2013 Spring Fashion Trends

As Spring season approaches I think of two things: fashion and flowers! Gosh I can't wait for the Spring.  On the east coast of the US where I live, it is frigid and it even snowed two days ago! I cannot wait for the weather to be in the upper 60's and 70's so that I can stop bundling up and start layering in a cuter way :)

I don't recall if I did this post last Spring but I did for 2011 and it still, to this day, is my most read post ever! I guess you guys like fashion ;)

Here are the predicted fashion trends for Spring 2013. I put together some sets that showed how to wear some of these trends in a more wearable way. Enjoy!

I am really loving the lace trend--I think it is just so whimsical and feminine.  I like lace all year round! As far as the Bermuda shorts trend, I actually prefer between this length of shorts and maybe an inch higher anyway.  Call me conservative but I think it looks more polished and put together than a "short short".

Some of the other trends I came across on the runway reports that I read were:

1. Eastern world inspired Asian patterns
2. White and lots of it
3. 60's silhouettes (my FAVORITE trend duh ;)
4. Patchwork and animal print
5. Short suits

What are some of your favorite trends for the Spring 2013?

Fashionably yours,

xox

Fashion Trend Predictions Spring 2012

I did a similar post to this last year and it is still to this very day my most read post ever! I decided to do it again this year :) How I do my research for this is re watch all of the runway shows that you can still find posted on many fashion magazine websites, I also go through various high end and more moderately priced store websites and see what their new collections consist of, I blend those together, pick a few out and present them here to you guys! Granted, this post would be entirely too long if I posted on each and every single trend prediction, I chose 4 or 5 that I could show you real life examples of :) Enjoy!

1. Pastels:  When I look at the collage I made above, I think of every color that was ever in my Easter basket as a kid, and that's actually absolutely right! haha Pastels are predicted to be huge this Spring season, and without a doubt I definitely agree.  These colors remind me of Spring anyway so I would probably purchase these colors without even knowing that I am sticking within some "trend". They're easy on the eyes, and remind me of the colors of the beautiful flowers that we see so many of during this season :) Something about pastels (although could definitely be worn by men as well!) adds the perfect touch of femininity to your ensemble.

 2. Hi Low Hemlines: These are often spotted on Selena Gomez on the runway, they have almost become a signature look for her! I really like these, although at first I felt that if I rocked this style, it would look like I couldn't decide whether I was hot or cold haha Fear not, however, this style can be worn not just in skirts, but in dresses and shirts as well! The whole crop top from last Spring and Summer has come back, I never really got into it because I am not one to let my midriff show, but layered as seen above with the purple shirt, you can definitely pull it off and still look classy :)

3. Citrus Colors (Orange and Yellow): Tangerine was a huge color on the runway this season and I do see a few stores stocking up on this coveted color, but not as many as I would have thought! I personally LOVE citrus colors (and I love these fruits too haha) I'm not too sure I would wear a whole array of citrus together for an outfit, but a little pop here and there is sure to scream Spring, in a good way! Check back to my color wheel post, which I will link below, to see exactly how to wear these colors without going too overboard and hey, if you are confident wearing these colors all together, do it, remember confidence is key in fashion!

 

4. Color Blocking: This seems to be a recurring trend each Spring season.  I wrote on this same exact trend last Spring as well. I definitely like it in moderation.  Something about it reminds me of those 50's girl Halloween costumes that everyone wears when they cant find another costume lol I do, however, really like it how it is worn in the skirt picture above, with a solid top to "line break" so to speak.  The orange and purple dress to the left  is a perfect blend of both warm and cool colors, I love! 

5. Peplum: This is yet another Trend that has repeated itself from last season as well.  This is a classic look, so I feel that it may "always" be in style.  Very reminiscent of something you see worn in those old Hollywood movies :) This is perhaps my favorite trend, it is definitely hard to find the right Peplum piece though being that I am a rather petite woman.  The waistlines never seem to line up with mine and then I end up having my Peplum waistline down toward my bottom instead, not very flattering! lol I am still on the lookout for the perfect Peplum piece because I love how elegant you can make this trend look.

