trends that make you go hmm: matched separates

Well, it's been a hot minute since I did one of my "trends that make you go hmm…" series posts. Today I'm bringing it back, starting with a trend that I have already embraced - matched separates (I love that TopShop calls them co-ords, so British!)

Here are my favorite bloggers rocking the trend. I really enjoy that it can be a low risk way to also try out the crop top look too. And matched separates come in all silhouettes - mini skirts & midi skirt, pants, & even patterned suits.

Top R // Top L

Bottom L // Bottom R

So, is this a trend that you will try? Or one that you will pass?

I found so many fabulous examples, I just had to share them. Get your shop on girl:

The Half United giveaway is ending tonight - enter here! 
Also, don't forget to enter to win one of 2 $75 gift cards Belk is giving away here!

A Tuxedo from the North

Hi There Here&Now Lovers! I am Jessica from DahliaLynn. I am so honored that sweet Jess has allowed me to spend a little time with you, while she is out of the office. If you hang around Here&Now and/or DahliaLynn, you know that Jess and I are blogging soul sisters. Both named Jessica, both from Arkansas, both went to school/work at Vanderbilt, both currently live in Nashville, both love pugs, both bloggers, and both love fashion. See...soul sisters...right? 

I have been dying to write for one of Jess' regular features called "Trends that make you go hmmmmm." Over at DahliaLynn we wear some crazy stuff and my style mantra focuses on dressing to the beat of your own drum and wearing what makes you happy. I really like to try out trends at least once and make them my own before giving the thumbs up or down. But that doesn't mean that every once upon a time, a trend makes me think long and hard before I give it a whirl. 

Enters the Canadian Tuxedo. I mean I have some mad love for jeans, but do I really want my whole body to be covered in jeans? Hmmmmm....I just was not sure at first. Did not help that I kept seeing the trend on very slender ladies with fitted skinny jeans and tucked in jean tops. I mean the glamazons look great and all, but I was not sure I was ready to stuff curvy, little me into jean everything. 

 Though I had some favorite jeans, I decided to wait to try the trend until I found that perfect jean top. Loose, soft, and with details that would not leave me looking like I was the groom in a Texas Tuxedo wedding if I wore the shirt with jeans. So when I finally found, the One, the perfect match to try the Canadian Tuxedo look, I was thrilled.

And the trend no longer makes me go hmmmm. I wear this loose button up with dark skinny denim jeans or my boyfriend jeans (I don't have a boyfriend...just the jeans...that did not come from a man...just a store.) I always try to soften the look with feminine heels, a statement necklace, and a bag with a bright pop of color. A bold lip doesn't hurt either. So what do you think? Did I nail it or are you still left thinking....hmmmmmmm?

If you like what you see, I would love for you to take a little visit over to DahliaLynn if you have never been. Sequins, color, vintage, and jewels are always around. Happy Day and a big thank you to Jess for having me!

Jessica 

Top {Tidwell & Perryman}, Jeans {Local Honey}, Heels {Kate Spade}, Necklace/Bag {J.Crew}, Sunnies {SEE}, Lips {Ruby Wood by Mac}

trends that make you go hmm... crop tops

The Summer trend that is buzzing all around the internets... the crop top!

As a child growing up in the 90s, this is the second time I have seen this style take its 15 minutes in the spotlight... (#ifeelold)

Do you embrace the crop?

I think I might take the mini crop plunge a la Blair, Nicole & Kendi!
Paired with high-waisted pants & midi skirts I think this trend can be down right chic!

But I am totally applauding the bare midriff boldness of the ladies on the bottom row as well!

top: 1 // 2 // 3
bottom: 4 // 5 // 6

If you are ready to bare the belly, shop my favorite selection of slightly shrunken tops:

top: 1 // 2 // 3
middle: 4 // 5 // 6 
bottom: 7 // 8 // 9

Does this trend make you scratch your head in wonder or hop on the bandwagon?

What is your favorite way to rock the crop top?

trends that make you go hmm... overalls

Is it just me, or have overalls been popping up like crazy lately?!
Long, short dungarees, rolled, layered, colorful or classic (can that last one even be said about overalls) - these babies appear to be going mainstream.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4

Maybe it is just a Fashion Week phenomenon (like that idiotic cape-jacket thing that renders your arms completely useless), or a Man Repeller Thing (it does appear that overalls inspired her first tome), or a 90s comeback invasion.

But I have to ask: Are Overalls a trend that you will be trying out?

Personally, I think my foray into overalls peaked in 1997 & dangit I wish I had a picture to prove it, because I'm pretty sure I rocked the crap out of them!

