Alexander to Vera

Get the Look

The moment we’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! The Isabel Marant show walked in Paris earlier today and I can assure you it did not disappoint! The country-inspired looks showed a modern take on the old west, and managed to create a perfect combination of classic cowgirl and parisian chic. One look from the collection stood out for me in particular because of its wearability both now, and in the fall. 

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!

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

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.

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!

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! 

Get the Look: Mixed Prints

1. J.Crew  2. Proenza Schouler  3. Sass & Bide 4. Libertine

For today’s post I wanted to focus on something that is a little bit out of my comfort zone but that i’ve been dying to try: mixing prints. Lately I have been seeing so many chic women who have been able to make this look seem totally effortless. I would say that the easiest prints to start with would be stripes, plaid and polka dots. The simplicity of these patterns (especially in neutral colors) allows them to go with pretty much anything. While I love the look of mixing prints that incorporate the same colors, sometimes clashing prints can create an even cooler effect. Check out some examples below!

Below i’ve provided some of my favorite printed pieces that are great for mixing and matching.

Winter Wear: Chunky Sweaters

With the cold weather finally beginning to settle in, I decided to focus on one of the warmest and coziest pieces that a girl can have in her closet: a chunky sweater. As a self-diagnosed sweater addict, I have been obsessed with thick knits for as long as I can remember. Luckily, a number of different designers seemed to share my obsession this fall, sending one amazing sweater after another down their runways. I personally love Moschino’s whimsical pom-pom sweater along with the gorgeous color of Milly’s orange cable knit.

 1: Moschino Cheap and Chic   2: Kimberly Ovitz   3: Milly   4: Rebecca Taylor

After sifting through hundreds of runway photos, I decided to look to some of my favorite street-style blogs to see how real-girls wear their chunky sweaters. 

I did some shopping around at ZARA and ASOS (both of which offer free shipping) and found some great options for fashionista’s on a budget! Let me know how YOU style your favorite sweaters in the “comments” section!

Holiday Gift Guide

For today’s Holiday Gift Guide, I have curated a selection of great gifts for under $100. These picks are perfect for those of you who are on a budget, but still want to give something special. Check them out and give any other suggestions that you may have in the comments section below. Happy Shopping!