Trends | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 45

Trends

March 9, 2012

Pretty Pleated Maxi Skirts For Ever-Flowing Style (thefind Guest Post)

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From our friends at thefind.com:

While maxi dresses may always have a special place in summer trends as a go-to for instant, comfortable warm-weather glamour, it’s become pretty clear that maxi skirts have taken their place as the trendiest way to keep cool this upcoming season. Flowing fabric, long lengths, and the importance to be extra mindful of proportions make maxi skirts a not-so-easy trend to pull off, but for those who succeed, the look is romantic but still breezy with a boho-inspired feel, and undeniably comfortable. Sultry sheer panels and fun florals make these ultra-long skirts pretty, edgy, and summer-festive (especially when cinched with a wide belt), and fanciful pleats give them that extra movement so you don’t look or feel like you’re wearing a sheet. Paired with the right sleek blouse or colorful tank (or even a fitted blazer for those chillier nights out) and you’ve got yourself a bevy of day or not options for a look that’s laidback-luxe.

From left to right: NY Collection Sheer Pleated Maxi, Cremieux Miranda Floral-Print Maxi Skirt, and Hive & Honey Pleat Maxi Skirt.

– Alexandra Gambardella

March 9, 2012

10 Must-Haves When Packing [Light] for Vacation

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Ahh, spring break… A recess from (school) work means quality time with your self, the sun, and a frozen strawberry daiquiri. Doesn’t it sound divine? I can practically feel the warm sand between my toes as I prepare to embark on my own getaway. Here’s to packing light and simultaneously creating a dream destination wardrobe with our top ten must-haves when vacationing.

Daftbird Heather Tank Long Dress via Shopbop.com, $124

1. Maxi Dress – The maxi dress is here to stay for a while, in its full, unstudied elegance. This Daftbird scoop neck, racer back version in a heather gray is ideal for layering over a bikini or pairing with wedges and statement jewelry at night. It says laid back and sexy with its fantastic seam detailing, without appearing overdone.

Alice + Olivia Savannah Platform Wedge Sandals via Shopbop.com, $295

2. Wedge – Stacked platform wedges are every woman’s best friend when traveling. They offer comfortable support, provide perfect height, lengthen legs, and come in a variety of neutrals (as seen above with a dash of metallic), colors, and patterns. They’ll easily transition you from day to night as they compliment a plethora of ensembles. Your feet will love and thank you!

Cheap Monday Lori Hat via Shopbop.com, $30

3. Beach Hat – While we love a little sun-kissed glow, wrinkles will never be on trend. Get the proper dose of Vitamin D with this adorable floppy straw hat. It’s glamorous, yet low key and will pull any beach look together.

Gypsy Junkies Brentwood Rouched Blouse, $70

4. Tunic– Tunics are almost too versatile, which is why you absolutely must bring along this fun frock. Try this as a cover up alone, pair it with shorts, or rock it with your skinny white/pastel jeans. No matter which way you work it, tunics are classic and cool. We adore this color-blocked version from JCrew, a total bargain, above!

Suede Messenger Clutch Bag via Zara.com, $79.90

5. Colorful Clutch -Brighten up your summer neutrals with this rainbow bright accessory, a vivid clutch.  Pair with neutrals for color that pops, or with brights for a look that’s powerfully illuminating. These small accessories are a HUGE trend right now!

Basic Sandal via Zara.com, $35.90

6. Flat Sandal – A flat sandal will still leave you looking impeccably dressed. They can look carefree, but also polished with nearly everything in your luggage. Try them with your bikini on the beach or toughen up a flowy mini dress with our favorite, a leather pair. The quandary of what to wear on your feet has been forever solved.

Tiki Bikini via NastyGal.com, $195

7. Bikini – I mean, this goes without saying. You haven’t been hitting the gym since New Years for nothing. Be confident in a bold print or keep things simple with a basic black suit. Take a cue from the model and stack some bangles on your wrist for a fun, tropical vibe.

Slasher Flick Cutoff Short via NastyGal.com, $78

8. Jean Shorts -Bring on the jorts. There is just something we crave about this destroyed high-waist cutoff pair, but a more tailored version will certainly suffice. We see it with a cropped tank and your platforms or your tunic and flats!

Daphne in Rose Shaded Brown via TomFord.com

9. Shades – Easily the best accessory to have on hand is a great pair of sunglasses. Not only are these incredibly important for protecting your eyes, but eyewear makes even the plainest of getups seem luxe. Find a pair that flatters your face, enhances your personality and brings the celeb out of you. (We’re currently lusting over these Tom Ford iconic cat-eyes.)

Multi Layer Beaded Bracelet via Forever 21.com, $5.80

10. Statement Jewelry– All vacation looks require some ornamentation. We’re not talking beads in the hair, but rather try an arm stacked full of beaded strands or a geometric necklace that stands on its own. Beachy baubles are always fun. Try eye-catching hues and unexpected metallic shades to accentuate your look.

Bon voyage you fashionable jetsetters!

-Alana Quagliariello

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March 8, 2012

UGG Australia: Women’s Spring 2012 Collection

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“California Dream”

When you think of UGG Australia, you may already think of transitioning to California beach living, a breezy lifestyle characterized by comfort, crashing waves and raffia wedges. UGG journeyed back in time to the California of the 1940s, a more glamorous era of sunshine and sophistication. The brand’s version of the “California Dream” centers around color and print as the mediums for artistic freedom.

Lucianna

The company’s roots run deep in California, as is evidenced by the new chic silhouettes harkening to the days when dancing on a yacht along the Malibu coastline was commonplace. The Isla Collection boasts bright and strappy espadrilles, while the Clog Collection uses leathers, suedes, and cotton weaves with floral perforated mosaic patterns. Meanwhile, the new Comfort and Beach Casual Collections feature none other but the fashionable, comfortable flip flop. Other collections include Sport, Classic, Classic Knit, and Lo Pro.

Classic Straw Tote and Santorini ikat Scarf BagFrayed Solid Pareo Wrap

Continuing with this theme, UGG’s apparel options fit right in with young Hollywood style. Lightweight ponchos will battle rainy days while those chillier nights will call for bomber jackets in soft goat suede. Hooded silk wraps (of the Shangri-La Collection) make a strong comeback in every shade from boysenberry to black and white. Lifestyle pieces run rampant in this seasonal collection including V-neck tanks, racer backs and more.

(The collections mentioned will be available at UGG Australia retail locations, www.uggaustralia.com, and several department stores in January 2012.)

“UGG Collection“

Things really heated up, or, at least my pulse quickened, with the delivery of UGG Collection’s bold designs in exotic materials. Talk. About. Luxe!  Inspired by Mid-Century Modern architecture and furniture, the UGG Collection offers a more refined on footwear and handbags. Natural elements of water, sea glass, shells and indigenous plants to the Adriatic coast elevate this line to another level.

Marcella

All materials used for this particular line are sourced in Italy, including stingray, salmon skin, python, ostrich leathers and more! These are the furthest thing from your furry, worn in UGG boots. You’ll want to treat these with ultimate care as the collection flaunts sensuous sculptured heels out of a richly veined rosewood (most often used for making guitars!) and hardware.

Onorina

We are already coveting The Onorina, an open toe bootie featuring hand-woven tanned leathers, and the impeccable Amara Tote duplicated in the same vachetta leather.  Price points for footwear range from $550-$950 and handbags from $495 to $995, available only at select high-end retailers, UGG Flagship stores and at www.uggaustralia.com as of February 1, 2012.

-Alana Quagliariello

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February 28, 2012

Sneak Peek: Marni for H&M

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The Marni collection at H&M, beyond being highly anticipated, will take on a distinct personality. Consuelo Castiglioni desired to create a “playful range of style possibilities” with prints that pop, innovative sportiness, and an energetic sophistication that recurs throughout. You can expect the signature juxtaposition of shapes in loose dresses, shirts and tops, slender skirts, and well-constructed knits.

Relaxed ensembles crafted of parkas and zip ups have an unexpected sophistication when paired with long Bermuda shorts ($49.95) and suit pants. The patent leather zip up tops ($149) will redefine the basics, as will the silk front cardigans boasting a knitted back. We love the lilac gold brocade against an otherwise practical color palette: black, navy, olive green, khaki, rust and orange. What’s more, there are plenty of abstract patterns that manage to go with everything. Accessories are bold, eclectic and sculptural. Sequined shirt collars ($19.95) as necklaces, resin bracelets meant to be stacked, quirky straw hats and more! We challenge you to blindly grab two pieces and make your perfect Marni combination. In essence, this will define the compilation.

Get ready to explore this ingenious collection for spring, every fashion visionary’s dream. The collection will be available from March 8th, in about 260 stores worldwide, as well as on-line!

-Alana Quagliariello

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