Trend #5 - Maxi Dress

Maxi Mania!

Sometimes looking dressed up isn't as hard as it looks. Wearing a maxi dress can definitely make it a little bit easier. Maxi clothing are lengthy dress or skirts that usually past the ankles. Maxi dresses are an easy way to look feminine, stylish, elegant and trendy at the same time! Surely, designers like Valentino, Gaultier and Michael Kors all agree.

Photo from LacrystalStylezz.com

 

Why it works...

The dress will definitely catch anybody's eye anywhere you plan on going. Any maxi piece is so versatile that it can be worn with various accessories! Wear it with a denim vest and aviators for the edgy look. How about a pastel cardigan with gladiators for a typical summer look.

When it comes to a maxi skirt, you can pair it up with an oh-so trendy all over lace top (Check out this AE Lace-up crop cami for less than $25), a bustier (this Silence & Noise Lace and Mesh bustier is on sale for $29.99) and of course, you can't go wrong with a loose-fitting top (This Le Fou by Wilfred top will spice up any maxi skirt for $135)

Wearers don't have to hold back. It can be worn with a dramatic accessory such as a hat, chunky bangles, drop earrings and so much more!

Let's get excited - we can expect this year's maxi dress to be sheer, bright and exciting.

Here's how to get your Maxi wardrobe started!

 Look radiant in this satin-jersey maxi dress by Marlene Birger for $395

Take on two trends at a time with this Kimchi Blue lace top maxi dress from Urban Outfitters for $79

This layered maxi dressfrom Forever XXI is great for all body shapes for only $32.80

So how about it? Do you have any maxi dresses and skirts in your closet? Would you be willing to try this hot trend? Share your comments below!

xoxo,
Alyssa

Trend #4 - Pastel Hues

 Pretty Pastels

It's getting warmer and warmer everyday so you'll definitely need a wardrobe item that can match the weather outside. Nothing compliments a hot summer day than a pastel piece. My favourite pastel hues are mint, lavender, and light coral. If you're not sure of the colours, just think of an easter egg. Would you find that certain hue on an easter egg? If so, then it's definitely pastel. If you don't have any pretty pastels in your wardrobe, it's never too late to join the following hot designers: Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Chanel and Antonio Berardi.

Photo by Vladimir Potop for telegraph.co.uk

Ways to wear it

Even though this trends comes back year after year, most of us are still having a hard time trying to incorporate it into our summer wardrobe. I mean, pair a mint blazer with a light blue trouser and you should yourself a life-sized lollipop! Below are a list of ways of wearing pastels and still looking edgy by Connie Wang for Refinery29.

1. Pair a pastel top with a pastel bottom. Make sure the hues worn compliment each other and not clash
2. Printed items with pastel hues. It's like killing two birds with one stone. Can you imagine a tribal print sweater printed with pastel colors? It's a double-whamy
3. Soften you outfit by wearing jewellery with pastel colors. I say it's the easiest way to stay trendy!
4. Have a "Metallic Moment" (Connie Wang) by adding a silver accessory such as a purse.
5. Last but not the least, finish off your pastel look by adding the edgy go-to item - a leather jacket (faux leather preferred)

Check out these amazing pieces that should be in anybody's closet! (I know they'll be on my shopping checklist!)

This sheer pastel sleeveless shirt from Asos is looking cute at $82.85

Ann Taylor offers this stretch sleeveless blouse in multiple pastel colours for $58.

This button up from Forever 21 is actually a HINT for the next trend & it's only $19.80!

So do you think you'll be brave enough to pull the pastel on pastel look? Or would you play it safe by pairing it with a gray pant/shirt? Share your comments below!

Trend # 3: Menswear - Cropped Pants

Menswear Fashion

 It's just about time to do menswear for my male readers out there. Let's start off by clearing the air a little bit. Men are definitely as enthusiastic about current fashion trends as women. They're just a little bit more subtle about it! So for this week's trend. It is the menswear cropped pants. Also known as capri pants, these must-have-for-summer item originated from Europe and was created by Sonja de Lennart. Hot designers like Dolce & Gabanna, Louis Vuitton and Burberry included cropped pants on the runway this season.

