Marianne's Fall Fashion Forecast
by Marianne Ilunga
styling by Stylissima
hair & makeup by Safia Michelle, Lipstick Mixtapes
photography by Claude LaGuerre Jr Photography

BCBG print ruffle blouse: Bloomingdales, $148; BCBG leather/spandex leggings: Bloomingdales, $168; DVF leather studded jacket: Bloomingdales, $795; Gucci red bag exclusively by Saks, $2,090; Watch, bracelets and rings, stylists own
Marianne Ilunga is usually found behind the scenes at a photoshoot. However, when she excitedly shared with babyourself the announcement of her pregnancy, it was only a matter of time before it was her turn to “play dress up”, and take a seat in the stylist’s chair.
An Orlando stylist and fashion consultant, Marianne has a wealth of experience not only as the go-to person for family and friends wanting to know the latest styling tips, but as a Designer Specialist at the Neiman Marcus Couture Department in Orlando. Her extensive retail knowledge coupled with her keen sense of style strongly influence her ability to mix high fashion and mass production.
So what happens when the stylist becomes the model? STYLING BLISS!
1. statement handbag
Big and structured makes for a perfect multipurpose bag for busy moms. You’ll easily carry extra diapers or pre-packaged snacks while staying fashion forward. This season’s color – RED! That’s right, don’t wait for the holidays!
2. affordable shoes

Rosie Pope tweed jacket: Destination Maternity, $250; Rosie Pope blouse: Destination Maternity, $125; Paige maternity jeans: A Pea in the Pod, $190; Harlow necklace: Bloomingdales, $75
Ladies, listen. During pregnancy your feet can swell, your center of gravity can fluctuate, and the last thing you want is regret from buying an expensive pair of shoes that just sit in your closet.Get two pairs – one black, and another that will o er a pop of color while staying reasonably priced. Stick to cute ballet flats, smoking loafers and pumps with a thick heel. Here are some vendors that have affordable, fashion shoes: Sam Edelman, Enzo Angelioni, and Dolce Vita (all available at Bloomingdales).
3. statement jewelry
Big earrings or big necklace! Let your jewelry add a pop of color!
4. leather leggings
Need we say more?
5. long tunic tops
Fun prints like digital prints are a definite must!
6. fall colors – navy and green

Les Copains beige dress: Saks, $670; Les Copains beige blazer: Saks, $1,245; St. John Leopard turtle neck top: Saks, $295; Aqua necklace: Bloomingdales, $40: Pearls, stylists own
Navy is the new black. Since some of us probably want to wear dark colors during the fall/winter season, navy is perfect. Opt for dark blue jeans, a navy jacket and a white blouse. Cute casual chic look!
7. blazer
Invest in a 1- or 2-button blazer this season. It’s a great piece you can wear both during and post-pregnancy.
8. influence of menswear

Suzi Chin dress: A Pea in the Pod, $149; BCBG black and white blazer: Bloomingdales, $248; Dolce Vita black suede Mary Jane pumps: Bloomingdales; Pearls, stylists own
Plaid/houndstooth print and military jackets are a fun trend this fall. Black and white houndstooth (right) is definitely a big hit. You can stick to all your classic pieces like animal print (left) and add a great military jacket to make it more current.
9. cosmetics
This fall will focus on red lips. A strong matte eyeliner is a must. No more liquid eyeliners.
10. velvet nails
Textured nails are a hot trend for fall.

FALL LIPSTICK LINE-UP, available at lipstickmixtapes.com
1 Comment
I like the design of the shoe a lot and the shoe is pretty. I just wish the inside material was sewn better and did not show from the outside when I’m wearing the shoe. I am going to have to find a way to trim the excess material down. Other than that, I like the shoe a lot.
louis vuitton bloomsbury