Spring 2011 Fashion Trends

Spring is here! Well, sort of. It may be snow, rain, and slush for most people, but Fashion Week is underway around the world. Here is your first, exclusive look at some of the leading Spring 2011 trends gracing the runway:

Long Skirts
Elegant, dramatic

White Out
Modern, minimalist

Denim
1970s-inspired, wide leg

Sportswear
Tracksuits to wet suits

Bright Colors
Mismatch, color blocks

Sheer
Flowing, ephemeral

New York Fashion Week is slated for February 9-17. Who's ready to shed these static-cling wools for spring fashions!

Blogger Highlight: Fig+Sage

Hola BFF'ers! Per our weekly "Blogger Highlight" series, we here at BFF are super excited to share this week's blog, Fig+Sage. Run by sisters, Stancie and Erin, from California (holla!), Fig+Sage is one of the top eco-friendly lifestyle blogs out there.

I know what many of you are thinking... "Eco-friendly" and "green living" are just code words for "tree-hugging hippies". Or maybe "Buying everything organic is too expensive for me." But with Fig+Sage, these sisters are showing readers that buying products that are natural and low-impact on the environment is absolutely doable and great for health and the planet! Without breaking the bank.

Fig+Sage features awesome, informative reviews of makeup and bath products out there in the market, like BECAUSE Body Care seen above. Eco-chic!

Their fashion finds highlight lesser-known eco-friendly brands, like Naya Shoes pictured above

You can also find a rich array of home products, from bedding to desserts to water bottles (a la Vapur BPA-Free Anti-Bottles pictured above)

Even moms who are interested in organic, eco-friendly clothes and toys for their kids, can find something at Fig+Sage

The great thing about Fig+Sage is that all of the products featured are personally tested and researched by Stancie and Erin. They take green consumerism and living environmentally consciously away from intimidating and shows us that you can stay stylish and on a budget when transitioning to a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Check out their fabulous finds and rave reviews on Fig+Sage here.

Stay fab (and eco-chic) guys 

;)

Blogger Highlight: Marian Kihogo

In a gorgeous collection of killer runway fashions, luxurious beauty must-haves, and unique arts and music picks, Marian Kihogo has an eye for the beauty. She's not your typical fashion blogger; a member of the fashion industry, Kihogo is a stylist, contributing editor of PUSH IT Magazine, and creative consultant. 

With her background in the fashion arts industry, she brings an expert perspective to style and culture. Check out some of our favorite Marian Kihogo features:

Jeweled Jimmy Choo heels framed by an ornate gold trimmings for Kihogo's picks for the prettiest party shoes

Her playful "I'd Rather Be Wearing" segment displays her personal style picks

Number 14. Jackson Pollock, 1951.
"I could list a number [of] reasons why I like Pollock's abstract expressionist paintings but it is the simultaneous deliberate and intuitive expression that draws me time after time."
-Kihogo, on painter Jackson Pollock

A devout fan of Ladurée macaroons and candles

Life in a nail-polish-and-handbag nutshell!

Her zig-zag interlocking images mirror a major Spring/Summer 2011 trend: patchwork!

Marian Kihogo's attention to detail and extensive fashion coverage makes her blog a must-read for style mavens, culture and arts lovers, and runway fanatics!

Celebrity Style Lookbook: Winter 2010

High collars, capes, military, wraps, animal print, and fringe! See what your favorite celebrities are wearing this winter...

Victoria Beckham rocking a Burberry military jacket

Vanessa Hudgens looking cozy in a slouchy cardigan and coordinated knit cap

Blake Lively dressing up a belted brown leather jacket

Natalie Portman, chic as always, in a gray military-inspired cape

Layer on chunky knit scarves à la Keira Knightley 

Alicia Keys brightening up her winter wardrobe with touches of color

Vanessa Minnillo channeling classic preppy

Kim Kardashian is trendy in camel, a must-have color this season

Taylor Momsen pairing plaid with gray over-the-knee leather boots

;)

Your Fall Wardrobe: Winterize Your Favorite Summer Pieces

With chilly mornings and breezy afternoons, fall weather is definitely here. As the days get cooler, we'll be forced to shuffle our favorite summer items to the back of our closets and find new winter-appropriate clothes, right?

Well, I had a hard time saying goodbye to all the adorable summer clothes so instead I thought, Why not turn them into chic fall styles!

Style Tip #1: Add leggings to your favorite summer skirt or shorts for an instant fall staple look. If you're tired of the standard black leggings, try a funkier color, like taupe, and still exude that autumn feel.

Fresh Laundry Leggings in Mauve Taupe

Style Tip #2: Throw on a military jacket or blazer over a summer dress to keep cozy. For an extra bit of edge, try a leather bomber jacket. Finish off the look with tall boots.

Eryn Brinie Ruched Blazer in Black

Style Tip #3: Snuggle up in a scarf for instant winterization. You can turn just about any outfit into a fall favorite with a chunky scarf.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Wool  Scarf in Fig (A Rachel Zoe pick!)

Biffles, never underestimate the power of layering. Happy styling! ;)

Get the Look: Susan and Andrelie

Meet Susan Y and Andrelie S! We spotted these two BFF's wandering around the NYU campus and could not pass up the opportunity to talk to them about their unique style. Andrelie shared a secret with us - her gorgeous maxi dress was only $6 from Target!  We love the way that she paired the bold print with a simple sweater and casual flat sandals.  Very boho-chic. 

