring. Let your hair go natural, and pair Washed Dayboat Classic Shorts  with a Short Sleeve Polo Shirt and Lacoste Slip On Sneakers. Accessorize your look by tying a plaid button up around your waist in case the weather turns chilly. On dressier occasions, combine your polo and pearls with a White A line Mini Skirt from Hale Bob or a Candy Pink Striped Midi Skirt from Chic Wash.  Who says that you have to be a college student to enjoy one of the East Coast’s favorite fashion statements?

BE PLAYFUL IN PREPPY PRINTS

In contrast, on the lower regions of the East Coast, Southern charm omits the plaids opting for lovely and light shades boasting floral and sea faring prints yet the proper look is still maintained with clean cuts, A line skirts, and the like. And since it’s Spring, now is the perfect time to “be playful in preppy prints.” Look for light pastels, floral prints, flutter sleeves, and midi-length skirts. Lilly Pulitzer has got it down to a science with their eye pleasing shades, one of a kind prints and oh so Southern Charm. We’re particularly fond of the Shellabrate print this year that easily pairs with your lightweight cardigans and Georgica Jelly Sandals.

You can even carry the playful prints to the workplace with Hale Bob’s Beaded Blue Silk Blouse and Wide Leg Linen Trousers. Slide into a pair of Metallic Gold Wedges from Lilly and your sure to bring a refreshing outlook to the office. From dresses to skirts to shorts, be sure to include the East Coast’s favorite playful prints into your closet this Spring.

MONOGRAMS ARE A MUST

Finally, our favorite “style” that every girl should choose not just for Springtime but throughout the entire year is monograming. East Coasters from North Carolina down are obsessed with monograming everything, making it their own. From jackets to handbags to jewelry to even iPhone cases. Putting your initials on your favorite styling items shows ownership and commitment to the things you love best. The East Coast is characterized by individualism and hard work, but with class, character, and charm. We love the classic East Coast look pictured above with your very own personalized with a Merino Wool V-Neck Sweater paired over a Polka Dot Blouse, and Cropped Denim Jeans. If you choose to try only one East Coast style this Season, pick your favorite item to monogram and take ownership of your fashion. Whether you choose to own your most loved handbag, hat or  hoodie Southern Charm Embroidery is the place to go to put your stamp on it.

From our list above, there is sure to be an East Coast style that suits you this Season. Maybe you’ll decide to add a string of pearls on your next evening out. Or you may tie a cardigan around your outfit for lunch out with the girls. Or why not monogram your favorite fashion accessory or wardrobe essential, exuding style, class, and individuality.

Now that you have read both last week and this week’s blogs on West Coast vs East Coast fashion truths, we’d love to hear YOUR opinion on which style you think fits you best. Will you follow your region’s trends and styles, or will you choose to “go against the grain” and try something new and different? Let us hear from YOU and comment below. And remember, no matter what we here at Posh at Play want you to be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.

SUMMER STYLE: WEST COAST VS EAST COAST

Always the big debate in music, entertainment, food, and culture,  the battle between the West and East Coasts also extends into the fashion industry. Though once considered the prime “hub” of the fashion industry, New York City in recent years has taken a back seat to Los Angeles with new designers and up-and-coming fashion labels setting up practice on the West Coast. Many new designers today are starting their lines in L.A. rather than New York since they have a better chance of gaining notice, as well as the appeal of having a celebrity wear the clothing. A few years ago after working a decade in the East Coast’s fashion world, leading stylist Rachel Zoe relocated to L.A. with the concept of merging Hollywood glamour with fashion. She along with other prominent designers have helped pave the way for the fashion industry to grow and expand across the U.S. With diversity comes creativity, as today’s fashion world encompasses the tradition and class of the East Coast along with the novelty and free spirit of the West Coast. So which style do you prefer? Take our “West Coast VS East Coast Summer Style” quiz below and find out which fashion type you fit most.

  

LATEST TRENDS

When the latest trends hit the Runway, how does the West Coast verses the East Coast handle it? This Season, Boho 70’s style was, and continues to be, a huge fashion trend. The West Coast tends to embrace the current fashion styles in creative and casual ways, utilizing fashion as a personal means of expression. The East Coast, on the other hand, gives a “nod” to current fashion trends and finds ways to incorporate the latest trends with traditional classic looks. With music festivals like Coachella and Lightning in a Bottle, the West Coast fully embraced the “Boho” look this Season, taking it to the max with gladiator sandals, floppy hats, fringe, and peasant blouses. Get your West Coast “Boho” style with Hale Bob’s “peasant Style” ivory beaded and embroidered silk washed tunic paired with Citizen’s of Humanity’s white cut-off shorts and Free People’s floppy hat. We also like Hale Bob’s beaded long sleeve black and white peasant blouse layered with Liberty Garden’s lace Kimono for a true “Boho” feel. If you like the “Boho” look in a more conservative style, go with the East Coast look with Hale Bob’s ivory silk drop waist tunic paired with your favorite cut-off denim shorts and comfy sneakers for all-day Summer style.

  

OFFICE WEAR

Summer office wear gets two different looks when it comes to West verses East. Though both climates tend to get hot in the Summer, each Coast handles the heat a bit differently. West Coast office wear always tends to go a bit more casual and funky than East Coasters. Get your West Coast Summer office style with a cool yet casual jersey knit “V” neck dress from Hale Bob paired with funky booties from Christian Dior. Go East Coast clean and streamlined with Hale Bob’s metallic cropped pants layered with a black satin blouse and matching black pumps from Charles David. Either way, you will dazzle your co-workers with the perfect Summer work wear style.

  

CASUAL

At home and at play, how do West Coasters verses East Coasters handle their casual Summer style? Since the weather is mild all year around and the beach is prevalent, the West Coast casual style favors flip flops, swimsuits, tunics, and beach hats. Even if you don’t live by the beach, emulate the style with Hale Bob’s floral silk crinkle tunic paired with Liberty Garden’s ivory lace skort and nude leather sandals. The East Coast leans towards sophisticated tailored casual styles in the warmest months of Summer. Get the classic “sailor” look with a striped 3/4 sleeved cotton top from Paige layered over Citizen’s of Humanity’s white denim shorts and accessorizing with a white boater hat from Luisaviaroma and leather t-strap sandals from Sam Edelman.

  

SWIMWEAR

Cool off at the beach or pool with stylish Summer swimwear. The West Coast leans towards the Season’s hottest Summer trends when sun bathing outdoors, never missing an opportunity to stay fashionable and up-to-date. While embracing modern styles, the East Coast, however, leans towards classic trends that never go out of date. Get the West Coast style by pairing your favorite Summer swimsuit with Liberty Garden’s ivory lace skort or floral chambray lace shorts topped with Liberty Garden’s lace Kimono and floppy hat from Nordstrom. Get Khloe Kardashian’s style with a printed “East Coast” swimsuit from BitDazzle accessorized with a chic sailor hat and white leather sandals. Whether West Coast or East Coast swimwear, you’re sure to turn heads either way with this Season’s Summer style.

  

SUMMER CONCERT

When work is done and it’s time to have some fun at your favorite Summer concert, which style will you turn to? West Coast favors “Boho” and 70’s style carefree looks while the East Coast embraces flowy, feminine styles suitable for a concert in the park or a show on Broadway. If you favor the West Coast, get the look with Hale Bob’s selection of maxi dresses, perfectly suited for any outdoor Summer event. We especially love the Hale Bob’s multi-colored drop waist maxi dress or the mint tie dye maxi dress. If the East Coast is more your style, try Liberty Garden’s newest black and white strapless maxi dress or the slightly more tailored black twill jumpsuit ,perfect for any nighttime Summer activities.

  

DATE NIGHT

And finally, when it’s time to hit the town with your favorite someone, which style will you favor for “date night,” West Coast or East Coast? As we’ve mentioned, the West Coast tends to favor a more casual approach to even the more formal of occasions. You won’t see many jewels or sparkles with the West Coast girl. She lets her natural beauty shine through with just a fresh bronzed glow and a touch of lip gloss. The East Coast girl knows how to play up her assets and is always perfectly groomed, without trying too hard. Toss your hair into beachy waves, and get your West Coast city style with Hale Bob’s newest printed neoprene strapless mini dress paired with your favorite flat sandals and seashell jewelry. Go East Coast glam with Hale Bob’s pleated floral sheath dress or mint green snake and paisley dress, perfect for wherever your date may take you.

Today’s woman has a wealth of fashion choices depending on her style and personality. There is no right or wrong when it comes to style. Feel free to express yourself through your own unique fashion and taste. When it come to fashion, you are your own designer and judge. We’ve shown you what West Coast women prefer verses East Coast, but ultimately it is you who takes charge of your own life and what makes you feel most confident. You may identify completely with one Coast or the other, or on the other hand, may feel like you are a little bit of both. Embrace who you are and what makes you unique, and remember our motto, be you, be fabulous, and always be feminine.