Spring and Summer Darks: Wearing Shady Colors When It Gets Sunny
Thursday, May 10th, 2012
So I fell in love with a hi-low skirt recently that just happened to be burgundy (much like the one below!). It was the beginning of spring but though it was more of a fall color, the sheer fabric made it something that was completely relevant for the coming season. As a girl who relies pretty heavily on dark colors in her wardrobe, in order to keep a huge part of my clothes relevant in warmer months–especially this year, which is really a psychedelic color explosion!–I need to get creative.
First, I found this awesome little entry on MODA about spring darks in 2012. This was totally great insight, and I have a few additional thoughts on the matter, too! Here are some ways I like to keep my darks working for me in the spring and summer:
1) Sheer fabrics – Breathable, see-through fabrics will maintain your sexy intrigue without causing you to sweat to death as the temperature rises.
2) Cutouts – Sn your back, sides, chest and arms, cutouts can show just the right amount of skin in unexpected places and help even a standard LBD keep you cool when it’s hot.
3) Surprising darks - Sheer fabric and modern cuts can make unexpected colors like burgundy, navy and emerald tones seem light and spring-y.
4) Embellishments – Tribal! Florals! beading! Sequins! Lace! Any of these embellishments will give crazy mobility to your darks.
5) Accessorize – Spring’s neon trend will really offsets darker colors so hats, belts, jewelry, bags and shoes can really wake your look up.
Who else tends to be a bit of a style vampire? What ways have you found to keep your dark side around through the sunshine?
Ciao!
Jenn
Trend Alert: Electric Neon
Saturday, March 10th, 2012
Back in the ’80s, pop star Debbie Gibson sang about “Electric Youth”; looking back, it was as though she had an inside scoop on the future of fashion. This spring, the trend is as “electric” as it is youthful–and defining the look are a number of ’80s-inspired styles in playful neons that are already in stores. This season, sport a highlighter-yellow tank one day, and neon-pink wedges the next–and keep your mindset focused on all things fluorescent. The ’80s are back in a big way, and–thanks to designers’ innovative spins on old favorites–we think it’s totally tubular.
Images via polyvore.com
Spring 2012 Trend: Wild Things
Saturday, February 18th, 2012
As a number of designers’ spring collections seem to have been inspired by a safari, bright, tribal prints and earthy neutrals are moving out of Africa. To get the look, work casual khaki shorts and linen button-downs–but be sure to incorporate color; neon, graphic prints and solid yellows, greens and pinks pair perfectly. The trend is already in stores, so get to shopping; this season, it’s the only suitable answer to the call of the wild.
Images via polyvore.com
Winter Getaway Trend: Tribal Prints
Saturday, December 31st, 2011
Recent, holiday-necessitated days-off just aren’t enough; if you’re like us–and live in a part of the world where weather changes with the seasons–you’re sure to understand: We’re ready for a sun-filled vacay! Sweaters and layers are fun, but we’re itching to hop on a plane, and then throw on a cute bikini–and designers’ oh-so-fab Resort and Spring 2012 collections are at least somewhat to blame. We love the tribal prints trend that resulted from the runway shows–seen on everything from handbags and sandals to sundresses and, yes, swimwear. If we can’t find a way to get out of town, we’re at least going to go shopping…
Images via polyvore.com
Blogger of the Week: Noemie Tshinanga of Accept the Uncertainty
Friday, August 26th, 2011
Fans of DIY projects, meet Atlanta-based Noemie Tshinanga–a photographer and self-described “thrift store junkie”. We love that the fan of Bakers‘ flat, strappy sandals repeatedly showcases her paired wardrobe picks via photos she snaps herself, in front of a mirror. We’re also wowed by her ability to work of-the-moment trends on a budget; she recently wore chic tribal-printed and color-blocked looks, strictly incorporating pieces purchased at thrift, discount and mall stores (including Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, TJ Maxx and–of course–Bakers). Thanks to layering, each of the cute, shorts-anchored ensembles would easily transition to early-fall. We’re inspired–to both go clothing and shoe shopping, and invest in a camera…
Images via accepttheuncertainty.tumblr.com
Weekly Wrap-Up: Shake Your (Sandal) Bootie
Saturday, March 26th, 2011
According to the calendar, spring has officially sprung—but the weather in an abundance of areas tells a different story. It’s still to cold to whip out your skimpiest sandals, yet you find yourself sweating when you attempt to rock your winter boots all day; it’s an odd transitional time—and figuring out what to wear each morning is making you crazy. Luckily, there’s a new shoe style that—when worn—will assure that your feet (if nothing else) are comfortable and weather-appropriate: the sandal bootie. Wear with layers until warm weather finally decides it’s here to stay—then pair with all of spring’s must-have trends, from ditzy florals to bright-white everything.
