Fashion Forward

Well, 2010 is here! …and with the new year comes change and progression. The fellas here at Urban TakeOut tell me they were looking for some insight into the wonderful world that is women’s fashion. As the writer of the blog, BlakeVonD: The First Lady of Flashion, I keep a pretty watchful eye on all things fab in the world of women’s fashion. So in the spirit of progression, I’m here to add my two cents to a blog that’s already a pretty big bang for your buck.

The dawn of the new decade is sure to usher in some unforgettable fashions. Whether it be something completely new or the reincarnation of the trends of decades past, I have no doubt that we’re in for one hell of a ride.

Here are some trends to be on the lookout for in 2010…

First rule of fashion…1) Shoes, shoes, shoes!

The right shoe can transform an outfit from macabre to magical. The upcoming Spring/Summer collections of several of the world’s hottest designers–Fendi, Louis Vuittion, Nina Ricci and Louboutin, just to name a few–are shaping up to be nothing short of magical. Fendi has taken plexi glass from the stages of strip clubs to the runways of Milan and Christian Louboutin is still managing to produce head turning shoes with little to no effort. These LV’s, worn by Amber Rose, are the perfect mix of sex and edge, while Nina Ricci offers a more delicate approach to the traditional ankle boot.

Fendi Wrap Lycra & Plexi Platform, $1289; C’est La Vie Louboutin Pumps; Louis Vuitton Spicy Sandals, $1300; Nina Ricci Laced Leather Booties, $1152

Blazers are in and more futuristic than ever! It’s not enough to just have an ordinary blazer. Contour shapes and shoulder pads are all the rage. And if you know anything you know that Balmain is the go to source for all things blazers. Rihanna, Beyonce and Ciara have all been seen wearing these masterpieces.

Balmain Blazer, $3,465; $5,798

Now here’s my 2010 prediction: Harem pants are BACK! With everyone from Urban Outfitters to top designers carrying their own version of this 90′s trend, I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s Hammer Time! Now just for the record, I’ve had a pair of these for over a year now & I can remember all the strange looks I got. But I rocked them again during this past Homecoming and strangers were stopping me to tell how “hot” they were. Glad everybody caught up! Lol. There’s a style for everyone in this pant. Some have a higher waist and taller inseam, while others have a more relaxed seat. Fit is absolutely crucial with this trend. Ill-fitting harem pants just end up looking more like a diaper than a fashion statement, so be careful.

Cheap Monday Tailored Harem Trousers, $41; ASOS Knitted Harem Trousers, $26; G Star Tailored Wool Mix Harem Trouser, $255

The Urban Graduette: [Tear.it.Up]

For all of you Urban Graduette fashionistas these rugged jeans are bringing back that classic baggy, but ultra sexy look. Unlike “ze Skinny Jean” these Pinkney Turner Jeans will leave a little mystery to your stylish frame. Make sure to note the torn cut outs throughout the jeans.

Wear them straight or cuffed and spice them up with these ASOS Leather Caged Gladiator Heeled Sandals!

Want a chance to win a pair of the Pinkney Turner Jeans? Enter the Parker Style Contest! Go to thestylesuite.com for more info.

- Chantay Davenport

Don’t Act Like I Never Told Ya

Last month, we put a lot of winter fashion essentials out on the table. Apparently…..some celebs have taken notice. Urban Graduates, pat yourselves on the back. Check out these celebs:

Don’t Act Like I Never Told Ya…

You already know, here we go again. We figured that maybe a graph would help illustrate how far ahead of the curve WE (urban grads) really are.

Now take a look at the celebs YOUR styles have influenced.

Denimation 201: Sulphur Dyeing [suhl-fer dahy-ing]

Apparently colored denim has been awakened from it’s deathly slumber by radiation from a fallen satellite.  Or was it from deadly gas released from a medical supply warehouse?  Wait, I know what it was…celebrities like Rihanna and Fergie were spotted wearing colored denim jeans.  Colored denim is cool but you have to know when to relax.  We are in the Fall season so it’s time to tone down the brightness for richer colors.

Don’t Act Like I Never Told Ya…

Did you think we were just playin’ with these trends? We said it once, the influence of the Urban Graduate spans beyond the walls of a campus. Here are some pictures of notable CELEBS taking a page or two from the Urban Grad Textbook. Study hard.