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Alexander to Vera

Alexander to Vera

A fashion blog for real-girls who simply can't get enough.

Go Buy Now: Printed Pants

While I usually reserve my favorite prints for tops and dresses, lately I have become completely enamored with chic, straight leg pants emblazoned with pretty florals. 

This look was all over the Spring 2012 runways. As well as many of the bloggers and fashion editors that were in New York for fashion week.

1. Alexander Wang 2. Peter Som

3. Proenza Schouler 4. Chloe

5. DKNY 6. J.Crew

On the runways, floral pants were either paired with neutral tops or head-to-toe prints. Either way works! Check out some great options below

Floral pants
Floral pants by alexander-to-vera featuring slim fit pants

J.Crew skinny pants
$298 - jcrew.com

Forever 21 floral pants
$20 - forever21.com

DKNY slim fit pants
$225 - bloomingdales.com

MaxMara floral pants
£70 - farfetch.com

Dorothy Perkins tapered pants
$49 - dorothyperkins.com

High waisted pants
$89 - warehouse.co.uk

Forever 21
$20 - forever21.com

Mary Katrantzou floral print legging
$80 - topshop.com
[images via chicfeed.com, streetpeeper.com, nymag.com, and songofstyle.blogspot.com]

Current Obsession: Mesh

Now that Spring is finally within sight, I have been getting more and more excited about implementing my favorite trends from the SS12 runways. Back in November I posted my Trend Forecast: Athletics which showed different designer interpretations of the sporty look that dominated the Spring shows. Today, after being inspired by the photo from Tommy Ton (above) and the shot from Elle Norway (below), I decided to focus on one element of this trend in particular: mesh.

What I love is how each designer took this sporty fabric and interpreted it in a different way: from the dark, somewhat gothic black mesh at Alexander Wang and Theyskens Theory, to the chic modern whites at Vera Wang and Givenchy. I also loved how Cynthia Rowley managed to make the fabric look prim and proper on an adorable minidress as well as the relaxed cool of the mesh looks at Chloe.

1. Alexander Wang 2. Theyskens Theory

3. Vera Wang 4. Chloe

5. Cynthia Rowley 6. Viktor & Rolf

5. Chloe 6. Givenchy

Believe it or not, mesh can actually be surprisingly easy to wear, as long as you have the right underpinnings. For some inspiration, check out these great street-style photos of girls (including Aimee Song and Blair Eadie) wearing the mesh trend.

Here are some shopping options that I found online. Enjoy!

Mesh
Mesh by alexander-to-vera featuring mesh shoes

Sleeved dress
$92 - topshop.com

Zara short top
$26 - zara.com

J Crew cami top
$78 - jcrew.com

Knit top
$72 - topshop.com

Jumper sweater
$76 - topshop.com

Mesh top
garage.ca

Victoria s Secret slimming top
$25 - victoriassecret.com

Victoria s Secret slimming top
$25 - victoriassecret.com

Sam Edelman mesh shoes
$161 - asos.com

Loeffler Randall high heel shoes
$165 - jildorshoes.com

[images via jakandjil.com, nymag.com, songofstyle.blogspot.com, easyfashion.blogspot.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, thesartorialist.com]

Currently OBSESSED with this digital print shift dress by Ted Baker. Available at ASOS

Currently OBSESSED with this digital print shift dress by Ted Baker. Available at ASOS

Go Buy Now: Colored Denim

Now I must admit, when colored jeans first started becoming popular last year, I had zero interest. I was simply unable to commit to such a bold trend that I wasn’t sure would last. But a year later, colored denim is hotter than ever before. My favorite interpretations are skinnies in pretty pastel colors like mint, lavender, and lemon. As for your top half, you can go the simple route and pair your colored denim with neutrals like white, black, grey and camel, or go all out with a blouse in a bright multicolored print. Check out some examples below for inspiration.

Check out some great well-priced options below!

