Don't Be Afraid of The Prints

Illustrated by Jacqueline Davis Moranti

When the weather is warm and gorgeous, it's the best time to experiment with new trends that you may have been too hesitant try out. This season, one of the major trends to look into is wearing prints and patterns. Prints on prints or one highlighted print, it' s definitely a fun style  to try, one that I am totally infatuated with! Unfortunately, not everyone is keen on trying this trend out, some may think it's too bold and loud, or that it accentuates the "wrong parts" of their bodies. I tend to think otherwise, but there are other ways to conquer the trend for those that are meek of the heart.... wearing it on your feet!

Remixed, Striped Dress

I'm really trying to be better about wearing pieces in my wardrobe more often. I find that months later i'll find a piece a wore once and wonder why I forgot it. With the reason being, that it may be a piece that's very specific to a certain season. This dress for instance, simple, horizontally striped, 3/4 sleeves and fitted. It's super comfy, and super thin, and because of that I tend to wear it in the warmer months. Well, I wanted to challenge that perception and save some money! And here are two of my results!

Jacket: Zara, dress: H&M, scarf: Urban Outfitters, bag: Forever21, wedges: Steve Madden

I absolutely adore the print mixing trend, I try to abide by it every day! Stripes paired with an ethnic print seemed like the perfect free spirited look for a rainy day. 

Jacket and skirt: Forever21, dress: H&M, belt: thrifted, pumps: shoedazzle, satchel: Urban Outfitters

Another one of my favorite trends, the monochromatic look, shades of the same color family. This is a fun way to revamp your dresses, wearing a skirt over it, adds a new feeling to it! Blue skirt and blazer, with accents of gold felt very appropriate for an afternoon brunch. 

As you have seen, the key to this thin, summery dress is layers. By adding or subtracting layers, one can turn any article of clothing into a summer or winter appropriate piece. By treating the dress as a canvas, I was able to variate the colors and prints to pair with it. Also, tights/ hosiery are your best friends through out the winter! 

Dear readers, what do you think of these looks? How would you style this dress?

Wedge Sneakers

I must share with you my love for one of my latest finds! Browsing through Nastygal one day, I came upon a pair of incredibly unique sneakers. Whoever came up with the concept of making high fashion sneakers was a genius! I know Isabel Marant brought light to this fashion trend last fall, by introducing the Bekett sneakers. I'm a short gal so whenever I can wear heels and be comfortable, I run with it! The best part is that the wedge is concealed, making it less obvious that you are wearing heels. I seriously love it! I think I need it in more colors too!

Oxford shirt: borrowed from the BF,  peplum top: H&M, skirt: Forever21, sneakers: Nastygal

What do you gals think of this sneaker trend, love it or hate it?

                                                                                                                              Xoxo,

                                                                                                                               Jacqui

Fashion Staple

Cardigan: H&M, T-shirt and skirt: Forever21, Sandals: thrifted from Greece, Jewelry: Forever21, H&M, thrifted

        One of the most unique and versatile pieces in our closets are our maxi skirts. It can also be pretty confusing, since there's so many options with it. Yes, it's a skirt and you can wear it simply the way you see it, but what's the fun in that?!
        Lengthy maxi skirts are the most fun, you get to play with a lot of fabric! One of my favorite thing to do is pin different parts of the hem in different areas of the skirt, it gives off a really neat draping affect.You could also use fancy, decorative pins, such as an embellished brooch. Or you could tie one side of the skirt in a knot, it looks really cool when you put the knot in the front. Another way of wearing this trend, is by wearing the skirt with a same colored top to create the illusion of a one piece. When I wear it this way, I 'll usually throw on a wide belt to hide waist bands, plus it also looks great! One of the other way to wear a maxi skirt, is to take one part of the hem and pull it up to the waist and tuck it in. This trick looks especially great with a hi- lo maxi skirt. I know it sounds strange but you can't knock it until you try it!
        I hope that these few tips have vastly helped give you different ways to wear the maxi skirt this summer. There are a ton of more ways to wear this trend, both imaginative and creative, how will you be wearing it? The next time you see a maxi skirt in one of your favorite stores, don't hesitate in getting it, you will find that you have more than one option with it.

                                                                                                                             Xoxo,
                                                                                                                                Jacqui

Closet Cravings.

        I attended an event recently, Skai Blue Media Showcase, where I saw some beautiful fashion designs, from local Philadelphia designers. It was a showroom event with exquisitely picked work. I loved all of the designs that were featured but my absolute favorite were from Marina Makaron.
        Her designs were bright and in your face, patterned! Both combinations which I truly do adore! Crafted with silk, in tunic dress form, I could totally see myself wearing it to cocktail hour or a night out with the girls! There was also a longer length dress that was featured, it had a very "goddess" look, a modest plunged neckline, with draping sleeves. Excuse my drooling! I love that she plays with ethnic prints in a wide array of colors, Makaron makes the ultimate statement pieces. Here's a few drool- worthy pictures! Make sure to check out the collection on her site, I promise you'll love it as much as I do!

  

All images via Marina Makaron Moscow

Photo courtesy of: Hannan Saleh

Here's my outfit for that night.

                                                              Xoxo,

                                                                     Jacqui

A Touch of Blue.

Jacket: H&M, Top:Asos, Trousers: J.Crew, Wedges: Zara, Jewelry: Thrifted

I really love the effect that one bold color can make on a palette of a different color. That's why color blocking is one of my favorite trends! It's definitely a trend for the daring and those not afraid of pairing some unlikely colors. Btw, these wedges are one of the most comfortable pairs I've ever worn! Happy color blocking!

                                              Xoxo,

                                                    Jacqui

Underrated Wardrobe Pieces.

                                       Top: Gap, Sweater: Thrifted, Jeans: Forever21, Hat and jewelry: Forever21 

        One of the most underrated items in most of our closets are hats. They get get shoved into a deep, dark corner never to be seen until the annual closet clean up! Right now a big trend this season is the straw hats. I love this trend, not only is it fashionably chic but also good for protecting the delicate skin on our faces and our lovely locks! I'll admit, I used to be afraid of wearing hats, mostly because of my big hair, but honestly big hair or not, hats look good on anyone! Go out and try a straw fedora or a wide brimmed straw hat, it might just be the one major accessory for you this summer!



                                                                                                                          Xoxo,
                                                                                                                              Jacqui