shopbop shoptalk

Behind the Trends: Inspiration and Style Tips from Shopbop’s Fashion Director and Senior Stylist

With each new season come new trends, and fashion’s notoriously fast pace means it’s easy to fall behind. We keep things organized for you. First, you have our winter trends feature, filled with eye candy and shoppable looks. Now, the rhyme and reason behind those trends, along with a crib sheet for interpreting them, courtesy of Shopbop Fashion Director Kate Ciepluch and Senior Stylist Morgan Wendelborn.

Last Days of Disco

Kate’s Inspiration: A Studio 54 story first entered my head in our holiday appointment at the Elizabeth and James showroom. The Cyber Swirl print in the Japonais Shift Dress caught my eye—the print’s pastel palette was so different from the other dresses we saw for the holiday seasons. This piece served as the base for the theme, and I was pleased to see ’70s-inspired slinky jumpsuits, vibrant sequins, and gold lamé show up in the market appointments. I also really wanted to incorporate a new spin on leopard, and Pencey’s colorful Ruffle Dress provided the perfect look.

It’s bold party style with a point of view, and not your typical statement-necklace-and-LBD that traditionally dominates the next few weeks. Think Bianca Jagger, Cher, and Twiggy when you're dressing to hit the dance floor.

Morgan’s Style Tips: The disco look can easily end up looking costume-y, but when it works, it WORKS! Start with one retro-inspired piece and give it the spotlight—the key is to let that single piece be what makes the look “disco.” Pair it with minimal, yet bold accessories: one big cocktail ring, an understated clutch, and modern platforms. As with every trend, it only works when it’s natural, so less is more here.

Fashion Meets Halloween

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Halloween is one of my favorite holidays in that it provides a legitimate excuse to dress totally over the top—my chance to actually live out that costume-y inspiration! What's not to love about wearing glitter, face paint, a sexy masquerade mask, cat ears, sequin hot pants, etc., etc.? This season's must-have leopard coat provides the perfect foundation for a frisky feline getup.

What are you wearing this weekend?

--Kate

Kate Picks Her Fall Favorites

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I'm currently seeking out androgynous pieces with a simple stand-out detail: an embellished epaulet, unexpected fabric, and cool color combinations. I am finding myself wearing these classics repeatedly because they provide a lot of style but never feel stale.

Here are some styles I am living in:

1. Vince Foil Print Cashmere Sweater: Your man's raglan sweatshirt becomes fashion forward with a touch of foil.

2. Thayer Double Breasted Blazer: An amazing fit, the double-breasted gold buttons make this special.

3. Gryphon The Boyfriend Blazer: LOVE the lace/brooch pocket detail—so sweet on this boyish jacket.

4. Bop Basics Felt Fedora: A ribbon bow on a top hat is just the right amount of girly.

5. Pour La Victoire Charlie Oxford Flats: Men's oxford in a metallic! Genius.

6. NC bis Chain Bracelet: A brilliant layered look.

7. Victorialand Medium Body 3 Star Shirt: Tiny studs on the pocket are just right.

8. Rag & Bone Tuxedo Dress: One of my favorite runway dresses of the season, a sexy tuxedo style.

--Kate

5 Tips for Surviving Fashion Week

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Sadly, summer has ended, but on the upside, Fashion Week is here! My holiday weekend of surfing and happy hours in Montauk stood in the way of my typical pre-Fashion Week cleanse (courtesy of Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop, it’s a diet that’s delicious and you actually get to eat!), so I’m not feeling as rejuvenated as I’d like to be. But Fashion Week rolls on, and as of this morning my agenda includes 60 shows—eek!
 
