fashion trend: leather

Faux leather is a fun textile to play with, wether you wear lather pants or just accent with leather earrings or a belt it will add a different look to your outfit. Leather can be really easy to incorporate into any outfit and adds texture to an otherwise simple look. Some of my favorite leather pieces include:

1. Leather Skirt - gojane.com

2. Hi-Low Dress with Leather Accents - modcloth.com

3. Leather Look Skinny Jeans - hm.com

4. High Waisted Leather Shorts - hm.com

5. Leather Bowtie - forever21.com

xo.

fashion trend: BOOTS

I think it's officially Fall now, the trees are changing colors, the mornings are a bit chilly and all my favorite coffee shops have finally busted out the pumpkin spice flavor(yum)! So what does this all mean? Boots! It's time to trade in your cute sandals and espadrilles for boots, I'm the kind of girl who wears boots all throughout summer too so now I'm super excited that it's official boot weather. Here are some of my favorite styles as of late.

Eric Michael Madrid Wedge Boot

source: 6pm.com

Kork Ease Tyler Boot

source: shop.nordstrom.com

Rachel Comey Mars Boot

source: rachelcomey.com

Fiorentini + Baker Eli Boot

source: barneys.com

xo.

fall fashion: peplum

Peplum silhouettes are popping up all over the Fall fashion runways and many different celebrities have been seen rocking the peplum look as of late. In case you didn't know peplum refers to a piece with a ruffle around the waist which adds volume, while also creating a flattering hourglass shape.

There are a few stand by rules for wearing peplum pieces, since peplum pieces have so much volume you don't want to accentuate the wrong areas. When wearing anything with a peplum silhouette pair it with pieces that are sleek and streamline, such as skinny jeans, pencil skirts, tailored shorts or fitted tops. Try adding a thin waist belt to exentuate the hour glass shape even more on almost any peplum piece.

Some of my favorite celebs rocking the peplum trend.

Lace peplum top, worn as a dress.

source: lookbook.nu

Easy effortless peplum look with skinny jeans and colorblock heels.

source:lookbook.nu

xo.

fashion trend: detachable collars

adding a collar to any outfit is a fun, easy and unique way to make an ensemble eye catching and different. detachable collars are simple to pair with multiple outfits, can be dressed up or down and they're different enough to make you stand out just a little. here are a few of my favorite ways to wear detachable collars.

source: lookbook.nu

source: lookbook.nu

here's a really cute DIY for a gold glitter detachable collar from Cotton & Curls

source: cottonandcurls.com

xo.

fashion trend: color blocking

color blocking may not be for the timid fashionista, color blocking takes opposites on the color wheel to create the widest contrast possible.

you probably already own several pieces that you can mix & match to color block or easily transition into basics if you aren't feeling the trend later on. a few simple rules for color blocking are, make sure to choose flattering and classic shapes like tailored shorts, pencil skirts and silk blouses. don't forget about accessories, a pop of color with a belt or purse can add a lot to an outfit but on the opposite spectrum if you're feeling like you look like a preschool mat instead of a fashionista try toning an outfit down with nude accessories. if all of this is still too overwhelming then you can try pre color blocked pieces, color blocked shirts would look great with bright shorts and a bright belt would go well with a color blocked dress.

source: lookbook.nu

xo.

fashion for the 4th

need some fashion inspiration for the 4th? if you want to go all out in stars and stripes, or take a more subtle approach with your patriotic duds i've got it all covered!

american flag button-up - gojane

american flag t-strap platform - gojane

american flag lace up bootie - gojane

red & white stripe maxi dress - gojane

one sloop or two top - modcloth

in with the breeze skirt - modcloth

and were rolling skirt - modcloth

xo.

fashion trend: sequins

no need to save your sparkly duds for a night on the town, sequins studded outfits are now a totally doable trend for daytime. not only do they add a ton of shine and texture to an outfit but they come in an array of colors too.

when styling an outfit where sequins are the main focus, try to keep accessories to a minimum. to spice up the outfit without over doing it play around with different textures and color for an interesting look.

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xo.

fashion trend: maxi or mini?

speaking in terms of skirts and dresses for this summer is all about extremes, the maxi or the mini. both are fantastic and can be dressed up or down all summer long. with different styles, colors, prints and fabrics it's easy for everyone to find something they like.

wearing a maxi skirt or dress is comfortable, easy, incredibly flattering and so versatile. a few rules to stand by while styling a maxi dress or skirt are; remember proportions, floor length flowy skirts tend to look better with a tighter fitting top thats tucked in or belted at the natural fitting waist. if the skirt is fitted closer to the body then a looser top or even a crop denim jacket will help balance things out.

once you've mastered styling the maxi skirt, go ahead try the polar opposite the mini skirt! now this doesn't mean i'm going to dig through my old clothes to find those too too short hollister and abercrombie mini's that i used to wear (why my mom let me out of the house in those, i'll never know!). to keep your look classy and not trashy remember to try pairing a mini skirt with something not so revealing on top. keeping your footwear to a minimum also works to downplay a mini skirt, flats work but if you need a bit of height try to stick to a chunky heel or wedge.

(image sources tumblr.com & lookbook.nu)

xo.

fashion trend: super simple DIY lace shorts

i've basically been obsessed with the idea of lace shorts since the first time i saw them, however; i wasn't obsessed with the $50 dollar price tag or elastic waistband i kept seeing on all of them. then i got an idea to make my own! how hard could it be, right?

this is really a super simple DIY, all you need are the following

• sewing machine, pins, thread, scissors etc..
• pair of well fitting black (or any other color, just make sure the lace matches!) shorts
• lace, this can be purchased at almost any craft store or reused from another garment

i had an old prom dress that had some perfect black lace on it, so i got my seam ripper out and painstakingly removed all the lace. depending on your size and how tight or loose the shorts are will determine how much lace you need to complete this project.

next i pinned the lace all the way around the shorts, i started at the very top of the waistband and then spaced each row of lace. the spacing varied from 1-2 inches, lace is pretty forgiving so you don't have to be exact with this. then stitch the lace on all the way around the shorts, making sure to back stitch at the beginning and end of every piece of lace to secure it. then you're done! 

like i said, super easy! even if you have very basic sewing skills this should be no problem for you! and at most if you had to buy the lace and shorts i'm guessing this would cost at most $20, but since i already had the lace and shorts (bought them at Ross for 5 bucks a year ago) this project was totally free! try this out for yourself and you'll have some trendy new shorts for a fraction of the price they normally are in stores!

xo.

trend for summer: pastels

if you haven't noticed pastels are popping up everywhere this season! i've seen everything from pastel jeans to pastel hair. being a lover of everything girly and feminine, this is a trend i don't want to miss out on. here's a collection from around the web of all things pastel!

(all images were found on tumblr or pintrest, but if anyone knows the original source please let me know and i'd be happy to credit!)