Steppin' into Spring

Not only does March have St. Patrick’s Day, the greatest holiday of the year, but it also has the first day of spring. I honestly could not be happier that spring is right around the corner because I am not the biggest fan of freezing temperatures, snow, and geese, which winter has so kindly combined into one season. However, spring can be a tricky season for clothes, especially in Colorado where a weekly forecast consists of 65° and 25°. So here are some of my tricks and tips to take note of as you step into the new season.

I am a year round supporter of layering. No matter what the season is, I will layer up with scarves and cardigans. Think I’m crazy? Well I would much rather be hot and have layers to shed than be freezing with nothing to throw on, and that doesn’t sound too crazy to me. I think layering is one of the most important techniques when it comes to dressing for the spring season. Skinny sweaters, scarves, and cardigans are only a few things that I advise that you to take from you winter wardrobe for spring. Not only are they a fashion staple when it comes to your wardrobe, but they are absolutely perfect for layering.  A previous post on my blog, Just Another Layer, goes in depth about layering, and here are a few more tips on how to add layering into spring. I don’t think I could stress enough how perfect the button up/sweater is for anytime of the year. I live by this combo, and it has gotten me through many times when Mother Nature has decided to throw every type of weather into one day. To make this look a little springier, I advise cuffing the sleeves of your button down over the sleeves of the sweater. Not only does this look fantastic, but it keeps you a little cooler on those warm spring days. Whenever I buy new clothes, I have the urge to wear them the next day, and I know I am not the only one.  So when it is a little chilly, but you have to wear that new dress, throw on a cardigan because a cardigan makes everything better. I’m not kidding. If you want a little more guidance on layering, check out my previous post I mentioned, Just Another Layer. Now layer it up my fashionistas!

There are many pieces from you winter wardrobe that need to make appearances during the spring, such as: anything leather, anything fur, sweater dresses, and boots. You are probably thinking “fur and leather for spring? Really?” and my reply to that is, yes! However, you have to pair them with the proper things to make them look spring ready. When it comes to leather for spring, you must pair it with lighter and looser fabrics. Also less is more when it comes to leather; otherwise you might look like you are joining a motorcycle gang. Thank goodness fur is something to wear during the spring because I am not ready to give up my vests just yet. To make fur work for the spring, pair it with bright colors and simple fabrics like cotton. This will take the winter vibe away from the fur, and make you look spring ready. When it comes to sweater dresses, wear them without tights because a little bit of skin can take an outfit from winter to spring instantly. If your winter skin is basically translucent like mine is, either embrace it or throw on a bit of tanner, but do not avoid this style just because you look slightly purple. From booties to knee highs, boots are a great shoe to pair with your new spring dresses or with the classic jeans/T-shirt combo. However, don’t pair them with your booty shorts because you want to look trendy not trashy. Also booty shorts aren’t even in style for spring and summer, so you should probably just throw those daisy dukes away and invest in something a little bit longer. Please?

As I just mentioned, short shorts are no longer your friend for spring fashion. Longer shorts are trending for spring, and I am so happy about this. When it comes to shorts, try something with at least a 4 inch inseam, and I mean it when I say at least 4 inches. This year I have come to the conclusion that I will no longer wear short shorts because I do not think they are flattering in any way, so this year I am going to invest in shorts with a little more coverage and maybe even buy a pair of Bermuda’s. This may not be considered “hot” by some guys, and unfashionable girls may give you “the look”, but I am going to feel a whole lot better about myself and be more fashionable while doing so.

Black and white is a combo that could never go wrong, plus it is trending for spring. From color blocking to patterns, this color combo is here to stay. This doesn’t mean that you should shy away from color though. Colors of all kinds are something that you should embrace for spring, whether they are pastels are brights. Basically what I am saying is wear any color you want to, but don’t forget to add in a little black and white to make your outfit really pop.

