A Leopard Print Inspired Outfit for Fall

It is always on trend, sometimes over done, but ALWAYS posh. We are talking about leopard prints! Runways have been flooded with numerous ways to wear the once traditional leopard print. The classic take of tan & black print has morphed into black & white and other color on color prints. Not only has leopard print changed its look through the years, but the way it is styled has also taken a more "street style" approach.

Baggy sweaters, pops of color, and leopard accessories have found their way from the runway to the streets. So we decided to take on a black & white print perfect for transitioning to Fall.

So whether you rock the traditional tan & black or go crazy in color, revamping leopard prints are a must...and will NEVER go out of style. Click here for additional animal print ideas.

Photo Credit: Casey Taylor

Menswear Fashion

A woman's role in the corporate world has come along way. Women continue to gain respect on a professional level, and now we are taking it to the NEXT level with a menswear inspired wardrobe.

Dress suits and close toed pumps have always been a staple for women in the workplace. Now, thanks to the heavy influence of fashion, the barrier between a man and woman's closets has disappeared. Everything from vests, loafers, and trousers are making their way into a woman's wardrobe (and we can't say we are not a tad excited).

Below is a prime example of a revamped 9-5 look. We stuck with slimming black trousers and a simple (but elegant) undershirt. *Keep in mind the camisole is for a profession, not a night out. Be aware of how low cut your blouse is.* Then there is the fun part, adding a twist to the original oxford and blazer. Both blazers are boyfriend style, but each offer a different look...the black is traditional and the muted grey adds a touch of flare. As for the oxford pump, it is close toed AND office appropriate. Add the finishing touch of a statement piece, a delicately molded, yet bold necklace.

For a more casual work environment or out-of office occasion, go for the classic button down and tuxedo pant. The rich blue button down pops against the black pants, and the tuxedo pant detail pays homage to it's original design. Add a dressy loafer, edgy clutch, and bowler hat to the mix and you are ready to face the day, in and out of the office! P.s. bowler hats are adorable and complete any menswear affect!

The challenge is yours for the taking. We dare YOU to try menswear inspired fashion!

-Jenna O.

*Links are suggestions, not exact items*

Full Skirts Ahead

It is about that time of year! Before you know it, warm summer days will transform to crisp and cool weather. As for Fall Fashion trends...they are already here! But instead of sending a trench coat your way, ease your way into a garment that will bode well during the transition from one season to the next. We suggest one of Fall Fashion's favorites, full skirts!

Full skirts usually range from above the knee to mid calf but offer an array of styling options. The more popular version of the full skirt hits right above the knee. Below are a few examples (some offer a relaxed look while others are more structured).

If you are not completely satisfied with this particular version of full skirts, try a midi version. "Midi" full skirts can fall to the calf (depending on height). This sister skirt showcases just as much class if not more than the latter [shorter] full skirt, and is just as versatile.

- Jenna O.

Skirts in feature image:

Classy | Sleek | Feminine

Styling 101: Weekend Picks

The Summer of long days by the poolside and being school free are coming to an end. Although we are trading our swimwear & fashion forward days for uniforms [some of us business attire] we MUST not give up on our weekends. In other words ladies, we cannot forget that we still have the weekends to dress in remembrance of our carefree days.

So without further ado, we now deem every weekend a reTREAT! Here are two of our favorite -completely different- picks to get your weekend started!

First up is the infamous nautical themed look. We chose to play with the contrasting shades of blue, the lighter hue to brighten the look, and the darker blue to be the root color of the outfit. Add simple studs and fabulous sunnies to complete the head-to-toe style.

Blouse | Skirt | Tote | Flats | Sunnies | Studs 

 For the second look, we are taking it to the streets (or the mall, dinner, really wherever you like). The tank dress is casual, but the pop of yellow in the sandals and the matching crossbody adds pizzazz! Did we forget to mention this eye-catching China Glaze polish in Caribbean Temptation?!

Tank dress | Sandals | Crossbody | Polish 

Have a great weekend. Be sure to TREAT yourself!

-Jenna O.

#TBT: Shorts in a Skirt?

TBT: Part Two

Alrighty ladies, last week we had a "throwback" to snapbacks. So this week it is no surprise that we keep our #tbt in the same fashion era! What two-in-one garment is stealing the spotlight you might ask?! SKORTS!!

Yes the idea of skorts nowadays is "short" lived, but oh how we love them! Skorts are a classic and will always bring us found memories...especially if you thrived in the 80's. Bring this old school look to life by tossing on your traditional high-tops and trendy arm party!

Although skorts can be found at department stores and online ( J.CREW & Lilly Pulitzer ), thrift stores are the best place to finding a unique skort!

