Fall Trends: Lovely Leather and Glittery Gold

I’m seeing a lot of great trends for the Fall 2010 season. Some of which I will proudly wear but others leave me with a twinge of longing. Leather is big for fall and if you don't already know I love leather jackets! In fact, I wore my Leather Biker Jacket to work this morning (its cold and raining in New England this week). But the one trend I’m not sure I can pull off is gold. This vibrant burst of sunshine was all over the Fall 2010 runway, including Michael Kors. Don’t get me wrong, I love gold jewelry, it goes great with my skin tone, but I’m just not sure if I can wear an entire gold dress, jacket or suit. Maybe I’ll start small and subtle with the Ruffled Stretch Shirt in Antique Gold. Hopefully this will help me ease into the trend and I will be comfortable enough to glitter in gold in no time! So, what trends are you most excited for? Are there any trends you wish you could wear but aren’t sure you could pull off? If so, what are you doing to gain the confidence to try the trend?

2010 Wardrobe Must Have's

Afternoon Ladies: As you all know I’m in the process of updating my fall wardrobe (reference my LDB post). Especially my wardrobe staples; Black/Grey/Tan Dress, Trench Coat, Pencil Skirt and Blazer.

But I love to have classic styles with more flair and pizzazz then the regular person. So, exactly how do these pieces translate into something unique I know my friends won’t have? Well I’ve come up with my 2010 metrostyle season must haves, do they match yours?

2010 metrostyle Must Haves:

1. Python Print Skirt– The cool grey and tones will match with mostly anything while the animal print will make it stand out!
2. Pleated Surplice Dress – Will be perfect on its own or can easily be paired with a sweater, vest or belt to add drama.
3. Textured Metallic Blazer – This blazer adds shine while still be ale to add brightly colored tops for extra wow!
4. Belted Leather Coat – A Trench Coat styled Leather Jacket?...what more could a girl ask for!

Help Me update My LBD

Since Fall is right around the corner I’m in the process of updating my wardrobe staples. One thing I know I can’t live without is my Little Black Dress (LBD). I’m sure you ladies are with me on this one! I’ve worn my LBD too many times to count and it has saved me when I feel I have nothing to wear. My current LBD has longevity (I’ve had it 5 yrs now) but since my hubby rolls his eyes every time I take it out of the closet I feel it might be time to update this beloved staple as well. As with any LDB I’m looking for wardrobe versatility, a classic timeless style and a bit of edgy sexiness. My top 4 favorites are the Studded Sheath, Illusion Top Dress by Tiana b, Side Ruched Dress and the Seamed Sheath Dress. Here’s where I need your help, I love them all and don’t know how to choose. So please vote for which dress you think I should purchase, the winner will become a part of my new fall wardrobe!

For those about to rock…I salute you.

Heavy metal rock music is not my thing. But my husband loves it, and I love him. So when he asked me to go to a Creed concert with him, I said yes with one stipulation: I’d need a new outfit.

As I explained to my husband, my typical ruffles, lace and love of all things frilly would simply not do at a rock concert. He chuckled knowingly, and replied, “Just try to keep it under $100.”

No prob. I love a challenge.

When deciding what to buy for this concert, I knew I didn’t want to go overboard and end up looking costume-y. I also wanted items that were somewhat edgy, but could also blend with my regular wardrobe. Here’s what I got:

Boyfriend jeans ($35) + a black tank I already own ($0) + a long chain necklace ($20) + plus (my fave) edgy studded pumps ($40). Simple. Chic. Cheap.

Rock on!

By: Bren B

if you could only pick one...

it's still the middle of summer, but we're already having fun creating the fall books. (next week you'll be getting a catalog with fresh new styles - lots you can still wear through august!) we want your insights and input into which front cover you like best for one of our september catalogs... which one is your favorite, and more importantly - why?

What's Hot?

What's hot this week??? RUFFLES!

I love all of the fun, flirty and feminine ruffled tops this season! There are so many different styles to choose from. The ruffled tank is so colorful, it reminds me that warm Summer days are coming... then we go from the sophisticated polka dot ruffles to the pop of color of the pink ruffled top. Rounding out my top 4 list is the ruffled sheer blouse on Dani, she looks great in that color!
P.S. Don't forget to check out "What's Hot" this week and every week...
...and you didn't hear this from me...but don't forget to check out this week's promotion...you can get those ruffles for a real steal ;)

by Suzy

Fashion Photogaphy

Over the last year or so I got really into photography - I went out and bought myself an entry-level DSLR camera and every chance I got, I went out to shoot anything and everything. I'm nowhere near as good as some of my friends who are professionals and much more talented than myself, however I've got the passion! I know the basics of lighting and white balance, ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
Something else I've learned in my amatuer photography training, is to really appreciate great photography. In my opinion, for great photography, you need to be able to capture "that" moment, freeze it in time and communicate that moment/emotion/story to others without saying a word, with just a simple picture. So with fashion photography, essentially pictures of clothes, you might think - "Hey, how hard can it be to take a picture of a shirt or a suit?" Think of this then: when you get our catalogs in the mail or visit our metrostyle.com website - what are you there to look at? The clothes!

