For those of you that have been out shopping lately - have you walked into a clothing store and thought you were in the wrong place? Alaska maybe? Wrong! It is hard to believe, with the 100 degree heat - but Fall clothes have arrived! Cashmeres, coats, and wool everywhere! The stores are transforming and believe it or not, there are a lot of gals ready to replenish their sweater drawers.

I am so excited to get into the Fall 2008 trends! Velvet, plaid, boyish suiting, fall florals, ombre, jeweled tones - just to name a few! In the weeks ahead I will go over fashion must-haves for the cooler months ahead. Stay tuned for more! In the meantime - if you ever have any fashion questions never hesitate to post a comment or email me at sara@lyndonsonline.com.

It is hot outside and the best way to cool down your wardrobe, is to own a pair of shorts! This trend comes in all shapes, sizes, and fabrics. Again, making this a trend for everyone. You have the short shorts (also known as hot pants), bermuda shorts, denim shorts, high-waisted shorts, rolled shorts, cocktail shorts, etc etc. With so many to choose from, shorts can be worn for many occasions - day or night.

The shorter shorts are for those that have a more petite figure. I think that wearing a shorter short (especially with a heel) makes any girl look and feel taller. Heels always lengthen your legs. I would put on a shorter short two ways. The first way is to dress up a pair of short shorts with a fitted blouse, possibly tucked in, with a metallic belt, and a sexy pair of heels - you are ready for a night on the town. The second more casual way would be a shorter length denim short, with a flowy blouse untucked and a pair of gladiators (think Nicole Ritchie) - you are ready to walk your dog or go to the park. Here is a tip: if you dare to bare … no bruises, no dimples, and no hair!

Bermuda shorts are best known as walking shorts. It is like wearing a shorter length trouser - cuffed or un-cuffed, just above the knee. I see more and more women wearing bermuda shorts to the office. It is like a summer version of your dress pant. Again, a bermuda short looks just as great with a tank top and a pair of flip-flops.

One of the most popular shorts this summer is the denim short. Denim shorts are seen in all lengths - short, mid-thigh, knee-length, even rolled. This is definitely a more casual, Saturday afternoon look. As for the wash of the denim - you can go light or dark. A darker wash always looks a little more polished, whereas lighter washes dress you down. The high-waisted trend I talked about last week goes hand-in-hand with shorts - especially in denim.

Cocktail shorts were seen all over the”runway” for summer. I stress the word runway for this section of the blog. This is definitely an example of high fashion. A cocktail short is typically shorter than walking shorts, more flowy and made of satin, silk or some other dressy fabric. You will see a lot of celebs on the red carpet trading in their silk dresses for a cocktail short. I think it may be a while before we see this in Kansas!

Below are great examples of the “Short” trend. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. The Dyett Blouse in pink flower print by Diane VonFurstenberg ($185), tucked into the sleek Kat Short by Tory Burch ($195). Accessorized with a necklace by Maria Chavez ($189). A beautiful coral colored blouse by Robert Rodriguez ($255), over the denim Lindsay short by 7 for all Mankind ($154). Accessorized with a necklace by Briana Erin ($425). The white Dustin blouse by Mike and Chris ($240), tucked into the high-waisted, cuffed Vaughn short by Mike and Chris ($180). Accesorized with a necklace by Alexis Bittar ($245). All available at Lyndon’s.

The next trend of the season is High-Waisted clothing. This is one of my favorite trends! There are so many ways to wear this trend. You will see this trend in mostly denim and/or trousers. But another great way to wear a higher waist, is with a skirt or even shorts.

I will start with pants. The number one thing to remember when shopping for the perfect high-waist pant, is a wider leg. A wider hem is a look that works for many silhouettes. The pant should barely touch the ground, only allowing your toes to barely peek out. As for footwear - I personally started wearing high-waist, wide-leg pants with only heels and wedges. I have just recently hemmed a few pairs to flats and love it! Whether it is a flat sandal or ballet flat - it is comfortable but still stylish. As for what to wear on top - a cute fitted tee or a blouse tucked in looks so chic. You can also try a cropped jacket (see below) or a dolman style blouse - just as long as it comes in at the waist.

There are also many different styles of high-waisted skirts. There are high-waisted pencil skirts, which are very fitted to the body. Pencil skirts are usually knee length with a kick pleat in the back and must be worn with high heels!  I am also seeing a lot of flouncier high-waisted skirts. Fitted at the waist, then flowey (think tu-tu with out the tulle). This was a skirt body style that I saw for fall as well. So, if you buy one in black or a darker color, keep it! You will be able to wear it with turtlenecks and opaque tights (see below). As for tops here - again, fitted tee or tucked in blouse.

