Historic Prints are Modern Again

As I was browsing many of my favorite fashion magazines like People StyleWatch and InStyle, I noticed many of the high end labels are incorporating tribal prints and geometric prints into their lines this fall. Personally, I think these looks are absolutely adorable, however I can see how it can be completely easy to mess it up and overdo it. So I did some research and checked out the moderately priced and even low priced shops I love to venture into to see what they have to offer, and I was pleasantly surprised. I have a ton of great pieces to show you that I am so excited about!

So first, I found this adorable chiffon A-line skirt from Bar III at Macy's. Its on sale for $34.99! Its black and white for those afraid of color, however I think the top they paired it with is perfect. It is also from BarIII and on sale at Macys for $22.99. This is exactly the kind of top you want to pair with a tribal/geometric print. This yellow button down top is bright and fun, and just as attention-grabbing as the skirt, yet they don't clash. They completely compliment each other. I would add minimal accessories to this outfit, and I would probably stick to something rose gold just to add a little bit of the unexpected. These rose gold studs(far right in their picture), are part of an $18 3-pack at UrbanOutfitters.com and the studded bracelet is also from UrbanOutfitters.com for $14.

I found some other skirts that I adore as well. Just remember to pair them with something kind of plain so you don't clash with your tribal/geometric piece. Both skirts are from Express, the one of the left goes for $49.90 and the one on the right is $59.90. You have a bit more freedom with the one on the left to add a bright colored top or some super funky jewelry, but with the one on the right, because the skirt is sequined and colorful, stick with a top that is the same or close to one of the colors in the skirt. Maybe like a dark blue or black. Personally I wouldn't wear a light colored top with this because I think the darker tops look better; more polished.

I have found seven adorable tops suitable for many different occasions with extremely charming tribal or geometric prints.
The first two are tanks from Forever21. The one on the left is $12.80 and the one on the right is $14.90. You can sport these casually with jeans pants or shorts. Or you can dress them up by adding a blazer and some heels. They are very affordable and adorable!

 

 

These next three are still casual but more professional standing alone than the first two. They would be great tucked into a pencil skirt or with black slacks. They would also look fabulous paired with some skinnies. You have many options!

The first one is a long sleeve tribal button-up blouse from Macys by BarIII for $69. The slit shouldered tribal blouse is by Vince Camuto and sold at Dillards for $99. The one on the bottom is a long sleeve button-up geometric blouse at Dillards by I.N. Studio for $39.

 

 

 

Lastly, I have added some fun edgy peplum styled geometric blouses from UrbanOutfitters that pair perfect with skinnies, minis, and pencil skirts. They are both by Pins and Needles and go for $39.

 As always, I have to add some gorgeous dresses in these prints. Some of these are to die for.

 

 The yellow one is a belted hi-lo hem dress by BCBG and can be found at Macys and Dillards for $118. It can be worn casually with braided sandals or dressed up with some flirty heels. The next one is a Juniors Dress by Material Girl at Macys for $12.99. This would look perfect with a blazer and some fun colored earrings. I have the perfect red pair for them I will add at the end of the blog. The next one is a BCBGMAXAZRIA stunner sequined geometric print dress. Its absolutely gorgeous. However, it is quite the splurge at $378. The next one is a black and white geometric print shift dress from Forever 21 that goes for $24.80; it is an amazing steal. It looks great alone, with a blazer, and with some fun and funky earrings. The last dress I have included is a beloved maxi dress from UrbanOutfitters at $64.

I have also found some super cute accessories that can go with any of these tops or dresses, or you may prefer to pair them with non-geometric pieces just to add some flair.

This adorable scarf can be found on UrbanOutfitters.com. It is by Silence and Noise and retails at $14.99 and is perfect for the transition into fall.             


 

These two items will be great paired together with non geometric or tribal printed pieces or individually with a printed piece. The red earrings are from Forever21 for $3.80 and the black and white cuff is also from Forever21 for $8.80.

 The two gold items are from Macys. The earrings are by Rachel Roy and retail at $46 and the cuff is by Haskell for $35.50. These two pair great together and can be paired with many of the pieces I included in this blog. Especially for those of you who prefer to wear metallics versus colored jewelry.

Last but never least, I have included some super funky pieces from TopShop. TopShop.com carries some really neat jewelry and just odd and eye-catching items that I really like. The ring and earring set goes for 7.50 Euros and the necklace which actually has different colored snake printed triangles goes for 12.50 Euros. No worries, TopShop distributes to the U.S. and they actually have stores located in the U.S. If  you shop on their website, they will convert the Euro to U.S. Dollar.

