The Style Trial.

style spectrum.

New York Fashion Week has begun presenting the Fall 2012 collections, and I have anticipated how designers will inevitably phase out the color-blocking trend. The answer? Monochromatic colorways are dominating and keeping unique shades at the forefront of fashion. Pulling it off from head to toe might seem tricky at first, but the key is to start with a couple separates in the same color family but keep your shoes and adornments neutral for now. Check out the above vivid tutorial so by fall you’ll be ahead of the color curve!

pretty posers.

Street style has saturated the blogosphere and made dressing up for the camera an everyday thing for many-a fashionista. Some street style bloggers have become celebs in their own right, landing endorsement and book deals via their daily fashion parades. My go-to websites {see ‘Style Sources’ listed on the right} read like a who’s who for those looking for some online style substance. I’ve been looking to these trusted trendsetters to help transition my look for spring with a few vibrant pieces. As we tiptoe towards spring cleaning, keep an eye out for 50′s style graphics and taffy-colored hues that will warm up your wardrobe. For more of the latest, check out what the gals over at Cupcakes and Cashmere, Madame de Rosa and What I Wore are already strutting in for spring. The rest is only a click away!

model citizens.

{I'll cry if I want to c. 1981}

As I stare 32 (wowza time flies!) in the face, I’ve begun to replace any birthday blues with the reality that presents may soon arrive! I always forget to compile a wish list for my mom and sisters, but this year I have spelled it out for all to see! I definitely don’t need anything, but if you put me on the spot (you did, right?!) here’s a couple (or ten) things that I most certainly want.

I’m über-inspired by the prepster chic investments a la Blair over at Atlantic-Pacific, but I like to keep it a ‘lil more street in casual kicks and a functional layering piece. I’m always in need of new workout music so an iTunes gift card would make my day, not to mention a pop of spring colors during a bday mani/pedi. Also, my special day happens to fall on the most significant of all holidays: Groundhog Day. Yes, a groundhog is what’s really capable of delivering the best gift of all: the signal of an early spring! Cheers to a potential early onslaught of spring fashion, but for now, an assortment of winter wonders are happily accepted!

{happy birthday to... me!}

runway to street: the Isabel Marant 'Renell' jean.

All I want for December is black, white and Isabel Marant all over! Be it a striped sweater, houndstooth pants or a Pendleton pillow, I’ll take one (or three) of each, in black and white only. For me, the color black has always been my least fave because I’ve never found the right way to mix it. I normally feel like a goth, a bumble bee or a waitress when I attempt to rock it, but I’ve just learned that white has been the missing ingredient all along. When I discovered French designer Isabel Marant’s Aztec print jeans (see above) I wept at the $640 price tag, but knew where there’s a style, there’s a way. I ran off to Xerox an interesting Aztec print, then carefully cut out a stencil that I used to hand paint onto a pair of formerly $9 white Gap flares found at Goodwill. With a little time and effort they’re certainly worth more now, and I also have a stencil to use for holiday gift wrap! Though style can never be bought, a crafty approach can always get you any style you want.

ready, set, wear.

{special thanks to Portland’s Pretty for such pretty photos}

Palm Springs vintage shops via google maps

Yours Truly got to spend this past week thrifting away in Palm Springs (a.k.a. the thrift shop capital of my world). Per usual I started out with a list of inspiration, and what I actually purchased reflected my strategic shopping list based on the current season.

However, I took a different approach than last time and left the camera at home in order to fully commit to what my shopping partner calls “picking a row and committing to it.” My newfound sense of direction left me feeling more disappointment every time I sifted through a thousand nasty cropped knits in order to find just one A-MA-ZING sweater. After days of what seemed like little accumulation, I tallied the votes and turns out the extra luggage I had to bring home wasn’t for lack of complete success.

From velvet, high-rise Gloria Vanderbilt pants to Navajo print tunics, a dozen of the warmest, boldest and right on trend pieces made the cut. No you can’t borrow any of my golden oldies, but do help yourself to a new edition, no sifting necessary.

i want all of this... and then probably some more.

