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Boyfriend blazer fashion trend: how to wear it

The boyfriend blazer has yet to reach the same levels of popularity as the two fashion trends which influenced it: boyfriend jeaand the boyfriend shirt. Which, for it, is a good thing. While the boyfriend shirt and denim trends have reached commonality and, thus, aren't considered trends anymore, the boyfriend blazer has found new sophistication and will be with us as a part of 2010 fashion trends. In particular, we'll see it amongst Spring 2010 fashion trends.

Who has designed them?

While you're best off trawling vintage stores for a truly unique boyfriend blazer, the look has featured among several of the Spring 2010 catwalks. These include Araks, Charlotte Ronson, Cynthia Rowley, Boy by Band of Outsiders (one look is pictured above), and Elie Tahari.

For picture inspiration, follow that link.

How to wear a boyfriend blazer

There are two, simple rules for wearing the boyfriend blazer.

Make it oversized

Any boyfriend fashion trend is about wearing clothing that looks a size too big for you, hence, as if you've borrowed it from your boyfriend. It's no different with the boyfriend blazer fashion trend here. The key is to only go up one size; it shouldn't swallow you. Look to have the jacket's shoulders coming no more than an inch and a half away from your own, perfect for accented shoulders.

Roll up your sleeves

No, this isn't a recommendation to get to work but rather the crucial element of the boyfriend blazer trend. Rolling or pushing up the sleeves on the blazer goes to balance out the look by implying that the sleeves would otherwise be too long for your arms; also exposing the wrists to make the look more feminine.

Trend Updates

Miranda Kerr in a boyfriend blazer

Rihanna in a boyfriend blazer

Patched jeans: denim fashion trend

Here's a conundrum for you: what does a fashioniser do to keep up with denim trends given that ripped jeans may leave them chilly throughout Autumn 2009 / Fall 2009 and shan't again be practical until Spring 2010? Simple. Patch them. Or, even simpler, follow the lead of the fashion forwards and invest in a pair of pre-patched jeans.

Definitely a trend that is still in the phase of being a 'micro-trend' I expect that the popularity of patched denim will grow on the streets (see more below) long before it becomes a commonality in retail stores. Indeed the look was in sparse supply on the Spring 2010 catwalks though, courtesy of Karl Largerfeld, Chanel patched jeans were to be seen.

Chanel patched jeans from Chanel Spring 2010

Off the streets, however, it's been a different story: from the subtlest of detailing to all-over patchwork we've collated many of the patched denim street style looks below. Click on the pictures below for full gallery of patched jeans inspiration.

Ripped Denim: fashion trend 2009, 2010

Ripped denim hasn't really been big since the grunge days of the 90s... so it may come as a surprise that it is back as a fashion trend for women in Spring-Summer 2008. Kate Moss wore ripped denim shorts in a shoot for April 2008's Vogue Paris, and then we spotted these shots of Gisele Bundchen on set with Mario Testino in a rather revealing torn denim outfit.

On the runways, Christopher Kane's Spring/Summer 2008 collection brought faded and torn skinny jeans back onto the agenda. Maison Martin Margiela's collection was also littered with shredded up denim pieces (below, right) that took ripped denim to the extreme.

From jeans to skirts to shorts, torn denim is also being embraced by certain members of the celebrity world, including Lily Allen and Lindsay Lohan, below.

So how does the 2008 take on ripped jeans differ from its past incarnations? The short answer is, it doesn't really. Well not much anyway - it's more about how it's worn than the pieces themselves. Unlike from the rebellious heavy metal torn denim of the 80s, or the loose grungy jeans of the 90s, the 08-09 ripped denim trend is all about being sexy and revealing. So will you be wearing ripped denim this year?

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Basics of Vintage Shopping

Buying Vintage as a Fashion Statement

Vintage clothing is an investment that should be considered by anyone who appreciates fashion statements and time-defying trends.