5 Tips for Surviving Fashion Week
 
1. Make Your Basics Work
Pull together your cream-of-the-crop basics and incorporate them into your looks all week. This is way less stressful than trying to come up with a fresh head-to-toe ensemble every morning. Mine include: a structured shoulder black blazer, thigh-high boots (I’m stoked to wear this trend all season), a great blouse in ivory or black, leopard pumps, and a body-con heather grey jersey dress. All neutral, interchangeable, and easy, but they still make a statement. (Look for our Ultimate Closet: Fashion Week Edition later this month, where we’ll show you how this approach carried my partner in crime, Senior Stylist Morgan, and me through the week.)

A few of my favorite basics. From left, a Helmut Lang blazer, Stuart Weitzman pumps, and an A.L.C. jersey dress. I’ll also be wearing Sigerson Morrison thigh-high boots and a ladylike Hanii Y blouse.

2. Make a Daily Schedule
Having a schedule for each day printed along with invites and addresses (include cross streets!) is key. To avoid getting overwhelmed, I stay focused on the current day and only look forward one day.

The Ultimate Suitcase: Africa Edition

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Three looks from my trip to Africa.

Packing for a ten-day African safari and fitting everything into a carry-on duffel bag truly puts the Ultimate Closet concept to the test. The climate in Tanzania fluctuates pretty dramatically throughout the day, and our agenda included lots of outdoor game rides.

Here’s my packing list:
* Bop Basics cargo pants and cargo shorts
* Juicy Couture harem sweatpants
* Genetic boyfriend jeans
* See by Chloé army shirt
* Alexander Wang sweatshorts
* 2 pairs of aviator sunglasses
* 2 tanks and 3 tees
* Neon sports bras
* 1 pair of hiking boots & 1 pair of tall Frye boots
* Bike shorts
* 2 fleece sweatshirts
* 1 lightweight Marc by Marc Jacobs jacket
* Plenty of hats and bandanas

Halfway through the safari, I realized the pieces I brought were proving to be a success! Light layers quickly became my best friends; it was chillingly cold in the early morning and at night, but by midday, it was extremely hot. Every day, I shed multiple pieces by 1 p.m. Comfy, loose-fitting bottoms were essential for this layering strategy, and also great for the extremely bumpy roads on the game rides (our guide David called them "African massage roads"). And hats and bandanas tamed windblown hair and provided sun protection.

We camped in the Serengeti—yes, camped! I could hear animals outside my tent all night. (Our camp director informed us our tent was equipped with a whistle to be blown in case of an “emergency.”) I soon learned the only way to get a full night’s sleep was to pipe soothing Van Morrison through my earphones.

Some fun facts I picked up on my trip:
1. Lions are extremely shy. If you look them in the eye, they’ll hang their head and turn their eyes to the ground.
2. There are only two monogamous animals in the jungle: the dik-dik and the secretary bird.

--Kate

To see more pictures from Kate’s trip, check out The Edit.

Style Inspiration While You Shop!

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director

From left: A floral dress goes edgy; cargo pants take a step away from casual; and the button-down gets reinvented.

At Shopbop, we’re pretty proud of the genius our stylists come up with on a daily basis. Not only do they put together brilliant styles for the lookbooks you love, but they also offer head-to-toe looks on the product pages you shop. Take a cue from their creations for a fresh look that will turn heads!

Here are 3 simple tips to incorporate now:

1. Paired with booties and an edgy handbag, a floral print looks just right. The Vena Cava Healer Nun Dress is city cool with a fringed Aridza Bross bag and Ash platform booties.

2. Make your favorite cargo pants fashion-forward by tucking them into boots and adding a tailored blazer. A slouchy-skinny pair from My Pant’s moves away from the too-casual category with a SMYTHE blazer and Joie boots.

3. Invest in an updated white blouse and roll up your skinny jeans for a classic look reinvented. An avant-garde button-down by Victorialand makes the perfect topper for J Brand skinny jeans.

--Kate

Color I’m Coveting: Green

Shades of green were sprinkled throughout the fall collections, and I’m loving this color. It's beautiful and succulent, but also pretty neutral, making it easy to vamp up with loads of jewelry and metallic shoes. A great dress option if you are ready to try something other than your favorite LBD. Definitely incorporate this hue into your fall look!

