Spring 2013 Trend Report: Mixed Media

As every style savant knows, fashion is all about choices. Unfortunately, our daily struggle to craft the perfect ensemble is more complicated than "the little Gucci dress or the little Gucci dress." For starters, tastemakers are forced to choose a standout print...or are they? Finally, designers have answered our prayers and started to incorporate a bevy of different patterns into one piece. But before you write this trend off as kitschy, take a look at some of spring's hottest looks: the super sleek silhouettes perfectly juxtapose the patchwork effect. The result?  Pieces that belong in our wardrobes, like, A.S.A.P.

Rodarte

Preen

Mary Katrantzou

Alexander McQueen

As expected, the collage look is not for the sartorial wallflower. In order to sport this trend, you must own it. When you let your statement piece wear you, the whole ensemble will look frumpy. And frumpy is never chic. Not quite sure if you have what it takes to rock this trend? Start off slow with a patchwork heel or bag. If you're ready to take this phenomenon by storm, keep your look polished with neutral accessories. Trying to match one hue is a good idea in theory; however, it will only cheapen your originally tasteful attire. But what's a fashion groupie to do if she (or he) can't find an affordable, too-good-for-words slice of mixed media? Lucky for you, a little DIY never hurt anyone. Instead of finding one piece with multiple prints, style a zany top with a patterned bottom. But before you throw on any mismatched prints and call it stylish, make sure you keep a general color palette in mind-- pairing pastels with neons is a recipe for disaster. To avoid a major faux pas, play around with different proportions and fabrics. Pairing a small print with yet another small print is boring and unflattering.

Proenza Schouler printed blouse / Topshop polka dot top, £20 / By Malene Birger neon pink shirt, £210 / MSGM printed jacket / By Malene Birger paisley pants, £285 / Tory Burch toiletry bag, £51

Now that you know the rules, will you wear clashing prints? Sound off below!

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Spring 2013 Trend Report: Daring Denim

All biases aside, the Canadian Tuxedo is the ultimate way to score an effortlessly chic look: throw your hair into a topknot, smear an orange-red hue on your lips and voilà, you have a blogger-worthy ensemble. If the spring collections taught us anything, it's that denim is here to stay. When Karl Lagerfeld deems a trend relevant, everyone should at least try it, right? However, this concept has evolved into something much more than matching a chambray with your favorite pair of skinnies. Designers are mixing this classic fabric with unconventional shapes. A little bit country, a little bit rock'n'roll, entirely fabulous.

BCBG Max Azria

Tibi

Jean Paul Gaultier

Chanel

When sporting something denim or chambray, the cardinal rule is to usually wear different shades on the top and bottom--Justin and Britney, you should've known better. This season, the sartorial tables have turned...gasp. Above all things, don't make denim and/or chambray boring.Whether you jazz up this trend with a cutting-edge silhouette or opt for two-toned piece, don't be intimidated by the fabric. If you would rather stick to your basic chambray shirt (and miss out on all the amazing picks below...for shame), please inject some life into your ensemble with a eye-catching makeup or funky accessories. But--back to Britney and Justin, naturally--please don't top off this look with a cowboy hat. 

Levi's denim dress, $130 / Topshop zipper dress / Madewell block top / Miss Selfridge floral print shirt / Topshop chambray blazer / A.P.C. wide leg jumpsuit, $365 / 3.1 Phillip Lim chambray pants

Love it? Hate it? Sound off below!

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