Adapting to Fall Fashion in Florida

One of my main reasons for moving to Florida was for the weather. Sun all the time, going to the beach in December and wearing short sleeves was all it took for me to pack up the Cobalt and hit the road. Now that I am hear, I miss seasons!

Don't get me wrong, I do not miss Southwest Virginia winters, where it snows eight times a year and can last up to seven months. What I do miss is wearing scarves, gloves, knee-high boots, hats and form-fitting coats. Why do I miss these things you ask? Because one gets tired, very quickly I might add, of shorts, sun dresses and skirts. Even Floridians tire of them, as we all anxiously wait for a slightly chilly day to bring out those favorite fall garments.

Lucky for us, the past few weeks have brought chilly winds and even temperatures in the mid 40s. I have been able to wear my knee high boots, a few sweaters and even a military-style jacket that I thought would be reserved for Christmas in Virginia. I have donned my favorite Houndstooth scarf on a few occasions, adding a winter touch to my outfits.

The weather is Florida has definitely taught me to appreciate seasons, especially since 70 degree weather is in the forecast for next week. Time to pull those shorts back out...

Fall Fashion, Nicole Miller style

On October 29th I attended a Nicole Miller fashion show...yes I said Nicole Miller! The wonderful woman of the Stuart Society, an organization that raises money for the Museum of Fine Art in St. Petersburg, FL, hosted the event along with Saks Fifth Ave in Tampa, FL.

As a woman who loves and embraces fashion, this day is one that I will never forget. Standing amongst some of St. Petersburg's premier fashionistas, as these drank champagne and discussed labels, I got tons of tips for this fall--leggings are officially back-- and even some foreshadowing into the spring.

Though Nicole Miller was the only designer in the room, Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik and Michael Kors--to name a few-- were there in garment, paired with Nicole Miller pieces.

After drinks, the ballroom curtains were pulled back, exposing pearl draped chandeliers, eloquently decorated tables with pink and white flowers, a fresh strawberry in each champagne glass and black and white gift bags for guests to enjoy eye-lifting creams and lipstick. In the center of the room sat an all white runway with enough light to land a commercial aircraft.

Once the guests settled in, Nicole Miller stood and acknowledged the room full of fashion savvy women, eager to get a sneak peek into what would hang in their closets in Spring 09.

To attempt to describe the garments would deprive everyone of what I witnessed first-hand. I will not even attempt to describe the beautiful pieces that Ms. Miller has created for the spring. Instead, because I am a photographer in training, I will let you see them for yourself. Check out the photos in my slideshow.

The Science of Fashion

Fashionistas everywhere know that fashion is a science.  

Think back to one of your high school science projects--a hypothesis was created, variables were included and tested and a thorough analysis of the project was done.  Fashion is the same way.

In order to consider yourself fashionable, one must first form a hypothesis of the style they desire to portray.  When doing this, the fashionista will consider the different outcomes of the style they desire such as environment, body shape and personality. 

Once this is decided, the hypothesis is then tested with variables.  The constant variable is very similar to the dependent variable:  The difference is, the constant variable is to achieve your fashion persona even with the changes caused by the independent variable such as accessories and outerwear.

Once the variables are tested, the analysis of the fashion created takes place.  The fashionista analyses the finished product for factors such as uniqueness, timelessness and signature.  

Uniqueness sets the fashionista apart from the pack.  Even though he/she follows all of the trends, they are able to take them and make them their own. 

Timelessness shows the fashion sense of the fashionista, who is able to find pieces that will survive long after the trends come and go, but still manage to make every outfit fresh and modern.

Finally signature gives the fashionista individuality.  Because trends drive fashion, it is important that the fashionista is able to establish a style that is recognizable, and more importantly, envied.

There you have it, the scientific method of fashion.