March 15, 2012

Pretty Peplums for Spring

With the temperatures seeming to be consistently in our favor (in Chicago that means not freezing), I think it’s about time to start sporting those Spring trends! Seen on the Spring ’12 runways of Jason Wu, Cushnie et Ochs, Thakoon and more, peplum is in this season.

This trend is especially great for those that are “straight down” because it helps give the illusion of curves. And if you’re one that tends to be drawn to more feminine styles, it doesn’t get more feminine than a peplum! I personally like to play with feminine and edgy styles (along with a few others thrown in there) so pairing a peplum dress or skirt with a cropped leather jacket and/or some studded boots is my ideal way of sporting this trend.

Here are some of my favorite peplum pieces available right now.

Photobucket Prabal Gurung Ruffled Silk Chiffon Blouse

Photobucket Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Ellsworth’ Striped Peplum Dress

Photobucket Jason Wu Feather-trimmed cotton and silk-blend gazar Dress

Photobucket Givenchy Sleeveless Peplum Top

Photobucket Giambattista Valli Leopard Print Top

Photobucket ASOS Peplum Top

Photobucket Alice + Olivia Carly Short Peplum Skirt

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What do you think of this trend? Will you be sporting pretty peplums this spring?

March 5, 2012

Sweet Kicks: Sneakers For Spring

Although it’s a trend that’s not really my style, I do appreciate a well-pulled off sneaker. It’s a more casual alternative to flats or flat boots, but if you’ve taken a look at any of the more recent sneaker designs, they can sure make a statement. I have to say though, I’m not loving wedge sneakers…they remind me of JLo from her “Jenny From The Block” days, and why would we ever want to relive the fashions of 2002? So anyway…

With the Isabel Marant ‘Willow’ Sneakers totally being the new Miu Miu glitter booties of the season, see what sweet sneaks I’m loving for Spring.

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Miu Miu Patent-leather high stop sneakers

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Lanvin Diamond-print canvas and leather high-stop sneakers

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Jimmy Choo Tokyo suede and glitter-finish high-top sneakers

Photobucket Giuseppe Zanotti Studded metallic leather sneakers

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Isabel Marant Willow Suede Sneakers

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Will you be wearing sneakers this season? Any favorites?

February 28, 2012

Minty Fresh Fashion

Although tangerine is said to be the biggest color for Spring 2012, mint isn’t far behind…and I’m beyond obsessed. It started with this Acne sweater and led to a full blown obsession. Whether it’s a super pale green or a vibrant pastel (yes, it exists) I am absolutely loving minty fresh fashion for Spring. Who am I kidding? I’m loving it right now!

Here are some of my favorite mint finds of the moment…

Photobucket Tibi Long Sleeve Shift Dress

Photobucket Rag & Bone Stretch Denim Leggings in Vin Biscay
(which I happened to pre-order the other day)

Photobucket Proenza Schouler Zebra-print Knitted Cotton-Blend Sweater
(seen here)

Photobucket Miu Miu Suede Pumps

Photobucket J. Crew Vintage Cotton Tank

Photobucket Chloe Madeline Patent-Leather Duffle Bag

Photobucket Acne Shore Oversized Chunky-Knit Cotton Sweater

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Will you be wearing mint this Spring?

February 27, 2012

Red Carpet Fashion: 2012 Oscars (Part 1)

If you’re going to tune in to one awards show all season and watch just one red carpet…THIS is the one. But if you didn’t, thankfully you have me.

The Oscars were last night and the red carpet was the best I’ve seen all season. I’m not saying everyone got it right but I wasn’t totally bored…and that says a lot. We saw a lot of strapless and one-shoulder gowns (which to be honest I’m not a huge fan of either, but they weren’t all terrible), of course the neutral beaded gowns which are expected at the Oscars, but the biggest trend was white. Not an easy thing to pull off but let’s see who got it right and who missed the mark on the red carpet…

Photobucket Sandra Bullock in Marchesa

Want More?

February 18, 2012

J. Mendel Fall 2012: Pure Luxury

Regardless of the season, Giles Mendel will always show luxurious looks with feminine silhouettes, and of course with the most amazing craftsmanship. This season, he really focused on soft shapes in a neutral palette (with of course some burgundy throughout the collection…stock up now because it’s Fall’s biggest color trend!), along with gorgeous textured fur that appears voluminous yet light at the same time.

The eveningwear was stunning as per usual. Gold tones mixed with nude and the most intricate beading, these sure have a chance landing on the best dressed list at the Oscars next weekend. Another big trend seen on the Fall ’12 runways and also for J. Mendel are cut outs. I love this look because it’s a cool, subtle way to show some skin. And with the class J. Mendel brings to every collection, these cut outs were done perfectly.

When I was at this show I honestly couldn’t even believe I was there. The clothes were beyond stunning, the music was electric and there was a celeb-packed front row where I was even a little starstruck (which is not something I can say often). It was a surreal moment and I’m so thankful to be invited to see such an incredible designer’s collection first-hand.

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No you’re not seeing double…it’s Mary Kate and Ashley looking fierce in all black in the front row.

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Caught her as she almost fell (looks kinda cool though, right?)

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Giles gives out hugs after the finale!

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The look on the right (on Lindsey Wixson) is my absolute favorite from the collection.

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Some exciting J. Mendel news–this was the first time in-house designed handbags were shown in a collection. Yes, Fall 2012 is the debut year of J. Mendel bags! Crocodile with mink and alpaca fur lining? Would expect nothing less from J. Mendel.

Runway images via Style.com