Fall Trend: Go “Baroque” w/out Going Broke

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One of the trends this fall season is inspired by the Baroque period. Defined by it’s rich tapestries, embroidered embellishments, bold prints and decorative art this trend has an old world-fashion feel to it.

The Baroque is a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and music. The style started around 1600 in Rome, Italy and spread to most of Europe.

Baroque print plays out in a number of guises with varying degrees of intensity. From bold, flashy chain prints on leopard spots intertwined with ropes to ornate rococo swirls. Adorned on the runways of Dior, Rodarte and Balmain this trend is not restricted to clothing, also popular in shoe and accessory design.

Like any trend, one should tread lightly on items purchased. These bold prints will not last long and I don’t consider them “investment pieces.” However, I am loving the Baroque-inspired skinny jeans at the moment. Not too flashy and very wearable.

Here is how to “go Baroque without going broke.”

Go Jane ~ Baroque Print Leggings: $17.50

Arden B ~ Baroque Zoe Skinny Jeans: $69.00

Zara ~ 5B Twill Brush Denim w/ Flock Print: $79.90

Urban Outfitters ~ Insight Beanpole Skinny Jacquard Pant: $94.00

J Brand ~ Baroque Skinny Jeans: $141.10 (sale)

Style Your Stems: Floral Pants

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Style your stems in floral prints and patterns. A fun and fresh way to wear pants, these bold and colorful botanicals are truly statement-making.

With a little structure, these pieces look ultra fresh and modern. Don’t complicate things with a game of layers. Keep it simple. Try a cropped sweater or delicate tee for an effortless daytime look and silk cami and blazer for night. Add a great pair of sandals or heels and you have created the 1/2 & 1/2 (part elegance/part edge).

Here are a few beguiling blooms for inspiration:

Zara ~ Cropped Printed Trousers w/ Zip: $19.00 (sale) 

Tibi ~ Floral-Print Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $330.00

Ella Moss ~ Rosa Flora Pants: $148.00

DKNY ~ Printed Stretch Silk Crepe De Chine Pants: $245.00

Cynthia Rowley ~ Zigzag Floral Bonded Leggings: $225.00

Bewitching Baubles: Bib Necklace

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Make a statement this season with a bright bib. A bib necklace combines layers of intricate beads and jewels strung across the collar bone, high on the neck. Bibs can incorporate many materials and textures to create a bold, multi-layered, eye-catching piece.

These colorful, chunky necklaces easily enhance any outfit while still remaining elegant. Pair with simple tees or tanks to effortlessly renew a tired outfit. Or wear with your favorite, “worn a million times” dress for a new and fresh look.

Available in all shapes, colors and sizes, a bib necklace is a great piece to have on-hand when an outfit feels a bit dull. Here are a few of my favorite bewitching baubles:

BaubleBar ~ Summer Princesse: $38.00

Adia Kibur ~ Short Neon Stone Necklace: $54.00

Zara ~ Strand Necklace in Shiny Golden Colors: $25.90

J.Crew ~ Cabochon Fan Necklace: $150.00

Ann Taylor ~ Sunburst Necklace: $59.99

Kate Spade ~ Painted Jewels Necklace: $198.00

Statement Sandals: Graphics

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From abstract florals to eye-catching ikat, summer sandals are getting graphic. Found in an overwhelming array of colors, styles, prints and patterns, complete any outfit with a bold statement sandal.

Keeping it neutral. Make these statement shoes the focal point of the ensemble by keeping the rest of the pieces neutral and/or monochromatic.

Mixing prints. Sometimes the best combinations are the ones that do not seem suitable. There are no rules here, only to look for prints and textures in complementary color families. The pieces do not have to coordinate exactly, but there should be a common theme.

Spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant graphics. Here are few of my favorite stand-out sandals.

