Everyday Style

 

Occasion: Womens Church Group
Denim stretch pencil skirt: Coverse for Target $19.99
Black Tectured Tights: Bannana Republic $10
Suede wedge slouch boots: Steve Madden, DSW (3 years ago)
Black top, Marshalls $12.99
Burgandy Tweed Blazer: Goodwill, $8

I was browsing through a recent issue of People Syle Watch and saw a picture of several celebrities wearing black tight with denim skirts. It had never occured to me to do this. I usually wear my denim skirt only as a summer skirt with sandals or wedges,  but liked the way that it made the look more casual and relaxed. I wore this to a weekly womens meeting at my church. I loved the casual boots with the textured tights and denim skirt. I want to try this combination with a chunky sweater as well.

Fall Trend: Pleated Skirts & Dresses

JCREW

Style trends inspired by the 70's are HUGE this fall. You may be noticing that everything from platform shoes, flared jeans, lady-like flowy blouses, dolman sleeves and capes are making a come back. Another trend I am seeing is pleated skirts, both long, midi length and short. But mostly in a midi ( or medium) length, landing just past the knee or about upper to mid-calf.  I decided I wanted to give this particular trend a try.  When wearing these 70's inspired looks, you have the option of going all out 70's or taking it to a modern look with modern edgy accessories.

A couple weeks ago I had an opportunity to talk with a Stylist from People's Style Watch Magazine at a Mall in Denver. I had a personal 15 minute consultation with her, and was able to ask her about this seasons fall trends. She also had a closet of clothes there to show me examples of the trends and outfits. I was really curious about this 70's style pleated skirt look and how to wear it in a modern stylish way, without looking like I was wearing a "grandma dress".  I had recently gone to Goodwill and picked up a vintage dress, with a blousen top, elastic sinched waste and pleated skirt.  The Stylist I spoke to gave me some great ideas for updating this dress to give it a modern edgy look. Here are the tips she gave me:

1. She recommended tights ( textured are always great) and some rocking, edgy ankle boots.
2. Never wear the belt that came with the dress--put a modern belt with it. She recommended one with metal details for a modern look.
3. A chunky or multi-chain 5 or more layer necklace
4. Layering a sweater over the top with the sleeve of the dress popping out at the bottom of the sweater sleeve. Chunky sweater knits and cable knits are also back in now.

We also talked about a few other trends, but I will have to blog about that in another post!! Unfortunately I didn't have much time, and probably didn't talk with more than 10 minutes, but it was alot of fun to hear what she had to say.

So, here is my "new" dress, 100% polyester,  I purchased at Goodwill for $4.  I am really excited to wear this outfit, and will probably wear it to church this weekend.  I still need to look for a couple other accessories, i.e. earrings and maybe a different necklace, but overall I like the looks and how they came together. Another thing I may change is removing the shoulder I would love to read your comments. This is definately stretching me in the area of style and trends, but it is also really fun to experiment with!



 

 

70's Style Dress: Goodwill, $4
Black Textured Tights: Bananna Republic, $10
Black Platform Ankle boots: Kelly & Katie, DSW $49
Stretch Belt with metal details: Apt. 9, Kohls $18
Multi-strand Necklace, Ny & Company
Bangle Bracelet, NY & Company
Black v-neck sweater: Banana Republic Outlet, $20

Style Inspiration

This morning as stepped out onto my porch I was met with a crisp fall morning and cool breeze. Fall is most definitely in the air and I am reminded why autumn is one of my favorite times of year.  I love boots, blazers and well just about everything that has to do with fall fashion. I love the layers, being able to wear a sweater with a scarf and being able to still skip on the heavy coats. This is an outfit I put together that really speaks fall to me, and is therefore my fall Style Inspiration for today.  Its a classic look that shouts fall in a stylish sophisticated way and is really versatile enough to take you from lunch with a friend to shopping, errands around town and weekend activities. 

Keep in mind that a structured sweater like this is great, because you can wear it like you would a fitted blazer, it has the same function both as a layering piece and finishing piece to your outfit. I love it with the scarf because it ads pattern and interest.  This outfit shows skinny jeans, but I realize skinny jeans are not for everyone. This outfit inspiration would also look great with a straight leg trouser jean or bootcut jean and with a short boot or bootie underneath.  If you are 1-2 sizes larger on bottom you can do a skinny jean, if you are more than 2 sizes different, than a skinny jean may not be your best friend--consider a straight leg/trouser jean instead.

Fall Trend : Animal Print

One great way to add texture, pattern and interest to an outfit is Animal Print. Animal print continues to be a trend for fall this year and the great thing is you have lots of options when it comes to incorporating animal print into an outfit. I love the idea of an animal print shoe, scarf or hand bag, because it can be subtle or a statement piece depending on the color of the animal print and what you pair it with. I love wearing an animal print shoe because being that animal prints are neutrals ( browns, blacks and tans) they really can "go" with a lot. Another great way to add texture and interest to an outfit is with a purse, clutch or handbag. A snakeskin or croc ads texture. I have seen beautiful croc textured purses in jewel tones for fall that really stand out!
Have you added animal print accessories to your wardrobe this season? If so I would love to hear about your favorite animal print in your wardrobe or accessories and how you are wearing it!