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Why Did You Wear That: Spring 2014: Style Cheat Sheet

By |February 25th, 2014|Why Did You Wear That?|

snow flowerAlthough it was fifty degrees over the weekend and snow flurrying today, we really are in the home stretch of winter.  Just hang in there, pretty birds, relief is on the way.  While we wait for the last frost of the season to cease, let us refresh ourselves on the clothing that is just waiting to make itself quite comfortable in our closets come spring.  Since each fashion week presents collections a solid six months in advance of when we can actually get our greedy little hands on it, it’s easy to forget what we need to start scoping for and what to relegate to the back of our wardrobes for the time being.  The fashion elite may be a bit clairvoyant perhaps predicting the dreadfully long winter we’ve endured as the spring collections did not shy away from color, bold patterns, and plenty of shiny embellishment.  Though black and white were ever present, it’s time to drop the dull all black uniform and have a little bit of fun.

While florals are really nothing new for spring, this season’s are a bit bolder and less feminine incorporating the trend of black and white as well as darker tones as opposed to the predictable pastel colorways.  Speaking of which, Easter egg colors abound and are best done head to toe, but if that has you feeling apprehensive of emulating Great Aunt Ida, the presence of a pastel leather jacket or clutch will do the trick.

Along with bold graphics that will have even the biggest globetrotters giddy, art aficionados rejoice.  Patterns for spring give a nod to pop art using brights that make them downright framable.  Wearable art, if you will.

Embellishment was big and came in the form of fringe, 3D embellishments and gilded golds, bronze, and silver.  An alternative to shine in the form of straightforward metallics is presented in the option of iridescence.

And to those who attempted a croptop intervention on me… bad news: the croptop (which will live on through Fall 2014) is stronger than ever for spring.  Might I suggest enrolling in a Pilates class, like last week?  Though tops are shrinking bottoms get a bit of volume in the form of wide leg trousers and full skirts seen prevalently in the midi length.

Most notably to me was that all of the various trends seem to work together quite seamlessly and in some cases there’s quite a bit of overlap.  Full metallic skirts, crop tops with sheer panels, and boldy printed wide leg trousers make hitting a few trends at once a spring breeze.

spring 2014 fashion trends

  1. Fresh Blooms: Rebecca Taylor Sweet William DressJoie Talina B PantsElizabeth and James Klaus Floral Print Silk and Mesh Dress
  2. Go Wide: by Malene Birger Cosyna High Waited Silk-Satin PantsDiane von Furstenberg Salma Wide Leg Silk Pantsalice + olivia Pleated Eric Pants
  3. Dirty Pop: Paul Smith Black Label Maxi SkirtLisa Perry Patchwork SkirtM Missoni Neon Crochet Knit Mini Dress
  4. Heavy Metals: Rachel Zoe Pearl Sequin Fishtail SkirtDAY Birger et Mikkelsen Metallic Chiffon Wrap Dress3.1 Phillip Lim Crossover Biker Skirt
  5. Peekaboo Panels: Yigal Azrouel Scuba Waterprint Mesh SkirtRag & Bone Molly SkirtRebecca Minkoff Antoni Silk Top
  6. Full Circle…Skirts: JOA Striped SkirtTOME Taffeta Skirt, Tibi Full Pleated Skirt
  7. Team Spirit: SEA Cotton-Blend Tweed ShortsSacai Luck Striped Cotton and Taffeta Dress, Equipment Abbot Silk Bomber Blouson Jacket
  8. On the Fringe: alice + olivia Caitlin Fringe Maxi SkirtHaute Hippie Fringe Pencil SkirtJason Wu Cropped Fringed Crepe Top
  9. Buttoned Up: Diane von Furstenberg Trudy BlouseMiH The Oversize Shirt, Carven Silk Floral Print Collared Cotton Shirt
  10. Perfect Pastels: Halston Heritage Asymmetric Satin Twill Peplum Dress, J Brand Ready To Wear Durham Oversized Leather Biker Jacket, Lotusgrace Polka Dot Sheath Dress
  11. Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Croptops: Tibi Cropped Embellished Cotton Blend TopJonathan Simkhai Cropped Intarsia Jersey TopBCBGMAXAZRIA Kaja Harness Top
  12. Black (and White) to Basics: A.L.C. Harrison SkirtDonna Karan Printed Silk Wide Leg PantsMcQ Alexander McQueen Slash Effect Stretch Knit Dress
  13. Iridescent Does It: Acne Tine Sequined Silk Georgette ShortsRoksanda Ilincic Oriel Colorblock Wool Crepe Dress, 3.1 Phillip Lim Colorblock Suede A-Line Skirt
  14. Global Graphics Clover Canyon Diamond Quilt Printed Cropped Track Pants, Diane von Furstenberg Phaedra Jacquard Skirt, Line & Dot Silk Palm Tree Print Dress

