Trendy Turtlenecks for Fall

It could be the cold weather, or it could be inspiration from Steve Job's go-to look — whatever it is, turtlenecks have been gracing the runways left and right. From Altuzarra, to Opening Ceremony, to Rachel Comey, the trend that has long since remained questionable seems to have found it's new chic counterpart.

Silhouettes range from chunky to slim fit, and designers are making sure to give their turtlenecks a modern twist — to keep you from looking too Urkel.

See a couple more looks after the jump, and find the look that's best for you!

NEVERMIND the Rest, Grunge is Back in a Big Way

Just in time for the 20th Anniversary of the release of Nirvana's Nevermind, which just re-released in deluxe edition -- it seems that the grunge trend is coming back in a big way. Other than the irony of "grunge" also being "haute couture", the beauty of it really is being able to explore the trend at any budget.

Layers and layers of plaid, lace (dresses mostly), ripped up jeans (both pants, jackets, and everything in between), and clunky footwear make up this anti-establishment trend. While in the past the trend has focused on put on as much as possibly in any manner, this time it's making comeback in the mixing of extremes (think masculine/feminine, expensive/cheap, etc.). So, now's the time to throw on your Chuck Taylors with your favorite girly dress, and most masculine jacket and voila!

Text Corinna Fabre

Image LAMB

Ready For Red: The Perfect Hue For Fall

It's hard not to think about a fall wardrobe with the current weather conditions. However, no need to fret because there are some really awesome fall trends to research while cooped up indoors and one of them happens to be the hot hue that dominated the runways this last spring; ginger spice red!

Seen on the runways of Karen Walker, Rodarte, Max Azria, and Paul Gurung the spicy hue made a serious statement and pumped up the atmosphere of the collections. Inspired by fall leaves, designers created monochromatic pant looks, flirty sweater dresses, and romantic evening gowns with the hot hue. The color is perfect for the cold weather in that it not only instantly makes an outfit stand out, but it always add a bit of warmth to any cold day.

I kind of can't wait for fall now, can you?

Text Lauryn Stone

Source(s): Style.com

New Trend to Fill Your Post Christmas Shopping

(Eugenie Dalland showing her easy-chic styling of the tailored look, jacket by May Kosaka)

Each year as the fashion seasons come and go, so to the trends that explode onto the front stage with astonishing power. A teacher of mine best described a trend as something that appears absurd in the beginning but slowly takes hold as the days past; something you first see in disbelief and refuse to believe you would ever wear, but slowly creeps into your world until you wake up one morning and all of a sudden, you are one of the masses. Everyone has fallen trap to it, hell…a few days ago I caught myself wearing leggings with an over sized shirt just short enough to make the leggings function as pants, something I vowed never to do (and will still fight even myself on). This season is no different with styles emerging that leave everyone wonder….how WOULD I wear that?

The newer trends that are emerging range everywhere from vibrant fluorescent prints (ala Prada), dark leather bondage (ala Givenchy masks…in fact I saw this one on a blog’s gift guide…go figure…give the gift of gags for Christmas…), and lots of structure with a little bit of a harder edge (this strong suiting and tailored looks ala Celine). So, with Christmas past, and shopping for yourself back to the guilt free zone, how will you be bringing these out-there trends into your wardrobe for the New Year? Myself…I think I’ll try a little bit of all of them!

Text by Corinna Fabre

Pretty Florals Make the Transition to Fall

Although I am in deep denial about this fact, sadly it is no less true: summer is quickly drawing to a close. I didn’t want to have to tell you that in case some of you were in deeper denial than even I, but I think it was time to rip off the band-aid. Soon our tans will fade and these wonderfully balmy nights will be but a distant memory. Most of our summer wardrobe will go into hibernation to make room for new fall and winter must haves and the weather will turn crisp and cool. Despite all this bad news though, we can rest assured that at the very least our flirty floral dresses will survive the seasonal shift. At Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2010 RTW runway show, black tops under floral dresses added both warmth and edge to a favorite summer staple. Be careful though, use of a turtleneck for this look has the potential to end up looking more dowdy and less chic.

Text Jessica Best

Look Great in Gloves

Leather gloves never fail to fall out of the fashion world, especially when colder times are near. As we head into fall, we get comfortable in front of fires, we wrap up warm, and most importantly we choose to stroll out in a pair of fabulous gloves.

