Make way stripes, a new pattern is on the rise!  Polka-dots are back in full force this summer.  Making a strong comeback from the 1950’s,  these fun and flirty dots are being worn by celebs everywhere.  Heidi Klum adorned a pair of navy polka-dot platforms at the film premiere in Los Angeles of  Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil.  British singer and X-factor judge, Cheryl Cole’s outfit was spot-on covered in polka-dot head to wedge.  Ugly Betty star America Ferrera has even been spotted wearing dotted white and black  pumps around town.

Photo credit: http://www.mbtboy.com/; Bauer Griffin; Splash News

No matter which way you wear them or what decade we’re in, polka-dots will never go completely out of style.  Even used in sport, the winning cyclist of the “King of the Mountain” climb in the grueling Tour de France is awarded a red and white polka-dot jersey! Whether we like them or not, we better get used to these dots because they are here to stay!

Spain's Samuel Sanchez wears the polka-dot jersey for best climb of the 2011 Tour de France. Photo Credit: https://cosmonavigator.wordpress.com/

Normally I am a flats girl. Being sort of tall and living in a city with the worst sidewalks ever has made me this way. But my experiences at Open Runway have converted me to a heel lover –  or at least a coveter.  I can’t help but be excited for all the high heel trends for fall! So I narrowed down my top three favorite looks and designed them in our Open Runway Design Studio.

Bright Suede

Bright colors are in this summer but they are here to stay for fall. I love the pairing of the autumnal material of suede with vibrant sunny colors. It’s the perfect mix of softness and warmth, what fall is to me!

These bright cobalt platform pumps with ruffle counter detailing are perfect for peeking out from jeans or brightening up a classic LBD.

Animal Prints

This fall is all about channeling your wild side whether it be in leopard, zebra, snake, or crocodile print. Animal prints add texture and dimension to any outfit, so get ready to show your stripes (or spots) this fall.

These nude snake sling backs are subtle yet fierce at the same time!

Big Bows

Nothing is more feminine and fun than a bow! Whether in a bright or neutral they are the perfect embellishment for a pump and make any outfit primly pretty.

These cognac neutral shoes with a black bow are refined and charming and add the perfect feminine touch.

What shoe trends are you most excited to rock this fall? Let us know in the comments.

The women’s soccer world cup took place recently – Japan vs. US – two underdogs battling it out to bring home the gold.  Never a dull moment in the game, the Japanese rung in the Big W in a dramatic fashion.  Speaking of fashion…we here at Open Runway have decided to do an ode to Japanese style in honor of their recent success as the first Asian team to ever win the Women’s World Cup.

In stark contrast to the team’s all-solid navy blue colors, Japanese style back on the main land is quite eccentric. Breaking all the rules, brights are paired with other brights.

Photo credit: http://www.style-arena.jp/

Socks with heels is not a trend left on the fashion runway.  In fact, most women strutting the streets can be seen sporting this look… in pumps, sandals and even sky-high platforms!

Another shoe trend back again this season, the wedge.  Popular all over the world, the wedge is a comfortable option for casual chic…and there is no lack of wedges found on the streets of Japan!  For a new spin on the traditional, try a metallic leather which looks great paired with an espadrille wedge.

Photo credit: http://www.fashioninjapan.com

The perfect handbag has always been an integral part of any woman’s wardrobe. More often than not, it comes down to “which one matches best” rather than “which one holds more.”  Japanese women seem to have bridged this gap by sporting large purses in a neutral shade that hold all the necessities.  For a pop of color, add a scarf or kerchief loosely tied around the strap. Functional and fashionable!

Photo Credit: http://www.fashioninjapan.com, http://www.style-arena.jp/

Not afraid to take on new styles and trends, Japanese women are taking runway looks and making them their own. Do you dare?

With our impending launch, the Open Runway team has been extremely busy this summer perfecting all last minute details. To help us deliver the best personalized shopping experience you can imagine, we’ve tapped into the minds of some of the best and  brightest interns in the area. We’re excited to introduce June, one of our newest interns, who joined Open Runway in….you guessed it…June!

Born and raised in China, June has been in the US for only a year. Similar to Kailai, another Open Runway intern, June is pursuing a Masters degree in Marketing Analytics from Bentley University. Previously, June studied international trade in China and then accounting at Bentley before transferring into her current masters program.  June is looking forward to her Open Runway internship and wearing a more creative hat than she has been able too in the past!

June’s passions, however, have always laid in fashion. She chuckles as she reminiscences about her previous fashion “experiments”. From completely submerging herself in hiphop and rocker trends, to giving the colorful Japanese styles a go, June has even sported a daringly short boyish haircut! June discusses Asian style with us, crediting its roots back to massive flea markets and boutique stores. These vivacious markets are full of wonder and splendor- florals, stripes, ruffles, glitter, and bright colors can be seen in all directions! One of June’s biggest joys is visiting these markets once a week and scouring for the best bargains- something she has become quite an expert at!

June’s personal style may be described as an infusion of her native Asian roots with a Western spin on chic. June looks to the fashion runway for the latest trends as well as celebrity blogs for inspiration in her own closet.  An avid enthusiast of DIY, June often creates expressive pieces using garments from her very own wardrobe!  This “Do It Yourself” attitude meshes perfectly with Open Runway. Total customization is what we’re all about, and after all, who doesn’t love a pair of perfect heels?