Over the last several months, we've spent a lot of time thinking about how we want to showcase and improve the way our clothes are shot on the models; we have a lot more shots in studio, with neutral backgrounds and more focus on the clothes, so you can see more of the styling and details. It make such a big difference, to look back and see what we used to do and compare it to today. Stay tuned, because on our new website, you're going to have the ability to see larger and more detailed images and colorize them to see what something would look like if you were to order it.

Photography is so fun and exciting - share some of your favorite metrostyle pictures with us!

My Love of Shoes...

Ever since I was little I have loved shoes, you name it I love 'em. From flats, to wedges, to peep-toes, to sandals, to boots, and my summer favorite the flip-flop. If it was invented or thought of I have probably owned it.

The best thing about my love of shoes is that I don't have to buy every pair, my wallet thanks me. I have a size 6 1/2 shoe, so most of the time I can fill the void of not having a new pair of shows by just going to the store and slipping on the displays. I try on every pair that catches my eye all for free. When I was younger my mom used to avoid the shoe section completely because she knew it could be an hour ordeal of just trying on shoes.


I wouldn't even be able to say how many shoes that I have owned over the years, right now I probably have at least 30 pairs in my closet. I don't even wear them all, I have my true favorites. As I look at it you never know when you might NEED that pair of shoes, so you should just buy what you like. Everyone always jokes with me "You are buying another pair", the answer is always "I love these shoes". I don't know how others would classify my love of shoes. I would say they are a necessity, I cannot walk around bare foot in public!

Some of my favorites this season at metrostyle are, the H-Band Wedge Sandals and the Zipper Gladiator Sandals. Both of these shoes could be worn with just about anything. Do you have the same shoe obsession that I have? If so log on to metrostyle.com and order your shoes while the dress and shoe sale is still going on.

By: bjil

Ode to the Jean Jacket

How do I love you? Let me count the ways...


I love you in springtime.


I love you in fall.


I love to wear you anytime at all.


I love when you're sexy.


I love when you're chic.


I even love you when you are pink.


But oh, jean jacket, I must confess...


I love you most because you s-t-r-e-t-c-h!

Trend Report: What’s Hot in Tops

Trend: Riviera Chic
The nautical look is reinvented with a youthful-yet-upscale vibe. Look for ultra-thin or ultra-wide nautical stripes.

Trend: Glamazon
Tribal-inspired style with a feminine twist for a look with undeniable impact. Look for animal prints in unexpected hues.

Trend: The Ruffled Blouse
Rows of frothy ruffles soften the look of structured blouses. Try this look in solid or sheer fabrics.

Trend: Chambray
This ultra-lightweight denim fabric is a must-have for casual wear this season. Try this trend out in tunics over knit leggings.

Trend: The Boyfriend
The easy silhouette that’s inspired by menswear, but is designed to flatter a woman’s body. Look for button front shirts, tunics, tees and sweaters.

Trend: Future Form
A gorgeous combination of fluid fabrics and structural details. Look for asymmetrical necklines and cutout details.

by: Bren B

How to Create a Unique Hookup

By Guest Blogger: Tara T.

Hello my beautiful ladies of fashion!

This blog post may not come as a surprise since Spring…Did I say Spring? Yay!!! Yes, Spring is right around the corner. Many of us are already working on our Spring wardrobes; while others are still trying to get our Winter wardrobes up to par (lol).

With Spring right around the corner we all want to look our best, and in my opinion, different. Now, I don’t know about you, but I just love to look different. I am called the trendsetter of my town because no one will never know where to find each piece of clothing I am wearing. I have a few fashion tips that will be sure to help you get your gear up.

Tip #1: We all have gone shopping and went into a store simply because of the outfit we saw that was perfectly coordinated on the manikin in the window. There may have been a few times when we just had to have the exact same “hookup” that the manikin in the window was wearing; even down to the accessories. Ladies…This is a fashion NO-NO!

Never, ever, and I mean never, go into a store and ask to buy every last piece of merchandise that was displayed on the manikin because, guess what? The same way you saw and just fell in love with the outfit on the manikin, is the same way hundreds of other women did the same thing.

Do not buy everything you saw the manikin wearing, and instead pick out the piece of clothing you like the best and purchase that. Then, take whatever you bought, whether it be the shirt or the pants, and take that into another store with you. Now, sometimes you have to check your purchase in at the counter, but beg the sales rep to let you take your purchase in so you can match it. Offer to let them hold something else of yours if you have to, but do not enter that store unless you have what you are trying to match.

