Animal Print, Lace and Oxfords

                 Navy Lace     Lace Oxfords     Printed Oxfords     Zebra     Black Lace     Cheetah

This post is dedicated to the Independent Fashion Bloggers (IFB) project#61.  The challenge was to create a post detailing my inspiration for Fall fashion (my favorite season).  Uncommon and IFB are working together to create a Fall inspired IPhone case.  Check out the details here.  This is my first time participating in any IFB project.  Wish me luck =)

• Animal print is my all time favorite trend for any season.  It's become a classic.  Both zebra and cheetah coats in these photos excite me.  They're fashion forward yet you can pair them with anything and look chic.
• I chose lace and oxfords because I like the feminine vs masculine vibe of the neutral oxfords in the second photo.   Oxfords are a must have for Autumn.  I will pair them with dresses, trousers, jeans and skirts this Fall.  The lace gives a feminine twist to a otherwise masculine look.  Fashion is about mixing trends, prints and texture.  It's what makes style fun.    
• Just as oxfords can be girlified, lace can be toughened up by adding the right accessories and shoes.  A black long sleeved lace dress is on my Fall list for holidays.  

A blazer makes all the difference

“Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe.” - Gail Devers

Untitled #12 by charismainbklyn featuring vintage skinny jeans

Blonde Blonde chiffon shirt
£10 - bankfashion.co.uk

H M tailored blazer
£25 - hm.com

Forever 21 vintage skinny jeans
$11 - forever21.com

Forever 21 peep toe shoes
$27 - forever21.com

Braided belt
£7 - fashionunion.com

Square sunglasses
$32 - topshop.com

H M clutch handbag
shopping.louloumagazine.com

Jessica Alba
peoplestylewatch.com




Jessica Alba's style usually has a bohemian twist to it.  Here, she leans towards a more classic vibe with fun accessories.  A well tailored blazer makes this outfit perfect for transitioning from day to dinner with the gals or happy hour. I compiled a budget friendly post if you want to reenact this fresh look.  I need to update my wardrobe by adding more blazers.  Sticking to neutral colors (black, grey, cream) is best for wearing with prints and solids.  You'd be surprised how one can change an outfit from being comfy-casual to sophisticated just by adding a blazer and heels (or flats).


Below are some links on different ways to wear a blazer.  Enjoy!
http://www.whowhatwear.com/website/full-article/how-they-wear-blazers/

http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspx?BR=f21&Category=whatsnew_app_outerwear&ProductID=2002930239&VariantID=

http://www.stylebistro.com/lookbook/Rachel+Bilson/KIMgzsMAGDg

http://pinterest.com/charismainbklyn/statement-piece-blazers/

My love affair with prints

Spring issue magazines are flooded with clothing and accessories of various prints.  Floral, polka dots, stripes, etc.  I absolutely love prints.  They're girly and versatile.  Until I can get a willing photographer so I can post new outfit pics, here are few oldies of yours truly in some of my fave prints:

Houndstooth jacket

Sunglasses with floral prints are fun!

Polka dots make me happy

This was for a luau

Navy+Animal Print = :)

Floral romper

Purple and Brown Striped dress

As you can see, I was never much of an accessories gal but that's changed.  Soon I'll post about my recent purchases including lots of colorful accessories.   

For some fashion print inspiration, check out the links below:

http://www.polyvore.com/happy_april_fools/set?id=46407543

http://pinterest.com/charismainbklyn/style/

http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/slaves-to-fashion/2011/03/yp-go-prints-for-spring-sincerely.html

Hope everyone is having a beautiful weekend and enjoying this happy weather!

Oh, and are you a prints gal too?  If so, which is your favorite??