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AmyYoungblood

What’s New for Fall 2017!

Bye, bye Summer 2017 and Labor Day.  Fall is officially upon us!

Well their are a lot of continuing trends from summer in to fall such as off the shoulder and cold shoulder tops to ruffles,  their are even more new ones to embrace.

Here are my favorite top finds for the Fall Fashion Season!

  1. Glitter and embroidery.  From boots to tops and jeans embellishing these items is no longer considered “gaudy” or too much.  It’s simply part of the mix and match look.
  2. 70″s style plaids.  Not just your husband’s “lumber jack”  shirt but an updated retro classic combined with other elements such as ruffles, looks hip yet relaxed.
  3. Victorian collars.  The more ruffles and height the better.  pair with skinny jeans for a sleek look below and it works for day or night!
  4. Velvet and more velvet.  Not just in a dress, but a jacket or even pants.  Pair with glitter or embroidery for an even more funky,  unique look.

 

Check these out:

This embroidered plaid top by Johnny Was is perfect for a mid layer football game!
These suede platform booties by Gucci combine a multi-colored glitter heal with their latest pearl bee adornment. Very fun, yet could be mixed with a lot of outfits.
Ok, yes me, Amy Youngblood, in a See by Chloe Victorian style top. So what if my 12 year old thinks it looks dated. It’s not right now! Love the dark red buttons too!
A Cinq a Sept arm ruffle sweater with embroidered jeans. Again, the ruffles are still in. Just love the different twist on it.
A new purchase of mine by Cinq a Sept again! These mauve (yes mauve!) comfy velvet pants have a great adornment down the sides..fringe!

 

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Wine and Dine!

Well no other color stands out to me more this 2017 Fall season than deep, rich red.  Call it wine, berry or even maroon,  this color is the perfect transition to a cozy look for cooler temperatures.  Worn in anything from a sweater to a camisole to a nail polish color,  wine is flattering on EVERYONE!

 

Note, a few of my fav’s:

 

Love this mulberry colored Theory dress that I recently wore on the set of Channel 19th. Simple, yet chic and flattering.
This velvet top by Derek Lam 10 Crosby is sexy and makes a great layering piece too.
Ruffles in deep red! These flared and ruffled pants by Salone and zip especially with a simple top.

 

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Colorful Fur Jackets: A Sneak Peak for the Fall!

Similar to Amy Youngblood Interior’s tip for jewel toned velvets in interior design,  rich toned fur and faux fur coats and jackets are big for the fall.

I’m so used to wearing my neutral rabbit fur black jacket or faux fur tan stole for special occasions,  that this is a bit of a deviation for this Cincinnista.  However,  paired with a simple black outfit or coordinating print,  these jewel and patterned fur jackets make a huge statement.

 

Check these examples out…all in different lengths and styles.  Next to come:  Fall Trends in Fashion and Design!

 

This lamb shearling jacket by DVF is already close to selling out. It was my big splurge this fall!
This Faux Fur Iris jacket by Michael Kors is cozy and comes with a a stylish belt. A less expensive alternative to the real thing.
Leave it to Alice and Olivia to push the envelope with a multi-colored chevron faux fur coat. The colors are rich and a pop to any wardrobe!

 

 

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Wine Country: The perfect Cincinnista Get-Away!

So this Cincinnista is finally back after a fabulous 1st Anniversary trip with my husband, Tom.  As Tom’s never actually been to wine country, I thought it was the perfect place for us that he’d appreciate.

 

Everything from the hotel to the food to the topography, and of course the wine was perfect.  A referral from a friend, we stayed in Sonoma at the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa, a place of beauty yet with tons of history and character.  Despite, the long flight to San Francisco,  we were ready for two days of wineries in both Sonoma then Napa.  We selected only those wineries with good reputations and of course hired a driver!  It’s hard to say which was our favorite, but we did love the energy at Wellington, the amazing cabernet at Etude and the incredible view at Stag’s Leap. Not to mention, everyone working at the wineries was incredible nice and passionate about their jobs.  We also lunched at the famous Auberge du Soleil hotel.

 

After the wine tours,  it was time to change gears.  Tom went golfing at the scenic Sonoma Country Club  while I spent and afternoon at the Fairmont’s amazing spa.  The service was impeccable and the interior beautiful. (and we all know how much I care about that!:)  After my services, I sipped sparking wine by the private outdoor pool basking in relaxation.

 

Finally on our last day,  we hung at the lovely pool for a bit then ventured in to the actual town of Sonoma for dinner.  We stopped at an authentic Mexican Restaurant for a yummy, hand made margarita,  then off to the Girl and the Fig for an amazing main course.

 

Overall,  it was hard to leave and I can’t wait to go back.  Thank goodness this Cincinnista stocked up on some good wine that we are still drinking!  Cheers!

