[Personal Style] It's a Bright Winter!

Every year when January rolls around I usher in the new year, which in turn manifests this need for me to make a list of new resolutions I hope to achieve in the new year, but most importantly transition into a new color palette.  With Spring being right around the corner I begin to crave brighter, bolder and more vibrant colors.  The temps in Chicago during January are usually in single digits or negative double digits, so to help get into a warmer state of mind I've decided to make January a bright winter.

The Spring 2013 catwalks were filled with a bright, bold, vibrant color palette.  One designer in particular that just made my heart swoon with how effortless they presented this new trend is Tracy Reese. While many looks were head to toe color one definite reinterpretation of the color trend emerged.  The new take on the color trend for 2013 is the mixing of  bright, vibrant tones with neutrals.  Pairing my bright green sheen denim with a mix of neutral tones helps to highlight the brilliance of the hue while at the same time showcasing that bright, bold, vibrant colors are the new "black" for Spring 2013.

What I'm wearing: Andrew Marc Shearling Moto Jacket (Similar)/ Paper Denim & Cloth Button Down Top/ASOS Bright Colored Denim (Similar)/ 80%20 Boots-50% Off now!/ Alexander McQueen Clutch/DSQUARED2 (Similar)

[Personal Style] Baroque'in it until the wheels fall off!

When I laid my eyes on the ultra luxe rich brocades and intricate embellishments that defined the baroque opulence of Balmain's Fall/Winter 2012 collection my heart skipped a beat.   Exquisite detailing, elaborate patterns, and lush fabrics just beckoned to me to jump behind this trend.

To emphasize the defining details of this trend I chose  pieces that showcase fine detailing and elaborate patterns so that they would be the main points of interests in my ensemble.  Keeping the palette in monochrome tones with just a pop color of red updates this trend, while also giving it the right amount of edge to keep true to my style mantra: Edgy, Comfy, Chic.

What I'm wearing: ASOS Baroque Caviar Beaded Tunic/ Laundry by Shelli Segal Wool Cape (Similar)/ J Brand Skinny Jeans/ Chloe Susanna Boots/ Chloe Paddington Tote (Similar)

[Personal Style] Floor Length Skirt + Tee = Edgy, Comfy, Chic!

I'm officially another year older, another year wiser and naturally another year closer to refining my style. Over the years I've gone through a number of what I call style evolution's.  Through each style evolution that has happened I've always maintained my style mantra "Edgy, Comfy, Chic".  My love and adoration for fashion and style stemmed from my fascination with fashion as an art form.

The idea of drawing inspiration from inanimate objects and giving it life in movement & shape through a beautifully constructed garment is the epitome of euphoria.  This year I partnered with one of my favorite Chicago fashion designers, Arianna Green of ASSATA Designs to create a color-blocked floor length skirt for me to wear for my birthday festivities.  I have been fascinated by the beautiful shapes and silhouettes of Balenciaga's Spring 2012 Collection of big brimmed hats that were inspired by Irving Penn's iconic images, "Hat Women".  

From the moment I seen the dome shaped hat being balanced by tiny models strutting down the runway, the rest of the world admired these beautiful hats & visors but I seen an amazing shape for a skirt.  This next chapter in my style diary continues to grow with the expansion of my signature "Edgy, Comfy, Chic" style mantra by re-defining casual elegance.

What I'm Wearing: ASOS Leather Jacket/ASSATA Designs Custom Skirt/Comme des Garcons PLAY Tee/Dolce Vita Pumps/LINKS of London Bracelets/River Island Friendship Braclets/Spiked Gem Drop Earrings

Love my look? Re-create it now:

[Personal Style] Leather + Sequins!

Trends can be a very tricky thing to incorporate into your wardrobe especially if done in excess.  For this fall season two key trends that immediately come to mind that fit into this category are leather and sequins.  If styled or worn incorrectly you run the risk of being a contender on a worst dressed list, but if styled properly you will immediately channel edgy, effortless, chic.

My trick to incorporating trends is through classic silhouettes.  So for this look I decided to incorporate both trends into one styled outfit that will allow both of them to play off of one another rather than make one trend the focal point.  The trench coat is a modern update with the leather paneling and the pencil skirt silhouette is given a pop with the gold sequins.  My final touches were a beaded collar necklace and polished up-do that compliment the overall ensemble.

Love my look? Re-create it with my following suggestions:

[Personal Style] Pencil Skirt + Bow-tie...

Menswear seems like it can be a pretty easy trend to incorporate but the reality is that if you don't keep in mind the words "Menswear Inspired" you could be heading down the road of Frumpy at the intersection of Sloppy.

My trick to mastering this trend is always pairing menswear inspired pieces with feminine silhouettes.  I've paired an over-sized button down collar shirt with a pencil skirt.  The pencil skirt is a slim-fitting skirt with a straight and narrow cut.  This tailored shape adds that key element of femininity while at the same time elevating your look to a polished ensemble that can  be an instant night out with or brunchin' with the girls.

As I've always mentioned with all of my previous style posts, accessories are key.  Accessories set the tone for your look.  I chose my custom made ASSATA Designs bow-tie as the defining piece for my look.  Edgy, Comfy, Chic define my signature style and this bow-tie adds those key touches to this otherwise polished ensemble.

Love my look? Re-create it with my suggestions below:

[Personal Style] Seasonal Transition!

No one wants to admit it just yet,  but the 80 to 90 degree temps of summer have officially left us.  Fall temps have begun to surface but not without a struggle.  Although cooler temps have surfaced, they are combated with the warmth of the few remnants of summer.  This all leads to the conundrum of seasonal transition dressing.  It's too warm to pull out the chic leather moto jacket you have ready to wear once fall is in full swing, but it's also a bit too cool to not layer properly.

My answer to this outerwear dilemma: a twill jacket/blazer.  It's perfect to layer once temps begin to drop and vice versa.  I've paired my twill jacket with an ensemble of neutral tones and paired with one of my favorite booties.  I've easily pulled the entire effortless edgy chic look together with a structured long chain handbag.

What I'm Wearing: Obey Propaganda Twill Jacket (Similar), Collect Point Star Top (Similar), Monki Pleated Skirt (Similar), Mango Booties (Similar), Vintage handbag, LINK of London Bracelets, Elyse Marie Vieni Jewelry