3 things: 3 fall trends to love!

So the fall shopping has begun. For some reason, despite the fact that I don't have a "convenient" back-to-school reason to shop anymore once September hits, I still always have a list of needs and wants. Here are 3 items that still top that list right now:

  

1. Coloured Denim

Photos & Prices from Piperlime & American Eagle

a) Paige Denim $179.00  |  b) J Brand $176.00  |  c) American Eagle $44.11

People may have heard me talk about how much I've been in love with J Brand's red jeans over the last couple of months. I hesitated on this purchase just because I couldn't bring myself to spend $176+ on a trend I wasn't entirely sure would last multiple seasons, despite the fact that I love them. I did spring for J Brand's olive cargos for a pricey detail last year, but these are a pant that have already lasted multiple seasons of still being relevant. To solve my indecisiveness over the matter, when American Eagle was having a 40% off sale this past weekend, I came across a red jegging on their website- sold!

Another colour for denim that I can see being popular for fall would be in a burgundy- although you may still have to hand over a larger fee for those too, word on the street says that Joe Fresh will be bringing in a more affordable pair...

2. Tie-Neck Blouses

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) Ark & Co. $49.00  |  b) Marc by Marc Jacobs $278.00  |  c) Rachel Zoe $295.00

This style of blouse always makes me think Rachel Zoe therefore I wasn't surprise to see it in her collection for fall! (Despite the fact the it's a big hit for fall, the fact that it's reminiscent of RZ to me is enough to sell me on it.) Although the Marc Jacobs and Rachel Zoe blouses are among my favourite, there are more affordable blouses on Piperlime that I would likely give in to first because they wouldn't be as harmful to my bank account.

  

3. Hiker Booties

Photos & Prices from Piperlime

a) DV by Dolce Vita $89.00  |  b) Enzo Angiolini $139.00  |  c) Lucky Brand $129.00 

Actually, I'm a little torn between the hiker bootie (featured above), riding boots, and motorcycle boots for fall. Frankly, I am just craving a new pair of boots! I'll end up buying them locally though, rather then online. The hiker bootie is incredibly cute though- it mixes rugged and feminine and I like that sort of oxymoron combo- it means you could sport them with jeans, or wear 'em with a skirt or dress! If I don't go for a flat pair of boots this fall, I'll be keeping the heel to a minimum or a wedge- much more practical, thereby increasing my future cost-per-wear!

Alright, now that I've shared a few fall must-haves, I have 2 questions for you:

1. What particular pieces are you excited about this fall?
2. Does anyone (in the Saint John area) want to go in on a Piperlime order with me...? :)

summer shoes...

Giving up shopping for lent has been a tough venture, but I'm still hanging in strong 13 days in. Naturally, just because I cannot shop, doesn't mean my wish list has stopped growing...

In the last year or two, I remember flipping through a copy of Harper's Bazaar to see that espadrilles were being delcared "out" in the world of fashion. But we're all aware of how cyclic fashion really is. Re-invent the wheel: make it a edgier, colour it a new hue, give it a new angle. I remember being more or less indifferent to the passing of the woven wedge sandal at the time,  but like some styles, this is one that grew on me this time around. Partically with my developed interest in chunky shoes, platforms, and wedges.

Friday afternoon, I made a visit to The Urban Shoe Myth to scope out Shelley's latest selection. I fell in love with these Steve Madden espadrilles, now officially on my list of must-haves following my shopping fast!

From what I can see online, in-store, and in magazines, espadrilles didn't make it far out of reach before they came back in full force! I forsee them being a huge summer trend and I'm wanting to wear those Steve Maddens despite the fact that the ground is still frozen! Most popular footwear labels have been adding the woven wedge espadrilles to their spring/summer lines. Sam Edelman, Nine West, and Dolce Vita are just a few to embrace the traditionally Spanish shoe that dates back to at least the 16th century. Mind you, the originated as a flat shoe with a rope sole and canvas covering over the feet, worn by men and women. Here's a few picks of the modern, bohemian wedge version that I am loving:

Espadrilles by MaritimeShopaholic

What is the shoe type that you look forward to wearing this summer?

five foreshadows for spring

Despite the fact that we're buried under abour 3 feet of snow, and I was stranded in my house today due to the fact that I couldn't get the car beyond the driveway...I can't stop mesmerizing about spring fashion. Perhaps it's just me longing for those days in the foreseeable future that I don't have to wear about 8 layers or cover my outfit with a parka. Maybe it's just excitement at the chance to sort through my closet...in preparation of "out with the old, in with the new" spring cleaning.

Here are 5 trends I'm forecasting for this spring:

No. 1

Warm Pinks

(corals, peaches)

1. Modcloth Dianthus Fields Dress

2. LuLu*s Crazy Love Coral Dress

3. Shopbop Diane von Furstenburg

4. Shopbop Halston Heritage

No. 2

Florals

(ever-so classic)

1. Free People Kite & Butterfly Tunic

2. Free People Parisian Bouquets Halter Dress

3. Free People Wisteria & Lattice Dress

4. DEPT floral skirt

No. 3

Lace

(a touch of feminine)

1. Shopbop Tibi lace shorts

2. Free People short sleeve lace tunic

3. Alexander Wang lace shirt

4. Free People lovely lace dress

No. 4

Wide-Leg Trousers

(menswear-inspired)

1. ASOS tailored extreme wide leg wool trousers

2. ASOS tailored pinstripe braces wide leg trousers

3. Free People drippy wide leg pant

4. ASOS tailored tab side wide leg

No. 5

Platforms & Wedges

(sky-high sophistication)

1. Dolce Vita Sancia

2. L.A.M.B. Crepe

3. Steve Madden Scandall

4. Steve Madden Sunnset

So what styles and trends are you looking forward to this spring?

This Friday I had intended to host another giveaway...but we've just had to post-pone it until next week. I promise, this one's worth waiting for! Can't wait to reveal it to you all!