Right now I’m super stoked on dressing up a bit more than usual. I’ve ditched the hoodie for my polished peacoat; meanwhile, denim has taken a backseat to the dresses and tights that I can’t seem to get enough of. To conjure up this post was quite difficult, but not for lack of inspiration. I have a potpourri of a look that roughly translates as: 70’s Zoe boho+ Fleetwood Mac Gypsy + New England prepster + inspector gadget + 90’s grunge + Mary Poppins. Also, the more layers, prints and textures the better. I’m also embracing the dark side with a switch towards vamp nails, thick brows, stained lips and leather accents. So… as you can see, it’s easier worn than said. I don’t know what’s got me all up and at it right now, but if you’re picking up what I’m putting down then this style is yours to share!

mix 'n mismatch.

uniformity.

Ugh. Fall. Here we go again. Back to the wet, cold, vitamin D(esperate) days of old. Stage one of this transition involves dumping last year’s skinny jeans and boots after discovering you’re just not that into them anymore. Then it’s time to move on, and that is where I’ve been stranded for weeks. Window shopping trips to Urban, Eddie Bauer (!) and my favorite vintage shop stirred up my love for classic, comfortable and outdoorsy basics. Getting dressed for work has been a manic-panic, cluster-mess of a situation; however, I cleaned up my steez thanks to new skinnie’s ($$$), boots ($$) and chunky knits ($) while  “borrowing” tops from dudes (free!). Now I  stick to the staples of my newly compiled simple uniform, and somehow I have yet to wear the same combo twice. If the rain has also begun to blur your style vision, here’s a cheat sheet for a warm, on-trend and relatively effortless outfit equation.

intermix.

september style setters. photos: style.com; free people.com; madamederosa.com

After 3 months of nothing but Daisy Dukes, the autumn breeze has signaled that it’s time to store my beloved Jorts and seek out some new style staples. As much as I subscribe to the latest trends, sometimes I just go rogue and create my own uniform of choice. Right now I’m falling for classic Ralph Lauren Canadian Tuxedo cowboy meets 1970’s secretary. For daytime I’m all for colored corduroy pants paired with an ivory silk blouse or a lived-in chambray shirt, but for night I’m obsessed with switching into leather pants (they’re more wearable than you might think!). Once again I’m crushing on ombré highlights, and despite finding some great DIY tips I know that my amazing stylist would put a stop to any such craftiness! I suppose if anything were to go awry I’d just put a lid on it a la Charlie Chaplin’s trés chic Tramp. Oh and speaking of celebs: After spotting Kate Middleton’s stateside debut in DVF, grass green has become my dress color of choice. Remember that bold choices mean minimal accessories, as ‘less is more’ has never been more prevalent. Better to invest in a tri-color satchel or a loafer gone wild and call it good. Also, don’t be discouraged by online sellouts of Missoni For Target. The collection is worth staking your claim in the returns department. You never know if someone’s buyer’s remorse could become your greatest fall fashion victory!

fashion week? try fashion month!

road runners.

The sun has finally decided to make an appearance signaling the brief retirement of my gym membership for a hot minute or two. I’ve been getting my kicks for free with quick jogs in my ‘hood that result in a seriously addictive cheap high. For no other reason than to see if I can just do it, I’m signing on for a self-imposed 30 day jog challenge, and hopefully an endless summer will cooperate with my senseless goal. To be honest, I did a trial run last month, but I failed to win the race after my knees and workout wardrobe gave out on me. Now (thanks to Mrs. Big Game and her Nike Employee Store hook-up), everything is back on track with a mere $129 purchase of the most vibrant, yet functional running gear my wardrobe has ever made space for. Let the games begin… round two!

make a run for it.

1. Nike Vapor Women's Running Jacket
2. Jay-Z & Kanye West Watch The Throne, Lady Gaga Born This Way, Girl Talk All Day, Lil Wayne 6 Foot 7 Foot
3. Nike Swoosh V-Neck Tshirt
4. Apple iPod Shuffle
5. Larabar Cherry Pie
6. Nike Tempo Shorts
7. Nike Air Relentless
8. Scunci Headbands
9. Dawn Dais The Non-Runner's Guide For Women
10. Queen Helene Batherapy Mineral Salts
11. Old Navy Padded Sports Bra