If there's one thing we know for sure this fashion season, it's that florals are definitely IN IN IN!!! And I'm not just talking any florals, but floral pants in particular.
You've seen them practically everywhere these days, from fashion shows, to celebrities, to kids in summer school, to grandmas in the park (yes it's true!). So this universally bold and ultra feminine summer staple is now getting the ultimate one-two punch! Mixing with florals up top!
It may seem like a daunting task at first, blending such a bold pattern with more of the same, but there are a few simple tips that will make this look a breeze to pull off.
The key is to combine 2 principals: pattern size and color palette. When mixing 2 of the same pattern, keep one on a larger scale size, the pants pattern, and use a smaller pattern for the matching top. This way the pattern is visually broken up into two pieces rather than a head-to-toe look.
The second thing to consider is keeping the colors relatively in the same color palette. If you went drastically with another color scheme for one of the pieces, the colors might start to feel like they're fighting with eachother, which causes stress to the on-looker. Keeping with related hues brings balance and harmony to the look.
Ground the look with some solid shoes and accessories to give the eye a place to rest and the look is complete!
So what do you think? Will you try mixing up your florals?
Yes yes, I know I know... Summer is more than half over by now... which is exactly why I'm all revved up and ready to talk some more swimsuit fashion, coz I like to squeeze every last drop out of my fun-in-the-sun season.
This time, I'm all about the retro swimsuit. Not only do they flatter most all body types with their more forgiving amount of fabric coverage, but they just add a fun touch of flirty and unexpected elegance to the pool. And who doesn't want that?
Here are some of my fav throwback looks!
This classic 2 piece comes with a fun, bandana style print! I'm in love with the full bottom cut, high on the leg to elongate them, and the tie in the center bikini detail. And the best part, this bandeau style cut comes with thick straps which provide tons of support!
Here is the same cut in a lovely picnic esque blue checker print, and lastly, the feminine full coverage one piece. This comes with a frilly neckline and petite peplum waist to give any throwback girl that hour glass look!
It's just hard to swallow, plain and simple.... right when I feel like I'm finally getting into the swing of summer and able to put my bikini on once and a while and soak in some (sunscreen protected) rays, we're ready and poised to talk about Fall fashion!
Two things are clear here: One, Summer is way to short. And two, Ann Taylor's fall collection is going to be smokin' sexy and sophisticated!
Enter Kate Hudson, Ann's muse for this year's Fall muse, and you get one fabulous combination. The new mom is looking stunning in Ann Taylor's classic silhouettes, featuring shift dresses, peplum, pencil skirts, and prints, prints, prints!
Take a look over some behind the scenes shots and a first look at the campaign, soon to roll out on magazines, billboards and online galore!
Which is your favorite look? What are you excited for this Fall?
I've been bombarded. Yes, bombarded by questions from our wonderful fashionista family on tips for wearing shorts. And to be more specific, high waisted shorts. It's a style that transcends seasonal trends year after year, and has become more of a lifestyle statement for some fashion hungry divas.
So last week I posted a fashion video (watch it above!) featuring about 9 different looks with high waisted shorts (and a few not so high waisted). I wrote and recorded the song, shot, and edited the video in a span of 3 sleepless days! And now that it's out, I wanted to take a moment and breakdown some of the looks from the video! So here are 3 of my favorite ways to rock high waisted shorts!
Look 1: Leopard Shorts with Bustier Top
This look is extremely versatile and one of my favorite ways to wear high waisted shorts. By incorporating leopard patterns into your look, you automatically add a fun and edgy look to the outfit. But, because the printed shorts are fitted in a classic, tailored silhouette, they not only flatter most all body types, but add an element of class and sophistication which plays nicely off the playful print.
I paired the shorts with a crop top bustier. Not everyone likes to wear a midriff top, and that's the beauty of high waisted shorts (or skirts, or pants for that matter). You can wear a crop without the appearance of it being a crop which makes it a more all around look, appropriate for many different occasions.
To complete the look, I added a couple long necklaces which I think balance out the long waist shorts, and a pair of bold red loafer pumps. Leopard + red = love at first sight. If you want further coverage for your high waisted look, try adding a sheer cardigan! It gives you more coverage in the back without hiding the style. And of course, if you're looking to add a hipster dimension to the look, top everything off with a tan or black fedora and natural beachy hair!
Look 2: Leopard body suit with red shorts.
Remember what I said above? Leopard + red = love at first sight? Same applies here, I just switched the color placement. This is definitely a more bold and playful take on the high waisted shorts with this attention getting hue. I wanted to go with a body suit for one of the looks, as they are a match made in short heaven when it comes to being paired with something high waisted. They will never ride up, look bunchy, or untuck themselves from your shorts, which can be a huge frustration when sporting this look.
That's why I opt for crop tops or body suits.
I was in love with the sheer cutout detail of the body suit, and wanted to further accent it by wearing another long necklace. The buttons of the red shorts keep with the sleek tailored look, almost creating a nautical feel.
To add a more hipster vibe (which is optional of course) I wore some long thigh-high black socks along with these killer spiked and studded peep toe pumps! You could also rock this look with some military boots or studded flats.
Well that's the wrap on these 2 looks! I'll post some more breakdowns of the other looks later on in the blog! And here are the links to all the items I've shown if you want to grab them:
Finally, the news many lovers of moody music and H&M have been gossiping about has been announced! Singer Lana Del Rey will star as the new model for H&M's fall campaigns.
While it may come as a surprise to some, judging by the first couple of photos released with Lana in a soft pink cashmere sweater and pale pink jeans, Lana looks like she was made to model. I mean, who doesn't like a doey-eyed, forever pouty lipped girl with larger than life hair and glamorous makeup?
