NYFW STREET STYLE

When designers send a model down the runway or clothing stores dress a manikin everything is so carefully concocted and perfected. While it's usually beautiful to look at, there's not much personality in it. When it comes to street style however, you get to see how the latest fashions are actually worn. Different designers are mixed & matched to create a unique look. The styling isn't there to market a product to the masses, but instead to express individual style and push the limits. As I've mentioned before, I love street style for that exact reason. I admire the creative styling, which Im highlighting below and showing you how to easily recreate! 

How cool is this powerful pinstriped look? I love how she belted the blazer to accentuate her waist and added a red neckerchief which pairs nicely with the pinstripes. The quirky chic Louis Vuitton trunk clutch is just the cherry on top. 

By now I'm sure we all know the 70's are in. Suede, fringe, bell bottom flares, platforms, and circle sunnies can be found in just about every designer collection and fast fashion store. What really gets me is how well all of these trends were combined in this look without being too overpowering or costume-y. The white on white is simple enough to go with not just one, but two fringed outerwear selections. 

This look appears quite classic on top, with a soft pink coat, graphic sweater, and white neckerchief. However, it's quite trendy on bottom with a pair of white cropped flare jeans and lace up military booties. 

All street style images from Refinery 29.

THE TRENDS OF NYFW F/W '16

Not to get ahead of ourselves (as it's merely warming up to spring temps), but after the New York Fashion Week shows this past week it's apparent that we have a LOT to look forward to for Fall/Winter 2016. NYFW is typically the most casual in it's Ready To Wear fashion, so it's usually the best indication of what we will actually be seeing on the shelves and the streets this August. While there were many standout shows, I noticed quite a few overwhelming trends that intrigued me... 

CLEAN SLATE

Minimalism is still going strong. Designers are encouraging whites for winter and giving us a nice selection of garments with clean lines from strapless flowing dresses to robe-style fur coats. As a stylist, when I see simple pieces like these I think of them as a perfect clean slate. My mind starts running wild with ways to accessorize them with funky jewelry or a bright shoe.

Brock Collection, Brandon Maxwell, Dion Lee

FLAPPER FRINGE

Bohemian fringe has a new counterpart, it's cooler older sister: 20's inspired flapper fringe. We're getting major Gatsby vibes from these looks and can't complain one bit. 

Rachel Zoe, Zimmerman, Jason Wu

PINK AND YELLOW

Being one of Pantone's colors of the year, it's no surprise that rose quartz is gracing the runways left and right. However, select designers are taking a unique approach by styling their pinks with shades of yellow varying from bright neons to subdued mustard-y hues. This traditionally spring/summer color combo works surprisingly well with F/W fashions. Who knew? 

Creatures of Comfort, Marissa Webb, Delpozo

PATTERN PLAY

Here to contrast the stark minimalism we're seeing in fashion, pattern play is full of whimsy and color. So why not throw a leopard print coat on top of your floral silk pajamas? J. Crew did it...

J Crew, Clover Canyon, Coach

ON THE GRID

Plaid is pretty much a no-brainer when it comes to fall and winter fashion. Although this season we'll also be seeing a lot of clean, gridded patterns. The grids are a little less hectic and look more modern than your traditional lumberjack plaid. 

Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Kaelen

All images from Vogue.com. To see more trends I am loving right now be sure to follow my "Trends I Love" Pinterest board. 

FASHION FILMS

To continue on the subject of our fashion literacy post, I wanted to share some of my favorite fashion films with you. All of the movies listed are documentaries which present the fashion industry in different, intriguing lights and are equally educational and thrilling to watch. People tend to associate the fashion industry with lots of glitz and glamour, making it easy to overlook all of the hard work and stress of the industry. From watching the sweet French women putting all of their passion into creating Dior couture gowns, or witnessing the madness that ensues in making our favorite magazine, it's truly thrilling to peek behind the veil of the industry and witness the people who actually make it tick. 

The September Issue - We've all heard rumors about what happens behind the shiny glass doors of Conde Nast's Vogue. After watching this doc you'll never have to wonder again. You get to be a fly on the wall as Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington, and the rest of the Vogue team jump through hurdles to create the 2007 September issue of the magazine. 

Bill Cunningham New York - Bill Cunningham invented street style. Waking up at the crack of dawn every morning, he rode his Schwinn through the streets of New York and photographed what he saw. He didn't look for what was "in", he just documented what the people were actually wearing at the time, sharing it in his weekly column in the New York Times. His incredible modesty and sweet spirit will warm your heart. 

Dior and I - Dior and I provides an exclusive peek into the making of Dior's 2012 Autumn/Winter Haute Couture collection. The film chronicles the arrival of Raf Simons to the prestigious house and details how he managed to bring new life to the brand while maintaining the deep-seeded elegance and history of the Dior name.

Iris - This Albert Maysles documentary follows the beloved 93 year old firecracker fashionista that is Iris Apfel. Known for her eclectic style and garish ways, Iris has made a profound impact on textiles and the way people approach styling. This woman is a riot. 

Image from Vogue.com. 

PINTEREST LOOK FOR LESS

Fashion month is officially upon us. It's so exciting to see what designers have dreamed up for us to look forward to in the upcoming season, but that's not the only reason I love following along with the action. One of my favorite things about fashion week is the hoards of street style shots that come along with it. From the industry insiders practically sprinting from show to show, to the stylish on-lookers who get caught candidly on camera, style and personal expression is at it's height. There's a certain essence and movement to these shots that simply can't be premeditated. 

You're sure to see lots of these street style shots flowing through my Pinterest feed over the next month. Below is one that I've pinned recently. I love this monochrome look with just a pop of red. The outfit is so simple, but the ribbed sweater and accordion pleated skirt give the look great texture. Grab the whole ensemble below for $145 and make the streets your runway. 

She Inside Sweater - $15

Forever 21 Pleated Skirt - $25

Forever 21 Crossbody Bag - $25

Sole Society Block Heel Sandals - $80

Total: $145

LAST MINUTE VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS

I'm not the best at giving gifts, I must admit. The way I show love the most is through words of encouragement and quality time. When I'm shopping for a gift I want to go to one place to by it all. For gifts for my girl friends, I love all of the little trinkets that Idieh Design has to offer. It's my one stop V-Day place for sure!

Heidi Barlett is the boss lady behind the company, and she is also a fellow Phoenician. She has such great style and taste, and I love that she has created her own line of t-shirts, accessories and prints. Some of my favorite things from her shop and gifts for Valentine's Day are her t-shirts, iPhone cases and prints. 

iPhone cases are always a good gift if you know what size to get. You can easily add a personal touch, and it's a fun accessory everyone enjoys switching out from time to time. This one with lipstick marks all over it is my personal favorite.

Graphic prints are like a better version of a greeting card. It's something that people can hang, and often times the best prints are encouraging and up-lifting. I love thinking that I gift I give can keep on giving for years to come, and that's exactly what a framed print like this one can do.

Lastly, graphic t-shirts are still popular. Maybe your friend doesn't wear them on a daily basis, but these shirts are cute to workout it on even sleep in. I love this "dance it out" one because my family has a dance party in our living room almost every night. The lipstick mark t-shirt is also great too, especially if you're nervous your friend won't resonate with the sentiments on the other t-shirt.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer