I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. I’ll browse the site until my eyes become glued to a photograph of incredibly dressed fashionistas. I fall in love, then the hate sets in; hate that burns with jealousy over the fact that she is wearing those suede wedges and beautiful blazer, not me. I’ve found a few envy-inducing spring trend based outfits and recreated them with affordable pieces via Polyvore!
The cropped bustier/bracelet top is a sensational trend. It’s the perfect side dish to a gorgeous pair of distressed, dyed, high waist denim shorts. Cropped bustier tops are seen in a range of colors, patterns, and fabrics. I prefer straps for support, but either way this top/bottom combo will continue to trend throughout summer.
This is a perfect example of acceptable color-blocking. The pastels are huge this spring, and this bombshell has got it down. She pairs her light pink capris with a blouse and sweater, a stylish ensemble for those of you who are yet to experience the actual spring weather!
I’ve mentioned the colored blazer before, and it’s back! I love H&M’s collection of hues, perfect for color blocking. While many daring fashionistas pair their pinks with teals and greens, this girl rocks a lace frock underneath for an adorably put-together look.
One of my favorite trends this spring is lace bottoms. Change up your denim and khaki for some delicate lace. As seen above, stay stylish by pairing your bottoms with a bright pastel blouse and some minimalistic jewelry!
Aztec prints are becoming the pattern of spring. These shorts are refreshing in the fact that they take the focus away from the top, accentuating long, tanned legs. Pair your blouse with a pair of Aztec printed shorts and a tote for Boho-chic attire.
[The following is a guest post from our gal pals at CollegeFashion.net. They're like the college Rachel Zoe (sans baby bump). Have you checked them out yet?!]
On any given day here at OU, I’d bet at least 60% of students are rocking The North Face, Columbia or Patagonia (“Fratagonia”, as some might say) outerwear. Perhaps it’s a southern or midwestern cliche, but literally EVERYONE I know owns a zippered or pull-over fleece jacket. And I’m betting many of you probably own one, too. (Admit it!)
As popular as they are, jackets like these are often negatively associated with “the uniform”, as I like to call it. You know, the Uggs/leggings/oversized V-neck/fleece jacket combo that is popular at countless colleges across the nation. While I’m not saying it’s “wrong” to dress this way, why not challenge yourself to think outside the box and rock a more unique outfit?
There’s a way to rock these babies and still stand out in a crowd. Just because you’re in a situation that requires a warm, tough, and no-frills jacket, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up looking stylish. I hope you find this styling challenge as practical and fun as I did.
Tips and Trick for Making a Fleece Jacket More Stylish
Add a funky scarf. This is the easiest way to dress up a fleece coat. A colorful scarf will catch the eye of people around you. Others will pay attention to the texture, or the unique way it’s tied around your neck.
Wear one with a hat. A slouchy beanie adds a laid-back vibe to any outfit, including one with a plain fleece jacket. Plus, you’ll stay super warm!
If you have to buy a fleece, look for unique styles. I love the plush and fur-lined versions I’ve seen.
Pair one with chic shoes. Fleece jackets go great with riding or motorcycle boots, or those cute lace up ankle boot wedges that are getting popular. They also look fine with oxfords, ballet flats, loafers, and anything casual. Read More »
Boyfriend blazers have been around for several seasons, meaning you probably have one in your closet by now. Like another wardrobe staple, the white oxford shirt, a boyfriend blazer can be worn with anything for any occasion – they can even be worn together! When the temperature starts dropping and you start bracing yourself for a season of thick sweaters and thicker sweatpants, the boyfriend blazer will be your new BFF, allowing you to wear all your favorite things in new and warmer ways.
Learning how to layer under your boyfriend blazer is an important skill for the winter but one that will pay off until the snow starts to thaw in May. I’ve got three fabulous options that require nothing more than some creativity and all the clothes you’ve already got in your closet. With this, there’s no excuse for that shapeless winter wear, ladies!
(Note: Almost any style of blazer will substitute in for these outfits- I just happen to be a huge fan of the boyfriend style as it has a looser fit.) Read More »
I know there is a serious anti-summer-scarf movement out there, but I am not a part of it. I love scarves – yes, even in the summer. They are really versatile pieces and can really add a lot to an otherwise boring wardrobe. And they can be incorporated in many ways – not just tying those suckers around your neck.
This summer, a lightweight scarf (e.g. silk) is an essential accessory. If you don’t own one already, you can buy one for less than $20 at these stores: Delia’s, Gap, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21. Or buy a few from all of these stores; there are so many cute things you can do with ‘em, you’re going to wanna stock up.Read More »
Adding a belt is one of the easiest ways to update an outfit. Instead of going out and spending your money on an entire new ensemble, pick up a fun, stylish belt that works with something you already own! In the warmer part of the year, a belt can give a new silhouette and add a splash of personal style to dresses. When it cools off, belts are great for emphasizing your curves which are hiding under all those warm layers.
Here are some belt trends to try for under $25: Read More »
As a person who wore uniforms up until 11th grade, I can tell you that matching clothing is NOT one of my strong points in life. I have a tendency to put together colors that don’t go together well at all. And yet somehow, even with my limited training, I still manage to see women dress like they picked their wardrobe while blindfolded. And it makes me want to cry (usually out of pain).
Matching clothing is NOT as difficult as people make it seem. In fact, one of your best friends when it comes to matching clothing is someone you met way back in fourth grade: the color wheel.
Take a good look at this guy. He wants to be your friend. He wants to make you look nice. He wants to help you score that date or nail that job interview, he really does. Now all you need to do is listen to him.
Colors right next to each other on the color wheel are always a sure bet. I like to wear the slightly darker color on the bottom and the lighter color on top, but that’s totally up to you. Black and white will also readily hook-up with any color you throw at them (and wearing black makes you look slimmer, so it’s a double-win).
Remember complimentary colors? Those are colors that are directly across from each other on the color wheel. Note that this does NOT mean that your dayglo orange shirt would go perfectly with your dark blue pants. Really, you’ll just make yourself look like a Mets fan. Use your eyes and your common sense when matching complimentary colors, and keep the brighter color muted. Sometimes for brighter colors, it’s best to use the complimentary color as an accent, like wearing a purple headband with your yellow shirt and orange skirt. Read More »
That said, I may or may not be leaving the city and heading to my parents house in Pennsylvania this weekend. I may or may not be doing so to do a little pre-Black Friday shopping.
This may or may not involve a trip to a (huge) Target store in Delaware in order to land a few pieces from the new line.
Don’t call me pathetic! First of all, it’s smart so don’t hate. Two, if you know anything about New York City you know that Targets do exist (in the Bronx and Queens…no thanks) but like many urban superstores, they are so picked through that there’s no way I’d find anything. Especially in my size.
Why am I making this seemingly useless trip? Well, have you seen the line? It’s absolutely adorable. But not in a little girl way. It’s really just effortless and playful…exactly my style. Read More »