splendor & folly

Inspiration for a good outfit can come from anywhere. To help yourself get out of your own fashion rut, stop and really analyze someone you admire and what they are doing. Don’t think of it as copying, think of it as being inspired.

The other day, my hairdresser was wearing the most adorable outfit. A long fitted striped dress, topped with a turquoise necklace and denim vest. These are items I would never normally wear, but she inspired me to think outside my own jeans and  tee shirt box.

In addition to replicating her look, I’ve also made a different version perfect for cooler months. Don’t forget to always keep your eye out for your own fashion inspiration! 

Cocktail Dresses by Rare
Boots at Endless.com

Military still seems to be a trend for fall and you can find an array of military-style jackets to round out your wardrobe.

I recently picked up this twill jacket at Wet Seal (I know, I was surprised too). You can click the picture for the online link to purchase, but when I bought it, they were having an in-store promotion of $10 off all jackets, making this find only $25!

Here are some other options if you want to fall in line with this trend:

More American Eagle…

It is so easy to layer in the colder months – we throw on jackets, coats, hats, scarves, anything just to stay warm! We get so used to layering for warmth that layering for style becomes difficult when the temperature rises. I love layered looks and I don’t think they should be abanonded in spring and summer. Here are 5 ways to layer and still keep your cool:

1. Chambray Shirts – throw these on as a jacket unbuttoned over a tank, tee or dress.

2. Lightweight Military Style Jackets – For Spring nights that do get a little chilly, don’t be left without this stylish top layer

3. Lightweight Cardigans and Vests – Both of these items are so incredibly versatile. Basically you can throw on top of everything!

4. Summer Scarves – These are meant for style, not warmth. But if you happen to find yourself in a building with the AC blasting, you could also use them as a wrap.

5. Statement Necklaces – These can turn a plain tee shirt into an awesome outfit, just like that!

While I knew that ‘military’ was a strong spring trend, the whole cargo-pants thing just kind of came on my radar recently. And now of course, I’m seeing them everywhere! At first I really hated the look, but after seeing the Victoria Beckham version (sans the pockets), it kind of grew on me. Not every trend will work for you, its better to remain true to your own style than go out and copy cat someone else’s. That being said, sometimes getting out of your comfort zone will be the only way to find out what suits you best!  

Cheryl Cole

Victoria Beckham

And here is my version of how I would style cargo pants for day and night…on a budget:

Want one easy tip to be on-trend this spring?

Loose and Oversized Tops!

Check out these celebrities for some inspiration:

Kristin Cavallari likes to rock this look, I actually really like her style

The key is too look casual and slouchy, but still put together. Add simple accessories, like Vanessa’s hat, Hillary’s gold earrings, or Kristin’s bright scarf.

Where to get it:

More Patterson J. Kincaid…

Photos via FabSugar and Hills Freak

You know how everyone is obsessed with the sound of their own name? Well, I also realized I’m obsessed with items of clothing named after me! I came across this Black Halo ‘Leah’ tiered dress while perusing Chloe’s picks and was like ‘Wow! It’s named after me, it’s meant to be, I should totally buy it!’

Then I actually clicked the link and realized that its also $375 so I will most definitely NOT be purchasing. But it did lead me to search for other items with my namesake…check out these awesome finds and then search for your own!!!

A couple more cute dresses by Joie and Grey Ant:

A floral romper by Yumi Kim:

This gorgeous bag by Julie K:

And even a denim vest by True Religion:

This week’s episode of How I Met Your Mother (best show ever) featured my other favorite thing, a baby animal! I think piggies may have just made my Top 5 Baby Animals List.

And believe it or not, I like the show for other reasons besides the fact that it is hilarious and sometimes features baby animals. I also really love the wardrobe for the two main female characters, Lily and Robin. They always have on the cutest outfits! Carrie Underwood who guest-starred last night was also looking cute in her red dress (above). Here is another example of an outfit from last night’s episode:

I’m loving her patterned top with cardigan, skinnies and boots (not shown). I can’t find who makes the top, but I did find this websitewhich details some of the clothing that they wear. It seems to be mostly more expensive labels such as Nanette Lepore, Marc Jacobs and Diane Von Furstenberg, but occasionally you will find them in Anthropologie, J Crew and Urban Outfitters. But you don’t have to have the exact pieces to replicate the feel of the outfit. I love getting inspiration from everywhere!

**UPDATE – The top is by Joie and can be purchased here. (via)**

PS Does anyone else even watch this show or I am alone on this one??

I’m not sure if the American Idol contestants have a stylist or they dress themselves, but I have found myself really drawn to Lacey Brown’s style. In the latest episode she was doing the ‘mixing patterns’ trend with floral patterned dress topped with a bold striped cardigan. I’m not a fan of the gold belt, but overall, I think its a cute look. I hope she stays on for a while so I can keep tracking her style!

image from americanidol.com