You can be picky with your desire to wear the latest must have item, gloves. Choose from different lengths, fingerless, tight, loose, leather, suede, lace, velvet, satin and not to forget the classic, knitted gloves. Yup, the selection is endless, there is literally a pair of gloves to suit everyone!

The great thing about this trend is it doesn't have to be too expensive, shop around, find something for a good value that suits you. Believe it or not, gloves can actually make an outfit. Search your favourite stores and boutiques to find your perfect pair of gloves! Our favourite picks are; Sexy lace gloves, these will lead you perfectly into fall and when the colder weather strikes go for the funky biker chick leather look.

Text Laura Woodbury-Smith

Over Gaga

When I sat down to write this post I was flirting with the idea of discussing one of fall’s biggest trends: camel. Then I came across this picture and decided that I couldn’t comfortably ignore it. My apologies to those of you who would have preferred to read a post about taupe colored accessories. This image, taken at Lollapalooza, pretty much sums up the feelings I have been nursing for Lady Gaga as of late. In classic passive aggressive fashion, however, I have been biting my tongue only to reveal my true feelings later in a less composed manner, like that time sophomore year when I fumed for a good forty five minutes before snapping at my roommate for spring cleaning at 4 o’clock in the morning. Although I was completely on board when she made her pant-less debut and believe that she is truly a phenomenal entertainer, Gaga’s usual antics have recently become meaningless and dare I say, trite. The theatrics, that until lately showcased her confidence and individuality, now reek of attention-seeking fame whore. In my opinion this outfit looks less chart topping diva and more hot mess. What do you think? Do you love or hate the fishnet body stocking?

Text Jessica Best

Material World

Although I usually have a problem with celebrity designed clothing lines (see: Open Letter to Justin Timberlake), I actually kind of like Madonna and Lourdes’ newly launched line for Macy’s. The collection, unoriginal but aptly named Material Girl, is both cute and edgy and if I were starting my freshman year of high school in the fall I’d be all over it. Since I am actually 23 and have no desire to relive that part of my life, however, (see: brutally long awkward stage), I’ll probably just sit this one out. What I do have a problem with, though, is Taylor Momsen as the face of the line. While I will admit that she looks way less trashy and miserable than usual in the collection’s ad campaign, I cannot condone this charade. The angsty 16 year old often graces the stage of her band’s gigs in ripped thigh highs, black eyeliner, and little else; and though I understand the mother-daughter team’s desire to properly showcase the brand’s cheekiness, I don’t think their choice jibes with the line’s largely wholesome image. I do, however, happen to think that Lourdes’ style choices are both fierce and unexpected and while it may have been a tad narcissistic, she would have been the perfect spokes model.

Text Jessica Best

Tweed

If I’m being perfectly honest, and I always am with you, tweed has rarely entered my consciousness when making significant style decisions. Or to be more precise, it has, on occasion, wormed its way into my psyche, only to be violently expelled with the imaginary fly swatter I often use to dismiss particularly unpleasant thoughts. There is just something about the fabric that makes me feel as if I should be sitting in a study, with a bookcase in the background, wearing glasses and smoking a pipe while enjoying Masterpiece Theater. To be fair, however, while perusing Rag & Bone’s Fall 2010 RTW collection online, I was surprisingly intrigued. There is something mischievous about the typically edgy brand’s overpowering use of the material. Instead of reminding me of a cranky old Englishman, the vibe I was getting, probably as a result of the cape and knee socks, was more vampy English schoolgirl—a look I would be more than happy to don. I may therefore begrudgingly revise my opinion of tweed in order to include the fabric in my fall wardrobe.

By Jessica Best

Fall into Change

Unfortunately, summer DOES have to come to an end - brisk weather will roll around, leaves will begin to change and school doors will re-open. However, fall does have a positive meaning: a fresh start. If you're like me, I want to take a risk with my wardrobe this season and give it a little attitude and edge.

As I was browsing for new designers, I noticed a majority of collections were predictable. Most stuck to military jackets, ruffles and fur in the fall color scheme, but I wanted to make a slight turn into something different. This is when I discovered Finn, a relatively new design house from Canada.

