Fun and Fabulous: Patterns

Color is both magical and wonderfully amazing. Yet there is something powerful and playful about Patterns. 

     Patterns add a special touch to any look. Some patterns are classy and timeless. Others are funky and fun. While others are ferocious and some are a soft touch of feminine. Patterns are able to communicate a ‘look’ that solid colors might not be able to. Think of the woman in cheetah high heels. Her look speaks differently than the girl in the floral dress. And the woman in the nautical sweater with red lips has an Audrey feel, while the woman wearing the abstract 60’s graphic dress channels Twiggy.

      In order to realize the vast resources we have available in our closets I want to share some patterns that I love. 

Animal Print: Ferocious

 Animal Print has always been edgy and powerful. You can wear animal prints in many ways and you should at least have one item with animal print in your closet because it is a classic piece. Currently, cheetah print pants, alligator or snake skin purses, or cheetah print shoes are trending. 

American Staples like Plaid or Gingham: Classic

These patterns will never go out of style because they are american staples. I come from a southern community, so flannel is the perfect fall choice. There is something simple and comfy about both of these looks. I love wearing my oversized flannels with floral scarves. 

Grandma Chic : Funky 

This is a look that is currently trending. There are several prints that represent this look. It reminds of sweaters with reindeers that my Grandma might have bought me for Christmas. It is represented with oversized sweaters paired with leggings or skinny jeans. This look is indie and very fun. I enjoy the fact I can dress like an old person but still look incredibly young. 

                         
                                       
                                       

Native American : Natural 

Navajo and native american is also currently trending. It was very popular in the summer but has carried over into the fall with chunky knit sweaters and cardigans. This look is fresh but also natural. It can give any outfit a laid back and earthy feel. This print should be worn with an outfit that has not been meticulously put together. It is more of a thrown together look. 

Polka Dots: Fun

Polka Dots will never go away. They are incredibly girly and incredibly modern. There has been a huge trend with polka dots recently, which is great because you can snatch a few pieces for your closet to wear even when the trend disappears. Polka dots can fit into your work outfits paired with a classic black blazer or a date night in a cute dress. 

Abstract Graphic : Intense

This look is unique yet very identifiable in any outfit. For someone who looks geometric patterns this is the perfect pattern to play with. Mixing mod graphics can be challenging but rewarding when done well. This look nods to the 60's and 70's and is paired with cat eyes and Bridgett Bardot hairstyles. 

Floral: Feminine

For every girl who embraces her romantic and feminine side, the floral pattern is an essential  The floral pattern has a wide vary of looks from pastel to oriental to eye popping. The floral dress is necessary for summer. 

For an edgier look try this floral and animal print combination! 

Stripes: Timeless

Though I love floral print, I will confess that stripes offer endless options. A nautical shirt are an ABSOLUTE necessity for a woman's closet. There are so many ways to wear stripes. But it is a classic and timeless piece that will never ever go out of style. A nautical shirt, dark wash jeans and red lips are an incredibly powerful style statement as is. 

Audrey in stripes as a style icon

How else can you wear stripes? There are countless ways. Some are fun. Some are bold. Some are funky. Be brave. Be creative! 

Polka Dots and Stripes 

Vertical Stripes on your Pants

Cheetah and Stripes 

Stripes and Stripes

Floral and Stripes

Deep, Delicate and Dark : Fall Colors

I have sadly parted ways with my summer clothes this year, but the chilly fall breeze is turning the world around me into rich deep colors including the clothes that we are wearing! 

Fall is all about easing into the idea of layering up with scarfs, leggings, and coats. I don't mind falling into their cozy hands this year. The official 'Fall 2012' colors are a mix of deep, delicate and dark. I always use Pantone as my resource and you can see these colors repeated over and over in fashion magazines, fall collections and runways. Maybe you have them in your closet and can pull them out! 

The first color I want to highlight is the Delicate Rose Smoke. What can you pair this color with? Try the French Roast, or Titaniam if you want it to be the focus color. If you want it to be a complementing color pair it with Pink Flambe or Rhapsody. Brave the adventure with a deep burgundy color alongside  this delicate pink. 

This simple feminine dress comes
from Outnet which was highlighted in Instyle Oct issue 

This look incorporates the Rose Smoke color as well as the color of the year, Tangerine Tango. This outfit can be found at Forever 21. 

