Trend Report // Fall 2013 Fashion

A couple weeks ago my friend Tina over at Colorful Cravings mentioned how she had no idea what was in style this Fall. She thought it would be helpful for her if I did a blog post about this topic. I thought this was a really fun idea!

During my browsing and gathering I realized I had way too much information for one post. So, I decided to do two posts. This is Part 1, the fashion report. And it is by no means all inclusive, but it does provide some basics and ideas to get you started. Part 2 will include beauty and hair and will be up within the next week or two!

I hope you find this helpful! Enjoy :)

1. Color Report
Looking at Pantone's seasonal color report is a really great start to understanding what's in style. Pantone picks a "color of the year" every January and then features that color in both their Spring and Fall color reports. This year's color is Emerald.

2. Boots
Over-the-knee boots and super low ankle boots. One extreme to the other-both in style. Personally, I don't know how big of an over-the-knee-boots fan I am. But, I also have never even tried a pair of these on before, so who knows! Don't knock it 'til ya try it, right?

  

3. The 90's
The 90's are back in a HUGE way and I could not be happier. I mean have you noticed all the crop tops and overalls? I love 90's fashion but I really didn't get to participate in it. I mean I participated in 90's children "fashion" but, um, that was nothing to write home about. 90's style is so big right now that I decided to break it down into subcategories. 

a. Schoon Uniforms
Think Clueless and you are headed in the right direction. Fitted blazers, knee-high athletic socks, pleated skirts, and patches/lettering galore.

  

b. Beanies
Woah! These are kinda everywhere right now. Especially those ones with the writing on them. You know, the ones that say "TROUBLED" or "DOPE". Those are not what I'm talking about. Gross. I'm talking about regular ol' beanies like this super cute red one or this one.

c. Camo
Camo jackets, camo jeggings, camo...chiffon button-ups. I dunno. All I know is camo is everywhere. 90's grunge is making a huge comeback. I love this jacket and these skinny jeans.

d. Plaid

Like a said, 90's grunge. Yes. Plaid, leather boots, beanies...sounds like the wardrobe of characters from Empire Records. But, I'm totally diggin' it. This skirt is a personal fav and this top is cute, too!

4. Winter White
So, that "No white after Labor Day" rule is completely out the window this year. Winter whites are really more of ivories though, not stark whites. Keep that in mind when shopping and you'll be good to go. This dress and this coat are gawgeous.

 

5. Classy Comfort
Maybe you havent noticed, but fancy sweatshirts are making a big appearance. Embellishments, funky designs, any reason you had to buy an expensive sweater you now can get from a sweatshirt. Somehow the sweatshirt has become elegant. This one with a dog print is adorable. And I love this black, studded one.

6. Huge Coats

And, I mean HUGE. Seriously, don't you feel like two people could fit inside these? I don't care! I want one. Both (1 and 2) of these coats scream coziness.

 

7. Backpacks
Backpacks (1 and 2) are gettin' super cute you guys. Adorable patterns, cool fabrics, you name it, it's probably out there. 

8. Leather

Boots, dresses, jackets, little touches on shirts, peplums, leggings, EVERYTHING.

9. Slouchy Pants

DUDE. These are so adorable and look super comfy. I'm so glad they are in style and I will definitely be grabbing a pair soon! These green moto ones are adorable and these black ones could look super sophisticated paired with a blazer.

10. Pastels
Kind of counterintuitive right? Pastels are supposed to belong to Spring. Well, not this season! Pastels were all up and down the runways. The key is to pick one pastel color and then pair it with all warm color. This pink coat would look adorable with shades of caramels and browns. And this mint colored dress is just so crisp and sophisticated.

    

Things that are still in:
animal prints, denim everything, chunky heels, wedge sneakers

Pantone: Honey Gold

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I absolutely love to wear the color gold, especially when it's kind of a mustard gold (or a honey gold winkwinkwink). The detailing on this dress is gorgeous and pairing gold with pops of fuchsia, to me, really works. There is something really royal, dramatic, and commanding about this whole ensemble yet so fun and playful. Let me know what ya think! :)

Pantone: Rhapsody

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I really don't know why this purple color is called rhapsody but it's a beautiful shade of lavender and I dig it. I went for a kind of monochromatic color story with touches of charcoal to balance out all the color. For that extra pop and a little edge I added the gold studded loafers. I want these so bad. Please, be mine.

Pantone: Titanium

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I love all variants of the color grey-especially if they have some sparkle to them. This sweater from Topshop is great because there are tiny sequins woven into the material giving it a more subtle sheen. I'm also really into maroon colored nail polish lately (currently wearing some as I type this :P). 

There are so many directions you could go in with a word like "titanium" but I chose to do a rocker chic look with edgy pieces (leather, boots, studded bangle) paired with the softness of the sweater. Balance. It's all about the balance. :D

Also check out some past pantone colors that I've done this week:

Bright Chartreuse

Pink Flambé

Pantone: Pink Flambé

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Today I decided to ditch sophistication and go straight to wacky and colorful. I love playing with bold colors and this fuchsia hue is just gorgeous and begs to have playful things paired with it. If Sam and Joon (from Benny & Joon) had a love child...she would wear this.

Plus, don't you just love that metallic purse? Definitely buying that as soon as I have some kind of disposable income :P

Pantone: Bright Chartreuse

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I absolutely love Pantone! I get really excited with each new year to find out what they chose as the "color of the year." I got especially excited this year because my favorite color was chosen (which means lots of clothes will be made in this color): Tangerine Tango. Pantone also has put out a Fall 2012 Fashion Report. There is actually one out for Spring 2013 already, but hey, one season at a time. Since Fall has officially arrived I though it would be fun to take the ten Fall 2012 Pantone colors and put together an outfit based on it.

