LEOPARD PRINT

I’ve learned over the years that you are either a print person or you aren’t.

If you look through the photos of me, you’ll notice I don’t wear prints too often. When I do, they’re usually small in size.

Prints, or lack thereof, communicate a lot about someone’s personality. Don’t you think?

Minimalists enjoy simplicity and cleanliness. They like predictability and streamlined processes. They don’t mind blending in and avoid the spotlight. However, print lovers don’t mind a bit of chaos. They are more adventurous in spirit. They enjoy color and use clothing to help communicate their emotions and personality.

I think I’m both to an extent. Ultimately, I lean more towards simplicity because my main motivation in life is peace and tranquility. But, when I want to make a statement or be noticed, I choose prints to help support my desire.

To me, leopard is a print that communicates power, sensuality and fierceness. I’m not the best at using my words to do that for me and leopard prints help me convey these things.

What about you? Do you enjoy prints? If so, what prints do you enjoy, and what message or story do you feel they help you tell?

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; Dress from ZARA.

SUMMER PRINTS

A couple months ago I was introduced to Joules - a British clothing company that loves to make the "ordinary extraordinary." They are now making their clothes available in the U.S., and I couldn't be more excited about it. Here's why...

Joules is best known for their bright colorful prints, and my wardrobe could use a cheery facelift. I am wearing their tops from their summer collection on repeat lately. They really make my boring jeans look so much more fun. Plus, they are all machine washable. Plus, I'm feeling a bit uninspired by regular haunts of GAP, J.Crew, Target, ZARA. Sometimes you need a change, and I know I can always count on our friends from across the pond to breathe some life into American fashion.

They make one crisp, tailored button down shirt too. If you know me at all, you know that my favorite outfit is a button down shirt, skinny jeans and blazer. Without fail it's a chic outfit that's flattering on every woman. But this shirt isn't boring at all with neon stitches in it. I think it might be my favorite shirt of all time.

The quality of their clothes is top notch. It has all of the style and spunk of a J. Crew with the quality of a Brooks Brothers. They make one hell of a cute dress. Be sure to check them out if you're looking for a classic, bright update to your wardrobe. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

HOW TO WEAR PRINTED PANTS

Styling prints can be hard. In fact, just finding a print that you really like can be a challenge. So many of my personal styling clients have said this to me at one point or another, so I thought I would show you how I style my printed pants.

The trick to prints is to keep things simple. Everyone needs to have the basics in their closet to rely on for the moment you find an amazing pair of pants or a skirt. The basics you need are: 

• White, gray and black v-neck t-shirts
• White, gray and black scoop-neck t-shirts
• Chambray, white, gray and black button down shirt
• Black, gray and denim jackets/blazers/cardigan
• Black and dark denim jeans
• Black pencil skirt
• Black simple dress

If you have these things you really can't go wrong when styling your printed skirts or pants. Here's what it looks like to simply add a denim jacket over your t-shirt.

It totally changes the look and feel of the outfit doesn't it? In Arizona it's hard for me to justify wearing a jacket now that the temps have climbed to the 90's, but I sure love how classic they are. This one is from Goldies and is only $52. 

Here is what it looks like to opt for a chambray shirt. It's just as simple as a t-shirt, but the collar adds a little more sophistication. 

Get the whole look here: Gray t-shirt, patterned pants, denim jacket, gold necklace and chambray shirt.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Matchy Matchy

I feel like most of us, when putting together outfits, avoid that "matchy matchy" vibe. We want it to look put together, but not so intentional that our shoes, lipstick, bag and nails all go together. But one trend I noticed browsing through street style pictures from fashion month was matching prints: same on the top, same on the bottom. This "matchy matchy" trend is definitely catching on for spring.

I love designer Charlotte Olympia's matching blouse/pants paired with a long black coat.

ADR killing it in wide leg trousers and matching jacket, with an extra pop of color in the blouse.

Caroline Issa does the matching trend right with a textured coat layered on top

Wide leg tartan trousers and a matching tartan blazer-hard to pull off, but she does it perfectly!

Images by: WWD, Stockholm Streetstyle

2012 Fashion Trend: Polka Dots

Polka dot is a print that comes in and out of style almost every other year. It's cute, simple and happy. I always think of the print as childlike. Sometimes that can be a bad thing, but a little polka hear and there can give your outfit a bit of life. Check out some of this inspiration I spotted!

Make the pattern preppy and girly like below

Or grunge it up...

So what do you think? Do you like polka dots? Or do they remind you too much of Minnie Mouse?

Photos: Kate Spade, The Glitter Guide, Anthropologie, Zara, Ruche, Coco + Kelley