Many shoppers new to vintage cannot tell the difference between antique and retro, and they raise their eyebrows at the price tag and wonder why something used should cost more than the latest trend. Understanding what vintage clothing is, appreciating how timelessly its appeal will last and learning how to properly seek out genuine vintage pieces are essential to shopping for vintage.

Definition of Vintage Clothing
The term "vintage" refers to any clothing – high-end, designer label or otherwise – made between the 1920s and the 1980s. Vintage clothing is not to be confused with retro clothing or antiques, as the former usually denotes items from the '60s to the '70s, while the latter alludes to collectibles that shouldn't be worn but rather kept for one's pleasure.

Wearing Vintage Today
Vintage items add an instant glam factor to any outfit. Be it a tunic from the '70s or a cloche from the '20s, vintage pieces catch the eye by epitomizing style. Many feel deterred by the high price tag on what might be considered second-hand clothing, but understanding that vintage is an investment like art may help budget-conscious shoppers to make the choice. While shopping for vintage is often just as costly as shopping for contemporary fashion, the value of the items lies in quality that's passed the tests of time and trends.

Amateur Vintage Shopping
There are hundreds of details to watch out for, little things like initials on the zipper, the length of the sleeve or even the care labeling. Novice shoppers may benefit by learning about the types of cut, materials, labelling and stitching used between the '20s and the '80s, as this can help narrow down the time period in which the clothing was made.

Putting Together an Outfit with a Vintage Accent
Vintage pieces are fashion statements on their own that shouldn't overwhelm the ensemble. It is best to pick out one or two items and mix them with more contemporary clothing. Vintage accessories are best left to stand out by themselves; likewise, vintage shoes are best paired with subtle outfits that allow the shoes to attract all the attention.

Sex And The City 2

Filming for the Sex And The City 2 film has seen our four favourite Manhattanites back on the streets of the Big Apple giving die-hard fans and keen style-watchers plenty of fresh fashion action.

Patricia Field is back on board, making sure that the clothes play almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen in pieces from the new Halston Heritage collection, Chanel (of course), Manolo Blahnik shoes (naturally), some über-glamorous shades from MYKITA - and we hear a chunk of Holly Fulton's new collection has been requested for the film.

So far we've seen hilariously-costumed Eighties flashbacks, a Moroccan location shoot and - something we thought we'd never see - Kim Cattrall as Samantha in a wedding dress. And, with news this week that SJP - along with Anna Wintour - is to be appointed toBarack Obama's arts and humanities committee, there's never been more reason to keep a close eye on what she's wearing on - and off - set.

Here, we spotlight what's happening, style-wise, on the Sex And The City 2 set.

SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SET HERE

Click to see full gallery

Sarah Jessica Parker ©PA Photos

RELATED FEATURES Filming for the Sex And The City 2 film has seen our four favourite Manhattanites back on the streets of the Big Apple giving die-hard fans and keen style-watchers plenty of fresh fashion action. Patricia Field is back on board, making sure that the clothes play almost as big a role as Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha and Miranda. Sarah Jessica Parker has been seen in pieces from the new Halston Heritage collection, Chanel (of course), Manolo Blahnik shoes (naturally), some über-glamorous shades from MYKITA - and we hear a chunk of Holly Fulton's new collection has been requested for the film. So far we've seen hilariously-costumed Eighties flashbacks, a Moroccan location shoot and - something we thought we'd never see - Kim Cattrall as Samantha in a wedding dress. And, with news this week that SJP - along with Anna Wintour - is to be appointed toBarack Obama's arts and humanities committee, there's never been more reason to keep a close eye on what she's wearing on - and off -SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE SET HERE

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Horrigic Fashion Mistakes

The Tent Dress

For a a few hundred years, dresses were designed to flatter the body until someone decided to screw it all up with something called a “Tent Dress.” This dress only works if you’re a cute three-year-old toddler—or Angelina Jolie.

Scarry Furry boots

I mean do I actually need to say anything about these?

These were actually on the catwalk at some point!

