Fall 2013 Trend: Subtle Leopard

As every fashion groupie knows, sporting something leopard is the ultimate way to create a show-stopping ensemble. Style icons such as Kate Moss and Mrs. Robinson are notorious for rocking this trend, while modern trendsetters like Alexa Chung and Adele Excharopoulos incorporate dashes of leopard into their everyday outfits. This fall, the sartorial tables have turned. While you can still wear this fierce print to make a statement, wearing leopard as a versatile neutral is so on trend. Whether you pair this print with another pattern or embrace the power of layering, this alternative way to unleash your animalistic instincts is one of the hottest trends.

Thakoon

Emanuel Ungaro

Diane Von Furstenberg 

DKNY

Burberry Prorsum 

Before you embrace this trend with open arms, it's imperative to kick any sartorial jitters to the curb. Though this trend looks at leopard through a subtle lens, you must be completely confident to wear this print as a neutral. Kapeesh? The key to rocking this trend is investing in threads with muted color palettes. Any piece that's too vibrant will overpower the rest of your look. As easy as throwing on a pair of leopard heels or tossing all your necessities into a printed clutch may be, this fad is all about polished, office-appropriate silhouettes. Spice up your average nine-to-five ensemble with a structured pencil skirt, silky blouse, or an understated tee. If you're looking for an after-hours alternative, take a note from DKNY's fall collection and opt for a cozy sweater dress. And now, the million dollar question: how does a budding fashionista (or fashionisto) turn this vibrant pattern into a low-octane ingredient to any stellar outfit? Layer, ladies and gent! Sporting a solid blazer or coat will tone down the overall look. Also, don't be afraid to add some edgy patterns and textures. Whether you incorporate some tough leather, soft knits, or a zany rubber fabric, this crazy pattern will definitely take a backseat. I know what you're thinking: leopard never looked so chic!

L Agence long sleeve shirt / Equipment long sleeve shirt / Uniqlo t shirt, $21 / Marc Jacobs skirt / Giambattista Valli below knee pencil skirt / Dolce Gabbana slit skirt, $875 / Diane Von Furstenberg clothing / Therapy leopard midi skirt, $28 / Burberry slip on shoes / J.Crew j crew shoes / Steve Madden steve-madden shoes / Flat shoes

How much are you loving this trend? Sound off below!

xx

Fall 2013 Trend: Pajama Party

On a chilly day, changing out of your cozy pajamas is a true struggle. Don't deny it, we've all been there. In addition to offering a slew of chic sweatshirts, fashion's top dogs have also released wearable versions of our favorite lounge apparel. From slinky slips to matching tops and bottoms, fall is essentially one big, sartorial pajama party. But unlike the threads you sport after a long day, we're ditching the flannel and poly-cotton blend, and are focusing on a luxe material: silk. The glamorous fabric is mixed with everything from vintage prints, to jewel tone hues, to sequin applique. When style megawatts such as Marc Jacobs and Alber Elbaz tell you that the most comfortable clothes in the world (dramatic, but true) are this season's leading trend, do you really have the right to reject this phenomenon? Exactly.

Louis Vuitton

Lanvin

Marc Jacobs

Rochas

Just because this trend exudes effortlessness doesn't mean it's boring. In fact, sporting a pajama-inspired ensemble is arguably one of the riskiest moves a fashion trailblazer could make this season. So what's the best way to wear this trend? Like any other major fad, the options are endless. Style your pajama top with a pair of boyfriend jeans, pair your slip with a luxe coat, or match your top and bottom for a super fabulous occasion. Though there's no one way to rock this trend, it's very important that your lounge-worthy threads are event appropriate. While wearing a luxe slip dress will leave both style savants and potential beaus in awe, the pajama set is exclusively for a fashion-forward crowd. But, for your own sake, please avoid a lazy topknot or bed head-approved waves-- you shouldn't look like you actually rolled out of bed!

Christopher Kane mint green dress / T By Alexander Wang dress / Topshop dress / Araks short sleeve silk shirt / Rochas silk trousers / Equipment pajamas, $685

xx

Fall 2013 Trend: Forward-Thinking Fur

All the great ones have sported fur: Kate Moss, Elizabeth Taylor, Cruella Deville, and Mrs. Robinson, just to name a few . Though wearing a leopard jacket is hardly a groundbreaking fad, the traditional trend is getting a major makeover this  fall. From your bag, to your booties, to your average tee, fur is everywhere. But the phenomenon does not stop there. With"notice me" color schemes and thought-provoking patterns, this season's take on fur will make everyone stop and stare.

Versace

Prada

Rochas

Fendi

Marc Jacobs

Michael Kors

If you didn't get the memo, this trend is for trailblazing fashionistas only. Easing into the font? Start off small with some fury accessories- a textured evening clutch turns any average ensemble into a thought-provoking look. But if you want to have a major fashion moment and sport a fur jacket or tee even, power to you. So what's a style savant to wear with this fur focal piece? Add some depth by blending delicious wools and knits into the mix. Whether you style with slim trousers or a wintry maxi skirt, this trend is the perfect way to score a warm, cozy, and undeniably chic outfit. Take that, Mrs. Robinson.

