Chic Sense: Runway Style for Everyone

Spring/Summer 2012 TREND ALERT: Printed Maxi Dresses!

Spring is finally here and what better way to celebrate than to start by brightening your wardrobe?! Big, bold prints are all the rage right now, it’s time to add some flair to your closet!Start by bringing in bright colors: pink, turquoise, orange, yellow, and green, to name a few! Any prints from floral to stripe are perfect for the warm weather. Maxi dresses are also taking over the runways! This piece is a MUST-HAVE for the spring/summer seasons. They are easy to wear and do not require much effort! Throw on your favorite bright colored maxi, gold watch, trendy handbag, and sandals— you’re ready to go! Here are a few easy ways to incorporate this HOT style into your summer looks!

Eight Sixty Racerback Maxi Dress $89.99 www.pulsestl.com

http://www.pulsestl.com/Eight-Sixty-Racerback-Maxi-Dress-p/8696.htm

Ella Moss Maxi Dress $154.99 www.pulsestl.com

http://www.pulsestl.com/Ella-Moss-Maxi-Dress-p/8660.htm

Splendid South Beach Maxi Dress $144.99 www.pulsestl.com

http://www.pulsestl.com/Splendid-South-Beach-Maxi-Dress-p/8470.htm

Tribal Pixel Maxi Dress $22.80 www.forever21.com

Alice + Olivia Spring 2012 PASTELS!

Now, I know all of the Fall 2012 lines are already out, but, spring is just around the corner! What better time than to start filling this season’s wardrobe with bright, fun colors! I love this look by Alice + Olivia, it screams SPRING! The soft pastels are right on track for the upcoming season. Greens, oranges, reds, pinks and blues will be HOT this spring. Even though I have never been a huge fan of pastels, I am willing to try this look this spring! Here’s an affordable way to recreate this must-have runway look:

Alice+Olivia Spring 2012 RTW

I know in the past bandage skirts have been all the rage, and not that they are out of style but, flowy-er skirts are becoming more popular throughout these upcoming seasons! Topped with a belt and blazer, this look can serve a variety of purposes!

Prime Time Yellow Tank Top $33 lulus.com

Jill Frost Mint Green Mini Skirt $39 lulus.com

As far as blazers go, be daring and add a third color or stay true to the classic beige.

Bryant Blazer $78 nastygal.com

Boho Braided Belt $5.80 forever21.com

Try adding a simple belt to the look to help break up the colors and give them their own spotlight!

Steve Madden Dynemite Coral Suede $98.99 zappos.com

Fall 2012 Trend Alert! Peplum Dresses

With New York fashion week finally coming to a close, I couldn’t help but notice a major trend in dresses for the season! Peplum styles were taking over the runways. This feminine and flirty style is definitely a must-have for fall 2012. Not only is this look totally stylish, it is totally flattering! It helps soothe the look of the hips and adds a fun twist!

Alice + Olivia Fall 2012 RTW

Alice + Olivia Fall 2012 RTW

Moschino Fall 2012 RTW

Jason Wu Fall 2012 RTW

All of these designer looks are amazing! But, there are definitely some alternatives that will help you save a few bucks! Try to find some vibrant, spring colors that will make this trend POP!

Peppy Peplums Ivory Dress $40.00 lulus.com

Showbiz Strapless Coral Red Dress $39 lulus.com

Wear in the World Red Dress $40 lulus.com

Girl Who Got Away Coral Strapless Dress $42 lulus.com

These dresses are perfect for a classy, formal event. Wear them to a luncheon, dance, or dinner date for a perfect feminine look!

2012 Oscars: My Favorite Looks

Milla Jovovich wearing Elie Saab

Emma Stone wearing Giambattista Valli

Stacy Keibler wearing Marchesa

Guiliana Rancic wearing Basil Soda

Cameron Diaz wearing Gucci

Pinterest Pick: Mixing Tints & Shades

This is another look I have been seeing constantly on Pinterest! I absolutely LOVE it and cannot wait to give it a try come spring! Mixing tints of a color with the primary color is easy and simple! The picture above shows mixing red with a tint of red, pink! Although the colors do not technically “match,” they work well together. I have also seen this look with blues and greens. Here are some easy and affordable ways to adopt this adorable trend next season!

