Co-ordinate Craze

One of the most striking trends to pop out this spring and summer is that of matching tops and bottoms. This phenomena can be traced back to the 40s and 50s when co-ordinates were a must. This vintage style usually consists of a cropped top and a bottom (typically a skirt or a pair of shorts) that are both of the same color or pattern. I like to think of it as a dress cut along the waist. One of my favorite co-ordinate get-ups is the one I’ve decided to feature here. My sky blue cropped top with a lace design and its matching pencil skirt skirt are perfect for day or night. I paired my outfit with a nude pair of ankle strap sandals. I must say, this look makes me feel très très vintage-modern.

Co-ordinate: Electric Boutique (local)

Heels: Steve Madden

The Casual Hippie

Hello Fashion Fiends! I’ve decided to return from my short hiatus with a ruggedly feminine outfit that’s ideal for a day of rest or a day of running errands-it just so happens I was doing a bit of both today! As I was getting dressed this morning, I realized that my summer style has taken a turn towards the bohemian. I think this is due in part to the fact that the typical boho colors compliment my dark hair and tanned complexion. I’m also attracted to the revived 70s trend because of its effortlessness and flowy qualities.

Today’s hippie get-up consisted of a loose lace top with knitted details at the ends and a pair of breezy blue tie-dye pants with full-length slits on both sides. I adorned the look with some shiny arm candy and a pair of simple gold sandals.

Top: Urban Outfitters

Pants: Electric Boutique (Local)

Shoes: Zara

Bracelets: Nordstrom (Eye), Electric Boutique (Green Wrap)

Floral Fever

Flower patterns trended this spring and summer in ways that had never before been seen. Instead of being coupled with the customary pink or mint pastel colors, flowers are being placed against a wide range of bold and vibrant backdrops. The combination that has struck me as most alluring is that of floral patterns with black clothing. They create, what I consider to be, an antique-edgy look that’s perfect for day or night time. Today, I decided to don my black, open back, floral dress with a pair of thick, black studded heels for a retro-sleek feel.

 

  

    

Dress: Electric Boutique (Local)

Heels: Zara

A Bare Fitting

In traditional Way-Back-Wednesday fashion, today’s post is centered around an outfit I wore a year and a half ago that is, to this day, one of my favorite looks. This dress, modeled after Contrarian Barbara’s Bibb dress, was a one of a kind that was professionally made for me at a time when bare backs were slowly making their way onto the style scene. The low V-neck coupled with the open back and the raw navy blue silk culminated in a sultry-yet-tasteful look. I opted for deep red accessories to match my makeup. I wore long earrings with cutout accents and ruby-red rhinestones along with high burgundy-colored Jeffrey Campbell pumps. I love this dress so much I even put it on when I’m just lying around the house!

 

Let’s be Instafriends!

Instagram: audfern

Hello fellow fashion fiends! I’ve only just recently started blogging, but my Instagram is chock-full of outfit and life-style posts that I would just love for you guys to see! I’ve been working really hard to always keep up with the latest trends, and I hope that shows on my account. I would really appreciate it if you guys could follow me on there as well and I’ll return the love by following you back!

xoxo, Audrey 

Outfit Highlight: Red Crochet Dress

Crochet dresses have a timeless look to them. They can easily be taken from winter to spring when paired with the right accessories and shoes. I bought this red crochet dress a little over a year ago. Since then, I’ve worn it countless times on outings ranging from dinner dates to parties. During the summer, I couple the dress with sandals or beige wedges for a lighter feel. In the winter, I opt for black suede ankle boots and a long black coat for a sophisticated and warm look.

Dress: Zara

Meet the Midi

This past spring, a substantial amount of emphasis was placed on the previously uncharted territory between maxis and minis: the midi. Its length varies anywhere from below the knee to above the ankles, but its styling possibilities are limitless. With its floating quality and elegance, this growing trend is reminiscent of 1940s/50s sophistication. The midi’s fuller shape has the capability to give even the most casual look a polish. I have found that this spring phenomena goes great with a wide range of tops. For a more balanced look, the midi skirt can be paired with fitted tops or sweaters and heels, pointed toes, pumps, or sandals. If you’re looking to achieve a more relaxed appearance with your midi, wear a slightly oversized shirt, tucked in. The midi skirt has also spurred a retro-punk style consisting of midi skirts combined with graphic tees, leather jackets, boots, and tennis shoes.

I coupled my pleated, striped, midi skirt with a crop top that had a knitted floral pattern at the ends and a pair of tie-up wedges for a relaxingly refined look.

Top: Urban Outfitters

Skirt: Zara

Wedges: Aldo

Nude Awakening at Work

As I got ready for work this morning I wondered what “business casual”, the dress code enforced by my office and the likes of offices everywhere, actually means. Most consider it a stylistic pass against the typical constraints imposed by “business formal” attire. Vague guidelines instead of strict boundaries might seem great, but don’t believe the hype. Here are some of the things I’ve learned from having to deal with the oh so tricky business casual:

1. If there’s one vital element to dressing for work, it’s neatness.
2. When in doubt, stick with the classic colors
3. Don’t wear anything that makes you hesitate

Today I centered my look around a workplace staple color: Nude. I added a little flare to the look by selecting a dress with a sophisticated ink-like pattern in dark gray. My shoes are nude as well, with a small heel fit for walking around the office. Topping off the look is a pair of flower studs that are not too showy but have a little more “oomph” than your typical pair of  stud pearl or diamond earrings.

Dress: Saks Off 5th

Shoes: Steve Madden

Earrings: Forever 21

Romper Rampage

Muggy days and endless rays call for one thing and one thing only: Rompers! What I love about them is the seemingly effortless chic look they create. A romper can be easily taken from day to night with just a change of shoes. Since I’ll be spending most of the day on my feet, I opted for a pair of gladiator-like sandals. When I’m not entirely sure how the day will pan out (as is the case today), I slip into a romper, feeling assured that I’ll be ready for anything from a bike ride to a restaurant outing.

Romper: Urban Outfitters

Sandals: J.Crew

Eye Bracelet: Nordstrom

Stone Bracelet: Street vendor in Key West