Cardigan Empire: Phoenix Fashion Stylist

Eternal Heirlooms-Oscar's Baby Book

2014-09-19T20:38:00.003-07:00

Somedays I wonder what I could accomplish with 8 hours of focus, today I would have settled for 8 minutes. But what I accomplished in my pre-baby career is currently rotting in rusty filing cabinets and hard drive dumpsters.

Although my daily lists are regularly bare of achievement-crowning checks, I am raising eternal heirlooms. And to remind me and my children of this, I have written each of them their own book with the help of Beth Allen's illustrations. This is Oscar's. And we got it out just in time to share it with Grandma Sue, who's leaving for a humanitarian mission in New Zealand. She never had 8 minutes of focus when she was raising me either.

Click here to read Coco's & Levi's.

Back to School for Girls in 15 Items

2014-08-19T10:54:00.001-07:00

I believe in early fashion literacy. And the best way to teach these youngsters to avoid one-to-one outfit parings (ie one shirt shall always be paired with one pair of pants and nothing else) is the liberal application of wardrobe clusters: layering science, signature style compositions, color equations. YOur sweet school will have mastered creative clothing strategy before her sneaker ever steps foot in the classroom.

Below a shopping list and theoretical application:

More Gap...

That's more than two weeks of outfits, no repeats, with change left over for lunch money and fruity scented erasers.

What's in your daughter's back to school cluster? Tell me in the comments.

Like my outfit? Direct your digital attention to Shop & Apparel. You shan't be disappointed.

Want more?

(2012) Back to School for Girls in 13 Items

(2012) Back to School for Boys in 13 Items

(2013) Back to School for Girls in 15 Items

(2013) Back to School for Boys in 15 Items

Fashion Multi-Tasking: Styling with 31 Bits

2014-08-15T23:45:00.000-07:00

I love multi-tasking.

I consume audio books while washing dishes, I catch-up with girlfriends while running, and I benefit women in Northern Uganda while I accessorize.

The last act is performed with the assistance of 31 Bits. Who "uses fashion and design to empower women to rise above poverty."

What started with 5 college junior philanthropistis and 6 Ugandan beneficiaries has grown to over 170 beneficiaries and has been featured in Harpers Bazaar, People Style Watch, and Martha Stewart.

It starts with the beads. They're made by women in Northern Uganda from recycled paper: unused posters, advertisements, old text book pages. They're cut into long strips, rolled tightly. and coated in a water-based varnish. 99% of the materials are sourced in Eastern Africa.

Every purchase helps these women earn an income, provide for their family, further the local economy, and find empowerment.

I tell people all the time that fashion is more than superficial vanity. This is tangible proof.

Style Notes: 31 Bits necklace (fall + winter 2014 collection) / Frances clutch (available in store now) / Embroidered Top / Tapestry Pencil Skirt / Link Bracelet / Geometric Bracelet (old, similar here)

Photography by Kym Ventola

Be sure to visit Summer Bellessa, Alex Evjen, Lauren Kelp, Lindsay Letters, Style Tutor, Confessions of a Hairstylist, and Sea Salt to see how they styled their bits!

How to Pick the Best Swimsuit for Your Bottom

2014-07-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

I am basically a lower figured, triple threat: fleshy hips, swimsuit munching bottom, and full thighs. The latter is probably my strongest feature. And while I’ve heard and even witnessed glory and wonder attributed to the leg-lengthening high-cut legline, I personally appreciate a bit more coverage. Today I’m going to compare four low-leg, high coverage options.

shop the video:

Albion Fit Wait Until Dark Swimsuit
Nanette Lepore Amalfi Floral Goddess One Piece
Shabby Apple Striped Ocean Park Swimsuit
Hapari Tankini Swimdress
Boden Tie Front Swimsuit

Nanette Lepore Almalfi Floral Goddess Maliot

Let’s start with my favorite iteration: the retro leg, exemplified by Nanette Lepore’s Almalfi Floral Goddess Maliot. I love how the rise cuts across the widest part of my hips, thereby dividing them into two smaller sections, without wrestling with my afore-mentioned thigh meat.

Shabby Apple Striped Ocean Park Swimsuit

Next, we take the rise a bit lower with a full boy short. The Shabby Apple Ocean Park Swimsuit is a cellulite sentinel, shielding the seat and thighs from over exposure. And if your body harbors curves exclusively around the hips and or seat, this might be the suit for you. But the lower line creates a rather unwelcome “v” between my legs and highlight the ample circumference of my thighs.

Hapari Tankini Swimdress

The most conservative option within our set is also the most flexible. This Retro Fashion Seaside Tankini and Swimdress by Hapari can be pulled low for seaside strolling or ruched up for swimming mobility, exposing the leg-legthening higher rise swim bottoms.