They do absolutely nothing for you, you look like something out of Monster Munch I surely even if they were nice just get ruined when you wear them. I guess the only positive I can think of right now is that they keep your feet warm but then what were slippers or Uggs invented for

Inappropriate Clothes

This woman is normal weight, but her tight jeans are creating a major “muffin top”. The guy doesn’t look too hot either, with his cropped pants and socks.

Common Fashion Mistakes

1. Your clothes don't fit correctly.

Wearing loose clothes will add weight to anyone. Clothes that are too small accentuate bulges and will make you look comical. Never buy anything thinking that it will be "just right" if you lose weight. Buy for the present and in relation to your clothes size today.

2. Fashion trends that don't suit you.

Don't try to follow trends that don't suit you. Don't forget about your age and figure and only wear what looks good on you.There is nothing worse than seeing someone follow fashion for the sake of it. Face reality, if short skirts are in and you haven't got the legs for it then don't do it!There are plenty of fashionable looks out there and all you need to do is to find the ones that are best for you

3. Showing bra & panty lines.

Wear proper fitting underclothes under your clothing. If they do fit you correctly and you can still see lines, then your clothing is too tight. Keep your bra straps properly adjusted so they're not hanging out. If your jeans and trousers are low-rise, your panties should be too. I know some times it cant be helped but showing your thong just looks cheap

4. Wearing skirts that are to short.

Avoid this mistake at any cost! Make sure you can sit, walk and dance without exposing underclothes.

5. Wearing wrinkled clothes.

I know it can be a very dull job but trust me the results are worth it. Creased clothes look cheap and will devalue any outfit - no matter how much it cost!

Vintage Treasure - AAAmazing vintage blazer!!!

Came across these pictures with this vintage blazer I brought in the UK from a charity shop - £10 Austin Reed!!!

Urban Fashion for Ladies

Urban fashion for ladies, like that of haute couture, changes with the seasons. However, there are some mainstays that one can count on in order to look fashionable, no matter the date on the calendar!

Urban Fashion for Ladies Explained

So what makes urban fashion for ladies so different from the fashion we see paraded up and down the catwalks in Paris and Milan? Well, what truly makes "urban" fashion different is that this style of dress tends to reflect the melting pot of ethnicities thatmake up the urban landscape.

For example, the spring season of a Milan fashion show may showcase a particular fabric like toile, or feature a particular print, like florals, that the grand dames of Vogue declare, well, in vogue! And while we may see a trickle-down effect of this particular trend in fabric, more often than not, fashion works the "other way around. That is, urban culture influences the fashion houses of France and Italy.

Embracing the Urban Fashion Lifestyle

In order to correctly embrace the urban fashion look, one needs to understand what exactly makes a look "urban". Consider the following guidelines:

• The look should be "edgy".
• It should be slightly ethnic.
• The look should be bold, but functional.
• Make the Look Edgy

If urban fashion is a style of dress that appeals to you, but you are unsure how to wear it, adhere to the following. Let’s say that a women’s business suit is your normal style of dress, and while you are very comfortable with the look, you fear that it’s become boring.

Spice this look up by pairing the suit with high heeled boots, a large, eye-catching belt, or by ditching the jacket of the suit and wearing a sweater (or a sweater set) with it instead. Any kind of hardware, or anything that makes the look stand out, will make it more urban-looking.

Make It Ethnic

The second ingredient in urban fashion for ladies is adding an "ethnic" element. That’s because urban areas usually have a healthy size immigrant and/or ethnic population, and these different cultures, and their respective styles of dress, slowly but surely weave themselves into the overall fashion palette.

There are a few different ways to incorporate this element into your everyday dress. One way that this can be done is by wearing several necklaces, of varying length, at the same time. Large earrings are also considered very urban. Other ethnic pieces to consider are peasant style blouses or clothes done in an "ethnic print."

