NY fashion forecasts easy, breezy spring ’11

NEW YORK (AP) The collective message to come out of eight days and more than 100 runway shows at New York Fashion Week is that there’ll be a longer, looser look to spring 2011. The buzz was about easy glamour inspired by the 1970s.

But is easy glamour easy to wear if you’re not a Lauren Hutton type?

Fashion insiders seem to think so. They say it’ll be a welcome break from the aggressive, tough-shoulder, skinny-pant style that has dominated fashion the past few seasons.

“What designers are trying to show is that people want to reach beyond where fashion has been in its hard, military protective gear,” said Joanna Coles, Marie Claire editor in chief. “Fashion is craving a more optimistic place. Fall seemed a little jaded, even if the clothes were magnificent. But we’re looking now for something lighter, fresher and younger.”

The silhouette has already started to be more fluid and languid, especially with trousers, says Colleen Sherin, women’s fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue, but it’s confirmed moving forward into next year. Shoppers should find that the high waist and fit-and-flare legs are flattering, she said.

However, as a retailer and a woman the best news is the new longer, below-the-knee hemline, Sherin said. “One of the trends we’re most excited about is the ‘midi.’ It was in almost every collection.”

That mid-calf length complements the fluid and flowy dresses from the disco era. You don’t need to wear a floppy hat or oversized flower in your hair to see the shift in femininity.

A flat shoulder bag, however, might be a good place to start with accessories, Sherin notes.

The flat sandal caught the eye of InStyle editor Ariel Foxman. “There’s an idea that you can wear flats for evening, and that you can wear them with confidence,” he said. He’s hesitant to call anything from the New York catwalks a bona fide trend yet, however, because there is still so much to see in London, Paris and Milan, Italy, over the coming weeks.

Personally, though, he’s been “seduced” by all the neutral and sand colors and the flecks of gold. “They might not be the most exciting clothes on the runway, but it really allows one to see the details, and we’ve seen a lot of really gorgeous pieces.”

The lack of flashy embellishment likely meant extra work for designers. Mastering simplicity is quite a challenge.

“It’s all about the way you cut it, the texture. … You can’t hide behind ruching and ruffles. But I love simplicity when it’s right,” designer Michael Kors said backstage just before his “Sunshine State of Mind” collection debuted on the runway.

Saks’ Sherin noted that so many fashion shows opened with a white look, “a palette cleanser” to the new, more optimistic season. There were some joyful colors hot pink, orange, purple and green, among them, added Coles.

Coles said she’ll be excited to put the color-blocking in editorial shoots. For real women, however, they’ll need to become comfortable with the new palette. “People like color but people don’t always know what to do with it,” she said.

For those who like to be ahead of the trends, here’s a jump-start on the spring shopping list:

Featherweight, gauzy dress that’s delicately draped and hits mid-calf.

Trenchcoat dressy, practical, made of linen or sheer tulle. Maybe you need multiples.

High-waist trouser fitted through the thigh and flared out at the hem.

Sexy silk blouse, perhaps an off-the-shoulder peasant style.

Crafty embellishment, think macrame or something crocheted.

Jewel of the Day: Van Der Bauwede Genève Opens its First U.S. Flagship Boutique at Village of Merrick Park

As the economy dims retailers around the world, Van Der Bauwede Genève ignites Village of Merrick Park with fiery gems and red-hot timepiece collections. The Swiss-born luxury watch and jewelry brand’s first U.S. flagship boutique opens at the Village of Merrick Park today, establishing the brand’s presence in the United States and strengthening its global allure. In celebration of the premiere boutique’s grand opening, David Rolland, U.S. president and CEO of Van Der Bauwede Genève, will host a fabulous fête alongside of Maria Beguiristain, Christina Buppert, Jennifer Cervera and Alexia Echevarria tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy exquisite French hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while shopping an assortment of Van Der Bauwede Genève’s purely Swiss-made signature watch, jewelry and diamond collections. Best of all, a portion of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the Voices Against Brain Cancer Foundation.

“We are very excited to be opening the Van Der Bauwede Genève; there has been a lot of hype around this being the brand’s first U.S. location,” Rolland said. “We are most confident that our one-of-a-kind style, vibrant colors and exclusive designs will be well received by the South Florida market.”

The economy has influenced the evolvement of a new accessories customer, compelling retailers to bear focus on costume jewelry, but the gem wise know that when it comes to accessories, luxury is not simply a trend. Divine excess is an investment that grows with the wearer throughout a lifetime. There is no guilt in shelling out for fine jewelry, and Van Der Bauwede Genève is not just any fine jewelry brand. Bringing generations of innovative creativity and global sophistication to its latest South Florida concept, Van Der Bauwede Genève does jewelry justice. From the Rue du Rhône in Geneva to your jewelry box, Van Der Bauwede Geneve’s 15 unrivaled watch collections and 11 exquisite jewelry collections stun even the chicest of clientele who indulge in their weaknesses for rarity, refinement, and superiority.