Boden Tie Front Swimsuit

Our final option, Boden Tie Front One Piece, is surprisingly similar to our first option with one important exception: the width of the crotch. It’s not uncommon for a retro leg to be accompanied by a wide crotch line. If your thighs tend to gap, this might be your perfect fit, but my friendly thighs resisted and wrestled again this constriction with unflattering results.

For the best options for your bust and belly, link to these episodes.

I wouldn't have trusted just anyone to capture my swimsuit clad figure on film. I thank the trustworthy Breanne of Red Poppy Photo for posing me, photographing me, and giving me the courage to put my real body into a swimsuit for educational purposes. Her camera is just as kind as the operator behind it. Check her out.

How to Pick the Best Swimsuit for your Belly + Giveaway CLOSED

2014-07-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

After two pregnancies, my six pack is a little more cuddly than cut. Luckily choosing a flattering swimsuit for the midsection follows some of the same techniques as parenting a toddler: boundaries and distraction.

Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom for your chance to win swimwear from Albion Fit.

shop the video:

Bleu Rod Beattie Chain Reaction Halter Cup Mio

The draped panels on this Bleu Rod Beattie Chain Reaction Halter offer confident concealment from both sides. The drapes cut towards a V, narrowing the torso, while providing core coverage right where you need it. While the unexpected chain detail strategically draws attention to your lovely legs.

KamaliKulture Shirred Mio One Piece

The Kamalikulture Shirred Mio Suit is a middle figure classic. Rouching or shirring over an area you’re less than confident about immediately minimizes and disguises superfluous bulges. The seamed panels on the side offer an optical illusion of a narrower waist.

Jessica Simpson Women's Safari Chic One-Piece

Small appropriately placed prints like those offered on the Jessica Simpson Women's Safari Chic One-Piece act like optical illusions. A tiny print helps blur and camouflage everything underneath it. Unlike the deservedly dreaded wide horizontal lines, small series of horizontal lines like these accentuate the smallest part of your body, creating instant hourglass perfection.

J.Crew Jersey Lomellina® Colorblock Tank

This Jersey Lomellina Colorblock Tank from J.Crew was so cute on my linear figured, athletic bestie that I had to try it on. Unfortunately what it flaunted on her, it failed on me. The silky, thin fabric offered no structure while the large blocks of solid color left me unmasked with an arrow pointing to the softest area of my squishy, delicious center. High cut leg lines can elongate legs, but they can also overexpose thighs, which was a cost not worth the benefit in my case. And the unsupported bandeau led to a frowning, droopy bust.

For better alternatives for your bust and bottom, be sure to subscribe, these episodes are coming next.

And thanks to Albion Fit for allowing me to feature their Wait Until Dark Swimsuit

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Albion Fit

by pinning your favorite Albion Fit suit and posting the link in the column below. Check my instagram at reachelbagley for more opportunities to win!

How to Pick the Best Swimsuit for Your Bust

2014-06-30T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last swim season nursing caused my cups to runneth over. This swim season the tides have ebbed significantly. Such fluctuations allow me to speak experientially of both the high and low tides of busts, and today I will give you strategies for both.

More Seafolly...

Seafolly Take Flight Cascade One Piece

If you too lack gusto in the busto, ornament it. Flirt about those northern curves with ruffles, fringe, or other drapes of fabric. The volume of the fabric will give the illusion of greater volume beneath the surface. The subtle dip of a sweetheart necklines also offers bonus curve factor. While add-ins like soft cups, boning, and gripper tape ensure support for moderately full cups as well.

Trina Turk Seychelles Halter One Piece Swimsuit

Banded halters are friendly to busts of all sizes because they are fully adjustable. The tie behind the neck allows you customize the nest to your lady eggs, while offering structural lift at no extra charge. The banding underneath the bust is also adjustable to multiple size sand provides a crucial foundation. Molded cups provide shape and protection from show through.

Seafolly 'Mod Club' High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit

What a high neckline offers is an uninterrupted line of your curves. Breaking a broad expanse into smaller pieces immediately makes it look smaller, which is great when you’re trying to minimize an area, but can lead to gaping overexposure when the area is dainty to begin with. Straighter busts can successfully opt for more coverage. Ample busts on the other hand should swim away from this aquatic turtleneck.

Maaji Women's Parrot Paradise One-Piece Swimsuit

I picked this unique Maaji Parrot Paradise suit out because I loved the mismatched patterns, and I know that structured demi cups can provide great shape and show. However the placement of the strap to cup attachment was tragic. Securing the straps towards the center rather than the outer edges of the cup creates unsightly flesh collections under the arms. Thicker wider strap attached to the outside of the cup will avoid this fashion malfunction while creating superior lift and shape. The cut outs might have narrowed my waist but they showcase my ribcage instead due to my long torso. And the widening triangle at the hip created the illusion of even fuller hips, which might be desirable for a linear or upper figure, but was completely unnecessary for my bountiful lower figure.

