Fashion designer Hillary Taymour launched the handbag label Collina Strada in Los Angeles in 2008. The label focuses on creating unique and inspirational pieces for curious and fun loving fashionistas. The fabrics are influenced by a combination of vintage prints and modern but also ethnic patterns, which makes the handbags perfect accessories for the fashion loving women.

The Collina Strada Spring 2010 collection has a simple and natural look, and with the environment in mind Hillary Taymour has been able to create some stylish as well as eco-friendly pieces. The leather and canvas versions of the bags are made from 100% organic canvas and vegetable dyed leather. In the new collection there’s a great mix of shoulder bags, clutches as well as a cool and trendy version of the backpack. Her unique style has definitely brought success to the brand. It’s been picked up by several stores and eco-boutiques all over the world such as Fred Segal, Nordstoms Trend, Coclico, American Rag Japan and more.

FashionZest got a chance to interview Hillary Taymour to learn more about her label.

Jenny: What led you into fashion design?
Hillary: Since I was little, I have been known to be wearing something a little out of the ordinary and I always had my own distinct style. I guess the passion for it was always there. An older friend of mine had gone to fashion school at FIDM and she guided me down that path.

The snood is back in trend and it’s the chicest way of staying warm this winter. It’s the perfect accessory to add to your winter outfit and it comes in all kinds of material. From faux fur to knitted wool and other fun fabrics, snoods can add that extra chic touch. The trends of the 80’s are coming back one after one. With the thigh high boots, oversized shirts and blazers to sequin covered pieces and now the snood. We saw a moment of the snood in 2008 but now it seems to be here to stay. The snood is great to wear on a cold winter day and at the same time it’s perfect accessory which can replace the scarf or necklace.

Will you try out this trend this winter?

Image source: retrochick.co.uk, mode-und-lifestyle.blogspot.com

After seeing fashion designer Alexander Wang’s new collection of accessories for spring 2010 I thought I’d share it with you. His spring 2010 collection includes everything from ankleboots, animal printed heels, sandals and a football shaped clutch. What I really like about this collection is that every piece is unique and doesn’t look anything like the other. The collection feels very playful and creative and I cannot wait to see these on the streets. Alexander definitely did it again, he pulled off another original collection that feels very urban street stylish with a bit of sexyness and an athletic kick. Feels a lot like Wang.

What do you think of this collection?

Image source: nitrolicious.com

Already last year the statement necklace was a hot trend and it seems like this trend is back even for 2009 . We have seen them on the runway shows during the Fashion Weeks for Spring 2010 as well as in stores. The statement necklace can be worn in many ways, it’s all a question of personal style. Personally I prefer wearing the statment necklace with a basic outfit like a top or a dress with simple colors and shape. I believe that if you wear the statment necklace, it should be the center of attention to your oufit. Try to keep your neckline simple by avoiding halterneck outfits. Stay with v-neck or strapless for your look. Also keep your other jewelry simple to keep the focus on the necklace. You should avoid chunky bangles, big earrings and headwear to keep it simple.

There are different types of statement necklaces. You can try out the bold necklace, which can be worn as one or even two if you want to be more challenging. There is the layered necklaces where you can add necklaces in different sizes and length. You can go for a necklace matching your outfit with the same colors, or else if you have the guts wear something that really stands out. Wear what represent your personality and style. It’s all about statement. Go creative and experiment!

Pearly beaded bib statement necklace from Forever 21
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Embroidered fabric bib statement necklace from ASOS
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Black statement satin backed necklace with patina finished stones from ASOS
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Black metal studded and beaded fabric bib statement necklace from ASOS
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Black satin backed statement necklace from ASOS
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Image source: coutorture.com, forever21.com, asos.com

We all know what’s the meaning of a woman wearing the trousers, but what does it mean when the woman wears the tie?

Women have always been big fans of accessories: colorful scarves, belts, earrings and necklaces but what about ties? Ties can add color and interest to your outfit – making a boring and regular outfit to a very attractive one.

The trend of women wearing a tie is not new. It started in the 1970s and became successful when Diane Keaton popularized the Annie Hall look and made it a fashion statement. Her wide ties, combined with men’s shirts and waistcoats, became a very popular female look. During those times, wide ties on men’s shirts for women were the popular trend, but that has changed a bit over time, and today ladies ties are usually slimmer than that of men’s and you don’t have to wear men’s shirts.

The question is how can a traditional symbol of masculinity look just as good and lovely on women? When women wear ties, it never fails to catch the eye. Because ties are traditionally associated with men, when a woman wears a tie it suggests a stronger fashion statement. Ties compliment women by creating contrast. It creates a different look, something unusual, something beyond the norm and average. Imagine a feminine look wearing masculine outfit – that is very different indeed. Of course, a woman would need to know how to carry herself appropriately when wearing a tie, preferably with confidence.

So can any woman wear a tie? Some stylists think it is a tricky trend to follow. But if you have the right attitude and personality to carry a tie, one can look great wearing it as ties on women add a bit of quirkiness and help them show off their funky side. I agree, you’ll need some self-confidence to wear a tie but you will be amazed at the spice it will add to your look.

There are numerous ways to wear, combine and play with your tie. The most popular look with women is to wear a skinny tie with a fitted shirt/blouse or on a waist coat or vest. There are ties in various widths and patterns to finish off an outfit. For some dramatic element, you can choose a metallic or crystal jewelled ties with stones and embellishments. With a tie, there is lot of freedom to play around and experiment. Many women simply let the tie hang loose around an unbuttoned shirt collar or on top of a T-shirt and get the hot androgyny look. Women’s ties also look great with skirts. It’s not necessarily mini-skirts all the time. It also looks great on office skirts. The key is to experiment with any combination you can think of and you are bound to find great styles and gorgeous new looks.
In my opinion women need to take the next step when wearing ties. Unfortunately women usually wear conventional black boring ties but I think it’s about time to use colorful vibrant and zesty ties.

Diane Keaton as Annie Hall
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An increasingly popular trend is women wearing ties. Celebrities like Gwen Stefani (pictured) leads the look.
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Jennifer Aniston wears only a tie.
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About the author:
Holly Bar is a New Zealand based artist designing one of kind gorgeous necklaces made from unconventional materials. She also designs limited edition printed t-shirt with artistic twist. All the t-shirts are printed in New Zealand using the latest technology with environmentally friendly water based inks. Her website is: http://www.ZesTeeFashion.com