Below are great examples of the High Waist Trend. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A fitted turtleneck by Lida Baday ($475) tucked into the high-waisted flouncy Lou Lou jacquard skirt by Diane VonFurstenberg ($265). Accessorized with silver coined necklaces by Pyrrah ($209-$289). A cropped member’s only jacket by Mike and Chris ($334) over a ribbed tank by Vince ($42) tucked into the high-waisted Farrah jean by 7 for all Mankind ($205). Accessorized with a necklace by Briana Erin ($209). An ivory tank by Michael Stars ($33) tucked into a floor length high-waisted skirt by Hard Tail Forever ($88). Accessorized with a leather tie waist by Bravo ($139) and necklaces by TAT2 ($475) and Maria Chavez ($209).  A fitted ombre striped blouse by Lida Baday ($465) tucked into a high-waisted trouser by Lida Baday ($720). All available at Lyndon’s.

The next summer trend are “Full Skirt Dresses”. This style of dress was very popular for women in the 1950’s. The full skirt dress has that Italian continental influence that Sophia Loren portrayed. Think of the infamous shot of Marilyn Monroe in her white full skirt dress. Audrey Hepburn also showed off this look in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Full skirt dresses are a look that has been updated and refreshed with an even fuller look. The girl who wears this dress is interested in showing off her shape, because full skirt dresses definitely accentuate the waist line.

When I think of a full skirt dress, I see sleeveless or even strapless, either lots of color or plain black or crisp white, and a hem-line right below the knee (which means heels are a must). This is a conservative and feminine look. I would wear this look to an afternoon lunch with the girls, a bridal or baby shower, or midday shopping with my sister. One key item that goes hand-in-hand with this dress shape is a cardigan. I love being able to throw on a light weight sweater when needed. Full skirt dresses are a look that let’s us be girlie!

Below are great examples of “Full skirt dresses”. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A striped halter full skirt dress with a tie-back waist by Plenty by Tracy Reese ($220). A jade colored puffed sleeve full skirt dress by Plenty by Tracy Reese ($130). A butterfly detailed full skirt dress with a waist tie by Robert Rodriguez ($633). A strapless citrus orange and ivory full skirt dress with waist belt by Plenty by Tracy Reese ($220). A flamingo pink full skirt dress with crochet detail by Plenty by Tracy Reese ($235). All available at Lyndon’s!

Our next trend of the season comes from ancient Greece. It is the “Goddess” trend also known as the “Grecian” trend. This trend can be seen this season in the clothes we wear, as well as our footwear. Key details to look for to achieve this look are one-shoulder silhouettes from mini dresses to floor length (think togas with elegance). Roping and ruching are part of the goddess trend as well. Look for blouses that have roping around the neck or cuffs (see picture below). Ruching is when the fabric is gathered around the bodice in repeat patterns to give a dress or a tunic a Grecian feel as well.

Looking for the right accessories? Gladiator sandals are huge right now. I think that the proper way to wear a gladiator sandal is a flat heel, no more that 2 straps around the ankle, and keep it black or metallic. If you are wearing a gladiator sandal with a dress, then the length of the dress needs to be at or preferably above the knee - or floor length. Need a good source for a cute gladiator sandal? Check out www.toryburch.com.

Below are great examples of the “Goddess” trend. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A multi-colored one-shoulder dress by Milly ($426). Accessorized with a lucite horseshoe necklace by Alexis Bittar ($95). The Fenobe top with roping detail around collar and cuffs by Diane VonFurstenberg ($225), over the Dellie straight leg pant by Diane VonFurstenberg ($298). Accessorized with a rope necklace by Tova ($219). The ruched one-shoulder Gemma dress by Milly ($366). Accessorized with a jeweled necklace by Dana Kellin ($245). The Navo dress with rope straps and sash by Diane VonFurstenberg ($345). Accessorized with a coined necklace by Maria Chavez ($175). All available at Lyndon’s!

The next summer trend is “Sheer Fabrics”. This trend is all about transparency. Rest assure - this is not the same trend Madonna set back in the 80’s. No mesh tops with under pinnings exposed. This is a very delicate and feminine look. The key is to perfect this look without revealing too much skin. In order to do this, we must layer. Whether we are layering soft tanks under a sheer floaty blouse, or there are so many layers of the actual sheer fabric, no skin (or under garments) is seen.

My favorite way to wear this trend is again, a blouse or a dress. Most dresses that have a sheerness to them, will come with a slip. Blouses on the other hand won’t. If that is the case, pull out any tank you feel compliments the sheerness of the blouse. If you are a person who loves color, throw a bold colored silk tank under a sheer pastel blouse. If you are like most women who love black - black on black is so chic. If you are not modest, then wear a sheer blouse that may expose a bit of lingerie - just keep it elegant. For those that are not daring enough to wear “everyday” sheer clothing, then throw on a sheer beach cover-up over your swimsuit.

