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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