As seen in Styleline Magazine, By Hoda Salameh
“Glamour, menswear with a feminine twist and bling all the way down to your shoes,” is how Sharon Eisenshtadt, retail fashion expert and owner of SHE in Bloomfield Hills, sums up the overall feeling of the fall 2012 styles.
The metro Detroit native got started in the retail industry almost 25 years ago, when she worked at Bivouac in Ann Arbor. From there, Eisenshtadt’s career took her to managerial positions at department stores, most significantly as director of personal shopping at Marshall Field’s, where she helped dress hundreds of customers.
Eisenshtadt launched her business, SHE, five years ago. The luxury boutique offers contemporary and designer fashions, as well as Eisenshtadt’s wardrobe consulting and personal shopping services.
Eisenshtadt shares her expertise with StyleLine on the fall 2012 trends that are here to stay.
Functional Separates
“The best investments are the pieces you can multitask,” Eisenshtadt says. She recommends indulging in a new pantsuit to channel the masculine-chic trend. The pantsuit offers versatile styling options and easily can be dressed up or down. “I’m very excited about my new Chaiken pantsuit that I plan on mixing up with beautiful blouses from Ramy Brook and my new Genetic jeans as a second casual option,” Eisenshtadt says.
Retro-mix floral prints have made a comeback this season. Eisenshtadt says a great way to work a pattern in is to choose a simple style, such as an A-line or pencil skirt as the piece in print, and pair it with a beautiful, subdued top. She says she prefers a tie lace-silk blouse because not only is it elegant, but it also looks great with jeans and a blazer. Color & Accessories
Experiment with playful hues to create a style boost on a dreary fall day. According to Eisenshtadt, the color stories for fall will be purples, oxblood, black, fuchsia and cream combos in tweeds and lace. She says that women can add in color with shoes, handbags and coats, and “all three items can create a first and last impression. So show your confidence and go bright.” Wearing au courant accessories is an easy way to update your wardrobe this fall. Eisenshtadt suggests trying a large day-to-night cocktail ring or a statement necklace that transforms a muted look to a showstopping ensemble. In addition to footwear with a pop of color, Eisenshtadt recommends making a grand entrance in shoes that sparkle, such as these Miu Miu pumps (pictured on the facing page), $790, Saks Fifth Avenue, 248.643.9000.
last from the Past Designers continue to reinvent the fashion wheel, evoking the mood of influential eras. Inject romantic accents, high necklines and lace garments to exude a Renaissance spirit. Eisenshtadt suggests incorporating on-trend ’40s-inspired deco jewelry into your wardrobe.
Runway to Everyday Voluminous garments and dramatic details
were exaggerated on the fall 2012 runways. “What stands out for me are the overall features that fit into a woman’s ‘real life’ wardrobe, such as luxe fabrics like cashmere or wool, interesting sleeves, such as a three- quarter length or dolman sleeve, embellishment on collars, such as beading or fur,” Eisenshtadt says.
The mixed-media trend, featuring the combination of unrelated elements, graced numerous fall
2012 runways. To execute this style, Eisenshtadt recommends contrasting textures such as quilted fabrics or tapestry prints topped with something simple, such as a beautiful sweater set or a basic blouse. “This is a great way to stay on-trend and not feel like you’re in costume,” she says.
As with every season, some trends are meant to remain on the runway and not in a woman’s daily wardrobe. “I’m never comfortable seeing anything too sheer outside of a runway show! Most trends work when you leave out the extremes,” Eisenshtadt says.
