Blog - Sharon Haver - FocusOnStyle.com

Website Maintenance in Progress…

Excuse www.FocusOnStyle.com while we putter around the backend, move around a bit, and do some website maintenance. Apologies for not looking so pretty or speedy while the techs do their thing. We’ll be back very soon in full speed & full style. In the mean time, please follow on facebook to see what we are up to & chat...

When it comes to conquering the cool allure of French-Chic, there's no other label as consistent as Chloe. So get set for an 80's revival from Chloe Fall 2014... From oversized 80's inspired abstract brass discs heavily decorating simple seperates to quilted sleeping bag coats and pleated pants, references from influential sportswear designer Norma Kamali and iconic illustrator Anotonio Lopez came to mind. >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS What made it look modern besides the updated fabrics and slimmer fits was a soothing, palette cleansing range of pretty, soft makeup colors in taupe, pale pink and ice blue. Photos: Chloe

The cool, quiet confidence Parisian designer Christophe Lemaire evokes each season at both his namesake label and Hermes is often breathtakingly chic, and Fall 2014 saw the designer on trend to boot... We've long been fans of Lemaire's timeless simplicity and refined vision - what's not to love when a closet constant is so precise in it's inception that it gives you an instant boost of put-together elegance? >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS So call it a coincidence that his flared knit leggings (hello 90's era Prada!) were similar to those seen on Celine, A Detacher and Stella McCartney runways because, well, he's always on his A-Game. And as this winter was so trying for much of the U.S, we're

Balenciaga Fall 2014 was heavy on elegant futurism, and the skirt over pants combo's offered a cozy yet grown-up take on practical layering that was stylish and worth giving a shot at now... And while Balenciaga's versions may be terribly expensive to lust over, consider taking a stab at this ongoing trend which originated at Dior by Raf Simons a few seasons back. Here's how to get the look: >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS What's great about this trend is how simple it can be! Start with a basic fitted pant, say a slim, chic cropped cigarette style in black that boasts a break of skin to avoid looking like you are wearing too much fabric. By keeping the foundation

Nina Ricci Fall 2014 The Paris insider report: I attended the Nina Ricci Fall 2014 show during Paris Fashion Week. Held once again at the giant tent in the Tuileries by place de la Concorde, the show was last Thursday at 5PM. I got there a little early to see the pre fashion show before the show, meaning the cavalcade of fashionistas (I hate that word and have never used it, but it this case it’s appropriate) and fashion victims walking down the white vinyl runway entering the show venue. Fashionistas outside Nina Ricci fall 2014 There were smash hits but equally as many doozies a.ka. "did you bother to look in the mirror before you left the house" looks.

Red Carpet Beauty at the 2014 Oscars had us clamoring to cop the chic and simple hairstyle of it-girl of the moment Lupita Nyong'o... Beaming in a gorgeous shade of icey blue in a Grecian inspired pleated Prada number, Lupita Nyong'o served Oscar viewers a throwback to the carefree elegance of the inimitable Audrey Hepburn. >>CHECK OUT: Oscars 2014 Red Carpet Arrivals… as it happens By keeping it timeless, Nyong'o reminded us of the beauty of pure simplicity and the fact that instant glamour can at times be achieved by taking the easy route. Lucky you. >> Related: Our Top Oscar 2014 Choices... Go ahead try it for yourself come wedding season or your next night out with these expert tips

I'll Have What She's Having: Clean, grown-up elegance hit the red-carpet for can-do Oscar chic to consider this upcoming wedding and formal season... It wasn't as much as big drama but more of modern elegance when it came to the best of Oscar fashion tonight. Best Supporting Actress Academy Award winner Lupita Nyong'o and Best Actress winner Cate Blanchett went for dusty pales from Prada and Giorgio Armani (respectively) that each had an ode to Grace Kelly allure. Jennifer Lawrence in Dior, Anne Hathaway in Gucci, and Amy Adams in custom Gucci all went for a simple & statuesque column dress in rich and dark shades. While on the otherhand red-carpet fav's like Charlize Theron, Emma Watson, Bette Midler and

Sharon Haver with her style icon Audrey Hepburn. Photo: Patrick McMullan

For this week's look back in celebration of the 15th Anniversary Year of FocusOnStyle online, I want to rewind a bit further to this very special post about how I met my style icon, Audrey Hepburn. What a lovely moment and privilege... S.H. My evening with humanitarian and style icon Audrey Hepburn... Having someone to inspire your work is so important to manifest your own personal abundance. Finally, I found my misplaced 35 mm slide of Ms Hepburn and myself and had to share it with you. I don't know about you but I think almost every woman (and man) of a certain age has been mesmerized by the allure of Audrey Hepburn. yeGrowing up with first runs and reruns of Audrey Hepburn