 

xx,

WhyDid

Setting the Mood: Keep On Rockin’ Me

By |July 16th, 2012|Setting the Mood|

rock and rollI’ve said before that I actually might have been a rockstar in a past life.  Maybe I even missed my calling… except for the fact that I’m tone deaf and lacking any and all musical talent.  So, scratch that.  Doesn’t mean I can’t channel my inner rock goddess in the form of fashion.  I mean, we all know that fashion and music go hand in hand (leather and lace).  Being a rockstar doesn’t necessarily mean decking yourself out in head to toe leather- though I’m not opposed to such… shall we talk about my sophomore year of highschool homecoming dress?  Adding an edgier item to any ensemble can take you from Miley Cyrus to Pat Benatar.

Rock and roll may have died with Nirvana, but the style lives on.

rock and roll style

  Ash Tokyo Biker Boot, $450MiH Jeans Fringed Shearling and Suede Gillet, $945Alice + Olivia Front Zip Leather Leggings, $697Pamela Love Silver and Wooden Dagger Necklace, $210

 

So go ahead and party like a rockstar, unless that includes snorting ants.  Then I’m out.

xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: You’ve Got Flare

By |March 8th, 2011|Personal Style, Why Did You Wear That?|

We’ve been obsessed with skinnies for several seasons now, but flares are showing up again for spring.  I am certainly partial to a sleek skinny jean, but I have to admit that flares are so much more flattering on almost every body type.  The wide leg really balances out even the most pear shaped figures and can make short legs seem miles long.

Now, be warned: High waist flares are not meant for everyone (recall the Jessica Simpson incident?).  To look good in high waisted jeans, you basically have to have the flattest (I’m talking practically inverted) tummy and a bubble butt.  Not too many of those girls out there.  High waisted denim also isn’t particularly flattering on you shorties or short waisted gals.  Stick with a lower cut pair and always make sure that you don’t look like you’re drowning in your hem.

I love a wider leg 70’s inspired jean with a delicate floaty blouse and platform sandals.  Channel your inner “Angel” and step out in these belled babies.

Top (L to R): Citizens of Humanity Angie Super Flare Jean, $229, Rebecca Taylor Front Zip Runway Denim Pant, $195, Pray For Mother Nature Devils Post Pile Bellbottoms, $176, MiH Marrakesh Flare Jeans, $186, J Brand Kiki High Rise Flare, $180 Bottom (L to R): J Brand Lovestory Flare Jeans, $178, Gap Vintage Flare Jeans, $69.50, 7 for All Mankin Kaylie Jeans, $168, TEXTILE Elizabeth & James Jimi Flare Jeans, $195, Red Valentino High Rise Flare Jeans, $310

(on me: H&M top, Earnest Sewn jeans, vintage Dooney & Bourke bag, Alex & Ani bracelets, Colin Stuart Sandals)


xx,

WhyDid

Why Did You Wear That: Wide Load

By |August 31st, 2010|Why Did You Wear That?|

bell-bottom-pants

After seasons of skinnies, it’s nice to see the wide leg jean make a return. Though I don’t believe the skinny jean is going anywhere anytime soon, it is nice to have options (a girl’s gotta have options, afterall). The wide leg, trouser, and bootcut jean are much more universally flattering and can balance out a more pear shaped figure. They’re also great because they can be dressed up and dressed down with just a few simple tweaks and accessories.

heave2002815507_p1_v1_m56577569832024373_254x500MiH Marrakesh Flare Jeans, $189

Picture 9Paige Premium Denim LouLou Vinyl Bootcut Jeans, $158

Picture 10Elizabeth and James Stevie Dazed Jeans, $245

Picture 11J Brand Lovestory Bellbottom Stretch Jeans, $178

Picture 12Rock and Republic Roth Jean, $235

With these flattering silhouettes, you’ll be looking more like a svelte sweetie rather than a wide load

xx,

WhyDid