3 TRENDS IN 1

POM POMS, FISHNET, AND EMBROIDERY

Asos swimsuit, Zara purse and denim shorts, Ray-Ban icons sunglasses, F21 anklet that I converted into a choker by adding 2 clothespins in the back for extra length

When I saw this bathing suit on ASOS I immediately fell in love but was contemplating getting it since I thought the cost-per-wear might not be worth it. Yet, I decided to buy it knowing I probably wouldn't find anything else like it. What I loved about the bathing suit was its ability to effortlessly combine 3 trends in 1 without being overly loud. The 3 trends being pom poms, embroidery, and fishnet. Pom poms, especially colorful pom poms have been increasing in summer styles but the white pom poms help neutralize this trend. Embroidery has also been trending and popping up all over accessories and clothes thanks to Gucci reintroducing embroidery in their pre-fall 2016 collection. Clothing brands have even been strategic on how they use embroidery by carefully placing them on mesh clothing where it covers the "private" areas (if you know what I mean). Lastly, I've been loving the fishnet trend and loved how the bathing suit incorporated it in a chic way. Although it's rare to find pieces that well combine multiple trends together, if you come across something and wonder if it's worth the price, ask yourself these questions. Will I be able to find anything else like this? Will I regret it if I don't buy it? Do I have a specific event I can wear this to and get good use out of it from? If the answer is no, yes, yes, I say buy it! 

COACHELLA 2017

FESTIVAL VIBES

Sisters of the Tribe maxi dress, Steve Madden villano sandals (similar here, here, and here), necklace from Nordstrom, Brixton straw hat

I wasn't planning on attending Coachella this year but during a random night out my friends convinced me to spontaneously go. It helped that they offered me and Josh a place to stay and knew people trying to sell tickets. Josh and I also love the desert and music festivals, so it was an easy "hell yes". Since this was my 3rd time going to Coachella I knew what to prioritize when it came to festival fashion. Something comfortable to walk around in, something you're ok sweating in since it gets hot, and something representative of your style that's not cliche festival wear. Thus, I was thrilled to find this printed maxi dress since it fulfilled all criteria's. I had to hem 11" off the dress since I didn't want it dragging on the floor, but it worked out perfectly. I also went braless since it was backless and much more comfortable to wear without a bra. Although Coachella is over, there are plenty of other outdoor music festivals coming up like Lightning in a Bottle and Sasquatch in May, Outside Lands in August, and Austin City Limits in October. If you need festival fashion ideas I recommend finding something that fulfills those 3 criteria's, and shopping at stores other people are less likely to shop at and that offer variety. Asos, Revolve, PrettyLittleThing and Missguided are some of my favorites that offer a great spectrum of unique, fashionable and affordable clothes. 

THE NEW 501 SKINNY JEANS

THAT LOOK LIKE MOM JEANS

Levi's 501 selvedge skinny jeans in summer dune, Levi's boyfriend denim trucker jacket, SincerelyJules oh darling tee, Kenneth Cole kam sneakers, Gucci belt

A classic pair of blue jeans is one clothing article that is always worth the investment. Mom jeans in particular, have been back in style which are jeans with a destroyed or vintage color wash, higher-waisted, and fit loose around the crotch and legs. I've been loving Levi's lately and got myself a pair of 501 selvedge skinny jeans in summer dune and love how they fit and look. I consider my 501 skinny jeans a more stylish version of "mom jeans". They're 100% cotton so have no stretch, but the fit and quality make them comfortable to wear and it helps that they're not body hugging either. I've been living in these mom jeans that pair well with anything casual especially basic tee's. Ladies, it's time to ditch the boyfriend jeans and get yourself a pair of mom jeans. Below are some of my favorite finds. 

1. PacSun Favorite Blue Ripped Mom Jeans $60
2. Zara mid-rise vintage jeans $70
3. Levi's wedgie fit jeans in desert delta $98
4. Levi's 501 selvedge skinny jeans in summer dune $148
5. AGOLDE high-rise cropped jeans (great for shorter people, like myself!) $148

THE KNOTTED TREND

WAYS TO WEAR IT, WHERE TO GET IT

Stolen Hearts button-down dress from Forever21, Gucci Princetown loafers, Ships Ginza handbag

One basic way to make an oversized shirt or button-down more trendy is by adding a knot to it. I do this a lot to my oversized shirts by pulling on the bottom of the shirt and giving it a single knot, usually in the center or one side of the shirt (examples via Cosmo here). You probably unintentionally do this trend too, such as when you tie the bottom ends of your button-down together (shirt example here). I love how various brands have started incorporating this twisted trend into more classic clothes like the shirt dress I'm wearing. The extra fabric helps make the knot dramatic, easier to tie, and more comfortable to wear. Although most fashion trends come and go, I don't see this trend disappearing anytime soon so if you're looking for a way to spice up that basic shirt in your closet why not upgrade it with a knotted version of it? Below are some of my favorite picks in stores right now. 

1. Zara plain knotted t-shirt $20
2. Zara faux suede sleeveless top with knot $36
3. Bar III striped knotted shirt dress on sale for $54
4. Free People striped tube top with knotted front $78
5. Topshop casual oversized tie waist dress $85
6. LNA plain deep v-neck shirt $90
7. T by Alexander Wang front twist short sleeve shirt $150
8. 3.1 Philip Lim striped knotted shirtdress $475

MUTED COLOR TONES

THE BEST WAY TO MAKE A LOUD TREND MORE SUBTLE

Missguided choker sweater, Balenciaga sunglasses (available in black here), Coordinates Collection open air bracelet, Chanel classic flap bag

Muted color tones such as blush pink have been trending over the years. With minimalism gaining popularity in design and fashion, it only makes sense that subdued color tones have been trending as these colors compliment minimalist design and are less harsh on the eyes. This color trend can also be evident in Pantone's color of the year award. In 2016 it was rose quartz and serenity both beautiful, muted colors. The nice thing about muted colors is that it goes well with everything and automatically brings calmness to your attire. Take my sweater for example. A top with an attached choker is often a bold statement piece, yet the color drastically reduces the boldness and instead softens it making the sweater subtle and in fact, soothing. The next time you're shopping and love the piece but feel like the style is too loud or bold, try finding it in a muted color tone. I guarantee you'll feel more at ease and even more confident wearing it.