Trending: Clashing Prints!

Happy Tuesday darlings! It's time to toss out the rule book when it comes to talking prints! In preparation for Spring and Summer, I’ve been having so much fun experimenting with mixing different prints together. We all know how big neon color blocking was last year and, by the looks of it, we will be seeing a lot more of it in 2013. Color blocking solids is perfectly acceptable and cute, but for a change, designers have been introducing soft, romantic fabrics and prints for Spring. Picture this: delicate lace and crochet pieces mixed with plaids, animal prints, denim and floral! During New York Fashion Week, one of my favorite designers, Anna Sui, showed us how to pull off that look flawlessly (pictured below.) 

Anna Sui Spring 2013
fabsugar.com

You don’t have to spend your entire life savings on designer pieces to get the look (unless you just want to splurge on yourself from time to time!), use them as guidelines and inspiration! There are almost always less expensive pieces that you can find to help mimic runway looks – doing this usually helps to personalize the look even further to your individual taste. If you’re at all interested in print mixing, take a look at socialite Olivia Palermo, who executes the look exquisitely.

Olivia Palermo in floral and leopard print
Imange by tashkaya.com

Olivia Palermo
Image by habituallychic.com

This looks isn't for everyone, but if you're up for it and feel confident then go for it! Clashing prints is an exciting new way to mix things up this year, so don't be afraid and have fun! 

Fashion Do's, Don'ts of Valentine's Day

Written by Taylor Stone 

The most romantic day of the year is here again.

Whether you’ve got a hot date or you’re just kicking back with your sweetheart, the right outfit can make the memory last much longer than chocolate and roses.

Ladies, today is one of the rare occasions when a themed outfit can work. So go ahead! Nothing says Valentine’s Day more than a flirty little red frock or, if you prefer a more feminine look—go with pink. Keep it light and whimsical and you’ll be sure to make hearts flutter everywhere you go. Here are just a few ideas.

• For a more formal look, try a red bandage dress with nude patent leather pumps. If the whole “red and pink theme” isn’t your cup of tea try a loose white blouse tucked into a high-waist black skirt, black booties and pink accessories!

• If you have a more casual evening planned, try the black and white androgynous tuxedo look—it’s foolproof. Go with dark wash skinny jeans, black heels or flats, a pink or red blazer and a leopard print clutch-- there’s nothing wrong with showing a little animal instinct on your date!

Okay you handsome boys, tonight is the night to step it up with your wardrobe! I promise that your lady friend will be impressed with the extra effort. No, you don’t have to wear pink and heart boxers (but, if that’s your thing then go for it), but trying out a more festive look won’t hurt for just one night! Planning a great outfit may seem more complex than calculus, but trust me, with just a few pointers you will be in runway mode in no time! Tonight is the night to show her how much she means to you, and the way you present yourself will prove that you cared enough to look like cupid himself! She will appreciate this--it’s a guarantee.

• So, venture a tiny bit out of your comfort zone and try a pair of dark wash jeans, white button-down shirt with a beige or black sports coat and (in a perfect world) a pink striped bow tie!

• If that’s too much of a stretch you can make it simpler with jeans and a casual button-down shirt – try a gingham or paisley print!

See, that wasn’t so hard now, was it? Just remember it’s her night to shine and keep your look mild and dapper. Most importantly, you must coordinate with your date ahead of time! There’s nothing worse than looking like a crayon box for a lack of color scheme.

So, keep these few tips in your head tonight as you prepare for, hopefully, your best Valentine’s Day yet. XOXOXO