Fashion News: The Top Three Trends for Men in Spring/ Summer 2014

When it comes to men and fashion, there are two categories they usually seem to fall in: those who love it and those who couldn’t care less. For those who like the simplicity (what man doesn’t love anything simple), here are three basic trends to sport this season.

The Dynamic Duo: Black and White 
Just like any power couple, this pair is right on trend for SS 2014. Two bold but minimally cool hues put together creates a killer, fresh, and crisp combination. Mix it up while you’re at it. Unite prints and patterns such as a gingham shirt and a dotted tie under a solid black suit. Going casual? White shorts or pants with a black tee has never looked so stylish. With just two basic colors, this trend is an easy one to always get right.

See more SS14 trends at: http://carolinastylemag.com/2014/05/07/fashion-news-the-top-three-trends-for-men-in-springsummer-2014/#sthash.9nzMrjfs.dpuf

Spring Pastels… {A post, by me, from Today’s Woman Now! “Pastel Pretty: A sophisticated Easter look”}

Today’s Woman Now: Pastel Pretty: A sophisticated Easter look.

 

Although pastels are a major trend this spring, Easter is the one holiday where you can always take advantage of wearing them. However, there are rules to wearing pastels and making them look pretty. Here’s how Easter pastels can be worn (properly) this year.

First rule of thumb: Your goal is not to look like an Easter egg. Don’t overdo it. This is a fine line, though; you can wear one solid pastel color from head to toe and you can even mix and match, but know where the line is drawn from fashionable to tacky.

Just like other colors, some pastels match or compliment each other, and some just don’t. Just because a blouse is pink doesn’t mean it’s truly pastel. Know what pastels are and how to match them. They should compliment each other. Pinks and yellows of the same pastel family pair well together, for example.

Although you like the look, maybe too much pastel is too much for your personality. We totally understand. Try mixing a pop of pastel with your neutrals. If you love black, a fitted black pencil skirt or cigarette ankle-length pant paired with a soft, flowy pastel (think baby blues, mint or lavender) top always works. Even better, add a fun pastel shoe to tie the look together.

Pastels also look very pretty with white. White denim or even a white dress with pastel accents is a way to play the look safe yet stay pretty and on trend this Easter and all season long.

How to wear a blazer and skinnies this Spring {A post, by me, from Today’s Woman Now!}

Today’s Woman Now.

Miranda Kerr may get to wear all of the latest fashion on the runway, but it’s what she wears when she isn’t on the runway that gets people talking. The ever-gorgeous supermodel (and super-mom) knows how to rock a few styles better than anyone — especially the skinny jeans and blazer look. Here’s how to master the model’s look for this season.

Black is classic. A fitted, classic black blazer should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Dress it up, wear it to the office and then throw it on for a more sophisticated weekend look. Black goes with everything; it’s easy to layer and add pops of color to as well. A great pair of skinny jeans, a black blazer and a pair of heels is the perfect, sophisticated, yet laid-back look.

Brighten it up. If black is too stuffy for you, try a colored blazer. Here, Miranda pairs a coral blazer, flowy white tank and a lighter wash pair of skinnies. This look is perfect for spring and adds an element of fun. The lighter the denim, the more casual. Nude pumps or flats pair great with this look.

Try a pattern. Some of us are a bit more adventurous with our fashion, but even if you aren’t, a black-and-white pattern that isn’t too flashy can look just right. Don’t overdo it, though. Make it the statement piece and then keep the other pieces solid. If you do happen to be adventurous, a bold color shoe makes the look come together with a bang.

Go for white. White is crisp and clean, yet bold. A white blazer with a dark wash jean and a pair of black pumps is a sexy, dressy but still somewhat casual look. If you’re trying to impress without looking too overdone, this is a go-to outfit. Keep it simple, though — these three classic pieces will make the statement for you. Keep the accessorizing to minimal jewelry and neutral makeup.

Trend Alert! {A post, by me, from Today’s Woman Now} What I’m loving for Spring 2014

Today’s Woman Now.

Calling all those who are more than ready for spring. This year, the trends are many and the possibilities endless. See what’s in and what’s hot this season!

First, let’s talk colors. There are a lot of go-to colors for this season. With pastels, you can’t go wrong. It’s a huge trend this spring and it’s easy to mix and match colors as well. Think mints with pinks and yellows with corals. Bold colors such as cobalt blue, orange and majestic purples are also really big this spring.

The next best thing to look forward to: bold artistic prints. Florals in either pastels or bright colors are right on trend. Pick one piece and work from there. Make a statement by trying a bold print on an A-line skirt or a fitted dress paired with summer booties.

More on the casual side of the trend forecast, oxford shirts and white trousers are making a statement. White trousers are more of a tricky trend, however. Be careful with what you pair them with. If they are relaxed or loose, a more fitted top is best. White with a bold orange top is a definite DO! On the other hand, re-think your usual oxford shirt. Pair with shorts, white trousers or an artistic print skirt. Go for blues, light greens and white, sleeveless and long sleeved. It’s a simple look that makes a big statement.