Once you have found the shirt to go with your jeans, both items purchased from different stores, go to a completely different store and accessorize. Now, I am not saying that by doing this no one else will have what you have, but the chances are far less of someone having your identical outfit on if you follow these steps.

Now you don’t have to worry about walking into your job and having the same outfit on as your rival counterpart (that person who has fashion battles with you). I have been doing this for over 10 years and I have never seen anyone wearing the exact same thing as me. I have seen someone wearing maybe the shirt or pants that I was wearing, but they complimented me about my outfit because of how I coordinated it.

Stay tuned for more tips from Tara...coming soon! Next up? Shopping for shoes!

5 Things NOT to Wear to Your Work Holiday Party:

What Not to Wear #1: Tacky Holiday Sweaters
OK, self explanatory... Sweaters are a great choice for a professional holiday party, especially if you live in a colder region. Even guys can pair a nice sweater and slacks to look stylish and professional for the big bash. But avoiding shirts that showcase holiday animals and characters is the way to go for a professional holiday soirée.

#2: Things That Blink and Buzz
If your outfit requires batteries, look past it and onto something less distracting for adult conversation. If it’s bling you’re after, try getting the same glittery effect on a sweater, shirt, necklace or even earrings.

#3: Barely There Skirts
Think about how your shoes compliment your skirt. The higher the shoe, the longer the skirt should be. The flatter the shoe, the shorter the skirt can be and still look professional. Be careful wearing super high heels and a super short skirt.

#4: Your Child’s Clothes
What really intrigues you about your child’s clothes? Is it the sparkle of the necklace or the funky one shoulder? Take what you like about it and see if you can rework an outfit that you’ll feel good about and flatters you and your best assets.

#5: Santa Suit
Unless you’ve been asked to wear it, the joke is on you. Once the initial “Santa surprise” is over, there’s not much left to say. If feel you need to make an entrance, put on a Santa hat or a pair of antlers. You can take them off after a few minutes.

Ever Throw a Shoe At a Guy? You're Not Alone!

While online looking for Christmas fun facts, I ended up stumbling upon some fashion fun facts. The more I looked, the more bizarre the facts became. They were so much fun, I had to share...

40% of women claim to have hurled footwear at men.

Prince Philip, the eldest son of Charles XIII of Spain, adored gloves so much that he often wore 16 pairs at a time.

Pants became a women’s fashion phenomenon only after actress Marlene Dietrich wore them in the 1930 film Morocco.

In the royal courts of India, blue-blooded women used to change their clothes several time a day. And, they never wore the same outfit twice.

In the middle ages, purses were often exchanged between couples as tokens of love and courtship.

The skirt is the second oldest women’s garment in history. It’s preceded only by the loin cloth.

Queen Elizabeth I loved hats so much that she made it mandatory for all females over the age of 7 to wear a hat on Sundays and holidays.

The newsboy cap has been dated back to the 14th Century in England where it was worn by working class men. Today, it’s a casual fashion staple of A-list celebrities!

By Bren B

Dressing for the Holidays

As soon as Halloween has passed the Holiday madness starts! The biggest Holiday question...what will you be wearing??? I like to plan cute tops for each of the holidays.

I go for something in a warm, rich color to give thanks. This ruffled lace top is super cute, and should get as many compliments as my cranberry pie!
For Christmas I like to be cozy and conservative. I know that it is a little cheesy, but I like to wear red or green to keep with the season...so I am thinking of this kimono sleeve sweater.Finally, you've gotta have some sparkle and shine for New Year's Eve! This gold top should help me rock into the new year!I have all of my fav Holiday fashions saved on my wish list at metrostyle.com, in case you want to get me an early Christmas present ; )

by Suzy

I Adore Velour

Today is a cold, miserable, rainy day…the type of day in which I’d much rather be wearing my favorite warm, cozy velour set.

Of course, when I mentioned this to my coworker, April, she reminded me that velour is perfectly acceptable for the office…if you style it right!

So in honor of April's suggestion, I looked through our photo files and found several clever ways to style velour...all of which I'd rather be wearing right now!

Have you stumbled upon it yet!?

StumbleUpon.com has been my source for entrainment and relief from boredum lately. It’s an Internet community that allows its users to discover and rate randomly selected web pages. And the best part is you can even set a personalized recommendation engine. When your engine is personalized it shows web sites of only the things that you are interested in.

Fashionistas? Discover new designers and the hottest trends. Art enthusiasts? Discover and explore pages of up-and-coming artists by looking at their portfolios and more! ANYTHING your into... StumbleUpon will find for you!

Here’s a few of my recent favorite stumbles...