So for #tbt go with whatever your heart desires... a feminine floral skort or a ready to wear snapback. Just always remember that fashion has it's throwback Thursdays too!

-Jenna O.

Photo credit: Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

The Color Block Wedge

Fierce & Bold OR flat & boring? It is a simple question that I refer to as "WEDGE you Rather"?!

Deciding on a shoe that adds vavoom to any summer look is no game. Wedges have been, and will always be a summer favorite, but we urge you to spice things up with a color block style wedge!

Color blocking as shown below, ranges from two-toned straps to patterned wedges (the options are limitless).

 

Top row (left to right):  1 | 2 | 3

Bottom row (left to right):  4 | 5 | 6

 So "would you rather" stick to the mundane sandal, or try a few pops of color with a vibrant color block wedge? The choice is all yours...

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

Get the Best Look for July 4th with Overalls

Today we salute to the red white and blue! We count our blessings and celebrate our freedoms even though our fingers may be dripping with watermelon juice.

Amidst the fireworks, BBQ, and picnics stands a tradition that deserves a little dusting off, the true blue, DENIM. But to stand proud this holiday, we say "Redefine your Independence", and go for the overalls!

Even when the celebration ends, you will surely have other opportunities to showcase your patriotic side in these scarves: plaid | stripes | floral | American flag

The best part about overalls is that they are a top find at local thrift shops!

*Don't forget! Being able to adjust the length of the straps can solve length issues*

If you still are on the fence about overalls, go for an alternative such as a jumpsuit.

Denim Jumpsuit | Sleeveless Denim

Effortless hairdos are made easy with head-wraps (can be found in an array of different colors)!

So what will it be? The Grand Ole Overalls or a Jumpsuit we all Salute to! The choice is ultimately yours!

Happy Fourth of July!

-Jenna O.

Photo credit:  Sarah Powers

Images Edited by: Jen Duarte

LAYERED WITH FLARE

Drop the coats and winter wear! It is time to stop piling on the turtle necks and thermals, and begin layering garments that are fashionably lighter. Orange County is no stranger to a variety of unique and fresh styles, but here is a look that has class and flare...well a flare sleeve that is. Now the flare sleeve is usually associated with bell bottoms and a completely different era. So to modernize the full sleeve top and add a touch of youth, pair the top with a dark wash skinny and flats. Being that the season is in transition, a faux fur vest is the perfect choice. This particular faux fur adds texture to the outfit and the rich color of the vest pops against the patterned top. Add the finishing touch of a chunky long necklace and your look is anything but from the past.

The links provided below offer some items that are actual and some that are similar to the ones seen above.

Skinny Jeans | Vest | Blouse | Purse | Necklace | Flats

Photos by: Jen Duarte

COPENHAGEN FASHION WEEK

Being a fashion insider means constantly keeping up to date with what's IN and what's NOT.  Probably the best and most notable way to do that is to attend different fashion shows and fairs.

In other words, if you are curious to find out what’s on trend for the upcoming Autumn and Winter seasons, you'll want to take a peak at the catwalks of the many Fashion Weeks around the world.

On her journey to the beautiful city of Copenhagen, our Scandinavian team member, Sandra, was able to get the scoop on some fresh new designers around the region, as well as, some inspiration for the upcoming Fall season 2013…

After several fashion shows and a visit to the Gallery fashion fair, she is ready to give her REVIEW: “It’s looks like we’re heading towards nature-inspired clothing with a preference towards organically produced material.  At the same time, we will observe a great appreciation of modern femininity inspired by the 40’s and 60’s glamorous haute couture. Finally, why not throw in a bit of a futuristic edge, achieved through blending metallics and geometrically inspired shapes, into the choice of accessories and other apparel?!  It was an impressive week with unique combinations that will be sure to leave an impact as these trends make their way into the shops later this year!"

Molly's OOTW

In our TB fashion posts, we will still be showing off some styles for cooler weather, BUT we have to face the facts!  Spring has sprung according to the groundhog!  Therefore, now is a great time to break out those white jeans that you have been sobbing about not being able to wear since Labor Day!

Pair them with a cute pink pastel shirt and another solid color jacket for a business casual look great for school, work, or play! Below are the links to find these items at the right price.

For the shoes, I would pair something that would tie in the color in the jacket, like these adorable peep toe wedges.

For accessories, to me less is more. I like these adjustable bracelets because they are inexpensive and they come in so many varieties.

Jacket | Jeans | Top | Belt | Shoes | Bracelet

All of these items were found at Forever21.com.  Forever 21 is a popular store with lots to offer, but not all items are TB worthy.  We will provide our modest picks from this store and others like it with our "OOTW" posts!