From leggings to “jeggings” (leggings that look like jeans), to loose, elastic-waist band pants, clothing labels are starting to sound like a cover for what they really are: stretchy pants, maternity jeans, and pajama pants. You can call them what you want, but residents aren't judging them by their names.  High-fashion and comfort are rarely ever in the same sentence. In the past few years, however, the leading trends have been geared toward more humble, universal styles. It may be a reflection of the economy, while modest fashions sometimes pose as modest prices. But the introduction of …

Just when residents thought the time to retire their worn out, lifeless flip-flops had come, those footprint fossils were back their feet and back on the streets in no time. The weather's indecisiveness lately has people switching between open-toe shoes, (generally a faux-pas in the fall, depending on who you ask), and boots. The recent call for rain, along with a late-summer humidity level, makes the thought of squeezing into tall rubber rainboots almost nauseating, (and that's before pulling them off after a long day!) But while the weather makes up its mind, Hobokenites are stocking up on …

We know not to mix our whites with colors, and we're told not to mix them with seasons. But, is not wearing white after Labor Day becoming a washed-up rule now? If there were 10 commandments of fashion, “Thou Shalt Not Wear White After Labor Day,” would arguably be one of the top three. But as top American designers and fashion icons err on the side of risk-taking and bold statements, modern fashion is defying restrictive style traditions and celebrating personal, out-of-the-box, discretion. Even with the fashion industry taking a stance against the Labor Day rule, among so many others, like …

In-between seasons are the most economical in following fashion trends. Instead of the preceding season’s styles (in this case summer) having a lifespan of just a few months, simple variations can keep them afloat and your bank account from sinking. Although summer flings are notorious for being short-lived, there are a few ways to keep your summer fashion flings going strong: Maxi Dresses: Long maxi dresses were all the rage among Hoboken women this summer.  As an easy day-to-night piece, they were residents’ go-to dress no matter what the occasion. Boutiques in town carried a wide selection…

Women aren’t the only ones in town carrying bags large enough to fit an Olsen twin or two. Men have pretty heavy bags these days as well. No matter what Hobokenites do during the day, like camels they schlep around everything they need on their backs and shoulders. Sidewalks appear slanted as people's baggage pulls them to one side as they're walking. Because of the convenience of city-living, from the moment residents leave their homes to the moment they return, they are always on the move; from work, to the gym, to class, to yoga, to happy hour, etc. Shoulder bags, messenger bags, bulky …

Irene has made many Hobokenites realize that walking through (flood)water is a reality, and we must be prepared, in case it happens again. But how to do so stylishly? And what to wear as shoes?  Luckily, fashion has taken mercy on our feet this summer. Shoes are practically an afterthought as we jet out the door, mindlessly slipping on our flip-flops and sandals at the speed of light. Even to pack, the most shoe-obsessed girl—or boy, of course—won't find too much trouble packing all of their favorite summer shoes for vacation. But for a trip involving water sports or Hoboken after a hurricane…

Frank Sinatra would fit right into the streets of Hoboken this Fall. Hoboken's most stylish are starting to look like they fit into the era of black and white films, when actors—like Hoboken's own Sinatra—were seen dressed to the nines in polished, classic styles. Movies and streetwear of decades like the 1930s and 1940s, were heavily influenced by trendsetters like Fred Astaire, James Dean, Joan Crawford and the Prince of Wales, reinforcing an aristocratic air to fashion. Now, after the exaggerated throwback styles of spring and summer, (high waistlines, oversized floppy hats, aztecs prints…

Just like in high school, the workplace has dress codes. Unless you work in a more laid-back office environment, where personal style and casual comfort are celebrated, not restricted, then you probably own a dress code-abiding wardrobe. But what if you want to spice it up a bit and wear one of this season's trendiest dresses you own to work? Summer-friendly fashion this year is a nod to old school glamour of the 50s and 60s.  Hobokenites are bringing sexy back to the streets and the workplace in this season's flirty sundresses with cut-out backs. Cut-out back dresses come in all different …

Usually, in our technology-driven society, smaller is better and thinner is cooler. One electronic gadget, however, seems to be growing larger: headphones. The history of cell phones reflects this revolutionary trend, starting with the first mobile phones that were installed in cars or briefcases, then in the 1990s with battery-powered phones, light-weight and small enough to carry, and now with the ever-changing, sleeker models of smart phones. Music on-the-go, however, takes the cake in shrinking entertainment devices over the years. From boomboxes to nearly paper-thin iPods the size of a …

Watches this summer tell time on a budget with show-stopping style.  You can save money and go big with a fashion statement wearing any of one the watches being sold in Hoboken boutiques for less than $50. More people are being impressed by no-name, bargain watches lately than signature brand name, pricey ones.  The allure of a watch has always been one of a status symbol.  Wearing and owning a high-priced designer watch is almost like wearing a BMW on your wrist, with some even comparable in price well into the six-figures. Designer watches are those sought by consumers and aficionados with …

