It’s kind of that in-between time of year, when it’s still blustery and cold, but signs of Spring are already showing. You still need to bundle up, but are craving some pretty colors and happy florals as comfort. With a lot of end-of-year sales going on, now is the time to snap up some great pieces that will work for the months to come. If I could just buy, buy, buy this whole week I could be totally happy with pink, hologram, jewels, and flowers (see wishlist above).
All these chic items are on sale, so hurry snap them up before the prices return to normal!
For Spring 2014 Pantone has released their Color Fashion Report for Women, using pastels with punchy brights inspired by blooming flowers and international travel.
This season, consumers are looking for a state of thoughtful, emotional and artistic equilibrium. While this need for stability is reflected in the composition of the palette, the inherent versatility of the individual colors allows for experimentation with new looks and color combinations.
-Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute®.
So to kick things off for this season I’ve put together a little wishlist inspired by these lovely hues. Which is your favorite? Will you go bold with Dazzling Blue and Freesia? Or pretty pastel with Placid Blue and Radiant Orchid?
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
You can also see a number of ways to wear some of the styles from the collection in street style photos, submitted by fashion bloggers, here, and you can tag any photo of you wearing a pair with the hashtag #SHOECULT to be featured on their blog.
{clockwise, from top left: Lanvin, Alice + Olivia, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Emporio Armani, Reed Krakoff}
Fall is almost upon us – can you believe it? Only a few more weeks until the end of Summer; the end of outdoor picnics, barbecues, lazy-day living, snow cones, afternoon naps, bumblebees, and the scent of freshly cut grass wafting through the air. I am currently undergoing a huge closet clean-out and am making space for new DIY’s and pieces that will truly round out what I have already and help with the transition. Here are a couple pieces I have my eye on:
Taking a cue from the boys, Alexander Wang, Jil Sander, and Lanvin showed boxy overcoats in double-breasted styles. I really love this piece from Aryn K, but you could also skimp on the purchase and find something menswear-inspired (or just plain from-the-mens’ section) at your local thrift store.
Yes, it is back – in all its 80’s glory. Layer these under sweaters and overcoats, or opt for under a patterned piece for it to truly read current. This turtleneck from Kohls is super-versatile and won’t break the bank, and is a great doppelganger for styles shown by Alice + Olivia. You could also simply add on a strip of fabric to the neck of a favorite crew-neck top to create a one-of-a-kind conversion.
An unusual color, this dark shade can be treated as if a neutral black when you incorporate it into an outfit, without imparting an “I’ve just joined the armed forces” feel. Reed Krakoff’s take on this was a full-on green ensemble, but you could just opt for it in small doses. This Modcloth bag is utterly covetable, but you could also just take part in the trend with a package of Dark Green Rit Dye and a piece of clothing in a lighter color. The Dark Green should take on pretty much anything made of natural fibers, and camouflage a host of sins.
The luxurious textile is of course having another moment this year, and it’s easy to see why this is a winter staple. Emporio Armani’s Fall Collection embodied the luxury and warmth of this 70’s throwback fabric. Add some texture to your wardrobe in a fun color, like with these ASOS booties. If you’d rather DIY the look, do it the affordable way and try affixing the fabric to a pair of shoes with some Mod Podge.
A little tougher to DIY, leather in dark blues, greens, purples, and burgundies dominated the runways, often paired with punky plaids or soft knits. Zero + Maria Cornejo’s leather trousers were to-die-for! (This ASOS wrap skirt above perfectly embodies the trend – but at a much more accessible price point.) You can always try your hand at painting some leather in order to get the look (though keeping it to non-flexible leather accessories might be best if you’re using acrylic paints).
What trends are you looking forward to for Fall?
xo
Carly
Runway photos from Style.com. Photo collage by me.
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.