Get the Look: Spring 2013

The snow is melting (for now) and the flowers are blooming…spring is officially upon us! And in the fashion world this means, pastels, floral prints, bold neons, and skirts sans tights. This spring, with trends coming from every angle - from super masculine to extra feminine - opposites really do attract!

Stripes are always a must come springtime, but this year say goodbye to nautical themed stripes and hello to the big and the bold. Wide, statement-making stripes can be found on everything from leggings to bathing suits. Try subtlety mixing this pattern into your current wardrobe by pairing a striped tee with a boyfriend blazer and cropped pants. Or if you’re the more fashion forward type, fully embrace the look and go for stripes on stripes. Go for the runway-popular black and white look paired with a sharp red lip for an instant ensemble.
To put even more of a masculine edge in your closet, this season is all about the suit gone short. Mixing up your nighttime ensemble has never been easier thanks to suits that incorporate shorts rather than pants. Ease into this trend by donning the shorts by day and adding the matching jacket for a night out.

If you gravitate towards more feminine trends, then spring is your time to shine. With warmer weather approaching, sheer details and cutouts are back. A great way of showing a little skin without being too revealing, try sheer sleeves for daytime and sheer panels for night. To take it to the next level, go with intricate cutouts on a skirt or a dress, a trend that popped up consistently during NYFW.
To embrace the feminine side of spring, in a more unexpected way than florals, try out the ruffle trend that swept the runways. From skirts to necklines, ruffles and origami-like folds are adding new dimension to any outfit this season. If you happen to like non-sparkly embellishments, this is a fresh take on adding a little extra to your ensemble.

Whether you’re all about raiding your boyfriend’s closet or stick strictly to girly shapes, there’s something for everyone this season. Remember, spring is the time to try new trends and embrace what works for your style!

Spotted: Top 3 Accessory Trends Off The Runway at NYFW

While Fashion Week is known for its runways, fashion show attendees can be just as inspiring to look at. With the tastemakers of the fashion world flocking to Lincoln Center to see and be seen, it’s no surprise that street style photos are just as influential as the designers’ new collections. After much obsessing over candid shots of editors and bloggers galore, here are three of the hottest accessory trends from the streets of New York.

1. Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces have been around for a few seasons now, but they were still ever-present on the most fashionable NYFW attendees. As we segue into spring, many of the statement necklaces that we spotted were bright and colorful in pastel and neon hues. While a gorgeous statement necklace can make even the simplest outfit look chic, fashion risk takers preferred to layer their necklaces over a contrasting pattern or design for an even trendier look. For a twist on menswear, layer a statement necklace (or multiple) underneath an oxford collar.
(middle photo credit: refinery29.com)

2. Colorblocked Bags

Colorblocking is far from a new trend; every season sees numerous colorblocked outfits sent down the runway. However, colorblocked bags really seemed to make an appearance on the streets of New York this February. A perfect way to add a colorful (but not overwhelming) pop to any ensemble, a colorblocked clutch is effortlessly chic. The best thing about this trend is the versatility, grab a slouchy option for a more casual jeans-and-tee ensemble, or go with a structured, mini version for your fashion-forward office or a night out.
(photo credit: refinery29.com)

3. Mirrored Sunglasses

Step aside, Wayfarers! There’s a new sunglasses trend in town, and it’s a lot more fun than the classic Ray Bans style we’ve come to know and love. Though New York may have been a tad chilly (ahem, Nemo), the sun was still out, and many fashionistas completed their outfits with a pair of super reflective sunglasses. This awesome 80s-inspired trend was spotted everywhere this season, and is the perfect way to add a quirky twist to an outfit.
(left photo credit: refinery29.com)

This season, set aside classic accessories and try something a little more colorful and fun. I can’t wait to add extra spice to my closet with these new accessory trends!

What was your favorite street style trend from fashion week? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter!

