Pantone 2016 Color of the Year: Rose Quartz & Serenity – Winter Edition

For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year.  According to Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone Color Institute®, “Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and a tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”  These two shades reflect our psychological yearning of calm and relaxation during our day-to-day stresses as well as our society’s experience of blurring gender lines as it relates to fashion.

Once I found out Rose Quartz and Serenity were named the Color of the Year, I started to envision how I can use these colors, whether it's worn separate or together.  This year, I will show how you can wear these two colors during each season.

Once January hits, I start wearing less of the darker shades of fall and winter and embracing a softer color palette as spring approaches.  The first couple months of the year are the perfect time to wear lighter hued sweaters, such as coral, lavender, or even rose quartz and serenity. Below I’ve created two winter outfits utilizing Pantone’s 2016 Color of the Year – Rose Quartz & Serenity.

Winter – Rose Quartz & Winter White

Rose Quartz is a soft, calming pastel color that I love wearing opposite winter white during the colder months.  For this outfit, I paired my pale pink cable knit sweater with cream colored skinny corduroy pants.  I slipped on tan suede knee high boots along with a cream suede vintage hat with tassel for an added touch of texture and whimsy.  I accessorized the look with a pastel colored gemstone pendant and topped it off with a classic camel wool coat.

Sweater/Ring: Old Navy// Pants: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Coat: Dillard's (Antonio Melani)// Hat: Atomic Garage// Necklace: The Limited// Boots: Thrift Store (old)

Winter – Serenity W/Winter White & Tan

The name says it all.  Serenity is a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.  This tranquil blue resembles the airy weightlessness of the sky.  During these chillier months, it’s hard to show fluidity or weightlessness in outfits since we are wrapped up in warmer fabrics.  For this outfit, I decided to combine soft textures with casual staples that can be transitioned into early spring with a change of shoes.  I paired my serenity colored V-neck sweater with a lighter washed pair of skinny jeans.  I tossed a cream and blue abstract printed cotton scarf around my neck and slipped on a pair of tan suede booties.  I finished the ensemble with the same camel wool coat as the previous outfit and topped it off with a cream colored winter stocking hat.  To transition this outfit into spring, just take off the hat, coat, and swap the booties for a pair of ballet flats or sandals.

Sweater/Scarf: Old Navy// Coar: Dillard's (Antonio Melani// Boots: Charlotte Russe (this fall)// Hat: Kohl's (this winter)

Do you like Rose Quartz & Serenity? How would you wear these colors during the winter?

Sparkle, Shimmer, Sequins, Oh My!!

Happy New Year!!

It’s New Year’s Eve and what better way to celebrate than to get dolled up in some sparkle, shimmer, or sequins? I love experimenting with different textures and metallics this time of year!  Which metallic shall I choose this year?  Gold, silver, rose gold or even bronze?  Below I’ve created three outfits for different NYE occasions.

Outfit #1 – Creative Formal Event

This outfit is a great option if you are headed to a more formal NYE event but want to make a statement.  Yes, you can wear basic cocktail dresses, but what’s the fun in looking similar to everyone else.  If you like to take risks with your clothes, then maybe think of this option.  For this outfit, I wore a black, pale pink and gold brocade crop top and matching high waisted midi skirt.  I loved this two-piece set because it had a rich texture and the pink and gold combined made a rose gold illusion on the outfit.  I accessorized the outfit with black lace tights and gold heels, a bronze envelope clutch, and gold statement earrings and rings.  Since I wanted to emphasize the texture of the dress and earrings, I curled my hair and pinned it back away from my face so the outfit can really shine.  I recently wore this outfit to the YPC Inaugural Gala this past December.

Crop Top/Skirt: Von Maur (this fall) // Tights: Old // Shoes: Old // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria // Earrings; Old

Outfit #2 – Silver & Ice Blue

This next outfit would be a good option for someone who is attending a NYE party and wants to make a statement, but doesn’t want to outshine the host.  For this outfit, instead of a dress I wore separates.  I paired my ice blue button-up blouse with a silver pleated skirt along with a black belt to define my waist and black opaque tights.  I splashed the outfit with some color by slipping on color blocked pointed stilettos, silver jewelry, and a matte red-orange lip to complement the red in the heels.  I pulled my hair back halfway to showcase the earrings and lip color.

