Fall is here and what better way to chime in the new season with a harmonious mix of clashing patterns and prints. On the runways this season, there are many examples of aggressive patterns in bright, electric colors. This edgy and fashion forward concept can be easily transformed into an every day look for street style. Mixing prints is a very daring and definite way to stand out from the crowd, but it can go wrong very easily. No one wants to look like the pattern is wearing him or her, a la wallpaper-esque.  Here are a few suggestions to guide fellow USC trendsetters into achieving this bold and stylish look! 

Mix geometric with organic. 

 (photo via Pretty in Penury, Rouge Fox)

 There is something sophisticated, yet youthful about combining the organic flow of a floral pattern or animal print with something more defined and structured, such as stripes, tribal prints, or gingham. It gives a good balance between the ethereal and the definite. Since printed pants are a must have this fall, why not rock your animal print skinnies with a micro dotted chambray? Or layer your floral collard shirt under a cute striped sweater? Since this is the season of layering, the possibilities are endless, and any person can mix and clash to their hearts desire.

 Choose pieces within the same color family.

 (photo via Late Afternoon Blog)

Remaining within the same color family thwarts the possibility of a clashing look. Grays, neutrals, and black and white are always a classic option for a flattering ensemble. In this case, animal prints would be considered a neutral. A camel color with cheetah or leopard is very chic! As a trendy twist, experiment with monochrome and homogenous palettes. Oxblood, the “it” color of fall, would be a bold yet complimentary choice when experimenting with textures and fabrics. Jewel tones, deep blues and rich, dark greens are excellent alternative color schemes!

 Scalability is key.

(Photo via College Lifestyles)

This rule is crucial for any fashion lover who wants to clash similar prints. That is, pair a smaller pattern with a more sizable pattern. If both a skirt and blouse have similar, oversized florals, it is very easy to lose yourself in the chaos and feel like the prints are in fact wearing you! So carefully choose garments that are not similar in design scale. How chic would it be to combine a navy and white dotted pant with a grey chunky sweater with huge navy polka dots!

This trend is all about expression and creativity, and so I hope all fellow USC trendsetters can enjoy sporting beautiful, clashing looks for a fresh start to fall!

Image Sources:

http://cityofskirts.blogspot.com/2012/09/how-to-mix-prints-like-pro-ever.html

http://www.rougefox.com/2012/06/wild-hearts.html

http://www.lateafternoonblog.com/2012/03/perfect-pair.html

http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/06/page/2/

It's October, which means Starbucks is bringing back the famous 'pumpkin spice latte', the crunch of dry leaves on the ground signals a familiar cold season approaching, and of course, dark tones are back to making a statement in the world of retail.

Now dark colors usually correspond to an edgy, grunge-like motif when they break out of the closets and make appearances in Forever 21 windows; but I've noticed, as I caught myself one day staring at the ensembles of choice, the new slogan for this season, 'Fall is Femme.'

Interesting, yet unique.  The view of dark tones is changing each season, incorporating tones from the yellow-orange-red color spectrum into the oversized sweaters, scarves and bomber jackets that consistently trend each fall season is now considered a more feminine look.  They are being paired with black, navy and gray pants, ideally skinny jeans or leggings, and completed with articuraly-laced combat boots.  However, this popular look is no longer associating dark tones as indicators of being unapproachable.

In fact, fall is made for most women.  Each year, after the hot summers, the idea of getting cozy in an oversized sweater while still looking like you got dressed for the morning is pristine, because many girls want to be comfortable and look put together, which is difficult to do for most other seasons. 

The styles keep updating and the trends are being followed. Pinterest and Instagram have been the meccas for everyday attire, making pictures available to users by displaying unique clothing combinations and popular pieces for fall.  

This fall, the most trended color look seems to be olive, burnt orange, mahogany and burnt chambray, paired with the original dark tones - black, navy and gray.  

Image Source: images/stories/blogs/fall femme.jpg

With the yellow pollen haze settled over Columbia, we see that spring is officially in full bloom. Actually, we really never had a winter to begin with (thankfully). So, that being said, it’s time to pick up a few new pieces for your spring 2012 look, considering the fact that you’ve worn all your tees and tanks throughout the ‘winter’ season. Four major trends that I’m going to spend ALL of my tuition refund check on (you know what I’m talking about, don’t kid yourself) are those that we will utilize literally every day. Especially since we're all on a college budget. No more splurging on that ‘night out on the town’ dress that you might wear twice because it was ‘trending’.

Pastels

Who doesn’t love a good pastel?! You can incorporate this trend into literally everything: from shoes to hairpieces and even nails. Think Easter or ice cream.

Louis Vuitton

White-Out

What I would give to be able to pull off this trend and attend P. Diddy’s White Party (I would probably give my right arm, just saying). From wearing a LWD (little white dress) to a two-piece white suit, I believe this trend will be here for a while. I know I'll be utilizing it A LOT.

