the shape of spring: maxi skirt

Elle has a wonderful article in this month's issue about trendy "shapes" for Spring 2012. So far we have discussed peplum tops, knife pleats, and the boxy jacket, and the fourth and final "shape" is the maxi skirt. This season's maxi skirt is amped up with color, pleats, and now (cow)girl meets glam accessories.

Check out the article and the look I put together below... what do you think?

{chambray button down, J.Crew / Skirt, 2020Ave / boots, Vince Camuto / purse, Threadsence}

So ladies, save your maxi skirts and rock them with Western inspired pieces this Spring!

thoughts?

xx

Jessica

P.S. For those of you who are here because of the IT list, Welcome! I hope you will stay a second and check out my blog
Other posts from this week to explore:

- Bright yellow pants brighten up dull Winter days

- In fact I have been rocking yellow pants all Winter and can't wait to continue into Spring

- Are you getting a tax refund? Here is how I am dreaming of spending mine

- Has it been a cold Winter in your neck of the woods? It has been so mild here in Nashville, I am having to creatively mix my heavy winter clothes to put them to good use.

Have a great weekend

xx

the shape of spring: boxy jacket

The 3rd installment in Elle's "Shape of Spring" feature, is the "Boxy Jacket". 

{See the previous two: peplums, knife pleats}

Imaged scanned in my me, via Elle February 2012 issue

This trend was a little more obscure for me than the other two, but upon scoping out this look in trendy internet boutiques, I realized what a wonderful season it is for jackets - of the "boxy" variety or not. Jackets are totally having a moment! 

Regardless of whether you want to pull a Man Repeller, or channel your inner 1950s lady, there is a jacket out there for you! I am looking forward to picking up a few fun jackets and pairing them with my classic silk shells and new color pants for Spring!

{Colored Denim / Classic Navy / Girlie Varsity / Lady-like Tweed / 

Fashion Forward Floral / Date Night Sparkler / Rocker Studs}

What do you think?

Will you be seen rocking a varsity jacket?

Or bring lady back with some tweed?

xx

Jessica

the shape of spring: knife pleats

Continuing my report of Elle Magazine's article, "The Shape of Things to Come" with the HOTT spring trend - Knife Pleats  (aka a fancy word for tiny pleats)

I love the lady-like trends of late, and pleats are no exception. The style blog word is full of inspiring looks that incorporate girlie pleated looks {here, here & here}, and one of my favorite Pinterest styles is pleated skirt + classic blazer.

{both images via Ashley's blog, Ring My Bell, leather skirt found here}

It was an easy chore to find a plethora of pleated skirts on the interwebs, just ready and waiting for warmer Spring temperatures. Knife pleats can be found on mini skirt, maxi skirt, and even dresses and peplum tops. All colors (hot pink!) and materials (faux leather!) are fair game too! Have fun with this style, whether it is dressed down with chambray or taken to the next lady-like level with silken blouses. 

 {Orange Skirt / Pink Skirt / Peach Maxi Skirt / Shimmer Mullet Skirt / Color-block Skirt / Gray Skirt (Halston Heritage on sale!)}

xx

Jessica

the shape of spring: peplum

Being the underpaid graduate student that I am, I subscribe to magazines only when I can afford them with my Coke Reward Points. While I love reading high fashion magazines, most of them hardly apply or are relevant to my life and fashion here in Nashville. Looking at the pretty high fashion pictures is a wonderful way to unwind, but mostly I figure if I can't afford the magazine, how am I to afford the fashionable clothing printed inside!?

"The Shape of Things to Come" via Elle February 2012 issue

This month's Elle changed my mind, a little bit.

The article on "The Shape of Things to Come" was very realistic, and I actually found myself getting excited about peplums and knife pleats!

In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that I am going to feature one of the 4 "shapes" highlighted in this article, each day for the rest of the week and include "real-life" examples of how to wear the "trend"

"The Peplum Top"

"The Peplum Top" via Elle February 2012 issue

 I think that the peplum is actually a very classic shape that reminds me of 1950's cocktail hours, and also one that is highly flattering (waist whittling, hip covering). The idea of a "peplum" is a short overskirt or veil that is attached to a shirt, skirt, jacket or dress (I guess it could be found on pants too...). 

This season's peplum shape comes in all colors and levels of flair for the dramatic. To keep this item in your closet for seasons well beyond this Spring, I recommend a classic black or navy peplum top {2 or 4 below}. But if you are in the market for a trendy peplum or wanting to purchase many, there are loads of colorful, and playful options currently in stores {1, 3, 5, 6}.

And don't be afraid to rock your peplum tops with skinny jeans & sky-high heels, shorts & wedges, pencil skirts & pumps. Or try your peplum skirts with playful bodysuits & ladylike silk blouses (just keep it tidy up top to balance the frilly-ness below).

{Red {similar} / Black {similar} / Teal / Navy / Bronze / Mustard}

What is your penchant for peplums?
xx

Jessica