On board with overalls?

Get your fix with these picks below, or scout out a vintage pair at your local thrift shop/flea market

P.S. It's not to late to enter to win a J.Crew gift card here !!

(on second thought, it J.Crew sells overalls, I would totally think about getting a pair!!)

trends that make you go hmm... Spring (p)leather

Leatherette, pleather, vegan leather, faux leather - whatever you call it, this is a growing trend that is slated to still be "in" for Spring.
I have worn my pleated leather skirt with love all Fall/Winter long, so I am looking to grab a fun Spring colored (p)leather skirt to add to my collection!
Which one is your favorite?

pleated dress // pink skirt // quilted leather skirt // laser cut skirt

trends that make you go hmm... lucite heels

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

I think lucite has finally lost its bad connotation with those type of working women... & now this futuristic material is popping up more & more in both home design & even fashion. I have been spotting these trendy clear heels left & right, & must say that I am on board team "Let's Dress Like We Are In The Jetsons"... who's with me?

This pair & the Kate Spade pair (#1) are my favorites for summer!

trends that make you go hmm... the leopard coat

This statement making coat might not be for everyone, but these chic spots are popping up everywhere, & I personally couldn't resist. I'm blaming it on these gorgeously styled ladies of Pinterest:

Top 1 // 2 // 3 Bottom 4 // 5

See what I mean!? Paired with all black, laid back skinnies, lace skirts & more - this classic print topper instantly makes everything fabulous (imagine how glam paired with your holiday dress!)

I just picked up this coat from ASOS (currently on sale... run ladies, run) & couldn't be more in love - I apologize in advance if all of my outfits for the rest of the month feature it!

Are you on team leopard?

If you are looking for some fierce spots of your own, check out these picks (at price points - from $60-200!)

trends that make you go hmm... daytime sparkle

As the weather cools down, the ability to wear sparkles during the day increases, culminating with the Holidays and New Year's Eve. Are you ready to pull out your bling for daytime? I am hoping to add some excitement to my chunky sweaters with sequin collars, and glitzy clutches.

{via PeopleStyleWatch Magazine}

What are your thoughts on sequins, glitter, and shine for day light hours?
Need to add some sparkle to your daytime looks? Shop my favorite picks here:

xx
Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... combat boots

Growing up I loved the retro clothing seen in family photos - the bell bottoms my mom wore in the 70s, the beaded clutches from my grandmothers' hay days in the 50s... but never did I think the era of my childhood, the 90s, would come full circle so quickly (show what I know!)

I can remember well begging my parents for a pair of Dr. Martens (a la Daria) and being denied over and over. I guess now is my chance - combat boots are back!

{ Wear Now // Wear Later }

I actually am digging the look of lace-up boots with tights and dresses for Fall.

Are combat boots on your Fall shopping list?

xx

Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... wedge sneakers

Have you taken the plunge and gotten yourself a pair of fashion sneakers?

I was so far away from accepting these wedge sneakers until I saw the über cool-girl Jules from Sincerely, Jules rocking hers with everything from girlie sundresses to trendy camo tops.

{ Image of Sincerely, Jules via } 

Whether you want to splurge for the designer piece or save on a discount pair from Target... there are many ways to shop this trend...

Are you going to be diving in?

Thoughts?

xx

Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... feathers

{via here, here, here}

Lately, feathers have been ruffling some of my favorite bloggers, appearing on runways, and are all over stores. This luxe material definitely makes quite a statement...

but I have not yet decided if I will be adding any to my closet yet....

trends that make you go hmm... attitude glasses

Need to work on being a little more subtle with my camera remote... but look at the focus on my face!

{ What I Wore: Urban Outfitters blazer & glasses // Ann Taylor shell & wedges // J.Crew shorts // ModCloth necklace }

Get the Look:

white blazer {save // splurge} + white shorts (now on sale) + leopard shell + gold heels + attitude glasses

trends that make you go hmm... pleated (p)leather skirts

I have been eyeing leather skirts since Fall 2011 and am even more excited to see these skirts making a strong return for this Fall/Winter... 

check out how some fabulous ladies have been rocking their leather skirts:

{ Image 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 }

I just purchased this skirt, and I am officially obsessed... this trend is a go for me!

Thoughts?

xx

Jessica

P.S. Today I am linking up {here}

loafing around

Are loafers still cool? Or am I late to the trend again?

