Fashion Crimes Podcast

So, it’s the end of the summer. What exactly does that mean for fashion people when it is still 90 degrees literally everywhere? Can you wear white after Labor Day? Do flip flops go with wool pants? Should you shop the Labor Day sales? Is it a good time to buy summer clothes?

Help us, Holly! What in the world do we wear when our brain says fall, but the thermomotor says HOT?

Turns out, many people are fashionably confused right now. Just because you are dying for those Pumpkin Spice Lattes to drop at Starbucks does not mean fall weather is here. Regardless of what part of the country you live in, it's still very much summer weather.

This week, we are talking about the awkward “end of summer” and how to survive it. You know what we are talking about: Just because you decided to buy a new jacket at a pre-Labor Day Celebration sale last weekend does not mean you can actually wear it yet. We'll get there.

How many of us have been tricked by the start of the school year into wearing a bulky new sweater, only to end up melting by 11:30 am? Not only are you miserably hot, but you look ridiculous. Sorry, Boo. It's still 85 degrees. I'm just sayin.

Lucky for you, we are here to work it out. We're going to tell you what to wear so you look age- appropriate and on-trend without looking like a fall bumpkin in flip-flops.

Fashion Disclaimer: All this style advice is relative depending on where you live in the universe. It's very important for you to know that you have Holly’s permission to dress in summer-weight clothing as long as you need, because let's face it, its hot.

However, you are going to start watching what you are wearing. You are not going to wear sandals anymore. Nor sun dresses, shorts with tank tops and no flip flops. No more thin spaghetti strap summer tops, or floral miniskirts.

We need you to take baby steps. No need to bust out the leathers or the knee-high boots, or especially, Uggs! Ew, no.

Nothing is weirder than walking down the street and seeing a person in a scarf and leather jacket right now. We are in what the fashion industry calls “pre-fall’ or transition fall. So, what does that mean? It is exactly what it sounds like: clothes that you wear right before the calendar says that it's fall. Which in this case, is September 22nd.

What’s the secret to Pre-Fall? You transition by mixing a bit of your summer clothes with some lighter-weight fall clothes. It’s really simple once you know how to do it. You will be comfortable and stylish with these easy tips:

Number 1: Do Not Switch Out Your Closet Seasonally

Don’t bother with turning over or switching out your ‘summer clothes” for your “winter clothes.” FASHION CRIME!

If you’ve listened to us at all before, you know you should be keeping your closet organized so you always know what is in your closet. If you have so much stuff that you are hiding sweaters under your bed, go back to EP 106 and listen to “How To Clean Out Your Closet.” It is a life-changing episode, trust us.

Here’s the problem. Let's say you do get your fall and winter clothes out of storage, and then you take your summer stuff out of your closet. You are going to be very upset when you find out some things no longer fit, or are looking ragged, and maybe out of style! Now you are annoyed, because you have a bigger project than you intended and frankly, you forgot what you even had.

Just don't do it. It's not a great headspace to be in. You want to be in control of your wardrobe at all seasons. You can't do that if half your crap is in storage.

Number 2: What to Wear?

(As always, be sure to follow along on Holly’s Pinterest board this week.)

• Try wide-leg pants with a tank top. You can pop a light-weight blazer over your shoulders if you like.
• Wear an oversized white button-down shirt with a tank underneath. Be sure to roll up the sleeves for a breezy look. Pair that with a maxi skirt and a platform sandal, a chunky necklace and you're good to go.
• Try the Mom jean! Baggy jeans very on trend right now with a light, sleeveless summer sweater and a short, white boot. Now understand this: baggy jeans are fine on six foot tall, size two models. If you are short, and you're little in the middle but you’ve got much back, baggy jeans don't look great. You can try a jean that's looser in the thigh instead of a full on baggy jean. (Believe it or not, Guess jeans are back, and we are not mad about it.)
• Instead of white sandals or shoes, Holly is loving a white boot. Try a white cowboy style boot with a summer sweater. Pair it with statement earrings and gold stacked bracelets. Boom! (PS: metallic cowboy boots are in right now and don't think Holly’s not going to get a pair of silver boots.)
• You can also try a str...

Look, whether you love it, or love to hate it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. And we are not here to have a say on either way, buuuutttt.... if you are going to celebrate the Day of Love, then let’s get you dressed.

Just keep in mind our usual disclaimer and warning:

Don’t you dare let us catch you wearing a red heart sweater that lights up, or carrying a cupid-shaped purse. No novelty crap for "funny" t-shirts. These are FASHION CRIMES, and we will call you out for that. #sorrynotsorry

Instead, just listen to Holly! #Duh. We say it every week: “We are the best friend you never knew you needed in fashion.” And? Please repeat after us:

“Fashion is your Friend, Not Your Enemy!”