There are many more trends you might want to take into consideration to really make your spring wardrobe fashionable. Don’t shy away from sheer fabrics like chiffon and organza because they can make an outfit both sexy and classy at the same time.  If you don’t feel comfortable just wearing the sheer fabric, just throw a little camisole underneath and you are good to go. Also tutu like skirts are really becoming popular, and they use these sheer fabrics or tulle, and they can keep your dream of being a ballerina alive. Keep mixing those patterns my fashionistas, because it is still trending and still looks good! While I am not a big fan of horizontal stripes, let’s just say there is an awful family photo of me that involves stripes, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t embrace them. Just try it on before because they could end up making you look a lot bigger than you actually are, trust me on this. Ruffles are a great way to add some texture to what would normally be a plain looking shirt, dress, or skirt. Not only are they feminine, but they can add some curves in all the right places. So I advise you try these trends, and do a little research of your own if you want to make your spring wardrobe pop.

Spring doesn’t look nearly as scary when you know how to dress properly, so I hope these tips and trends helped. All I can say is dress appropriately for the weather because nothing looks stupider than a girl in shorts when it is snowing outside. So to all my fashionistas, dress smart and dress trendy.

Fashionately,

Sarah

Catching The Bug

I know it is Wednesday, which means I should have a new post for today, but I have gotten whatever nasty bug is going around. This being said I will not be updating today because I am exhausted. I will be back  in action next week though!

Fashionately,

Sarah

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013 Faves

Firstly, Happy Valentine’s Day, I hope your day is filled with love from beginning to end. Secondly, now that New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013 is over (don’t worry London Fashion Week starts tomorrow!), I thought it would only be right to talk about my favorite shows and looks from the week. From day one I knew the week was going to be filled with amazing fashions, and I was not disappointed. From Tadashi Shoji to Marc By Marc Jacobs, designers really went all out, and they surely impressed me. So here are some of my favorite looks and my favorite shows from fashion week.

Now don’t get me wrong, Badgley Mischka's entire show was amazing, but this dress was by far my favorite from his show. The moment the model stepped onto the runway I couldn’t look away. One reason I love it so much is because I get such a 1920’s vibe. I have always loved the look of art deco, and the embellishment on this dress did not disappoint that love. Also this dress really hits home metallic and sparkle, which are definitely trending for the fall.

Marchesa gowns have always been some of my favorites because they keep my dream of becoming a princess alive. This fuchsia gown is absolutely stunning in photos, and I am sure that in real life it is even better. The little peep of the famous Marchesa embellishment on the neckline of the dress only adds to its beauty. If I don’t see this dress step out onto the red carpet, I will be absolutely shocked!

Now for a look that I might actually be able to wear on a daily basis is this pink ensemble from the J. Crew exhibition. I would not have to be asked twice to put on this outfit, but I would have to be asked a million times to get me to take it off. Pink is by far my favorite color, so is it crazy that this is one of my favorite looks? I think not. This outfit is modest and quite fashionable, which is so fitting when it comes to my style, and that is why this look makes my list of favorites.

 

Diane Von Furstenberg is a woman of power in the fashion world, and she has always been one of my idols. After her show, I think she is now an idol more than ever. Her entire show was amazing because she didn’t shy away from color, and this look in particular made an impact on me. I love the bright punch of fuchsia for the suit and the patterned orange button up she paired with it made the look even better. If I worked for a fashion magazine (maybe one day), this look would surely be in my closet, but I won’t lie, this look would be in my closet at this very second if I could afford it.

Now I know that the minute you looked at this ensemble you probably wondered if I had lost my mind, and I thought the same thing when I realized how much I loved this look from Concept Korea. Now I have never been a fan of graffiti print on clothing and this time is no different, but the jacket is a whole other story. For some absolutely unknown reason I am head over heels for this jacket. The color is what first caught my eye, but when I saw that it was fur it was love at first sight. I actually want this jacket, but where I would actually wear it is the problem. My mom suggested Vail or Aspen, but if I bought the coat I’m sure I would have zero dollars to go anywhere. For now I will just dream about this gorgeous jacket.

