Drop It Like It's Hot

Drop it like it's hot, ladies. Yep, I said it. I meant it. But, I'm talking about drop waists and not dance moves. Top buttons, peter pan collars, pleats, polka dots and now drop waisted dresses...Could the fashion world get anymore preppy?

It has so been so interesting to watch the fashion industry take on a dual personality promoting ladylike and preppy trends such as the ones mentioned above, but also pushing leather, spikes and neon. I suppose fashion is still in love with the whole "hard and soft" concept. But back to drop waists...

They are in style, and if you have a boy-ish figure embrace the trend. For those of us that have curves on top or on bottom or both, it may not be the best look for your body shape.

Check out these lovely dresses I found for purchase by some of our favorite brands...

Image sources: Sincerely, Jules; If In Doubt Pout, ASOS.com

Ladylike Spikes

Up until now, the only people that I know that wear studs and spikes every day also ride big motorcycles, wear bandanas and have deep voices. Of course, I'm completely stereotyping, but seriously, that's all that comes to mind.

Well, I'm about to be proven wrong with all of the studs and spikes that are on shoes, bracelets, sweaters, dresses...you name it. Pretty soon loads of people are going to be walking around with studded gear if they aren't already.

Now, let's be clear - This is WAAAAAY different than bedazzled clothes. Do NOT buy anything bedazzled, especially denim jackets. Barbie and My Little Pony are the only two that can pull that look off all of the time.

But if you're a gal like me whose style is pretty classic, clean and leans a bit toward the feminine side you're probably not interested in this trend. At least that's what I told myself when I started to see flats and slippers with studs on them this spring. I have to be on honest with you though - I think I'm warming up to them more and more, especially when I see a pretty dress with a bit of hardware or a pretty clutch.

Still not sold? Well, with any loud trend like this or neon you can always just add a little bit to your outfits with accessories rather than larger pieces such as pants, jackets and dresses. Check out some of these I found, and maybe you'll want to add some more hardware too.

studs and spikes by alexandraevjen featuring spike jewelry

Image sources: Cherry Whore, Tumblr, Pinterest, The Shiny Squirrel, ASOS

Time

I'm finding myself always staring at the clock these days. I've been watching athletes race against the clock during the summer Olympics and I've been counting down the days until I get to meet my baby girl. It's only a matter of time before I start monitoring my contractions and looking at the clock to see what time she is born or when the next time is to feed her. I think the majority of us reach for our cell phones to tell us the time of day, but with all of the beautiful watches out there why I do we forget we can have fashion and function in one!?

Glam Rock is a brand of watches that I was recently asked to review, and I was so excited because...1. I've been in the market for a watch, specifically a gold one. 2. They have a gorgeous collection!

You may or may not have already seen this brand shopping around Nordstrom, and starting this month you'll be able to find them at Bloomingdales as well. Glam Rock a Miami based watch company that really focuses on bringing style to function. This is obvious by their offering of the latest trends such as white, gold and rose gold watches, but they have just launched a new line called Miami Beach Art Deco that plays off of the 1930s. With Gatsby coming out in theaters soon and Downton Abbey fans growing by the minute, the fashion community has adopted this nod to the 30s. I even mentioned it in my Fall 2012 Trend Watch the other week.

So, of course, the two watches that I particularly fell in love with were from this collection. One was a white and gold one (great for summer), and the other was a solid gold one with a unique face.

I have been wearing my white watch every day since I got it. It goes with everything, and I can't wait to throw on my gold one this fall to dress up all of my outfits. I think these watches look great with additional accessories too, so pile those bracelets and rings on!

You can keep up with Glam Rock on Facebook and Twitter to see their latest creations. And the next time you ask what time it is, go buy a watch! ;)

Berry Me!

I've spent this past week putting together some fall looks for a fun little project, and it has made me CRAVE pumpkin spice lattes, cooler weather and, of course, fall fashion. But given that the temperatures are rising to 111 degrees here in Phoenix, Arizona, I don't think any of those things are going to happen for at least a couple months. So, what can I do to start embracing fall without sweating profusely? Wear autumn colors!

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Berry tones are going to be all over stores this coming season. Whether you lean toward purple or red, you will definitely be able to find clothing in a shade you enjoy.

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And if you really want to be on trend, berry bags are the "must have" color for toting your personal belongings around in style.

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This trend isn't just for the ladies either. Menswear has completely adopted shades of berries into their collections. I don't know about you, but men in sweaters make me weak in the knees.

SOURCES: Club Monaco, They All Hate Us, Prepaganda

Clothing That Shines

When I was a little girl, I remember shopping with my mom and always running toward the shiny satin fabrics and sequined dresses. And every year, when my dance costumes arrived for my approaching recital I would always choose the outfit with the most sequins as my favorite. Back then and even now, I would jump to wear these Top Shop sparkles below.

Spring and summer clothes are always so bright and happy, but one thing you rarely see is sparkle and shine. The fall and winter fashion seasons are always sprinkled with glitter and sequins, and, in my opinion, makes the cooler months superior. haha!

Yes, metallic fabrics, head-to-toe sequins and giant gems can be gaudy at times, but I think every gal needs something sparkly in her wardrobe even if it's a giant jeweled collar or sparkly shoes likes these Kate Spade ones.

Check out some shiny, affordable options below and add some sparkle to your closet!