Say hello to long dresses this summer.Whether engrossed in graphic prints or subtly sexy with lace and neutral colors, long maxi dresses are the “it” dress of the season.Coexisting with its predecessor, the mini dress, long, sweeping dresses are a glamorous way to welcome the summer. Having even just one long maxi dress in your wardrobe this season keeps you inline with the trend that’s sweeping the streets of Hoboken.While long dresses are typically synonymous with evening wear, there are several styles residents have been sporting that are perfect for an afternoon walk on the Pier or to …

The 1970’s era has officially taken over this season's fashion trends. After unpacking its entire wardrobe into our stores and closets, the trend has no qualms about taking over Hoboken residents from head to toe.Like a smooth criminal, the 1970’s crept in through small, unsuspecting ways this year. It started with items like shoulder draping, feather earrings and loose, embroidered peasant blouses.  Then kicking stilettos out of the way came platforms and corkscrew wedges. And now, hemp is back in the bag.Hemp, canvas and linen handbags as well as shoulder bags are hanging on to many Hoboken…

Bags and purses are continuing the bright color trend this season.Every color under the rainbow can be found on a purse, in the hand or over the shoulder, of any woman strolling through town.In tune with the fashion needs of Hoboken women and current trends, Andrea Maiolano, owner and founder of Amarie: Handbags For Weddings & Everyday, knows just what handbag will catch the eye of a style-seeking resident.Amarie Designs, which features a collection of handbags complete with classic elegance and striking color patterns, was founded in 2008 when Maiolano decided to turn her graphic design …

Brides-to-be, bride-wanna-be's and bride-don't-care-to-be’s all join in the collective voice of Hoboken women as they rave about the "it" dress of the royal wedding.  So, will they admire from afar or bring royal demand to boutiques in town?A little more than a week ago, the world was at the whim of the British royal wedding and Hobokenites were anything but immune to the spell. Residents—some openly, some secretly—succumbed to the force like flies to a windshield.  Aside from the measly balcony kisses and Posh Spice's bitter pregnancy-blues looks, the most talked about aspect of the royal …

Don't let your spring wardrobe get stuck in a rut. Fashion doesn't need to eccentric or complicated in order to look up-to-date. One way to do so is combining bright colors into your wardrobe. But some of the hottest colors for this spring may make some people wary about fitting them into their personal styles. Like with umbrellas, the most chic colors right now include bright yellow, traffic-cone orange, kelly green, hot pink, bright blue, purple and timeless, stark white. While I've definitely been a witness to at least two different women in Hoboken sporting matching-colored umbrellas and …

Hoboken may be only one mile square, but walking through the rain is still very uncomfortable. One quick block during one of those April downpours can feel like miles. Last weekend, during one of this month's most impressive rain storms, a friend of mine and I foolishly parked along Sinatra Drive just moments before the clouds unleashed their wrath onto Hoboken. It wasn't fun. But—besises wearing the right pair of galoshes—you can try to beat the rain by investing in a sturdy umbrella.  Last weekend, when my friend and I had to make our way through the rain, we both had umbrellas. I failed to…

With the arrival of spring, we no longer have to bundle up and remove all the layers we're wearing. It also means it's the season for accessories. If you have a favorite necklace you’ve been dying to wear in the winter, but have been hesitant to style it over turtlenecks and sweaters, now’s the time to show it off.Below I have compiled the four best ways to spice up your wardrobe and show off your best accessories. Statement Jewelry: You don’t have to go spending hundreds of dollars on designer jewelry this spring.  Most boutiques in town feature key pieces in costume jewelry, like metallic …

Spring is the time for carefree attitudes and stress-free style, and nothing says stress-free better than comfortable and chic fashion. Now, you may think that the words "comfortable" and "heels" cannot fit into the same sentence, but there's good news for you this season. Since this season features a throwback to the 1970’s, Hoboken women have been quick to embrace platform stilettos, even ones above five inches, as their shoe of choice. Nothing screams groovy like a pair of platforms.Five-inch and above heels, stilettos, and platforms all sound like artillery for fashion warfare and less …

Walking down the street in Hoboken, one might think everyone is defying fashion as Hobokenites are mismatching patterns. But, that is the bold new look this year. This new style poses a challenge. Matching unlikely patterns is a tricky feat.  While it may seem like a mindless effort—it's not as easy as grabbing random pieces of clothing with different patterns—but mixing graphic prints and patterns takes a keen eye. To avoid looking like you’ve made an outfit from the only clean laundry you have left, here are five key tips I've gathered from fashionistas in town.  Find a base color:  Try …

Strolling through Hoboken, speed-walking to work or lounging at a local café. In trendy suede boots you'll look fashionable wherever you go. (Just make sure it's not raining outside)While most men in town are still hibernating in their fall/winter shoes, women are taking a lighter approach to footwear as the temperatures rise.  Suede is a nice segue into the fast-approaching spring weather. Without having to change too much of your current wardrobe, a suede boot can bring your look in season.  It’s hard making the transition into a dramatic seasonal shift, especially from winter to spring. …