~Alyssa, fashioniSTA

This Thursday: A Very Stylish Girls’ Night Out

Want to incorporate 2013’s latest trends into your wardrobe but don’t know where to start?
STA is here to help you get the look! Whether you’re hoping to break out of your fashion comfort zone by adding some sheer to your closet, or simply looking to up your stripe game - we’ve got you covered!
Join us at any (or all!) of our locations on Thursday, February 21st from 4pm-8pm for champagne, cupcakes and 20% off this season’s must have pieces. Shop our customized racks or just browse your favorite designers while sipping in style!
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Red Carpet Rundown: Sparkle and Edge at KAUFMANFRANCO

Front Row Included: Ashley Greene, Maggie Grace, June Ambrose, Joanna Coles, Jane Krakowski (not surprising since she wore the designer to the recent SAG Awards)

Number of Looks: 38

Stand-Outs: Fringed silver sequin dresses, streamlined gowns, dark neutral leather and fur pairings

This was another show with its finger on the pulse of awards season. Always seen on the red carpet, this runway didn’t disappoint with a healthy mix of sparkle and edge. The full-length gowns were accented with cut-outs, sheer panels, feathers, and – my favorite – sequined silver fringe. Fingers crossed that the front row ladies were scoping out their next awards ensemble!

While the gowns were certainly the finale stars of the show, the luxe leather and fur accents gave this show wearable substance. Playing off a palette of neutrals, the designer used luxurious textures and a touch of sparkle to supplement the rich use of earth tones. A few notable looks included brown fur jackets mixed with either a miniskirt or skin-tight leather leggings (of which Joanna Coles, Editor-In-Chief of Cosmopolitan and former EIC of Marie Claire, was spotted snapping multiple photos).

Moral of this story? Stock up on dark neutrals in exotic textures as a sure-fire way to shine this fall.

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Runway Rundown: Red Carpet Moments at Reem Acra

Front Row Attendees: Katherine Heigl, Tinsley Mortimer, Robert Verdi

Number of Looks: 35, ranging from outerwear to gowns

Stand-Outs: Use of fishnet in formal gowns, colored fur, draped sequins, Asian-influenced detailing

If you’re as awards show-crazy as we are, then you can understand our obsession with Reem Acra’s show yesterday. Tons of glitter has always been our MO, so we were thrilled to see a healthy dose of sparkle on the runway. The highlights of the show included the more traditional, perfectly-tailored, sequin gowns; the tulle peplum, red-carpet-worthy dresses; and the black-tie utilization of fishnet mesh.

The head-to-toe sparkle look also popped up at other shows – see KAUFMANFRANCO and Dennis Basso – just in time for the Oscars. But aside from your basic full-sequin numbers, we went crazy over the sheer details that used mesh overlays instead of your basic sheer fabric. In addition, Asian-inspired ornate details popped up on a number of the looks in this collection, from mandarin collars to the tulle and embroidered gowns that ended the show. The finale dress – a black mesh and tulle gown with ornate, red details extending over the bodice – was museum-worthy and red-carpet ready.

We’ll be looking for the silver draped beading gowns and the tulle and fishnet-paneled dresses on the red carpet – especially if the CBS Grammys dress code becomes a trend – perfect for fashion risk-takers with a slightly traditional palette. For the more casual crowd, kimono-inspired dresses and capes galore strutted down the runway, complete with fur details (a Fall 2013 staple). The lesson from this show? Grab your cape and your luxe-detailed pieces, with your choices ranging from fur to leather to embroidery to formal tulle.

Check out the entire collection here!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

The Top Seven Looks to Know from the Grammys

Best dressed and worst dressed are fairly subjective. So this Grammys, we’re giving you a look at the seven red carpet appearances that you should know.

1. Taylor Swift in J.Mendel - A mixed bag on this one from critics, personally we like the grecian-dominatrix look, but admittedly it’s not her best.

2. Florence Welch in Givenchy - The reviews with this were all over the place, but either way it’s worth seeing this surely Jurassic Park-inspired ensemble. (And it’s worth noting that emerald green is the color of 2013.)

3. Kelly Rowland in Georges Chakra Couture - It seems like the halftime show wasn’t the only boost to this former Destiny’s Child member’s career. This dress has elevated her to style stardom by critics and fans alike.

4. Rihanna in Azzedine Alaia - This was probably the biggest red carpet surprise of the night, with her pure elegance blowing the disco ball-wearing attendees straight out of the water. People are dying over this more classic look, and we are right there with them.

