Trends Fall/Winter 2007

Someone must have been an especially good girl in 2007, because this past Christmas, the man in the red suit gifted me with a gorgeous red coat. While red is perfect for the holidays, it's also a classic, eye-catching shade that never goes out of style and looks fabulous on every complexion. Try the look for yourself this chilly winter season by bundling up in one of these affordable options.

What to wear it with: Everything! Red actually acts like a versatile neutral. Pair red with basics like white, black, camel or cream for a timeless look. Or take an unconventional approach and mix red with colors like pink, purple, or teal. Houndstooth and plaid pashminas or scarves look especially posh with a red coat. Share your styling tips in the comments.

[1] Mixit wool belted coat, sale $36.99
[2] Mango wool coat, sale $73.99
[3] INC International Concepts ruched-collar coat, $139.00
[4] McQ By Alexander McQueen wool toggle coat, sale $289.99
[5] Ann Taylor Loft funnel neck swing coat, sale $69.99
[6] Calvin Klein trapeze coat, sale $165.90
[7] Lux Bauhaus coat, sale $39.99

With creative and tasteful applications of metallics such as this embellished Chloé mini skirt (left) - and its oh-so-affordable Twelve by Twelve understudies (right) - me thinks this trend is here to stay for a very, very long time. And if we're wrong? Opt for the lesser priced version and you'll only be $50 poorer.

Luxe: Chloé mini skirt WAS: $1,910.00 NOW: $1,146.00
Less (Top): Twelve by Twelve wool cowlneck dress, $49.50
Less (Bottom): Twelve by Twelve wool turtleneck dress, $49.50

Ever since we saw images of legwarmer-clad models coolly strutting down the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, we've become determined to try—and tame—this trendy winter accessory.

On the Fall 2007 Y-3 runway, legwarmers add a pop of color and welcome texture when worn with a skirt, dress, or even shorts.
Style.com writer Meenal Mistry calls the latest collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas "an approximation of the consciously haphazard way teenagers dress themselves," no doubt in large part because of the casual and functional way that leg warmers were scrunched, bunched and layered throughout - but in our opinion, this is a compliment. Intentional chaos can be a good thing in fashion, especially when it echoes the reality of winter weather (and sometimes, our tastes in fashion). So block out those unsavory memories of '80s aerobics classes past, and consider with an open mind the many fresh, new ways you can rock this look today (click pics for details...)

1. Pair leg warmers with a gray dress and black tights for a sleek, modern look. (Asos.com)


2. Wear legwarmers over leggings or footless tights with flats (never with flip-flops unless you live on an island). (Target.com)


3. Allow leg warmers to peak out anywhere from 2-6 inches beneath boots (or ankle booties). Try it with UGGs, too. (Forever21.com)


4. Slip legwarmers over skinny jeans and pair with booties. (UrbanOutfitters.com)


5. Pull leg warmers over the heel of a pair of killer pumps, with sheer hose. (These are by Alice & Olivia; we found a similar pair at Urban Outfitters.)


5. Take your cues from the dance world and don legwarmers to your next yoga or Pilates class. (American Apparel)

There's something utterly uptown about fashion and fur. While real fur can run into the thousands, faux fur is decidedly affordable. What's more, it's as guilt-free a pleasure as they get (saves you cash, saves a furry critter's hide, and saves PETA the cost of a gallon of red paint).

Leave it to vegan-friendly designer Stella McCartney to give us innovative faux-fur looks on the fall 2007 runway.


Whether you go for the drama of a solid fur jacket or the understated elegance of a fur collar and cuffs, there's a fabulous faux fur to match your style and your budget.

Mr. Chinchilla thanks you.






(from top to bottom, left to right)
[1] Plaid jacket with removable faux fur lapel trim, $32.80
[2] Faux mink hooded jacket, $34.80
[3] Faux fur shawl with jeweled broach, $28
[4] Denizen 3/4 sleeve faux fur jacket, $49.80
[5] Penélope & Mónica Cruz for MNG faux fur coat, $108.99
[6] Faux fur vest with sequin and bead embellishments, $59.80
[7] Jones New York Signature faux fur collar car coat, sale $66.90
[8] Express embellished faux fur coat, $128

The black leather bomber jacket is an undeniably cool piece of outerwear (La Lohan recently wore hers during a jaunt to Capri, Italy; Tori Spelling sported one during an outing with her fam; while Miley Cyrus donned the look for a day of shopping in NYC). It speaks to the rugged independence of biker-chic duds and invokes the hard-edge sex appeal of rock 'n roll. But if you don't actually ride a hog and your Ramones LPs are gathering dust (which would be a shame, btw), then why spend hundreds just to get the look? Find out if the style suits you (and we think it will!) with this affordable version by Forever 21 (below).


SSGT Bomber Jacket, $119.00 at Forever 21. Genuine military inspired leather jacket with shoulder epaulettes, zippered and flap pockets, and rib knit trim.

The onslaught of UGGs in the fashion world is showing no signs of letting up this winter season - with Christmas just days away, many UGG styles are sold out or on backorder. Some retailers have even imposed a 4 or 5 pair household limit for the sheepskin footwear due to the incredibly high demand.

As the proud owners of a pair of UGG Uptown boots, we understand the UGG appeal (fortunately, we received ours as a gift): They are incredibly warm, comfortable and comforting in cold climates. Slip them on, and you feel ready to take on any weather in style. What can we say, we don't think UGGS are ugly - they're cute, like so many odd-looking yet adorable creatures endemic to Australia - the platypus or wombat, for example.

However, if you took away the UGG's warmth and cozy lining, well, we don't think they could fall back on looks alone. Which is why we have to say "lump it" (as the Aussies say) to the imitations. If you want to try the look before investing in the real thing, by all means go for it. But if you're looking for a high-quality warm boot - and you like the look of UGGs - go for the real thing, as you won't be disappointed.


LEFT: Xhilaration Electra Suede Boots at Target, $19.99
RIGHT: UGG Australia Classic Short Boot at Nordstrom, $119.95

Black and gold join forces to create one of winter's top trends, especially for holiday attire. Give it a try with your accessories, or make a bold statement with a black and gold dress.

Left: Betsey Johnson employs the glamorous and sophisticated color combination of black and gold on the Fall 2007 runway.
Right: For just $39, you can achieve a similar look with this striking French Corset Bubble Dress from Forever 21.

>> Black & Gold - Top Holiday Accessory Trend <<

Feather Earrings, $5.80 | Elephant Necklace, $7.80 | Pumps, $18.80 | Tote, $30.80 | Mod Ring, $4.80