Spring Trend - Crafted Pieces

If you have followed my last few posts you know I am doing a short series on some of the Spring 2019 trends. The crazy thing about this whole trend idea is that there are many differing opinions on what exactly those trends are. I tried to narrow it down to some of the more prominent ones, but I may have missed some and picked up on others that I thought were more interesting. Today’s trend is definitely one I like, crafted pieces.

What is a crafted piece, you may wonder. Basically, crafting means that it is or is like home made. Think of pieces that are crocheted, knitted, tie dye or various forms of weaving, beading and so on. These pieces are going to make a statement all on their own, but will easily add pop and pizazz to any outfit. Think sixties hippy meets stylin’ granny. If that sounds a little too funky for you, hang in there and you might change your mind.

I grew up with a mom who crocheted and she had numerous sisters, my aunts, that also worked their wonders with yarn and needle(s). Mostly, my mom made afghans and doilies. One of my aunts made bears and clowns and sold them at craft shows. Occasionally something would come across our doorstep from cousins’ and others’ hand-me-downs, that would include a crocheted piece of clothing. I remember a vest, in particular that I really liked made of separate crocheted squares pieced together. I guess it was my exposure to these crafted pieces that has given me the love I have for them still.

This knit ruana is Sonoma brand and I found it at Kohl’s on the clearance rack at the end of last summer season. I like that it is a neutral color and that it has actual sleeves sown into it. Many ruanas merely drape over the arms and down the back, which always makes me feel a little less at ease, for fear it will shift and I will have to keep arranging it to keep it in place. Having a bit of a sleeve solves this problem. You can see another post on a ruana without sewn in sleeves by clicking on the link to this post from last summer.

I love the mix of open and more closed weaving on this piece.

Another trend that I didn’t do a specific post for is pattern mixing. This spring pattern mixing is bigger than ever. For those of you who still haven’t come on board the pattern mixing trend, the fashion gurus are making it easier by manufacturing pieces that have patterns already mixed on them. We saw some of the last few seasons with baseball type tees donning both stripes and flowers. You’ll see more of it this year and the patterns are going to be bolder than ever. I’ll give you more examples on Thursday’s post where I talk about the scarf pattern trend.

I decided to do some of my own print mixing on this outfit by pairing this subtle paisley print top with my thrifted plaid Mossimo trousers.

Once again, the key to print mixing is in both color and pattern. Although, I have a feeling this spring we’ll be seeing more pieces with a more Anything Goes feel.

I kept my jewelry minimal since this Liz Claiborne top from JC Penney already has some of its own embellishment. This leaf necklace was a recent find, also from Penney’s.

My shoes are thrifted and are Natural Soul brand. My cute little clutch was a recent clearance purchase from DSW. Make sure you check out the clearance sections at these types of stores. I found this clutch and three kimono/ruana’s that are going to be perfect for spring and summer. The prices were too good to pass up.

Even though palm print was last spring’s trend I feel that it is one of those that could become timeless, sort of like leopard print. Especially when in a complimentary piece like this that will easily become a go to for summer.

I guess technically you could say I am mixing four prints in this outfit. Plaid, paisley, palms and the weaving on the crafted piece. What do you know, I styled an outfit that is filled with prints and alliteration. Ha, ha. There is texture also happening in the woven bag, the chain, the crochet, the tassels and metal embellishments on the top and the gathering on the empire waist and sleeves. There is, indeed, much going on in this outfit. Do you think it works or is it too much?

I love to hear you thoughts, so leave a comment or two in the comments section.

Now, to announce the winner of the $30 Target gift card. First of all, I want to thank all of you who are my regular followers, who regularly leave some love on the blog. Your input means so much to me. Secondly, I want to thank all the new subscribers who signed up as part of the giveaway and I hope that my blog will not disappoint you and that you will find inspiration and encouragement on a regular basis here.

And the winner is: Shirley Hulbert

I will be contacting you via email, to get your info, so I can get the card out to you as soon as possible. Congratulations!

