The oversized sweater and leggings combination is overdone. I’m not saying I won’t ever wear that outfit combination again, but it’s boring. Sweaters and a leather skirt or fitted pair of dress pants are always a visually appealing combination. Chunky sweaters, long skirts and thigh high boots are on trend for this fall. I haven’t worn this combination yet, but I’ll keep you updated if I do.

On the subject of fall trends, specifically shoe ones, New York Fashion Week (NYFW)’s runways were filled with square toes and inward pointed heels. Now keep in mind, these are for the Spring Summer 2020 season (SS20). Burberry was on trend with their inwardly pointed heels (instead of the heel being straight, it was pointed toward the sole of the shoe). Proenza Schouler had most of their models in opened/square toed heels. Oscar de la Renta had open toed strappy heels that came to a point. 

For NYFW, SS20, models were sent down the runway in loose fitting dresses with dropped waistlines. This is very reminiscent of the 1920’s fashion (remember how I absolutely love everything about the 1920’s, especially the fashion?) so I’m very happy with the twenties coming back. I’m sure at one point this year I’ll be writing a whole column on the beauty of 20’s fashion. But back to SS20, dresses were brightly colored with many layers and looked as though they were hanging off of the models’ bodies. Neons, pastels and patterns were heavily rotated between designers. 

Although he didn’t send models down the runway in it during NYFW, Ralph Lauren debuted a new collection based on Rachel Green. Yes, it emulates the iconic character from Friends. If you know anything about me, while I shop I ask myself “would Rachel Green wear this?” If the answer is “Yes!”, then it will come home with me. While looking at the collection, I was less than impressed, the capsule collection features a lot of leather, black and cheetah print. Roughly half of the tops and dresses are designed to be loose fitting, but personally, I don’t remember Green in loose fitting clothing; the wardrobe specialist, Debra McGuire had Green in tight clothing 96 percent of the time. I understand that the collection is inspired by Rachel and it’s not an exact copy of outfits she wore, but I think Lauren could’ve taken more from aesthetic of her wardrobe throughout the 10 seasons. The pieces from the Lauren Ralph Lauren label are reasonably priced for the average high schooler, but items from the Polo Ralph Lauren label aren’t.

As you know by now, I love shoes. My staple shoes for the fall season are a pair of AHNU lace up oxfords and the Gucci Brixton loafers. Loafers/oxfords are always a gorgeous fall option (I actually wear mine in every season except for summer). They always look effortless with a pair of jeans or a tailored dress pants and blouse. I wear mine mostly to work because I’m on my feet for the majority of the day, and outings with friends and family. 

Next time, we’ll discuss winter fashion or the 1920’s or the art of Christian Louboutin. I haven’t decided yet. Stay tuned for the next installment of Amber’s All About Fashion.  

Column Description:

Luxury fashion is something that didn’t really become an interest of mine until about sophomore year. I had always known the fashion house Chanel, my aunt had always worn N°5. But I didn’t fully immerse myself into the art and the history of it until I saw the red sole of a Christian Louboutin heel on a celebrity. I had no idea what it was or how to pronounce the word “Louboutin,” but fast forward to today and I authenticate Louboutin shoes for the fashion resale site Poshmark. 

In this column, I hope to provide information on designer fashion, deal hunting and much more. I love designer fashion, but most of my clothing isn’t designer, I have a select few pieces. I have no problem wearing gently used pieces, because they stretch your budget much farther.  

I don’t pay retail for designer pieces, I purchase them through consignment or resale. Personally, I find it fun to search racks of clothing or through pages on a resale app for that one coveted piece. I get a “runner’s high” when I find something of value or something I’ve been searching for. My favorite activity is to go shopping, whether in person at the resale shops in town or through resale websites. I also visit consignment shops in Chicago, as there are many designer boutiques there, and many designer pieces are put up for consignment there because of the boutiques.

I’m also planning on reviewing new collections that come out. My favorite designers are Christian Louboutin, Chanel and Gucci. I seem to favor those fashion houses and their histories, as they were the first designer pieces I purchased or was given. But Louboutin will always be my first love, I don’t think I’ll ever get over that red sole. 

Chanel has significance to me because of my aunt. She always favored the classic Chanel N°5, and whenever I see a tester in the store I apply some to remind me of her. I admire Coco “Gabrielle” Chanel as well, she’s a true fashion icon. 

If I’m being honest with you, I used to go to the mall and spend upwards of 20 dollars on a single tee. I really don’t know why I thought that was a good idea. Now I pay much less for them, as I buy them from consignment. My mother always has always shopped resale for her clothing, but I transitioned over to solely buying resale in my sophomore year. I don’t think I’ve bought anything from a retail store in a long while, I can’t remember the last time I bought full price from the mall. Through this column, I’ll talk about the highs, lows and everywhere in between for designer deals, collections, and truly anything to do with luxury fashion. I want to share my love for designer and consignment with the readers in Fenton and beyond.