Gridlock

Did anyone happen to catch their favorite designers show at New York Fashion Week? If I'm lucky enough, I hope to attend a show or two in the future (I'm working on it! :)) but for now, I'm perfectly happy looking through pictures and videos online. One thing that I noticed about some Spring 2014 collections was their use of the grid pattern. Lela Rose showcased the grid pattern on her feminine silhouettes while Sally LaPointe featured the design on a baggy jacket. L.A.M.B. produced a sexy grid patterned skirt with a high slit to show off the legs while Christian Siriano showcased the design in a feminine drop waist skirt. And last but not least, Robert Rodriguez incorporated the grid pattern in deep v-neck blouse.

What I love about the grid design is that you can style it in different ways despite it's seemingly simple pattern. I made some mood boards of clothing that had the grid pattern so you can transition it into your wardrobe easily.

(hat: Biltmore Felt Fedora | Earrings: Benevolent Jewels | Top: H&M | Pants: J.Crew Toothpick jean | Socks: Happy Socks Leopard socks | Boots: h by Hudson Horrigan Boots)

First is this grid blouse from H&M. It's a simple sleeveless button up that will transition well from summer to fall. Pair it with dark skinny denim like the Toothpick jean from J.Crew and some of your favorite ankle boots. When it gets a little cooler in the months ahead, wear it with your favorite patterned socks and fedora and finish it off with a black blazer and some statement jewelry like the earrings by Benevolent Jewels.

(Top: Early Light Top | Skirt: Avery Leather Skirt | Scarf: J.Crew Grid Scarf | Shoes: Jeffrey Cambell Bethany | Bracelets: Free People Hard Bangle Set | Bag: Botkier Honoroe Satchel)

For the cooler months coming up, add something new to your scarf collection with a grid patterned scarf like this one from J. Crew. Pair it with this fun cut-out blouse from Need Supply and leather skirt. Finish it off with some of your favorite heels or ankle boots and some bracelets.

(Outfit: Steven Alan | Necklace: Benevolent Jewels Frozen Berries necklace | Clutch: Moyna Oval Stone Medallion | Shoe: ALDO Pudil)

If you want to be a little more daring with grid, try dressing up in a head to toe look by pairing it together like this look by Steven Alan. This could be a perfect outfit for a night out, just add a statement necklace with a clutch and you're good to go.

Fringe

I know what you're thinking, fringe details can look a bit silly (cowboy festivals ring a bell?) and it may seem a little intimidating to wear but I think it can add a fun twist to the typical summer wardrobe. I think if the details are subtle and not so excessive, it can actually be flattering as well. Here are some of my favorite picks for fringe that I think would look great in anyone's wardrobe.

(Nasty Gal Fringe Tank | ASOS Shirt With Fringed Sleeves | Forever21 Western Fringe Shirt)

This tank by Nasty Gal is a great way to wear fringe during the day. It's simple and would be easy to pair with cut off shorts or faded denim. Fringe detail on the sleeves by ASOS is another pick that I like because I think it adds a playful twist to your typical button down. If fringe sleeves are too much for you, try this black button up shirt with subtle detailing by Forever21.

(ASOS Leather Fringe Mini | Forever21 Chiffon Fringe Mini | Tobi Fringe Kiss Skirt | Lulu's Girl's Best Friend Skirt)

For your summer skirts this year, why not try to wear a fringe skirt for a change. Dress it down by wearing it with your favorite white t-shirt or chambray shirt. Dress it up by pairing it with a silk button down or crop top with some statement jewelry. 

Bandana/Paisley Prints

Torn by Ronny Kobo Bandana Pants | ASOS Pencil Skirt in Bandana Print | L'AGENCE Paisley Print Silk Shirt | ASOS Bandana Tank

Paisley and bandana inspired prints are popping up just in time for summer but in a more modern, edgy way. It may seem like a difficult print to pull off but with the right styling, anyone can wear paisley.