I’ve included a few shopping links for crafted pieces. These are affiliate links. All opinions are my own. I’ve included a number of pieces I thought looked fun. Enjoy perusing!

Spring Trends (Already?)

I know, I know, why am I already talking about spring trends, when we are about to be blasted by arctic air and winter doesn’t officially end for another two months? Some of it has to do with the fashion industry and the fact that they are simply very pushy. Ha, ha. They want us to already be thinking about, blogging about and buying for the next season. I don’t really buy into that so much, but I do think it is nice to think about warmer weather and being able to go outside without freezing our patooties off.

Pixabay

When I begin to research the upcoming trends for each season, I simply Google Spring 2019 and all sorts of links pop up. The fashion news industry is on top of its game and you can find dozens of articles on this year’s trends. As always, I pick and choose which trends I want to participate in and I try not to “buy” into a trend, unless it is one I know I will be wearing for a very long time. I will invest in a piece or pieces for something I feel comfortable in and that I feel will work well for many seasons to come. For example, leopard print. This animal print has been around for a long time and even though animal print in general made a come back last fall and into this spring, leopard is just one of those that I feel every woman can wear and pairs well with just about any color.

The following is a partial list of the 2019 spring trends, with a few examples. This list is not exhaustive, rather are the ones that I liked from the websites I looked at.

1- Beige or Neutral Head to Toe

Since I am a woman who really likes color, I am not thinking this trend will be my favorite, but I wanted to have an open mind. Shopping my closet, I found a few pieces that might work, so you will see an outfit, designed by me, that mimics this trend, coming soon.

2 - Neons and Pastels

Almost to the opposite extreme of head to toe beige we have neons and pastels abundant on the color scene. You’ll see more on color when I do my Pantone Spring 2019 series in a few weeks, but for now, neon yellow, green, pink and more will add a pop of color to any outfit. In addition, if neon is not in your comfort zone, then pastels are back in full force. Look for soft greens, light purples and calming blues. Tie Dye is also back, so if you still have that tie dye shirt from the sixties or seventies pull it out. It’s back in style! If you don’t have anything tie dye, it’s a great project to do with your kids or grandkids.

3 - Utility Dressing

Jumpsuits are coming back in force and especially those that look like worker outfits. Zippers, pockets and similar embellishments have turned the ordinary into the extraordinary. If you don’t like the inconvenience of a jumpsuit, try pairing a utility jacket with a similarly colored pair of jeans or cargo pants. It’s like wearing a jumpsuit without the struggle when you have to use the restroom.

4 - Crafted Pieces

Crafted pieces are coming back around. Think about the sweaters and shawls many of our mothers and grandmothers used to knit and crochet. These are becoming popular again and include things like macrame, weaving, and fish net. If you go out in your garage, you might be able to find something that could serve as trendy attire. Ha, ha. Honestly, though, I like crafted pieces, especially light weight knits that can serve as over pieces in the spring, summer, and fall.

5 - Black & White Polka Dots

Polka dots are back and in the classic color combination of black and white. I like polka dots in any color, but pairing black and white makes for a print that can be work friendly and easily transitioned to a casual or dressy date night look. I compare polka dots to animal print or camouflage. It is a print that can be worn in many ways and with many other colors. Adding one piece like this to your wardrobe will give you new options for creating fun classy outfits.

7 - Scarf Prints

Print mixing is bigger and bolder than ever. An easy way to do this is buy a piece that already has the print mixing done for you. Scarf print pieces are the perfect way to mix prints and take the guess work out of it. Scarf prints are also a classy way to jazz up an outfit, whether pairing with a pair of jeans for a casual date night look, or a skirt for the office.

These are just a few of the Spring 2019 Trends that you will see online and in stores. You don’t have to buy into the trends at all. You can do exactly what I did and shop your closet. I found a number of pieces that are similar and I will be showing you my spring trend outfits over the next few weeks.

What trend is your favorite? I’d love to hear you thoughts.

All of these photos are affiliate links. If you click on a picture it will take you to the retailer that has that item. If you purchase through my site I get a few cents. I appreciate all your support. All opinions are my own.

Have a great day.