Spring Trend Forecasting

So here’s something crazy that I’ve been dealing with lately.

You know how when the New Year comes around and you make the mistake of continuing to write the previous year’s date vs the new? For example, are you catching yourself writing 2018 on everything instead of 2019? Well, in working in the industry that I do, we’re already planning for and mapping out our Spring 2020 trends and product development. I can’t tell you the amount of times I have been making the mistake of writing 2020 instead of the current year, 2019. It’s been a strange mistake to be conscious of fixing lately, but it got me to thinking of all the work I’ve been doing in forecasting and reporting so far for 2020. I figured I’d share some of these trends with you as we get our closets ready for our 2019 spring wardrobes, so we can all be trend setters vs. laggards of shopping these styles next year when they’re more mainstream.

Anyway, as confusing as all that may have sounded, my point of today’s blog is this: I’m going to share my top 5 trends not only for this spring but projected for success in Spring 2020 as well! These are all things I’ve been looking to add into my own closet as of late. I still need to do a lot of shopping myself to catch up to speed on these trends, so a lot of the below are going to be links to things I’ve saved in carts as I’ve continued my research these past few weeks!

1. Mixed Directional Stripes

Stripes are always in style, but how they’re worn continuously changes up. Something I’ve been seeing a lot of lately is a mixed print stripe that’s patchworked into multiple directions giving movement and dimension to a classic look. Not only is this print itself something I’m seeing more and more of, but also a multi-colored stripe being incorporated into this trend as well.

Here in this first look, is a top I recently got from another work giveaway. The thin lines and separation of not only direction but color too is such a flattering look. This is the one and only style to be modeled by yours truly in this post!

This second style is a cutie jumpsuit from Forever21.

Link to it here: https://www.forever21.com/us/shop/catalog/product/f21/dress/2000292968

2. Patchwork Dresses

I love love love love the look of patchwork/boho chic prints and patterns. I’ve been seeing this a lot lately in Runway looks as well as within fast fashion. It’s not only going to be big in 2020 but it’s starting to peak out in almost every store I frequent for this spring season also. I have yet to find the perfect dress to add into my collection, I think I’m waiting for a blue toned print that’s midi length. However, I’ve still included some ones I’ve seen and loved so far, they just aren’t necessarily for me.

Link to both here: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ulla-johnson-zoya-ruffle-trim-ikat-midi-dress/5147400?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=indigo and http://us.topshop.com/en/tsus/product/clothing-70483/dresses-70497/equestrian-scarf-pinafore-dress-8452227

3. Ombre Prints

This is one I’m super excited about but also something I haven’t successfully found for myself yet. Being as fare skinned as I am, brighter summer colors are hard for me to wear. I feel like this is something I’d also like in blues or maybe some purples??? Ugh. Decisions are hard. But I love this trend and really want to try to find a style that would work for me. Anyway, here are two styles that are on the more casual side of this trend!

Link to both here: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/leith-pleated-midi-dress/5117870?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=ombre%20coral%20wash and https://www.kohls.com/product/prd-3637519/womens-nina-leonard-ombre-trapeze-dress.jsp?prdPV=7

4. The High-Low Comeback

Does this make you cringe as much as it does me? Are you dreading that this look is coming back? Let’s make it even worse shall we…..it has been commonly referred to as the “mullet dress” to try to differentiate it as a new trend. YIKES. But as real as ever, it is not only making a comeback it’s already here. Woohoo! I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if I’m going to buy into this trend this time around. Not everything out there deemed “stylish” falls within my own personal sense of style. But I couldn’t skip over the fact that it’s going to be filling store shelves here rather quickly. I did my due diligence and found you some styles that might be worth checking out! JCPenney’s definitely has a lot of options to choose from, but any fast fashion retailer will be worth looking into! I suggest H&M and Forever21.

Link to both here: https://www.jcpenney.com/p/byby-short-sleeve-floral-fit-flare-dress-juniors/ppr5007786395?pTmplType=regular&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=high+low&productGridView=medium&urlState=scrollto%3Dppr5007812171&badge=fewleft and https://www.jcpenney.com/p/blu-sage-sleeveless-floral-high-low-evening-gown/ppr5007812171?pTmplType=regular&catId=SearchResults&searchTerm=high+low&productGridView=medium&badge=new

5. Shirt Dresses

I’m so very excited for this one, because a good quality linen shirt dress can be so casual and comfy, or completely dressed up and stylized with heels for a fancy night out. I’ve been seeing a lot lately with an updated feel, as a shirt dress is nothing new to the fashion world, but adding a tie detail at the sleeve or an exaggerated tie belt are definitely ways to spice it up. Out of all these trends, this is the #1 on my list of things to buy next. Here are the last two links I’ve prepared for you!