In this week’s episode, Holly tells us all about the AMAZEBALLS Pinterest board she has set up just in time for Valentine’s Day outfit planning. If you can’t figure out what to wear after seeing all of her recommendations, then we need to call 911 for you.

If you are going to get dressed, then do it with intention! You need to think this through from head to toe. What is the weather like? It’s winter in most places, correct? So, put some damn clothes on that make sense.

And, not every day is a home run, A special occasion like Valentine's Day is an easy way to experiment with fashion! Wear something you normally wouldn't wear like a fun accessory, or a really cool shoe - something that can really elevate your look.

Play with Fabrics:

One idea is to experiment with different fabrics. Holly’s picks for fab fabrics are:

• Leather (she’s obsessed)
• Faux leather and faux fur
• Velvet
• Silk and more!

In the words of Stacy London, who used to be a stylist and is Holly’s style icon:

Color, pattern, texture, and shine are the things that you need to try to aim for when you're creating a cohesive outfit.

Choose a velvet pant, a colored jean, a bomber jacket or a silky top and mix them with your favorite pieces. Oh, and by the way, fabrics like velvet are super COMFY, y’all!

Move Beyond the Sneakers:

ALERT: You now need to wear shoes! Since COVID, we’ve only worn sneakers, but that is not gonna cut it if you are getting dressed if you're going somewhere fancy.

And, if the thought of stilettos horrifies you - like it does everyone - not to worry, try these options instead:

• Block heels
• Wedge heels
• Booties with a shorter heel
• Fancy flats
• Tall Boots

New Designers You Need to Know:

Remember, a special occasion is your ticket to try something new! As always, Holly has hunted down some new designers just for you – and has examples of all of them on Pinterest.

(PS: You will only get this insider intelligence here, folks! “Best Friend You Never Knew You Needed in fashion,” remember?)

FE NOEL | www.fenoel.com

Fe Noel is a women’s wear designer from Brooklyn, "Eat well, travel often, and dress to inspire!" In other words, make life beautiful. The label’s founder, Felisha "Fe" Noel, is deeply influenced by her Grenadian heritage and has mastered the ability to bottle up culture and glamour influenced by sensibility and sensuality.

What Holly Loves: “Fe is so cool and so fun. She is original and authentic, and her clothes are really unique. I have gained whole new respect for her because she is very different from anything I have seen before. Since Fe’s inspiration comes from the Caribbean islands, you will find a lot of resort and swimwear and bold and colorful patterns.”

UNDRA CELESTE | www.undracelesteny.com

Undra Celeste is a modern multicultural women's designer. She designs clothes that invoke confidence and an unapologetic presence. Undra Celeste New York is the perfect mix of professional dressing and statement dressing. The goal is to empower multicultural women to show up to work feeling like their authentic selves exuding confidence by providing modern, fun, and bold workwear.

What Holly Loves: Oh snap.... she’s done it again.... Holly found a new bestie to stalk! In fact, she has already DM’d this designer to warn her that they WILL be #BFFFs by tomorrow.

Holly loves this line, to say the least, “They have really great contemporary styles that are perfect for work or going out, and at a really good price point. She has statement clothing, dresses, sweaters, and outerwear - it is...

Our Gal-About-Town, fashion bestie and stylist Nolan Meader, is fresh off of Milan Fashion Week, as we live vicariously through him, and we all may never recover from it! Join us this week as we talk about his very glamorous trip and then jump right into what you need to look out for in this Spring’s style trends!

Download and follow us at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC, or wherever you get your podcasts, because, guuuurl, we are EVERYWHERE!

So, OBVI, Milan was fabulous. Nolan was there ‘werking,’ which means he was styling a client for a massive photo shoot. If you don’t follow him on IG already, get over there and just take a look at his fabulousness! He tells us all about Milan street style (very dressy) and the food (he might mention the food 800 times), and then about some of his favorite Italian fashion brands and the fashion shows. Holly was 80% happy for him, and she meant that. Really!

But because we are your best fashion friends (#BFFF), we are also here to give you the inside track on what to look forward to in this Spring’s style trends. Be sure to jump over to our Pinterest Board to see photos of all of these trends:

1. Lug Sole Boots: Don’t know what that is? Same. These are all the rage and basically the utilitarian combat boot, but a sole that is super thick and chunky. They are for men and women – and Holly and Nolan have a love/hate relationship with them. However, just about anyone can pull of this trend, so try it with a dress or skirt and throw it all over with a moto jacket.
2. The hoodie under a blazer or long coat look is still here. Of course, in Milan, it was spectacularly done. Not so much in the States, but anyway....
3. Y2K is back: we don’t know what that is either, but Holly’s very professional fashion definition is that they are bandana blouses or crisscross tops that cross over you boobs. ( . ) ( . ) You’ll just have to trust us on this, and go see them on our Pinterest Board. You’ll also have to trust Holly when she says this is NOT for fashion over fifty. Please, no.

