Style Doppelgänger - "Clarissa Explains It All"

Whenever anyone mentions '90s fashion trends, Clarissa Explains It All comes to mind. Clarissa's eclectic, fearless style was a breath of fresh air — and much sought after. She was a total expert at layering, mixing patterns, and pushing the sartorial envelope while staying age-appropriate (she even wore printed leggings under her ripped jeans). Her oversize button-downs, funky accessories, and Doc Martens were the epitome of cool — and though it was never clear where Clarissa shopped, I like to think she was a Goodwill kind-of girl like myself. 

INSPO

As per usual while drooling over the Stockholm Street style achieve, I stumbled upon a few in the moment trends that I've been obsessed with as of late and re-created outfits with some of my favorites summer pieces in my closet. From ladylike heels, chiffon neon tops, monochromatic layering, pattern clashing, denim on denim, peplum bralettes , and pencil skirts. Leave it to the stylish ladies and gentlemen in Sweden to get you heavily inspired and your creative juices flowing.  

In the moment: Kitten Heels

Just over a month ago I was featured in "The New York Times" for street style! Kitten heels are like the ugly step-sister of the heel family; they don’t lengthen the legs and define the calf, or generally make you feel like a million dollar sex-bomb. Separate them from the ladylike elegance of the ’50s and ’60s and all you are left with is a stunted and somewhat unattractive piece of footwear. Whether you like it or not, you’ll be seeing plenty more of the kitten heel. Let's be honest, with the kitten heel being the perfect accompaniment to ladylike 60s dressing, you might even decide to jump on the bandwagon yourself. 

Celine Resort 2013 Collection

Since Phoebe Philo's run at Celine, there's no question that her accessories have become a status symbol for the mobile woman. Whenever I'm frolicking around New York City you can't make it a block up in both the Upper East and Upper West Side without spotting a luggage bag. Oh the glory! This time around for resort she is introducing a new fold-over ladylike tote that adds a little edge with the more structured silhouette. Favoring the Celine signature staple "leather" which continues to be the most important piece to complete each look in this collection. It was cut into stripes for t-shirts and used on coats with horizontal panels that would unzip to create different silhouettes. Python, leopard, and polka-dots featured as patches on cashmere sweaters, chiffon trousers, coats, and scarfs appeared wrapped around shorts or veiled into white fabrics. The must have piece for the Celine gal that lives in us fashion insiders are the wide legged trousers with the deep striped color blocked hem. Those in the know will instantly peg them as Celine. And now the drooling and swooning begins! 

In the moment: Athletica

A new trend that we can call "athletica" started off as tomboy chic heavily inspired by football, gym gear, and masculine sports. Looks that are less masculine and more feminine or androgynous are the sporty elements that create structured cuts are specialized in luxurious fabrication such as leather, silk, chiffon, and jersey. Sportswear has been a fashion trend over the past few years but this spring there has been nothing but an Olympic burst of sporty chic inspiration in the air. Sleek, functional, with a minimalist leaning this season sportswear offers many new opportunities for wardrobe inspiration when recreating those runway looks. 

H&M Fall 2012 Preview

Come fall shoppers will be able to find those chic looks and favorite trends straight from the Fall 2012 runway shows at H&M. Masculine inspired coats, printed trousers are fully represented, metallic-thread separates, bomber jackets, lady-like heels, chunky over-sized sweaters, color blocked purses, and a heavy helping of bedazzled pencil skirts to be paired with baseball caps or leather detachable peplums to complete each look. 

Pastel Belle

In the moment I've been obsessed with pairing pastels with a printed trousers, pleated skirts, and dip-dyed denim. From sky blue, mint green, lavender, and bubble-gum pink these Easter egg inspired colors are emerging as the front runner trend and have been seen on tastemakers wearing these pastel colors in a slightly edgier-refreshing way. This spring ushers in a new take on pretty pastels, though the pale colors exude a chic feminine and ladylike vibe; they're also fit for those with an edgier sensibility.