 

 I know that some people might consider wearing tribal prints or geometrics as a risk or a little out of their comfort zone. If you are that kind of gal, start with something small like a tank or a piece of jewelry, or even a scarf. These prints can be totally fun and add a pop of color to your outfit. Just remember to pair it with a complimenting solid or jewelry this isn't the over the top, and trust me you will look casually charming!

Date Night!

Whether you are going on a first date, a fifth date, or a 500th date, sometimes picking out what to wear can be the biggest challenge of your evening. There have been many times when I looked into my closet full of beautiful clothes and thought to myself, I have nothing to wear! That is the worst feeling and it's so discouraging! Hopefully I can give you some ideas of what to wear to set you up for a great date night.
First thing is first, less is more! I know Beyonce said "every now and then you have to go in the back of your closet and pull out the freakum dress"....however, that is every now and then, like once in a while. You want to be classy but sexy, you don't want to go out on the majority of your dates showing all you've got. Leave some of yourself to the imagination. Try to wear something that makes your man/or woman respect you but something that makes them do a double take.
Be comfortable! Don't wear something that you are constantly pulling down or something that continues to show off ALL of your girls. You should be comfortable enough to see your boss or your date's grandmother and not be embarrassed by the skin your are showing.
Rule of thumb: if you are exposing one part of your body in excess, cover up the rest. If you have the girls out, wear something loose on the bottom or pants. If you are wearing a short skirt, leave the top part of your body semi covered. Like I said, you don't want to show everything, you want to keep it classy, yet sexy.
It is a good idea to bring some type of cover up in case it gets cooler, or you may want to cover up some because you are getting uncomfortable. It happens to me all the time. So, I always have some type of blazer or cropped jacket or even a cardigan with me when I go on a date with my man.
Different types of venues require different types of clothing, but the outfits I will show you can pretty much be used for any date, other than a ball or  black-tie affair.
Oh, and did I mention, dresses are perfect for dates? All you have to match is you shoes, clutch, and jewelry. You can find an easy blazer to go with most dresses and dresses add a touch of class and femininity.

Above is a faux leather pencil skirt from Forever 21 and a loose long-sleeved blue button up. Both of these are under $20. Putting these two together create a classy yet sophisticated look. The fact that the skirt is leather, is sexy enough, not to mention it is tight and hits directly above the knee. Adding the loose blouse on top(tucked in), and even throwing on a belt if you want. I would stick to gold toned jewelry. I would probably wear gold hoops, a slim gold chained bracelet, and a statement ring(pictured from Forever21 under $5). You could get creative with the shoes and wear a bold color, like the pink ones in the picture, add a pop of color like the Victorias Secret python wedge pumps in the previous blog post, or keep it simple with black pumps. An outfit like this allows you to be very creative. The next one I've created does too.

Again, these two piece of apparel are from Forever21 and under $20 each. The thick striped mini skirt will play up your gams, and adding this loosely fitting blouse in a great contrasting color like red will keep it classy. I would recommend a belt like the one pictured with the skirt. This look would go great with a black blazer and a black clutch. Again I would stick to gold toned jewelry(gold spiked earrings from Urban Outfitters at $58) and some type of black shoe. These outfits show a little but don't go overboard. They allow you to be sexy and classy.

I think this blue, BCBG, long sleeved bodycon dress from Macys is absolutely stunning! Its a splurge at $118, but it is perfect. The sleeves keep this body hugging dress classy and the length is the icing on the cake. It is so sexy and so classy. I would let my dress do the talking with simple earrings, maybe even diamond stud or slim hoops. I would also stick to a slimming shoe, nothing too chunky or thick. Oh I love this dress.

If you aren't into a dress that tight or fitted, ASOS.com has an great date night dress for $45. It is a light and flowy, sleeveless dress, with a cinched waist and a hi-lo hemline. It shows off a lot of skin in the arms and legs and shows off the small of the waist cinching in the perfect spot. It is super classy and sexy and would pair great with a colored blazer or some statement jewelry. Both of the blazers are from Macys INC line. The yellow is on sale at $66 and the blue goes for $88. The gold and silver toned statement necklace is from UrbanOutfitters and goes for $48 and the other items are from Rachel Roy's line at Macys. Each of her items of jewelry come in under $45.

 

 Remember, when you go out on a date, keep it classy and sexy. Don't show all of your assets with one outfit. Stick to the "less is more" motto for a high level of comfort and fashion. Hopefully your next date night out will start with a casually charming outfit for a fabulous evening!