2008: Looking Ahead, Looking Good

Hello, Hello. You know for the all the years that I’ve been in the fashion business it has always been fun to predict what is going to be popular the next season. I’m going to share with you what I think I am going to like, and what I may be a little tired of seeing. Having great style is all about surprise, staying fresh, mixing what looks good on you and wearing what you feel fabulous in. Not so much about wearing the latest trend. It should be a nice little balance. So here you go, my thoughts for 2008. GOOD LUCK!

I’ve always loved the idea of women carrying an evening clutch all day long. I think this idea is going to be much more widespread in 2008. We should start seeing more and more larger sized clutches popping up everywhere. I love a GIANT clutch. I think it may be time to retire those dainty handbags with the chain handle that look stuffy.

Not just in 2008, but always in my life BOLD COLORS are in, in, in! Royal blue, hot pink, red, green. Oh, so much fun! Pastel colors are less important now.

Speaking of color, what about sticking with one. I love the idea of dressing monochromatic. Mix up jackets, skirts, and shirts in the same color family. All white or all tan looks wonderful on so many women.

PATENT ANYTHING! I’ve always loved patent leather and it will continue making a huge splash in 2008. HOORAY! I think a little touch of patent with an outfit is just divine. A large patent belt, satchel bag or platform heel. It’s instant glamour. These shoes are from my collection and can be found on zappos.com.

I know it sounds a little crazy but follow me on this one ladies. Hats are going to creep into your wardrobe in 2008. Not the colored cowboy hats we’ve been seeing (ship those directly to eBay along with those kooky flowered hats). I’m talking about a gorgeous chapeau. Like a tailored fedora or a sassy little cocktail hat. In the right context, it could be just the right surprise you are looking for.

EVERYTHING IS COMING UP ROSES AND TULIPS AND DAISEYS. Floral prints are going to be huge in 2008. I am so thrilled about that. Everything from your mothers’ dainty tiny-print floral dresses to giant flowers on coats and handbags. I designed a couple of dresses for my fall collection that had beautiful large-sized hand painted flowers on them. They are to-die-for. Even in my new home fabrics collection I have a pattern I called “Mega Chintz.” It is like floral chintz print on steroids. It is so gorgeous.