Madewell Bandana boyshirt | Madewell Suede Billie Boot | Paige Skinny jeans | ASOS Pack of 8 smooth rings | Cleobella Leo Clutch

For a more refined look, pair a silk paisley blouse with white skinny jeans. Wear them either with your favorite ballet flats or ankle boots. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum, a few gold or silver rings on the fingers or a simple chain necklace. Top the outfit off with a clutch, either a standard black one or if you want to add more color to your outfit, a clutch with a fun beaded pattern with a pop of neon.

Bandana print shirt | High waisted faux leather shorts | Madewell Etched Hoop Earrings | H.W.A 5panel Bandana hat | Converse Leather Low Top

To add some attitude to your paisley print, pair it with leather accented shorts or leggings. Gold jewelry works well with this red bandana shirt, especially the gold hooped earrings. Stacked gold rings or bracelets work as well. Keeping the bandana theme going, add this fun hat with the pattern on the visor and that is appropriately named 'Human With Attitude' to this outfit. Finish the whole outfit off with leather Chucks on your feet.

Cropped cargo top | ASOS Fine Torque Necklace | Quay retro glasses | Carven Paisley print shorts | Sam Edelman 'Dakota' sandal

For something casual, pair these paisley printed shorts with a bold colored crop top to add a little fun to your wardrobe. Pair it with a simple gold chain choker and neon colored or patterned retro sunglasses. Finish it off with your favorite pair of strappy sandals.

Have fun with paisley and bandana inspired prints! Although it's a bold print, the good thing about it is that it can either be dressed up or down for any occasion. It's all about mixing and finding what looks right for you. Just remember to always have fun with fashion.

Origami Skirts

(all images via tumblr)

I'm not really a big fan of skirts but I am starting to love these origami inspired ones that have been popping up lately. The fun folded detail adds a little flair and character to the normal everyday skirt. Dress them up with a button-up silk blouse with heels or dress it down by wearing a loose tank top or a chambray shirt with thigh high boots or flats.

You can find origami inspired clothing at: Zara, ASOS, Nordtrom, J.Crew

Printed Pants

([blanknyc®] printed denim jeans | River Island Palm Scarf Print Jean | CAFÉ CAPRI IN POP ART POLKA DOT | thistle thorn pants)

I'm really liking the variety of printed pants that are coming out for the spring and summer season. I feel like some people get intimidated by prints because they don't know what to pair them with. In my opinion, there aren't really rules when it comes to fashion, just have fun.

I like to mix and match prints, patterns, and textures together to make an outfit stand out. For example, I'd pair a striped shirt with the polka dotted denim jeans by blanknyc or even a sequined top with the Cafe Capri pants with a squinted shirt and a neon necklace or belt just for an extra pop. I find them easy to dress up or dress down and you can make a variety of outfits around the pants. Just mix and match and remember to have some with it!

Flashback: Rhythm Nation

(images: link 1 | link 2 | link 3 | link 4)

The fashion industry is fast paced, constantly changing, and always about the new but more often than not, past influences are always revisited as well.

Janet Jackson is one of my favorite artists and one of my favorite albums of all time is Rhythm Nation 1814. Who could forget that famous body hugging black outfit with silver pins and combat boots? As I mentioned before, past influences are often revisited in the fashion industry. Take for instance the former editor of Harper's Baazar (Russia) and now freelance writer, Miroslava Duma seen  at the Chanel Fall 2012 fashion show in Paris. She wore a long structured blazer with gold Chanel pins and thigh high boots that looked all too familiar. The outfit reminded me of a more modern and new version of the Rhythm Nation outfit, don't you agree?

I'll end this post with one of my favorite songs from Miss Jackson.

Pumped Up Kicks

Sneakers? For Spring? Groundbreaking.

Sorry, I couldn't help but have a little Miranda moment from The Devil Wears Prada.

Gone are the days when sneakers were just used for the gym or running errands; Now the styles are getting more refined, creative, and fashionable. Pair them with your favorite skinny jeans and a soft t-shirt or tank and a long cardigan for a casual look. For a night out, wear them with some leather leggings, a flowy top and a fun statement necklace.

The picture above are some of my favorite sneakers for the Spring season. What are some of your favorite kicks?

(Ash Bowie Wedge Sneaker | keds® for madewell blanket-stripe sneakers | Chuck Taylor Moto Leather Jacket | Tonal Canvas Laceup)