Uneven Hems

Uneven hems or graduating hems have popped up a lot this summer, and I expect you'll see them next year as well.

There are a lot of people out there that can't stand asymmetry. I love a good one shouldered dress or top, but for some reason I have never loved asymmetrical hem lines. I even own a fantastic dress that has this look, but I've only worn it once because something about drama of the atypical hem makes me feel less confident. MAYBE if I was wearing the right killer pair of shoes, but even then I'm not sure.

Do any of you have the same feeling? If not, what do you think it is that attracts you to this different style?

Photos: Ruche, Pret a Portobello, The Outnet, Pret a Portobello

ZARA Experience

I've been a LONG time lover of ZARA - an amazing retail company that offers fashion forward clothing at affordable prices. Get this though...I've been a big fan for a long time, but have never stepped foot into a store until this past weekend in San Francisco! Obviously, I had a wonderful vacation. ;) What's even more amazing is that the exact time that I finally got visit the store, ZARA finally started offering online buying of their clothes. YAY! It was great to figure out my size in the store, and get a feel of how things fit. I'm a 6 or 8 depending on the brand, and in ZARA I'm an 8. It's a European company, so things tend to fit a tad smaller than say GAP or J.Crew.

I definitely walked away with a great wardrobe addition - an off-white blazer with a hint of gold. I only had black and brown blazer until this point, so I'm glad I finally have color that will be great for spring and summer as well as fall and winter. If you missed my last post, blazers are great wardrobe builders and easily help you transition between seasons.

Some other items that caught my eye were...

This fur vest...Would look great juxtaposed to a soft chiffon or silk top!

These yellow pants with a front seam...Will make you stand out in a crowd!

These rust colored skinny jeans...Pretty color for fall!

This sequined jacket...Would easily take an outfit from day to night.

This teal scarf...It would bring color and texture to a black or gray, which is color people lean toward in the winter.

Love anything that you see? Get to shoppin'! You don't have to wait to visit a ZARA store anymore. =)

Summer to Fall Transition - Blazers

Tomorrow I leave for San Francisco, and I couldn't be more excited MAINLY because I'll get to escape the 100 degree weather in Arizona. Packing for this trip was a delight because I got to pull out my blazers! YAY! As I started to put my outfits together, I realized how essential blazers are to my wardrobe in helping me transition from warm weather to cool. Think about it, you can wear them with shorts, sundresses, jeans, skirts and pants, and they magically pump your outfit up a notch. If you don't own a classic black, navy or gray blazer, put it on the list for your wardrobe this year. Seriously, it will be worth the investment. If you already have the basics, add a plaid blazer or a bright cherry or teal one.

Check out some inspiration below and get shopping!

Photos: Sincerely, Jules, J.Crew, Cupcakes and Cashmere, Fashion Gone Rogue

Menswear - Pattern Mix Up

For the first time, I really feel like menswear is coming alive. I'm seeing more accessories, more color risks and much more mixing and matching of patterns. The winter is the perfect time to mix herringbone, hounds-tooth, plaid, tartan and striped patterns. This goes for women's clothing too!

And, if you want to go a step further, mix textures as well...A striped knit tie, mixed with a wool herringbone jacket and a silk hounds-tooth pocket square.

 I'm SO inspired by this trend, I already have something in the works to incorporate it in a photo shoot. I'm looking forward to sharing it soon. =) In the mean time, start getting creative and shopping for patterns!

Photos: Unknown, Gant, The Fashionisto, So Much Light,  G The Gentelman

ACNE

It's not a secret that I lean toward simple, clean clothing design. My house even reflects this same contemporary aesthetic. I'm thinking I need to visit Sweden more and more each day.

In all fashion seriousness though, my desire is to have timeless pieces that can be styled in a fashion forward way and will last a long time. That's why I really love ACNE. I feel like their clothing spans age groups, and can be easily dressed up OR down.

Think about it, you can add chunky jewelry and a fur vest to make it feel younger or add nothing to appear more mature and sophisticated. You can also add a leather jacket and motorcycle boots to look causal or strappy heels and cocktail rings for a night out.

ACNE also does a great job about thinking of the functionality of their clothing. The fabrics are quality, the cuts are comfortable, and there's always a designer detail touch suck as an asymmetric zipper to give a piece an edge.

This clothing brand gets overlooked, but I encourage you to check out their fall collection! I especially like to view designer clothes on my-wardrobe.com because they show items by themselves, as well as in a styled look.