River Island t shirt, $40 / B Young jacket, $110 / Fendi slip on booties / 3 1 Phillip Lim clutch / Adrienne Landau wrap scarve / Blanche In the bramble, $110

What do you think of this trend? Sound off below! 

xx

Fall 2013 Trend: Stylish Sweats

Sometimes, you just want to spend your whole day in a cozy sweatshirt. No matter how chic you are, we've all had those days. Luckily, the most innovative designers have recognized this need for lazy attire and filled this gap with an array of lounge-worthy threads. With a mélange of punky graphics and fierce prints, this trend gifts us with a warm and comfortable way to take on this fashion-forward season. A departure from kitschy knits, tastemakers such as Ashley Benson, Ciara, and Lily Collins have all been spotted rocking this fad. Gone are the days when wearing a sweatshirt is associated with being sartorially slacking off. With the right sweatshirt, your ensemble can prove that you're at the vanguard of on-the-pulse fashion.

Chanel

Kenzo

Reed Krakoff

3.1 Phillip Lim

Givenchy

Though sweatshirts are usually coupled with mismatched sweatpants or a pair of jeans, I urge you to avoid these pieces (unless you want to pair this look with boxy, boyfriend jeans) like you'd refrain from insulting Hedi Slimane. Instead, revitalize your style by sporting this coveted piece with a sheer skirt a la Givenchy or even a slouchy pair of trousers. You'll be just as comfortable as you would be if you wore sweatpants; however, your outfit will be both polished and forward-thinking. If you'd rather show some leg, opt for dressy shorts or a leather mini skirt. Since these picks are so inspired, add complementary accessories to this getup. Let's just say you definitely won't be disappointed with the final product.

Kenzo top, $570 / Brian Lichtenberg unisex shirt, $160 / Madewell sweatshirt / 3.1 Phillip Lim long sweat shirt

What do you think of this trend? Sound off below! 

xx

Fall 2013: Trendy Tartan

Let's play a quick round of word association, shall we? When you think of the word "plaid," there's a good chance "lumberjack," "school girl," or "blasé hipster" comes to mind. This fall, designers are gifting us with a new word to associate with plaid: chic. Um, what? The notoriously macho pattern is revitalized with sleek, feminine, and ultra-sexy silhouettes as well as unexpected fabrics (and by unexpected fabrics, I obviously mean no flannel). It seems as if the sartorial table has turned, as tartan is no longer something you throw on when you're craving a lazy day ensemble. Instead, plaid is for tastemakers who want to make a statement.

Stella McCartney

                                                          Céline

Fausto Puglisi

Moschino

Saint Laurent

Whether you're ready to rock head-to-toe tartan or prefer starting of small with a punch of plaid, this trend has something for every style savant. Though a red/black combo is the most universal color palette for plaid, put your brave face on and  spice up your wardrobe with tartan in a creamy grey or shocking yellow. If you're easing into this trend, couple some printed shoes or a plaid bag with a monochromatic ensemble in a neutral hue-- black, white, grey, or cream are fabulous options. Though tops and skirts in this zesty pattern are on trend, life's too short not to embrace this trend to the fullest. If my inspirational words failed to persuade you, sporting a completely plaid ensemble prevents an embarrassing "naughty schoolgirl" moment. Perhaps I'm a little too obsessed with Céline's fall collection, but my favorite way to sport this trend is with this jaw-dropping plaid jacket. Two amazing trends in one outfit? So major. 

Moschino dress / Harvey Faircloth dress / Elizabeth and James metallic silver shirt / Roksanda Ilincic tweed coat / Alaïa skirt / Lightweight cotton pants / Alice + Olivia alice olivia skirt / Cole Haan pumps / Joie shoes / Marc by Marc Jacobs plaid purse / Comme des Garçons plaid handbag

xx

Fall 2013 Trend: Oversized Coats

So long spring, hello fall. After months of sherbet hues and spicy ruffles, it's officially time for autumn-approved trends. As always, I'm here to give you the low-down on what to wear this chilly season. Get ready, fashionistas: the fall trends guide has arrived.

A necessity for when the temperatures drop, sporting a heavy jacket is always a fall must. With an oversized shape, coats are more of a statement piece this season. Masculinity meets femininity, as sharp lapels and closures are doused in dreamy pastels.  This boys versus girls fad sends a very clear message: contrary to popular belief, you can have it all-- sartorially, that is.

Louis Vuitton

Céline

Prada

Carven

Rochas

Unlike some of spring's best trends--ruffles, tie-dye, and the list goes on-- this trend is for the drama-free minimalist of the fashion world. But just because this string of coats calls for streamlined silhouettes doesn't mean your outfits have to be boring.  For a night on the town, pair your statement jacket with black skinnies, black booties, and a black top. Craving a ladylike outfit? This trend will be office-appropriate with a pencil skirt and modest heels or stylish loafers. And if you're seriously itching for an "off the charts" ensemble, take a note from Louis Vuitton's fall collection and combine clashing prints. But instead of striving to create a loud getup, focus on luxe patterns. As for the accessories, pair this look with structured pieces: a sleek choker, retro handbag, and a classic pair of cat-eye sunnies are some great options. But beware tastemakers: you're probably going to get a lot of compliments on your classic ensemble. After the twentieth compliment you receive, realize that I told you so, smile, and say "thank you."

Burberry oversized wool coat / STELLA McCARTNEY coat / Mango coat / Little Remix Coatcard wool jacket, $265

So what do you think of this trend? I'm dying to know!
xx

All runways photos courtesy of Style.com