Shirt: Express // Skirt: BCBGeneration // Tights: Target (old) // Belt/Bracelet: Express // Shoes: Kohl's (Rock N Republic - this year) //Earrings; Old // Ring: Von Maur // Lip Color: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm "Striking Spectaculaire"

Outfit #3 – Black & Gold

This last outfit is a good option for someone who prefers to wear pants on New Year’s than a dress and maybe likes to wear sparkle subtlety.  This outfit would be great if you are having a more relaxed, intimate NYE – going to a lounge for some dinner and drinks or celebrating with a small group of people.  Since the outfit is mostly black, I amped up the texture and maximized the accessories in the outfit.  I paired a black and gold sparkly oversized sweater with black pleather leggings and black ankle boots.  I accessorized the outfit with a plethora of gold jewelry.  I finished the look with a bronze envelope clutch and a red-orange lip for a pop of color. 

Sweater/Necklace/Earrings: Express (this year) // Pants: Express (old) // Bracelet: Express // Rings: Old Navy // Clutch: BCBG Max Azria 

Which outfit is your favorite?  What are you wearing for New Year’s Eve? 

Winter Staple: Christmas Sweater

'Tis the season to shop and give gifts to loved ones, send out holiday cards, and wait for the white bearded rotund man in a red suit to come down the chimney! This time of year I love breaking out my Christmas sweaters, and I’m not talking about the “ugly” Christmas kind. 

I think everyone should own a holiday sweater they can cozy up in around the season.  These Christmas sweaters I’m referring to contain graphics of Christmas or wintery motifs, such as reindeer, Santa, snowflakes, ice skates, or even cute animals such as penguins and polar bears.  Don’t confuse these sweaters with Fair Isle knit sweaters, which will be featured in a blog post in the near future! If you don’t already own one in time for Christmas, there are plenty on sale at various retailers, including men’s sweaters! Below I’ve created three different outfits all utilizing my red and black reindeer and snowflake motif sweater. Happy Holidays!!

Outfit #1 – Casual Christmas

For this first outfit, I paired the sweater with brick red comfy jeggings and threw on a black and white marled grandpa cardigan to continue the casual vibe of the look.  I finished the outfit with black quilted moto boots.  This outfit would be great cozying up by the fire unwrapping some presents.  I recently wore this outfit during an evening of baking Christmas cookies and sipping hot chocolate with family.  

Sweater: Forever 21 (Old) // Cardigan Sweater: Target (this season) // Pants: Kohl's (sale) (Lauren Conrad Collection // Boots: Nordstrom Rack

Outfit #2 – Winter Shorts

I love experimenting with different textures, especially during the winter months.  Tweed is a great fabric to try during the fall/winter season.  For this outfit, I paired the sweater with gray tweed tailored shorts and black opaque tights.  I added a pop of red with the belt and slipped on some black ankle boots to finish the ensemble.  This outfit would be great if you want to try something different than wearing basic jeans or leggings and it would be great if you were meeting up with some friends for coffee or gift exchange.

Shorts: Forever 21 (old) // Tights/Belt: Target (old) // Boots: Kohl's 

Outfit #3 – Festive at Work

This last outfit is for the woman who likes to wear a little holiday spirit at the workplace.  I switched the tweed shorts from outfit #2 with a black leather pencil skirt.  I accessorized with a gunmetal bauble necklace and couple cocktail rings.  I complemented the red in the sweater by wearing a pair of red faux suede booties to finish the look.

Skirt: Loft // Booties: Charlotte Russe (old) // Necklace: Francesca's // Rings: Express & Old Navy

Do you own a cute Christmas Sweater?  How would you wear it?

Outerwear Trend: The Cape

December is definitely coat season! The days have been getting shorter and nights longer so the weather gets chillier faster.  However in Des Moines this week, the forecast has been in the 50’s.  For those days where the weather is fair and it’s not a blizzard outside, do I have a great coat option for you...the Cape!!

I love capes because there is something nostalgic about them – they bring me a different time and various locales.  Also a cape is a great polished option instead of your peacoat or overcoat.  Below I’ve created three different outfits utilizing a cognac cape I recently bought off of Etsy (it was also a gift I gave to my bridesmaids for my wedding this past October).

Outfit #1 – Parisian Chic

Since capes are sleeveless and don’t have structured shoulders nor silhouette, I feel it has some feminine qualities, and when I think of a place that embodies a woman that is both feminine and polished, I image Paris.  For this bon chic bon genre outfit, I wore my cognac cape over a tan and black striped turtleneck paired with black A-line miniskirt.  I accessorized the look with a black velvet beret, pearl multistrand necklace, and black patterned tights to add more femininity and texture to the ensemble.  I topped this look off with a pair of black faux suede booties.

