Whenever I see an amazing outfit online I immediately put it in my inspiration folder (or my Pinterest). I’ve noticed lately that my fashion boards are filling with destroyed denim. Oversized sweaters with boyfriend jeans, blazers with flares, tight tanks with bootcuts. I’ve been ditching my sleek denim for a more distressed pair. I love that the look is much more relaxed, comfortable, and a bit edgier than any other denim look. Here are a few of my tips of the trend:

1. Find the best fit: whether flared, straight leg, or boyfriend it’s important not to have your denim too tight. The look is revealing enough so steer clear from skin tight styles.

2. Keep your distressing to a minimum. No large patches of skin should be showing. The more destroyed, the looser the fit should be to balance the look.

3. To polish the look, pair them with a sleek blazer. Basic black, bold colors, or chic white will look amazing.

4. Shoe wear. Casual: sandals. Feminine: espadrilles. Sleek: pointy toe pumps. Depending on your style, you can pair the jeans with any shoe. Go for a darker denim with the pumps to elevate your look.

Top row: J Brand, Delias, True Religion, rag & bone. Bottom row: True Religion, H&M, Hollister.

None of the above your style? Take a razor and sand paper and DIY them! I know I’ll be wearing my distressed denim all summer long. Will you?

Previous Spring style posts have involved bright pastels, florals, or the sport chic look,  but today’s feature is for the sophisticated, daring girl. “Tribal” style, which in my own personal definition, is made up of deep earthy tones, eye catching textures, and animal print. These looks were spotted all over the Spring ’12 runway, and lucky for you it’s easy to transition from catwalk to sidewalk…

Top: Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Donna Karan. Bottom: Michael Kors, LAMB, Proenza Schouler.

Tips of the Trend:

1. To tone down a bold print, pair it with a tan trench, brown belt, or black blazer.

2. Keep your accessories simple. The prints are bold enough, stay grounded with neutral shoes, purses and jewelry.

3. To avoid a one-season wonder, pick classic shapes like sheath dresses, full skirts, or a pant/top combo that can later be worn apart.

4. To try this trend with accessories look for leopard shoes, raffia purses, feathers, “bone” or wooden pieces.

Here are a few tribal items to add to your closet…

 

Each season I stay in New York, I realize my style gets a little bit preppier: a shoulder scarf here, a pair of pearls there, and now it’s official, I’m wearing boat shoes. I think East Coast prep is a style one has to master. The gingham, the layers, the lobster-print pants (eep!) but here’s my little step into the style and for now, I’m enjoying it.

I always had a rule against spending money on pre-distressed items. But these, this pair of Bed Stü Aunt Bettie boat shoes had to be mine. It took me all of 2 hours from the time I saw them online, till I went straight to the SoHo Madewell, tried them on, and swapped my espadrilles for these loafers. Since then, I’ve had these on my feet constantly, sporting them as easily with boyfriend jeans and a white tee, to my eyelet dress and clutch. I can’t wait to wear these all summer long. Here’s my way to wear these shoes three ways:

Outfit 1: JCrew blouse, Gap jeans, Kate Spade purse, Bauble Bar earrings

Outfit 2: JCrew dress, Modcloth purse, Bauble Bar earrings + bracelets

Outfit 3: Sandro sweater, Paige Denim shorts, Bauble bar necklace

And head over to Madewell here to buy the Aunt Bettie boat shoes!

“Florals for Spring, groundbreaking..” Miranda Priestly deadpan voice from Devil Wears Prada will always ring through my head each Spring. Yes, we know, florals will always be “in” each summer season. They’re a classic go-to, fit for all body types, styles, and items in your closet.

But this season it’s time to go a little bolder with your florals. Try a floral pant suit a la Alexander Wang, or even better a short suit, for a little less of one look. Go geometric with big colors, like Thakoon. As you can see below, it’s easy to wear florals in any style: pants, dresses, shorts, skirts  and have it work transitionally for the office or play. 

Top: Alexander Wang, Altuzarra, Thakoon. Middle: Creature of the Wind, J Crew, Jason Wu. Bottom: Prabal Gurung, Proenza Schouler, Peter Som.

One of my favorites of the bunch is J. Crew’s peplum + pants combo that is both seasonally on trend, and affordable from runway to real way. Check out your local H&M to try some styles before investing in a higher end look. But if there was ever a trend to invest in, florals are it. You can wear an amazing floral dress each and every spring, but go for the steal with a floral pant suit in case that one only lasts in 2012.

Here are a few of my favorite floral looks…

I have been inseparable with my Social Experiment ring since receiving it. “Each Social Experiment piece is inspired by the natural beauty of the West Coast. The sun, sand, rain, surf, ancient forests and high mountains of the Pacific Northwest.” As soon as I read this description, I knew I’d love the pieces. As a California girl, the feminine but almost earthy pieces are perfect for everyday wear.

For only $29 you can get a one of a kind piece that is all yours and custom to your personality. From shimmery light pink, like mine, to starfishes or turquoise, or opals in almost any color imaginable. Check out the lovely Georgia’s etsy shop here to existing pieces or contact info to make your own!

Best part is… you can win your own Social Experiment ring! Head over to www.twitter.com/everyday_runway and tweet me. What inspires your style the most?! Follow + tweet me AND @soc_experiment your answer to win a one of a kind cocktail ring!

Official rules:

- You must follow both @Soc_Experiment and @everyday_runway on twitter.

- Tweet what inspires your style the most.

- Contest open to anyone, winner will be announced on Friday, May 4th at noon, must tweet before then.

- Social Experiment will fulfill prizing.

GOOD LUCK!