Here are some styles I particularly admire:

* DSQUARED2 - Jersey Dress
* Foley + Corinna - Crossback Sweatshirt
* Rachel Pally - Artemis Dress (pictured)
* Twenty8Twelve - Vivane Dress (pictured)
* Vena Cava - Synthesizer Dress (pictured)

--Kate

Style Inspiration from Film

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At left, Marsha in her covetable closet wearing Thayer Wide Leg Pants. At right, me in a VPL top, Ksubi shorts, and K. Jacques sandals.

Each time I watch Vicky Cristina Barcelona, I fall in love with Penelope Cruz’s character, Maria Elena, a little more. She’s nuts in the most endearing way, which I attribute to her sexy Spanish flair, insane beauty, and my favorite, her sultry style. The silks and lace in a neutral palette are often reminiscent of lingerie, and the mix of bold accessories—a fringe bag, a black fedora—is inspired. It’s a breezy, easy look that exudes confidence.

My favorite outfit is a crochet tie-back top with palazzo pants—these are seriously coming back and I’m so excited about it. Above, Thayer designer Marsha Welcher and I channel Maria Elena’s style…and TRY to never behave like her :)

You can get the sultry look by mixing dressy and casual fabrics in neutral hues and black. Here are a few pieces to get you started:

* Alice + Olivia - Draped Panel Dress
* Aridza Bross - Cheyen Multi Strap Bag
* Erin Fetherston - Sleeveless Blouse
* Eugenia Kim - Max Feather Fedora
* Haute Hippie - Bohemian Paisley Dress
* Jen's Pirate Booty - Sade Tunic Dress
* The Lake & Stars - Trick Date Camisole

--Kate

Fall Neutrals

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Looking for an easy way to update your look? Neutral colors were big news for fall. Take inspiration from runway looks by Derek Lam, Lela Rose, and Miu Miu. (Check out the complete shows on Style.com.)

A few tips on neutral dressing:

1. Wear a neutral palette from head to toe for a polished, uber-chic look.

2. Layer these hues together—taupe, brown, navy, black, and ivory all look fantastic when layered.

3. Step outside the box and consider non-black leggings.

4. Invest in a camel coat—it’s a style staple you'll wear forever.
 
5. Don't be afraid to wear off-white all year round!

--Kate

At left a look from the Derek Lam, fall 2009 collection. My favorite from the fall runways!

the accessories hit list

The Latest by Kate, Fashion Director
Weather-wise summer’s only just begun, but new fall arrivals are hitting shopbop every day. Where to get started on your fall shopping? Accessories! Why? You can wear them today! Here’s my hit list:
	1. Round Sunglasses A celeb favorite and a simple way to make a big fashion statement. Invest in this must-have trend NOW! Favorite styles: - Lanvin Paris - Wouter Round Sunglasses - Oliver Peoples - Sheldrake Sunglasses - Proenza Schouler - Round Sunglasses (pictured)
	2. Studded Handbags Classic shapes take on a rock-and-roll edge when they get the studded treatment. Favorite styles: - Bulga - Blesk Stud Tote - Rebecca Minkoff - Supernova Stud Devote Handbag - Tory Burch - Studded Satchel (pictured)
	3. Avant-Garde Hair Accessories Incorporate a lavish hair piece for a little Parisian flirtation. It’s the perfect way to add some romance to your look. Favorite styles: - Bop Bijoux - Romantic Head Wrap - Bop Bijoux - Studded Headband - Felix Rey - Mesh Spiral Headband (pictured)
	4. Ruffled Shoes Seen on pumps and boots, ruffles are happening this fall. I’m particularly loving Marc by Marc's ruffle boots. Favorite styles: - Elizabeth and James - Risky Ruffle Pumps - L.A.M.B. - Randi Peep Toe Pumps - Marc by Marc Jacobs - Ruffle Back Knee High Boots (pictured)
--Kate