PREFALL 2013

Transitioning from season to season is so exciting for me. I love the first taste of warm air in the spring, as well as the first cool breeze in fall. This time of year is confusing though and determining whether or not short-shorts or hats and gloves are acceptable can be a challenge, which is why I find the pre-fall collections so appealing. These pieces are perfect and a good investment because chances are they can be worn in all seasons. Anyway, the pre-fall collections have just been revealed so I wanted to share some of my favorite pieces and collections.

1. Carven (view collection @ style.com)
Carven's collection features a lot of great texture/color combinations and attractive layers. The collection manages to be polished and sophisticated while still maintaining an eclectic and quirky vibe. I also really loved the addition of thigh high socks with shorter coats and dresses. It's chic and also perfect for fall's temperamental weather.

2. Chloé (view collection @ style.com)

So many collections for pre-fall were inspired by 60's mod, but I think Chloé's take on it was the most successful. I especially liked the pops of red mixed with mint, the ankle-length pants and the effortless but well-tailored silhouettes. Like Carven's collection, Chloé's was very, very French, which I think worked beautifully. 

3. Givenchy (view collection @ style.com)

Amidst colorful printed sweaters and my usual pink makeup palette, I keep a special place in my heart for tomboy styles, and Givenchy's Prefall collection is just that. The collection works menswear suits with graphic tees, mosaic-y geometric patterns and fabulously combines blacks and browns. It's edgy without trying. It's just so...cool. 

4. Derek Lam (view collection @style.com)

This season, Derek Lam used a lot of great hues of blue. The collection included easy navy and a magnificent royal blue. It balances sporty and boyish style with hints of romantic lace. The staple colorful peacoat, edgy but pretty leather pleated skirts, and boxy blazer over a flowy dress make for a chic but no-nonsense and wearable collection. 

5. Rebecca Minkoff (view collection @ style.com)

Rebecca Minkoff's collection is definitely my favorite collection that I looked at. The vintage (think 1920's-1940's) feel, the mix of patterns, the soft looking and well-worn leathers, just everything. I love how she pairs ready-to-work pieces with more light and romantic ones. The collection was broad and eloquently detailed, and really just down to earth and amazing. 

OUTFIT OF THE DAY / JAN. 9, 2013

I'm so frustrated because all of the links for the buttons broke and now my blog looks terrible. But anyway, I decided to play around with photo booth and these are the results. I'm wearing a chambray shirt and boyfriend jeans from Madewell, a leopard print pullover from Free People and Ray Ban eyeglasses. Enjoy!

FROM WINTER TO SPRING

I've always found it frustrating that January 1st marks the end of winter for the retail world. Stores clear their racks of cashmere, heavy coats and scarves and begin getting our hopes up for warmer weather by displaying the new sundresses and bright colors for spring. It's great, I love spring. But here in the northern portion of the world, January is barely the halfway point of winter. So, when stores start taunting us with beautiful new spring clothes, it's tempting to start stocking up now. I don't know about anyone else, but I like wearing new clothes as soon as I get them, which is nearly impossible when all of the new clothes are light and breezy while it's still 27 degrees outside. So, to shorten the torturous months of waiting, I've compiled a few trends for spring 2013 and how to wear them for both winter and spring.

1. Leather
Leather has generally always been a classic look, and I'm sure you already have a bunch of leather pieces you've collected over the years. This is probably the easiest trend to transition from winter to spring. One of my favorite pieces is a leather skater skirt. It can be paired with thick leggings and wintery knits or a light chiffon blouse for spring. I'm definitely going to look into buying one of these simply because of their versatility. The silhouette is cute and springy, but it goes so well with many winter pieces. It'll be something you'll be able to wear right away as well as in the upcoming spring months.

From Left to Right: Zoe Jordan (via sofeminine), Neiman Marcus, Trendytaste

From left to right: Asos, Kavita D. (via lookbook), Shoplooks

2. Stripes

Another classic trend that occurs year after year, stripes for spring 2013 are now in every direction and thickness. My favorite things striped are basics, which I think work perfectly for both winter and spring looks. If you're looking for something new for spring that you can wear now, I'd look for a striped pullover. They look great in layers for the winter or thrown on with a pair of shorts for a laid-back spring weekend look. It's definitely a piece that will get a lot of use.

