Cold and Bold

As the first major snowfall of the season has come and gone (third week of November and almost a foot of snow...), I figured it's time for an in-style recount of this winter's trends. Compiled from runways, pages of fashion magazines, and from the media- this winter features a lot of reoccurring trends and some new styles for the bold and eccentric.

Advertisement for women's jeans this season

Baggy Is Better

Some key looks this winter feature boyfriend fit jeans, loose or over sized sweaters (both cardigans and pullovers), and lots of layering to create a baggy look.

My favorite winter style is a simple bottom with a chunky sweater and boots. It's easy to look cute while staying so warm in the winter. Layering long sleeve tops and sweaters and jackets is so easy and can be so cozy.

Accessorizing with scarves, hats, and gloves is another plus to winter styling due to its warmth. I love finding cute and colorful winter accessories because they can instantly make a boring outfit fun. If you're style-impaired, just rely on the accessories. Pick out a normal, basic outfit and let your winter hats, coats, and scarves do the wow-ing for you.

Creating a baggy look should be easy and cozy!

Examples from winter runway shows 

Mary-Kate Olsen street style inspiration

Street Style 2014

Feminine Styling

Even though lately menswear-inspired fashion has been more prominent on runways, this season feminine and girly silhouettes and styling seem to be coming back with force.  Layers of tulle under thick knits or chunky jackets add a utilitarian or practical aspect to otherwise very girly pieces.

These eccentric takes on the feminine trend in recent runway shows may be a bit over the top and impractical, but they are prime examples of the pretty plumage seen everywhere paired with sturdier counterparts.

Tommy Hilfiger fall runway show

Balmain fall runway show

Gareth fall runway show

from Nylon website

Ankle Boots

Obviously boots are, have been, and forever will be the staple of any fall related fashion.  Boots have evolved and been constructed out of any material under the sun since creation of man kind.  This season ankle boots and shorter, strong footwear stomped and stormed the runways.  Street style displays the trend in various pairings from leggings and skinny jeans to enormous dresses.

Are ankle boots the new iconic footwear of the season to come?  Or will it continually change?  Since last year's over the knee boots this footwear has downsized considerably; what will they look like next year?

Ankle boots from "The Brown Girl with Long Hair"

Celebrity ankle boot styling

Pastels

One trend that was completely uncalled for but all mutually agreed upon by major designers is pastels for winter.  PASTELS.  Ditch your dark hues and shades of tan, brown and black for peppy and cool colors in baby blue, petal pink, and yawn yellow (I'm kidding.. sort of).

This trend will continue from winter into spring due its transitional tones, but I'd be surprised to see this trend majorly take off.  Yes, it was everywhere on the runways but in real life?  I'd love to see some bold street style fashionistas take on this daring (?) trend.

PS-- add any bright gems or statement jewels to your bland outfits this season for an instant shine and glimmer!

Haute Holidays

It's the best time of the year (or second best, let's be real, nothing beats the summer's weather and freedom). But the holiday festivities are approaching, and with them the eager promises of holiday parties and winter soirees. The latest in fashion and beauty boast some interesting new trends to follow this season, but trends definitely worth trying out, no doubt.

#1. The Dark Lip
A little vampiric? Sure. Possibly sexy, mysterious, and totally trending right now? Definitely. A subdued- yet still brilliantly bold- color to pull together a whole look rests in the hands, or lips, of a dark lipstick. Think purples, plums, aubergines, maroons, burgundies, and mauve's. Disclaimer: warning to those daring to pull off the dark lips; think wisely about your whole face. If you're sporting a Gothic pout, don't go overboard on your eyes. Keep the focus on one area of your face versus going crazy and ending up looking like a drag queen. (Unless you're into the drag queen look, to each his own, dude.)

Not a supporter of Jennifer Lawrence's new haircut in replace of those long, golden locks... but she is definitely pulling off the dark lip. And hair or no hair, she still looks chic as shit.

#2. Velvet

This isn't so much a trend as it is a holiday MUST. The plush, warm fabric could be dressed up and down- the versatility oh so appealing, and can only be dragged out from the closet for these few festive months. (Yeah, I know hipsters of America and Free People are telling you differently but honestly, do you REALLY think velvet in July is a good idea?) My personal favorite holiday dress in my closet is a navy, vintage slight peplum velvet dress tied back with a large, navy satin bow. I've worn it to cotillions with open toed sling backs or also with black tights and chunky, dark heels. That is the beauty of velvet. 

PS- check out Free People's Velvet section for an array of wearable velvet confections. 

#3. The Up-Do

Perfectly coiffed and twisted up-do's are difficult to pull off, but simple solutions make elegant do's much easier and fun to try. Up-do's are very chic this season, try out your own experimental up-do on your own. (Many fashion label's blogs usually have a "hair/beauty" section or a "how to" area for further tips and tricks.) 

Kate Bosworth shows off her amazing earrings by double-braiding it.

#4. Holiday Gifts

The dreaded gift shopping that we all inevitably have to face... and pay for. As difficult as it is to find gifts that inspire and excite, small trinkets and tokens of appreciation go a long way. Holiday fall backs? Think pine-tree scented candles, cozy blankets, homemade Christmas playlists, hot coco mugs, YOU NAME IT! Included are a few creative gift ideas- all under $20!!!- to browse through and spark your festive flair.

Whip out your dark lipstick, throw on some velvet, twist your hair and betches, let's get gifting. Because after all, it's the most wonderful time of the year.

Classic is Timeless

Who remembers the 50s? The 60s? Let's not reminisce on the 70s...
The classic is being reinvented... again.
There's a philosophy saying that history always repeats itself- this is the same thing with trends in fashion. The first piece of clothing (probably like a loincloth or something, har-har) has been re-done so many times its not the same thing anymore. Fashion and history are repeating their selves again, and this time there's going to be someone to blog about it :D
The 50s... Jackie O ring a bell? The age of class and elegance rolled up into modern day wear. Pleated bell skirts, caps for women, dainty high-heels and the cardigan craze! The 50s was the founder of it all! If it wasn't for the 50s, then a lot of modern day elegant designs wouldn't be circulating the runway. White, wristlet gloves could be found in this period as well, these aren't as popular anymore but still fun for dress-up! :P

And then the 60s! A total 360 happened here! Total opposites collide in less than twenty years. The classy goes to the pop scene. The abstract and the punk. As much as I love the 50s, I think I belong in the 60s. The fun, flirty styles mixed with edgy and modern. 60s icons include: Jackie Kennedy (again), Twiggy (famous-now Botoxed-model), Edie Sedgwick (actress, model, heiress), and Audrey Hepburn (if you don't know who Audrey Hepburn is, I may have to kill you). Just to name a few. The 60s was a mix of old and new. The women born before the 60s kept the classic 50s, while younger women and models worked the modern 60s look.

What do you like better, the sixties or the fifties?
PS: Sorry if the font on the sixties is blue... I don't know what happened there...and if it is regular font then just pass me as crazy...