 

• Forever New Bella Prom Skirt $72
• Our Prince of Peace Havana Sunday Bodycon Dress $25.13
• alice + olivia Eric Pants $275
• 3.1 PHILLIP LIM Tuxedo Trousers $475
• Les Trois Garcons Ballet Flats $155
• JustFab Copacabana Mint $44
• Rebecca Taylor Long Sleeve Blouse $225
• Joie Cartel Top $158

New Year’s Goes Gatsby {A post, by me, from Today’s Woman Now}

 

This year, New Year’s Eve is all about partying like Gatsby. Style-wise, that is. Ring in the new year in full swing, roaring twenties style. A little glitter never hurt anyone, right?

Like anything, I always say go big or go home. Go all out – it’s a holiday, so you can get away with it! Think full-on sparkle and flapper-style dresses and skirts.

Your go-tos this year should be golds and nudes, creams, silvers, and pearl-accented colors. You want lots of sparkle, glitter, fringe and even faux fur. Try a drop waist glitter accent dress like the one above.

Adding accessories, such as a faux fur collar scarf ala Daisy Bucanon above, is sure to be a hit. Layer on the pearls! It’s a signature twenties style that can do nothing but add to a festive outfit. A glitter watch (perfect for a countdown) or a sparkly retro clutch is a great way to dress up an outfit as well. Feeling really bold? Try a pearl or glitter headpiece like this ASOS Flapper Jewel Headband above.

Glitter accent dress: polyvore.com/beige_maree_embellished_flapper_dress
Glitter watch: polyvore.com/kate_spade_new_york_gold
Sparkly clutch: polyvore.com/monsoon_samir_glitter_box_clutch
Pearl necklace: polyvore.com/faux_pearl_cluster_necklace
All glitter dress: polyvore.com/montique_handbeaded_sequin_cocktail_dress
Jewel headband: polyvore.com/asos_flapper_jewel_headband

A post (by me!) from Today’s Woman Now: What To Wear To Thanksgiving This Year

Today’s Woman Now: What To Wear To Thanksgiving This Year.

Whether you’re getting dressed up, going casual, caring more about comfort, or simply staying in and owning the sweatpants look, there are so many ways you can go when it comes to holiday dressing. This Thanksgiving, try one of these inspired looks and you’ll be sure to impress whatever family you haven’t seen in a year or simply look super chic without looking like you tried too hard.

First, if you’re going to get dressed up, say with a dress or skirt, be sure to complete the look with a well-tailored and stylish coat. Like the Marc Jacobs one above, it is always safe to go with one that has a belt or that has some length, which gives it a more sophisticated and sleek look. With layering, you can tend to get bulky if you’re not careful. A good coat also makes a great first impression when reuniting with everyone for the holidays.

Next, if you’re going casual but still want to impress, try jeans and a sweater – a fall look you can never go wrong with if worn properly. Try a statement sweater with jeans and a pair of leather boots. Or, go with a simple sweater but add a statement vest, like this J. Crew one in a classic holiday red or even a trendy fur vest.

A knit sweater dress mixes both dressy and casual if you’re not sure which way to go. A simple cream-colored one as seen above is a pretty neutral that gives you the opportunity to dress it up with fun accessories or stay casual with leggings and a plaid scarf.

How To Make Comfy Look Chic (A post [by me] from Today’s Woman Now)

Today’s Woman Now.

Now that the weather is getting colder, it can sometimes be hard to stay looking chic while also staying warm. But in an effort to keep both style and warmth going strong this season, one of the best go-to pieces for a wardrobe is a slouchy, cozy sweater. Perfectly paired with a fitted bottom, and the right shoes, you’ll have nailed the look and you’ll be warm all season long. Here’s how to pull the look off the right way.

First, a slouchy sweater can look frumpy if not worn correctly. Working gal? Pair a cozy sweater with a pencil or other fitted, crisp skirt.

Try to mix it up. Add in some patterns or pops of color. A slouchy neutral sweater with a classic black skirt? Add chic leopard pumps or boldly colored accessories. Think wines, plums, forest green and even pastels- yes, pastel pink is everywhere this fall.

Roll ‘em up! If you’re looking a little too blousy or baggy, roll up your sleeves or tuck the sweater in. Rule of thumb for almost everything: balance; a loose top with a fitted bottom or vice versa. Don’t over-do it.

Not on the job? A great weekend look is to pair a slouchy sweater with fitted jeans. Leather is big this season as well- try leather leggings and a trendy pair of booties to create a more casual look.

Want to trim it up some? Add a belt. Leather looks great with soft knits. Try an over-sized ‘grandpa’ sweater with a belt. Pair it over a fitted dress with pumps or a tee and skinny jeans.

Pink & Chambray is always a good idea

True test of style…wearing a dress I wore seven years ago when I was 15. Still fits and still as stylish! Pink and chambray :) happy Tuesday lovelies!

<br />

xxx SSG

Casual work Wednesday

Pants: Ann Taylor Loft
Blouse: Forever 21
Watch: Michael Kors
Shoes: Jessica Simpson
Earrings: (the sister’s closet) sorry lovelies!
Red Lipstick: Revlon “fire and ice”

xxx SSG

August is still summer time!

You wouldn’t know it by the temperatures but summer is close to ending soon- I think it best to ensure I get all the use of my most summery clothes while I still can!

xxx SSG