Link to both here: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/j-crew-maribou-stripe-cotton-shirtdress-regular-petite/4883710?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&breadcrumb=Home%2FAll%20Results&color=white%20navy and https://us.asos.com/fashion-union-tall/fashion-union-tall-shirt-dress-with-tie-sleeves-in-spot/prd/11267972?clr=pink-spot&SearchQuery=shirt%20dress&gridcolumn=4&gridrow=15&gridsize=4&pge=1&pgesize=72&totalstyles=1005

If these have been things you’ve been looking into as well and you have some suggestions on where I should try to find these styles for myself, please feel free to comment below and let me know! I know these are things I’m seeing with research to back it, that they are things I want to incorporate into my own closet, but finding the right pieces is still a hunt! Any help is greatly appreciated (:

Personal Style In The Workplace

Sometimes choosing what to wear is not the easiest decision to make in the morning. Depending on where you’re headed that day, there may be some restrictions in what you get to choose to wear, but that shouldn’t mean sacrificing you’re own fashion sense in the process of complying.

I personally am fortunate enough to have a lot of freedom when it comes to dress code where I work. Being in the fashion business myself, I’m able to try my trendy outfits, corporate boss lady outfits, and my lazy day outfits without second guessing my choices all too much. I know that not everyone is awarded that same kind of luxury, so I figured I’d share some of my go-to basics that would be well within anyone’s dress code without being drab and boring.

1. Tie Waist Palazzo Pants

One of my absolute favorite pair of pants so far this transition-to-fall season have been this navy blue pair of elastic waist palazzos with a tie belt. The waistline is extremely comfortable, the tie gives a bit of shape, and the wide leg gives a very professional look. So far I’ve paired these bad boys with my favorite wedges and a bubble gum pink shell. Another look was with low heel strappy sandals and a rich mustard yellow tee.

2. Culottes

Culottes are no new thing, but I still adore them so much. The ankle length adds a little youth to a plaid utilitarian print look, and again this pair has an elastic waist so I feel comfortable all day. These pants can really be dressed up with a button up and solid boyfriend blazer or can be more casual with a plain white tee and sandals. Typically I have comfort in mind when I go to work so the casual look has been a common one for me.

3. Border Print Knit Pants

Another pant idea would you look at that! But in my opinion, a good pair of pants can be a solid foundation in a variation of looks. Find the pants first, find different tops to change up the look later.

Anyway, here has been another must-have for me all fall. To me, these are my version of “adult leggings.” They are so comfortable, feel soft on the skin, can be paired with a tee or a nicer sweater, yet give the appearance of a well thought out and work appropriate outfit. Here I styled my print pants with a graphic tee, white watch, and some classic black mules. I had an over-sized black cardigan with me too for when I went into meetings and felt the need to dress up the overall look a little bit.

I don’t know about you, but I feel very fashion forward in all four of these looks and I didn’t have to sacrifice comfort or question dress code restrictions in the process. Your style should always feel true to you, whether in the work place, at school, or as just your genuine self in your social life too. You should always feel like you even if there are regulations in place that could affect your own personal style. Look for the loopholes, the crazy pants that adhere to dress code, the comfy tee that can be paired with a blazer, or whatever else you may have in mind. Your personal style is yours and yours alone, so take the time to find what meets those regulations, but in YOUR way!

How To Pack for Extended Vacations

I, a fashion major mind you, was able to fit four months’ worth of packing into one checked bag, a carryon, and a backpack. If I can accomplish that, so can you! Here are some tips on how to pack effectively to give even the most fashionable people some variety within their abroad wardrobe.

1. Layers

Just pack in layers. Bring a few tanks, a few v-necks, one or two light sweaters, a cardigan, a denim shirt, and some different jackets. All of a sudden one tank can be worn a bunch of different ways! You have to try to think of all the pairing possibilities you can have with your limited options.

2. Jackets

Speaking of layers, what jackets you bring are important. Here is what I did: one leather jacket, one linen military style jacket, one wool coat, one zip-up hoodie, one linen vest, one cotton bomber. The majority of these jackets are very thin materials so I was able to roll them up tightly and fit all of outerwear in my carryon. The perk of multiple thin coats? I was never cold because I could bundle everything up at once!

