Trendy Tuesday: Tribal Print

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Like nautical, tribal is one of those trends that come back every spring and early summer. It's a fun trend to experiment with because the print can be found in almost any size and color on almost any type of clothing and accessory.

The easiest and perhaps most common way to wear tribal is to throw on a printed dress. Add some simple accessories and throw on a denim jacket if it's cold and you have an instant fashion-forward outfit.

How I Wore it:

What

Dress: Belks? , $20

Camisole: Forever 21, $3

Denim Jacket: Gadzooks, $20

Gladiators: Old Navy, $5

Earrings: Rue 21, $3

Ring: Gift

Just to illustrate the fact that tribal is a reappearing trend, I bought this dress on clearance 3 years ago. Its a string halter with a bandeau style top. To make it work appropriate I layered the dress over a plain white camisole and under a denim jacket. Simple gladiators and drop earrings completed my "trendy tuesday" look.

Other Ways to Wear Tribal:

If you've been following my blog, you know one of my signature looks is a high-waisted skirt with a plain top, belt, necklace and flats. Following that combination, here is my first tribal outfit. The whole look is based around the fun printed skirt. However, since this outfit is pretty loud (graphic skirt, bib necklace and gladiator sandals) this outfit is for someone who isn't afraid to experiment with the trend

Another hot way to wear tribal for the warmer weather is with shorts. Since busy patterns draw the eye toward them, if you're self conscious of your legs and thighs, this style may not be for you.

If you're really wary of tribal print items but still want to give the trend a try, get some fun tribal-inspired bangles. I love the wooden/gold/muticolored combination in the bracelets below, plus it's an easy way to test out the trend.

So, what are you're feelings on tribal print items? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Trendy Tuesday: Tie Dye

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Tie Dye is definitely a big trend for the upcoming warmer months, and what could be more fitting? With it's bold colors and prints of every shape and size, this print is perfect for cool sundresses and fun summer accessories. Just be careful with how you wear it- the goal is to look like a fun and trendy adult, not a kid who just came home from camp.

Tips on Wearing Tie Dye

1. Since tie dye is a very "out there" trend, keep it the focus of your outfit and keep accessories and shoes coordinating but minimal
2. Have fun with colors- but keep it mature. Limiting your print to a few colors instead of the entire spectrum can mean a big difference.
3. To avoid looking like a hippie pair this trend with modern silhouettes and skimp on the bohemian accessories.

How I Wore it

Skirt: Target, $15

Top: Old Navy, $4

Necklace: Gift

Belt: Vintage from my mom

I styled my look around this amazing skirt. It was just $15 at Target, and I'm crazy about the cool color palette of blues and purples. I added this low cut back top from Old Navy, a vintage belt to camouflage the skirt's elastic waist band (I couldn't help myself, the skirt is SO comfortable) and this long silver leaf necklace to pull it all together. I know this trend not be for everyone, but personally, I can't wait for more.

Other Ways to Wear Tie Dye

Trendy Tuesday: Tie-Dye by TheClosetFiles featuring Lucky Brand tops

I love the cool look of tie-dye jeans. Although personally I haven't been brave enough to try them (I'm working on it) I definitely think they look best when worn skinny (unless you want to look like a hippie) with simple tops and fun accessories.

Want to Try Tie Dye in Small Doses?

If you love the look of this trend, but are a little bit wary of going all out, why not work with accessories? Trendy accessories are a great way to add some spice to your current look without breaking the bank.

Scarf

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I LOVE scarves. Whenever I'm having an "off" day, I just throw on a coordinating scarf to look put together- and what a better addition to your spring wardrobe? Light summer scarves are a great way to layer up without adding bulk and heat.

Bag

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Big bags are great to have during the summer season. Just think about all the beach towels, hats, sunscreen, flip flops, money, etc you'll need to carry around. I love this tote because it brings the tie-dye print together with this subdued color palette, making it perfect for a hot summer day!