Below are great examples of the “Sheer” trend. All available at Lyndon’s

From left to right. A sheer Jacobean print tunic (or a great beach cover up) by Strenesse Blue ($395). We paired this top over a pair of skinny riding pants by Vince ($210). Accessorized with a ball pendant necklace by Alexis Bittar ($95). A sheer ruffle front Carone Top by Diane Von Furstenburg in Ko Samui print ($198) tucked into the Lou Lou skirt by Diane Von Furstenberg ($298). A sheer knit wrap dress by Missoni ($685). Accessorized with a lucite circle pendant necklace by Alexis Bittar ($165). A sheer Casie blouse in the house print by Corey Lynn Calter ($168) layered over a black racer cami by Michael Star ($36). Worn over the low rise bootcut 7 for all Mankind ($240). Accessorized with a necklace by Maria Chavez ($139). All available at Lyndon’s.

The next summer trend is The Shirt Dress. This is a trend we have seen in the past, but I think that this season’s shirt dress is different from the traditional “A-line” shaped dress. This season they are showing shirt dresses with a zipper down the front as opposed to buttons, not all shirt dresses have a stand-up collar, some are sleeveless, and we are seeing more patterns and two-toned colors in this season’s shirt dress. Shirt dresses come in all lengths - mini, knee-length, and even long. But one detail that has stayed the same is a waist belt, whether it be a cotton tie sash or a leather belt - it finishes the look!

With dresses being so popular this season and so many shapes to choose from - I really believe that a shirt dress is for any body shape. Not everyone likes how they look and feel in a smock or tunic dress because there is no shape. The same goes with an empire or baby doll dress - many women feel this is a younger look. Maxi dresses are a personal favorite of mine, but longer dresses can hide your legs, which is a favorite body part for many! The shirt dress accentuates the waist and shows off a little leg at the same time.

Below are great examples of “The Shirt Dress” trend. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A knee-length, button front, silk-blend Lida Baday shirt dress with a leather waist-belt ($1095). A two-toned, signature button-front shirt dress by Tory Burch ($385). A sleeve-less, bubble hem, zip-front, radzmir Lida Baday shirt dress with a patent waist belt ($1195). All available at Lyndon’s.

For spring and summer, fashion is taking an exotic turn! The next summer trend is “global-inspired”. This trend is also referred to as “tribal” or “bohemian chic”. Basically, this trend is all about print - think Indian saris, Native American embroidery, and tribal African prints. The colors that are mostly associated with global inspired clothing are warm, earthy tones such as greens, black, browns, deep reds and oranges. If you have anything with feathers or beading - wear it!

In my opinion, I think that tribal prints are best in dresses and tunics. For those of you with a bolder personality - find a dress in tribal print, pair it back to your best gladiator sandals. According to me, nobody does this trend better than the “print queen” - Diane Von Furstenberg (see pictures below). If you are a more suited person, then a cropped safari jacket is for you! Safari jackets are another hot trend for summer, so I will go into more detail in weeks to come!

Like my previous trend watch blogs, accessories go hand-in-hand with this global-inspired trend as well. I had mentioned feathers earlier. Reach into your inner bohemian alter-ego and wear some feather earrings or necklace! No? Ok, then let’s try some wooden bangles - the more the better! Any jewel with natural stones has a tribal feel too. If you have a good turquoise piece - wear it! Even a gold cuff can give your look an ethnic feel.

For my faithful handbag buyers - go with a bag made of natural fibers. A linen handbag can make a great tribal statement. Carry a fun tote or beach bag made of straw. A bag with any type of fringe is another great ethnic detail.

Below are great examples of the “global-inspired” trend. All available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A sheer giraffe print blouse by Corey Lynn Calter ($152) over the Bell Botton jean by 7 for all Mankind ($169). A tribal print silk dress by See by Chloe ($615) cinched with a leather waist belt by Jack Rabbit ($215). An orange safari print wrap blouse by Plenty by Tracy Reese ($220) over a skinny Tory Burch jean ($175). The Banner dress in rhombus over siren print by Diane Von Furstenberg ($325). All available at Lyndon’s

Above you can see some great wooden bangles by Isharya ($45-$119). The wooden cuffs are by Alexis Bittar ($195) and the gold cuff bracelet is by Anna Beck ($399). All available at Lyndon’s.

From left to right. A cresent shaped necklace by Lauren Wolf ($469). A necklace by TAT2 with an Eastern religious pendant ($365). Sliced geode necklaces in bright colors by Rebecca Norman ($139-$175). Indian feather shaped earrings by Lauren Wolf ($245). A Natve American dreamcatcher inspired earring by Lauren Wolf ($379). Dagger shaped earrings by Lauren Wolf ($205). All available at Lyndon’s.

