Fall Fashion is Mad for Plaid in 2013

Photo Credit: Google Images

The traditional plaid is still a staple in fashion as of 2013, but it is now delivered in a new and original style for both men and women. Not only are plaid shirts a stand-out trend this fall, but they add an abundant amount of comfort to your wardrobe as well. Plaid is by no means a new trend this year, nor was it last year, or the year before. In fact, you would probably find pictures of yourself wearing plaid back in the day if you were to rummage through old photos. The trend has been around long enough that there are even black and white pictures of people wearing plaid. As this throwback picture to the left displays, there have been lumberjacks in plaid, Hollywood stars in plaid, and even ancient royalties in plaid (Prince Charles Edward in the picture to the far right). So, plenty of decades later, the plaid trend still remains. 

Photo Credit: Google Images

A countless number of celebrities are wearing plaid in 2013, and have been for quite some time now. The picture to the right shows how plaid was worn in the 1995 film Clueless, one of my personal favorite movies growing up. This portrays a more higher-end example of plaid, but almost 20 years later, plaid is worn for more of a relaxed look than for a look of elegance or class. A more relaxed look is definitely the case, under two conditions: Burberry and Tommy Hilfiger. Plaid is the signature print of high-end fashion label Burberry, so that appearance cannot be overlooked. Tommy Hilfiger's fashion line is also another exception for when plaid should not be overlooked since the vintage plaid look embodies the design that Tommy Hilfiger is known for. So, don't get me wrong, plaid is definitely worn for comfort among the majority of people in 2013, but it can certainly still be worn for a sense of luxury as well.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Google Images

Which of our favorite stars are wearing plaid these days? From left to right (on the top picture), Luke Bryan, Kristin Cavallari, Blake Shelton, and Lauren Conrad are just a few of the many that have been captured styling the trend. London's finest have also been seen wearing plaid all the way across the world. Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, displays a classier way of wearing plaid, whereas Prince William, Prince Harry, and Pippa Middleton portray the more casual look. 

Pinterest

Pinterest

Now, how can you wear plaid this fall? First off, if you want to go for the most comfiest style of them all, couple your plaid top with a pair of leggings. The look to the right incorporates black leggings with the black and red plaid top and gives off a very simple, relaxed style. In order to perk-up the outfit up a tad bit more, choose black leather leggings. This would give your appearance more of an "edginess" and rockstar look. A second way to wear a plaid top is to pair it with some Cognac leather boots (picture on the left). This is another chic way to add some simple flare to the ensemble.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Other ways to wear plaid include infinity scarves, jeans, vests, leg warmers and riding boots, and numerous accessories as the picture to the right shows. There are ways to dress it up and there are ways to dress it down, but plaid is for sure a major staple in this year's fall fashion, so check out some of these websites to get your very own plaid shirt. 

H&M- http://www.hm.com/us/product/15495?article=15495-A

Impressions Boutique- http://impressionsnwa.com/search?q=plaid

Ralph Lauren- http://www.ralphlauren.com/search/index.jsp?kw=plaid+for+women&f=Women 

Plaid is here to stay this fall and winter season and, at the rate that it's going, doesn't seem to be losing trend any time soon. Whether you are a royalty, lumberjack, or just your average citizen, 55 or 5, male or female, dressing casually or classy, plaid is the go-to look. If you're not already on the trend, now is the time to start!

Emerald as Color of the Year

Photo Credit: Pantone Color Institute

It is not just the beautiful red, orange, and yellow leaves that tend to catch one's eyes during the fall season, the choice of color in fashion has a great advantage in doing so as well. Whether your color of choice be Emerald, Carafe, Acai, Koi, Samba, Vivacious, Linden Green, Deep Lichen Green, Mykonos Blue, or Turbulence, your ensemble will be right on track with the fad. You are probably thinking to yourself where in the world did she come up with these colors? Well, according to The Pantone Color Institute, these 10 colors are the trends for fashion this fall. So, which one of these colors did Pantone name as the "color of the year?" 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Drum roll please.............. Emerald, a lively and radiant lush green, is the answer. High-end fashion labels such as Burberry (picture on the right) are incorporating this color into their fashion. From coats and pants to cute tops and accessories, this rich shade is going to be a huge hit this fall. As I stated in my previous blog, blazers (picture on the left) are a great fashion choice for all seasons, but especially for fall. A blazer of the emerald green color would make for a considerably classy appearance. The woman on the left also chose to coordinate gold jewelry into her ensemble, which accentuates the emerald green color very well. 
Emerald Blazer- http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=emerald+blazer

