I'm Obsessed Thank You Very Much - Peplum Tops

I've had an illusion most of my life, that curvy girls can't wear peplum tops.  It began in my teen years, back in the 80's, when peplum tops and dresses were popular (the first time during my life). I was told over and over, you have hips. You can't wear a peplum. It will just make you look bigger. Well I call Bu!! S#*@!!!! I think they look great on all types of women.  And I love them. Here is my proof. Beautiful, curvy women wearing peplumss!

These ladies are some of my favorite bloggers and fashion gurus. From the top left (going clockwise): Girl With Curves, Heart, Print & Style, Grown and Curvy Woman, and Ashley Falcon. 


There are so many fantastic versions and options available.  I'm on the hunt for a leather peplum top but in the mean time I will settle for sequins, color and studs.

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 - Designer Fall Lookbooks

In the past couple weeks retailers have been releasing their designer lookbooks.  Designers used to issue look books in order to generate sales for their lines. Thanks to the world of blogging, facebook and twitter, lookbooks have become a new way to generate buzz for fashion lines with the public. Designers that used to only create high end lines are now creating affordable lines at retailers like, Kohl's, Macy's, JC Penney and Target. There are quite a few but I've picked my favorite lines. I've also picked two of my most coveted looks or items from each line.

Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's - I never thought I'd see the day that Karl Lagerfeld would do a low priced line. The items are classic Lagerfeld.

Missoni for Target - The bright colors and patterns of Missoni are all over this fashion and home line for Target.

Nicole Miller for JC Penney - Nicole Miller's collection for JC Penney is full of easy dresses, fun patterns and colors.

Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's - New to the Kohl's family of designer collaborations is Jennifer Lopez. There were so many great looks in this collection it was hard to choose two.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's - Short skirts abound in this collection.  I love some of them but I usually only by the tops and shoes.

Simply Vera Vera Wang for Kohl's - Vera's line for Kohl's is one of my favorite designer collaborations.  She is a master at layering.  I love her extra touches like tulle and rosettes. Her shoes and jewelry are always fantastic. Even better, many of the items in this fall line will also be available in petite and plus sizes.

Casual Sparkle

I wore this outfit to a casual brunch at the home of friends on Sunday.  I've been looking for a slim cut pair of cargo pants for a while now.  I'd love to wear super skinny cargos but these flatter my shape better. They are a good compromise. It is my way to wear the trend in the way it suits me best.

Sequin Top - Macy's (no longer available), Knit Vest - Macy's (no longer available), Pants - Avenue,
Shoes - MIA via DSW, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Ring - DragonWeave Jewelry via Amazon.com

I got these shoes last summer. They are a great alternative to sandals.  They're open but they have a little more coverage because they are booties. They also have a very low heel, so they feel like flats.

 

I have loved this ring for a while and decided I couldn't wait any longer.  It arrived last week.  Everyone wanted to try it on and I got tons of complements. It's definitely a conversation piece.