Spring 2010

I've just completed a whirlwind traveling schedule visiting Manhattan's Garment District several times preparing for spring fashions. Yes- I said spring. I know, we've barely worn our current spring fashions and haven't even purchased for fall and yet designers, stylists and buyers are all searching for the hottest looks. What can we learn from this early planning? We can learn that many of the styles from this spring will continue into fall and still remain strong in 2010.

So what's in style in 2010? The 1940's will still remain an influence in the early part of spring. We'll see fitted, structured suits and a definite menswear influence continuing through fall and into the early part of the new year. We'll also see the Greek Goddess style consistant in this year as well so don't throw out your draped tops and gladiator shoes. Another trend I absolutely love is the Global Influence and it will transition slightly into an Exotic flair with rich colors and an island influence for summer 2010.

So what can we gain with this knowledge for fall 2009? Well, it's safe to wear your fitted suits, harem pants, draping tops and rich, bold colors. They will be right on trend! If you haven't purchased gladiator sandals, maxi dresses and beaded tunics- run, don't walk to the sales rack and stock up for spring 2010!

(TOP AND SCARF AVAILABLE AT VANCE'S BLUES IN MORGANTOWN)

(TOP AND SKIRT AVAILABLE AT CONI AND FRANC IN MORGANTOWN)

It's a Fashion Battle Zone

.....and in any good battle you must be properly attired in Gladiator Sandals- the hottest footwear this season!

Through all my fashion travels from New York to London, the one look that seems to be holding steady is the Gladiator Sandal. I've seen variations of this style, from a watered down version available at Banana Republic to a trend-embracing look available at THE FINERY in Morgantown. In fact, WV LIVING's editor Nikki Bowman recently welcomed this trend into her closet with the purchase of a metallic gold pair of Gladiator Sandals she purchased at THE FINERY located at the Seneca Center and she couldn't be more pleased.

If you're looking for a new pair of sandlas this year and you want to step out of the box, then try this look. Visit, http://www.thefinery.com/ for directions, style stips and more information about this wonderful boutique loaded with style.

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Meet the Assistant Fashion Editor

Jessica Schueler is currently a senior at Concord University studying Public Relations and Business Administration. Jessica writes for Concord’s weekly newspaper, the Concordian and has had her own radio show on WCUR Concord University Radio. She is on the committee for Relay for Life and works in the Public Relations Box Office. Jessica enjoys studying the latest trends and fashions and hopes to one day have a career as a Fashion Editor.

Jessica was selected as the first Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teen in 2004. During her year she promoted her platform SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) throughout West Virginia and traveled to Missouri, North Carolina, and Florida representing the Miss America Organization. Jessica also developed the Mentor Princess Program and raised over $5,000 in scholarship money for the Miss West Virginia’s Outstanding Teens Scholarship Organization.

Since holding this prestigious title, Jessica placed as a Semi-Finalist at the 2008 Miss West Virginia USA Pageant and a Finalist at the 2008 Miss West Virginia Association of Fairs & Festivals Pageant.

Welcome Jessica!

Casual, or Too Casual?

When is casual too casual?

I spent yesterday leisurely enjoying an afternoon at my favorite bookstore, Trans Allegheny Books in Parkersburg. (Okay, that's a personal fantasy as I haven't had a "leisurely day" in years but I can dream, right?) Walking into this book store I feel a sense of calm wrap around me; years of history and shelves of knowledge slowly transport me, even momentarily, into my own personal Zen.

Yesterday was a day of fun and relaxation; a casual time to enjoy my hometown. I'm a people watcher so of course I'm always checking out what people are wearing and what they're doing. I'm amazed by the amount of sweat pants and sweat shirts sported by the majority of the passersby. I understand it's 20 degrees outside but let's unleash our inner Style Diva and slap on some lip gloss and a trendy oversized sweater with a pair of skinny jeans in lieu of gym attire.

Oversized knits are quite hot this season. Banana Republic, Macy's, Gap, and every other major retal chain has numerous styles currently in the sales bin. Why not pick up an end-of-the-season-find?

Let's take an oath as stylish women of the mountain state to collectively burn our gym clothes, afterall, when was the last time we had time to go to the gym?

Go Style Diva!

Can't Get Enough Scarves!

It's official- the word is out! Scarves will remain popular through Spring of 2009. I guess it doesn't take a rocket scientist or fashion forecaster to predict this news. All you have to do is look around. They're in every store, in every price range!

I recently visited Tamarack, a fabulous store boasting a compilation of various items all made in the mountain state, and came across a rack of handmade scarves. They were fabulous! Some had been knitted while other were woven but each and every one had its own distinct personality. That's the beauty of a handmade item. Prices ranged from $30-$50; well worth it since it also comes with a great story of it's origins!

Stop into Tamarack on I77 and see what you can find! Also, ask for your copy of WV LIVING magazine. They carry it!


Items on the model are from the Kim Parrish Collection available at HSN and HSN.com.

Show Me Some Style

Calling All Stores!

I want to know what fashionable women in the mountain state are buying. Tell me the must-have items you can't keep in stock. Send me photos of your favorite shoes, bags and clothing!

Make sure you include your name, store name, and location in your email. Please send all emails to Kim@WVLIVINGmagazine.com

I'd love to feature your items in the next blog or article.... I'd even love to shop in your store. Tell me about it!!!

It's all in the Detail

In economically challenging times stores tend to stock their shelves with wardrobe-building basics but in this tough economy women are demanding more! More sequins, embroidery, bows and zippers! The last thing we want is a boring basic.

So, when you head to the stores to grab a sale item or collect a few "must-haves" for spring remember to look for something with interest, drama or detail. You'll feel great about your purchase and look fabulous too!

Item #328-393, Kim Parrish Collection on HSN and HSN.com

Welcome to WV Living.... In Style

I'm so excited to sign on as the Style Editor at WV LIVING magazine! I'm so proud to say I'm a West Virginia native, and although my career has taken me to other parts of the country, I can truly say my heart will always remain in the mountain state.

So let's talk about fashion, shopping, handbags and boutiques. I feel like I was born to talk about those subjects, and in fact I've been doing it professionally for almost 15 years!!

After logging more than 6,000 hours of live TV appearances as a shopping host on QVC, crisscrossing the country working with designers, celebrities and fashion icons, I discovered a universal dilemma that held true for me, my audiences and even the celebrities I interviewed…women want a limitless wardrobe on a limited budget! That's why I developed my own clothing collection, The Kim Parrish Collection available on HSN and HSN.com.

I can't wait to share the secrets I've learned and are continually discovering about wardrobe building, creating memorable looks and boosting confidence in your closet one garment at a time!

So let's shop, share and explore some of the hottest boutiques in the state! Let's clean out our closets together and dare each other to think outside the box when trying new trends! Most importantly, let's have fun with fashion!!