“They are now wearing very low jeans, butterfly tops, with butterfly belt buckles. Please understand that these trends are for a much younger crowd. And I certainly can't get away with my ass hanging out in low-rise jeans. They were ugly when they first came out. And now they're even worse, because they're back a second time”

– Holly Katz

1. Suiting: How does someone pull off a full suit if they are not 6-feet tall and a size zero? Nolan’s answer is - drolly – “very carefully.” (Well thanks for that, because that wasn’t helpful.) Holly pulls it out of him that you need a very tall heel, the pant hem rides on the floor and the jacket is oversized. Probably not for every body. But good on you if you want to give that one a whirl.

Shows and Shopping and Stuff:

• Casadei Shoes: the Blade pump
• La Double J: bold print women’s fashions

And in other global news... Holly and Nolan are probably going to Milan Fashion Week next year, so Save.The.Date.

Holly is so excited that she is already planning it all out: You can drink in public, you can walk around drunk, it's fine. You can wear sequins to breakfast. It's just what it is. Everyone wears big sunglasses and carries overpriced bags. It's just a level of chicness that noone even knows – and we CANNOT wait! We're doin it. We going global. Watch out.

Fashion is what you wear, style is how you make it. – Holly

That’s it. Download it, share it, live it, love it!!! Get us at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC today!

FASHION CRIMES PODCAST

“The Best Fashion Friend You Never Knew You Needed”

Hosted by your favorite personal stylist Holly Katz, with super special guest host, Nolan Meader.

www.fashioncrimespodcast.com

Heyyy yyoooo! We are baaaaackkkk with another Red Carpet review. This time it’s the 2022 Grammys Fashions. There is A LOT to unpack: What we loved, what we hated and who needed a mirror.

Nolan, our Fairy Gay Mother, returns with insights that only Nolan can share. As always, we offer our disclaimer up front: strong opinions usually require strong, yet hilarious, language.

Get this episode today at https://apple.co/2XXKHfC!

Ok, let’s go: your favorite personal stylists Holly and Nolan share their LOVES and HATES, and of course, they rarely agree.

Holly’s LOVES

Dua Lipa in a ‘90s Donatella Versace iconic bondage dress. This was supreme, and no argument here.

Tiffany Haddish in a shimmering gold Prada statuesque gown. Tiffany’s style is a favorite of Holly’s, and this outfit reigns at “Queen” level!

Olivia Rodrigo in Vivienne Westwood. Holly LOVES as she is giving off serious Morticia Addams vibes. She's here for it. Nolan is “Meh.”

Giveon in custom Chanel for men. Nolan is loves this, but not dying over it.. Holly thinks Giveon is gorgeous, and that he is wearing that suit, honey.

Chloe Bailey in Valentino with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. She looks like a disco ball, and Holly is all the way here for it.

Allison Russell in Delcore. Holly can’t say enough. GORG. GIN. A. Nolan basically says nothing....

Saweetie in custom pink Valentino. To. Die. For.

Halsey in Pressiat with Tiffany & Co. jewelry. This was a hard “NO” for Nolan. Holly loves a hat moment, a glove moment, a Halsey moment......

Avril Lavigne, on her first Grammys red carpet in 19 years, stunned in a tulle gown that Holly LOVED, but the studded wedge sandals she paired with the dress made Nolan go ballistic. Nolan says wedges are for barbeques in the Hamptons. Period. Holly said that is completely rude.

SZA in Jean Paul Gaultier tulle gown. Nolan feels it was cheaply made and looks like it. Holly: LOVING THIS.

Cynthia Erivo in Louis Vuitton with Maison Boucheron jewelry. It’s a look.

Doja Cat in Atelier Versace. Holly thinks it looks like a leotard with a sheer overlay. I mean, okay, girl. However, she can pull it off. Nolan is sick of everyone over-doing every outfit with unnecessary accessories. Her pearl-encrusted sheer overlay was going to make for some uncomfortable sitting. #ouch

Chrissy Teigan in pink (Oscars-type gown) from Nicole + Felicia (NOT couture, as Nolan notes). Chrissy always brings it, and this was no exception. Um, Chrissy can call it whatever she wants. Holly loves her,

Kelsey Ballerini in Raissa Vanessa. Holly LOVES, OMG TO DIE. Nolan doesn’t care.

JUST MEH / We Disagree:

Jared Leto in Gucci. Must he always be so trampy??

Lady Gaga: she was gorgeous, but missed the opportunity to be edgier, more rock-star.

Carrie Underwood: Looks beautiful but dressed for high school prom, or British royalty in Dolce and Gabbana.

Lil Nas X In Balmain. And moon boots. Are we done with moon boot yet? Please?

Holly’s HATES:

Justin Bieber in Balenciaga and Hailey Bieber in Saint Laurent with Tiffany & Co. jewelry: his oversized suit is sloppy, and hers looks like a cheap wedding gown. #sorrynotsorry

Jonie Mitchell: looks like she is wearing a Johnny Was outfit, which is waayy too Arizona hippy for us in her floral embroidered ensemble. But, at least she showed up!

Brandy Carlisle in a custom Hugo Boss suit that screams the “Rhinestone Cowboy” song! But her suit weighed 30 pounds, so we gotta give her some cred for that.

Holly recently attended the 2023 February New York Fashion Week and is here to report that this was one for the record books! On this episode, she shares the highs – and the lows – of what is about to come your way in fashion and style.

Traditionally, your favorite personal stylist, and podcast hostess with the mostest, attends about 13 to 15 shows during NYFW. But this year, Holly took the new approach of quality over quantity, and frankly, she is not sorry. Getting to enjoy the art of fashion, rather than running all through NY traffic and weather, really gave her a chance to study what the latest trends, designs, and fabrics designers are showing this year.

The purpose of this episode is to encourage you to learn how to interpret these new fashion trends, and ultimately, incorporate them into your own wardrobe!

Now would be a good time to remind you to head over to Holly’s Pinterest boards to see all the new fashions mentioned in this episode, as well as photos from the shows.

Make sure there are no distractions for the next 30 minutes because let's be honest, this is the stuff we all need to know!

PROENZA SCHOULER

What Holly saw:

Their clothes were on another level this year! They paired a fleece hoodie with a black A-line leather skirt. Holly loved the way they style their suiting, which has been around for several seasons now.

They paired an oversized white jacket with like an asymmetrical midi straight skirt and slouchy white boots. There was a skinny contrasting black belt around the jacket. And there were several dresses that were long with “carwash” detailing.

(If you don't know what carwash detailing is – think of when you go through a carwash and you go through the strips that are wavy like noodles. THAT is the detailing of some of the dresses at the show.}

What Holly liked:

#1 – This company has nice people who work there and appreciate their customers.

#2 – They have a variety of price points, meaning their current line is expensive, but they carry another brand, which is a lesser price point called White Label with the same aesthetic as the full price line, just different fabrics that are a little bit more relatable to moderately priced consumers.

#3- Lastly and most importantly, consistent sizing. Season in and season out, the Proenza sizing and fit are something you can rely on.

PATBO

What Holly saw:

PatBo is a very hip women's wear brand by Patricia Bonaldi. She is a Brazilian designer who has been sewing since she was a child and started making gowns for private clients in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The woman who wears this brand tends to skew a bit younger with styles that show a lot of skin and leg. Along with gorgeous gowns and two-piece sets that are full of embellishments, sequins, and beads for days. All beautifully made.

What Holly liked:

Holly loves this designer’s playful and beautiful use of embroidery, fringe, beading, sequins, and adornments that are over-the-top and fabulous.

UMMM VERY IMPORTANT PSA: Just know that at this point in the episode, Holly shares that she met one of her Peloton idols: Ally Love. And if that wasn’t girl-crush enough, Ally had on the most spectacular PatBo two-piece ivory fringe and pearl embroidered mini skirt set ever seen. DYYYIIINNGG. We love her.

The PatBo customer is definitely a party girl who loves to turn heads when she walks into a room. This is always a fabulous show and never disappoints.

SERGIO HUDSON

The Sergio Hudson collection is a ready-to-wear label crafted entirely in the USA, with meticulous attention to detail that is at the forefront of every single garment. He is known for dressing celebrities, such as Beyonce, Priyanka Chopra, Michelle Obama, Kamala Harris, and Jennifer Lopez.

What Holly saw:

Hudson’s show was a complete and total throwback to the early 90s. All the models channeled their inner “Fran Drescher,” with literally the same hairstyle, a suit with a short short (and we mean SHORT! Like no pants on short!) skirt, pumps, a suit jacket, and dark pantyhose. Every single model had their hair wavy and very long past their shoulders, with part of their hair up and part down like we used to wear in high school - complete with a scrunchie!

What Holly liked:

This show was really playful and played up the styles that are just for the show and some that will actually go into production. It was all about neon colors, and 90s hair and makeup. Flirty clothes with a twist on a business suit in a rea...