Pleats were a big trend at New York Fashion week for Spring 2016. This is just a quick post to show how pretty pleats can be. My friend Betty snagged this Leifsdottir pleated dress off the rack recently at Anthropologie for me. Unfortunately, they are all out but I just want to show the different ways you can wear this trend this spring (here is a micro-pleated chiffon skirt by ASOS that is similar in effect for the swing of the skirt).
But pretty pleats aren’t just for a special occasion. Here are some ways to get pleats into your everyday wardrobe:
White pleated cotton shirt with denim jeggings and boots (And special cameo appearance from my dog Lucky). Apparently he is a fan of pleats too!. I love how the pleats turn an otherwise plain white shirt into something just a little more special.
Maeve pleated white shirt 00 petite, Anthropologie, no longer available online; similar white tunic by Modcloth.
And into your weekend or weekday wardrobe: a classic spring transition pea coat with a pleated back.
This is my friend Betty’s jacket – but I wish it were mine. This jacket will outlive any trends. The front is your classic double breasted pea-coat styling, but it is the back that is to die for. It’s the pleats that make this jacket! Unfortunately, this jacket seems to sold out, but here is a similarly gorgeous Burberry jacket.
And last, but not least, a few Anthropologie sale picks (act FAST).
Anthropologie is currently having a sale but as you can tell, items are quickly disappearing (all of the items above except for the Burberry jacket, I picked up on sale in store but are sold out online).
Below are a few steals that are still available & caught my eye . They have high reviews and still have some PETITE sizes left.
Moody florals are in for fall and I’m so excited that Bleachbear, an indie all-female band, agreed to do some pictures for the blog. In this post, the girls accessorize with knee-highs, scarves, and jackets to add mood to our florals while staying chic & warm.
Bleachbear Band. Left to right: Emiko Nakagawa Gantt (bass/vocals), Tigerlily Cooley (main vocals/song-writer/guitarist), Annabella Bird Cooley (percussion/vocals).
Bleachbear is a teen family band comprised of sisters Tigerlily and Annabella Bird Cooley and their cousin Emiko Nakagawa Gantt. Their dream-pop grunge debut album, Lost Parade, was released in April of last year. Since then, Bleachbear has gotten radio airplay worldwide, been featured in film soundtracks and on TV, and was named “Seattle’s Best Underage Band” by Seattle Weekly.
As described in their bio for Seattle Soundoff (an annual underage Battle of the Bands held at Seattle’s EMP), the band is “heavy on an atmosphere full of vintage influences and lead vocalist Tigerlily Cooley’s angst-soaked lyrics create an evocative, wistful vibe. Bleachbear, with its breezily sweet harmonies layered over a fusion of distortion, has the perfect juxtaposition of fragile and badass.”
Here they are playing at the iconic Crocodile in Seattle:
As I mentioned above, moody florals are in for fall. So, don’t put those short sets away just yet – they can still make a great outfit for those warm or just-a-bit cool fall days. Moody can be anything that brings it down a notch from the bright summery vibe, e.g., deep colors and tones on either a dark background or with darker-colored accessories. With the help of a few basics that you hopefully have in your closet, you can still have fun with your florals.
Below is Emiko, in her still-summer short set. Normally, I wouldn’t recommend dark ankle boots for petites with shorts as it doesn’t do much for elongating the leg at the ankle, but with high-waisted shorts, they can be very flattering and chic.
Sunglasses, Marc Jacob; Floral crop top with shorts, Shein; black wedge boots, old, similar; Watch, American Apparel; Lipstick, by MAC (Lady Danger).
For fall, add a classic moto jacket and a wool black floppy hat:
Another easy way to add mood to any summer floral outfit is to throw a bright and cozy scarf over your neck and pair with the short black boots. This will work with a floral print dress as well. Here is “before” – Tigerlily, in a bright summer short-set:
And adding in a jewel-toned scarf with a classic jean jacket:
Floral crop set with shorts, Shein; Scarf, old but similar here; Jacket, Levi’s.
Last but not least, is Annabella, showing us a practical and fun way to stay warm with knee-socks. Knee-highs and thigh-highs made more than a few appearances during fall fashion week this year. Turn any short set (or dress or skirt) into a fall outfit by adding a cozy jacket or blazer and matching knee-socks.
When it gets colder, you can add some additional warmth all the while staying a little more conservative by adding sheer tights underneath. I have to admit, I have always found wearing knee-highs a bit intimidating (here is a useful article I came across if you are a bit like me: http://www.xojane.com/fashion/how-to-wear-knee-socks-without-looking-like-a-schoolgirl). But, I plan to get over it soon, as I just love the idea of extending my summer wardrobe into fall without freezing. I hope this post was helpful in your transition to fall. In the meantime, please check out and follow this talented all-female band on Instagram, Facebook, Bandcamp or Youtube!
My first outfit post. By the way, I think I could get used to this – having an excuse for a manicure & a pedicure (it’s still 40 degrees around here) in the name of sharing favorites from my closet!
I love how a floral spring scarf can take any outfit into spring. Vera scarf (similar lightweight pretty scarves here), Old Navy top (similar), suede wedge boots (old, similar) , Tory Burch 56 mm Cat Eye sunglasses (Nordstrom), and Gucci bag (see below)
This Gucci patent leather bag is one of my all-time favorites! It is not available anymore but there are several online consignment shops selling it, (search “Gucci Patent Leather D Ring Large Hobo”). I hesitate to include a link since I haven’t actually used any of them, but if you do your homework and don’t mind pre-owned, it’s a steal at $400-$600. Not only is it beautiful, but it is luxuriously soft and light. Perfect for fall and winter (I live in Seattle, so it’s perfect for the rain) but also can be sleek for spring…and in the summer it finishes a black/white ensemble beautifully. If I find something close to it, I will let you know. In the meantime, here is a Michael Kors bag that I have been eyeing.
By the way, the Tory Burch glasses above are my favorite sunglasses. I haven’t found an outfit that they don’t look good with. These cat eyes from Tory Burch will look good on just about every face shape (am I being over optimistic? let me know if I’m wrong). I purchased this pair from Nordstrom after falling in love with them at the counter, but it looks like they are available on Amazon for $50 less.
Swapping the boots out for some nude wedges (similar) along with white jeans (Banana Republic, old, similar), Tory Burch 60 mm Aviators, and the iconic Louis Vuitton Alma or other classic structured handbag:
I purchased this photo session almost two years ago from Aderyn Photography at an auction benefiting a great organization, ACRS. Big thanks to Aderyn not only for donating to a good cause but for honoring my purchase almost 2 years later (life got hectic..) and for taking some great pictures!
for $50 less.
style double 