Spring 2013 Fashion Preview: Graphic Black & White

Black and white never really goes out of style; however, the last couple seasons, designers have really utilized this classic color combination, making it uber-trendy.  This coming spring, expect to see lots of black and white in solids and graphic prints in stores. 

Pretty bright colors are expected for spring, but many designers took a more unexpected turn this spring using black and white.

Since this is my favorite combination, color me quite happy!!

Jacket:  Target Petites (Available here)
Pants:  The Limited (No longer available on-line)

Blouse:  Old Navy Petites
Tote:  The Limited

Today, I paired this great ponte knit peplum jacket I just found on-line at Target with basic black pieces for a graphic look.
 

I paired my outfit with a red tote for a pop of color, but for spring, many designers kept accessories in black and white as well.

Some of my favorite black and white looks off the Spring 2013 runways:

Roland Mouret Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.style.com

Balenciaga Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.harpersbazaar.com

Givenchy Spring 2013 look
Source:  www.harpersbazaar.com

Shoes:  Target
Necklace:  Express (old)

Bracelets:  Torrid (Available in stores), The Limited

Will you be wearing the black and white trend this spring??

Black is the New Black

Some people may find an all-black look boring.  While I love color, I love mixing textures and shapes of black pieces to create all-black looks that are interesting and flattering.  I love how all-black looks can go from edgy to romantic to classic to gothic depending on how you style them.

Just this week,  I've worn three black outfits:

Monday's three-piece suit look was classic, but quirky and masculine.
Tuesday's Chanel-inspired look was classic modern with a touch of romance.

Jacket:  The Limited (Available here)
Dress:   New York & Company (Similar here) (Styled differently here)

Today's all-black look is modern and edgy.  I paired my new black quilted faux leather jacket with my black peplum dress.

Shoes:  Target
Earrings:  Target

A black bag and silver earrings complete the simple look.

Purse:  The Limited

For more on the peplum trend, see here.
For more on the leather trend (and my views on real leather), see here.

How do you like to rock all-black looks?

Tweed, Leather, and Volume

One of the big trends in outerwear this fall is volume.  Voluminous coats were shown by Jil Sander, Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, and many other designers.

Now, being petite and extra curvy, I had no intention of partaking in this trend.  Something that would make me appear shorter and wider?  No thank you!!

But, then I spotted this sweater jacket one day while out shopping.  I fell in love the mix of tweed patterns, the faux leather trim, and the floppy collar.

Sweater jacket:  New York & Company (Available here)
Belt:  Express Men/DIY (10+ years old)

I had to go down two sizes from my normal size (not that I'm complaining), and the jacket still seemed a bit too big; however, I also found the overall shape to be more flattering than I would have expected from a jacket with this volume.  

I added a belt to help create a little more shape.  I'd love to find some large brooches to work as closures as well.

This belt was actually a bit of a DIY creation.  I had a worn-out belt from a pair of jeans that I had since junior high.  I loved the sun buckle.  One day (over ten years ago) while out shopping at Express Men with an ex-boyfriend, I came across belts that came with separate buckles so that you could create your own design.  I chose a belt, ripped apart the old belt and added my old buckle to the new belt.  I don't wear it much now, but I still love the buckle so much that it still comes out of the drawer on occasion.

Pants:  The Limited (Available here)
Shoes:  Target (old)
Earrings:  The Limited (old) (Similar here)

I actually see a lot of possibilities for this jacket.  I plan on wearing it with slim leg pants, as I've done here, and dresses of similar lengths with tights.

Cuff:  New York & Company (5+ years old)

While admittedly, a jacket with this much volume is not the most flattering fit, finding a piece you love that gives you fashion warm fuzzies is sometimes worth it!

Besides, who wouldn't love a piece with the comfort and warmth of a Snuggie that you can actually wear to work?  :-D 

Purse:  New York & Company (Similar here)

 Would you wear the oversized outerwear trend? 
 

Fall 2012 Fashion Picks: (Faux) Leather

Hi everyone!  

I apologize for the lack of posts the last few days as I've been without adequate internet access.  

I'm on vacation, so this week, I will be blogging my picks out of the fall 2012 trends.

Leather (or faux leather) is everywhere for fall.  I am sooo coveting a cropped leather jacket. It's an edgier alternative to the black blazer but almost as versatile.

I'm on the fence about whether to buy a leather jacket or a vegan alternative.  As a friend to animals, I prefer animals wear their own skin.  I seldom buy real leather, and when I do, I usually opt for vintage or used pieces to be more animal and environmentally friendly. 

A major issue with finding a leather jacket is fit.  Jackets made of cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics can generally be altered to fit.  Leather and faux leather is harder to alter, so finding a jacket that fits both a curvy and a petite frame has proven difficult, but my search is on!

Here's my picks for the leather look:

 Asos Curve leather biker jacket

Simply Be black and chocolate PU biker jacket

I was loving the look of this ponte knit and faux leather tee from The Limited.  While I love The Limited, this top did not live up to my hopes.  It had a boxy, unflattering fit and looked a little inexpensive.  If I can find something similar though, I'm on it!  Such an edgy but conservative addition to a work suit.

The Limited faux leather tee

The Limited has some other faux leather pieces coming out on September 6, including a pencil skirt and jacket.  I will definitely be checking them out!

I am seriously considering a vegan leather pencil skirt this fall.  Who doesn't love a skirt that lets you live out your inner bad girl self while at work in an office?  Or is that just me?  ;-D

Tinley Road vegan leather pencil skirt

Do you like the leather trend?  Do you wear real leather?