Montreal siblings Vicky Kelechian and Raffi Kelechian created a 2010-2011 Fall/Winter collection that fills my fashion appetite for the upcoming season. Finn is a brand motivated by pop culture, taking inspiration from movements in music, art, and design. If you’re that indie hipster or someone, like me, who wants to take a risk with style, then you have to check out these youthful and bold designs. The fall collection is a mix of “Brit rockers and jaded ballerinas that constantly break all the rules.” Finn's clothes will make you feel as if you’re about to - as they say - “awaken a spirit of rebellion.” What I like most about the collection is it shows a little shoulder and leg, even when the summer months have passed. The clothes have a strong use of typography and versatility that will be easy to mix/match day or night looks. So, if you're rebellious enough to fit into change, then you will FALL in love with the new designs from Finn ... after all you are reading CHAOS.

By: Jessica Moy

Shearling on the runway?

Spotted on the runway, shearling. If you were taking a bit of a liking to this tread you can rest assure you're not the only one. The fuzz is popping up everywhere, shoes, skirts, handbags, and of course coats. This is just a heads up too by the way! If we skip forward to fall/winter; expect to see a lot of shearling on the streets of New York City when the temp starts to drop. However, if you can't wait till the snow starts falling then you can jump on this tread in the accessory department. Pick up Prada's detachable collar that can be slipped into your wardrobe quickly. Otherwise, tough it out and save up till fall for some key winter must haves.

To the right shows a little peep of shearling, which I prefer. Keep it calm; this one could possibly go overboard. Who really wants to wear a full on sheep? Yikes.

Model wears Pollini's shearling skirts.

Boyfriend Blazers

There’s always something sexy about a woman wearing men’s shirts or jackets.

This season we’ve already been through the boyfriend jeans so bring on the blazers. The boyfriend blazer is perfect for dressing up jeans and a t-shirt and it adds a flirty tom boy flare to a girly outfit.

Look inside the sleeves! It’s always fun to have the inside lining of the jacket with a design like stripes or a bright color. That way if you roll the sleeves up a bit you have a different look. With the cold on its way this is definitely a MUST have item.

-Jennifer Nikolevski

The Beauty of a Draped Rose

Bags with floral applique are really in these days. I know most of you have probably already picked out your fall bag but I would suggest adding another into your mix.

I recently bought a black bag with a gorgeous draped rose taking over the front of the bag and I receive compliments on it all the time.

A draped rose bag, like the one featured above by Valentino, makes any outfit more feminine and sophisticated. This purse can be worn with any outfit. This bag resembles something from a different era. It looks like it was plucked right out of the 1920's but it still fits perfectly in today's society. It is a gracefully styled purse and is a piece that is timeless, twenty years from now this purse will still be in style.

If you're still shopping around for the perfect fall bag, do yourself a favour and seek out a draped rose purse, you will be the envy of all your friends.

-Erin Jones

Slither Into Fall

I don't know about everyone else but I am starting to notice that snakeskin is becoming the must have pattern for fall.

Now I'm not too sure how I feel about an all snakeskin dress or pants but I am definitely being drawn toward the shoes and bags.

Snakeskin is very classic. It has a great sleek look to it and it's a piece that never goes out of style. Snakeskin gives off a vibe of elegance and chicness. You are always safe with a snakeskin in black, gray or navy.

If you want to be a little more daring then you can always try a snakeskin print in hot pink or yellow. But if your going to do that make the print the focus of your outfit. I would suggest sticking with a shoe or a purse in a wild color.

-Erin Jones

Introducing Paisley

It seems this season's trends are all over the map, ranging from ultra-edgy and futuristic to decadently gorgeous '40's. This upcoming season is all about expressing yourself in different personalities or generations and I think it's going to be a great season.

Okay so I've covered many trends from biker chick to military solider but I have to introduce something new to the mix. The idea of a paisley print. While you're trying on your leather pants or structured military jacket throw in a paisley print to make it a little more feminine. Get in touch with your inner hippie. With its swiry patterns and folk art detailing it adds a little character to your fall wardrobe.

If your not too keen on the print and don't want it to over power your outfit, look for a scarf or a bracelet with the paisley inspired print. It doesn't have to be the focus of the outfit. But it certainly is a great accent piece.

