Trend Transitions | Almost Sweater Weather

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As I sit and write this, it’s actually cold and rainy outside, and it finally feels like fall is here!  A few days ago when I shot this look, it wasn’t quite as cold, but it was overcast and cool enough to wear a little sweater.  I styled this outfit because I wanted to show how easily you can transition a spring trend into fall.  Gingham was probably the standout spring print.  Florals and stripes are always big for spring, but this past season gingham was the fun, fresh wildcard.  It’s incredibly versatile however, because black and white prints have classic, seasonless appeal.  These particular pants are not heavy enough for a cold winter day, but they definitely work for a cool-ish fall day.  I could have layered a lightweight coat or jacket for additional warm, and opted for booties instead of sandals, but again it wasn’t quite that cool.  I just got really excited to wear a sweater 🙂  Alsoooooo, I’m wearing Lime Crime’s velvetine in cashmere on the lips.  It’s honestly one of my favorite colors for fall/winter!

SHOP THE LOOK

Sweater: Banana Republic (similar here & here) / Pants: LOFT (exact here & similar here) / Sandals: Sam Edelman (similar here & here) / Sunglasses: Quay X Shay (sold out, similar here) / Earrings: BaubleBar (similar here) / Necklace: BaubleBar (similar here) / Bracelet: JewelMint (similar here) / Handbag: Ted Baker (similar here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Sunday Brunch | Mint Culottes

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Culottes were a fun spring trend that I didn’t immediately jump on board with.  I dig the style, but I am only five feet tall, and they tend to be most flattering on women of an average height – not too short and not too tall either.  However, as a bite-sized fashionista, I like to defy stereotypes, rocking midi-skirts and maxi dresses with ease.  So when I spotted these adorable mint-colored culottes on clearance at T.J. Maxx (for $7!!), I knew I had to try them on.  Turns out the length was fine (not to mention heels can work wonders for a short gal)!  And although I realize it’s October, we’re experiencing record-breaking 90 degree heat right now in So Cal, so my bright spring culottes made an appearance for Sunday brunch. I tried to incorporate a hint of fall with the rest of this color palette, because although it’s hot, I’d like to think summer is nearing an end.  Apologies for the extra-long hiatus btw!!!  I’ll get around to blogging about my crazy intense remodel experience sometime soon…maybe once the house is done.  In the meantime, I hope to bring you some proper fall looks sometime very soon.  Xxo Luisa

SHOP THE LOOK

Printed Blouse: River Island (similar here & here) / Mint Culottes: Spacegirlz (similar here & here) / Black Pumps: Boutique 9 (similar here & here) / Sunglasses: Crap Eyewear (here) / Statement Earrings: Jewelmint (similar here & here) / Cuff Bracelet: BaubleBar (similar here & here) / Striped Bag: Henri Bendel (similar here & here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Dressing For Weird Weather

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Honestly, our weather has been soooo weird lately. By mid May it’s usually quite warm, but we’ve been getting cold spells, and rain, and all sorts. A few weeks ago it was super hot and I scooped up these lovely lightweight palazzo pants and at a local shop called Nectar. They’re very fine and flowy and great for the heat, and normally I would wear them with a summery top. But given the current wind chill, I decided to style them for a slightly cooler setting. The top is a boxy cropped sweater that I purchased at H&M around the holidays last year. I’m sure the embellishments are meant to mimic snowflakes, but not so obviously that I wouldn’t wear it in spring. I like the way the two patterns work together. Since palazzo pants call for heels (especially if you’re short) I opted for some punchy blue sandals for a fun twist. Kept my accessories simple with some fabulous earrings, and voila! This look is the perfect blend of warm and cool to accommodate the uncertain weather.

Get The Look

Top: H&M (old, similar here & here) / Pants: Nectar (unavailable, similar herehere) / Heels: Sole Society (old, similar here & here) / Earrings: JewelMint (old, similar here & here)

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Trend To Try: Sporty Chic

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Working as a professional stylist, I live eat breath fashion, so of course I keep on top of trends.  I do not believe style should be defined by trends, but I do think it’s important to know what’s “in”, whether you’re going to try it or not.  I think the best way to embrace a trend is to make it your own, rather than wearing it the way you see everyone else wearing it.  Athletic inspired style is one of those looks that’s been trending for a while, and it’s especially popular now in the spring season.  I like the cute but relaxed feel of a sporty ensemble, and think it’s a down-to-earth, relatable look.  Here I styled a slouchy athletic tee with a leather trim skater skirt.  For many people, this outfit might have been great with “fashion sneakers”, but that’s one component of the look you would NOT see me wearing.  As previously mentioned, I’m super short, and sneakers do nothing for me…I will literally only wear them if I’m running or hiking and have no choice.  So instead, I went for some fun wedge sandals that have a bit of a sporty vibe.  That’s what I mean about making an outfit your own – do what works for you and your body!

Get The Look 

Top & Skirt: Banana Republic /  Shoes: GX by Gwen Stefani / Bag: Kate Spade / Necklaces: BaubleBar & JewelMint

Photography by Jessica Kircher

Winter To Spring Transitional Style

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The weather in So Cal has been kind of crazy lately.  Just two weeks ago it was cold and rainy and even snowing in some parts.  Now our high is peaking close to 90!!  Overall though, spring is easily So Cal’s most beautiful season.  Once the weather levels off, temperatures tend towards ideal (70-ish) with a warm spring breeze, and of course flowers are blooming everywhere.  The foliage here is not to be beat…even the weeds are pretty, lol.  During this season it’s not quite warm enough for summer clothes, but a lightweight knit would do perfectly.  I spotted this slightly cropped, oversized sweater at H&M a few weeks ago and knew I had to have it…I love the silhouette and the embellished neckline! Here I paired it with a (super old) printed maxi and some wedge gladiator sandals that I’ve had for years and absolutely love.  The jewelry is by JewelMint (i.e. cute and affordable).  This look was shot strolling around my local neighborhood at the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains…

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Photography by Jessica Kircher

How To Do Body Con Modestly

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I’m not a huge fan of body con dresses for everyday wear.  There’s something about skintight spandex that simply screams club wear to me.  Of course this is just a personal preference, so I’m not judging or hating if body con is your thing!  However, for those of us that might not feel 100% comfortable donning body con in the broad light of day, I’ve thrown together some tips for how to pull it off.

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I fell in love with this particular Topshop number because of the print, not the silhouette.  The first plus is that it has sleeves, so it doesn’t feel quite so revealing.  That alone makes a difference, but I also opted to add some tights, which work with the current weather here.  Because I’m short my instinct is to wear sky high heels, especially with a dress, but platforms with a skin tight dress ventures back into the realm of club wear.  Choose subtle heels, if at all.  I’m wearing low-heeled metallic booties by Jeffrey Campbell.  Finally, I topped off the look with a faux-fur vest, which adds a little more coverage, though it also works without.  A vest or jacket is a great option if the weather is cool.  Obviously this look works because it’s still winter-ish here, and these tips are definitely best for transitional seasons, like fall time or even spring…just not summer when the weather is hot!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on body con!  Do you fully embrace the style?  And if not, did you find these tips helpful?  Let me know in the comments 🙂