Bold But Functional Looks

A bold look means wearing a piece of clothing, or an accessory, that is as eye-catching as it is functional. This is where knee high black boots and large colorful totes come in handy. The boots can be low-heeled, and not only do they look fantastic with just about any outfit, but they also keep you warm during the colder months. Large totes or purses work in much the same way; they can hold everything from water bottles to paperwork, but they look fashionable while doing it!

Wardrobe Mainstays

Some urban fashion looks are here to stay. Filling your wardrobe with any and all of these key pieces can keep you looking fashion forward for years to come. They’ll also look great no matter the urban setting:

• A fashionable wool coat
• Boots (either ankle length or knee length)
• Skinny Jeans
• Ballet Flats
• A black cardigan
• A fiercely designed belt
• Pencil-thin skirts
• A tweed or corduroy blazer
• Eye-catching jewelry
• Pumps or stilettos in a look-at-me color

BEST OF THE WEEK

Black and White....

Who said black and white had to be dull!

Simple but effective

In or Out?

Oh What a night

This top is just a large scarf. I tied it at the back and pulled it low under my skirt so you couldn't see where I had tied it and then I tied it up round my neck as a halter neck

Keep Eyeshadow in Place for Hours?

I hate the way eyeshadow wears out by the end of the day, all of it sliding into the crease of the eye leaving you looking like you've taken to lining the middle of your lid with goop. I figured there wasn't much you could do about it until I went to the M.A.C. counter and had a makeover a couple years ago. It was there I was turned on to M.A.C.'s 'Paints' collection.

The pearlized texture stays put all day and into the night and I'm convinced it wouldn't leave your lid for weeks if you didn't take makeup remover to it. You spread it on your lid then top it with your eyeshadow and Voila! your good to go for days.

BEST OF THE WEEK

Tips on Vintage Shopping

Whether or not you think vintage items are nothing more than used clothes, there's no doubt that vintage fashion is hot. All you have to do is keep your eyes open and you can get one-of-a-kind clothing at bargain-basement prices - but where do you shop? Where can you go for the best deals? Read on for some cool tips on vintage shopping.

Vintage Shopping - Do Your Research

Most peeps buy their clothes at malls and department stores, but prices can get sky-high and styles tend to look the same. So if you're looking for a unique pair of cowboy boots or some antique jewelry - but don't want to break the bank - you can find some of the best stuff at thrift stores. Chances are, the vintage styles will be cooler and funkier, and you'll only have to pay a handful of dollars! Before you head down to your local thrift shop, look around and do some online research (the internet auction site,eBay, is a great source of vintage clothes and accessories) to find out how muchothers are charging for the items you're looking for.

Vintage Shopping - Preparing for Your Shopping Trip

Don't expect to whip through the store in five minutes and score an amazing vintage find. Sure, it can happen, but you'll more likely have to spend a lot of timescouring the racks and bins. So grab your comfiest shoes and plan a day around your shopping trip.

Vintage tends to fit small, so try everything on.

Inspect it before you buy it! Be on the lookout for any stains, rips or holes cuz you can get a discount if it's damaged.

Ask for help and get to know the sales staff - that way, they'll tell you when new stock arrives and keep an eye out for anything specific that you're looking for.

Vintage Shopping - Items to Look for This Season!

Cowboy boots

Moccassins

Vintage T-shirts

Wooden jewelry

Leather '70s purses

Vintage Shopping - Where to Go

Thrift Stores - Value Village and Salvation Army

Pros - Huge selection of clothes, shoes, bags and jewelry that are in good condition.

Cons - Fixed prices (you might be able to get a small discount if the merchandise is badly damaged).

Vintage Boutiques

Pros - Vintage stores have already done the picking for you, so you won't have to spend as much time looking for stuff in good condition. Getting to know the sales staff can help you score sweet deals!

Cons - Prices are a lot higher than at a thrift store or garage sale.

Flea Markets and Garage Sales

Pros - You can bargain, bargain, bargain!

Cons - Merchandise could have stains, torn seams and moth holes. You can't expect to find cool things everytime you go.