Photo by  Luca Cannonieri and Michele Morosi for
 Swide Magazine

Why it works...

• because it's summer, of course!
• it is the ultimate business casual go-to piece
• celebrities like Usher, David Beckham and Matthew McConaughey have been seen wearing them
• it is a way to look good and be comfortable at the same time
• because it is so versatile! Wear it with flip flops or Sperrys (loafers)

So why not, guys? Why not add a pair of cropped pants to your wardrobe? I've posted a couple of cropped pants to start off your wardrobe.

 Westpoint Cropped Chino -$196 from ShopStyle.com

Go casual with this Salomon Wayfarers from Rei - $85

These Levi's Skinny Cropped Pants are one sale for on $52.90!

So for my male readers out there. Are you brave enough to take on this trend? How would you wear it? Share you comments below!

Trend #2 - Flirty Florals

Florals florals florals!!!

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Spring/Summer? If you're thinking flowers, so do most people! And by most people, I'm talking about the hottest designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Peter Pilotto and Diane Von Furtsenberh (as shown below). Well, the warm weather is definitely here and the hotter it gets, the more floral prints seem to emerge on the fashion scene.

Image from www.stylebakery.com

 

Why the Flower Power always works

 Everyone loves versatility - this is the key factor why floral prints have been making a comeback spring after spring. Think about it. You can look edgy even if you're wearing a floral print dress. Below are a list of where and when you can wear each of your different floral pieces written by Liza from University of Michigan for College Fashion.
"Brunch: Ditch your usual sundress for floral print trousers. Keep the look simple and clean with minimal accessories and flats. Vogue.in loves the rose print trousers by Zara; pair it with a simple vest and sunglasses for a fuss-free look.
Work: If your office has a strict dress code, instead of a dress choose a floral print shirt to wear with your tailored trousers. Vogue.in recommends the abstract floral print chiffon blouse by Jason Wu with a pencil skirt to keep your look serious yet fun.
Cocktail: When it comes to night-time florals, choose an outfit in a darker shade to get the mood right. Vogue.in recommends opting for bigger prints, since they’re easier to carry off at night; we love the tangerine printed dress by Peter Pilotto."

Below are a couple of floral dresses that can definitely start your summer off right:

You can't go wrong with this Milly Floral-Print Silk Dress - $385

 Go vintage with this Holly Talula dress - $55

This H&M dress - $19.95 can be anyone's Go-To item

So how about it - do you prefer wearing florals girly or edgy? How else would you like to see floral prints? Share you thoughts below!

Intro + Trend 1 - Crop Tops

Introduction

Hi guys! I just wanted to make a quick post about what you should be expecting from this blog. So basically, it's a fashion blog and I will be highlighting the fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2012. The cool thing is I will show you pieces that resemble clothing that were featured on runways. The best part? They will obviously be affordable. Who doesn't want that? I know I do! I know I take every chance I get when it comes to saving money, looking good, feeling good and staying trendy.

This is going to be so exciting! So I encourage you to check back often to see the latest fashion trends for 2012. But before I go, I have been itching to post:

Trend #1: Crop Tops

Picture: Vladimir Potop from Telegraph.co.uk

Crop tops (including bandeaus and bustiers) have been hitting the runways lately. Designers like Dolce and Gabbnna, Nina Ricci, Prada and Emilio Pucci are definitely taking us back to the 50s when these were hot items. How did "crops" make such a comeback? It is because there is a secret to pulling this look and people just fell in love with it. The secret is to reveal only the slimmest part of the upper body. As it shows above, pair the crop tops with a high-waisted skirt to be able to achieve the runway look. This is a great alternative instead of baring your whole abdomen.

To get this look for less, check out the links below!

Motel Salvita Bra-Top from Urban Outfitters - $39

Crop tops can also be paired with high-waisted demin shorts

Cropped Lace Bustier from Forever 21 - $10.80

 

How do you prefer wearing your crop top? Would you dress it down with denim or dress it up with a pencil skirt? Share your comments below!

xoxo,

Alyssa