5. Beyonce in OSMAN by Osman Yousefzada - Bey can do no wrong, so basically everyone should know what she’s wearing. This pants option is a pseudo-fashion risk, yet not as buzz-worthy as some of the others.

6. Adele in Valentino - Yet another look that ran the spectrum of the critics’ picks. Some love this look, while others thought it was a bit dowdy and overrun with the floral print. We’re somewhere in the middle, but she definitely stood out.

7. Katy Perry in Gucci - This one is universally not liked, between the cleavage and the in-your-face spring green color. We’re right on board with that.

Stay tuned for our Oscars coverage in two weeks!

Photo credit: latimes.com

70% OFF Midnight Madness Starts Tomorrow and Thursday!

The ultimate sale of the season is finally here!

The time has come…it’s Midnight Madness!

Shop your favorite winter items at 70% off, starting February 6th and 7th with 20% off new arrivals for Spring.

And with plenty of our locations open until midnight, you’ll have lots of time to shop. See the list below to find when your favorite store starts the savings!

Starting on Wednesday, February 6th:

Brookline, MA**
Harvard Square, MA
Needham, MA*
Newton Highlands, MA*
Newton Centre, MA*
Northampton, MA**
Wellesley, MA**
Westport, CT*
Englewood, NJ*
Summit, NJ*
Westfield, NJ*
Forest Hills, Queens, NY**
Huntington, NY**
Miami, FL**

Starting on Thursday, February 7th:

176 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
219 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
324 Newbury Street, Boston, MA
Charles Street, Boston, MA
Thayer Street, Providence, RI
Portsmouth, NH
Portland, ME**
Burlington, VT
Greenwich, CT*
West Hartford, CT**
Georgetown, DC**
Mott Street, NYC
Murray Hill, NYC
Lexington Avenue, NYC
Thompson St, NYC
Chelsea, NYC
Gramercy, NYC
72nd and Broadway, NYC
Madison Ave, NYC**
Broadway, Upper West Side, NYC*
Armitage, Chicago, IL
Wicker Park, Chicago, IL**
Philadelphia, PA**

For a complete list of addresses for locations visit:
www.secondtimearound.net

*Open until 8pm
**Open until 10pm

New Haddonfield, NJ location is excluded from this event but is offering 20% off all merchandise.

Nail Colors of the Moment for Any Ensemble

In my opinion, an outfit is never complete unless you have perfectly manicured nails. No matter how great and fashionable you may look, a chipped manicure will bring down your overall look. Luckily, it’s easy to polish your look by stopping by your favorite local nail salon, or if you’re in a pinch put on a few coats of polish yourself! Here are a few nail trends that will keep your nails looking fashion forward:

1. Pale nails.
Pale nails never go out of style. This is always my basic fallback option and better yet, you can get away with having a few chips without it being glaringly obvious! Essie’s Mademoiselle is the perfect pale pink that instantly makes you look more polished and put together. Essie describes this color as “the most classic, grown-up pink,” and we couldn’t agree more! We also love a classic nude nail, and Essie’s Topless and Barefoot is a lovely nude. This is a fresh option for black tie events instead of going with a bold color (like with the Elie Saab dress pictured below), and it’s perfect for outfits that are tricky to match to your nails (like the Theodora & Callum cover-up below).

2. Dark gray.
Although this may not seem like your typical nail polish color, this color surprisingly goes with everything. We love Essie’s Smokin’ Hot. It’s not too dark, but is dark enough to make a statement. We think that a dark gray color can be worn similarly to a dark purple. Think dark gray paired with your favorite slouchy sweater and boots (sweater pictured below is J. Crew, boots are by Ugg). We recommend a nice flat gray that doesn’t have sparkles in it for a clean look worthy of Pinterest.

3. Dark reds.
Dark red is currently having a moment of popularity. This is a classic color that is perfect for this time of year, and we’re fixed on Butter’s La Moss hue. We love a dark oxblood red and have found that it’s wonderfully versatile for our winter wardrobe. We think this color beautifully compliments a wide variety of colors, from winter white to dark colors. Since oxblood has been so huge this fall and winter, you can wear this to add a pint of punch to a neutral outfit (like the black and gold Marni dress pictured below), or use it to complement an already-colorful ensemble (like the Dolce & Gabbana dress below). For the truly oxblood-obsessed, match your nails to your lips for a look that is unbeatably currant (pun intended).

