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