Colored Jeans
Colored Jeans by alexander-to-vera featuring skinny jeans

J Brand blue skinny jeans
$176 - pinkmascara.com

ASOS skinny jeans
$72 - asos.com

G-Star skinny jeans
$177 - asos.com

Forever 21 skinny leg jeans
$25 - forever21.com

ASOS neon skinny jeans
$57 - asos.com

Joe’s Jeans skinny jeans
$165 - amrag.com

Jeans
madisonlosangeles.com

Love21 skinny pants
$28 - forever21.com
[images via nymag.com, ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com, songofstyle.blogspot.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com]

Winter Pick-Me-Up

Today’s dreary weather in New York had me dreaming of Spring. While thinking about all of the great outfits I would be wearing once the weather warms up, I decided that there is no reason why I can’t start phasing in my favorite Spring/Summer colors and styles right now! The key to this look is COLOR and lots of it! By wearing a bunch of bright colors you can escape the Winter blues while also embracing the color-blocking trend that will continue to be everywhere this Spring. 

Just looking at these photos cheers me up! So I can’t wait to actually try this look for myself. Check out some great options to help you complete the look!

Brights
Brights by alexander-to-vera featuring a lace skirt

TopShop shift dress
$72 - topshop.com

TopShop sleeveless dress
£46 - topshop.com

TopShop sleeveless dress
£46 - topshop.com

TopShop top
$46 - topshop.com

TopShop strap vest
£24 - topshop.com

TopShop pleated skirt
$96 - topshop.com

TopShop lace skirt
$75 - topshop.com

ASOS denim skinny jeans
$72 - asos.com

ASOS olive skinny jeans
$57 - asos.com

Asos shoes
$170 - asos.com

Miss KG high heel sandals
$152 - asos.com

River Island chain shoes
$54 - asos.com

NADA SAWAYA clutch bag
$360 - bluefly.com

Satchel bag
$179 - asos.com

Asos Leandra Girly Suede Loafer
$63 - asos.com
[images via atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, chicfeed.com, and elle.com]

Easy Chic: The Button Down

With all of the crazy trends that come in and out of style over the years, sometimes it can be nice to just go back to basics. A look built around something as simple as a white button-down is a breath of fresh air compared to the many overdone ensembles that have become street-style staples. No one does this look better than Emmanuelle Alt, the new Editor in Chief of French Vogue.

Alt has perfected her easy parisian chic look: a button-down, white jeans, hermes cuff/belt, and killer heels. It’s undone and yet so ridiculously perfect.

Here are a few other chic examples of button-down dressing:

Although the classic white button-down will always be in style, it’s still nice to know that your look is on-trend. Luckily many designers incorporated the shirts into their Spring 2012 collections. Check out their looks and hopefully you’ll get inspired to create your own chic ensembles.

1. D&G 2. Prabal Gurung

3. Christopher Kane 4. Erdem

5. Cushnie et Ochs 6. Rebecca Minkoff

Below I have included some options for those of you who want to add some new shirts to your collections, plus some awesome shoes to help you finish the look.

Button Down
Button Down by alexander-to-vera featuring longsleeve shirts

J Crew dart shirt
$80 - jcrew.com

J Crew dart shirt
$78 - jcrew.com

TopShop longsleeve shirt
$75 - topshop.com

ASOS longsleeve shirt
263 NOK - asos.com

J crew
$70 - jcrew.com

J crew
$150 - jcrew.com

Zara heeled sandals
$90 - zara.com

Zara cap toe shoes
$90 - zara.com

Zara shoes
$70 - zara.com

Zara patchwork shoes
$100 - zara.com
[images via gastrochic.com, whowhatwear.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, chicfeed.com, nymag.com]

Trend Forecast: Metallics

The metallic trend has been around for what seems like years now, and if the Spring 2012 runways were any indication: it shows no signs of slowing down. While most designers enabled variations of silver and gold, the trend experienced a refreshing infusion of color thanks to design superstars like Prabal Gurung and Olivier Theyskens.

1. Prabal Gurung 2. Theyskens Theory

3. Lela Rose 4. Loewe

5. Diesel Black Gold 6. Sass & Bide

I think that the metallic trend is one of the easiest looks to incorporate into your wardrobe. To start, try pairing a metallic piece with an all-black or all-white outfit. I also love the combination of a metallic skirt with a casual-feeling chambray button down. Check out how these chic women wear their metallics.