Cape: Etsy // Turtleneck: The Limited (this fall) // Skirt: Express // Tights: Target (old) // Shoes: TJMaxx // Hat: gift (old) // Necklace: Old

Outfit #2 – Collegiate Inspired

For this next outfit, I traveled over to London to learn more about Sherlock Holmes, whose stereotypical plaid cape inspired me.  Now I didn’t copy the outfit verbatim, but when I think of plaid in this sense, academia comes to mind.   For this collegiate inspired look, I wanted to keep it minimal and tailored by using texture.  I wore the cape over black ankle pants paired with a crisp white oxford button-up under a red cable knit sweater.  I finished the look with black faux fur smoking slippers and a red knitted winter hat.

Sweater: Target (this fall) // Shirt: Express // Pants: The Gap // Shoes: DSW // Hat: old

Outfit #3 – Après Ski

For this last outfit, I wanted to create a look that was more casual than the other two, but still had a cozy wintery vibe.  This outfit is for a woman who wants to walks the streets of a chic ski town with a hot chocolate in her hand.  I wore the cape over dark skinny jeans paired with a cream cable knit sweater and cognac riding boots.  A pair of winter boots would be a great option as well if the ground is layered with snow or slush.  I topped the ensemble off with a cognac and maroon knitted hat and a cream winter scarf.

Sweater: Old Navy // Jeans: American Eagle // Boots: DSW // Hat: Amana Woolen Mill // Scarf (3 piece set including hat. gloves, scarf): Kohl's (this season)

Which outfit is your favorite? Would you wear a cape?  How would you wear it?

Mixed Prints

I donned an outfit utilizing mixed prints earlier this week!! I was receiving some compliments on it!! I recently bought the button up blouse, which is a Portofino shirt from Express, and the windowpane Pixie Pants from Old Navy this past fall!! 

Shirt: Express// Pants: Old Navy// Belt: Target// Shoes: Charlotte Russe (old)

What are your thoughts on mixed prints? Are they a do or a don't? 

Thanksgiving Edition

It’s that time of year where you give thanks, spend some time with family and friends, and eat lots of turkey!!  Sorry that I have been on a hiatus for a little while, I got married back in October and now I’m starting up Crazed Chameleon again!  Normally people don’t really care about what they wear for Thanksgiving, but for those who like to dress nicely around their friends and family that they may not have seen for a while – I’ve got some outfit ideas for you!

Outfit #1 – Casual and Comfy

This outfit is for the girl who likes to be comfortable but still look put together.  My go-to outfit formula for you is a plaid shirt + cardigan sweater.  I always like incorporating an autumnal color scheme for Thanksgiving so I paired my plaid shirt that contains various fall colors and brick red jeggings.  I chose the jeggings because they are as comfortable as lounge pants for when you eat too much food.  I topped the outfit with a camel colored grandpa cardigan sweater, quilted purse, and cognac riding boots to finish the autumn inspired look.  I kept the jewelry minimal with just diamond stud earrings since the outfit already contains plenty of color and texture.

Shirt: Old Navy // Pants: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection) // Cardigan: Old Navy // Purse: TJMaxx // Shoes: DSW 

Outfit #2 – Tailored

This next outfit is for the girl who wants to take the next step up from jeggings and have a tailored and classic style.  My go-to outfit formula for you is a turtleneck sweater + trouser bootcut jeans.  Every classic style girl has a pair of dark washed tailored trouser jeans.  I paired my trouser jeans with a pumpkin orange ribbed turtleneck.  If turtlenecks aren’t your forte, then swap it with another sweater of your choice.  I accessorized the outfit with a vintage necklace and chocolate brown faux suede heeled boots.  It’s always best to pair trouser jeans with a shoe that has a heel to help elongate your legs.  I topped the ensemble with a classic camel wool overcoat. 

Turtleneck: The Limited (sale) // Jeans: Express // Coat: Dillard's (Antonio Melani) // Necklace: Vintage (Grandma's) // Shoes: Target (old)

Outfit #3 – Boho-inspired

This last outfit is for the girl who likes to wear a dress or is attending a semi-dressy Thanksgiving dinner where jeans are too casual.  I paired my brick red prairie inspired midi dress with black patterned tights and camel ankle boots.  I picked this dress because the boho silhouette and fabric represents a combination of casual while being semi-dressy.  I picked patterned tights instead of opaque ones to add some texture while the faux suede ankle boots and eclectic necklace continues the bohemian vibe of the outfit.

Dress: Old Navy // Shoes: Charlotte Russe // Necklace/Tights: Old

Do you like any of these outfits?  Which one is your favorite?  What are you wearing for Thanksgiving?

