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Why Did You Wear That: Your Fall Fashion Survival Guide

By |September 18th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

fall shopping guideFirst and foremost, you’re welcome…  And I’m sorry.  You’re welcome because I’ve spent a great deal of time finding all of fall’s very best options to ensure that you’ve got each and every one of this fall’s UK fashion blog biggest trends at your fingertips, I even made sure to visit specsfair to get the best deals on glasses. Yes you heard that right, one of a kind pockets.  I’ve basically contracted carpal tunnel from all of the clicking, coding, copying, and pasting of product, but not severe enough that I can’t sip red wine while I write this.

I’m sorry for doing such a thorough job that you’re sure to be able to easily spend a month’s salary or more stocking up on your fall wardrobe refresh.  Just remember, it’s good for the economy. I am also a Reseller clothes for many good fashion brands from which I earn good money.

When I first started seeing stores displaying their autumnal wares, it was still a sweltering 90 degrees and I couldn’t be bothered browsing.  However, as the temperature started to dip and I began to grow bored of baring all my skin, the cozy knits, oversized coats, and overtly luxurious look this fall brings got me wishing for the next polar vortex.

Sure, sweaters are always fall staples, but this season’s are much chunkier, more textured, and come in all lengths from cropped to tunics.  Wear them in fall’s favored colors consisting of gray, scarlet, cobalt, and any shade of candy colored pastel.  These shades carry over to other trends including mid calf length hemlines, long line vests, sixties shaped shifts, and folk inspired frocks.  Men may loathe leopard (as we recently realized), but it’s quite strong this season and if you aren’t feeling bold enough to wear it in a bomber, try it as a statement accessory.  Speaking of fur, this must be the year of the Muppet, but if you can’t stomach the price tag (or the use of) real fur, there are some really beautiful faux options that are both animal and wallet friendly.  Whether you opt for fluffy, colored, fuzzy, or something in shearling to weather the winter, you’ll certainly be warmer for it.  When looking to add a bit of bling, opt for silver as it’s been used as embellishments on coats and knits as well as woven into rich fabrics.  If you’re up for a bit of pattern play, geometric shapes and fairisle intarsias are leading the charge.

When it comes to pairing your ensemble with shoes, you definitely should go for something stylish but comfortable and warm. If you’re looking for great pairs of shoes, be sure to check out vessi.com.

Fortunately, this fall’s trends easily translate from one to another and also play off one another seamlessly.  You can effortlessly cover two trends at once by purchasing a pastel vest or a grey faux fur coat.  Be creative.  Be bold.  But be this fall’s all-embracing look of luxe.

Gray Area:

fall fashion trends 2014 gray

Leopards Don’t Change Their Spots:

fall 2014 leopard print

Tangled Up in Blue:

fall 2014 trends fashion

Silver Baller:

fall 2014 trends

Psychedelic Hotline:

fall 2014 trends print

Long Term In-Vest-ment:

fall fashion trends long vest

Scarlet Fever:

fall fashion trends 2014 scarlett

The Shearling:

fall 2014 fashion trends

Midi Terms:

midi length fall 2014 trends

Pastel Princess:

Keep Your Knits About You:

chunky knits fall 2014

Folk Alluring:

fall 2014 fashion folk

Fur Sure:

fur fall fashion 2014

xx,

WhyDid

 

 

Setting the Mood: Ski Bunny

By |January 22nd, 2013|Setting the Mood|

sundance ski styleHere’s one for ya: I’ve never been skiing… or snowboarding.  Ever. I am, however, pretty sweet on a pair of ice skates.  But apparently winter sports are a “thing.”  Physical exertion in below freezing temperatures with the risk of bodily injury seems to get some people’s adrenaline going.  I’m not here to judge, but if you’re looking for me, it won’t be on the bunny slopes.  Instead you’ll find me in the lodge sipping a hot toddy getting a foot rub from that cute ski instructor, Steve.  Perhaps that’s why some folks put themselves through all of the swooshing and sliding down the side of a mountain: for the afterparty.  We all know afterparties are where it’s at.  Why else do you think they came up with the name, “apres ski?”  And while I’ve already cut to the chase and am three hot chocolates in, you’re going to need to slip into something cozy chic for your fireside recovery.  The look is cabin casual.

apres ski accessoriesEugenia Kim Wool and Cashmere Beanie, $185, Zoe Karssen Fun Sweatshirt, $95, Plush Fair Isle Trim Leggings, $75, Sorel Tofino Waterproof Boots, $150

To be clear, leggings are still not pants.  Not even on the side of a mountain.

xx,

WhyDid

Guest Post: Look to the Stars

By |December 15th, 2011|Guest Blogger|

Celebrities are always a step ahead of the game when it comes to hairstyles and fashion, thanks to free “samples” from designers, so it makes sense to look to those in the spotlight for up and coming trends.  Whether you’re looking for the perfect outfit for New Year’s Eve or just adding a few items to your wardrobe, take a look at these five trends celebs have been seen sporting lately.