3. Wear a lot on the plane ride there

For example; I wore my wool coat over a heavy sweater which was over an oversized t-shirt. Then I wore my most comfortable pair of jeans to help save space, and a larger pair of boots. I know flying can be uncomfortable and exhausting and I bet no one wants to wear jeans on a plane but it really helped a lot with saving valuable space.

4. Black essentials

I feel as if everyone’s go to outfit of choice for a night on the town involves wearing black. So bring a few basics to get the job done and rotate shirts and jeans and no one will ever accuse you of being the oh so dreaded “outfit repeater.” Let’s be real, no one notices when it comes to an all-black outfit, they really don’t. So don’t go too crazy with the night-life wear. I promise you don’t need it all as much as you think.

5. Vacuum bags

I personally had the reusable rolling bags that create an airtight seal, but either version of this kind of space saving mechanism is so helpful. Granted, with all the space saved doesn’t necessarily mean you can pack even more because of the weight limit rules at airports. However, it does give some peace of mind that your favorite bras aren’t getting squished beyond repair on the way to your destination.

6. Leave open space!

You and I both know you’re going shopping wherever you’re traveling to, so let’s plan for that shall we? You don’t need that extra “but what if I need this” shirt that you know you don’t even wear at home as it is. Trust me on this one, don’t pack in excess. I could name about 14 pieces I never wore that I brought with “just in case.” Do yourself the favor, and save space!

7. Shoes

No you don’t need four different heel options as you gallivant through Europe. You really don’t. Bring your one pair of go to heels that you can genuinely walk in that are actually comfortable, and that’s it. You’ll wear them less often than you think. Bring some good sneakers, comfy sandals, and maybe a pair or two of closed toe flats. You and your feet will thank me later for this one.

Of course everyone is different and what you may want to bring doesn’t fit into any of these categories. But if you’re smart with how you pack your basics, you’ll have more than enough space to bring all the Instagram-able outfits you’ve already planned in your head. I hope this helps! Leave a comment with any other packing tips I’ve missed!

A College Kid’s Summer Struggles

It’s time to get real here, summers as a college kid are hard. I don’t know if I’m completely unique in my struggle this summer, but what better way to let go of some stress than to put words to it.

I’m currently working two jobs, one of which is unpaid for school credit. I absolutely love my internship don’t get me wrong, but with the two schedules I already have, it’s impossible for me to find a third job that will actually hire me with my very limited availability. So I’m struggling to earn the money back that I spent while abroad in Italy with only one paycheck. Let me tell you something, that’s not easy. I feel like an absolute jerk for having no money, because all of it is either spent on gas, food, or is saved. That’s leaving everyone around me paying for me when we go out to do fun things and although I’m very appreciative, I hate it! I feel awful about it and just down right awkward to be honest. I’m in such a weird spot when it comes to money lately.

Anyway, money aside, there are some other struggles as a college kid during the summer that I think are a little more relatable:

1. No free time!

Summer is supposed to be the break season, the sit back and relax season, yet here I am wondering when I’ll have the time to actually do so. I know quite a few people in the same boat as me, with working multiple jobs and only having time to sleep in between them, so I’m stuck here asking when my “summer break” is supposed to begin.

2. Summer classes

If you are anything like me, well, you think you can do it all. And you know what? You can! It’s just a really aggravating process to do so. I’m in the honors college at my school with a very intensive major and I’m a double minor. My semester schedules are pretty jam packed and don’t always work out how I want, so sometimes I’m left with taking summer courses to stay on track with graduating on time. So the whole no free time thing because of two jobs? Add two classes worth of homework in that mix as well.

3. FOMO

Although you’re dog tired and all you want to do is sleep and recover from a long day of responsibility, the last thing you want to let your young self do is miss out on a fun night with friends. Even if the much better answer for yourself is to stay in and recoup, you bet your booty you’ll be out that night pretending you don’t have a care in the world because that’s just what you’re expected to do at this age. Ahhh the expectations of getting drunk and having fun, such a hard life am I right? But it really can add a whole different level of stress to your summer break self.

Before I let this thing get way too long, I figure I’ll stop it here and give one little bit of advice. If I can do all of these things and still find the time to take an occasional nap, so can you. I’m hoping this post reaches some viewer who is overly stressed out this summer and thinks they’re alone in the struggle. I’m here to say you’re not alone, and you will make it out just fine. So keep chugging along and accomplish everything you desire to this summer. You of all people should know you can.