Signature Stretch Editor Original Pant $69.90 www.express.com

Try adding these flattering pants into your wardrobe! The flared leg will flatter your figure and make you look taller! (isn’t that everyone’s wish??) They look almost identical to the pants in the picture from Pinterest!

Chiffon Crop Blouse-Magenta $38 www.nastygal.com

Even though this top is a slightly different shade of pink than the original outfit, it still works! Throw on a white or nude tank underneath and you’re ready to go! Tuck it into the pants for the best look.

As far as accessories go, I would definitely pair this outfit with a large statement necklace like the one in the original photo! Try one like this:

Braided Rope and Serpentine Necklace $8.80 www.forever21.com

This bold necklace from Forever 21 will bring some glitz to this hot outfit! I love the gold intertwined with the braided rope, so chic!

I love the model’s clutch in this picture from Pinterest! Even though the necklace is gold, they added in a touch of silver with the bag. I say that picking the right bag depends on the occasion. The model’s clutch is obviously more dressy. There are many options for this look! Here are some of my favorite alternatives:

Pyramid Metal Tip Clutch $32.23 www.asos.com

This nude clutch would match perfectly with this red and pink ensemble. (Plus almost any other outfit!) It is easily dressed up or down.

Style & Co Brooke Minibag $19.98 www.macys.com

For dressier occasions, try this gold clutch by Style & Co! It is simple and elegant. It will match perfectly with the gold rope necklace!

Don’t forget your gold bangles!

Twist & Rhinestone Bangles $7.80 www.forever21.com

The hint of navy blue in these bangles will add a touch of extra color to this trendy look! Plus, the gold will go perfectly with the necklace and clutches!

Spring 2012: A New LBD

Little Black Dresses have always been a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. But this season, they are getting a makeover! Cutouts, lace, ruffle and sequins are just a few of the new additions to the classic LBD. I’ve scoured several spring 2012 collections for a few samples of next season’s hottest black dresses. Here a few that stood out to me the most:

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/spring/main/newyork/womenrunway/prabalgurung/#slide7&ss1

Prabal Gurung Spring/Summer 2012

http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/S2012RTW-DGABBANA

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

http://www.vogue.com/collections/spring-2012-rtw/christian-dior/review/#/collection/runway/spring-2012-rtw/christian-dior/30

Christian Dior Spring 2012

All of these LBD’s are absolutely amazing! I dare you to spice up your classic Little Black Dress this year! I have found several adorable and affordable LBD’s for you to try this spring.

Bandage Black Dress $17.80 www.forever21.com

Lace Bodycon Dress $22.80 www.forever21.com

Sequined Scallop Dress $29.80 www.forever21.com

Mesh Trim Mock Halter Dress $22.80 www.forever21.com

Elie Tahari Spring 2012: Classy Fur

http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2012/spring/main/newyork/womenrunway/elietahari/

Fur has been everywhere this fall and winter! No worries, it won’t be going anywhere this spring! This amazing runway look from Elie Tahari’s Spring 2012 collection is a great example of fur in the spring! Also, he did a fantastic job of pairing fur with a classy, fancier look. Here are some cute (cheaper!) alternatives to Tahari’s look:

Cotton Extended-Tab Editor Original Pant $59.90 www.express.com

Instead of doing a white one-piece jump suit like the runway look, try mixing two different pieces. This will add more versatility to the pieces and allow for more outfits! These wide leg trousers from Express are a great alternative to the pricey designer look. The cut will elongate your legs while the flare will definitely flatter your figure!

Sheer Racerback Tank $38.00 www.nastygal.com

Try wearing a plain v-neck tank tucked into the pants. This is a cheap alternative to Tahari’s expensive jumpsuit. Also, tanks are a basic. You can never have too many!

Saffiano Leather Skinny Belt $19.99 www.bananarepublic.com

This gold belt from Banana Republic would work well with this look. It is bright and will separate the two pieces perfectly. Wear it around your waist as opposed to around your hips.

Faux Fur Vest $39.50 www.delias.com

This gray and white faux fur vest from Delia’s is a stylish option for this outfit. It adds a touch of color and works well with a full white ensemble. It will also look amazing with the gold belt!

Carole ‘Metla” Cascading Earring $10 www.nordstrom.com

Finalize this awesome outfit by adding these beautiful gold earrings!

