Hip to the Hipsta-chic

When I was out & about on Saturday night, and attempting to capture some street style photos (which I simply did not get enough of...perhaps I should have set my glass of wine down?!), I was totally inspired by these two gals totally  rocking out a hipster-chic style. The picture of them seriously looks like an ad for Urban Outfitters (but way better). I am completely into this style, like all in. Its so bold, so cool, often bright, and (seemingly) so effortless and... right. on. target. And how fitting of a post with Coachella quickly approaching (next year, I AM GOING.)  Enjoy the hipster-esque snapshots below! xx-A-

my inspiration..at a local bar...nailed it.

TREND 8: Sports Influence

Never in my life have I ever (ever) been considered the athletic type.  A bout of field hockey in high school only proved that constant sprints and Saturday yellow bus rides just weren't for me.  However nowadays, as a self-professed runner of sorts (I use the term lightly; I just don't have the patience or knees for marathons...), I have taken quite an interest in this very unique and daring trend: the "sports influence."  A brand new way to incorporate menswear into a feminine wardrobe; a little bit of comfy casual, a little bit of uptown chic...

As Neiman's has so enthusiastically stated: "Take your style game to the next level."

Scouting the cyber-stores and street fashion, I have come across a number of sports-inspired items.  Some take it to the extreme: racing stripes, ultra-shiny poly-blends, perforated basketball-esque tanks, high-top sneaks...you get the picture.  Yet some bring in just a touch: colorblocking and stripes, straight cuts, sweatshirt fabrics, and drawstrings, to name a few.  As I continued my research, I found myself daydreaming about what it would be like to conduct my Lunken runs wearing some of these pieces....I'm sure they would look worlds more attractive than my ratty tanks and fluorescent sports bras, albeit a tad strange.  Maybe a future fashion experiment??

Jokes aside, when going for such a bold trend, I would stick to the more subtle nuances than the out-there statements (a la Sporty Spice, no thanks).  I love the silk running shorts, drawstring pants, sleek silk dresses, even the perforated tees.  A big thank you to Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Yigal Azrouel, and Derek Lam for creating some hot, heavy-hitting collections!

Below are a number of products that can help you attain that glam-tomboy look for yourself (some a bit more conspicuous than others).

Sports Influence $1-$200

Top to Bottom, L to R: Vic's Gym Cotton Modal-Blend Tank, Zoe Karssen, net-a-porter.com, $86; Colorblock Tank Dress, Lucca, Couture, Piperlime, $84; Mid-Calf Dress (white, coral, gray), LA Made, Piperlime, $88; Chambray Jacket, Jack by BB Dakota, Piperlime, $74; Knit Racerback Sport Maxi (navy), Silence & Noise, Urban Outfitters, $59; Button Front Hooded Poncho (more colors available), Zoa, Piperlime, $99; Silk Jogger Shorts, ADDISON, Shopbop, $188; Freshman Pocket Tank (striped), Current/Elliott, Saks, $98; Marthe 4 Shoe (more colors available), Lacoste, Zappos, $60; Drawstring Dress, Tinley Road, Piperlime, $59; Leather Tuxedo Stripe Leggings, David Lerner, Shopbop, $176; Orissa Sequin Running Shorts, Rory Becca, Piperlime, $180; Paper Bag Pants, AG Adriano Goldschmied, Brand website, $188; Narissa High Top Sneakers, Pour La Victoire, Zappos, $195

Current Favorite: David Lerner Tuxedo Leggings- Just a hint of sport, completely nightlife-ready

Sports Influence $201-$500

Top to Bottom, L to R: Harlow Jacket, Elizabeth and James, Saks, $385; Sweatshirt Skirt w/Tie Waist, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Neiman Marcus, $325; Paneled Mesh-Jersey Tank Dress, T by Alexander Wang, Net-a-porter, $285; Mya Sandals, L.A.M.B., Piperlime, $265; Striped Ozzy Shorts, Elizabeth and James, Shopbop, $265; Double Layer Tunic Dress, Robert Rodriguez, Shopbop, $375; Fumo Large Matte Wristlet (shown in white); Alexander Wang, Shopbop, $225; Colorblock Dakota Sweatshirt, Rag & Bone, Shopbop, $290; Malaga Mesh Trimmed Bikini, VPL, Net-a-porter, $210; Leather Jogger Shorts, Vince, Neiman Marcus, $475; Moondance Dress, camilla and marc, Shopbop, $496; Floral Ozzy  Silk Shorts,, Elizabeth and James, Intermix, $265; Track Pants, Alexander Wang, Shopbop, $450; Cartography Dress, VPL, Shopbop, $395