Tadashi Shoji killed it! I have no other way of describing the amazingness that was his Fall 2013 show.  It was one of the first I watched, and it managed to stay one of my favorites through the entire week. Now that is truly saying something. When the first model set foot on the runway I thought “Well this will be nice, but nothing extraordinary.” Boy was I ever wrong. As the show went on, I got more and more sucked in, and when this stunning blue dress set foot on the runway I was sold. The color, the velvet, the design, I still can’t get over the fact how beautiful it is. The show’s magic continued to shine when this black sheer gown with floral metallic silver overlay stepped out. This is a gown that I not just hope, but expect to see on the red carpet. Just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore, two feathered dresses, one black the other white, walked the runway. Even just writing about them I get a feeling, but I can’t even begin to describe this feeling. They too are some of my favorites from Fashion Week. From the hair and make-up to the music, I would have to say that Tadashi Shoji’s Fall 2013 show was an absolute hit. I can’t get over how perfect the show was and how I sat wishing I was there the entire time my eyes were glued to my laptop screen.

Marc by Marc Jacobs caught my eye the minute I saw the big hair and red lips. He not only had stunning clothing, but the hair and make-up was to die for! If I had long hair again and was going out for a night on the town, or if I was going to my high school prom, I promise you that my hair would be just as I had seen on this runway. Just pass me a can of hairspray and some curlers! Now onto the clothes! One giant step into the 1970’s was where this show took me. Now I may not have been born during that era, but I do know that Marc Jacobs nailed this theme. The prints were large and loud, and he is part of the reason I want to jump onto the crazy prints train. This white dress is printed with a print within a print. And what do I mean by that? Not only is the dress already printed with tulips, but on top of that the tulips bulbs are made out of a print of their own. I love this dress, but I mostly want the patterned sunglasses. They are massive and to die for! The short black mini with the knee length fur coat is breaking a fashion rule that I told you to break (Check my post, Tossin’ Some Rules Out if you don’t remember) and dang does it look good. The contrast between the chic LBD and the fur coat is perfect yet so simple, which is why it caught my attention. I know I posted this red monochromatic look yesterday, but since I love it so much, I am going to post it again. Not only do I love this look on its own, but the fact that it was on a red head only makes me love it more. In fact, I want this look in my closet, right this very second. Marc by Marc Jacobs was a definite hit in my eyes, and just like Tadashi Shoji, Marc Jacobs nailed his show.

Lastly, I thought I would share my favorite model of the week, Cara Delevigne. She is so gorgeous and her eyebrows are the talk of the town. Not only did she walk in a quite a few shows like Marc By Marc Jacobs and Anna Sui, but she was the cover of this month’s Vogue UK. If I ever had the chance to meet her I would die of excitement. She is not what you think of personality wise for a model, which I love. Cara is loud, hilarious, and definitely not afraid to speak her mind.  Basically, I just want to be best friends with her. She nailed New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013 and is jumping straight into London Fashion Week: Fall 2013 starting tomorrow. I will most definitely be watching!

So this is the end of my Fashion Week favorites, but honestly, I could go one for hours about all the things I loved about Fashion Week. If you haven’t seen yesterday’s part one post about what is trending for Fall 2013, I highly advise you check it out. Until next week…

Fashionately,

Sarah

New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013

To regular people, last Thursday had no special meaning, but to fashionistas around the world, Thursday meant the kickoff of one amazing week. And by amazing week, I mean New York Fashion Week: Fall 2013. For the first time, some of the shows were live streamed on the internet, which means that if I wasn’t at class (homework included) or sleeping, I was most likely mesmerized by glorious designs appearing on my laptop. Since my love of Fashion Week is quite immense, I realized that doing only one update this week would not be doing it justice. So not only am I posting today, but I am posting tomorrow as well. Today’s post is going to be about the trends that I have seen popping up across the runways, and I can promise you that you are going to love them!

So the colors that I have seen on the runways are one of my favorite trends. Basically every color has been shown on the runways for fall, but one that I am especially noticing is red. Now red will always be in style, but it has made a showing in almost every show I have glanced at. Also darker colors such as army green, brown, navy, and black seem to be popping up all over the runway. I could not be happier with these color trends because as a red head these are some of my go to colors. In general though, these colors look great on almost anyone, plus they can be mixed with so many other colors. Neutrals such as camel are also a big hit on the runways, but more as accent colors rather than whole outfits.

