Thinking About Fall - What's Trending for 2021

I like to share with you some of the new trends for each season after I’ve done a little online research. I typically go to websites like Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue and WhoWhatWear to see what the fashion world deems important for us to know. Believe me, I am not a huge trend follower, but I do like to see what’s going on out there. Many trends continue from one season to the next, and we often find trends come and go, then come back again. I have gotten into the habit of telling people, don’t throw things away that no longer seem trendy, because they will come back around. As long as you enjoy a trend and can still fit into it, there is no reason to give it up, just because the fashion gurus say it is no longer trending.

Image by suju-foto from Pixabay

Today’s post will cover a few of the trends I could easily get on board with. Some of these trends I already have in my closet and a few I might write on my thrift shopping list to look for the next time I go to a second hand store. I am including a variety of shopping links for you to look over. These are affiliate links and are brought to you at no additional cost. If you click on a link I get a few cents. I appreciate all your clicks.

Sweater Vests

These core layering pieces have been slowly making a comeback with a bit of a surge last winter spring. They are now on the radar for fall. I am glad. I like a classic sweater vest and think they can add so much to an outfit. Besides just adding a layer of warmth around your middle, they add texture and interest to any outfit from casual jeans and sneakers, to a shapely pencil skirt and heels.

Chunky Knits

Going along with the trend towards knit vests, there is the trend towards chunky, oversized knits. This would include pants, skirts, dresses and the like, but I know many of my followers would not be caught dead in a sweater dress or pants, so I am just including links for pullovers and cardigans. Some of the runway trends lean toward knits on steroids, which is definitely not me, so I will not be sharing those.

Fair Isle Sweaters

Another knit trend that is coming in popular this fall is the “Snow Bunny” trend or Fair Isle sweaters. This recognizable knit was popularized by the royal family in England in the 1920’s when Edward VIII wore his in public. Originally hand made on the island of Fair Isle, a somewhat isolated community north of Scotland, the original knit patterns donned wool hats and sweaters on fisherman, to keep them warm. See the article, History of the Fair Isle Sweater, for more information. While true Fair Isle sweaters are wool or at least partially wool, I’ve included some links for a few that are less itchy for those of us who can’t handle the wool.

Sequins and Sparkles

A girl can never have enough bling in my opinion, so when I saw sequins and sparkles on the trend radar, I thought how fun that can be. Whether you add it in big doses like a skirt, dress or top, or you add just a touch with a small clutch or the pocket on a tee, bling is a great way to jazz up an otherwise casual look.

Leopard Print and Faux Fur Coats

Leopard print is still trending and while the focus is on coats, don’t get rid of those leopard booties, sweaters and bags. I am on the prowl for a fuzzy faux fur coat this year, so I am going to put that on my Christmas list. I just found a leopard print, longer sweater while thrifting, so I will probably ask for my faux fur in a solid color.

The last two trends I want to look at I am going to include shopping links for accessories. I think these two trends are already in many of our closets, so I thought it would be fun to see what there is in the way of bags, shoes and other outfit add ons.

Quilted and Padded Textures

Most of us have a jacket, a longer coat, or at least a vest that has that puffer like quality. I have a number of vests, and a thrifted black coat that I use regularly in the winter. The quilted texture is a fun add on, especially in late fall and winter, when the temperatures plummet.

Highly Saturated Colors

I think most of us who are on the color wagon have multiple things in our wardrobes that fit into this category. Colors like fuchsia, violet, emerald green, royal blue, and bold orange come to mind when we think of saturated colors. Many people do not like deep, bright colors like these, but if you add just a pop here or there in the form of a pair of shoes, a scarf or some beads, you don’t have to feel overwhelmed by them.

I hope you enjoyed this look at some of this fall’s trends and that you will take a few minutes to stop and shop. Maybe there was something in today’s post, that you thought, “That is just what I was look for to fill that hole in my wardrobe.” Let me know which of these trends you already have in your closet and which one you are going to invest in.

Until next time, have a great day!