The flagship store has cultivated beauty and intimacy in the subtle blend of wood, leather and glass décor. True non-conformist style, concern for aesthetics and technical refinement, and the noblest materials, combined with fine horological and family tradition, consummates the quality that makes up the Van Der Bauwede Genève brand. Since the family’s involvement with watches began in 1890, the Van Der Bauwede Genève commitment to excellence has been eminent in a subtle blending of luxurious high-end finishing and an indulgence in passion for eloquent expression of prestige and time-honored beauty.

The Van Der Bauwede Genève brand boasts a multitude of materials, white, yellow and pink gold, silver, diamonds and other precious stones, and styles from dress to sport chronographs feeding the sophisticated tastes of today’s modern businessman and highly refined woman. Baring stunning earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings, Van Der Bauwede Genève’s jewelry collections complement its exclusive and alluring watch collections. Van Der Bauwede Genève caters to selective clientele anticipating trends in fashion and design through collaborations with highly acclaimed designers and holding pride in its private label, which allows for private orders and production of personalized watches and jewelry designs according to the customer’s desires.

The Van Der Bauwede Genève name has grown into a renowned company of quality timepieces bejeweled worldwide on the wrists and in the collections of private collectors and statured individuals. The Van Der Bauwede Genève luxury brand is sold in 180 multi-brand retailers worldwide, including France, Belgium, Spain, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Turkey and Hong Kong and finally sees its arrival in the Unites States.

Van Der Bauwede Genève is located at Village of Merrick Park, 370 San Lorenzo Ave., Second Floor, Coral Gables, Fla., 305. 444.5310; www.vanderbauwede.us.

4 chic belts add flair

A detailed belt can give the simplest outfit instant style. From braided and crocodile-embossed to raffia and double wrap, belts are a must-have accessory this fall because they can update clothes already in your closet or add a smart look to a new outfit. Here are four fabulous belts that will transform a shapeless dress or a plain pencil skirt into a fashion-forward look.

Safari

One to try: This raffia-covered-buckle belt, $69 at Chico’s, has a safari motif that will enhance the look of a simple black dress or classic collared shirt.

Keep in mind: Avoid pairing a wild print with this ethnic-looking belt. You should contrast a patterned belt with a neutral, solid shade.

For a deal: If you’re searching for a wide belt in a bright color or fun print that is inexpensive, you’ll have the best luck at your nearest thrift store. Savers and Goodwill have huge selections of belts, with most costing no more than $2.

Thin is in

One to try: The latest belt trend is the super-skinny extra-long style that you can double wrap. We love this skinny metallic belt, $19.50 at Gap.

Keep in mind: These long, skinny belts are supposed to be worn around the small of your waist to cinch an oversized top. Look for one in a metallic shade that will pick up the hardware details on a handbag or shoes.

For a deal:Forever 21 is carrying loads of skinny belts for about $10.

Go wild

One to try: A classic croc-embossed belt with a gold buckle makes a chic statement. This slim croc belt, $49.50 at Banana Republic, is a versatile addition to many outfits. It can give a T-shirt and jeans a polished, a pulled-together look.

Keep in mind: Animal prints remain popular this fall, but for belts, chose subtler skins, such as snake and crocodile. Avoid wide belts in wild animal patterns.

For a deal: Target has a variety of belts ranging in price from about $9.99 to $19.99. You’ll definitely find a faux-skin belt there.

Boho braids

One to try: Braided belts will add a youthful, boho flair to your ensemble. Consider pairing this “Tori” skinny braided belt, $19.50 at delias.com, with a floral dress.

Keep in mind: Avoid buying braided belts in bright bold colors. This accessory looks best in natural brown leather to complement printed pieces.

For a deal: You can track down braided belts at H&M for about $9.95.

Classic Wardrobe Basic That Is More Than Basic

When you spend money on accessories, you want them to really say something.  No point in wearing anything unless it makes a statement about who you are.  Let your clothing, shoes and accessories reflect who you are.  Which is why I am such a fan of Twisted Silver.

Every piece made by designer Debra Mitchell speaks individuality. The newest necklace in the edgy collection is definitely a wardrobe basic but in a not so basic way. The Element Necklace is natural raw brass with an ombré effect that can be layered with other necklaces, worn alone or worn as a bracelet. I love to wear it alone as a necklace with the chain clamped short and the tag dangling, looking like a mock tie, which gives the illusion of a longer, thinner body since an onlooker’s eye will travel vertically!

Shop for the Element and all the “not so basic” basics on TwistedSilver.com

Special insider’s discount code: Use coupon code INSIDERS to take 15% off any order from www. Not to be combined with other offers.