The best part is that this trend looks great year-round! Check out some awesome metallic options below.

Metallic
Metallic by alexander-to-vera featuring a short pleated skirt

TopShop cotton dress
£150 - topshop.com

Oasis full skirt dress
$127 - asos.com

ASOS top
345 SEK - asos.com

Zara
$80 - zara.com

Oasis short pleated skirt
€61 - asos.com

ASOS metallic pants
493 SEK - asos.com

TopShop pleated leather skirt
£90 - topshop.com

Topshop
£40 - topshop.com

Zara
$40 - zara.com

TopShop leather shoes
£80 - topshop.com

TopShop high heel shoes
£62 - topshop.com

Topshop shoes
£95 - topshop.com

TopShop flat heels
£25 - topshop.com

Zara metallic clutch
$100 - zara.com

TopShop metallic belt
£14 - topshop.com
[images via nymag.com, Gastrochic.com, fashionologie.com, chicfeed.com]

Go Get Some: Velvet

I have always loved the glamourous look of velvet. Luckily my favorite designers love it just as much, and constantly include the luxe fabric in their Fall/Winter collections.

Proenza Schouler

Stella McCartney

Givenchy

Carlos Miele

While most of these designers showed velvet in more formal looks, I love the idea of adding a pop of velvet into a daytime ensemble through jackets and accessories.

The best thing about velvet is that it’s perfect for any occasion from a regular work day to a glamourous party. Check out my favorite velvet picks below!

Velvet
Velvet by alexander-to-vera featuring a velvet pencil skirt

ASOS cowlneck dress
$86 - asos.com

Short sleeve top
$75 - topshop.com

Tux jacket
£75 - topshop.com

TopShop velvet pencil skirt
$70 - topshop.com

Zara
$80 - zara.com

Burgundy pants
£22 - topshop.com

Subtitled Silk Velvet Running Shorts
$80 - generalpants.com.au

Floor length skirt
$72 - asos.com

Velvet shoes
£58 - topshop.com

VaVa flat heel shoes
$56 - topshop.com

ASOS multi color shoes
$85 - asos.com

ASOS velvet shoes
368 NOK - asos.com

Messeca chunky shoes
$200 - theoutnet.com

Juicy Couture velvet handbag
$148 - lordandtaylor.com

[images via nymag.com, fashionologie.com, lestylechild.blogspot.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com]

Favorite Things Part II: The Wild Side

Today’s installment of ‘Favorite Things’ is basically an homage to my obsession of all things leopard. Check out my picks for the best leopard pieces out there, most of which are under $150!

Favorite Things: Leopard
Favorite Things: Leopard by alexander-to-vera featuring leopard pumps

Zara leopard print top
$50 - zara.com

ASOS leopard print jacket
£160 - asos.com

Madewell leopard shoes
$118 - madewell.com

Leopard pumps
$78 - cwonder.com

J Crew animal print handbag
$138 - jcrew.com

Printed iPhone 4 case
$25 - jcrew.com

Unexpected Fun: Colored Leather

For today’s post I decided to focus on a fun and unexpected theme that I noticed on the Spring 2012 runways. Leather was everywhere and in every color of the rainbow. My personal favorites include the yellow leather dress at Carven and the blue leather jacket at Bottega Veneta.

1. Carven 2. Bottega Veneta 3. Tommy Hilfiger 4. Celine

This trend may seem daunting at first, but I assure you it is actually surprisingly wearable. Just remember to keep the pieces lightweight so that they can transition well from winter to spring. Take a look at the street-style photos i’ve procured for some fashion inspiration.

I searched the web high and low and found some great options for those of you who want to try out this look. Enjoy! 

Colored Leather
Colored Leather by alexander-to-vera featuring a pleated skirt

Asos dress
$205 - asos.com

ASOS leather biker jacket
$182 - asos.com

Zara leather jacket
$159 - zara.com

Mango pleated skirt
£100 - mango.com

Dallin Chase long skirt
$249 - shopbop.com

Free People leather mini skirt
$100 - freepeople.com

ASOS short shorts
$82 - asos.com

[images via nymag.com, streetfsn.blogspot.com, chictopia.com, atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com]