Current Favorite: Elizabeth and James floral jogger shorts- Would be gorgeous with a silk tuxedo blazer, a long string of pearls, and some killer patent heels

Sports Influence $501 Plus

Top to Bottom, L to R: Layered Utility Vest, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Saks, $525; Studded Metallic Leather Sneakers, Giuseppe Zanotti, Net-a-porter, $850; Wide Neck Sweater (shown in yellow), DSQUARED2, Shopbop, $850; Bicolor Tank et al, Derek Lam, $590 (tank at Shopbop); Axial Patchwork Camera Bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Shopbop, $695; Hooded Down Jacket, Duvetica, Net-a-porter, $565

Enjoy!

M

ANALYZE this.

    First AND foremost, how tricky of me to leave you all in suspense of the news I have to share?! I am seriously excited about a new (additional) blog gig that will begin (wait for it) this week. Each Tuesday I will be writing a fashion/style post for one of my FAVORITE blogs: the OVERANALYST. For those who did not view this past season of the Bachelor (are you living in a hole?!), let me introduce you to the lovely Jenna Burke. While she unfortunately did not remain on the show for more than a few episodes, she made a pretty big impact on viewers in the time that she was televised. She's ADORABLE, trendy, and has a killer personality, so why would they not feature her?! .... oh, and the editing they did to portray her as the "dramatic" gal that she is not, helped too I suppose..... After talking with her lately, I can assure you, she is chill as can be.... bravo editing, Bachelor. Moving on, she created the crazy-cool blog the Over-Analyst which will now be covering every element of life that you would care to read about on a blog: fashion, beauty, relationships, celebrity "gossip"....all bundled into ONE PHENOMENAL SITE. Jenna's Midwest roots (Nati' love) combined with her current big-city lifestyle (NYC) .... and her most recent public-status, makes for a very cool perspetive.... and her idea to gather contributers to add to her blog was pure genius. Look for my posts every Tuesday and be sure to add the Over-Analyst to your daily reads. Now,  I'll kindly leave you all with some outfit snapshots....Happy Monday (and happy Spring Break to me)... will be posting from the Sunshine State the rest of the week! xxo-A-

***Click to check out the Over-Analyst!

dress: Cooperative
bracelets: bijouterie, David Yurman
shades: Ray-ban
{worn to a an afternoon baby shower}

dress: Soft Joie
necklace: K Amato
bracelets: dannijo, asos
{out & about}

new fav jacket: Zara

top: Zara
skirt: Mink Pink
sandals: Sam Edelman
necklace: Elyse Vieni
{Sunday brunch}

newest addiction: Marc by Marc Jacobs aviators

TREND 7: Tribal

Tribal: A mix of the avant and adventurous

As we move along towards the end of the List, we arrive at one of my favorite trends for S/S 2012: tribal.  A statement as bold and energetic as any other, this trend is one that flatters and fits all style-mindsets, body types, and economic ranges.  Think lots of beading, Ikat print, bright colors, and palette mixing. There are all-eyes-on-you dresses and jackets, insanely covetable clutches and totes, dramatic wedges, short shorts, even daring jewelry! You can go as heavy or as light as you want, and I have yet to see a truly tacky or trying-too-hard piece.

Just remember, as with all of our fabulous List picks, don't overdo it.  Simple pictures are best!  Stick with one tribal piece, and try basic staples for the rest.  You'll look polished, fresh, and ready to brave enjoy the early spring (summer even?) climate.

Tribal $1-$200

Top to Bottom, L to R: Milk Shake Wedge, Chinese Laundry, Piperlime, $79; Ikat Maxi Dress, Ella Moss, Shopbop, $188; Canvas Tote, Twelfth Street Cynthia Vincent, Nordstrom, $197 on SALE; Ikat Scarf, Theodora & Callum, Nordstrom, $185; Reeba Wedge Sandal, MIA, Zappos, $58; Hammered Statement Necklace, Hive & Honey, Piperlime, $30; Amballa Ikat Bag, Cleobella, Shopbop, $152; Gregarious Geometry Dress, modcloth.com, $85; Holika Printed Tie Front Camisole, Rory Beca, Shopbop, $98; Natasha Couture, Mixed Media Necklace, Nordstrom, $98; Ikat Print Shorts, Lucky Brand, Piperlime, $70; Tribal Pendant Necklace, Sabine, Piperlime, $22; Festival Seed Bead Earring, Urban Outfitters, $17

Current Favorite: MIA Reeba Wedges- Can you beat that price??