Enjoy your manicures everyone!

~Molly, fashioniSTA

FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards 2013

Ah, the Screen Actors Guild Awards. The awards show with a little more street cred than the commercial Oscars, but just enough class to make the red carpet an interesting mix. You can always tell when a celeb is saving her (or his) big fashion coming out moment for the Oscars, which makes this event a truly stylish warm-up. Here we count down the top five best style stars of the night.

5. Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta.
This was the absolute best choice Tina could have picked having just come off her moment at the Golden Globes. The elegant shape and flattering color was pushed into the “best dressed” category with that belt that only Oscar the Great could have designed.

4. Nina Dobrev in Elie Saab.
This is someone who gets it right every time she steps onto any type of carpet (I’m pretty sure she looks even good when she goes to Ikea). Hot pink is a pretty daring color, especially with the abundance of red, but the sleek silhouette with the subtle cut-outs made this look a home run.

3. Viola Davis in Monique Lhuillier.
One of the more under-the-radar stars at this year’s SAGs, it would have truly been a shame to have not noticed her on the carpet. She looked pretty amazing last year during the wave of The Help, but she managed to parlay her style stardom into this year’s awards as well.

2. Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior.
This look was so fantastic I literally couldn’t breathe. From the polished architectural details to her asymmetrical haircut, there is really only one word for this: obsessed.

1. Navy Blue on Everyone.
No seriously, everyone wore navy blue. Which means Carmen Electra and Jessica Lange were both wearing the same color. The other notable list of celebs donning this color included Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Amanda Seyfried in Zac Posen, and Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood. Clearly navy came in as the winner of the evening, with the biggest comeback since school uniforms were invented.

See you all in two weeks to dissect the Grammys!

Photo credit to: highlighthollywood.com, gossipcenter.com, popsugar.com, hollywoodreporter.com, digitalspy.com, cocoperez.com, movies.yahoo.com

Inauguration 2013: Favorite Fashion Moments

As I tuned into the Inauguration festivities, I couldn’t help but intently focus on what the key players were wearing. From the FLOTUS outfit changes to Beyoncé’s tune-belting ensemble, this ceremony only proved that politics and fashion are no longer mutually exclusive. Here are our top five style moments from the ceremonies:

5. Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Reception in Michael Kors - A repeat outfit from 2009, this black sequin dress is further proof that the First Lady is a woman of the people. How many of us go to a little black sparkly dress for a black tie event and try to economize their closets?

4. Sasha and Malia Obama on Inauguration Day in J. Crew and Kate Spade - Wearing shades of purple, theFirst Kids (Disney throwback anyone?) proudly donned American designers and looked adorably chic. There’s nothing I love more than sisters who wear matching outfits or who have the foresight to alter a look just by changing buttons on a coat.

3. Michelle Obama at the Inaugural Ball in Jason Wu - Since Michelle really only had three color choices, I love that she went with a twisted halter neckline and a flowing shape. This really shows that women of all ages can wear bold colors without looking matronly. Plus is it just me or does this remind you of a modern take on Motown’s full-length, red sequin dresses?

2. Beyoncé and Jay-Z on Inauguration Day - Let’s be honest, we care about what Jay-Z wore to the point where he looked presentable next to the former Sasha Fierce. B’s intricate Pucci gown was understatedly ah-mazing, and I’m so glad that someone new has become the ambassador to emerald jewelry.

1. Michelle Obama on Inauguration Day in custom Thom Browne - This whole look just works. From the impeccable tailoring to the accented jewel belt to the gloves that matched her daughters’ outfits, Mrs. O did everything right with this. She directed enough attention to herself without taking over the event and she balanced the line between fashion-forward and conservative perfectly. And if I had the chance to go custom-made, I would jump at it.

Tell us what was your favorite look on our Facebook or reach out to us on Twitter!

~Ashley, FashioniSTA

Photo credits: Glamour.com, Philly.com, Bellastyles.com, Newswhip.com, HuffingtonPost.com