Spring 2015 Trend: Check Mate

After a winter filled with debilitating blizzards, slick roads and slushy aftermath, there is light at the end of the tunnel. With spring just around the corner, scheming an outfit that consists of more than an oversized sweater, pair of jeans and clunky snow boots won't be easy. For instant outfit inspiration, take a look at the Trendologist's picks for top spring 2015 trends.

"Florals for spring? Groundbreaking." As the overstated, yet accurate, line from The Devil Wears Prada decrees, taking a sartorial lesson from the hyacinths and peonies that bombard your deli corners is passé. A print that's equally springtime-inspired, yet significantly less cliché, is gingham, which happened to run rampant on the spring runways. Far from Mary-Ann's traditional ensemble, designers' takes on this pattern offered more gravitas (and no coconut cream pie). Always at the fashion vanguard, Joseph Altuzarra showcased a polished alternative to this usually casual motif. The New York designer's collection of ladylike power suits in an array of colors is completely office-friendly. Equally feminine and sophisticated is Oscar de la Renta's heap of statement jackets that debuted at the late designer's farewell show. Paired with a delicate lace top and glamazon earrings, de la Renta's version of this trend exudes a "Lady Who Lunches" attitude. But not every example of gingham this season must adhere to prim and proper standards. Styled with a wide belt and off-the-shoulder sweater, Michael Kors's full skirts are the perfect way to give this feminine print an offbeat twist. And what about Bottega Veneta's peachy shirtdress? With the right accessories, this gingham-clad getup is perfect for almost any occasion. If you haven't gotten over your style rut from this year's harsh winter, remedy your wardrobe with a fetching matching top and shorts a la Diane von Furstenberg's spring show. Rid this ensemble of any Gilligan's Island connotations with a pair of platform sandals.

Altuzarra Look 3

Oscar de la Renta  Look 11 

Michael Kors 48

Bottega Veneta Look 34

Diane Von Furstenberg Look 27

1. Chloé 2. Altuzarra  3. Intermix 4. Michael Kors  5. No.21  6. Dolce & Gabbana 7. Sam & Lavi



Repeat after me: I will not dress like a farmer, I will not dress like a farmer. Though top designers deem the cheery print worthy of our spring wardrobes, gingham tends to veer into barnyard territory. Free yourself from any Old MacDonald connotations by matching this print with modern, or ultra girly, silhouettes. While a checkered cropped shirt or pinafore dress may read campy, Michael Kors's mint halter dress is a forward-thinking replacement. Chloé's ruffled iteration is risky, but will add dimension (and a smile) to your look. Now that selecting au courant checkered pieces is a slice of sartorial cake, how does one style this notoriously finicky print? Play off the pattern's color. A cobalt overcoat will look striking with baby blue and white gingham; however, the look's monochromatism will surprisingly appease the farm girl fad. But if your closet is lacking vibrant statement pieces, opt for crisp white pieces to score an effortlessly chic outfit. Not ready to take the plunge on this trend? Ease into this phenomenon with a sweet gingham bikini.

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

All runway photos courtesy of Style.com

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Spring 2013 Trend Report: Structured Bags

Though micro purses dominated the spring shows, a slew of sartorially superior (try saying that five times fast) bags are a game changer for any accessories report. With ample space, modern shapes and a range of different price points, this phenomenon is a must-have for any trendsetter. But when it comes to the actual silhouette, several on-the-pulse brands declare it's fair game. While I'm so smitten with winged totes, the simplified shopper is always a classic. Inspired by this trend, I culled the best picks from the market. Check out my favorite structured bags that would make Mary Poppins jealous.

Saffiano Leather Tote (Prada, $1,960): Goodbye power suit, hello power purse!  Though this find costs a small fortune, you have to admit that Miuccia knows best. Inject this traditional piece into a super whimsy ensemble-- try a poppy sheath or a pair of floral trousers. Businesswoman chic never looked so cool.

Alyson Mini Tote (Chloé, $1,159): Not only is the cream and black color combination to die for, the bag's feminine figure is everything. Can we say, "Parisian chic?"  Let the cream base stand out with an entirely black ensemble: black skinnies, black top and black wedges. C'est magnifique! 

Tartine Satchel (J.Crew, $325): If anyone can create a zesty bag that's still undeniably versatile, it's J.Crew. Though most fashion groupies will make this bright bag their ensemble's necessary pop of color, why not put your brave face on and pair this piece with a loud ensemble? Take your springtime style to the next level with a printed maxi. Not too crazy about this rambunctious hue? This bag also comes in black and navy. 

Winged Lady Tote (Topshop, $170): Similar to the Tartine Satchel, Topshop's remedition features a delightful fabric duo. With suede panels, this leather tote is perfect for a style maven who needs to give her classic pieces a dash of pizzazz.  Whether you pair it with a denim playsuit or chunky knit, you will be sporting this tote season after season.

Large Shopper (Zara, $80): If you're a structured bag novice, it doesn't get much better than this. The cutting-edge silhouette is perfectly paired with a classic color palette and minimal hardware. The result? The ultimate everyday bag. For a downtown chic look, pair this top with a funky chambray, shorts, and a fun pair of flats.

Are you loving these bags? Sound off below!

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Allow Me to Slip into Something More Comfortable

Can you believe that spring is finally here? It feels like just yesterday I was bundling up in a plethora of layers. There are so many awesome trends to try this season, so expect a lot of fashion photo shoots starring yours truly. A couple weeks ago, my mother and I dominated Newbury Street in Boston. As always, Urban Outfitters was the first stop. I snagged a bunch of pieces that I cannot wait to wear, including the pieces from the shoot. I'm trying something new this sunny season. Previously, spring always meant "funky bohemian." This time, I'm all about stunning silhouettes and pops of color. Since I'm inevitably urban, I decided to start this season off with a effortless,black dress.

I'm all about the asymmetrical hemline lately. The mullet train can be either dressed up or down. For this shoot, I took a mid-range approach by rocking super casual flat-forms.

Say what you will, but I'm obsessed with flat-forms. In my mind, these bad boys are the happy medium: the height and forwardness of heels and the comfort of flats. The floral print gives this ensemble that oh-so necessary burst of color. J'adore.

Aren't these sunnies absolutely everything? My mom got them for me as an Easter present and I've been head-over-heels in love with them ever since. The mod roundness works perfectly with the whimsy sunglass arms.

I love the slinkiness of this dress. It's so comfy and gives off a lingerie feeling without being too risque. 

Who doesn't love stacking bracelets during the summer. I officially am double stacking- let's see how high I can go this summer! 

This ensemble is simple enough that it can be recreated in so many ways. Not feeling the mullet hem? Rocking a maxi dress has a similar, glamorous effect. Not a dress kind of girl? Try an asymmetrical skirt! For an effortless look, nix the necklace and pile those bracelets and rings! As for the flat-forms, expect a flat-form post in the very near future.

All photo credit goes to Christine Chen. Check out her portfolio because she's such a talented graphic designer and photographer.

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