This time of year there’s some force greater than ourselves that compels us to hunger after new clothing. New fabrics, colors and textures all facilitate that feeling inside that, with the right fall look, you can reinvent yourself and conquer the world (or weather). How can anyone resist fall fashion?
the looks
Ladylike: Silhouettes of the 1950s and ’60s make a strong return, with shapes that accentuate curves and foster femininity. The aesthetic is decidedly “Mad Men”; the look is versatile and fun.
The Minimalist: Clean lines, sleek silhouettes, little embellishments – these are the hallmarks of this season’s minimalism trend.
The Pantsuit: Menswear-inspired pantsuits are tailored, yet fluid. The feminine tuxedo is as hot as it gets this year.
Saturated Hues: Ruby, sapphire, emerald and amethyst. Mix your hues together as Oscar de la Renta did, or pair them with neutrals such as black, gray and camel – camel is huge this year.
Lingerie and Lace: Think underwear as outerwear – peek-a-boo sheer inserts and vintage-inspired lace worn either sexy and edgy or ladylike.
Checklist: Use these details to update your fall wardrobe
Military/aviation detail; faux fur; leather; velvet; metallic gold; sheer clothing; wild leopard prints; fitted plaid shirts; buttoned-up collars; chunky, handmade inspired knits and ponchos; capes; double-breasted jackets; ankle boots; over-the-knee boots; cowboy boots; fur boots; knee-high socks; white tights; socks with heels; kitten heels; clogs; satchel bags; ladylike frame handbags; big rings; and layered bracelets.
where to wear?
A fashion show featuring T. on Magazine Street brought me to the perfect place to showcase these new fall looks: Eiffel Society (2040 St. Charles Ave., 525-2951). It is a stylish, unique slice of art in itself, the new see-and-be-seen spot and late-night supper club. Eat, drink and listen to performances from big band to blues, from salsa to comedy.
Chef Ian Schnoebelen (of Iris fame) features his “Nouvelle Orleans Cuisine” with a range of dishes that include fresh ingredients from an on-site organic urban garden. The menu is no less then incredible and each bite is to be savored. Spirit Handler Alan Walter has created a menu of mathematically creative “Nieux Classics;” drinks that, he explains, “reflect modern change to standard classics where there’s always something splendidly unexpected.”
Walter prepared an amazing drink for me called Velour, a full-flavored potion that has about eight ingredients including peach nectar, house-made pecan bitters and Campari. “The whole goal of the Eiffel Society was to combine the art of cocktail [with] the art of cuisine and contemporary art,” says manager Jeff Gapultos.
