crop tops

Knotted Stripe Crop Top,  TOPSHOP

Blue Floral Print Crop Shirt,  TOPSHOP

Love 'em or hate 'em, crop tops are back. Many view crop tops as "trashy," risqué, or just plain unflattering, but that is not necessarily true.  Sure, daisy dukes and a belly-bearing top are a bit indecorous, and most certainly are unflattering if you don't have the most toned of tummies. However, instead of writing off crop tops altogether, look at them from a different perspective. Enter the crop top and the high-waisted bottom.

Side Split Maxi, ASOS

FP-1 Sleeveless Floral Crop Top, Free People

Pair crop tops with high waisted pants, shorts, or skirts. Not only will it keep your midriff from being exposed, but it will give you the illusion of having longer legs. If you want to show off a bit of skin, opt for a crop top that ties in the front, or for one that just barely grazes the top of your bottoms. When you more, just a bit of skin will peak through.

LOOKBOOK.nu

wedges

TOPSHOP

Free People

Wedges, just one of many pieces of the 70s fashion revolution, are one of the most trendy shoes of SS-11. They are lovely when paired with appropriate pieces, however they do not fare well with tight, body-hugging clothing. It makes them appear a bit clunky and clumsy. Pair wedges with high-waisted shorts, flowing maxi dresses, fit-and-flare dresses, and wide-legged or flared jeans. For a more bold look, choose brightly colored wedges. For a romantic, feminine feel, choose espadrilles.

TOPSHOP

TOPSHOP

latest love: azure-and-white

BCBG Max Azria

Emilio Pucci

Emilio Pucci

Azure-and-white printed pieces are reminiscent of delicate patterns on fine china. The trend is not marked by one particular silhouette, rather it marked by rich azure-and-white prints paired with unique statement gold jewelry. It can be tribal, bohemian, or crisp and classic.

bold color

LOOKBOOK.nu

Red Pleat Frill Dress, TOPSHOP

Petite Jade Floral Tee, TOPSHOP

SS-11 is marked by bright, bold, popping colors,  and lively prints, the opposite of FW-1011's palette of soft, muted colors. When mixing prints and colors, in order to maintain a chic fashionable look, make sure to choose pieces with colors that are similar to, or compatible with,  the ones in the print. Also, when pairing different boldly colored pieces, make sure to to consult a color wheel  to avoid pairing colors that do not match. If you are a bit color shy, try carrying a brightly colored bag, or wearing brightly colored heels, accessoires, or another clothing piece.
For more help with mixing prints, click here.

Gracey & Michy

Sunflower Earrings

Gold Tribal Set

Stella Cuff

Gracey & Michy is an online boutique based in New York City specializing in designer resale and vintage pieces. The boutique is owned by two sisters, Grace and Michelle, whose goal is to provide fabulous pieces to girls at an affordable price. Each week they have new arrivals. Currently, they carry women's designer vintage and contemporary, as well as gorgeous statement jewelry pieces. Blog La Bohème readers can receive a 15% discount on orders with this code: 9180490.

Marc Jacobs Jacket

baggy trousers

LOOKBOOK.nu

I honestly thought that I would never embrace baggy trousers, but after seeing some really well-put-together ensembles with them on LOOKBOOK.nu, I have made a complete 360˚ turn around. I especially love the feminine accents added by the ruffle and her bracelets, while a gender neutral and edgy feel is maintained with her somewhat masculine chain link necklace and graphic print t-shirt.

Baggy trousers also look great with simple, crisp, well-fitting button downs or, to incorporate the naval minitrend, nautical navy-and-white striped shirts. Avoid extremely loose-fitting shirts to balance out the bagginess of the trousers.

lovelypepablog.com

Baggy trousers are versatile in that they are not part of one particular personal style. They can be part of an edgy ensemble when paired with graphic tees and rocker shirts, preppy when paired with nautical shirts, and a polished-yet-casual ensemble when paired with a crisp button down. Accessorize accordingly.

blanket capes

LOOKBOOK.nu

I am well aware that I have already done posts on capes and Southwestern-themed pieces, but I just lover blanket so much that I felt that they need a post of their own. Awhile back I saw one on another blog and I immediately fell in love. I love the warm-and-cozy-blanket super-laid-back feel they have.

Whip Stitch Aztec Blanket Cape
 Topshop
(out of stock)

Blanket capes can have Southwestern/Native American prints or tassels or both. Wear them with simple, slim fitting pieces to avoid having an outfit that is too busy or too overwhelmingly loose. Also avoid wearing pieces all feminine or all masculine; opt for a mix of the two or an ensemble of gender neutral pieces.