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Emerald is perfect for both tops and pants. The picture on the left displays the various options. Since colored jeans still remain trendy this fall, incorporating Emerald green pants into your outfit is a great way to stay on top of the trend. The color can easily be paired with Cognac leather boots (as displayed), black boots, or basically any neutral shade. Emerald gives off a very sophisticated look and can be dressed up for an effect of elegance or down for a more casual appearance. 
Emerald Top- http://www.lulus.com/products/v-sionary-emerald-green-top/111282.html
Emerald Pants- http://www.6pm.com/free-people-skinny-cord-electric-emerald

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Accessorizing with Emerald may be my personal favorite look when it comes to wearing this green shade. Whether choosing a scarf, purse, shoes, statement necklace, or other forms of jewelry, accenting your attire with Emerald green is an exquisite choice. Emerald is a color that can be embraced in small or larger doses, depending on your mood or your own personal decision. So, if you want to wear Emerald in smaller doses, choose to accent with Emerald accessories. A simple idea to incorporate the color, but also a wise way to make a classy fashion statement.
Emerald Infinity Scarf- http://www.etsy.com/search?q=emerald%20green%20infinity%20scarf&view_type=gallery&ship_to=US&ref=auto1

However you choose to wear Emerald this fall, the positive news is that there will be plenty of it in stores. Whether you incorporate Emerald into your ensemble by wearing a blazer, pants, cute top, or as an accessory, you will be right on trend. Pantone sure believes so!

Emerald will surely bring luxury and elegance to your fall wardrobe. #FCRFall2013 http://t.co/cx1nvTXe91
— PANTONE (@pantone) September 1, 2013

Fall Fashion Layering: à la Mode

Layering: a prominent way to bundle up during the fall and winter season. Everyone layers up during the chilly months of the year, but how do you look fashionable doing it? The trick is pretty straightforward. Blazers, military jackets, leather jackets, denim vests, and, of course, you can never go wrong with a scarf. Layering can also include boots and leg warmers, which have been a popular fashion choice lately. By adding colorful, comfortable layers, your layered ensemble can potentially be perked up in no time. 

Now, let's see some examples of prime fashionable options for layering this fall and winter season. Once again, Pinterest is a splendid social media choice for finding stylish, up-to-date layering ideas. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Military jackets continue to be a very popular trend, especially for celebrities. There is something about these vintage, combat-looking jackets that is so appealing to the public eye. Perhaps it is the army-green color, or maybe it is the ease and coziness of wearing them. It is a casual look that is perfect for fall and winter. Well-known celebrities such as Kourtney Kardashian (left), Jessica Alba, Minka Kelly, Julianne Hough, and many others have all been photographed lately wearing these green military jackets. This proves that they are undoubtedly here to stay. These three photos to the left also display  the women accessorizing their military jackets with handbags. The black and cognac-colored handbags are two exceptional color choices that coincide very well with the army-green military jackets. Want this look? Search the websites below for the perfect military jacket that matches your very own style.

Michael Kors Handbags- http://www.michaelkors.com/store/catalog/templates/P6VAll.jhtml?itemId=cat3003

Coach Handbags- http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/SearchResultsView?storeId=10551&catalogId=10051&langId=-1&quickOrder=yes&searchTerm=4294967280_8122&cacheKeyword=HANDBAGS%20BROWN&category=HANDBAGS&color=brown&price=&LOC=SR

ShopStyle Military Jackets- http://www.shopstyle.com/browse?fts=military+jacket

Photo Credit: Pinterest

http://stylegirlfriend.com

Another trend that peaked over the summer was the denim vest. It seems to add a "cool" touch to virtually any outfit, particularly the maxi skirt, a cute sundress, or a vintage tee. Well, the trend doesn't seem to be dwindling away quite yet. The denim vest layered over a light or bulky sweater is a brand new fashion statement this fall season. It can easily spiff up any sweater, whether it be a light denim vest or a dark denim vest. It is such a popular trend that even the guys are doing it! To the left, Usher rocks a denim vest while in England in 2012. Yes, this may have been over a year ago, but the trend is still going strong, even more so than ever. Would you wear it? Click on the link below to purchase a denim vest to layer your sweaters this fall!

