Pattern and Frill: fashion week

Fashion Week has come and gone, and there are some fantastic items, targeted towards us 20-somethings. Anna Sui and DKNY took gold in my mind. Their ready-to-wear spring collections have items that are mesmerizing.. partially because of the intense patterns. Some of the items are sure to give us a glimpse as to what we will be seeing in stores this summer (especially around formal wear). Here's my picture low-down:

Frill:: You can have frill or tassel trim, or and entire skirt of frill, or just on the collar, but frilly-ness is present.



Red shoes are still a great accent. and how amazing is that skirt? Very random and a-symmetrical. White blouse/flowing white tops are were a trend as well (Vivienne Tam).

Boo-ya one-zies! The collar frill is sophisticated but fun.


This is very country-girl, but the frilly trimmed apron-dress could be pretty cute. The blouse underneath looks pretty cute as well.

Pattern: From tiny floral to bold exotic patterns, you can be printed from head to toe.


DKNY has pattern and flow here, such a fun spring dress. And love the pockets (also that jacket that is walking away into the distance.. sweet)

This doesn't have a lot of pattern, just in the scarf (which comes back in the collection in different forms), but this ensemble is just so classy. And the trench coat is great.

Alright if you don't want to wear this dress, I think your crazy. The model is rocking it, and the pattern is so eye-catching, and the tassel bottom makes it fun and a little western. Pop a jean jacket on top, and you're good to go. Speaking of jean...

Socks and sandals? what? haha.. alright I would never wear this ensemble, but the bag is sweet, and this outfit is a good indicator that the 70's are coming back strong for spring. Some great colours here, and the skirt pattern is scrumptious.

Talk about pattern! I just thought this dress was fab and creative. It's hancercheif scarf gone cocktail dress.

And remember that first dress? they even have it in a swimsuit! I'd totally wear it.

Well, that's my picture summary of my favourite bits of DKNY and Anna Sui in fashion week. Hope it inspired some ideas for spring shopping :) later!
e

We've gotta make it through the winter...

Alright, so here's the thing, sweaters are a necessity, and there are two trends that have been dominating this winter so I thought I'd post about them. The trends are... ... ...

Knit with Pattern and Ovesize Sweaters!

Knitted Pattern sweaters are great because they aren't only warm, but have tons of great colours and you could probably find a pretty sweet one thrifted. Here are some examples of some prime patterned sweaters:



Awesome pattern, this is Christina Stilborn!! her photo as well.

And the guys ones are SO nice...

That was from H&M

Oversize is a great theme as well, since you can wear these larger sweaters with leggings.. and really, is there anything more comfortable than an oversized-sweater and stretchy pants? dont think so. Stripes are the thing on over-sized sweaters right now, but retro colours and patterns are also pretty fantastic in my mind. A note about these: some girls can pull off any kind of large sweater, but I know I can go wrong pretty easy with a buky style. It's good to make sure it falls in the right places, and doesnt just bulk at the stomach. They can look good! Heavier fabrics or fabriscs that fall nicely are better.

Here's some examples from the archives:

American Apparel


i'd maybe wear some pants.. but hey.


Then there's the ultimate.. a combination of oversize-sweater and knitted and patterned! sweet!

well I hope you enjoyed this episode of making it through the winter.. later!

E

Sources: in order of apprearance
caylee m/looknook
bonnie b/lookbook
Christina Stilborn
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Simon s/lookbook
Marwan e/lookbook
American Apparel
American Apparel
Lookbook
American Apparel
Alexandra P/Lookbook
Breanne S/Lookbook

Sun-Bleached Spring Tones

Taking a peak at the spring 2011 lookbooks, I was enchanted by the light palette of the colours. Soft faded tones on flowing delicate fabrics, it's all very ethereal and natural. Here are some of my favourite items from the Free People, Chinti and Parker, Kimberly Taylor, and ASOS spring lines.


free people.. give a whole new meaning to maxi.

Chinti and Parker


Chinti and Parker.. faded coral and blue, pretty.


Kimberly Taylor. Refined, gentle, and antique, sea-green dress. So adorable.

ASOS. I might have to wear some kind of slip under this, but what a beautiful dress.

ASOS. My favourite skirt at the moment.

ASOS. Faded Jeany-blues and browns are always a lovely combination :).

It might be a little early to be looking into the spring, but sometimes its nice to remember that it won't be winter forever :).
Have a nice day!
-E

1 pair of Black Jeans 2 go, plz.

I was pretty devastated this morning when I saw that my favourite pair of blue jeans had a huge rip.. and in the irredeemable spot... the crotch. Well, I guess this means its time for a new pair of pants.
Looking through my photo archives, I realize I don't have a pair of black skinny jeans, which can really be a staple item. They edge-ify your look, but also allow you to keep it simple (just add a t-shirt, some cool shoes, or a little colour). If you haven't already got a pair, here are some photos of some fun black-jean looks:



Leslie K, from lookbook
Annika B, from lookbook.
If you're worried that the top you have just might be too short for a legging ensemble, black jeans solves that too, as well as trying to find an outfit for weather too cold for tights.

These are more of a cargo material, but the same idea.
Frouu, lookbook

By the way, this goes for you too, guys :)
erwin b, lookbook

So if you were ever sceptical, resist no longer! I'm gunna try to find me some :)
-E

Should I Do It? Floral Skirt in Winter..

I say: shya! If you want to bring a spring girlie vibe to your winter wardrobe, try the floral skirt! Of course there is a way to rock it and a way to bomb it. So let's check out some good looks...


adding a cardigan is a great way to keep warm. I think light tights would look good with this ensamble too (cream or white).


She's rocking the black tights and high boots, which adds a little extra warmth as well.


belts are a great way to accessorise a floral skirt, so try it out and see what works for you. And why not throw a scarf over your head?


I love how she's working the long-sleeved shirt under the skirt. An important thing to keep in mind when pairing a floral skirt with a top is to keep it neutral on top (grey, white, black, without pattern generally).

Also notice where she is wearing the skirt on her waist, it's pretty high. It might take some getting used to, but its supa cute!


Even grey leggings can be done! This look is fun, colourful, and still warm. It even looks like it has pockets, which is always a fun detail.


Even bust out yer long socks! play around, see what works :)

Things NOT to do:
- No jeans with skirts, or jeggings.
- Make sure the fabric isn't stiff, because when you're wearing a high-waisted skirt, you want it to be flowey and slimming around your hips.
- When you are wearing a flowey skirt, try not to introduce too many (if any) new colours into your look, work with whats in the skirt :).
- Don't wear huge "ugs" or muk-lucks with your skirt, please. Unless you like to be a cartoon, then by all means...
- Careful when you are wearing baggy shirts underneath your skirt, because loose+loose can look a little sloppy.

so lets keep the summer alive by wearing it on our bottoms! Yes? yes. Have fun!
-E