Spring Transition - Layering with a Vest

There are other ways to keep warm in the spring, besides adding jackets, although with our crazy weather, a light weight jacket is a perfect option. This week, however, I wanted to include a vest in the spring transition mix. Wearing a vest is a great way to add a layer, not only for warmth, but to add interest to an outfit. 

There are all sorts of vest options, ranging from heavy weight knits to lighter chiffon styles, as well as those that are more structured. Vests range in size from short to long, streamline to those with extra material made to cascade down the front. For today's post I am using a longer knit vest.

This long, brown knit vest is a piece I picked up at a thrift store. It is a brand called Fever. It has a belt, so can be belted for a different look. I usually wear it open, although, I think it would have worked just as well for this outfit if it had been closed and belted. I keep the belt attached and have one side tied to the belt loop to keep it from slipping out. Doing this keeps the belt with the vest and gives me the option of tying it, should I desire. 

These plaid ankle pants I have styled on the blog before. You can see that post here. I am a firm believer that as many pieces as possible, in my closet, should be able to be worn over and over as different outfits. Obviously a pair of pants is still a pair of pants, but one time it can be styled with a long knit vest and the next time with a chambray shirt. One time it can be worn with boots and the next time with sandals. Try to look at those pieces in your wardrobe as the beautifully versatile things they are, and start imagining all the many ways you can change them up to style whole new outfits. 

The royal blue, short sleeve embellished sweater is a favorite from Christopher and Banks. I like that I don't have to worry about jewelry, although in this case, I did add a simple bead on a leather strap. The bead has brown, gold, navy and bright blue flecks and really pulls the whole outfit together. 

I decided on my ivory Simply Vera Wang cross body bag for my purse choice. It is quality leather and simple enough to go with any outfit. For my shoes I went with my newer Sonoma perforated peep toe heeled sandals. 

Here is another shot of the whole outfit.

This is a great outfit for work, or even for a lunch date with the hubby or friends. What do you think of this outfit? Do you own a pair of plaid pants and you have been wondering how to wear them? Do you like to wear vests? I'd love to hear from you. I always appreciate the input and I always respond to your wonderful comments. I learn a lot from you all so keep up the feedback.

I've included a few shopping links below. Please feel free to click around and see what options are out there. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Thanks for stopping by the blog. 

Have a great day. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. 

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Short Knit

For the final installment in this series on wearing vests in the summer I wanted to show how to style two different shorter knit vests. While knits can be great for keeping us warm in the cooler months, we don't have to leave them in our closets over the summer. By choosing lighter weight pieces to style them with, we can still have fun wearing our cozy vests. Both of the following looks are more casual.

Look 1 - With Shorts

This light pink, zip up vest is another of my Christopher and Banks finds. I went for a subdued look with the khaki Bermuda shorts (Christopher and Banks), and taupe ankle boots, bringing in a pop of bright pink in my short sleeve sweater and bag. 

The vest has a subtle textural pattern over its entirety. The short sleeve sweater (thrifted, Ralph Lauren) also provides texture. Different textures allow pattern mixing without having to worry about clashing colors. 

I kept the jewelry simple with my gray pendant necklace and a few gray bracelets. 

A friend gave me this Vera Bradley bag for my birthday a couple years ago. It's the perfect companion for this outfit. 

I could have worn sandals, which would be expected for a summer outfit, but in keeping with thinking outside the box I opted for my SO brand ankle boots. 

Look 2 - With Capris

This knit vest by Chaps, I got at Kohl's at the end of the winter season. Isn't it a great summer piece? I styled it with a navy tee (Christopher and Banks) and white capris (Coldwater Creek)for a crisp warm weather look.

You can see the vest detail in this picture. The different weave, the cardigan feel, and the shawl type collar make a cozy statement, no matter when it is worn.

I chose to only add this light yellow flower pendant necklace for jewelry.

I've used this bag numerous times on the blog. It just adds a touch of class to so many different outfits. 

This time I went with sandals. They seem to dress up this outfit just enough.

Here are the two looks side by side. 

Which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comments section below. I always love to read your feedback. It helps me know what you like, as well as gives me a boost! Ha, ha. 