From left to right. A straw beach tote by Pa-tou-tou ($250). A bright yellow linen bag by 7 for all Mankind ($215). A fringed-detailed suede clutch by 7 for all Mankind ($175). All available at Lyndon’s. Again, feel free to contact me anytime at sara@lyndonsonline.com.

Fashion runways were blooming with beautiful floral prints for this spring and summer. The boutiques are in full bloom this season as well! The second trend for the season is “Florals”. Roses, daisies, poppies, pansies - you name it. This is like 2 trends in one, because bright colors definitely tie in with a floral theme. Again, we have pinks, greens, reds, and yellows - but in the shapes of beautiful flowers.

This trend is being shown in many dresses, skirts, and blouses - whether it is a floral print or a petal-like construction with the fabric. According to me, there are a couple of ways you can wear this trend properly. The first way is a strapless A-line dress with a skinny waist belt (think June Cleaver). Another way is a soft, flowy blouse over a pair of skinny jeans or tucked in anything high-waisted - jeans, skirt, shorts. As for a floral print skirt - keep it simple. Depending on the length, too much floral on a skirt can look over done. Keep the floral trend along the trim of the skirt - pair it back with a cute tee and some flip flops.

I had mentioned in an earlier blog, that some people have a harder time pulling off some of the seasons trends. Flowers on clothing may not be for everyone. So, accessorize! Once again handbag and jewelry designers have brought this trend into their designs. Carry a fun floral-print beach bag this summer. This trend ties in so nicely with our previous trend, bright vibrant colors, so if you are carrying a pink, red, yellow or green bag - you are set!

As for jewelry, there are some amazing floral pieces out there. Alexis Bittar does handcrafted flower pendants and brooches, hand painted with beautiful color. You can also wear a fun ring in the shape of a flower. Again, keep it simple. Wear a chain necklace with a floral charm on it.

Below are great examples of the Floral Trend - all available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A floral patchwork sundress by Strenesse Blue ($595) paired with a leather woven waist belt by Suzi Roher ($388). A silk patio blouse by Vince ($225) tucked into a high-waisted short by Mike and Chris ($180). A long halter dress by Plenty by Trace Reese ($325). A beautiful blouse with a rose fabrication by Robert Rodriguez ($345) over the light-weight Match Jean by 7 for all Mankind ($211). All available at Lyndon’s.

From left to right. A necklace with metal rose charms by Raquel Moreno ($369). A gold chain necklace with a pearl, coral, and turquoise floral pendant by Olia ($169). A flower shaped gold ring with pearl detailing by Isharya ($69). Gold and silver drop rose earrings by Raquel Moreno ($95). All available at Lyndon’s.

If you ever have any questions, please feel free to contact me by leaving a comment or email me at sara@lyndonsonline.com

The first summer trend to rave about is “Bright Colors”. Bright shades of yellow, coral, orange, green, hibiscus red, hot pink, purple and sapphire blue made their way down the runways of more than a few designers. This is a refreshing change for us fashionistas! Put away your greys, blacks, and browns. No more muted and neutral colors! (At least until fall comes around).

Many feel that this trend has an 80’s feel. I agree - Definitely don’t cover yourself in a rainbow of color from head to toe. The key is to wear one item - a dress, skirt, blouse, or tee in a fun bright color. A few designers that do a fantastic job of wearable bright colored clothing are Milly, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Lida Baday, See by Chloe, Missoni, and Diane VonFurstenburg (all available at Lyndon’s).

For those that still don’t feel comfortable putting brights on their bod, then you are in luck. Bright colors are not only in the clothing, but accessories too. Many handbag and jewelry designers picked up on this trend as well. A colorful handbag is something that should be in every girl’s closet. Kooba and Gustto (also available at Lyndon’s) are great resources for a fun colored bag. If you are wanting to add a touch of color to your ears, wrist and neck - then we have the jewels for you! Alexis Bittar designs the most magnificent hand-sculpted and painted lucite bangles, earrings, and necklaces. These pieces truly glow!

Below are good examples of this hot trend - all available at Lyndon’s!

From left to right. A must-have coined maxi dress by Milly ($550), a multi-colored cocktail dress by Milly ($363), a sunshine yellow shoulder bag by Gustto ($645), a deep blue bag by Kooba ($635), a signature silk blouse by Tory Burch ($295) paired with a pair of 7 for all Mankind jeans ($202), a silk dress with all the hot colors by See by Chloe ($445) over a tangerine orange tee by Michael Star ($42) and a pair of white wide-leg jeans by Stitch’s ($220). Below you can see the fabulous hand-painted lucite jewels by Alexis Bittar. ($55-$295)