After seeing this amazing chicness of girls in loafers (here, here, here, & here), I think I might just have to give these classic kicks a try!

trends that make you go hmm... summer neutrals

I am personally a huge fan of Summer Neutrals (and even neutrals for Spring too!). When it gets hot, one of my favorite ways to chill out is with a subdued color palette. Summer neutrals are perfect for music festivals, weddings (just NOT white!), grilling out with friends, or relaxing pool/beach-side.

I found this "old school" pin that I tore out of InStyle last summer, and also rounded-up some of my favorite picks currently in stores (oh how I wish the internet was my closet!)

{ via InStyle May 2011 Issue } 

{ via InStyle May 2011 Issue } 

White, tan, blush, cream... so refreshing in the warmer months! 

Dress your neutrals up with metallics, or rock them out with neons!

See all of my summer neutral picks (and more!) here... 

Have you heard of Currently Obsessed? I just started a collection, and I hope you will "stalk" my Obsession board (again, if only the internets were my closet)! 

I will try to keep my collection current with mostly affordable, chic, pieces with a few lust worthy save-your-pennies items thrown in there too!

{STALK ME}

xx

Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... neon

Neon has been on my radar for some time now, but I haven't gathered up the courage to try the trend (yet). However, seeing Nany's challenge the other day changed my mind. I am loving how Julia from Gal Meets Glam and Aimee from Song of Style added large and small neon accents into their wardrobe for a fabulous result. Neon colors are a big part of the JCrew S/S2012 collection, and I am so happy to see the bright & happy colors paired with classic basics.

Get The Look: J. Crew Sping 2012 by glitterguide featuring genuine leather handbags

I have compiled some of my favorite ways to add neon, and hope that I can jump on this bandwagon soon (and fluff out my basics with some punch)!

{Pink blouse / Yellow shift / Orange pouch / Green heels / Blue satchel / Purple jeans}

neon brights

For some reason my "trends that make you go hmm... neon" post was too long and created a traffic jam of posts on my page, so I removed the last picture but still wanted to share it...

I used to rock some neon back in my day (child of the '80s!), 

and I am ready to embrace it once again.

What about you?

Are you already rocking it? Or looking forward to adding neon for Spring?

xx

Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... denim on denim

Are you familiar with the "Canadian Tuxedo"? While often considered a mistake of the 90's (there is even a website dedicated to the worst offenders), denim-on-denim looks have lost the boy band stigma, and are once again fashionable! 

(I wonder if my children will question this in another 20 years!?)

I think the proprietor of thecanadiantuxedo.com said it best:

"Sometimes it’s important to look your best. Sometimes everything else is in the wash. Sometimes you just don’t need a reason. In these situations, it’s good to know there’s a fashionable option to ensure you feel comfortable as well as good looking. Couple your jeans with your denim jacket in a delicious double denim ensemble that tells the world just how super cool you are"

Chloé/D&G/Twenty8Twelve {found here}

The runways and street-style sidewalks have embraced the head-to-toe denim esthetic (hello Spring 2010), have you? I was reluctant to give it a try (aka late to the party again), but now that I have embraced this lifestyle, I think I'm hooked (it doesn't hurt that my chambray shirt is easily my favorite shirt in my closet!) Good thing fashion is a little behind here in Nashville. I also am looking forward to pairing my chambray shirts with colored/patterned denim come spring - so fun!

J.Crew Chambray Shirt
Madewell Jeggings
Riding boots (old)
Modcloth Necklace

What do you think? Love it? Hate it?

Keep it classy internets

xx

Jessica

trends that make you go hmm... fur vests

Images found here & here

Seeing images of celebrities and stylish girls on the street decked out in (faux) fur this season has left me with mixed emotions. I will run you through my series of reactions to this style... At first I was a little appalled that such high fashion ladies were wearing...gasp... FAUX fur! Then I thought it was pretty cool how this often inexpensive item can be paired with denim, skirts, and formal dresses alike. Next, I set out to secure a fur vest (gilet) of my own... only to find one that I LOVED.... that unfortunately made me look like a Sasquatch! boo

As a petite individual, it is often a fine line between resembling a classy lady and a woodland creature when wearing fur. And upon donning the LOVELY fur vest I found at Urban Outfitters, my boyfriend petted it/me (not good). This style has been so popular this season, it seems every fur vest I find and fall in love with, is sold out in XS/S... and me attempting to pull off a medium has only so far resulted in being mistaken for an escaped monkey...

So below are the fur vests I am going to continue to stalk online in hopes of one in my size becoming available. How funny is it that I was on the fence about this trend until I realized that my owning it was not going to happen! Maybe it is a sign... only stalking time will tell 

xx

1/2/3/4