Style Me Fabulous!
Giovanni Amenta, Willowbrook Shopping Centre Stylist
Giovanni's Bio: Giovanni (Gio) Amenta is Willowbrook’s new stylist and one of Canada’s top style experts! Gio started his career in New York where he was certified by three of the top image consultants in the world. Since then, Gio has been featured as a style expert on various TV shows including W Network’s Beauty Call and Breakfast Television. He has worked with celebs such as Marie Osmond and Miss America 2007 as well as several major retail brands. Gio also teaches fashion styling at Jon Casablancas in Vancouver as well as represents the Association of Image Consultants International. Currently he is finishing his book “But Seriously… What do I Wear?” (which will be available for purchase in fall 2010 at Willowbrook's Customer Service Centre).
Top Trends for Fall 2010 by Gio!
I know you are wondering where summer went but don’t worry because as fun as the BBQs and beach days were, fall brings with it some pretty awesome things as well. Fall’s bounty includes; beautiful colors in the trees, delicious comfort foods, and my personal favorite - a new fall wardrobe!!! Before you go out to get your new look for fall here are some trends that are straight off the runways of New York. Now these trends may not all be up your alley, but I am sure that one or two will get you excited to hit Willowbrook!
Military Mode– Everyone loves a man in uniform, so it’s not shocking that those uniforms have inspired one of this seasons hottest trends. It is no mistake that men and women in the Military look so dapper, because of how the uniforms are designed. Military Mode is a very flattering trend; it builds up the shoulders with various accents and padding and it slims the torso with well placed buttons and impeccable tailoring. All in all, I am so happy that this trend has caught on and I hope it sticks around!
Minimalism – Think IKEA if they made clothes. Clean lines, no fussiness, simple neutral colors, and very modern. This look is wonderful, and is symbolic of our collective desire to simplify our lives. In this crazy busy world of iPhones, Twitter, longer work hours and no alone time, we crave simplicity and this is showing in the minimalist design’s that are currently so popular in clothing. The shift dress is a perfect example of this style and looks amazing on C type bodies (similar shoulder and hip width and an undefined waist.)
Chunky knits – Now normally I am not a fan of the word chunky, I much prefer shapely, but in this case it is the perfect word. Chunky knits are the essence of cozy. When we think of a long fall walk or a romantic make out session by a lake what clothing seems more appropriate than a chunky knit scarf or sweater? I love this trend, it just screams meet me in Whistler for an après ski! Warning this can make you look larger than you are, so you may want to avoid the chunky knit on the chunky body part.
Pointy toes and kitten heels – FINALLY!!! Nothing is more slimming and elongating to a leg than a pointy toe. For years I have encouraged my clients to wear pointy-toed shoes. A pointed toe is perfection. As for the kitten heel, well again I have said it for years to my clients “Wear them!”. A high heel even a kitten heel will always make you look sexier, slimmer, and taller. A kitten heel for those of you who do not know is about 1.5 - 2 .5 inches. The great thing about this shorter heel is it gives the advantages of a high heel, but can be as comfortable as a flat.
Leopard and floral and tartan - Oh my!! – The top 3 prints for this season are blooming florals, wild Leopard, and classic tartan. When wearing prints be careful to make sure that it matches your body size and does not detract from your face. We want to see you first not the print. Also if you are mixing prints make sure that they are all different sizes of prints, and the largest one should be near the face, otherwise you will look like a crazy person.
Full skirted dresses – Just think Grace Kelly and you will get the look. I just adore this look and it is perfect to add a feminine flair to your wardrobe. The full skirt can look great on all body shapes but the ideal body type is the B shape, which is traditionally known as the hourglass figure. The reason for this is that the bust balances out the volume of the skirt.
Oxblood and camel – These two colors are the hottest colors of the season. They look great paired together or on their own. The richness of the Oxblood adds drama and warmth where as the clean and subtle camel is the perfect backdrop for your accessories and accent pieces. If you want a really rich and elegant look that is also slimming go monochromatic which means wear the same color from top to bottom.
Velvet and velour – The fabulous fabrics of fall are velvet and velour. These soft to the touch rich textured fabrics just scream pet me. I think that velvet is a great way to add interest to an outfit and can really make you look rich and multidimensional. Keep in mind that velvet can draw attention to the area of the body you are wearing it on, so be sure to put it where you want people looking.
Capes and ponchos – YAY!!! I think that there is something so fantastical and fun about a poncho or cape. A cape can make you feel like Cinderella going to the ball or like wonder woman flying off to fight crime. I remember that one year I dressed up as prince charming for Halloween and I wore my mother’s blue velvet cape. I felt very regal that day and now in retrospect it looks like I was also quite fashion forward! Just try on a cape or poncho this season and I promise you it will feel like you are being transported to another time where men were chivalrous and women were ladies.
Well there you have it my fall fashionistas! Go out and see if one or all of these trends suit you and then remember to match it up with the most important thing you could ever wear…Confidence. Remember if you feel fabulous you will look fabulous!
If you would like more fashion tips,,visit www.pinkandgrey.ca, buy “But Seriously… What do I Wear”, or stay tuned for details on Willowbrook's exciting Girls Night Out events in October, hosted by Gio!
