Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Graphic Prints

Well my friends, this is the last installment of the Fall 2012 Runway Trends series.  Today we are taking a look at graphic prints. There are so many ways to wear prints, there is something for everyone.  There are supposed fashion rules about not wearing prints on body parts you don't like.  Well, you know I'm a rule breaker.  I'm definitely not a fan of my thighs and rear but my current favorite pair of pants, are these paisley print pants from Talbots Outlet.  I got them for a steal and I love them! Thanks to my friend Jennifer of Comme Coco for the photo!

Me at a CapFABB event, picture by Jennifer Jean-Pierre of Comme Coco

Outfit details:  vest - thrifted via Goodwill, shirt - Target (no longer available), pants - Talbots Outlet (no longer available), shoes - Neiman Marcus Last Call (available here on ebay), bag - vintage Coach (90's), necklace - c/o Stella & Dot (Alexandria necklace available here) 

I'm loving this trend. It's fun to add that cool print to your outfit.  Even if you don't want to wear pants or a skirt, try a top, bag or shoes.  There are lots of cute and colorful options out there.  Try something new. Be bold!

Click on the photo above for details.

I'm especially in love with this amazing trench coat.  A fantastic way to wear print, via the collar and hem.  The clutch would be a fun addition to your weekend wardrobe and a great choice if you just want to add a pop. If  you aren't sure what to try, pick one piece that you love and keep the rest of your outfit neutral.  That way you can ease into the trend and try it out.  If you are ready to mix patterns, give it a try, like I did above.  Try a stripe and a pattern or a small print with a large print.  If you aren't sure about the combo, try it on and take a photo. It's easier to be objective that way. 

I hope you've enjoyed this series.  More fun things to come this fall. I've been in a crazy DIY mode lately and I have lots of projects coming up soon.

What do you think?  Will you try to out graphic prints?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Menswear

Sorry for the lack of posting. I've been and am still a bit under the weather.

There are only two trends left in our Fall 2012 Runway Trends series.  Today it's one of my all time faves, Menswear.  I love borrowing from the boys.  It's fun to wear oxfords and an occasional tie.  As much as I love dresses and skirts, pants are always comfortable.  The trick is wearing the menswear trend in a feminine way.  You can embrace the trend without looking like you are trying to be a man.

When I am embracing menswear, I think it's best to start with the basics. You can never go wrong with a great fitting pair of pinstripe pants. A basic white button up shirt is a staple for menswear style as well. A tailored blazer can be worn with dress pants as well as with jeans or shorts. It's a polished piece that will pull your entire outfit together.

If you just want to add a touch of menswear, go for accessories. I own several pairs of oxfords and love them as an alternative to sneakers.  The new crop comes in tons of colors and styles, like this metallic pair with blue soles from Target.  If you love heels, you can grab a pair of heeled loafers or oxfords.  They work with skirts or pants.  A little over a year ago I was introduced to Ginger Root Designs.  They have a great little boutique in DC or you can check out their online shop.  These ladies create the most fantastic upcycled clothing and menswear style accessories for women.  I'm in love with their Lady Ties.  These fantastic accessories are created from old and damaged men's ties and sometimes vintage buttons.  Not into ties?  Throw on a newsboy cap or grab a cross body satchel.  This one, in oxblood, by The Leather Satchel Company has a top handle which gives it a briefcase feel.  Top it off with a large men's style wrist watch.  It lends that menswear feel without being overpowering.

With just a few additions, it's easy to sport the menswear trend.

Frugal Fashion Friday - Fall 2012 Trends Under $150

It's no good to look at the Fall 2012 Runway Trends if you can't make them work in your real life or your real budget. I picked one item from each of the categories that I think would be a great purchase. Almost all of the items are under $100!

White - A winter white pea coat is a classic staple that you will be able to wear for years to come.  It will work with different styles and outfits.

Plaid - The bleached style of this plaid shirt makes it more current.  I love the colors and the ombre look with the bleach. You can wear the trend without any hint of lumber jack.

Graphic Prints - The painterly print of this dress makes it fun. The style and cut of the dress makes it work for all body types.  I can see it with a motorcycle jacket and flats for a casual day or with heels and a blazer for work.

Military - An anorak military style jacket will take you everywhere.  I love it with jeans and a tee or with a flirty dress (like the graphic print dress).