Zara ~ Fabric Sandal: $99.90

Theodora & Callum ~ Hippie Heel: 229.99 (sale)

Loeffler Randall ~ Dita Platform Pump: $425.00

BCBGeneration ~ Hosanna: $87.99 (sale)

Alice + Olivia ~ Juliet Platform Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Cynthia Vincent ~ Naomi Aztec-Printed Platform Wedge Sandal: $197.00 (sale)

New Rules: Bright Whites

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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.

“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.

Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:

› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.

› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.

› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.

› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.

› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.

› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.

Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.

AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00

Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50

Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00

BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00

Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50

Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00

Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00

Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00

Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00

J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00

Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90

J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00

Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00

Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

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A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

What to Wear: Valentine’s Day

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Look irresistible this Valentine’s Day no matter how you plan on celebrating. From a fancy dinner to night out with the ladies, choose a style that makes you feel good. Sexy, sweet, flirty or romantic, here are a few options to celebrate the day of love.

Mango ~ Red Dress: $44.90

BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ BCBGGENERATION Strapless Pleated Dress: $128.00

Piperlime ~ Daniel Rainn Floral Maxi Dress: $89.00

Zara ~ Dress with Flared Skirt: $59.90

Mango ~ Striped Dress: $39.99

Current Obsession: Zara Coating Trousers w/ Zips

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Zara Coating Trousers w/ Zips

I recently pillaged Zara’s end-of-year sale and found these Coating Trousers with Zips. I was immediately attracted to them in the store, but hesitant – due to having sizing and fit issues with Zara’s trousers in the past. For some reason, their trousers are always baggy in the oddest places… knees? I bought a size smaller because I wanted a tighter fit, but am now terrified to wash.

I love the zipper detailing on these trousers. They are made of a thin coated-cotton that is flexible and comfortable. I have been pairing them with everything from a white tee to white oxford.

Other colors are currently available online and on-sale. However, I recommend trying-on these trousers and experimenting with a couple different sizes.

Outfit Ideas: Party Season

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Banish the party dress this season and try-on statement pieces. One item can compliment an entire outfit… skillfully.

✴ Play with texture, leather and sequins contrast nicely with knits and silk.

✴ Add a little sparkle with a sequin jacket or lamé skirt.

✴ Experiment with color, whether it be bright trousers or vivid blouse.

Here are a few statement pieces and ensembles to try during party season. Pair these items with simple coordinates to emphasize them.

Zara ~ Short Sequined Jacket: $129.00

Mango ~ Metallic Finish Skirt: $79.90

ASOS ~ Whistles Tiffany Tailored Crop Pants: $172.71

Mango ~ Leather Bermuda Shorts: $139.90

DVF ~ Elley Mini Skirt: $285.00

Launch: Zara Studded Sash Belt

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Zara Studded Sash Belt

Zara launched it’s ecommerce site today providing consumers free standard shipping for all 50 states. Items can also be picked-up in-store, free of charge.

First purchase made… Zara’s Studded Sash Belt. I couldn’t resist the edgy and tough texture of this belt. I am dreaming of pairing it with a whimsical/flowing/floral dresses or a simple black pencil skirt and white dress-shirt.

Impatiently, opted for in-store pickup.

Silver Sparkle: Zara Sequined Blazer

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Zara Sequined Blazer

I am currently fawning over this silver sequined blazer by Zara. Though, I already own one in black, how many sequined jackets does one girl need? Answer… Two!!

This glamorous blazer is chic and edgy. The three-quarter length sleeves bring a casual element to the design. The relaxed tailoring provides comfort and movement.

Pair this saucy blazer with a white tee/tank or to appear even more casual layer in a grey-hoodie.

This silver sequined blazer from Zara is just too sparkly to pass up!

Weekend Ensemble: Zara

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Zara

This colorful ensemble by Zara is simple yet swanky.

The mint julep-inspired dress will be a hit at any Kentucky Derby party this weekend. Its double-tiered front is a flattering accent on any figure. The back (not-shown) has frills dripping down to the seam.

The neon pink shoes are the perfect garnish in this delicious combination.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling