Fall 2014 Trend: Chunky Knits

As temperatures plummet, wind chill skyrockets, and the number of layers multiply, chunky knits for these next freezing months seems like a no brainer. However, if the fall runway shows are any indication, this wintry style is just as stylish as it is practical. But, unlike a typical sweater and jean ensemble, these collections are anything but ordinary. At Christophe Lemaire, layers of scarves, sweaters, and cardigans in earthy tones were effortlessly piled over semi-flared denim. However, it was the unexpected knit leg warmers that exude a "wear me now" air. On the contrary, The Row's Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen created what appears to be the coziest, most textured look of the season. And most fashion fanatics will tip their hats off to any designer for creating a look that has both runway and lounge appeal. Though Michael Kors is known for being a king of American fashion, his take on this trend possesses an indescribable European nonchalance. Cool girls everywhere should be pairing their knits with masculine trousers. But don't write this trend off as effortless and mildly disheveled. Adam Lippes paired sleeveless sweaters with an otherwise ladylike look. And leave it to the Francisco Costa to utilize textures and send several knit, yet utterly minimalist, dresses down the catwalk at Calvin Klein. Whichever sartorial path you choose, this season's knits revitalize an otherwise wintry staple.

Christophe Lemaire Look 2

The Row Look2

Michael Kors Look 24

Adam Lippes Look 17

Calvin Klein Look 16

As easy as it may be to pair your sweater with a pair of skinny jeans and riding boots, amp up your winter wardrobe by styling your knits with more fashion-forward pieces. A basic sweater will instantly receive a chic upgrade when combined with a pleated skirt or wide-leg trouser. Though the pair of Uggs you secretly have lurking in the back of your closet seem like a great way to combat the imminent polar vortex, opt for a pair of a slim, up-to-there boot or sensible stacked heel. For an insanely stylish twist of this trend, focus on finding voluminous or extremely textured pieces in subdued hues, not vibrant brights.

1. 3.1 Phillip Lim 2. Bickley + Mitchell 3. Chloé  4. Hobbs 5. H&M 6. Maison Martin Margiela Line 1

What are you going to wear your knits with this winter? Sound off below! 

xx

Pink Me

This past June, my sister turned 21. And with every birthday comes a fabulous party, especially when you can legally drink in the United States!  My mom and I found a lot of potential dresses for her big bash;however, I fell in love with this pink sequined dress from Aqua and kept it when my sister didn't want it. It's not extremely fitted, but it's so Elle Woods. And doesn't everyone need an Elle Woods dress? Ever since I got it, I kept thinking "must blog." By the way, "must blog" was supposed to sound like a defective robot. So here we are, I'm writing a blog about this dress and you're reading it!

How awesome is that detail?

The thing that I love about this dress is it's beyond fabulous back and how it fits on the body. I wanted to show you beauties the beauty of this dress. Alas, that meant a mini photo shoot. My sister took some fabulous pictures that I want to share with all of you.

What I love about this back is that it's low enough to make a statement ;however, high enough to wear a strapless bra.  Since this dress epitomizes girly, I paired it with a pair of chunky black Calvin Klein heels to give it some swag.

This is one of those dresses that would look too over the top with a plethora of bracelets and necklaces. Going bare, however, would just be wrong. So what to do? I styled this look with black rhinestone earrings, to complement the black shoes as well as the sparkly dress. And that's it, you're done with the styling! Add a simple black clutch and you're ready to go out on the town! 

The strong lines on the shoe counteract the glitzy dress! What I love about this dress is it's comfort and fit. I always feel like a beached whale whenever I wear most sequined dresses: the sequins make the dress stiff, thus less form fitting. This dress, however, is different. I believe the sequin were sewn into the fabric, which gives the dress more shape. You go, Aqua!

And then the photoshoot went a little too far...

Too far too far!  In conclusion, a sequined dress is such a DO. I really don't think there's any way to dress down a sequined dress but let me know if you think of something.

As my mom would allegedly say, CIAO.

xx

If That's Movin' Up Then I'm Moving Out

This is a little sentimental, my last blog post as a college freshman. As any year, there were some fashion highs and fashion lows. But after freshman year, everything seems so old and scary. Anywho, I recently bought some absolutely fabulous pairs of shoes. Why not feature them here?

In front of a moving box, appropriate?

When it comes to summer shoes, the most important part is comfort The summer is so hot and sticky, do you really want to fuss with your shoes on top of all the problems summer brings? Nope. Also, showing off and awesome pedi is also a most, so an open toe is appropriate! 

I loved the strong lines on this sandal. So Hercules chic! I can totally picture these being matched with a maxi skirt or a cute little sundress!

How adorable is the floraled fabric? These shoes and feminine and really comfortable. I think these would look awesome with a simple LBD.

I love the floral appliques on these little Calvin Kleins! For a relaxed look, I would wear these with dark skinny- either dark blue or black- and a fun summer top! 

I wore these last week and I seriously felt like a supermodel. The tan leather strap and the height of the wedge made me have legs for days! I think to continue to lengthen your legs, go for short shorts or a romper!



Now that I have my summer shoes already picked out, there's one more thing I'm craving for this season: high waisted bathing suit. I know that might sound kind of weird and make you wonder if I'm an old lady. Well, no I'm not.  I think there's something so undeniably vintage and chic about a high waisted bathing suit. J'adore.

Photo Cred

I love this MARC by Marc Jacobs creation. The height of the waist is actually perfect and I love the color and print; so retro. I, or anyone, could totally wear this with a large sun hat and movie star-worthy sunnies!


Well, that's all for now!
(I thought that "Stay Trendy" sendoff from yesterday was too cheesy...so seeyuh)
xx

The Weekly: So Let's Not Complicate It, Just Say Yeah

Something pretty epic is happening tomorrow in Beantown:

Marathon Monday.

I'm intrigued and excited and a little terrified at the same time to witness such an event, but I think it'll be pretty fun. But it got me thinking, "should there be a dress code when it comes to exercise?" When I go to the gym I typically see two kinds of people: those who have ratty T-shirts and sweats versus those who have full hair and makeup while wearing spandex apparel, of course.

THIS
(Photo  Cred).

versus

THIS
(Photo Cred).

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm not too keen about dressing up like a stripper. However, I do think we should try to be a little glamourous everywhere we go. So for this weekly, I've decided to find some great and chic picks for when you're hitting the gym! 

• There's something about being able to say you're wearing Calvin Klein at the gym that makes me laugh. "Oooooooh, Clavin Klein you say?! How Elite!" But the brand actually has some great exercise selections!  This V-Neck Tank Top is perfect for the stairmaster: it's mostly cotton, lightweight, relatively well priced, and most importantly: it's loose fitting. I know I personally don't want to exercise in a corset, or anything like it. The wide stripes make the shirt more stylish than just a raggy tee! 
• To add to the wonderful designer pile, I think this RLX Ralph Lauren Fleece would be perfect for running. The cozy cotton will keep you warm and hood is perfect in the event it starts to rain. I also love the cobalt blue, so striking and will make anyone stare as you run past.  It's easy to wash, which makes it a staple piece for anyone's exercise wardrobe.
• I know it must be weird for someone to look to Urban Outfitters for exercise clothes, but I wear these BDG leggings when I go to the gym and I love them! They're super comfortable, which comes first and foremost when taking an aerobics or yoga class. And they come in fun clothes so everyone can spice up their ensembles! 
• I'm personally in the market for new running shoes and I know I'll be picking up a pair of Asics! Though other people prefer Nike or Puma, my last two pairs of sneakers have been Asics and I love them! I'm really eying this lightweight structured shoe: stable, comfortable, and I really like the bright colors! 

Okay this is enough fitness talk for one blog post, onto the weekly! 

• Alexis Bledel at The Conspirator premiere (Stella McCartney): Once again, welcome back to society Miss Bledel. I seriously think she perfected a good minimalist look here. The McCartney dress is not some boring color, but a smashing crimson. I think everyone should wear crimson to events! And she used awesomely chic accessories to spice up her "minimalist" look: the Cecelia clutch and shoes. While I wish that her makeup was more dramatic,  I thought her hair was clean and made the eye go straight to the crimson dress. FABULOUS.
• Drew Berrymore at The Beauty Detox Solution's book promo (JBrand and Catherine Malandrino): Obsessed with this look. Seriously, Drew Berrymore looks like the queen of hip right about now. The leather jacket is so alternative and I'm pretty smitten with it. I love how she kept the jewels rather minimal and dainty, juxtaposing it with a studded bag. And the random feather earring? I think that's what made this look for me. It's just so spot on but effortless at the same time. J'adore.
• Sarah Jessica Parker being a New Yorker and seeing Catch Me If You Can: The Musical (Oscar de la Renta, Chanel, and Louboutin): This looks like such a Pat Fields creation. What makes this outfit work is that even thought she mixed fabrics and patterns, she didn't experiment too much with color. The De la Renta black and white and the beige Louboutins acts as a naturals to the Chanel coat. And it's so age appropriate, which I think is something Parker always accomplishes. The soft waves makes her look chic, instead of a updo which would make Sarah Jessica Parker look granny. She's making all of the Sex and the City fans proud! 
• Alexis Bledel at another Conspirator premiere (Giussepe Zanotti and Oscar de la Renta): So are you in this movie or something, Alexis? Is there life after Gilmore Girls. Even though this dress is an awkward length on her, almost poorly hemmed, she still looks incredible. The dark colors of the dress work perfectly with her light complexion and gorgeous eyes. And I love the sparkles on the De la Renta!  The hair and makeup was supreme and minimal accessories are crucial when wearing a sparkly number. Bravo! 
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Oh. And if anyone was wondering, I ended up picking magazine journalism which I'm really excited about! 

xx