Prints of all kinds are taking over the fashion world, and to this I say HOORAY! I love wearing prints, and Fashion Week is making me feel absolutely daring when it comes to them. And what do I mean by that? I am talking about wearing full outfits made up of printed fabrics. Now to many, this trend may seem ugly and wrong on so many levels, but I am head over heels in love with it! Whether it is all one print or multiple prints, I am feeling inspired and want to dive straight into this trend. While “out of this world” patterns might not be everyone’s cup of tea, a pattern that is really making a strong impact on the runways is animal print, and who doesn’t like animal print? Whether it’s shown how it is found in nature or looks like it has been taken over by a rainbow, I am loving it. I think everyone feels a slight bit more confident when wearing animal print, so I challenge everyone to take on this animal print trend.

Fur, fur, and more fur.  That’s right, this trend is faux real (see what I did there!) and isn’t going anywhere any time soon. From fur vests to fur accents, this is a trend that I am in love with. Having recently purchased two fur vests (one of them is like wearing a polar bear!) I couldn’t be happier that this is such a hot trend for Fall 2013. Although, when fur is used just on the sleeves I am not such a fan because I don’t really want to look like my arms have been replaced with a gorilla’s.

Going along with the fur trend is leather. When thinking of leather you are probably thinking of jackets, but the trend is taken so much further for Fall 2013. Not only is it used for skirts and pants, but leather is now used as an accent on elegant evening gowns. Plus if you are ever looking for some thigh high leather leg warmers, BCBGMAXAZRIA has you covered! I think what is so great about this trend is that it can take quite a feminine outfit and turn it into an edgy fashion statement. Everyone should embrace the greatness that is leather!

To add to fur and leather is velvet. Since I was an Irish dancer for many years (11 to be exact) and velvet was always a big trend in that world, I have always had a soft spot it. Pants, dresses, and jackets have all been taken over by this trend. I definitely want a pair of velvet pants at this moment, and possibly even a velvet blazer. I think this fabric is a classic and can definitely add a little sophistication to an outfit, but can also be taken in an edgy direction. I would have to say that this is by far one of my favorite trends for Fall 2013.

When it comes to embellishments, sparkles and sequins are all the rage. I believe this requires a little happy dance because I am a girl who never turns down a little sparkle and shine. Entire dresses are being made out of sequins, and since that isn’t appropriate for day to day wear, this trend is used in many other ways. Sparkles are being used to accents outfits and really make clothing pop, so I highly advise this trend for anyone who loves to feel glamorous on a daily basis. Plus, doesn’t everyone want to sparkle and shine?

As I just said, to go along with sparkle is shine, which is why metallics trending. Well maybe not, but in my mind that is the reason. A great thing about metallics are that they are a great replacement for when sequins are not appropriate, like for work. Now I do not own any metallic clothing, but seeing it used as an accent on clothing really makes me want to shop around for something metallic. Even seeing it used as a whole jacket makes me want to drop everything and run to the nearest mall. While this isn’t a trend for everyone, I advise that if you are a daring you should try it.

I cannot wait for fall to come about because I absolutely love these trends! I am sure there are many, many more trends, but unless you want this post to be the length of a novel I advise you do a little research of your own. Now if you can’t tell by how lengthy this post is, I really do love Fashion Week, which is why I am posting again tomorrow. Because let’s be honest, a whole week of new fashion cannot be put into a single post. So you should check back again tomorrow to see some of my favorite looks that walked the runway, and what shows made me stop in my tracks. See you tomorrow my fashionistas!

Fashionately,

Sarah

PS. If you want to know what shows pictures are from, just ask in the comment section.

Fashion + Fashion = Style

The great Anna Wintour once said “Create your own style… let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.” Every person, fashionable or not, has their own style, and this style cannot be described with just one word. People may identify themselves as “boho chic” or “prep”, but I think they are lying. Not one person has a style that solely consists of just one type of fashion. You must make your style unique to you, just like Anna Wintour said, and if you try to identify yourself as one type of fashion then you aren’t being different at all. My style is influenced by many different fashions such as prep and hipster, and because I have multiple influences, my style is something that people can identify me by. You could even consider me a prepster, just like in the photo. Recently I have been thinking of how many different fashions there are, so I figured I would identify some of the massively influential ones, which in turn will hopefully influence you.