 Olympian Blue is your deepest boldest color of the fall. It can also be referred to as Royal Blue. This color looks lovely worn by itself since it is such an eye catcher in and of itself. You will see little 'blue' dresses showing themselves this fall. If you want the Olympian Blue alongside something else then pair it with Honey Gold for a bold look, the Rose Smoke for a softer look, and the Titanium for a darker look.

The Little Blue Dress - H&M

Try Olympian Blue in a statement piece like this eye catching shoes. 

Honey Gold is rich and warm and can have a comforting look when paired with French Roast. It can be bold accompanied alongside Olympian Blue. But it creates a rich dark look with your basic black or charcoal. Black and Gold are trending in new ways this fall as part of the 'baroque' look. Just take a glance at these three leggings I found at Forever 21 and you know that it is a big color combo. 

    

     
           

  

Ultramarine Green is a popular color as well this fall. Fall brings out richer earthy tones and any shade of green is indeed earthy. The 'military' look is trending as well this fall, which allows the green to resurface on winter coats. 

Funky Green Pencil Skirt from Outnet 

The classic military look

Finally, is our statement red of the fall which is Burgundy. It is a beautiful rich wine color. This specific color is popular on lips this fall. But I have also seen it pop up in many different fall clothing items. 

Pastel Craze

What are some hot colors for your spring and summer look?
This is the season for warmth and lightness and growth. Pastels are very popular but this season it is bold pastels. These colors retain their lightness yet have an intensity to them. The goal is not neon colors, but colors that pack a punch...lightly.

Taken from Instyle.com

Seafoam is a beautiful color: this goes along well with the ocean/mermaid craze that is on the runway. You can wear this color by itself or use it as an accessory piece. Pair it with Fuchsia for fun!

H&M $17.95

Lemon: is a lovely color that is a lighter yellow yet holds onto intensity.

Forever21 $15.80

This pastel pink is a gorgeous color. It goes well with any color and keeps things airy and feminine.

This is a nice margarita green color. It looks really great with the pastel pink.

Here is an outfit idea of how to combine the pink and the green into a nice bold pastel outfit. 

Colors taken from Pantone Spring Colors 2012 

Trend Report: Color Blocking

I love color. I just get inspired by looking at color. You know the experience when you go into a craft store and you look at the rows and rows of fun printed fabric, or the hundreds balls of yarn of different color and texture, or the bottle of every shade imaginable? I can just look at a box of 120 crayons and feel butterflies inside. That is the feeling I sorta get when I think about this color blocking trend. Instead of paring one bright color with a bunch of neutrals, you get to explore your creativity with any color you can imagine. No limitations.

Now obviously, this trend is not for everyone. But that is the joy of trends. They come and they go and no is obligated to use every trend of the season. But we can all enjoy trends (or find amusing the ugly hideous ones) even if we don't wear it ourselves.

Color Blocking is all about the bright bold hues building on each other. Wear the colors that look good on you. Here are some ideas:

-Wear denim jeans in bright colors and add either another bright color on top or a softer pastel color.

-Wear a bright shirt with white jeans. That is contrast for you.

-Wear a neutral skirt with bright bold tights and a white shirt.

-Wear a bright skirt with neutral tights or leggings and some bright shoes (those bright sneakers that are a result of the color blocking trend).

-Be bold and make every item of your clothing a bright color. :)

These are two examples from what is currently on stock at Forever 21 - which keeps their clothes up to date and fresh from runways. Express and H&M also have a great selection.

Trend Report: The Maxi

So spring is right around the corner and once it gets a bit warmer we can stop wearing our jeans and bust out some skirts without the tights and leggings.

Good News! The Maxi and Midi are still a hot commodity for spring wear. This makes me so excited because:

a. I don't have to shave

b. Super comfortable

c. I don't have to shave

So here are some ideas on how to wear this maxi skirt because alot of us are really uncomfortable on how to. If you think you can only be attractive in short skirts let me blow your mind. There is something really attractive and feminine about wearing a maxi and not having to show all your leg. Just be confident in who you are - A beautiful woman.

For you style fashionistas - you trend setters and blingers - you can pull this off in a hip way

For the classy ladies - you can totally remain that classy poised feminine look with a neutral colored maxi and a nice simple top.

For the natural girls - you will be able to wear the maxi easily since you enjoy comfort in your clothes. Wear with a tshirt and denim shirt thrown over and a slouchy bag and you are set to go.

For the creative ladies - You can have so much fun with a maxi! Pairing with different tops, hats, belts, and shoes will keep you looking unique each time you but this type of skirt on.

Have fun creating!