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!

Essentials: The Leopard Clutch

Every woman needs a leopard clutch. It's chic, compact, and the ultimate neutral.

 A leopard clutch elevates any look.

You can find them in calf hair or faux. For a splurge check out the clutches by Clare Vivier.

Budget Pick: Percibal store on Etsy, $85.

The Strong Brow

Think Brooke Shields, 1980s Jordache Jeans: the strong brow is back. And why not? A strong brow provides a beautiful frame for your face. 

There is a whole natural beauty trend going on now; more natural brows and hair.  It's time to rock what your Mama gave you.  Really, what could be more budget friendly?!? 

Put down the tweezers and try a fuller brow. A few tools  will help you enhance what you have while keeping it neat. You will need an eyebrow pencil (try a neutral shade or a close match to your color) and brush. Beauty editors love brow pomades. They give hold and color simultaneously. This will definitely be my next beauty purchase.

Try Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dipbrow Pomade

Ulta, $18.

You had me at Uniqlo

Uniqlo

Uniqlo Shanghai

If you live in a big bustling metropolis, you probably already own Uniqlo clothes or coats.  But I am new on the scene and I love it.  This Japanese company has fun clothes for all ages.  Two of their products have recently changed my life for the better:

Heattech tops:
layering with purpose

OMGoodness. They are only $14. AND... they are styled in my favorite necklines- scoop-neck and v-neck.  These two neck-lines are flattering on most all women (a little collarbone is always a good idea!).  The fabric is so light and soft. I wore mine last week and felt warm and stylish.  The color choices are fun too. The Heattech line also features leggings, tights, socks, and scarves.

Ultra-Light Down:

I bought the black, knee-length version. It is feather light, cozy-warm,  and the fabric feels like silk.  It comes with it's own carrying pouch.  I can fit it into a pouch smaller than my make-up bag!! Perfect for travel or running errands!  I highly recommend these jackets and coats! Best of all, they are on sale: $89.   $59.90!

 Check out the children's and men's line as well.

Neutral-ize!

If you're like me, you are BUSY preparing for the holidays.  In my case this involves lots of packing, and planning for outfits for all sorts of gatherings...for my husband, children, and myself.  Sometimes the process can be quite stressful. 

Well, here is a fool-proof plan for an elegant, on trend, holiday outfit: Neutral-ize.


Pair different pieces in the same color scheme together.  Mix cream, tan, nude, winter white, khaki, and brown to create an elegant palette.  Layer tones, textures, and proportions. Add some jewelry to make the look your own. Voila! 

 

Stylist Tip: If you are fair, avoid your complexion appearing "washed out" (as my grandmother would say), by using ample blush and lipstick or lip stain for color. Make sure your face has plenty of color!

Hello Moto

The Moto Jacket

Motorcycle Jacket

The classic motorcycle jacket 'Moto Jacket' is a tried and true outerwear piece.  Traditionally made in black leather it is everywhere this season in a wide variety of hues and fabrics.  If you want a statement piece that you can wear forever and will last a lifetime- go all out.  However, you can get the look for less in vegan leather and even soft cotton.

The moto jacket adds a Rock & Roll vibe to any look. It's an opposites attract concept: the hard of the jacket paired with the soft and flowing nature of the skirt or dress.

Tibi Runway

The Gap

$69.95

Victoria'a Secret Sweater Moto

$69.50

Burberry Moto Jacket

                                       

Look of the Day

I love the color combination here: the denim, turquoise, and saddle brown give the outfit an all American vibe.  The addition of the stripes, chunky watch, and pearls add the pop of prep. It's all about the mix.  There are so many ways to interpret this vignette. Try a black and white striped top with jeans, a brown belt and flats.  Leopard flats would also work well. 

Since it is back to school time (eek!) and we must think about these things...this look will transition very well from summer to fall.

Think Globally

  Wow. I get very excited about fashion trends.  I get even more excited about trends when I'm sure they're going to last into the next year.  If top designers have anything to say about it, Global Chic is here to stay (at least through next year. Haha).

Suboo S/S '13

UK Marie Claire, June 2013

love the strong brow

Vogue, India

Mara Hoffman, F/W '13

                                                                                                               Oscar de la Renta, F/W '13

Fashion editorials as well as the runways were covered in the past two seasons with technicolor global prints and design. The key to pulling off this look is to pair a global item with a more everyday item. For example, wear a flowing bohemian top with preppy, more tailored pants. Try a tribal print maxi dress or skirt from a less expensive store with your favorite tee and belt. This world traveler look can be a bit bold, but you can translate it with pieces from your own wardrobe to make it work for you.  Here are some looks below to inspire you:

Obviously, this girl is fully committed to the trend.  But you gut the point.  Mixing prints is a big part of the concept.  As long as they are tone on tone, go for it!

The tribal inspired necklace changes everything in an otherwise simple look.

Try a bold scarf and stacked bracelets.

But, If you have not taken the plunge just yet...try an embroidered tunic.  It just does not get any more classic than this.  Tunics come in every shape, color and size.  They range from a bohemian look to seriously preppy and elegant.  I have a black silk one for cocktails that is lovely.  A tunic is a risk free way to try the global trend as you can go as conservative or daring as you like. Another positive aspect is their forgiving nature: pair a tunic with skinny jeans or leggings for a slender look no matter the size of your mid-section.

Free People Top, $89.

Oh, and I did mention that the look is back for Fall/Winter? It's all very Dr. Zhivago/Twenties and I love it!

Tory Burch F/W '13/'14

Mara Hoffman Fall '13