The Wild Pair Randi features two of the season’s must-wear trends: an ankle cuff and crochet detailing. While the pink version is a favorite, the available turquoise-, bone- and black-colored styles would just-as-perfectly complement all of your fave boho-chic looks (we love it paired with maxi dresses!).
Composed of a canvas ankle cuff, faux leather detailing and polished stud accents, the Bakers Hattie would pair best with denim, khaki and neutral bottoms of all cuts and lengths. Available in shades of green, beige and black, its military vibe makes it an ideal pick for anyone who worked combat boots all winter.
Slouchy microsuede makes the Bakers Mae a standout, as does its punchy, of-the-moment color. Contrast of-the-moment turquoise and tribal looks with the pink, open-toed sandal—or make it your go-to shoe when (finally!) heading to the beach or the pool. They say “the sun will come out tomorrow”; we’re willing to wait another week or two…
Images via bakersshoes.com
Weekly Wrap-Up: Sunny Delights
Saturday, January 29th, 2011
So ready for the winter-to-spring transition, I find myself daydreaming about walking on a beach somewhere with my feet in the sand, so hot that I’m sweating; I’ve vowed to never again complain about heat, as—in my book—it is about a million times more bearable than cold weather. I’m excited for my boots to go into hibernation for a season or two, while I work skimpy-and-comfy sandals around town—though I’m getting impatient…
They say the sun will come out tomorrow; they were bluffing. Still, I’m confident I will feel its effects in only a few weeks—and so I’m getting prepared. First on my list? Sexy summer shoes, of course—and I’m loving Bakers‘ new thong sandals best.
A hippie chick at heart, I am a fan of anything fringed or feathered—so the Bakers Flutter sandal is perfect for me. I plan to wear the embellished thong with skinny jeans and peasant tops, boho-chic maxi dresses and my suede Woodstock-perfect vest repeatedly in the months to come.
The Bakers Danni reminds me of a grown-up version of the jellies that I had, in every color, when I was a kid—but old-school jellies never looked so stylish. I prefer the beaded thong sandal in clear—as it’s a practical, wear-with-everything, summer neutral. I’ll wear it to the pool, on vacation,…any time I want to look cute and feel comfortable, or anywhere that’s known for being especially wet.
I love the orange color of the Bakers Simple thong sandal; it will work perfectly with the tribal-look ready-to-wear styles I’ve been planning to purchase since seeing the Spring 2011 runway shows. Stretchy and sleek, it’s one of those great go-to slip-ons I’d probably wear every day in the summer—if I didn’t have so many fab Bakers sandals to show off, that is…
Images via bakersshoes.com
Celeb Style: M.I.A.
Wednesday, April 21st, 2010
Since the first time I saw M.I.A burst onto my television screen over four years ago in her “Bucky Done Gun” music video, I can honestly say I have never seen a woman rock tribal/Eastern/hip hop-inspired threads the way she had. The ultra-vibrant colors of each of her outfits looked like a delicious rainbow of silks and satins I could only dream to pull off in my own college town universe. But M.I.A.’s style, like her music, is ever-evolving, constantly sampling different genres and completely original.
Her trademark sunglasses and conductor’s hats always seem to grab my attention but it’s her outfits that really exude her creativity as an artist and as a woman with a strong connection to her heritage. Always opting for loud, tribal prints and trends typically donned by early ninties rappers, M.I.A. could grab the attention of a blind man. Feeling a little bit intimidated by her colorful, even eccentric style? That’s okay, you can still pull off a little bit of M.I.A. style without jeopardizing your reputation as a fashion conscious dresser.
Here are some tips for getting the everyday version of her look: Opt for black, rather than primary colored spandex leggings, they will definitely give your outfit an edge without looking too bold. Patterns are always a must, but chose either a printed top or bottoms, not both. Mix larger pieces of gold jewelry with your accessories and don’t be afraid to add unusual accessories into your ensemble as well. Conductor hats are always a good choice and if M.I.A gives it the go-ahead, it’s safe to say it will be in style for a while.
Images via Celebrity Clothing Line and Rolling Stone
