Spring Trends 2020 - Actual Amy - Drawstrings, Chunky Jewelry and Fringe

This is the final post in my Spring Trends 2020 series. I hope you have enjoyed seeing the variety in the trends for spring and summer this year. Typically trends happen twice a year, just like the Pantone Colors; once in the spring, covering spring and summer and once in the fall, covering fall and winter. Even if you are not a trend watcher, I think it is fun to at least be aware of what is going on in that regard. It is a fun way to expand your thinking and your wardrobe, and if you do like a particular trend, chances are you will already have it in your closet.

Today’s outfit is a typical Amy fashion. As I have said before, I love my jeans. I love soft comfy sweaters, fun jewelry and you will more often in warmer months see me in a sneaker type of shoe rather than a sandal. I have also like vests for as long as I can remember.

We took these pictures in my daughter’s garage. Isn’t that amazing? It looks like we are in some big studio somewhere. She likes to play with her cameras, backdrops and lighting, just like I like to play with clothes, so we get along pretty good. Ha, ha.

My light pink sweater is A New Day brand from Target, but I found it at a Goodwill store. For whatever reason the fashion gurus seem to think there is need to focus on drawstrings as a trend for this spring. I would have never thought to focus on that sort of a detail, but when I saw that it was on the list and I came upon this sweater thrifting, I grabbed it. Not only does it fit the drawstring detail, but it is soft and extremely comfortable. Plus it is the perfect weight for spring.

My olive green vest is a clearance purchase from Kohl’s and is Mudd brand. I styled this on the blog last spring when the trend was utility dressing. You can see that post here. A vest is a great way to add a layer of warmth, but not the excessive layers of sweaters or jackets. Spring can be a tricky time to dress with temperatures fluctuating more than 30 degrees or more on any given day. This utility vest works great for just that purpose and I like the way the pink and olive compliment each other.

Chunky jewelry is fashionable right now, especially large link chains and bright colors. This wood and chain necklace was a Christmas gift from my older daughter a few years ago and the leaf necklace was gifted to me from Happiness Boutique from fall of 2018. You can see that post here.

It seems that fringe is still hanging around, which is fine with me. I love this burgundy fringe bag and don’t get to show it off nearly enough.

These Puma sneakers were thrifted. I don’t know why I feel that my shoes have to match something in my outfit. They really don’t need to and many times my shoes don’t match anything, but once in a while, it is fun to play the matchy game.

Here’s a few close ups of the drawstring detail on both the sweater and the vest.

Do you have very many clothing pieces with drawstrings? I think more of mine are the strings on hoodies or on my pj pants. How about you? What about chunky jewelry? Is that a trend you already own or that you would like to invest in? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

I hope you all are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time. My heart and prayers goes out for the world, but especially for our own country and NYC. They are really getting hit hard right now.

I’m including a few shopping links just for fun. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.

Holiday Outfit - Dressy Casual - Jeans

There are times during the holidays that an event calls for a look that is more than casual but not overly dressy. This is what I call dressy casual. This is often the perfect choice for a holiday office party, a dinner and shopping date with your significant other, or a party in someone's home.

Here are some tips for putting together a dressy casual outfit for the holidays using pieces already in your closet. 

1. Pick a pair of nice dark wash jeans.

For this look I chose my Rock & Republic boot cut jeans. What makes these jeans a more dressy choice has to do with the cut and wash of the fabric. A boot cut jean is figure flattering on just about anyone, as is a dark wash. A dark wash also looks more polished than a lighter wash. I also feel a jean without tears or holes is more dressy than a distressed look. As you can see these are more fitted as well. A baggier jean gives a look a more casual vibe. Another option for this outfit would be a denim trouser. Here is a version of what I am thinking. Here is a pair from Target. 

2. Select a blouse appropriate for the holidays.

My shiny cream colored blouse is Jaclyn Smith brand and I found it at a thrift store. A blouse like this can be worn out or tucked in. I chose to wear mine out to keep my look casual, but flirty. 

What exactly makes a blouse holiday worthy? I think the blouse needs to fit you well and serve as a back drop for fun jewelry or scarves. If you want to go with a holiday color like red, green or gold that's fine, but I would keep it a single color. If you don't have a blouse like this, a crisp white cotton blend would work as well. A longer tunic type blouse would also work. A button up or a blouse made from a shiny polyester blend gives a more dressy look. 

3. Choose a few awesome accessories. 

I decided to use burgundy for my accessory color and I chose to stay with that color for my necklace, bag and shoes. I feel that in this case, less is more. This would also work with a few layers of gold chains, a sparkly clutch and heels. I have styled this burgundy necklace from Charming Charlie before on the blog. You can see those posts here, here and here. 

This is a unique piece of wood and metal and makes the perfect statement against the creamy background of the top. You can see I also added my burgundy bracelet with the magnetic closure. 

This burgundy clutch was a recent thrift store find and I find myself reaching for it again and again. I think burgundy and maroon are a great color to add to many outfits for fall and winter. Especially in the form of accessories. 

4. Grab your heels.

There is just something about a great pair of heels that takes any outfit up a notch. High heels tend to make us walk with better posture and stand up straighter. I don't wear heels very often, but when I do, I feel like I am dressed up. Heels are no brainers with skirts, dresses and dress pants, but they look fabulous with jeans and just look how much classier this outfit looks with them. 

These berry colored shooties are Bandolino brand. Here is something with a lower block heel by Franco Sarto. Here is another pair with higher heels from Macy's.

This is an easy outfit to put together as it only has two pieces plus accessories. Once in a while a minimalist approach is the best approach, especially when the holidays can be hectic and fast paced. 

I hope you are enjoying this series on dressing for the holidays. Thanks for stopping by the blog. Be sure to check back on Thursday for an easy way to layer for a day at the mall. 

This post contains affiliate links. Some links provide shopping opportunities. If you click on a link I get a few cents. If you make a purchase through my blog, I get a little commission. All opinions are my own.

Photo credit Rebecca Trumbull.