Brocade & Embroidery - There are lots of brocade options this season but I love the idea of a brocade party dress.  These resemble items that were shown at Ralph Lauren and are much more expensive.

Menswear - A classic pinstripe pant can be worn lots of ways. The cut of these pants is ultra flattering and the navy is less expected that black.

Bordeaux - A classic pump is a great addition.  The bordeaux (oxblood or wine) color makes it on trend.  They would look great with almost every item I've selected.  If heels aren't your thing, go for a ballet or pointed toe flat.

Leather - A leather pencil skirt takes the rock n' roll of leather and makes it work for everyone.  If you add a blazer and a blouse, you could wear it to the office.  Throw on a concert t-shirt and some high heel booties and you'll be ready to go out.

There are so many affordable options available.  Look at the trend and figure out ways to make it suit you. If you want to try out the trend, look for an inexpensive piece and try it out.  You could also hit up your local thrift store or clothing swap.   You can make a trend fit your personal style.

Happy Friday Real Girls!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Plaid

Admittedly when I think of plaid, the first thing that comes to mind is my dad.  He loved his plaid shirts. In fact, we have a photo of him when he was hiking the Appalachian Trail, he's wearing a plaid shirt and he looks like Paul Bunyan.  Thanks to designer creativity, plaid this season is far from Lumber Jack status.  Some of the shirts and skirts make me think of 90's grunge and Marc Jacobs' iconic collection.  But there are tons of other options too.  Pair you plaid with some neutrals

I just got a great pair of plaid pants and I can't wait to wear them!

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - White

Remember the fashion rule, "No White After Labor Day"?  Well, completely disregard that old and outdated rule.  This fall, white is HOT.  It was all over the runway in the shows for fall 2012, in all sorts of combinations.  Black and white combined was a big trend. White blouses have always been a year round staple but white was seen in pants, coats, jackets and in entire outfits.

I snagged a new white blazer that I've been sporting regularly. A winter white coat is polished an beautiful.  This one from Land's End even give a nod to the military trend with it's pea coat style.  You can never go wrong with white jewelry, year round.  It goes with everything and these pearl and enamel pieces from Stella & Dot, are fun and classic pieces you'll be able to wear for years. Pearls are a great way to do white jewelry.  A white watch is already part of my wardrobe.  The one looks like a more expensive designer style but it's less than $20.  Lace works with this year's brocade trend.  A top or a dress with lace is a pretty addition to your fall outfits.  Just add a jacket or a cardigan and they can be worn well into winter. White pants in the fall?  Yes, pair them with a chunky sweater and some boots and you'll have a fantastic weekend outfit.  This top handle bag by Dooney & Bourke, with brown accents will work with all of your fall favorites.  I'm in love with these winter white, flat boots.  The neutral color will go great with pants or a wool skirt when the temps drop.

Are you going to wear white this fall or are you sticking to the old rule?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Brocade & Embroidery

Another installment in the Fall 2012 Runway Trend series, today we are focusing on the brocade and embroidery trend.  I've heard this trend referred to as brocade, embroidery and baroque.  No matter what you call it, the trend focuses on detailed stitched patterns and luxurious fabric. My favorite is the brocade skirt.  It's beautiful and versatile.  Dress it up with a blouse and heels or down with a t-shirt and flats. You can also carry the trend into jewelry with a statement necklace or a beautiful ring or cuff.

A pretty brocade dress will be timeless.  With a simple change of shoes and accessories, you will be able to update it for years to come.  A single brocade or embroidered piece can be the stand out of your entire outfit.  I own the Alexandria necklace by Stella & Dot (upper right corner).  I wear it constantly to work with my dress clothes and on the weekend with a t-shirt and jeans.  Every time I put it on, someone asks me about it.  You can even make your brocade piece look rock n' roll, just add that other fall trend, leather.

How will you be wearing this trend?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Leather

As I'm writing this post, I just realized that all of the leather items I chose are black (well one is gray).  I love leather and faux leather but I have a special love for black leather.  I think it's the fact that I equate leather to toughness, rockers, and bikes (motorcycles not the kind you pedal).  Black leather is sexy, it's rich and it's bad ass.  Colored leather is fantastic, in fact I own several items that are colored leather and colored suede, not counting shoes.  You don't need a Harley to wear leather.  You can do it in a sophisticated way, with a pencil skirt or a peplum top.  If you don't want to do a full leather piece, go for leather trim on a coat or jacket.