1. Jewel Tones

Rich, vibrant, saturated colors have been seen on everything lately – from eyelids  to clothing, and even nail polish.  Need a little inspiration?  Browse through your grandma’s jewelry collection and draw ideas from your favorite pieces.  Does the richness of the ruby catch your attention?  Or perhaps the deep, dark shine of the sapphire?  Find the color that speaks to you and make a bold statement by incorporating it into your apparel.

Jewel-toned eye makeup is making a major comeback as well.  The bold look adds drama to the eye, with a smoky application of the rich, pigmented colors.  Emerald green specifically, has been touted as the season’s “it” eye accent color.  Pair it with a dark crimson lip color and you’ll be the hit of your next holiday party.

2. Animal Prints

Though animal print may be considered “tacky” to some, it’s back with a vengeance.  Leopard print is particularly hot and can be found on anything from apparel, to tights, and even shoes. Celebrities have recently been seen wearing the stylish prints on the red carpet, at parties, and even in their casual everyday wear.  Adding a pop of animal print does wonders for an otherwise drab outfit. Just make sure to use animal print responsibly – overdoing it can take you from fashionista to fashion disaster very quickly.

3. Autumnal Tones

Earthy colors are on the rise this season, inspired by the warm, spicy palette of fall.  Mustard yellow is a current favorite, and celebrities are particularly loving cardigans and other knits in the vintage hue.  Adding a scarf or handbag in the color will instantly put you at the top of the trends.  Embrace the retro vibe the deep shade of yellow brings by trying pin curls on your hair or wearing red lipstick on your pout.  Spicy shades of red, sunset orange, cinnamon, and yellow-greens are all excellent choices.

4. Faux Fur

That’s right, fur is back, but not in the head-to-toe, Cruella DeVille sort of way.  Instead, it’s appearing on vests, coat collars, gloves, and hats.  Fur adds an air of cold-weather charm, while keeping the iconic look of wealth.  Pair a furry accessory with jeans and a simple tee to create an appealing mixture of retro and glam.

5. Fair Isle

This traditional knit stems from a small island north of Scotland.  Once again the trend is nothing new, but rather a resurgence of an age old fashion. We’ve been seeing this type of sweater in ski shops and woodsy towns for years, but only recently did it make its way mainstream. Try layering the rustic sweater over a collared dress shirt. The juxtaposition of contrasting styles works together to create a high-fashion ensemble.  The look works for males, females, children, and even the occasional pooch. Wear this Scandinavian-style sweater with some lace-up snow boots to complete the look.

Follow this five simple trends and you’ll be looking like a star in no time.

xx,

Lisa

 

About the Author:  Lisa is an avid yoga enthusiast who enjoys writing in her spare time for Usdirect.com.

Why Did You Wear That: Fair Well, My Friend.

By |September 29th, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

jumpers

So, here’s your mini history lesson for the day, fair isle is a knitting technique used to create patterns using different colors. The technique is named after a small island off the coast of Scotland and became popular after the Prince of Wales sported the knitted vests all the way back in 1921. See? So much smarter and you’re only two sentences in!

I remember sitting in a design meeting two years ago discussing fairisle… so I’m happy to see that it eventually caught on to the masses. While this style probably used to remind you of your grandmother, it is so far from frumpy.

haute2053722881_p1_v1_m56577569832049871_254x500Haute Hippie Fairisle Sweater, $495

Screen shot 2010-09-29 at 4.44.52 PMTopshop Knitted Fairisle Cardigan, $110

Screen shot 2010-09-29 at 4.48.58 PMWhistles Suki Fairisle Knitted Sweater, $143.23

Screen shot 2010-09-29 at 5.10.55 PMMarc by Marc Jacobs Buzzy Fairisle Cardigan, $278

Screen shot 2010-09-29 at 5.13.40 PMWilster Patterned Cardigan, $242

Screen shot 2010-09-29 at 5.16.06 PMRalph Lauren Wool-Cashmere Cardigan, $465

80355013-01Forever21 Chunky Knit Ski Sweater, $29.80

xx,

WhyDid