Downtown Sonoma. Tons of character. Notice Tom on his phone…I thought this was vacation?
On our way to downtown Sonoma in front of our hotel.
The “quiet” pool outside the spa.
I couldn’t help but photograph this water sculpture inside the spa.
At Stag’s Leap Winery in Napa. A breathtaking view not to mention amazing wine.
The view from the Auberge Du Soleil restaurant. Fabuous.
Lunch and wine tasting at the famous Auberge du Soleil.
Waiting for our driver outside the hotel.
An front view of our hotel, the Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa.
A view of the enchanted grounds from our hotel room.
Tom getting to know wine. Not easy for a beer drinker!

 

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Happy Fourth of July! Here are some of my Fav’s…

While it’s big time sales in summer fashion,  on this special day one question I ask is: “What do I wear?’  As this Cincinnista has a party to attend,  I want to be at least a little festive.  Even if it’s not red, white AND blue.   I plan to wear a ruffle silk top with white shorts…..sorry no blue sandals in my closet.  Wait,  I need to start the hunt for those!?

Well,  forget my hunt for blue sandals,  but here are some of my favorite red, white and blue fashions:

 

Love the color forward direction of these Christian Louboutin sandals.
This jersey dress with ruffles by Gucci is a classic black with red, white and blue ruffle detailing.
These high waisted trousers by Johanna Ortiz are so festive. Just wear with a simple white top!
Again, Gucci leads the pack with these comfy yet fun sneakers.

 

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Fringe and Flared Jeans: What you need to add to your wardrobe

So after many a post about off the shoulder and cold shouldered tops,  it’s time to talk about our lower half.  While enjoying this comfortable 70+ weather, I have pulled out my cropped jeans, and realized I’m missing this great addition to my Cincinnista wardrobe: fringed and flared jeans.

To clarfify I mean fringed and flared cropped jeans,  the perfect transition from summer to fall.  Available in a mix of washes from dark to distressed,  the higher hem shows off your lower leg for gladiator style flats or heals, as well as offers comfort in this summer heat.

Check out these styles I just found!  And it’s not just jeans!

These flared ombre flared jeans by Derek Lam add comfort and style to any outfit.
Just purchased these fringe jeans by Joe’s. Anyways, a “go to” denim designer.
Demin on boots? Why not? These demin studded booties by Jimmy Choo are now 60% off at Neiman Marcus. Hurry!
These denim fringe sandals by Rebecca Minkoff are comfy and hip at the same time

 

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Tickle me Pink! But What Shade?

Well,  it’s no secret, that pink is all the rage this summer season.   From fuchsia to barely nude that almost substitutes for white,  pink is a great way to express a Cincinista’s femininity….especially at our mature age:)

However,  pink can become a quick “no-no”  if you you don’t select the right shade for your coloring.  For example,  a barely there pink can simply drowned out those of us whom are fair,  yet pop on a woman of black or olive skin color.    And speaking of darker skinned women, they win big here as both light and deep pink work for them. As for us lighter Cincinnistas,  a deep fuchsia or coral can make a great contrast for an outfit.    So unless you are a 5’11”, skinny Nicole Kidman on Oscar night,  but I truly believe that one big canvas of nude, just isn’t for us all.

Here are some examples:

Like I said, think fuchsia Trina Turk number looks fabulous with darker skin…..but will still work on the fair or medium toned.
Yes, this dress by Elizabeth and James is really considered pink! Thank God I’m not wearing it….you trip over me on the street!
I love this cold shouldered number I bought by Shoshanna. The deep coral is a unique twist on pink.
Gucci’s always on the cutting edge. However, you gotta really love pink the invest in these footies!

 

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May Flowers: Flower Power or Overkill?

So as an interior designer and Cincinnista,  I appreciate the power of a beautiful floral print.  From elegant drapes to and fabulous blouse,  floral prints are all the rage.

 

However, I honesty believe the flower trend has been over done and has a limited shelf life.  What happened to solids, textures and graphic prints?  While I love the “spring-like” essence of flowers…yes…way behind on planting mine!…..I think the flower rage has become an overkill and is short lived.

 

Does that mean you off the shoulder large scale floral blouse is done next year?  Not necessary.  When done tastefully and paired with more minimal items, florals are fabulous.  It’s also the type of floral prints that matter.  While I know I’m not getting any younger,  I’ve seen some florals that honestly look like antiques…you know something grandma would wear.  And hey, I’m not in the business of looking older…right?

 

Check these looks out and see my comments. Hopefully, that will shed some light to my Cincinnista “How To’s:’

 

So this DVF maxi dress is not only confusing and busy, but way too hot for the summer! Perhaps the bright pick floral fabric would have done better and more flattering with solid black accents.
This floral tip is a hit in my opinion. I actually purchased this from Saks by designer Rebecca Minkoff. Looks great with simple blue or white jeans.
This pattern is a total no-no. The small scale florals look unsophisticated and juvenile. And at this price point with the exposed midriff, not a Cincinnista buy.
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