fashion advice

Alas, all good things come to an end. I just want to extend a big thank you to Nina Garcia for answering all our Fab questions. Hopefully you've found them helpful and insightful. Here's the last batch of answers from the ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge. Enjoy!

How can I look trendy, but still appropriate for my size?

The best way to look trendy but still appropriate is to play up accessories while keeping your wardrobe classic and what looks good on you. Incorporate a colorful statement necklace, like from Tory Burch or J.Crew, or a cocktail ring or decorative cuff to play with trends. Chandelier earrings and a vibrant scarf are also great accents on any shape or size.

Are there any ways to predict a trends longevity?

Trends are often fleeting no matter how long they remain in fashion. But when there is a design or silhouette that favors a broader scope of women that will help ensure a longer presence in fashion.

To see the rest, read more

She's just full of fashion advice for us. If you missed them before, be sure to check out Nina Garcia's tips and insights for dressing fabulous. But it doesn't stop there. The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has more answers to your questions. Without further ado . . .

Can you name some great lesser known brands which might be more affordable but still stylish?

Some favorite lesser known brands that I love are Madewell and Simply Vera by Vera Wang for Kohls. Madewell is a very well priced and terrific look that is well priced and with great pieces that are excellent additions to update your wardrobe. It is similar to J.Crew but younger in spirit and significantly priced less. Simply Vera is unbelievably chic at an almost shamefully low price. The collection is full, including shoes and handbags, classic knits, romantic dresses with charming embroideries. It is really well made and very fashionable without breaking the bank.

We all love a little luxury in our wardrobe but don't always have the means to indulge, that is why I love Uniqlo for their cashmere sweaters. They come in every color of the rainbow and style, all at an affordable price. A little more expensive but worth the splurge is Rugby by Ralph Lauren. Classic American sportswear with a twist, Rugby has an incredible selection of classic peacoats, tweed jackets and varsity sweaters. Not lesser known but a sure thing for both affordability and style are Zara and H&M.

To learn more, read more

Nina is the gift that keeps on giving! The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has been answering all of our burning questions and here are some more! I am finding these answers helpful in many aspects of fashion so I hope you are too.

Why do you think the fashion world is so whitewashed? What will it take for runways and editorials to become more diverse? Do you think it will ever happen?

I do hope that fashion more willingly will embrace diversity. Unfortunately, fashion is going through a phase where there is a particular type and model look that is being cast. Mr. Yves Saint Laurent had a wonderful eye for African American models and they would dominate his runway shows. At ELLE, we are consciencious of our readers and celebrate diversity in our pages-through ethnicity, age, and body type. We were the first magazine to have an African American on the cover — Alek Wek — and just recently shot Miss Universe, Rio Mory, who is from Japan. Fashion is cyclical and I am sure that like any phase, we will evolve from this too.

To read the rest, read more

Ta da! Here's more fashion advice from Fab-favorite Nina Garcia. Seeing as how she's the ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge, we should be all ears to what she has to say. She is doing a blog tour and answering all of our fashion and Project Runway questions. As promised, Nina delivered and here's the second set of Q&As. Enjoy!

I would love to get your thoughts on accessory don'ts. Are there things, trends, etc. that we should not do when accessorizing?

I think It bags are an accessories don't. Season after season women become so enchanted with these of-the-moment fads and spend a great deal of money on a look that has the shelf life of 3–5 months. Instead, I think investing in a classic bag that, historically, has stood the test of time: Louis Vuitton Speedy, Hermes Birkin, Chanel 2.5. Another accessory don't is when women get too excited with their accessories and wear them all at once! Wearing the statement ring, statement necklace, and statement earrings all at once will not make a statement, but look too much. Keep it to two pieces, like a chandelier earring and cuff or a more dramatic necklace and cocktail ring to personalize your look.

To see the rest, read more

The moment we've all been waiting for! Last week I announced that Nina Garcia, ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge, is doing a blog tour and going to answer all of our fashion and Project Runway questions. As promised, Nina delivered and here's the first set of Q&As for all of us to soak up. Nina answered most of your questions so I'm going to reveal them over the next few weeks. Enjoy!

What are the rules for mixing prints? And colors? Can you mix different shades of white in an outfit — such as true-white pants with an ivory coat? Or do they all have to be the same shade of white? As I keep seeing folks mixing bright brown colors with black I have to ask, it is now acceptable to mix these colors?

The rules are there are no rules! Mixing prints can be an intimidating and potentially have disastrous results if not done in a subtle way. I recommend looking at the Dries Van Noten Spring '08 show where he paired various prints together with beautiful results. Mixing solid colors is less daunting and I think that mixing various shades of white is a very modern and chic silhouette. Brown and navy are classic colors that work well with black. Although I still find that women are hesitant to put the dark colors together, I think by combining navy or brown with black softens the look and makes it more modern.

To learn more, read more