For TRENDY sake! What to wear, and would you dare?

from the March 2015 edition of Sassy magazine

Trends this spring have a personality all of their own.  It seems the past few years trends have lacked punch, wow, zing…or personality. This season the designers and trend setters have more than made up for a lackluster past few years.  

Trend:  Bohemian Glam.  Think 60's and 70’s flower child, soft silhouettes, baby doll dresses. Within this trend we are seeing a lot of wild floral prints.  The key note to remember here is “go big and bold”, or “go home”!  The new silhouette falls into this category too – long over long! 

To Wear:  The easy breezy feel of this style certainly isn’t for everyone and doesn’t fit into everyone’s lifestyle. Having said that, I think we can all agree that a good maxi skirt or dress will work effortlessly into anyone’s wardrobe. Do it! 

Would you Dare: The new silhouette is HOT!  Long sweater with a wide-leg trouser or a long (ankle skimming) skirt with a long (past the knee) jacket. Would you? This look can be a bit overwhelming, so be sure to balance it with sky high shoes and a body-con top.

Trend: America The Beautiful.  – Think tablecloth floral reinvented into your favorite summer sheath.  Key pieces are shirt dresses, polo-style shirts, and lots of denim! Within this trend we are seeing overalls.  Yes ladies, you read that right – overalls!

The stand out detail in this trend is in print – gingham. Gingham…it isn’t for just picnics anymore! This check print you are going to see remixed against itself and translated into everything from shoes to handbags, tops, pants and more! 

To Wear:  Trade in your white blouse for a white polo shirt this spring. Pair it with your suiting pieces to give a slight casual edge to your look. 

Would you Dare:  Mixing gingham against another gingham piece or with another strong patterned piece is a style element seen on the runways.  Would you do a gingham pant or skirt with a star motif sweater or t-shirt?  This bold statement isn’t for the faint of heart, or for someone who doesn’t want to attract attention. However for those that love a little spotlight, give it a go!

Trend: Speaking of Denim.  Denim is everywhere, and I do mean everywhere! Denim is in dresses, skirts, shoes, handbags, vests, and even bathing suits.  This season, I take back everything I’ve ever said about not matching denim.  According to fashion trend setters, NOW is the time to be matchy matchy with your denim pieces. 

To Wear: My gut tells me this trend is one that won’t be sustainable, so consider adding in a pop of denim with accessories to capture the trend;  a shoulder bag with denim accents, or maybe a sandal that sports some denim fabric. 

Would You Dare:  A denim skirt with matching denim button-up? Or maybe a denim suit? If you are considering going all out monochromatic with denim this season, be sure to balance all that blue with bold accessory pieces.

Trend: Disco Fever: In looking through some of the runway looks for spring, it feels like the fashion houses were preparing for Woodstock or Studio 54.  Peasant tops, prairie skirts, bell bottoms, wide collars, fringe and tassels.  More conservative pieces harken back to the Brady Bunch and Partridge Family looks, while others seem to capture an edgy pre-hairband vibe. Mega Platform shoes and lace up to the knee gladiator style sandals are being seen with cut offs and midriff baring tops. Alongside these pieces look for tons of embellishment.

Last year we saw leather in spring trends, so it's no surprise we're seeing suede this year. The pieces I am seeing have a distinct 70's mod feel to them in the patchwork feel of skirts, jackets and handbags.

To Wear:  Take the 70’s vibe chic in your work wardrobe this spring.  Pair a wide leg pant with a form fitting blouse with an over-exaggerated collar. Maybe you have one of those great blouses tucked away in your closet that is a true vintage piece.  Dust it off and bring it forward in your wardrobe!  You will be the fashion-envy of all your friends. 

Would You Dare: Patchwork.  I have passed on these vintage gems at thrift stores so many times, and now I am kicking myself! Embrace a suede patchwork skirt in early spring, and a bold patchwork shift dress or baby doll style in later spring. Of course, these pieces must be paired with a wooden sole platform shoe! 

Whatever your fashion-plan is this season, remember my number one rule of thumb: 

if you put it on and question it, the answer is “no, don’t try it”. 

  On the other hand if you try one of these new-to-you trends and think
“I can totally pull this off”, then YES!

Be confident showing your personal style!
As for me, I plan on embracing my inner rocker-chick and getting outfit inspiration from 70’s rock band CD covers.

3 Winter trends to start wearing NOW

(from the November edition of Sassy Magazine)

Whether you are adding some pieces into your fall wardrobe or just need a little fashion boost to your current style, these 3 noteworthy trends are wearable at any age, any budget for any lifestyle.

Lumberjack Plaid

What it is:  This is a strong big plaid, think black and red flannel shirts.  This plaid is being seen as a detail on jackets, in skirts, socks, leggings, skirts…basically everywhere.

Beware:  Because this is such a big bold print, be careful if you have soft coloring (light brown, blonde hair, hazel, blue or light brown eyes).  The contrast in this plaid can be overwhelming on you.  Likewise, if you are petite, this print might be a bit too much on you.

How to wear it:  This trend has a distinct masculine feel.  Be sure to pair this strong print with something softer and feminine. It also has a youthful casual vibe. To wear this plaid in a sophisticated way, fabric choices will be very important. Leave the flannel at home. Opt for silk or wool for the office.

Skater Skirts

What it is:  A circle skirt that hits above the knee.  We are also seeing longer versions of this trend. This look is voluminous.

Beware:  If your body shape includes having some ‘junk in your trunk’, you might want to pass on this trend.  This skirt adds volume to the hip-booty area.

How to wear it:  Because this style is full, the shirt you pair with it should be fitted. The short nature of this skirt lends itself to a leg-baring look. For the office, a dark opaque tight with a like-colored oxford or boot would be perfect. 

Royal Blue

What it is:  This blue is a bold, bright blue.  If you have been to the mall recently, you have probably noticed the abundance of this color in the stores.  

Beware:  Everyone can wear this color well.  How much of it, and what you compliment with it is key.  Head to toe Royal Blue is too much.  Pairing with blue jeans is too much. The best combination is with a neutral (like camel, grey or black) or with a pop color (using the blue as the neutral).  Some color combinations to try are:  Royal Blue and Radiant Orchid, Royal Blue and Sangria or Royal Blue and Aurora Red.

How to wear it:  Look for a signature piece in this great hue this season.  Maybe a winter jacket or something in leather. Be sure to seek out a good blue shoe.  Because this is such a hot color this season we will be seeing a lot of shoes done in blue (which isn’t typical).  Try a bootie! Seek out prints that have hints of this color.  This will make it simple to begin to use Royal Blue as your new neutral.