As far as shoes go, pair some trendy sandals for a cute spring touch! This will counteract the “winterness” of the fur vest, although the vest is light colored and will work well in the spring months. For example, these DV by Dolce Vita ‘Archer’ sandals. $68.95 www.nordstrom.com

Pinterest Pick: Sequin Bottoms

My new obsession is Pinterest! It is a great way to discover adorable outfits, amazing home decor and yummy recipes. Of course, I mainly enjoy the irresistible clothes! A recurring trend I am seeing are sequins! More specifically, sequined skirts and shorts. Here are two looks I found on Pinterest:

Both are so adorable, and super trendy! One thing that can be so frustrating about Pinterest is when you find a cute outfit and try to click on it, it only leads you to a blog! I wish that it would show you where to actually buy the outfit. So, here are some ideas on how to recreate these sequined looks!

Sequin Shorts $55.00 www.lulus.com

Sequin Skirt $27.00 www.lulus.com

Both of these alternatives are a great way to achieve this hot new style this season!

Maddy Oversized Knit $68 www.nastygal.com

Cloud Nine Blouse $38 www.nastygal.com

These two tops are almost identical to the Pinterest looks! Also, both are very versatile and could be worn with many other different pieces.

Pack of Two Smooth Double Cuffs $32.23 www.asos.com

Pair these gold cuffs with any of these looks for a great, stylish look! Gold cuffs are becoming more and more popular and are sure to be everywhere this summer.

Metallic Beaded Elastic Belt $17.80 www.forever21.com

Accessorize this dark gold belt with the skirt! It will help complete the look and add a touch of extra color to the neutral outfit. It also will break up the sequin skirt from the top.

As far as shoes go, many different styles would be acceptable! I recommend sticking to nude tones to underplay the sequin bottoms. For example,

Peep Toe Wedge Bootie $30.30 www.urbanog.com

Bound Platform Wedge $78 www.nastygal.com

Both of these shoes would look amazing with these two sequin looks! The first pair could be worn year round while the second pair is definitely a summer shoe.

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011: Tribal Prints

http://www.wwd.com/runway/fall-ready-to-wear-2011/review/proenza-schouler

Now, I know that Fall is technically over, but we are all still sporting fall and winter looks, aren’t we?! This outfit from Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2011 runway show is breath taking. But, we all know that the average person would not be running around town or attending a business meeting in this look. Well, unless you live in New York City or L.A. But, most definitely not in my hometown! There are many ways to adopt the basic trend principles from this look and twist them into a style that works for you and your lifestyle—and most importantly your wallet!

Trade in the cropped tribal print pants for this printed knit skirt! The neutral colors and design resemble the expensive trouser but offer a more feminine, easier adaptation! Pair with sheer black tights for those cold winter days out on the town!

Tribal Print Skirt $38 www.nastygal.com

Tuck this stylish, mustard top into the tribal printed skirt for a great look that resembles the Poenza Schouler runway look. The cutout shoulders and back show a touch of skin and adds sexiness to the outfit!

Mustard Peekaboo Top $17.80 www.forever21.com

Throw on this two-button navy blazer to finish the look! The cuffed sleeves create a fun twist to the classic blazer look. This jacket will also pick up on the navy in the skirt. But, don’t forgot to take it off sometimes to show off the stylish cutouts in the top!

Two Button Jacket in Dark Navy $28.90 www.forever21.com

Although the Proenza Schouler look does not show any jewelry, don’t be afraid to add some pieces that you already have! Golds will work well with this look.

For example:

This gold chain fringe necklace goes with this outfit but also adds a touch of new color! The length is perfect for the top.

Chain Fringe Necklace $6.80 www.forever21.com

Or,

Add some hoop earrings like these (either alone or paired with a necklace!) to bring even more glitz to this stylish look!

Coil Trimmed Hoops $3.80 www.forever21.com

Last but not least, SHOES!

Pair this outfit with some lace up boots like these from Forever21. The color complements the look and lets face it, this boot style is ALL OVER the place right now!

Medium Heel Leatherette Boots $39.80 www.forever21.com

Welcome to ChicSense!

Hello and welcome to my new blog, ChicSense! I love the fashion industry and am obsessed with clothes, but I know one aspect of this exciting topic can be agitating. How do you transform those expensive, designer looks of the runway into an actual everyday outfit? Well, I am here to help. I will look at new trends and styles, as well as designer runway shows and then scour internet sites and stores to find a practical, fashionable version of those unrealistic looks.