Just might be true love!

Prep is a fashion that influences a lot of people’s style, including mine. There is something so classic about prep, and it has been made well known by designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and J. Crew who are some of my personal favorites. I have always wanted to be a part of the Hilfiger family, but who hasn’t at one point or another? When I think of prep I think of very clean lines, bright colors with neutrals, and lots and lots of polos. However, that alone does not make up the prep style. I think to pull off the prep look you must look groomed and very put together. Just look at Ralph Lauren models, and if you want a real treat look at the male models. The prep style oozes confidence and pride, and is a very American style. Something that I have picked up about dressing prep is that on days that I am just not feeling like myself, if I throw on a button down/sweater combo and some penny loafers I instantly feel better and more confident. Prep fashion is all about looking and feeling confident, and maybe a little bit of elitism, but who doesn’t like feeling a little bit above everyone else?

Hipster. I don’t think I could describe this fashion even if I tried. To be hipster is to dress different and just not care about what people think. So many people say that being hipster is so cliché, but those are the people that think this fashion is all about wearing glasses and carrying a type writer around instead of a laptop. I would say that hipster has a large influence on the way I dress, but you don’t see me bashing everything that is main stream. I think when dressing hipster you need to take mainstream items and wear them in ways that you normally wouldn’t. Also if you want to be hipster, try and avoid Abercrombie because some things are just too main stream to make different (there is a little main stream bashing for you). Stop caring what people think because if I cared every time somebody looked at me funny or thought what I was wearing was strange I’m pretty sure I would be curled up in a ball and refusing to leave my dorm. I think the reason why I let hipster influence my style so much is because I hate to be dressed like everyone else and I like to make people question what I am wearing. “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” Even Dr. Seuss was kind of hipster before hipster was even a thing.

Everyone has days where they want to be carefree, at least I do, and that is where boho comes into play. An easy going attitude and light weight flowing fabrics is what comes to mind when I think of boho. Now this fashion does not have much of an influence on my style because, to be honest, nothing about me is carefree. Although, I do admire anyone who can pull off this laid back look. Maxi skirts have become a staple to nail this look, but you have to pair them with the proper kind of top to look boho and not hobo (just don’t mix the letters around and you will be fine). Looser tops can be worn with maxi skirts, but not to the point where they look like a sheet. Also a lot of loose knits look great with this, and who doesn’t love a loose knit top. Maybe one day I will be able to pull off this fashion, but at this point I would have to stop being so uptight and just relax a little, and as of now that won’t be happening.

Vogue has become a place where I can let my mind wander to the land of couture. By no means can I afford couture clothing, but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream of wearing an Elie Saab gown on my wedding day (Gossip Girl’s finale only fed that dream). Couture isn’t necessarily a big influence on my style identity, but rather an influence on all types of style. It is something that can be taken in so many directions, which is why I think it is so influential. From designers such as the always fabulous Valentino to the more daring Dior, these aren’t styles that can be worn on a day to day basis, but can definitely inspire them. I drool over the pages of Vogue and would do almost anything to put on a couture gown, but as far as I’m concerned that won’t be happening any time soon. A lot of the time you can tell clothing that has been inspired by the couture side of things because they do look more expensive and stand out in a crowd. I’m quite sure that I won’t be wearing couture clothing at any point in my life, but I can wear couture inspired clothing!

These are only a few fashions that I admire, but there are so many more that inspire today’s style. Eras such as the eighties (hands down my favorite) are still influencing fashion and style to this very day. Eras in general make come backs every once in a while, all you have to do is look and you will begin to notice how past eras inspire todays. Also there are many fashions that don’t have an influence on my style such as goth, skater, and even scandalous (may also be referred to as trashy), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture into them. So I hope that by seeing all these different types of fashion you begin to think of what fashions influence your style (let me know in the comments) and maybe even consider trying something new. Overall I just hope you are being unique and standing out. Who knows, your style might even influence others!

Fashionately,

Sarah