By: Jenn Ortiz, guest blogger

Fall 2009 RTW and Couture collections have been presented, and a bit of analysis is in order.

Overall, looks are stronger and more dramatic. Puff sleeves and stronger shoulders with cinched waists, invoking the 1950′s and 1980′s; however, this influence is presented in a more modern and softer way. Come Fall, there will be bolero jackets and some boxier cut jackets and coats showing up on the racks. For the most part, hem lines were shown high (or non existent as the pantless look continues). Draping was used, most interestingly, in shorter dresses and less like the grecian goddess draping of the past. You’ll see a mix of modern with revived and revised classics. We’ve seen embellishment, luxurious fabrics, mixed with torn and deconstructed or unconventional and casual. Old-fashioned lingerie, hats, and gloves are reinterpreted and mixed into outfits. Much of what is presented here can be added to a basic wardrobe easily. There are plenty of opportunities to thrift, buy vintage, and DIY. Below are my picks for Fall/Winter ’09 trends. [Read more...]