Lovely Metallics

Metallic and lamé are no longer bad words. Forget gaudy mother-of-the bride dresses and your grandmother's Christmas best, metallic and lamé have been updated and are chic.

Yoana Baraschi Metal Goddess, $119 from Rue Lala

Free People Indian Princess Top, $62 from Blue Fly

Metallic is a sure trend for this fall and winter; it was seen all over the runways in fall/winter collections presented months ago. But, there are some summery pieces you can start to mix into your current wardrobe and wear them into the fall with layers.

K Karl Lagerfeld Metallic Effect Jeans, $85.75 from theOutNet.com

When you begin to search for the right metallic, look for pieces that are actually metallic, not just shiny. Shiny material does look cheap and old fashioned. Metallic thread and fabric is not overly loud and actually quite wearable- even in the day!

Paul & Joe Miette Smock Top, $197.50 from theOutNet.com

Metallic pieces should be a simple silhouette to keep from looking to busy and over the top. Don't wear metallic from head to toe; one metallic piece is enough to make a statement. If you are dying to wear a metallic top and metallic shoes, keep your pants subdued (black skinny pants, dark wash denim). Busy, large patterns can also be overwhelming and bring you into the realm of tapestry. Simplicity is the key.

Rupert Sanderson Limonia Metallic Slingbacks, $238 from theOutNet.com

Tooshie Sardaigne Metallic Bikini, $227.50 from theOutNet.com

Metallics aren't just for Christmas tinsel and shiny track suits anymore. Find your perfect metallic and you will be spot on through winter.

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Photos from Blue Fly, theOutNet.com, Rue Lala

NY Fashion Week Trends

Fall/Winter 2010 will see metallics. Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, Rachel Roy, and Monique Lhuillier all showed metallics. Also, Zac Posen, Marc Jacobs and Carolina Herrera showed fur. Tracey Reese focused more on separates as a way to let women update their wardrobe in pieces, though fur and metallics made appearances. Tadashi Shoji showed beautiful draping and a variety of metallics.

Marc Jacobs showed coats with metallic beads. Hemlines were also longer, and Joe Zee, the creative director of Elle, said that Jacobs showed real clothes this season that make you feel "elated." The color palette was neutral and perfect for the season. The fur purse that was paired with a taupe skirt is fabulous! There was also a lot of fur trims on coats that look so cozy. However, Jacobs did show a suit that included culottes. Yes, culottes, aka a skort. Scary!

Zac Posen is trying his best to become more wearable and more relatable. Posen used "older" models so they did not appear so sickly thin. His palette was neutral, but did include copper metallics, fuchsia fur, and reds. Plus, what I am most excited about: fur covered heels. I am very interested in colored fur and think it would look great as a bolero with a black jumpsuit and colored heels in a complementary color.

Carolina Herrera also used fur. In her collection she showed fur as lining and collars. She used blues and reds, which gave the collection a Russian feel. Beading and metallics also showed up on coats and dresses. Wide brimmed hats were featured and could make the leap from the runway to the streets. There was one yellow, floral dress presented that felt more spring/summer than fall/winter, especially when compared to the rest of the collection. However, I do love fur, hats and rich colors, so this collection really excites me.

Rachel Roy was all about gold, using it on jackets, dresses, skirts and tops. Her gold of choice is slightly tarnished. She also showed high waisted pants, so it doesn't look like we are rid of that trend as of yet.

Monique Lhuillier, well known for bridal, showed a beautiful gold, beaded bodice with a full, tiered black skirt. Chinese inspired pieces included gold beading, rich reds and embellished shoulders. This is one of my favorite collections thus far due to the color and the delicate gold embellishments.

Pictures from Rueters/Natalie Behring, Rueters/Carlo Allegri