Moral of the story: don't be afraid to be bold! Copy Susan's style by pairing a graphic T-shirt with a solid, feminine skirt and simple sandals. Don't forget the sunglasses to block out those harsh summer rays!  Obsessing over Andrelie's look? Check out your local Target or Walmart for cute, affordable maxi dresses. Loud prints are super fun for the summer months, and you can tone them down with a classic sweater to keep you warm when you transition from the sunny streets to an air conditioned store.

Transitional Outfits: What to leave behind and what to bring with you into Fall :)

We know what you’re thinking: “Fall?! It’s not even August! What’s the deal?!”

Well, despite the continued heat it’s no great secret that virtually everyone is releasing their sneak peak, fall lines right now. And though we’re not quite ready to ditch our leggings for tights just yet, we can’t help but daydream about what this new season will bring. So, bear with us, ladies- we promise that after this read, you’ll be aching for cozy sweaters and hot coco, too :) 

What to leave behind: Making the transition from summer to fall isn’t quite as drastic as it used to be, white pants are always in vogue now and peep-toe pumps can be made perfect for chilly weather with the addition of stocking socks or tights. We only ask that you reconsider the bathing suit cover-ups and flip flops; for these things, there is always a time and a place and October just isn’t it- Icy rain on our pedicures? NO THANKS!  

What to bring: Fortunately, with the addition of a few “heavy” pieces and more seasonally appropriate accessories much of what was summer can ease into your new wardrobe pretty seamlessly. But wearers beware- silk slip dresses and light linen pants can be a tough sell. So, just to help out, we here at BFF are taking two summer classics and moving them into the new school year: Jean shorts and sun dresses.

Here’s what we’re thinking: 

Don't forget to drop us a line below with your thoughts!

;)

Get the Look!

Meet Marina and George! This casual-cool British duo was spotted enjoying the warm weather in Washington Square Park in NYC, and we simply could not pass up the opportunity to talk to them about their fabulous fashion. 

Marina credits Stella McCartney as one of her main fashion influences. She tends to search out feminine pieces, such as these gorgeous shoes by DKNY. When we questioned George about his fashion favorites, Marina was quick to answer for her BFF: "James Bond!"  George dismissed this with a laugh and went on to share his true feelings: "Tom Ford is the coolest designer out there!"  He also believes that there is nothing quite like British tailoring to perfect an outfit. 

To get Marina's look, dare to break free from traditional matching.  Mix patterns and contrasting colors to really make an outfit pop.  Most importantly, wear confidence like it is your best accessory!  Both Marina and George carried themselves with grace and poise- there is nothing more attractive than confidence!

Think you've got some cool styles that you'd love for us to showcase? Send us an e-mail at info@bff.tv!

;) 

Fashion Fridays!

Episode 9 contestants, Laura & Nicole have taken over today's post for Fashion Friday. Below they describe their own personal style and what they think about the other's. Enjoy:

Nicole on Laura: Laura's style? Laura is always telling me that Coco Chanel said, “Before you leave the house, take off one thing.” I think she says that because my outfits stress her out! I like to wear a lot of patterns, and sometimes mix them together… and the rebel that I am, I don’t like to follow the usual fashion rules – no black and brown together etc.

Laura has a very chic, classic style. We are really opposite sometimes – she likes to pair things with black, I like to pair things with white. I like a more eclectic look and she likes a sleeker look. Somehow we still manage to borrow each other’s clothes, all the time. My favorite pair of jeans was stolen from her closet – please don’t tell her (sidenote: well we think it's too late for that NICOLE!), because she has been looking for them for months and hasn’t yet found them. I only wear them when she is out of town, which is hard for me, because they make my butt look great.

Despite our style differences, Laura lets me be her audition stylist. She is always consulting me and my closet for her many random auditions. I like to think of getting dressed as a fun game. Some people take it too seriously, but for me and Laura it is just an organic extension of our personalities and emotions. If I feel flighty I wear some feathers, if I feel cool I wear my chucks, if I feel sick I wear something fancy to make me feel a little better. I like to get dressed up and I like to be dressed down - to end this post – I say - please get dressed every day.

Laura on Nicole: Nicole's Style? YIKES!!!! Since you’re asking, do you know if, “What Not to Wear” on TLC is taking casting calls? Kidding, kidding. I hope Nicole doesn’t read this or I’m banned from her closet for life. I only joke because I steal items from her wardrobe on the daily (except the undies…gross). I admire her style because it can be original and funky, while maintaining a classy look. She’s the type who can walk into sample sale or thrift store, and come out with something glamorous. I don’t have the patience for all that jazz, so I become envious and steal her clothes in return. Shhhh, don’t tell (sidenote: didn't you two realize you'd BOTH be reading this?).

We aren’t always on the same page when it comes to fashion. I’m usually more conscious of matching color with my accessories. Nicole usually likes to be bold and try something different (or whack). Because she has such a natural beauty, she looks great on earthy tones. She can really pull off the vintage style.

Since my three sisters aren’t around in NYC for consultation, Nicole has filled in that role. I value her advice because she watched Gossip Girl, and that’s the only reason.

This post brings tears to our eyes, ... well not really but it really is touching to see how these two gals consider one another's style.

Don't forget, there is a brand new episode of BFF on live @ : http://MySpace.com/BFF

;)