Please Don't Go!

Fashion is fading away. Leaving us slowly but surely. Ok, a bit of an exaggeration but the old trend of fading is coming into a new rebirth. This time, adding shiny patent to this color technique has a different urban airbrush approach to the regular spray can flow.




Aldo has "Arnoldoa”, a classic pump with a quick fade that has the patent leather lookin street smart but still feminine. ($80/ top right/ Aldoshoes.com)

Bakers has "Zoe", their peep toe comes in four reflective colors; black patent, pink, yellow and blue. Hiding in the corner of "Zoe", her own cutout popping through the color transition. ($59.95/bottom right and lower row/ Bakersshoes.com)

While the fade is coming back, its not on haircuts, sorry Vanilla Ice. Only shoes can handle this spray-paint / airbrush style. Adding to this reoccurring notice are stencils. Now don't come busting out old heart stencils unless Michelle Tanner is your fashion icon. I'm saying an elegant stencil detail on simple pieces.

Take Urban Outfitters "Free People" racerback tank. It’s just a striped cotton tee with an origami appliqué of flowers. ($78/top left/ Urbanoutfitters.com).

Subtly mix the two trends and make a fresh outfit, but don’t overkill with too much trend! Pick any faded patent heel, add a stencil shirt, throw on a high-waisted jean and you've got a genuinely thought out look with no effort but all fashion. Quick hint…with the gray top I’d go for the yellow "Zoe" shoes, keep it current.