Trendy Tuesday: Chambray

Although when many think of chambray they automatically conjure up a crazy denim on denim ensemble like that of Justin and Brittany (see bottom), chambray can actually be worn in a very sophisticated and trendy way. With all of the options out there, possibilities are endless. Chambray can be purchased at in a variety of colors ranging from sky blue to deep navy. Various shades of grays are also popular for chambray. A fun thing about this fabric is that it can be worn as a shirt, dress, pants, skirt, or accessory and look amazing all ways. However, mixing denim and chambray is still pretty tough. When going for an all chambray look remember to use a variety of colors- not the same shade of blue- and add some bright accessories to break up the denim look.








What I Wore
Chambray Dress: Charlotte Russe
Tights: WeLoveColors.com
Flats: Old Navy
Belt: Vintage from my mom- She wanted me to make sure and let everyone know that she's still young, and the vintage items are from the 70's at their oldest :)
Necklace: The Body Shop

Where I Wore it:
Classes, a Women in Business board meeting, and a meeting with my advisor

How I Styled it:
I found this chambray dress for under $15 the other day (gotta love no sales tax!) Although this little shirt-dress came with a matching sash/belt, I opted to break it up a little with the vintage brown belt I "borrowed" from my mom : ) Since it was still pretty chilly this morning, I added these maroon tights and a cream cardigan. I finished the outfit off with these caramel cutout flats and a vintage-looking heart locket necklace. With some soft curls I felt very romantic/vintage/trendy. What a fun combination!

Why it Works:
Of all people, I am especially wary of the denim overload. That's why I chose this light chambray dress. I felt like its casual shape and light color gave off more of a girly feel and less of a crazy 90's feel. Although so far I've stuck to pairing my chambray with sweet, vintage, and girly items, I think I want to mix it up a little and try a denim shirt with some tough accents.

Where to get it:
Of course I’m always a vintage advocate- because trends almost always recycle themselves you can find just about anything at a decent thrift store. For newer versions, The Gap has some really great chambray shirts and dresses- but if you’re looking for something cheaper try Forever 21, H&M, or Charlotte Russe. You can always count on those stores to bring you the newest trends for cheap!

Trendy Tuesday: Sheer Clothing

Sheer Fabrics were all over the runways this year. Many designers showcased clothing that was completely see-through, often showing much more skin than any normal person would care to show in the real world. However, this trend is totally wearable in real life!






Where I Wore it:

Tonight I attended an alumni panel and networking event for communication and marketing students here at school. Since there was going to be distinguished alumni that are working in the field I would one day like to enter, I wanted to look put together while still remaining stylish.

How I Styled it:

I actually bought this cream colored sheer top from Guess several years ago, but I’ve only worn it a few times. I was pretty excited to see sheers on the runway for Spring- I love it when something I’ve been hanging onto comes back in style! Dress for the event was business casual- but since when have I settled for khakis? I tucked the top into a plain black pencil skirt and bloused it a little for a fun play on volume. Although I almost always stick to a very safe outfit combination/color palate for professional events (This is never the time to try out something crazy), I added a pearl and chain necklace and a hot pink handbag to stand-out.

Why it Works:

Despite the fact that sheers on the runway were overbearingly sexy and provocative, they can be toned down with the proper pieces. My top is just barely sheer, that’s why it is completely acceptable when worn with a modest camisole. I kept the rest of the outfit simple and fairly conservative- a plain black pencil skirt, matching cream tights, and oxfords kept the look toned down, but the accessories added some fun.

Other Ways to Wear Sheers:

~A sheer top paired with dark jeans and heels makes for a perfect date look- As long as you don’t go overboard.
~A solid dress with a sheer overlay can give you that sheer look without baring too much. A perfect look for a more formal occasion!
~This trend can even be worked into a really strict professional dress code. My suggestion would be to pair a sheer top with suit separates- the sliver of sheer at the top of your collarbone (Don’t forget the camisole underneath!) shows just enough skin to make this trend work for you!

Thoughts? Ideas? I would love to see how you style your sheer for spring- Leave me a photo comment!