Versace

Jill Sander

Throwbacks

This little chapter encompasses two trends that I absolutely adore. Say farewell to the 1970's that's been present in collections for some time. "Marie Claire" has dubbed these trends ‘The Great Gatsby’ and ‘Sexy Suburban Housewife.' Tell me that doesn’t paint a picture. Yes, the updated flapper and new and improved housedress will definitely make you want to sip a martini by 2 a.m. while vacuuming in heels. This look lends sheer elegance and femininity.

Dolce and Gabbana

Gucci

So if you're really looking for a night out, whether it be in the Vista or Five Points, these new twists on old trends are definitely the way to go.

Image Sources: 

http://media.nowfashion.com/uploads/shows/versace/2011/milan/spring-summer/ready-to-wear/2011-08-23/745/public/2311/photos/2011-09-23-14-30-11-versace-4722.jpg

http://www.bloginity.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Louis-Vuitton-Spring-Summer-2012-Look-9.jpeg

http://andrewmorel.com/wp-content/uploads/gucci-spring-2012-collection-opens-milan-fashion-week.jpeg

http://www.google.com/imgres?q=Jil_Sander_Spring_Summer_2012_075.jpeg&um=1&hl=en&biw=1341&bih=771&tbm=isch&tbnid=-fHJLyZ_2WnOyM:&imgrefurl=http://thebijouxeditrix.blogspot.com/2011_10_01_archive.html&docid=b9w1_C9PaD4cUM&imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjtQRWqr6d4/Tp3dzhOODeI/AAAAAAAABVQ/1LNg9omx0dI/s640/Jil_Sander_Spring_Summer_2012_075.jpg&w=426&h=640&ei=IXFpT9D2AYTs2QWEjLjpCA&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=168&vpy=141&dur=97&hovh=275&hovw=183&tx=102&ty=135&sig=115445368536932480335&page=1&tbnh=116&tbnw=79&start=0&ndsp=38&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0

http://styleshub.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Dolce-Gabbana-Spring-2012-RTW-01.jpg

http://www.glamazondiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Dolce-Gabbana-Spring-2012-2.jpg

This week marks the kick-off for the launch events of Columbia Style Week (this year, June 5^-9) and, needless to say, I am super stoked. To make sure this year’s event week starts off with a bang, they’ve decided to host a few mini-events to build anticipation, and boy did it work. Last Saturday,

they held an event called Posh and Panache hosted at M² in the Vista. This is probably the cutest store to ever hit Columbia. Clarissa started her store in her very own apartment in New Jersey, and then opened her first brick-n-mortar store in Atlanta. Since there hasn’t ever been anything else like it in Columbia, her local family advised her to open a store here. Selling everything from printed tunics to True Religion jeans, there’s something for everyone’s price point. Here are a couple greatly styled pictures from the night.

Above, the back says it all. Below is me with the owner and, again, go check her store out in the Vista. Let’s be honest, you are guaranteed to find something that could always have a place in your closet.

Here we are, at the beginning of February, and apparently the groundhog thinks we’re going to have 6 more weeks of winter. I think that Mr. Punxsutawney Phil is a complete liar. I wasn’t aware that winter meant clear, blue skies with highs in the low 70s. I mean, I am NOT complaining, I love it, but let’s be honest, how the heck are we still supposed to dress in winter wear when all I really want to do is throw on some "jorts," a tank and a snazzy pair of flipflops on my way to class and call it a day. It looks a tad weird on my grossly pale skin, though. Just sayin’…I think there are still some definite, great ways to dress for this warmer weather while still being considered "winter attire." Here are two great outfits; one for day and the other for night: 

DAYTIME

Here is a great go-to look for rushing to class or walking around town with a coffee or tea in hand. A great pair of skinnys, flat boots (because it is definitely not appropriate to wear flipflops yet), a great solid tee and a lightweight sweater with, might I add, shoulder cut-outs. This still says it’s a cold month, but warmer for some freakish reason. You can certainly find this entire outfit in my closet.

NIGHTTIME 

Here, I'm giving you 2 looks to check out, only because there are those who either like to get super dressy for nights on the town, or, like me, who try slightly, but by the end of the day, you don’t really care to impress anyone (unless it's with your sarcasm). Shown above, this look is a great demonstration of how to go out with out wearing a jacket. She's sporting a semi-summery dress, but when paired with tights and closed-toe heels, it's turned into a great nighttime ensemble for February.

The look shown below is definitely a bit more my style. A light, long-sleeved tunic will keep you warm when you’re outside, and cooler when inside. Another great pair of skinnys, whether leather-inspired or denim and a closed-toe heel again, shows off your footwear and can help keep you comfy.

So, here’s to living in the South, where we can basically wear whatever we want while still dawning our "wintergear." I know I’m still wearing my faux fur here, people.

Image Sources: http://images.nymag.com/fashion/08/fall/fur0808_slideshow_btn.jpg; pinterest.com; vi.sualize.us; myheartbeatsforvogue.tumblr.com; whosdatedwho.com