Click on the collage above for buying details

If you aren't a fan or real leather, there are so many fantastic faux leather options.  Most of the items above are faux leather.  They look great and they are less expensive than real leather.  Even if you're more ladies that lunch than lady rocker, you can make leather work for you.  A leather (faux leather) skirt is on my list of must buys this season. What's on your list?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Military

Today I'm continuing my fall trends series. It's no secret that I love the military trend.  Military has been seen for quite a few seasons now.  I'm very glad it isn't going away.  My cargo vest DIY is just the first of several military inspired DIYs coming up.  The key to wearing the military trend is to select one military clothing piece and accessorize with items that work with the trend.  If you pile on the military pieces you'll be in danger of looking like you are going to a Halloween party or that you just joined up.  Make your military piece the statement and combine it with more simple items for a chic look.

I love military jackets and vests. If you pick a light weight option, it's easy to layer with other items. Look for buttons or braid if you want a bit of flare.  Navy, olive, gray, khaki and camo are great colors for this trend. If you own a cape that you bought last winter in a darker color, it will fit right in with the military trend. It's a great piece that will accent some of your basic items like cargo pants.

Throw on some fun jewelry that accents your military look.  I chose pieces from Stella & Dot.  They aren't specifically military but the coins and the crown have the look of medals and work well.  The simple but stately studs accent the outfit without being overpowering. A cross body bag or satchel is sure to fit right in with your look. A classic rectangle with very few embellishments, can be worn for years.

You can't go wrong with a great pair boots. As much as I love studs, I think the classic lace up styles that look like girly versions of combat boots are the best. They're versatile and you'll be able to wear them over and over with lots of outfits.

Will you be embracing the military trend?

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - Bordeaux

The beauty of the bordeaux trend is that it looks great on all skin types.  It's a flattering color. There are so many items to be found in this rich, deep red.  You can take your pick. Select a little with a scarf, shoes, or a top or go all out with a dress, or skirt.  Try a hint of bordeaux with deep red lips or nails. It's simple to make this trend work for you.  I'll be embracing the bordeaux trend every weekend during football season.  My favorite team, the Washington Redskins, is all about the burgundy and gold.  If you still own a vintage Etienne Aigner bag or shoes, now is the time to pull them out.

Express Ruffle top / Asos Peplum top / Ann Taylor skinny pants / ASOS lace skirt / Chinese Laundry platform heels / Elie Tahari smoking slippers / ASOS cross body bag / ASOS studded clutch purse / Vigotti ballet flats / Asos Textured Knit Snood / Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, Crush / L'Oreal Polish Haute Couture Red

I selected a few items that are perfect for fall.  They are an affordable way to embrace the trend without blowing your budget.  You can select an item or two and still have money left to try out the other fall trends, I'll be featuring this week.  Go girly with a lace skirt or stay menswear comfy with smoking slippers.  A simple top is an easy way to wear bordeaux.  Just throw it on with your favorite jeans. Work or weekend, everyone looks great in bordeaux.

Fall 2012 Runway Trends - My Favorites

It has to be all the talk of NY Fashion Week and my fond memories of back to school shopping that has me in the mood for fall fashion.  It's certainly not the weather here in the DC area.  It's super humid and supposed to be in the mid to high 80's all week. There is no sign of fall in sight.  This weekend I took a little trip to my favorite outlet, Talbots, in search of bargains.  I found two items that were on my list, a white blazer (originally $224 for $24.99!) and some fun ankle pants (mine are plaid).  I also snagged a fantastic silver sequin top.  It wasn't on my list but at $24 I couldn't pass it up. My shopping trip and the pile of September issue fashion mags on my coffee table inspired this post.

There are tons of trends on tap, as usual.  These are some of my favorites. I'm already embracing the military, white and plaid trends.  A leather skirt is on my list and I spied a brocade skirt at Talbots that I should have purchased but didn't.  I may have to go back for it.  Bordeaux is an easy trend to embrace.  Graphic prints can be done in with a single piece like a top, dress or skirt instead of an entire outfit.  A bit of menswear is fun, try a jacket, hat or some oxfords. You don't have to go full on Victor Victoria to wear this tread well.

This week, I'll be sharing my tips on how to fit these fall trends to your own personal style.