Be sure to check back Thursday for my look at a few summer sweaters on the Piece Perfect column. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Below are some shopping links. These are affiliate links which means if you click on them, I get a few cents. If you purchase something through a link, I get a little commission. I appreciate all your support in this manner. All opinions expressed are my own. 

InVESTments: Wearing Vests in the Summer - Long Knit

An open weave vest is perfect for summer because it allows air movement. Whether the fabric of your vest is yarn, lace or some other material, having perforations, or open weave will keep you cooler than a vest of the same material without the holes. 

This week's look was based around a long, open weave vest that I featured last fall in my Pantone series. You can see that look here in the post Potter's Clay. For this week's outfit I decided to pair the vest with a pair of crop pants, a button up short sleeve top and accessories. 

Everything in this outfit except the sandals and the jewelry was thrifted. These plaid Sonoma ankle pants are a combination of colors we usually think of for fall: brown, tan, orange and black. However, the light weight of this chino type fabric makes me think summer. To keep the look summery under the clay brown knit of the vest I chose a bright orange New York & Co. top that suggests more peaches and cream than pumpkin. This orange perfectly compliments the orange in the pants.

The above two photos show you more detail of the open weave of the vest. I love the fringe on this vest. It adds length, but also adds a fun bohemian vibe to the outfit. 

I added a gold stretch bracelet and a simple pendant necklace that I picked up at Meijer on clearance. I wanted the focal point of the outfit to be the vest, so I kept the accessories minimal. 

The cute black clutch and St. John's Bay block heel sandals complete the look. 

I know it might seem silly or at least not very practical to layer on a long vest in the summer. However, there are times and places for everything. For example, this would be a great outfit for work. Let's face it, most work places are overly air conditioned and usually you have no control over where the temperature is set. Wearing these layers will give you extra warmth without giving you extra weight. Also, this vest and others like it can easily take an outfit from day to night just by switching out a few things like shoes, your bag and jewelry. Exchange those black block heels for a pair of nude  or blush heels, add a blingy clutch or cross body and layer on a few long gold chains and you are ready for dinner and the dance floor. Ha, ha.

I hope you like this post. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. I know you are very busy, but your comments help my blog to grow. Also, check out my Pinterest, Facebook and Instagram. Once in a while there will be different things featured on those. As always thank you for your support.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge and Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. 

Pantone Spring 2017 - Pink Yarrow

To continue my series on the Pantone Spring 2017 color palette I am now looking at a deep, dark pink. While Pale Dogwood reminded us of the beautiful lacy trees that bloom in early spring, Pink Yarrow moves us into the deep, dark hues of mid summer blooms. 

I know that my outfit is not. very spring like, but if you live in Northwest Ohio, you know that the days are not always pleasant. Sometimes it is still quite cool with wind that makes the temps even lower. Add to that rain and you have the perfect combination for still wearing long pants and long sleeves. Yesterday was the first of May and our temperatures are barely breaking the fifty degree mark. I'll take that over the twenties and thirties any day, but I still feel like I need to put on layers.

For this outfit I pulled out an older Worthington piece  I have had for many years, my dark pink blouse. While this is not my first choice for a comfortable blouse because it has no stretch, I still wear it from time to time. It has held its color and shape so well. (Similar color here.)

The Kale colored skinnies, you have seen before. They are Gloria Vanderbilt brand and I am glad I got this pair from Kohl's. I styled these for our original Pantone Sneak Peek with Liz of With Wonder and Whimsy, back in February. You can see my original post here. (Similar pants here.)

Over the top I decided to add a bit of texture and fun with a long gray sweater vest from a thrift store. You can see how I styled that vest in this earlier post on Denim. The vest is actually a sleeveless sweater dress for a person thinner than me. Ha, ha. I decided to use it as a vest. (Here is a cool patterned version from Neiman Marcus on clearance.)

To add a touch of print to my, otherwise, solid outfit, I wore my leopard print ballet flats and a skinny leopard print belt. 