70's Summer Fashion Series - Recap

This past summer, I was offered an opportunity to write a three-part fashion series for the Greater Des Moines Young Professionals Connection (YPC).  For this fashion series, I focused on this season's emphasis on 70's trends.  With each installment, I featured a trend that was popular in the 1970’s and described how you can wear that trend for various occasions today.  For the first installment, I highlighted the bohemian trend that is already quite popular today. For the second installment, I opined on the influence of global and ethnic prints during the 1970’s.  Lastly, I discussed the iconic wrap dress and how it can be worn all-year long.  Below are excerpts from each installment.  To read the full blog posts on the YPC website, click on the links below.

Bohemian

As the ‘60s faded, the hippie culture from that decade continued into the early ‘70s. In modern usage, the word “bohemian” refers to someone who lives an unconventional, usually artistic life.  Today, the style term “boho chic” represents a fashion style that draws inspiration from bohemian and hippie cultures of the ‘60s and ‘70s.  Two easy ways to emulate the bohemian style today is to invest in a peasant blouse and a boho dress.  Peasant blouses are available at numerous retailers and are flattering for most body types. Boho dresses can come in a variety of prints, lengths and cuts that can work for all ages.  Below I’ve displayed two outfits transitioning a peasant blouse from work to weekend, as well transitioning a boho dress from work to weekend. Click here to read the full blog post.

Outfit #1: Shirt: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Pants: Express// Belt: MintL.A. Boutique// Shoes: Payless//      Jewelry: Gift
Outfit #2: Shirt: Kohl's // Jeans: BCBGeneration // Purse: Target // Shoes: Kohl's
Outfit #3: Dress: Target (Old) // Blazer: Kohl's (Lauren Conrad Collection)// Shoes: Payless// Belt: Old
Outfit #4: Dress: Target (Old)// Vest: Dillard's// Shoes: Payless

Global & Ethnic Prints

During the ‘70s, easier access to traveling abroad allowed cultures from other regions of the world to have influences on the fashion industry.  Afghan coats from Afghanistan became a staple for the hippie counterculture during the early ‘70s.  Fashion designers interpreted caftans from Morocco into casual women’s gowns for entertaining at home.  The paisley print, originally from Persian descent and imported from India, became mainstream in women’s and men’s fashion along with interior design patterns.  Global and ethnic influences came pouring in which inspired designers to create bold and colorful prints during the decade.  Colors and prints during the ‘70s are ranged from bold and saturated hues to subdued earthy tones.  For this installment, I’ve chosen four outfits displaying global-inspired prints and how to wear them for the workplace and the weekend or evening.  Click here to read the full blog post.

Outfit #1: Shirt: JCPenny// Pants: BCBG Max Azria// Shoes: Wet Seal (old)// Belt: TJMaxx (old)// Bracelet: World Market// Ring: Vintage (Grandma's)
Outfit #2: Shirt: JCPenny // Skirt: BCBG Max Azria // Shoes: Payless // Purse; TJMaxx (Nine West) // Bracelets: World Market & Craft Fairs // Earrings: Express// Necklace: DryGoods
Outfit #3: Pants: Target // Shirt: Express // Vest: Express // Bracelet: Express // Earrings: Old // Shoes: JCPenny
Outfit #4: Pants: Target // Shirt: Target // Jewelry: Old // Shoes: Target

The Wrap Dress

The wrap dress was introduced in 1974 by designer Diane Von Furstenberg. When explaining its instant appeal, she stated, “The wrap dress is the most traditional form of dressing: It’s like a robe, a kimono, a toga.  It doesn’t have buttons or zippers.  What made it different was that it was jersey; it made every woman look like a feline.  And that’s how it happened….”¹ The wrap dress was an unprecedented success – it was sexy, simple, packable, and looked good on women of all shapes and sizes.  The dress itself soon symbolized power and independence for an entire generation of women.² For this installment, I’ve chosen three outfits utilizing a wrap dress and displaying how to wear it for the workplace, for the weekend, and how you can transition it into the fall season. Click here to read the full blog post.

Outfit #1: Dress; JCPenny // Purse: JCPenny // Shoes: Kohl's // Bracelet: Gift // Earrings: Old
Outfit #2: Dress: JCPenny // Jacket: Abercrombie&Fitch (Old) // Shoes: Target // Rings: Old Navy
Outfit #3: Dress: JCPenny // Cardigan, Tights, Shoes: Target // Jewelry: Old Navy

Sources: ¹Reed, Paula (2012), Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1970’s, Conran Octopus Ltd 

²DVF website (2015), http://www.dvf.com/about-diane-von-furstenberg.html

What trend is your favorite from the 1970’s?  How would you wear it today?