-Erin Jones

Standing at Attention

ATTENTION! I hate to interrupt you from the planning of your fall wardrobe but there is one more trend you should consider before you start shopping.

It seems that for fall a girl can have multiple personalities. She can be the punk rock princess, the biker chick and now she can also be on the defense with this years military inspired trend.

The almighty military jacket is embroidered with gold detailing and ornate trims. These jackets all fall at any length from your waist to your knee. They can easily be paired with leggings or skinny pants or for a softer look it can be paired with a full skirt.

When out searching for the perfect military jacket look for a jacket with a high-stand collar and a strong uniform style, choose one in either navy blue, black or red. There are going to be various amounts of jackets with different detailing and fits, and if you're going to venture in to the military jacket you have to go all the way. Choose the jacket that is double breasted or the jacket with the officer style with brass-buttoned sleeves.

Fall is all about bringing out the different personalities that are hiding inside of you. Fall is for all the girls who ever thought "I wonder what it would be like to be in the military or to ride a motorcycle." Now you get to find out!

- Erin Jones

Leave Your Parachute at Home

While we are on the subject of pants I'd thought I should bring up another trend that is not so chic as the one previously reported on (see below). I'm talking about parachute pants (or, harem pants as they've now been dubbed) that graced the runway last year and are now infiltrating the streets of New York. If they haven't already, they may be coming to a city near you...

These poufy, un-flattering, MC Hammer meets Cher trousers do not look good. On anyone. Period.

Of course, here at Chaos we are all about the reader taking fashion risks, developing a unique personal style, and having fun building his or her wardrobe. But parachute/harem pants should not be part of that wardrobe unless they are your back-up Halloween outfit.

So please, please, if you are at H&M, TopShop, Zara or, god forbid, a designer's store that sells them for beaucoup de l'argent (I won't name the perpetrators) , re-assess your purchase before you wind up stumbling down the street in a diaper-like ensemble.

Stick with jeans.

Designing Down: Everyone's Doing It

Both H&M and Target have recruited famous designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, Siegerson Morrison and the like but now Japanese budget fashion chain, Uniqlo, is getting into the mix. Jil Sander, the German designer famous for her minimalist designs, will be first up to craft a collection for the store.

Doing well in a less than ideal retail climate, Uniqlo will offer a Fall/Winter collection from Sander that will stay in line with their famous $30 jeans and $15 parkas.

Sounds like a smart business model. With stores like Saks and Barney's struggling to sell top labels, it only makes sense to let the masses finally get their hands on some affordable garments.

Even though it's barely Spring, we're looking forward to next season!

Black Rats Leggings!

Sass & Bide, oh how we love thee! Remember these shinny ruched leggings that hit the runway in their Fall 2008 show? They were not even supposed to be released to the public but caused such a frenzy, from New York to Australia they started production.  Hey, I guess when you want something bad enough all you have to do is demand it! That is just what the public did and how nice of Sass & Bide to listen. These leggings are a must have, and let me tell you, SUPER hard to track down. They sell out just as fast as they stock them.  Despite their intentions, Sass & Bide struck gold with their "Rats Leggings". Yep, that is what they're called, after all they look a little rat tail-ish. They definitely turned out to be quite the hot commodity. These rad leggings will set you back about $145, a little more than your regular legging, but hey, all your friends will definitely be jealous. 

Peace <3

source:   My Catwalk

Mad For Plaid

There's a reason plaid rhymes with rad. Every designer seems to have gone mad for plaid this season. Why? Well, I'm not sure but, isn't it always a little sexy to see a guy chopping wood in a flannel jacket? Whoa, okay, seriously, no pun intended. Bottom line, plaid is rad! I guess you never thought the whole lumber jack style would ever be "of fashion" but hey, times are changing. The Paul Bunion look is definitely in, I've seen the boys sporting the plaid shirt look, and I'm not going to lie, I like it. Keep rocking it boys, even go a little crazy and get some plaid pants, just don't lose your mind and wear them with the plaid flannel. A little plaid goes a long way, choose your pieces wisely.

Peace & Love,

CHAOS Magazine

Image: Marcio Madeira

Designer: Marc by Marc Jacobs