Tribal $201-$500

Top to Bottom, L to R: Tribal Print Maxi Dress, Clover Canyon, Saks, $282; Dita Sandal, Loeffler Randall, Piperlime, $425; Printed Lace-Up Bikini, Mara Hoffman, net-a-porter.com, $235; Tesa Ikat Tote, Rafe New York, Nordstrom, $225; Tippi Fringed Poncho Style Silk Tunic, Paul & Joe, net-a-porter, $450; Printed Silk Crepe Dress (gray), Tibi, Saks, $400; Tribal Spike Necklace, Pamela Love, Shopbop, $207 (comes in more colors); Printed Silk Dress, Tucker, net-a-porter, 370; Ikat Layered Blouse, Thakoon Addition, Shopbop, $390; Danisa Sandal, Lisa for Donald J. Pliner, Nordstrom, $275; Beverly Statement Necklace, Theodora & Callum, Nordstrom, $350; Ikat Straight Leg Pants, Harvey Faircloth, Shopbop, $335

Current Favorite: Lisa for DJP Danisa Sandal and Paul & Joe Tunic- beach ready and ultra-chic

Tribal $500+

Top to Bottom, L to R: Beaded Crocheted Sandal, Jimmy Choo, Neiman Marcus, $1,495; Embellished Printed Silk-Chiffon Jacket, Haute Hippie, net-a-porter, $995; Tie-Dye Hemp Broadcloth Pants, net-a-porter, $1,295; Woven Leather and Cotton Clutch, Burberry Prorsum, net-a-porter, $1,295; Hand Embellished Plisse Crepe and Satin Dress, Bottega Veneta, net-a-porter, $6,600; Serpent Print One-Shoulder Dress, Donna Karan Collection, Nordstrom, $2,495; Ikat Lace Top. Thakoon, Shopbop, $625; High-Waisted Knitted Pencil Skirt, Burberry Prorsum, net-a-porter, $1,095; Engineered Intarsia Top, Alexander Wang, Nordstrom, $765; Tribal Crochet T-Strap Sandal, Chloe, Neiman Marcus, $845

Enjoy!

M

Greenery

I absolutely L-O-V-E all the green (totally necessary) that is sprouting earlier than usual due to this amaze weather. It is in the 80's today in Cincy... Seriously?! It's kind of throwing me all out of sorts as I keep thinking that it's June ...but nope, it's still March... I'm pretty sure I can get over that though. Speaking of green, there was a whole lot of that (and some) around on Saturday for good ol' St. Patrick's Day. As my sis-in-law was in town, and we are not exactly "beer drinkers," we decided to take a non-traditional approach to celebrating the "holiday" by sipping on champagne and wine all.night.long.  I am totally cool with the color-of-the-day on St. Patty's as green is hmm...probably in my top three fav colors. So, Steph & I dressed in green and hit the local OTR bars....and of course had gobs of fun (per usual). Check out the rando-collection of green-filled pics from the weekend. Happy humpity-hump day. Oh, and I have some awesome news to share at the end of the week that I am insanely excited about... I suggest checkin' in on Friday.  xx-A-

ps.. if my hair looks longer, that's because it is. Craziest thing- I woke up one morning and it had grown ten inches....

(me) tank & bandeau bra: American Apparel / jeans: AG /  bracelets: bijouterie, dannijo, asos  /
boots: Chinese Laundry / fringe bag: Cut 'n Paste / shades: ray-ban
(Steph) top: LA Made / purse: Louis Vuitton / boots: Miz Mooz

The green nail stands alone..

mid-celebrating purchase from Sloane (ring by DLC)

little bro, decked out in green #toocutenottopost

TREND 6: The New Neutral...

...Yellow: A Bright New Way of Thinking

Holy Dayglo!  Everywhere I shop, every designer I follow, yellow is the new black.  And what a bright change it is.  From light citrus to mellow dandelion to intense neons, yellow has taken over the racks.  I am loving the flowy dresses and the fluorescent sandals, the pencil skirts and the pastel jeans.  Yellow's light airiness is bringing out that once-a-year spring yearning, and just the sight of heavy sweaters and dark dull colors is making me seasonally depressed.  Yes m'am, I believe I will be locking up those bulky, cold weather numbers.  And with the 75 degree and cloudless weather, what better time is there???