From Left to Right: Free People, Vanessa Jackman, Cheyenne Meets Chanel

From Left to Right: This Time Tomorrow, Hetterson, Swell Style Blog

3. Black and White
I find that black and white patterns go in and out of style, but definitely made a splash at last fall's fashion week. This is another especially easy trend to work into your spring and winter wardrobes. I think color-block pieces can transition beautifully from winter to spring, and are also extremely flattering. A color-block chiffon blouse or color-block skirt fits easily into spring and winter style.

From Left to Right:Theonne, Joie (via Shopbop), Ohne Titel (via Style.com)

From Left to Right: Jason Wu (via Fashionista), J. Crew, DKNY (via Vogue)

4. Drop Waists

Drop waists are flattering and once again, perfect for both winter and spring. They can be used as layering pieces as well as a simple dress for spring with a pair of wedges. I have a good feeling this extremely comfortable and breezy silhouette has a lot of staying power.

From left to right: Neiman Marcus, Burberry Brit, Refinery 29

Tibi (via style.com), Ashes of Laughter, Free People

INSPIRED BY TRAVEL

I alternate between living in a Chicago suburb and Minneapolis. During their slightly brutal winters, the amount of sunlight is limited. By the time February comes along, the snow has lost it's charm and weeks upon weeks of gray days become both mentally and physically taxing. The post-holiday winter months are usually the most uninspired days of the year for me. This winter, though, I have a goal to remain inspired. Watching movies and looking at pictures of exotic places give me this rush of passion that I can't even begin to explain. It's like all of my endorphins have been released and I find the images so beautiful that I feel like crying. Clearly I'm a romantic and in order for me to function at my full potential I need to heed to my romantic ideals.

Sicilian Coast (By Me, Circa 2009)

While I believe it's still possible to find beauty amidst the gray  midwestern winters, I am especially inspired by travel. The idea of immersing myself into a new culture and trying new things is the most exciting thought in the world. With that, too, comes a lot of my fashion inspiration. Travel clothes to me are meant to be light and comfortable while still remaining clean cut and chic in order to withstand a long, hot day of walking or at the beach. So, if you're headed to an exotic place this winter break, or stuck at home and just really like fantasizing (like me), I've collected some pictures of my favorite travel/resort inspired styles.
   

 Mr. Newton                                   National Geographic

Phil Oh                                    Steve McCurry

                Phil Oh                                        Monica and Michael Sweet     

Garance Dore                                               Flickr

Chloé                                                    Deb DeKoff

HOW TO / FUR VEST

The fur vest was definitely something that had to grow on me. Let's be honest, they're definitely more costumey than the average wardrobe essential. When I first saw them, I felt like they had the potential to make people look like overgrown toddlers or try-hard rappers. But when worn correctly, I just think these vests look so cool. They're effortless but attention-grabbing and are really versatile from day to night. Here are a few tips on how to wear them.

1. Wear neutral colors
I've seen the colorful fur vests around, and they are way too much for me. Even if your fur vest is a natural color (brown, gray, black etc.), I don't like the way it looks with vibrant shirts or pants. Pairing these vests with other blacks and grays and whites really accentuates a laid back style. Even a pair of subdued colored skinnies can really make it work.

Mary Kate Steinmiller - Haarper's Bazaar 

2. Use few accessories
I think it's important to be a minimalist. Adding too many accessories to any outfit usually looks bad, but it looks especially bad when paired with a giant fur vest. A bracelet and some cool rings with a simple bag should suffice. I'd avoid wearing statement necklaces, large earrings and scarves. I've seen people try statement necklaces, and I just really hate it.

Photo Credit - Diego Zuko - Haarper's Bazaar

3. Wear slim-fitting bottoms
I feel like the popular thing to wear with a faux vest are leather skinnies, which I think look awesome. The problem is, the perfect pair of leather pants are really hard to find and the ones that don't look trashy are usually really expensive. I think that a pair of skinny cargos, coated denim, bandage skirts, shift dresses, leggings or just dark skinny jeans look just as awesome.

chicisimo.com 

4. Experiment with textures/styles
Even though I truly believe that in order to pull off a fur vest, the outfit must remain minimal, pairing a fur vest with preppy stripes, a chunky knit or a leather jacket looks really interesting and comfortable. If you're going to mix up textures, I will stand by my belief that every other part of the outfit must remain simple, but layering with the fur vest embodies simplicity while adding an interesting component.

 www.classy-fabulous.com