Polyvore- http://www.polyvore.com/denim_vest/shop?query=denim+vest

Photo Credit: Pinterest

I'm sure this is old news as they have been popular for a few years now, but blazers are more of a classier layering choice for fall and winter. The photos on the left display 3 various ways to wear a blazer. First of all, I have to point out the fact that the woman on the far left is wearing an Aztec-patterned tank underneath her blazer. As I stated in my previous blog, Aztec is the go-to pattern for sweaters this year. The middle picture portrays a great layering example of a blazer incorporating a scarf. She is also wearing a felt-floppy hat, as Lauren Conrad stated to be a huge fashion trend this fall. Overall, a very fashionable fall look. The picture on the far right shows a more casual look for a blazer. She simply coupled it with a pair of pastel pink skinny jeans and a knitted tank-- a more comfortable look. In general, there are endless amounts of ways to wear a blazer, but these three photos are just three examples of how you can pull a blazer off this fall. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As I mentioned above, layering can also include boots paired with leg warmers. This look, as the old saying goes, kills two birds with one stone. Not only will your toes and legs be remarkably warm, but you will look like a fashionista doing it. It is a fun and interesting way to create new looks for your wardrobe by pairing it with jeans, leggings, tights, or whatever your heart desires! This look was very popular last year and continues to be an ideal layering choice for 2013 as well. Von Maur, Steve Madden, Cordoba, and Nine West are some great options for purchasing leather riding boots. As for the leg warmers, these can be purchased virtually anywhere!

Steve Madden Boots- http://www.stevemadden.com/CategoryItem.aspx?id=595&nav=1051&np=595_1051

Kohls Leg Warmers- http://www.kohls.com/catalog/womens-socks-and-hosiery-clothing.jsp?CN=4294720878+4294719514+4294719810&pfx=pfx_google_roi&cid=aagaccessories&gclid=CPekhvfzr7oCFY0-MgodeFkAWw&gclsrc=aw.ds

As I explained in this blog post, layering is the perfect way to bundle up during this fall and winter season and to look "a la mode" doing it. Hopefully it gave you some insight on some exceptional ways to layer your own wardrobe in a trendy fashion this year! Also, see a previous blog post of mine on how to incorporate the ever-so-popular black leather jacket into your fall attire!

Aztec: The Perfect Pattern for all 4 Seasons

What are big, cozy, and knitted with fun, unique patterns? You're probably thinking of sweaters, obviously. That's right, but more specifically, the infamous Aztec sweater. The Aztec pattern originates from Mexico and was influenced by an extensive history of tribes. In tradition, the Aztec prints reflected the appreciation of insects, birds, fish, and animals. So, how did the Aztec pattern steer its way into the fashion trends of the United States you may ask? Well, in 2009, at the spring/summer catwalk show for Matthew Williamson, the Aztec pattern was exposed for the first time. Ever since its appearance, celebrities and women everywhere have styled the trend with sweaters, skirts, dresses, coats, and scarves. Some woman even choose to wear the pattern as leggings. In other words, Aztec is a pattern perfect for all seasons. Four years after it was introduced, the pattern is still going strong and it appears as if it is going to be just as popular as ever this fall and winter, according to social media. 

Photo Credit: Pinterest

As you explore through Pinterest and add ensembles to your wish list for fall and winter, you may discover endless amounts of various Aztec patterns. This particular sweater on the right is just one of the many styles that can be found on Pinterest. This girl chose to wear her sweater with jeans, but leggings would also be a comfy choice that would go well with this sweater. She also chose to accessorize with a watch and bracelet. Since the pattern is already pretty catchy and somewhat "busy," the addition of the watch and bracelet was simple and didn't overdo it. This exact Aztec sweater can be found at The Rage.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Displayed to the right is another Pinterest creation. This girl coordinated her Aztec cardigan with leggings and a pair of Cognac leather boots. The Cognac leather boots add a touch of color to her all black and white wardrobe choice. This practical and stylish look is perfect for a casual fall or winter day. Click here to find your very own black and white Aztec patterned cardigan or sweater.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

To the left is another chic example of how to wear an Aztec printed cardigan. This image greatly merges the ethnic and eccentric style of the Aztec pattern with a pair of Minnetonka boots. The website listed below has a variety of Aztec patterns: leggings, jeans, sweaters, cardigans, dresses, and boots. It is also a great site if you want to simply get ideas on what to wear the pattern with. This site is extremely popular with Pinterest and has some pretty fun Aztec patterns, so check it out before they are all sold out of your favorite patterns for the fall and winter! 

http://impressionsnwa.com/search?q=aztec

Photo Credit: Pinterest

In my previous blog post, I mentioned Emily Maynard, the fashionista from ABC's "The Bachelor" and "The Bachelorette." Well, last fall season when the Aztec trend finally began to make its way into fashion trends, Emily was styling this popular pattern on the right. This cardigan instantly sold out and a lot of Emily fans were bummed out that they didn't purchase it in time. Great news! The "Emily Sweater" is back in stock and can be purchased here. As you can see, she is also styling the Minnetonka moccasin boots as I stated above as another popular trend. 