Fashion & fairy tales

Chanel Bag (haha)









DIY Skinny Jeans

DIY Beaded Tights

Paris style sightings

What will you stumbleupon?
(If you find another good site leave it in the comment box for us! thanks!)

Happy Stumbling... :) More to come soon...

Fashion Envy at the Office

Ever have a coworker whose style you just love, but know you could never pull off? That’s how I feel about our Assistant Art Director, Jackie. Every day she comes into the office looking like a fashion feature from WhoWhatWear.com or People Style Watch magazine.

Take this outfit for example. That day, it was an unseasonably warm 80° in September. I remember starring at my closet that morning wondering, “How can I mix summer and fall styles together without looking like a homeless person?”

Jackie figured it out! She took a fun summer dress and paired it with a boyfriend blazer, and light-colored boots, then layered on a few silver necklaces for measure. I love this look…youthful, yet professional…fresh, interesting and fun. Most of all, I love that she’s not afraid to takes a chance, mixing old with new, and creating her own personalized style.

So next time I find myself starring at my closet with a case of wardrobe paralysis, I think I’m just going to ask myself, “What would Jackie do?”


By: Bren B

Clothing for Kids!

With Fall here, and school has started.. It was back to school shopping for my 6 year old little girl. I could NOT believe some of the things that were out there. Maybe I am just a little old fashion, But little girls should dress like little girls. Half of the pants I bought for her are real low.. so low that her underwear would show or even worse... the crack!
It is bad enough that she is growing up so fast that I cant seem to keep up, but the clothes that are out there are making the process of growing up go faster.
I understand that fashion evolves and how a 2 piece bathing suit looks adorable on a baby.. But the 2 piece skimpy suit on a 10 year old is just plain scary!
Am I just being an old bag of a mom or would you agree that the clothes for kids now a days is a bit too revealing??

Thank you Nikki for the great idea!

by jani

Fashionable: To Be or Not To Be

I’ve lived in New England for a few years now and I only recently found out that every year a town in MA holds a Renaissance festival know as King Richard’s Faire. I’ve always been fascinated with ancient civilizations and cultures and sometimes feel like an old soul in a new world. One of the most interesting aspects about the old days is the fashion.

For example, during the renaissance period men wore elegant vests with wide padded shoulders, silk slacks, shiny black shoes and a wide hat to form a ‘square look’. Women's clothing went from three pieces (underskirt, bodice and robe) to one piece and then back to five or more pieces (skirt, underskirt, bodice, vest, hoop and collar). The clothing was made of rich fabrics such as silk and velvet; often used to express one’s status in society.

Obviously such clothing would be highly impractical to both sexes today but it made me wonder how much of an influence this era had on fashion and if there were any traces of it left today. The closest ‘renaissance-like’ item of clothing that I could find on our website was this Paisley Peasant top. What do you think?

By keNzo

Fashion Do's and Don'ts

As you saw from my last post I am scarf challenged. Let’s just admit it, I am pretty much fashion challenged! So writing for this blog has been, you guessed it, a challenge. I don’t think I am the only one either, judging by the amount of fashion advice and blogs out there. Growing up you learned certain fashion rules that you lived by and never went against. When you are not the most fashion conscious person out there, having these rules are helpful guidelines. At least I knew what not to do, yeah for me! Somewhere along the line, the few things I did know about fashion have all changed and are now trendy. Here are a few rules that have been reversed.

Plaids seem to be everywhere now. A long time ago, the rule was that you should never mix different prints in the same outfit. Well apparently it is now okay to mix prints and patterns if the colors compliment each other. This look tends to make me think of Bozo the clown, but then again I am fashion challenged.

The old rule of thumb was that you should not wear both gold and silver together. This is no longer true. The latest trend is to layer necklaces and stack bangles and rings and mixing the two metals.

If you have put on a couple of extra pounds typically you would think to hide behind shapeless clothing. This only makes your whole body look bigger. Instead emphasize your assets and hide your flaws. Streamlined jackets and bootcut pants can help. Now this doesn’t give you the okay to stuff yourself into your clothes, use good judgment. Spend a little more on a few items that fit you really well rather than going for quantity. If something fits me well I am more confident.

Do you remember the old saying “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” This color has even become trendy on the cooler months, just avoid lightweight fabrics and bright whites. Off whites work well.

Here is one I rule I’m glad has changed, matching your shoes to your bag. Go ahead and mix it up with so many interesting textures, patterns and colors to choose from. Accessories have become a great way to show off your personality.

Here’s one that always confused me, never pair black with brown. I never thought this looked bad, so I guess I am finally on trend with this one. Black and brown is the new black and white.

Well now that all the rules have been broken I better get shopping and update my closet! If you are still not sure what is trendy, stop by metrostyle.com for all the latest fashions at a real steal!

by Izzy