The collection is being described as "modern and feminine" with a "soft attitude." Sounds like a match made in Heaven!
What I'm about to say fills me gets my eyes watering with frowny face sadness: Summer is half over! Sniff sniff...
Well, not technically I suppose, but being that most people consider Labor Day Weekend to be the last of Summer, then it is.... so that means one thing! We've got to make sure our Summer fashion is in full gear!
We love crochet tops for the summer, and we love denim shorts, a summer must staple! So you can imagine (surprise, surprise) that we love the combo together! Crochet tops scream summer fashion with their effortless, show-some-skin feel. They work fabulous as a cover up over a cute new bikini for a day romp outdoors or a beach party. If you throw them over a colorful cami for some more coverage, you have an instantly playful and flirty look.
And when crochet meets denim, it's love at first pairing! Denim shorts continue the girly, effortless feel. Try mixing it up with some high waisted shorts, or some ombre dip dyed ones.
Pair the entire look with some gladiator sandals or wedges, and viola! Summer chic!
Did any of you attend Comic Con 2012 this past weekend in San Diego? If you're not familiar with Comic Con, it's a massive convention held every year in celebration and exhibition of all things comic and related popular art forms. Comic Con, while classically attended by beloved nerds, geeks, and graphic art connoisseurs, the past few years have seen a dramatic influx of Hollywood film and TV stars walking the yellow and black carpets.
And it's no surprise, as comic related films, like Spider Man, The Avengers, and Batman are burning up the Hollywood theaters in record numbers.
But enough of that, what about the fashion? Well, while I normally like to gaze over the elaborate costumes of the comic inspired looks, I wanted to take a stroll through some snaps of what Hollywood starlets were wearing to the convention. To my surprise, the carpet was lined with lots and lots of neutrals! While I would have thought a more colorful palate would be strutting the carpet being that comics and film comic animations are known for their vibrant hue choices, beige, white, black, and tan seemed to be the predominant choice this year.
So let's take a look at some of our fav looks, from girly and simple, to a bit of va-va-voom! Who's your favorite?
Emily Blunt and Michelle both opted for fun and flowy silhouettes and a brighter pop of color with the heels and lips.
Jessica Biel and Lea Michele both kept to a tailored look in neutral colors, with solid hued pumps.
Nina Dobrev of the Vampire Diaries sported a casual white jumper and printed heels by day, and a lovely gold mini-dress for an after hours party.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Morrison went a little more on the sexy side with a bold red dress and dramatic boxed neckline, and a cutout black leather mini.
Lastly, Kerry Washington and Naya Rivera gave us a slight pop of color with 2 classic feminine silhouettes, an A-line skirt and a pencil skirt. Love those neon yellow heels!
Seriously, who doesn’t have a sweet tooth during the summer
time? And in case you weren’t in
the mood for some blissful candy, Lea Michele is making sure you’ve at least
got an appetite for Candie’s!
The fashion brand just released its new fall campaign,
featuring the lovely leggy brunette Lea Michele from Glee, and we have to
agree, the campaign is pretty darn adorable.
Lipstick on windows, daydreaming at storefront displays, and
looking all around vivacious with her voluptuous hair and bronzed gams, we have
no doubt shooting the campaign was a blast.
We managed to snag some behind the scenes photos, as well as
the campaign shots for Candie’s, which releases at Kohl’s this fall. What do you think of Miss Michele?
Well not only are the athletes competing for Olympic gold, designers are joining the race as well. And both will be doing so in first class style.
Ralph Lauren unveiled his Opening Ceremony uniforms for the athletes on Twitter after having provided a preview of the sketches.
Lauren went with an all American preppy look complete with navy blazers, knee length skirts for women, sharp clean pants for the men, and rounded the look with navy caps.
And Ralph Lauren isn't the only designer creating a fashionable games. Giorgio Armani and Stella McCartney (photos below) have also gone to task outfitting their team with tailored separates fit for golden kings and queens.
The Olympic Games start July 27th, and we couldn't be more excited to see the sports and the fashion in full swing!
What do you think of the looks?
Posted by: Spankie V.
(photos: Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani online, Stella McCartney)
We're going crazy for neon with this look of the week! Neon brights are definitely a fave of our blogger of the month, Annachiara. Be sure to check out her feature in our Blogger Spotlight to get a look at her cool style!
Summer means a few wonderful things in the world of fashion: fresh colors and fresh textures. This look combines 2 of my absolute favorite season staples: mint and lace.
While we are slightly obsessed with the current neon craze, we also like to mix things up throughout the week in unexpected ways, like pairing lace with a pastel version of the summer must have hue, mint.
I just adore how feminine this look is with the gathered empire waist hemline, flowy skirt, and lace color and sleeve overlay. The look is played up wonderfully with white ankle socks and brown mary jane wedges.
Top the girly look off with a wreath of white flowers in the hair, and you have one truly lovable outfit.
Worn by women like Angelina Jolie and Princess Charlene of Monaco, the fashion powerhouse Akris is celebrating 90 years in business! Whew!
To properly celebrate, Switzerland’s couturier Akris is releasing a fabulous commemorative book curated by FIT’s museum director Valerie Steele.
Albert Kriemier quoted at Bergdorf Goodman, “For us, this book is extremely special. If you think of the last 90 years, it’s much more an expression in five chapters of what Akris is today.”
We have to say, the book is quite stunning. Take a look at some images to preview the book and it is available for pre-order now.
What do you think?
Posted by: Spankie V.
Angelina Jolie in gorgeous Akris separates at a premiere.
