Plaid Please!

Hi everyone!

Today's post is about a fall favorite of mine... plaid! Plaid is such a classic, versatile print. It can be transitioned into every season and is great for layering. There are so many varieties of plaid, with different colors, print sizes, and lines. This is a print that will never go out of style and is an essential for everyone's wardrobe!

Check out these runway looks:

 I have to say that the look below is my favorite. I love this unexpected twist with a plaid dress. It looks generally inspired by the Southwestern United States, which is a big trend in fashion right now.

Now here are some more affordable, ready-to-wear options that you can find at your local Nordstrom or online:

Olivia Moon Blazer in Blue/Green Plaid

 I absolutely adore this Southwestern-inspired blanket coat by Jolt. I love it so much that I bought it myself! It's so comfy and warm... plus, right now it's on sale! Click here to take a closer look.

Band of Gypsies Plaid Chiffon Shirt

Different and a little less casual than the classic flannel.

Fire Plaid Skinny Jeans

I love how plaid can be incorporated into skirts and pants too... even denim like these!

Gibson Preppy Plaid Trim Blazer

I love Gibson blazers because they are so comfortable and flattering. This blazer would be great for someone who doesn't want anything too bold or daring, but wants to add a little fun to her everyday essentials.

Heed Tartan Blazer

Olivia Moon Plaid Blazer in Charcoal/Red Plaid

I found this jacket on Polyvore and couldn't resist adding it!

What do you think of plaid? Love it or hate it? Not sure? That's okay! Try testing it out with inexpensive pieces to see if you like it. Then incorporate it into your own personal style and everyday looks!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Martha<3

New York Fashion Week: Spring 2013 Trends

Hi everyone!

Today's post will be about Spring 2013 Fashion, covering part of New York Fashion Week. Yes, I know it's hard to think that far ahead, as Fall hasn't technically begun yet, but there are several key trends that will be in this coming spring.

It seems that pastels, especially baby pink, will be back this spring, along with pretty golds, cremes, and whites.

Another trend I noticed is a tie-dye that looks similar to plaid.

There has also been many pops of turquoise, which I'm so excited for because it's one of my favorite colors!


Black and white combinations have also been common, which I think is a cool, modern, fresh take for spring.

Denim seems to be making its comeback... but not in the way you might think! Most of the denim I've seen so far has been on the upper half of the body. That means denim jackets, shirts, tunics, and vests, especially in lighter washes, will be seen in many collections and stores this spring.

Dimension seems to be a huge inspiration for designers this spring. Ruffles, roses, and beading have taken center stage, particularly on evening gowns and more formal dresses. Wave patterns and designs have been especially prominent, which I really like. 

An interesting trend that I have observed is dimension inspired by Japanese kimonos. I must say that I find it intriguing and different and I absolutely love it!

Two more trends I discovered that I found myself obsessed with are intricate side hair braiding, and three-dimensional nails with extravagant designs. Check them out below:

What do you think of all of these trends? Love them or hate them? Let me know in the comments below!


All photos from here. To follow New York Fashion Week, click here. All photos are from Day 3.

Thanks for reading!



xoxo,

Martha <3

Posting Schedule

Hi everyone!

I have developed a schedule for when I will be posting. This will go into effect starting on Monday, September 10, 2012 and will continue until further notice. I hope this helps!

Monday- New Post
Tuesday- Check Twitter!
Wednesday- New Post
Thursday- Check Twitter!
Friday- New Post
Saturday & Sunday- Surprise! (There may or may not be new posts. Check Twitter for updates.)

Twitter: @fashion_amour    (Click here to go to my page.)
Email: fashionamourblog@gmail.com

Please feel free to leave a request for a blog post in the comments below, send me an email, or direct-message me on Twitter.

Also, please keep in mind that due to school, posts will probably go up sometime in the late afternoon or evening. If I post earlier, I will tweet about it to let you know. :)

Have a wonderful weekend and remember to check back for a new post on Monday!

Thank you for your patience.

xoxo,

Martha <3

Neo-Baroque Trend

Hi everyone!

I will begin posting on Fashion Weeks soon, but for tonight's post, I want to share a trend that I'm in love with. Neo-Baroque is a relatively new trend and is definitely in for this fall. The gorgeous detail on the garments takes my breath away.


The Neo-Baroque trend is inspired by the Baroque period and its architecture and unique attention to detail. I absolutely adore Selena Gomez's dress that she wore on the red carpet of the Spring Breakers premiere at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy. According to teenvogue.com, Selena is wearing a Dolce & Gabbana black-and-gold frock, black Jimmy Choo strappy heels, and Melinda Maria earrings. Lace is a personal favorite of mine, and I would wear this outfit in a heartbeat. This look was styled so beautifully and her hair and makeup complete the look with perfection.

The intricate detailing on garments of this trend is what really stands out to me, along with the vibrant threading. Here are some more examples of Neo-Baroque fashion:

Now here are some ideas for incorporating this trend into your wardrobe and everyday style:

As you can see, beadwork, damask prints and patterns, and extravagant detail are what make this trend so special. What are your thoughts? Would you try it out? Let me know in the comments below!


Thanks for reading!

xoxo,

Martha <3

Update!

Hi everyone!

Let me start this post off with an apology... I am so, so sorry that I have not been blogging much in the past week or so! There are no excuses, but I will say that I've been a bit overwhelmed these first few weeks of school, so please forgive me. However, I am so excited to be back and blogging and will try to make this more regular, that way you'll know when I'm posting. :)

If you follow me on twitter, @fashion_amour, then you probably know that I am a member of the Nordstrom BP. Fashion Board, which is such an honor and super exciting! If you're interested in applying for next year, this was the application for the 2012-2013 term, but you can expect something similar for next year! This opportunity is open to high schoolers only! However, if you don't meet that requirement but are still interested in a position like this, Harper's Bazaar magazine has a similar program called Style Ambassadors for ages 19 and up.

The BP. Board also has a blog. To check it out, click here. I am going to be applying this year and only three candidates are chosen. It's a long-shot, but also an amazing opportunity and I can't pass up the chance at such a wonderful experience. I will be working on my sample entry this week to submit by the deadline, September 17.

My next post should be up within an hour, so check back soon! Once I come up with a schedule of days I have time to blog on, I'll post it so you'll know when to expect a new post. Sorry for the temporary inconvenience! Thanks for reading and being patient!

xoxo,

Martha <3