Keds

WHAT: Keds sneakers
WHEN: spring/summer
WHERE: casual daytime outings (picnic, shopping, barbeque etc)
WHY: They're classic and comfortable! They're cuter than most sneakers but still amazing for days when you want to give your feet a break.
HOW: These look great paired with tanks and shorts combinations to keep the look casual, or cute jersey dresses for an interesting blend of girly and tomboy.

See how I style my Keds:

Inspirational Photos:


I love how the laces match the dress--so cute!


These Keds really stand out with the dark palette of this outfit.


This is a nice, retro way to pull off Keds.

For more on Keds, check out...
plainjanemakeup's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtPKts_o47E
lovepeacesparkle's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJbPD2Jo-bs

Tribal Prints

WHAT: tribal, ethnic, worldly patterns
WHEN: spring and summer
WHERE: Tribal prints are found on trendy crop tops, flowy maxi skirts and cute day dresses.
WHY: Tribal prints are colorful and fun, not to mention they're a huge trend for spring/summer 2011.
HOW: Since they're really bright and bold, pair them with neutral pieces, or with items that complement the colors in the print.

See how I styled my tribal print clothing:

To see more of my videos check out http://www.youtube.com/user/EssentialStyleTV?feature=mhee

Inspirational Photos:


The deep V of this dress is balanced with opaque tights and conservative heels.


This outfit nicely blends a few of this year's trends: I love the chambray button down with a tribal print top under, and the edgy boots are reminiscent of the "biker" trend.


These tribal pants are amazing! This girl paired them up with black and white basics keeping the focus on the bold print.

Want more? Check out...
lagunabeachlove10's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NcTXRd-Ay8
ohhsamanthaaa's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE-Zjh0v3ZY
ElegantNatural1983's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuztvxkunpA

I'd love any feedback! :)

Crop Tops

WHAT: cropped shirts
WHEN: spring and summer
WHERE: These look great worn over a bathing suit at the beach, or for more daring fashionistas, out to a club or bar.
WHY: They're sexy, comfy, and a cool new trend to experiment with this year!
HOW: Crop tops can be worn with minis for a sexy look, or paired with high-waisted shorts or skirts for a more conservative look. Try experimenting with a crop top over a tight minidress; the look is surprisingly chic!

See how I styled my crop top:

To see more of my fashion videos, go to http://www.youtube.com/user/EssentialStyleTV

Inspirational photos:


I love how playful the stripes are on this crop top. The high-waisted shorts add a nice vintage touch too--they also help make this look more conservative.


Who would've thought a crop top could look so classy? I love how she paired this.


Here's a nice bohemian way to work the crop top. Paired with a tribal-print maxi skirt and denim jacket, this looks gorgeous!

For more on crop tops:
meghanrosette's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yl7GmW7x_U
ribbonsandflowers's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NVpz7zOPxw
stylerut's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO6lycuw9G4&feature=channel_video_title

Geometric Prints

WHAT: geometric prints
WHEN: all year
WHERE: These can be seen on any type of clothing: dresses, skirts, shirts, even accessories like scarves and shoes.
WHY: Geometric prints are fun to experiment with. They can really transform an outfit by drawing attention to certain features or hiding flaws!
HOW: Since it's usually a loud print, pair it with other neutral pieces to let the print take center stage.

Check out how I style my geometric printed clothing:

Inspirational photos:


This is a great look for work. If you're hesitant to wear big prints because you're small-framed, try a smaller geometric pattern like the one on this skirt.


This dress is gorgeous! It looks great with no uneccessary accessories--just some substantial black booties.


These geometric print sweaters have a chic, cozy feel. Both outfits look great for fall/winter.

Want to see more? Check out...
10yrsyoungerofficial's vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9D4SrUcSXgw
dawndelrusso's vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6FU5SclCBI

Paisley

WHAT: paisley print
WHEN: spring/summer
WHERE: paisley's seen on retro blouses, dresses, and skirts!
WHY: It's part of the huge 70s trend this spring and summer. Paisley instantly gives an outfit a cool, vintage feel.
HOW: Wear paisley pieces with vintage looking counterparts--for example, a paisley blouse with some highwaist shorts and platforms--to truly get that 70s look. You can also pair it with modern pieces to tone down the print.

See how I styled my paisley tank top:

Inspirational Photos:


This paisley blouse is paired down with an office appropriate skirt and heels. It's conservative, but still playful thanks to the print.


I love the bohomian style of this dress. It looks effortlessly chic--great for a hot summer day.


The bright colors and brass accessories make this paisley dress looks tribal-inspired.

Want more ideas? Check out...
10yrsyoungerofficial's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF4SbGvmnuM

Harem Pants

WHAT: harem pants, MC Hammer pants, genie pants etc.
WHEN: any season
WHERE: Harem pants can be paired with casual tops and sandals to run errands, or dressed up with a silky blouse and heels for a fancy dinner.
WHY: They're unique and daring. Although they can be unflattering and hard to pull off, when paired with the right things they look amazing!
HOW: The key is to balance out proportions. Always wear them with shirts tucked in, other than that, mix and match different accessories to get the look you're going for.


Check out how I styled my harem pants:



Inspirational Photos:

I love these amazing purple harem pants paired with the striped top; the overall look is sophisticated and chic.

 

Here Chloe Sevigny wears a cool tribal pair matched with an edgy leather jacket. Love it!

This is a great everyday outfit with harem pants. The top and accessories add to the pants rather than create a look that's overly complicated.

Want more inspiration on how to wear harem pants? Check out...

lookunderhere's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5SQCn7BOng

TheStyleDiet's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCCytOoPj0g

destinygodley's video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Iy015lpRhM

Shoe Wishlist #1

Being as shoe-obsessed as I am, I thought that making posts about shoes would be perfect! These shoes are mostly for inspiration, but they're also available for purchase (priced highest to lowest). Let me know what you think!


$$$ - I can't even begin to describe how much I love these heels. The geometric shapes and cutouts are fantastic and the ankle tie give these a unique look. Get them at http://www.dvf.com/Volos-Shoe/45580,default,pd.html?start=9&preselectsize=no&cgid=journey-of-a-dress-dvf for $335.00



$$ - These booties combine 3 of my favorite things--leopard print, metallics, and a giant bow!
Get them at http://www.irregularchoice.com/shop/womens/product/3699/galactii.html?offset=22 for $92.50


$ - These adorable peeptoe pumps feature a corset design on the heel that sets them apart from most nude heels but are still practical enough for everyday. Check them out at http://www.gojane.com/57677-shoes-corset-design-velvet-platform.html, because they're only $26.40!