I decided to use my cognac cross body bag to go with the cognac color in my shoes. It is not always necessary to have your shoes and bag match, but sometimes I still like to go by that rule, not because I have to, but because I am a person who likes an outfit that looks polished and finished. However, it is good to mix it up a bit, so just for you gals that like to not match things this outfit would look great with a blush colored bag, which is on trend right now, or even a pretty blue bag. Challenge yourself to think outside the fashion box. That is what I am trying to do, at least once in a while.

For jewelry I wore a beaded necklace that has a bit of a taupe color and for bracelets I used simple gray beads with a little tassel. 

What do you think of Pink Yarrow? Do you have any clothing pieces that are this color? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Below I've included a few shopping ideas for Pink Yarrow pieces. This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. 

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull. Make up Rachel Christensen.

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed as Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jennie in the Ageless Style link up, Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish and Shelbee in the Spread the Kindness link up.  Wednesday linking up with Hannah and Sara of The Perfect Storm. Friday linking up with Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style. 

Chasing Away the Winter Blues - Week 1

January can be a difficult month for many people. The days following the busyness of the holidays can be cold, dark and conducive to illness, depression and fear. How do I know this? Because I am a sufferer of Seasonal Affective Disorder. Probably more of us suffer from it than even realize. With the lack of sunshine during the shorter days of winter, especially in the north we can become reclusive, emotional and even fearful. I have already experienced that descent into darkness this year and I still find myself asking, "Why am I feeling this way?" However, now that I am aware of the issue, and have been for several years now, I can reassure myself, "This too, shall pass!"

There are numerous things that I, or you can do if you suffer with mild SAD syndrome. If your case is really severe you may need to see your practitioner who might prescribe light therapy or mild anti-depressants. I need to get my light out and put it to use! I find there are other things that help me through these gray days. Exercise is very important, if you can get out of bed! Eating well is also a plus, if you can pull yourself away from the carbs that your body craves during this syndrome. Another thing that I try to do is up the color factor in the outfits I pick our for each day. Thus, the outfit for today's post!

Once again I am taking my own pictures, so the quality is not great. Thank you for bearing with me as I continue to learn about taking my own photos. One of the issues I noticed is that when I try to focus my camera, I am not standing there to be the focal point for the lens. A good friend suggested I get a card board cut out of someone like Johnny Depp and have it be my stand in. Ha, ha. 

As you can see I opted for light pink. The bright color, not only reflects light up into my face, but makes me feel like spring might not be too far away. Seeing as it is winter, I layered a lighter pink long sleeve tee underneath and added an orange marled sweater vest over top. 

I added a multicolored scarf to add interest and texture to the outfit. The scarf with its orange and pink floral pattern drew together the pink of the blouse and the orange of the sweater.

I also had this silver and bead necklace that coordinated with the yellow green in the scarf.

I decided on a pair of dark brown jeans. I like the way these colors compliment each other. The dark brown still keeps me connected to the winter season, but the bright colors on top lighten up my whole visage. 

Because my pants are a little bit short I opted for dark brown ankle boots to elongate the leg and keep the eye from noticing the shortness of the pants. 

The thing I like about this pair of shoes is the elastic inserts on the back of the ankle. It makes getting into the shoes easy and it also avoids that cutting feeling that some stiff leather or non leather ankle boots can give.

To keep the colors bright I decided on my Lush Meadow colored bag. You can see it has a few defects like a missing rivet and a little wear on the bottom. But overall it is a lovely bag and makes a statement all on its own.

Next week I will share another idea for chasing away the winter blues. I hope you enjoyed today's post. Let me know your thoughts in the comments section below. Check back on Thursday for this month's perfect piece.

Have a great day.

Due to time constraints I am not including any shopping options in this post. If you ever have any questions as to where you can find a particular item, please leave me a comment in the comments section below and I will do my best to find something similar and let you know where to find it. 

Monday linking up with Catherine of Not Dressed As Lamb. Tuesday linking up with Jess of Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Thursday linking up with Nicole of High Latitude Style. Friday linking up with Jennie of A Pocketful of Polka Dots, Nancy of Nancy's Fashion Style and JoLynne Shane in the Fashion Friday link up.