So, as you stroll through social media sites and stumble upon the Aztec patterned trend, hopefully you will remember the pattern as it began in Mexico, transitioned its way into the United States fashion trends in 2009, and how it continues to thrive in fashion to this day. This ethnic, tribal look is definitely going to be a well-liked fad again this year, so hurry and do some some Aztec-patterned shopping before you see the ever-so-dreaded "sold out of all sizes" phrase. 

Who is Fashionista Emily Maynard?

http://emilymaynard.com

You all may know southern belle, Emily Maynard, from Season 8 of ABC's franchise The Bachelorette, or you simply may not know her at all. As her televised life on reality TV may have seemed like a beautiful fairy tale, her upbringing to that moment was full of devastating grief simultaneously mixed with a life-changing moment of joy. The moment of grief consisted of a young, infatuated Emily's worst nightmare. Her fiance, NASCAR racer Ricky Hendrick, had his life taken from him on October 24th, 2004 upon a tragic plane crash. Just a short week after her whole life came crashing down on her, she learned that she was pregnant with their now 8-year-old daughter Ricki (see picture on left). Since then, Emily has found love on Season 15 of The Bachelor and, when that didn't work out for the best, agreed to star as ABC's eighth bachelorette. She fell in love with Utah entrepreneur Jef Holm, but unfortunately the two split in October of 2012. 

As she moved on from starring on ABC's reality TV, Emily created, and has continued to maintain, her very own fashion and beauty blog (http://emilymaynard.com). Her impeccable fashion sense inspired me, along with many other "Bachelor" fans, on her journey to find love and continues to inspire many people to this day.

http://emilymaynard.com

Emily's fashion blog incorporates many of the trends that I have mentioned in my previous blogs: the leather pants, the statement necklaces, and the ever-so-popular maxi skirt. The pink maxi skirt (in the picture on the right) proves a great example on how to alter a summer maxi skirt into one for the fall. By simply adding a cute sweater or a statement necklace, this look can easily work for fall as well. The blue necklace that Emily is wearing in her picture is called a Sedley necklace and has the ability to accentuate many different ensembles. As I previously stated, the leather pants are also an extremely stylish trend this fall and celebrities everywhere are wearing them, including Emily. The other picture on the right shows Emily flawlessly displayed in black leather pants matched with a leopard cardigan, her Virigina necklace, and some black booties as her shoe choice. Here's a little suggestion from Emily, "Just remember not to get them (leather pants) too tight or else you'll end up looking like Sandy from Grease or Ross from Friends." 

Need a quick laugh? Click here to see Ross' Leather Mishap.  

http://emilymaynard.com

When it comes to jewelry, Emily has exquisite taste as well. Whether it is her earrings, Morgan bracelet (as displayed in the picture to the left), necklaces, or rings, you will never see Emily without being "dressed to a T" and being perfectly accessorized. Also, Emily is styling a dress from E's Closet Boutique in the picture to the left.

With all of the ups and downs life brings to everyone, everyday, sometimes all it takes is one thing to pick you back up. In Emily's case it was the gift of her daughter, Ricki. From there, she has successfully enlightened many lives with her presence on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette as well as her thriving fashion blog. Now that you know who fashionista, Emily Maynard, is, join her blog, follow her on Twitter (@EmilyMaynard), and like her Facebook page to be apart of her admirable fashion choices. Also, click here to shop Emily's jewelry collection.

(Scarf)spiration: 34 Unique Ways to Wear a Scarf

What is one of the most thriving ways to accessorize any outfit during the fall season? The answer is simple. Scarves, scarves, and more scarves. Women's scarves have the ability to accessorize any outfit in many unique ways. The variety of textures, patterns, colors, and ways of tying scarves are endless, which makes them a popular choice when it comes to perking up your wardrobe. 

From Pinterest, here is one of the most current examples of nine original ways to tie a scarf this fall.

Instructions on how to tie this scarf nine different ways:

1. Take a rectangular scarf and fold it in half to make a square (or use a square scarf). Fold one corner to the other to make a triangle. Tie two ends of the triangle at the back of your neck with the point hanging down in front. Adjust the scarf accordingly.

2. Place the scarf around the back of your neck with ends hanging loosely in front. Hold ends together in one hand and wrap around the other hand creating a loop. Bring ends up, around, and through the loop creating a knot. Shift scarf slightly off-center. 

