Video Part 2: Trends, Towels and Tangents!

Here it is, Part 2 of the video that Reiko and I made! Please disregard some of the shenanigans that ensue and yes I'm still using my towel!

We really need to learn how to edit because that whole husband business needs to be edited out!!!! (But yall still pray for him, lol.)

ENJOY!

Mix It Up!

I love the look of mixed prints but sometimes find myself at a loss as to how to make it happen and not look like I've just thrown some stuff together. I gravitate to bold colors but I want to be able to mix prints and patterns with the same ease. Here are some tips to print mixing that I've found:

Image via The Sartorialist

• Stay in the same color family. You want your patterns to have the same overall hue with certain colors found in each. Brown and orange plaid can work with a brown and orange floral design but will not work with pink and green roses.

Image via August 2010 InStyle

• Vary the pattern sizes. If your plaid happens to be large and loud, pair it with something that has a delicate pattern, like tiny roses with minuscule vines.

Images via B. Jones Style

• Pull it all together with a solid color (either a jacket, shoes, or purse, etc.)

Image via The Sartorialist

Other Tips for Mixing:
Try a floral patterned dress or a nice A-line skirt and pair it with a military jacket. Don't worry you'll be spotted immediately since this unusual combination will attract the attention of others. Wear your clothes with confidence to radiate that you mean business.

Keira Knightley in Miu Miu

Animal prints are bold enough to draw popping eyes, however the graphic patterns will ideally serve as blending agent. These will successfully create the visual transition from one pattern to the other to make it more enjoyable to our sight. The best way to top the look is to use accessories that will further complete the image.

The Glamourai, queen of mixing it up



Do you mix prints? Is it something that you would try? Do tell!

Sources: Here and here

Trend Report 2010: African Inspired

Regular readers may remember that I did a post on My Asho a couple of months ago, a site that updates African prints fabrics with modern silhouettes. Well, this seems to be a burgeoning trend as I've encountered a couple more sites that are doing the same, using ethnic prints and reworking them into updated lines.

Hemma

Asante Jacket $475 

Asante Skirt $250 

Empire Skirt $250

 I love this pic on Hemma's website, it is their black and white Asante jacket styled with some other bold African fabrics. This shot is from the April issue of Essence magazine.

ASOS Africa:

 ASOS Africa Printed Blazer $118.36

Asos Africa Printed Jumpsuit $126.82 

Asos Africa Print Shift Dress $84.55 

 Asos Cut Out Back Printed Dress $84.55

From My Asho:

 

Afromania Maxi Dress $121.44 

Peach Halterneck Dress $70.71

Print Frock $399.67 

Boxing Kitten:

Billie Dress $239

Pearl Halter Dress $167.30

Halter Dress $167.30

Trend Alert:Bib necklaces

Statement necklaces are still reigning into Fall and bib necklaces take the simplest outfit to the next level.

Steal:

asos $45.98; Bebe $29


Anthropologie Livia $48; Urban Outfitters $48


Urban Outfitters $48; Forever 21 $11.80

Splurge:


Tory Burch $395; Banana Republic $150


Ranjana Khan $1,200; Lee Angel $195

Or you can go another route and rock the look with a faux necklace embellishment.


Bebe embellished bib necklace top $79; J. Crew tissue tee $125

Summer Trend Alert - Bright Nail Polish

Complement your favorite summer outfits with eye-popping candy colored nail polish. Blue, orange and purple abound while yellow and green are popular hues as well. If these hues are not for you silver or gold are a sure bet and shades of pink look great on all skin tones.

Nails Inc polish in Hanover Sq $20.55 at asos

NYX nail polish $2.99 @ Cherry Culture



OPI Brights nail polish in Need Sunglasses (love the name!) $7.32 at OPI Diva

Spring Trends 2008: African Influence

For the fashionista working her way through the urban jungle, safari and ethnic inspirations are key trends for Spring 2008. Tribal prints, khakis, golds and olives are key colors while camp shirts, shirtdresses and chunky wooden accents abound. So bring out your Jane to his Tarzan and go wild!



Viktoria Hayman shell leaf beaded necklace $179.99 (on sale) @ Bluefly



Banana Republic bronze thong $88


Bitten twill trenchcoat $8.98 @ Steve & Barry's


Tibi zebra belted shirtdress $360 @ Shopbop


Victoria's Secret stretch shirtdress $55 (on sale)


Lulu's Zad bracelet $12


City safari jacket $44.95 @ New York and Co.



Net-a-porter 3.1 Phillip Lim oversized safari cardigan $640


Ariki multiprint dress $1,200 @ Diane von Furstenburg



Sulliban Nine West sandal $89




Old Navy convertible clutch $10


Tobi Nicholas K Astley crop jacket $306


Alice Goes Aztec bag $60 @ Lulu's Fashion Lounge