Practical options missing on the runways you say? Speaking of comfort & sophistication, did you ever think you'd see cargo pants and pockets return on the runways? Well Balmain Fall 2014 left us clamoring for this carry all trend! Let's rethink cargo pants, yes those once ubiquitous on-the-go mom pants... In what looks like an ode to Yves Saint Laurent's legendary 70's era safari collection, Balmain designer Olivier Rousting delivered a savvy Amazonian collection of get ready for it, real-world friendly attire that was high on glamour and practicality. >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS Balmain Fall 2014 Yes, what was once considered the ultimate in apparel for the nomadic traveler, from Boy Scouts to those lucky enough to holiday in

Retail Remedy: It's time for a day of pretty things! Have you ever had one of those Mercury in retrograde days where the only viable solution to finding joy is, well, SHOES! Yup, and pretty, girly, sexy, feminine shoes like the new Sarah Jessica Parker SJP line that launches exclusively at Nordstrom on February 28. When the tech got tricky, I got going to discover the adorable candy-colored pop-up Sarah Jessica Parker SJP shoe store in SoHo where Sarah Jessica was hosting a private preview of her collection. Everything was feminine and classic Sex and the City, brought up to a modern beat. SJP herself was chicly holding court around her very Carrie-esque collection. "I've taken inspiration from things in my life such as the grosgrain ribbons

I'm like a crazed bull for this fashion week trend... red boots are all I see & I cannot wait until next fall to get my hands on a pair. First there were the slouchy red boots at Rag & Bone, then the sleek ones at Helmut Lang, the dreamy pair at Prada, and now walking the Missoni 2014 runway are beautifully color crafted layers pair with red square toe ankle boots! >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS Proof to the point, that red is THE accent for next fall and, if I were you (or me), I'd look for a pair to start wearing now (I did that for you by pulling what I can find in stock and

I've been rekindling my love for a strong menswear jacket since looking at Cate Blanchett. And I even have a soft spot for Pharell Williams' Vivienne Westwood hat at the Grammy's that has taken on a life of its own, with even its own Twitter account. So, when you meld the best of suiting with a little irony, love is in the air. There is definitely something to think about when it comes to the styling of Emporio Armani Fall 2014. Add, the oversized kooky hat. A feminine ankle wrap pump, and even the longer hemlines on the skirts all look refreshing. >> MORE: FASHION SHOWS AND RUNWAY REVIEWS And TREND SPOTLIGHTS >>MORE: Emporio Armani and from the Armani brand The menswear influence transcended into brogues and black socks.

Growing Older, Staying In Style: Men’s Style Tips for a Fab 50+

This week's look back at favorite posts from my 15th Anniversay of FocusOnStyle online takes a look at age-appropriate fashion for guys over 50. Mens' style-- like women's-- shouldn't have an expiration date, and looking vital, modern, and well, hot, as an approaching boomer and beyond is something that should be accessible for everyone with a little know-how. Have a read at this very favorite post from 2006. The advice is timeless, although the handsome examples are bit older, yet still just as fetching.. -- S.H. Age Appropriate Fashion Tips for Middle-Aged Men Men's style tips for looking fashionably hot after 50 Dear Sharon: I'm a middle-aged man on the cusp of 50 and it doesn't take a fashion genius to

PERSONALITY BRAND KICKSTART: Become An Authentic Superstar...

MY BLOG:

STYLE YOUR SUCCESS, LIVE YOUR DREAM...

Make it your business to live your dream…

Your style is your fingerprint in all that you do… it’s how you see the world + how the world perceives you.

The Blog Posts...

Website Maintenance in Progress…

Paris Fashion Week Trend Spotlight: Sleek 80’s Updates at Chloe Fall 2014

Paris Fashion Week Trend Spotlight: Flared Knit Leggings at Christophe Lemaire Fall 2014

Paris Fashion Week Trend Spotlight: Skirt Over Pants at Balenciaga Fall 2014

Paris Fashion Week: Inside + Outside Nina Ricci Fall 2014

Red Carpet Beauty: Lupita Nyong’o channels Audrey Hepburn elegance, get her hair now!

Best of Oscar Fashion 2014

What happened when I met my style icon Audrey Hepburn

Rethink Sporty Chic Safari Cargo Pockets in an ode to Africa at Balmain Fall 2014

I stopped by the new Sarah Jessica Parker SJP shoe store for a sneak peak

Red Boots Diary, I want you! Now seen at Milan Fashion Week Missoni Fall 2014

Milan Fashion Week Trend Spotlight: Menswear Jackets + Touch of Pharell’s Hat at Emporio Armani Fall 2014

Growing Older, Staying In Style: Men’s Style Tips for a Fab 50+

Female Entrepreneurs: Helping You & Your Business Get Out There!