So, over the next couple of weeks I'll be featuring a Pantone color. Today? Bright Chartreuse!

10 Key Concepts to a Stylish Outfit

I get asked how I put together outfits a lot so I decided to write a post discussing 10 key concepts to a stylish and put together outfit. Fashion and styling includes a lot of experimentation and in a lot of ways it really can be an art form. So, though there are basics, they are just that- basics. These concepts are meant to be a starting point. I hope they help! :)


1. Proportions + Balance: Wearing a stylish yet sophisticated outfit is a balancing act. If you are wearing itty-bitty shorts you should wear a less revealing top. If you are wearing tight skinny pants, wear a flowy top or sweater. The reverse is also just as true. Tight shirt? Flowy skirt. Itty-bitty corset top? High-waisted maxi skirt. Something structured paired with something relaxed. Balance.

source: une maison de la mode

2. Play with textures: Using multiple types of fabrics and textures in an outfit helps create more visual interest. So, while you can have a perfectly acceptable all-cotton outfit, mixing in some lace, leather, velvet, etc. can be so much more exciting.

source: the clothes horse

3. Play with patterns: Now, don't get me wrong...monochromatic outfits can be really beautiful. An all blue outfit from head to toe? Not seen very often, so it can be really interesting to look at when you do. However, outfits that include various patterns can be so much more intriguing. Polka dots with stripes? Love. Floral prints with a cute little heart print? I dig it.

source: the clothes horse

4. Contrast + Complimentary colors: Use a color wheel! Take it with you when you shop if you need to! Looking at a color wheel will help you understand the basics of how to mix + match colors. The color directly across from another color is a complimentary color. These combinations are always vibrant and eye-catching. Colors that are adjacent to to each other on the color wheel are called analogous colors. These color combinations are always very pleasing to the eye because there isn't a high amount of contrast. The other color option you have is to take one of the colors and pair it with a light shade of the same color. Done right this can look very soft and beautiful. All three ways ensure a great outfit, though :)

source: m loves m

5. Accessorize, accesorize, accessorize: Jewelry, purses, scarves, headbands, belts, sunglasses, watches, hats, etc. They all help make an outfit visually interesting. Obviously you may not need everything just listed all with the same outfit. It really does depend on the outfit, but my motto is start simple. Add a necklace and bag and see how it looks. If it looks good, add a couple bracelets. Stop. Observe again. I'm not really huge into accessories because honestly I usually end up feeling really annoyed with having something on my head or too many things around my neck. But, a few simple pieces really can go a long way to making you look more put together.

source: fashion hippie loves

6. Go the extra mile: Putting a little effort into how your hair looks can take an outfit very far (...in a good way). Sometimes I feel like the right hair can make almost any outfit look at least decent. In general, for us girls, doing our hair, slapping on a little makeup, and maybe even doing our nails can instantly take our whole image up a couple notches. Take a look at a couple of your favorite fashion bloggers. Do they wear makeup and do something with their hair? Now, imagine them with no makeup and unbrushed locks. While I'm sure they would still be beautiful, as we all are naturally, there isn't that pop, that wow effect.


7. Know your colors: Everybody has colors and shades that flatter them best. Some look best in pastels, some in brights, and others in warm hues. There are tons of free online quizzes that can help you figure out which colors will look best on you. A great one can be found The Chic Fashionista. I'm a "light Summer." I'll always look worse in raspberry/wine colors or anything that is too warm. Knowing this helps me automatically narrow down my choices. Good colors will bring out your eyes, enhance the quality of your skin, and help you shine just a little bit brighter when you walk into a room :)


8. Know your body: There's nothing worse than seeing a beautiful girl (no matter the size!) wearing something that is just so unfortunate and unflattering. Whether you have an hourglass, apple, pear, triangle, or rectangle shaped body, there is a flattering outfit out there for you! Wearing clothes that fit your body not only makes you look more stylish and polished, but they also make you look thinner! The Chic Fashionista has some really great tips to discovering your body type and ways to accentuate what God gave ya!

source: girl with curves

9. Figure out what you like, whats your style?: Experiment! Figure out what styles fit your personality best and move in that direction! Do you like grunge looks? Preppy looks? Rock n' Roll? Hipster (I know no one wants to think of themselves as this, but lets be honest with ourselves, mkay?)? Casual chic (think Gap)? Sophisticated jet-setter (think Victoria Beckham)? 1950's/1960's Ms. Adorkable (yes, that was a New Girl reference)? Take your favorite aspects from each style and combine them to make up your own personal, unique style. Not only will this make for a more unique look, but it will also make your outfit look much more stylish. Not everyone spends the time to combine looks; people will notice the extra time you spent, trust me :)

source: fashion hippie loves

10. Cheap and less cheap: You don't have to have a lot of money to have great style! Go to your local thrift stores to get fun, novelty pieces such as skirts or dresses in wacky, playful prints. For the basics of your wardrobe (a post I will write at some point)...invest! You will be happy you did this! Investing the basics is important because these are the pieces that can become the foundation of many outfits and will be worn over and over. Some foundation pieces include: a pair of nice jeans, a trench coat, a little black dress.


Above all remember to have confidence in whatever you decide to wear! A confident woman radiates in a room! Take pride in your appearance and have fun! Also, know that having good style takes tons of practice, practice which eventually turns into experimentation. Most people who have admirable style have practiced steps 1-10 for years. There are so many outfits that I look back on and cringe. I do not, however, regret a single one because I needed that time to practice and I'm still practicing.