There you have it, the 5 fashion Spring fashion trend predictions that I found to be pretty consistent in my research!

Here is the link to my Fashion Color Wheel post: http://alyseap.blogspot.com/2011/04/spring-2011-fashion-trends-fashion.html

Fashionably Yours,

xox

Holiday Series: My Holiday Decor (funny tree story too) !

Would you look at that, only just about 2 weeks until Christmas time and about a week or so until Hanukkah! Where has the time gone?! Unfortunately, my laptop has contracted a bit of a computer flu and I have been unable to post more regularly---I just got around to using my house computer this morning and wrote this blog up.  I much prefer using my laptop because I had to transfer alllllllll kinds of info to this other computer but that is besides the point, its up! haha This post will show you briefly what I have done to my home this Holiday season to spruce it up with cheer.  I LOVE this season because of the decor, everything is so shiny and glittery and bright :) This year, as you read on my previous post, I went to a tree farm and cut down my own 9.5 ft. tree! What an adventure that was to say the least! My tree was so big and so filled with decorations that it FELL OVER in the middle of the night!! Can you believe that?! Anyway, the pic you are seeing is a more toned down version of how it originally looked, unfortunately I had to either buy a new tree stand, which at the moment wasn't an option because my poor baby was lying on the floor, or take off some of the heavy decorations, so that's what I had to do.  I told my boyfriend that I wanted my tree to look like Santa himself  "threw up" on it haha gross I know. Lets get started!

SUPER EASY Holiday Wreath:

1. Clip on Poinsettia (pic of what that looks like below)
2. Festive Holiday Ribbon (spend a little more on this if you need to for better quality, it makes a huge difference!)
3. Gold pine-cones with long stem (this allows them to be held more secure when making the wreath, photo below)

This is what the clip looks like on the bottom of the poinsettia flower heads that you can buy. Makes them super easy to just throw on anywhere!

My "toned" down tree (still absolutely gorgeous!) :

1. Long stem Velvet Poinsettias with glitter (photo below)
2. Gold Locust Glitter Spray (photo below)

*other than those two things listed above, I just put lights and TONS of red and gold Christmas ornaments from Target/Pier 1.

Decorative Garland for Stairs:

1. Bows that my boyfriend's mama made from Ribbon that I bought :)
2. Pre-lit Holiday garland bought from Target years ago.
3. Poinsettia plant (real) --I have three or four of these strategically placed all over my house, the vibrant red color is so beautiful!

BONUS:

My boyfriend's Tree!! Blue and Silver color scheme :)

His matching wreath--handmade as well using just some blue and silver Christmas ornaments, silver decorative ribbon and a wreath!

**I love taking the time to decorate for the Holidays, it genuinely makes me happy to flip the switch at the end and see my whole home light up with Christmas goodness.  Although this post was late, hopefully if you are having family/friends over for the holidays, you can get some last minute inspiration.  It doesn't take a lot of money, just a lot of heart and inspiration to make your guests think you're a pro ;)

Sending you all Holiday cheer and love,

xox

**if you have posts on your holiday decor or a link where I can see your decor, please link it below, I love seeing things like that :)

My Favorite Fall Fashion Trend Predictions!

Hey guys, the last time I mentioned trends it was Spring, I feel as though Summer fashion is a bit "ehh", so I decided to skip that blog post all together. I LOVE Fall Fashion, it is perhaps one of my favorite seasons because I love the changing colors on the tree leaves, and I adore 99% of fashion during this time.  I love that I am again able to layer when the months get a little cooler, and I love that I am able to wear BOOTS!! :) It took me a while to compile these trends because after much research, I found that I didn't like a few of the predicted trends and I am certainly not going to speak about something I myself dislike. I finally got all of the trends together that I like and that I truly think are most easy to wear on a daily basis.  Hope you enjoy!

1. Polka Dots:

Whether it be sweaters, dresses or skirts, polka dots seemed to be one of the "it" things on the runway this year.  I think used in moderation i.e. just a clutch or a top, this trend can actually be very pretty.  The key with this is to be subtle however, no one wants to get a headache from just looking at your wardrobe, and with a busy pattern like this, overkill can do just that!

