Culottes 3 Ways

Culottes...I kind of half to laugh about this, seeing as how I just thew mine out from the last go around. I rarely throw things out, and I was pretty certain I wouldn't see another cycle of these for a long while. Shame on me...I knew better. Guess I'll have to go shopping. Darn. ;)

Culottes are back in full force!

These babies can be super tricky, I'm not going to lie. I have faith though, that with these guidelines you can rock them!

• It's all about proportion
• Think of them like a slightly altered A line skirt 
• Slim and crop tops are going to be the best bet 
• If wearing flats the pants need to be a longer length 
• Heels are a guarantee winner, especially with shorter lengths 
• Monochromatic palettes keep the outfit streamline making the cuts the focus

The fit: hit mid-calf allowing widest part of the flair to accentuate the skinniest part of your leg. This will make or break them. It can be tricky and why you'll probably have to try on several pair in order to find the perfect ones for your body type. It'll be worth it though, I promise! 

There are so many ways to style these pants. Don't be afraid to try different things. I think you'll be surprised with what works. I personally will play with some looser fit tops, with a front tuck of course. Also, a white dress shirt and some statement jewelry will help bring it home for me. 

Here are a few ideas:

Culottes by b-lovely featuring Free People

Oh, I'm also learning gauchos are all over and a little easier to find. Gauchos aren't quite as big and can be a little more tailored. Culottes are generally more flowing and skirt feeling. Gauchos feel like a baggy pant... Hope that helps. ;)

Overalls… I'm Not Kidding

I am fairly certain I noticed a comeback of these babies a bit ago. Oh yes, here. Ha! But, seriously I am a little surprised that they are back. I guess it was only a matter of time though. We are expecting baby (BOY) #2 in April and so I'm a lovely 4 months pregnant. Pregnancy and overalls, I have firmly believed, do not even belong in the same sentence. Guess what came to my door on Friday? Yep, maternity overalls! Oh man, I'm still trying to decide how brave I am. Especially, since I'm sure it'll be a good year before they catch on a ton here in Utah. I really kind of love them though! Like, really kind of love them!! My safety nets will be heels and a statement necklace. Also, loving cardis/blazers etc. Tyler is ready to sign me up for farmersonly.com, but I think I'm ready to rock them!

From my research the basic rules are to keep them modern. NO PLAID and no tanks tops. Heels will elongate the leg (as always), and make sure you find a pair that fit your legs well. I purchased these, and love the wash and the way they fit my legs. 

I really love the dark washes a lot too, but I guess I'll wait until next go around (or next year when I am belly-less), for some. I think you might be surprised how much you like them.  

overalls 3 ways by b-lovely featuring Free People


*UPDATE* after writing this post and getting so excited about these, about a week later I tried them on and my belly just didn't work with them. I carry super low and pretty sure every single person laughed. So, not for my prego self, but I WILL be buying them when my baby weight is gone.

TjMaxx Online

I was just informed that TJ's now has online shopping! I think for now it's just women's, but this could be life changing! Nothing I love more than great TJ find! I did notice some of my favorites especially Steve Madden, but maybe after a while they will add some more brands. I've had a second to go through everything and these are my fav online finds!

Dolce Vita is quickly rising to the top of my shoe brand list.
$39 I love all of the DV's they have on the site right now.

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned how much I love wellies. Love these booties for $19!!!


Navy Peplum Top $16.99



Brocade Skinny Jeans $60


Peplum Skirt $25


Tote $40

DIY Embellished Collar

Anyone else obsessed with the embellished collars right now? They are going to be amazing under those fall sweaters.

In skimming through my In-Style special beauty issue I came 

across a genius DIY for one. It's even NO SEW.

I know it's not really legible, so here's the jist. 

All you need are: beads-3 colors. One smaller than the other two. Two sizes of safety pins, and a shirt you want to embellish. 

Thread the beads onto the safety pin and arrange in a design you'd like. I'm already imagining the possibilities. Also, using safety pins allows you the ability to take them off and make a new design on the same shirt. Loving this! 

*jcrew.com, dressmeblog.blogspot.me, instyle beauty issue*

Harem Pants 101

I failed to mention in my trend post about the constant sighting of Harem pants right now!  At least here in Utah, they are making a grand entrance. As funny as you might think they are at first, I bet most of you come around. :) They are actually quite comfy. The trick is finding the right pair. I bought a pair back in springtime, after trying on 6, I found one I felt comfortable in. They are black, which helped, but they all fit so different. Let's go over some tips and tricks to pulling off these blast from the pasts.

• Decide how "haremy" you want them to be. There are loose fitting and then there are true "Hammer-Time" ones (but please don't ;) )                                                                                                                 

 Gross  >>>>
I opted for some that were a little looser (more of a tapered trouser).

• Try on MULTIPLE pairs, maybe from multiple stores. Just because one doesn't look good on you, doesn't mean they all won't. 
• Make sure the fabric hangs in a flattering way. Double check all folds.
• Prints will really make them stand out- but I kind of love them. Mainly for a comfy Saturday.
  
   these with a navy T and gladiator sandals

• Front shirt tuck is key. Since the pants are so loose you want to make sure you still have a shape. I tuck mine in and almost treat them like high waisted pants.
• Heels will make you feel a million times better. They immediately elongate everything. Plus, who doesn't feel hotter in heels? Pointies are ideal.
• Tailored blazers look great with them. Make sure it has straight lines and fits you well.
• So, for Fall, boots or no boots? I can't quite decide how I feel about it. MUST be booties- with heels. For sure! I'm giggling about baggy pants and knee high boots. Don't. Personally, I think I would need dressy boots and probably all black- pants and boots. I also think it's something that's super easy to get wrong. The key will probably be to make sure the pants don't lose their shape and no skin shows. 

 

hm.com  the leg is tight, which I think is why it works. 

Pink Peonies posted these and I love them! I am on my way to buy them ;) They are perfect! 

note the front tuck.  ;) 

thepinkpeonies.com

My look:

Harem by b-lovely featuring Forever 21

2013 Fall Trend Report

Hey all! I have been working on this for I feel like ages, and I am now behind schedule! Hopefully, I've caught some of you in time.
I'm sure I've said it a bazillion times, but I LOVE dressing for fall. It's easily my favorite. So, without further adieu here's my Fall Fashion Trend Report.

Pantone:


GRAY!


NAVY!


Gray and Navy are seriously huge for fall. They are your neutrals. Plan on it! (along with your winter white)

Statement/Oversize Coats:


Leather:
Sleeves, skirts, dresses, pants, jackets...


Pattern:


Plaid:


High shine:


Turtlenecks:


I found this wonderful collage on OliviaPalermo.com. I know it's not my own, but feel it's a great addition!


Hair:
Low Pony's:



Side Faux Bangs:


Wet-Look:
Only very few can pull this off. Not a fan.


Volume:


Loose Texture:


Braids:


Deconstructed Buns:



Loose Waves:


Shoes: Briefly-
Booties or over-the-knee boots, pointy flats, boyfriend shoes, and stacked heels.

Sources:
huffingtonpost.com, fabsugar.com, elle.com, glamour.com, celebuzz.com, beautifullyfierce.blogspot.com, harpersbazaar.com,