For all of my favorite shoppers/fashionistas, here are a few sweet tidbits to whet your springtime appetite:

Yellow $1-$200

Top to Bottom, L to R: Lengthy Cotton Tank, LNA, Saks, $55; Nixie Clutch, BE & D, Shopbop, $198; Cigarette High-Rise Jeans in Yellow, BDG, Urban Outfitters, $58; Lorissa Shoe (w/spikes), Sam Edelman, piperlime.com, $200; Pleated Maxi Skirt, Hive & Honey, Piperlime, $59; Contrasting Collar Dress, Zara, $60; Portico Bracelet (w/buckle), CC SKYE, Shopbop, $137; Platform Sandal, Zara, $100; Cluster Ring, Juicy Couture, Piperlime, $69; Time Teller Rubber Watch, Nixon, net-a-porter.com, $60; Thatcher Dress (button front), Jack by BB Dakota, Piperlime, $69; Daily Dogs Shirtdress, Topshop, $96; Ostrich iPhone Case, Rebecca Minkoff, Shopbop, $58; Leather Cardholder, YSL, net-a-porter.com, $165

Current Favorite: Sam Edelman Lorissa Pumps, CC Skye Portico Bracelet

Yellow $201-$500

Top to Bottom, L to R: Bardot Platform Sandals, Rachel Zoe, Piperlime/Shopbop/Saks, $325; High Slit Floral Skirt, Opening Ceremony, Shopbop, $215; T-Strap Flats, See by Chloe, Piperlime/Neiman Marcus, $250; Edith Pump (Striped Snakeskin), Loeffler Randall, Piperlime, $400 on SALE; Waterfall Tank Dress, David Lerner, Shopbop, $418; Ossian Halter Dress, Twenty8Twelve, Shopbop, $280; Neon Crystal Necklace, Noir Jewelry, Shopbop, $253; Superfine Belted Cotton-Jersey Maxi, Thakoon Addition, net-a-porter, $450; Too Hot To Handle Leather Bucket Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Saks, $470; Slouchy Tapered Crop Pants, Rachel Roy, Nordstrom, $298; Coated Pencil Skirt, Robert Rodriguez, Shopbop, $265

Current Favorite: David Lerner Waterfall Dress- Love the black contrast and the low-draped (not shown, see website) back.  Super sexy, super classy.

Yellow $501 Plus

Top to Bottom, L To R: Jersey Gown (belted), Vionnet, Saks, $2,160; Biel Patent Leather Wedges, Jimmy Choo, net-a-porter, $595; Leather Track Pants, Isabel Marant, net-a-porter, $2,290; Medina Dress, ONE by Kymerah, Shopbop, $540; PS1 Medium Suede Satchel, Proenza Schouler, Barney's, $1,595; Happy Elaph Shoulder Bag, Lanvin, net-a-porter.com, $2,585; Lemon Quartz, Diamond, and 18K Gold Earrings, Roberto Coin, Saks, $2,900; Patent Leather T-Strap Sandals, Manolo Blahnik, Saks, $755

Current Favorite: Proenza Schouler Satchel: Comes in a variety of colors and sizes.  I love the muted yellow; the poster child for yellow as a neutral.

As always, happy shopping and enjoy!

M

Althea Harper @ Sloane

What a whirwind of a wonderful weekend! My sister ("in-law") Steph was in town for a visit and we had a busy weekend of catching up over cocktails & bopping all around the  'hood. I am currently in denial & pretending that she will come waltzing down the steps any second (wah waaah)... One of our fun happenings this weekend took place Friday night at Sloane Boutique. The beautiful owner, Duru, hosted a fab trunk-show event featuring Althea Harper's newest collection. For those who are not familiar with Althea (shame on you), she was a finalist on Project Runway Season 6... as well as a graduate of our very own UC, and oh, she was also a part of Tory Burch's design team (no big deal). At the event, she debuted her Fall 2012 collection which was filled with fabulous boho-chic & feminine pieces. Along with having the opportunity to see Althea's collection, I of course took the opportunity to shop around Sloane with Steph, who is as in love with the store as I am. The great (yet dangerous for me, as I live super close to Sloane) thing about this boutique is that Duru is constantly getting new shipments in, so you truly find something (s) new to buy each time you drop in. I never leave empty handed. This weekend, I purchased a red LnA dress, perfect for this weather, and a ring by DLC (so.cool.) If you haven't stopped in to Sloane recently, you are truly missing out and need to put that on this week's to-do list. You know this weather is basically begging us to buy Spring clothes just a tad early this year!xx-A-

ALTHEA HARPER



SLOANE BOUTIQUE MERCHANDISE

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COME ON, SIS!