2. Mustard & Crimson Colors:

I for one absolutely adore these colors! I think they are very reminiscent of the colors of the leaves on the trees as the fall progresses.  I think they are fabulous for Fall fashion and I am glad that there seemed to be a lot of these colors on runways as well.  I love going bold and wearing a more subdued outfit color and then throwing a mustard or crimson shoe or coat on top to add a real pop to your ensemble! Give it a try :)

3. Maxi Skirts:

I know what you're probably thinking, "maxi skirts??". Well I have to say yes on this one.  I saw a few versions of the seemingly repeated trend from summer, and I have to say I can totally see how this is a great fashion item to bring you gracefully through the first few "awkward temperature" months of Fall. You can throw one of these on with a tank and carry a denim jacket around or a blazer for when it gets cooler.  These also come in many different fabrics, and picking up a heavier one would be smart for those colder days when you still want to feel feminine and girly!

4. Peplum Style:

 

Peplum is such a unique style, it reminds me a lot of vintage clothing worn in those old movies. I love the modern day twists on it though. Wearing structured clothing that cinches you at the waist is the perfect way to give yourself some sexy curves with no effort at all! I think it adds some  nice kicked up flare to a dress as well.  Anything that makes you look feminine and well put together is a plus in my book :)

5. Shoes-Tassels, Wedges, Patent Leather and Chunky Heels:

As you all know, I love shoes, any kind really haha Since we are talking Fall Fashion here, I will stick to these trends above.  We are seeing a lot of tassels, wedges, chunky heels and patent leather.  I love wedges, they are my favorite type of shoes because they are just so comfy!! A nice patent Mary Jane shoes is a staple in every girls wardrobe and I'm loving the way the tassel really brings almost an office look to the shoe! Very chic!

6. Chunky Sweaters That Scream Cozy:

You know what I love? Clothes that make you feel so warm and cozy :) These sweaters will do that for sure! Who doesn't love a nice chunky knit sweater to snuggle into in the cold Fall evenings? These sweaters can be paired with a nice pair of jeans and a pair of chunky heel ankle boots for the ultimate chic styling :)

Well there you have MY personal favorite Fall Fashion Predictions as predicted by runway fashion magazines.  These aren't the only trend alert predictions out there, the others just didn't float my boat as well as these did lol I hope you enjoyed this post, and I look forward to doing another one of these for you guys next season! 

To Staying Stylish and Exquisite, 

xox

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE FALL FASHION TREND?

Fashions I'm Loving Right Now!

So I thought I would update you all on some of the fashion's I am loving at the moment. With me, it changes all the time, so this is the most recent haha

1. Fedoras: I have always loved hats, some people look great with hats, others not so much supposedly. I however, think it is about the right pairing of hat with your face shape. That is the hard part to figure out, but once you find a hat style that looks amazing on you, you are going to want to wear these babies all the time! I love the fact that on my off day for washing my hair, I can throw one of these on and still look very put together, I also love to wear them on days where I was my hair, but the weather is yukky outside, so I don't even blow dry/style my hair. Fedoras are my recent obsession for the past couple of months and I don't see this obsession going anywhere any time soon! I also see myself wearing these a lot by the pool in the summer to protect my hair from sun damage :)

2. Maxi Dresses/Skirts: I LOVE this look. Very boho chic and very effortlessly classy looking. As you can see, I love pairing prints with these pieces. If you are going to go all out, go all out right?! lol These are perfect for the warm yet breezy days, I love when the breeze catches my skirt, don't ask haha

3. Wedge Sandals: These pictured above are all from Nine West! Wedges are my favorite type of heel year round because of their comfort and chicness.  I can literally walk around all day in wedges and my little toes don't suffer one bit!

4. Denim Jacket/Vest: Every girl should own at least one good denim jacket, it is something that you can throw over almost anything! In the summer I usually bring mine with me just in case it gets a little chilly at night, and these are great for layering over maxi dresses as pictured above :) A Denim Jacket or Vest is one of those things that you grab right as you're walking out the door and you are always glad that you did. ;)

I love each of these things separately but most of all I love them paired all together for a cute Spring, even into Summer ensemble.

xox