Congratulations and welcome June, we are looking forward to having you join our Open Runway family!

It’s mid-summer, the weather is getting hotter, the weekends brighter and the beach is one of our favorite places to be, but it is also one of the hardest places to be chic. There are so many elements to deal with: sand, wind, waves, and of course the sun. We’ve compiled a list of beach essentials so you will look your best before, after, and during your beach visit.

1) Sun Protection – Everyone knows how painful burns are and it is becoming more apparent that the sun can cause some serious skin damage, so protect yourself from burns, skin cancer, and future wrinkles, by always wearing sunscreen! We know it’s sticky and smells funky, but it is a necessity! Dermatologists recommend you apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you hit the beach and re-apply regularly while there!

Follow Jennifer Aniston's lead and apply sunscreen! Photo Credit:KADENA PIX/bauergriffinonline.com

2) Hats – Hats at the beach are totally in right now. Whether you wear them with sunglasses for an uber-mysterious vibe or alone, you are sure to protect your hair and scalp fashionably. Straw fedoras are definitely in this summer. I’ve heard them referred to as “cool girl hats.” A scarf tied like a turban is a more colorful option. Or you can go classic with a wide brimmed floppy hat that not only protects your head but your shoulders as well!

Elle Fanning in a Floppy Hat at the Beach, Photo Credit: Ramey

DWTS's Julianne Hough, Actress Diane Kruger, and Singer Jennifer Hudson all rock the "Cool Girl Hat" off the beach, Photo Credit: Broadimage; Jordan Strauss/WireImage; Ramey

3) A Great Pedicure – Unfortunately, the only shoe options for the beach are sandals – preferable ones that slip off easily – but a great pedicure can really liven up your feet. Unlike with your hands you can get really crazy with the colors on your toes. Go super bright and tropical with a green or yellow, or channel your inner chameleon and choose a color inspired by sand. Get even crazier with the multitude of prints or patterns  now easily available at the drugstore.

4) Coverups – This is where you can really let your personal style shine through. Are you a classic Cali girl who loves shorts, or do you love the versatility and flowiness of a sarong? A billowy button down provides lots of upper body coverage and fits in with the menswear trend we see off the beach. Or go classic with a sundress in any shade or cut. At Open Runway we truly believe in expressing your self through style so wear something that you love!

A pregnant January Jones covers up in a bright patterned sundress, Photo Credit: Andrade/Shirley/Pacific Coast News

Model Allesandra Ambrosio works denim shorts, Photo Credit: Gaz Shirley/Pedro Andrade/Pacific Coast News

Whether your’re in the Hamptons, Florida, or Hawaii, these basic guidelines are sure to make you one of the most fashionable beach goers. Just because your style options are limited doesn’t mean you can’t express yourself through your outfit!

What is your favorite beach look? Let us know in the comments.

Joining our steadily growing team is Amy Zehner, our newest intern! Amy is from Alexandria, Virginia and graduated from college this past May.  Amy is excited to be up in Boston with us and is loving her experience thus far.  Let’s get to know Amy a little better!

Open Runway: Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where did you attend college?

I am a recent graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Apparel Product Development and Merchandising Management (quite a mouthful!) and also earned a Business minor.  I had such an amazing undergraduate experience at Tech. I loved everything about living in the mountains – well almost everything…shopping the latest trends was no walk in the park. Lets just say Blacksburg, VA is no Milan, Italy.  Most of the time it came down to being crafty and making the most of what you had (good thing flannel and distressed denim were in – there’s not a lack of those two in town!).

Open Runway: What inspires you the most about fashion? What is your favorite fashion era?

Fashion is a powerful emotion. What I love the most about fashion is that it can change your perceptions, what you think and feel; radiating from the outside in. My favorite fashion era would probably have to be the transition from the 1950s to the 1960s- the silhouette was changing from structured and restrictive to loose and free-flowing, allowing for women to be more expressive- think Audrey Hepburn and the black shift dress!

Open Runway: What other interests do you have, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I love photography and capturing images with my own perspective. Whenever possible, I enjoy traveling and have been fortunate enough to experience many different cultures all around the world. I also enjoy the outdoors, cooking, horseback riding, and my guilty pleasure? Harry Potter (haha).

Failing to find orange glitter pumps for her Virginai Tech "Hokie" themed graduation, Amy took matters into her own hands and constructed a pair herself!

Open Runway: Why did you choose to intern for Open Runway?

The entire concept of Open Runway is very appealing to me.  I can sit at home in my robe and slippers while I conceptualize, create, and bring to life my very own designs. Sorry Milan! I’ll no longer be fantasizing about you! And the best part? Anyone can do it (even my Dad who expressly tells me my gladiators should only make an appearance on Halloween, paired with toga and sword). I am very excited to be a part of such a great team and looking forward to helping Open Runway launch!

Open Runway: Will you leave us with your favorite must-have summer trend?

I love the idea of a crochet top worn effortlessly over a swimsuit or paired with a high-waisted short and a nude wedge, of course!

Open Runway: Thank you Amy, we are very delighted to have you with us!

Welcome to the Open Runway Blog where we keep you updated on all things relevant to the fashionocracy! See what’s going on behind the scenes at Open Runway, check out interviews with our favorite designers and bloggers, read about our latest design challenges and promotions, get exciting industry news and trends, and find out what we’re loving at the moment -  like celebrity fashion and style.

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