3. Fold scarf in half, wrap around the back of your neck and pull ends through the loop. 

4. Drape scarf around the back of your neck, and have both ends hanging with equal length in the front. Tie ends together starting a quarter way down, creating a parallel knot. Repeat process 4-5 times. 

5. With the scarf opened fully, wrap around your shoulders and back, then cross the right over your left. 

6. Fold scarf in half and drape over the back of your neck. Pull ends through the loop (like in a traditional tie). Pull ends up and under the neckline. Bring around over the top and pull back down through the loop.

7. Place ends of scarf over shoulder with loop in the front. Cross ends in the back and bring towards the front. Let ends hang loosely. 

8. Fold scarf in half lengthwise and wrap around the back of your neck. Take one of the ends and pull through the loop. Twist the loop. Pull the other end through the new loop and fluff.

9. Drape ends of scarf over your shoulders with loop in front of neck. Wrap ends around your neck 2-3 times and tie in the back. Adjust accordingly.

Still need help? Check out this YouTube video for an actual step-by-step tutorial on an additional 25 ways to wear a scarf in less than 5 minutes.

Now it's your turn. Take these 34 different ways to wear a scarf and practice on your own. Incorporate these different styles into your autumn ensemble for a new and unique style this fall. 

RIP Summer 2013: New Season, New Wardrobe

It is about that time of the year again: the dreaded closet change, where summer clothes are about to be pushed to the back of the closet and scarves, jeans, sweaters, and fashion boots will be taking over. Connecting to social media is one of the key ways to stay on top of the fashion trends this fall season. Whether it is following your favorite celebrity idols on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Tumblr, or exploring Pinterest to find the most immaculate outfit, social media will not let you down.

Keep scrolling to find some of the most popular examples of various fashion trends this fall.

http://refinedstylefashion.com

From the comfy sweater and accented scarf, to the skinny jeans and cognac leather boots, this is considered a perfect fall wardrobe choice. Found on Pinterest as one of the most popular outfit "repins" for fall fashion 2013, this outfit can be put together quite easily. Want to match this look? Listed below are some websites that provide similar alternatives to this chic ensemble.

Steve Madden Boots
http://www.stevemadden.com/CategoryItem.aspx?id=595&nav=1051&np=595_1051
Scarves under $50- Nordstrom
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/scarves-wraps
Skinny Jeans- Buy 1, Get 1 $29.90- Express
http://www.express.com/clothing/Apparel/Skinny+Jeans/cat/cat320065
Sweaters- Urban Outfitters
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/search.jsp?q=sweaters

http://laurenconrad.com

You all may know Lauren Conrad as the star from the 2006 MTV's hit show, The Hills, but now-a-days Lauren has moved her way on up the social ladder to owning her own fashion line. In fall of 2009, she collaborated with Kohl's to launch her second fashion line "LC Lauren Conrad." Her fashion line has been incredibly successful ever since. This fall Lauren predicts that a huge fashion trend will be felt, floppy hats. These hats are known to add a unique, bohemian element to any outfit, for instance, it definitely perks up the all-black apparel in the picture to the left.

Visit this website to pursue your own felt, floppy hat this fall.
http://polyvore.com/felt_floppy_hat/shop?query=felt+floppy+hat

Getty Images; Splash News

There is no reason to be feeling blue this fall, because apparently pink is in and blue is out. A-listers such as Kim Kardashian, Eva Mendes, and Lea Michele all rocked different shades of pink coats within the last couple of weeks. Lea (middle) sported a brighter hue of pink while shooting Glee in New York City during September. Eva (left) displayed herself in a pale-colored pink while strolling through the streets of New York City last September as well. Kim (right) enjoyed Paris Fashion Week while exhibiting a petal-pink overcoat. Although we are only a couple of weeks into the fall season, it can only be a matter of days before more stars begin accompanying this pink posse.

www.thedaybookblog.com

Here's another brilliant Pinterest idea. Since women just couldn't seem to get enough of the maxi skirt this past summer why not bring the trend into fall? Maxi skirts are a great way to transition seasons, especially when paired with a denim shirt, a cropped blazer, or even a simple long-sleeved shirt. The picture to the left is a marvelous example of incorporating all of the fashion trends for fall 2013.

Maxi Skirts- ShopBop
http://www.shopbop.com/skirts-maxi/br/v=1/2534374302150097.htm

Whether the sweater, leggings, boots, and scarf ensemble catches your eye, the maxi skirt, the pink trench coat, or the felt, floppy hat, fall of 2013 appears to be one of the trendiest seasons ever. So, start rummaging through that closet of yours. The fall weather will be here before you know it.