Sweaters with a Hem

Sweaters of all sorts are a huge trend this season. But sometimes the look of sweater + Pants + boots can get a little dull and masculine. Adding a silky or lace hem elevates the look effortlessly. You are rocking the layered look and the hem mitigates the boxy severity of a sweater. Suddenly you are both warm and pretty! 

There is not a single stitch of sewing involved. Check out these dressed up sweaters!

 Get the look:

Anthropologie

Cabled Ella Pullover, $118.

Asos

Boss Orange Iohanna Sweater with Lace Detail,

$244., $170.

Joie 'Yael" Lace Hem Sweater

$248.

J. Crew

Lace Trim Tee, $55.

Since it is short sleeved, I think this would be perfect layered over a slim black and white striped turtleneck with skinny jeans and booties.

French Fuzzy Lace Hem Pullover

$58.

This one is a juniors from Nordstrom, but I have never been afraid of the Juniors section. You can achieve the look at a fraction of the cost of misses sizes. Just size up!

Come Into My Dark Garden

The dark floral trend has been going on since the runways of 2012. But it keeps coming up season after season and has certainly mainstreamed into fast fashion. The prints themselves are reminiscent of the paintings of the Dutch Masters with bursting flowers.

Dries Van Noten SS14

Alberta Ferretti SS14

Valentino

Runway to Real Life:

Asos Floral Cardigan

Free People Floral Maxi, $148.

Gray is a perfect compliment for florals as a neutral.

Pair florals with a printed tee to funk them up.

Keep mixing those prints.

 I swear, stripes look great with everything!

Luulla Floral Skirt $19.90

I love the floral skirt with a completely

 monochromatic palette. How chic!

Look of the Day: Pleated Midi Skirt

                                                                                   

Thinking about transitioning my wardrobe to Fall clothes is so exciting.  I just hope the weather cooperates with my plan! I love the midi-skirt and sweater look. It's so ladylike and elegant, a riff on our grandmother's staple wardrobe pieces.

This midi-skirt outfit is an example of a good way to transition your summer looks into Fall. Pair a pretty midi-skirt with a light sweater and summer sandals. Love it.

The Look for Less:

Asos Sweater and Pleated Midi-Skirt, $57.16 $42.87

Getting Folksy

Anyone else feeling the folksy vibe going on in the fashion world?
 One of the biggest trends this year has been embroidery.  I'm using the term trend, but embroidery is obviously a timeless craft. Embroidery, in all it's forms has been cross-culturally fashionable throughout the ages. Trend wise, embroidered looks will continue into Fall. The look evokes a tribal feel.  It is also a throwback to the Bohemian looks of the 70s and early 80s.

Valentino Resort 2015

Naeem Khan Resort 2015

For Fall, try embroidered pieces in darker colors or pair lighter items in your closet with a dark blazer. In order to avoid looking like you have just left Floydfrest/Bonaroo/Burning Man, pair individual pieces with tailored items from your closet (i.e. a flowing top with tailored cigarette pants). Consider menswear and solids foils to balance out the folksy look.  It's all about the mix.

Little White Lies embroidered gray dress on Asos.

I love the embroidered coats and coat dresses featured on the runways for Fall. If you do not want to invest in a big piece, as always, consider accessories.

Valentino 2014

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2014

RTW Collection

Runway to Real Life:

Anthropologie Noyo Tee, $78.

*great with black skinnies and boots for Fall*

Free People Embroidered Fable Dress, $168.

Anthropologie Tunic

I am in love with this outfit!