For better alternatives for your belly and bottom, be sure to subscribe, these episodes are coming next.

Thanks to Breanne of Red Poppy Photo for posing me, photographing me, and giving me the courage to put my real body into a swimsuit for educational purposes. Her camera is just as kind as the operator behind it. Check her out.

Summer Outfit Ideas: Cute, Covered, Cool

2014-05-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

As days stretch long across the center of calendars, you needn't resort to a reverse correlation in the length of your apparel. Below are three ideas for staying cute, covered, and cool this summer.

Start by adjusting your all-season wardrobe winners like a long-sleeve cotton shirt. Cuff the sleeves, tie the waist - what worked for spring can quickly be styled for summer.
'
Simultaneously lower your leg-line and create a sweet little and feel the temperature drop. Your creating an umbrella effect for your bare legs complete with breezy open circulation. Opt for a full cut, allowing fabric to billow about, rather than cling around, your figure.

With your tweeds and felted wools tissued, it's time to shine the sunlight on cotton, linen, and silk. These textiles have proficient lungs meaning, they breathe efficiently, keeping moisture away from the body rather than sealing it in.

You can further chill the air in your vicinity by opting for pale colors. Weak, blushing hues tend to absorb less sunshine than their saturated counterparts.

Finally, when creating interest in an ensemble, excuse layers in favor of accessories. Add pattern, shine, color, or texture with heat-free statements.

Video Wardrobe:

More J.Crew...

My Mother's Day Gift: 3 Easy Steps to Cute & Casual Everyday Outfits

2014-05-10T12:44:00.001-07:00

My gift to mothers of newborn babies, spouse babies, dog babies, work babies, parent babies, and all other babies. A fail proof formula for respectable dress whatever your mothering tasks require.

Step One - first, familiarize yourself with the 5 categories of fashion interest.

1) color: a single pop or an unexpected combination
2) pattern: florals, stripes, polka dots, paisley, graphic prints
3) textures: lace, fur, woven, or knitted
4) shape: strong lines, asymmetric cuts, fluid architecture
5) shine: metallic, glitter, gems

Step Two - select at least three features to upgrade your ensemble from ordinary to exceptional.

Step Three - look fabulous, feel comfortable.

shop the video:

women's video

More J.Crew...

Happy Mother's Day from Cardigan Empire!

Vacation Special: How to Pack 8 Outfits in 1 Carryon

2014-04-30T16:30:00.000-07:00

Mister Bagley and I are celebrating 10 years of incorporation in Costa Rica. And I'm opening our carry-ons to share their clustered contents before we leave. Each of us has 8 items of clothing and 8 outfit possibilities. Stay tuned, and learn how to outfit for adventure without compromising your style on your upcoming spring getaway or summer holiday.

shop the video:

women's video

More J.Crew...

shop the video:

men's video

More J.Crew...

How to Dress Your Kids Indie-Boho

2014-04-24T07:47:00.001-07:00

Indie bohemians have kids too, and this video addresses how to select the appropriate threads for dressing them. Watch below for details, then continue below for links to outfit your own wee hipsters.

CREDITS & COLLABORATORS-

teepees by dolly & frances

photography by baby love photos

tees from indie nook

tees by ink'd

model: summer bellessa (the girls with glasses)

jewelry by the shine project

hair by the confessions of a hairstylist (jenny strebe)

makeup by: lash girl az

model: angie milne (yellow bungalow shop)

banner by rhonna designs & angela burnett

cupcakes by the sweet tooth fairy

invitations by taylortown design

quilts by: my sweet merrimint

props by: the denmar estate

videography: Ashley Nielson

styling collaboration with: Grown Up Dress Up

model: candice appel

fashion badges: the we project

rosette & gold turban headbands: lemons and lace

bow & feather headbands: cranberries & capers

feather dress: loola baby

moccasins: freshly picked

left/right leggings: hello apparel

gold dipped scallop tee: scalloped window

Dressing Through Your Entire Pregnancy

2014-04-19T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can dress you through your entire pregnancy.

From that awkward point where you just feel like you ate a few too many tacos, to when you have entirely forgotten what your toes look like, to the stage when you are enjoying your form solo only to realize that there was still a person constantly attached to it.

All my secrets are divulged below:

What's your favorite maternity tip?

Preparing for Easter and Picking the Perfect Easter Basket

2014-04-11T01:19:00.004-07:00

The following transcript is based on a real grocery cart conversation,

while passing the seasonal aisle. Names have not been changed.

Coco: Mommy I weally need easta eggs with amuls in dems for all my fwiends, evwyone, ok?

Me: Ok, we'll get some plastic eggs and put toy animals in them.

Coco: NO Mommy, weal amuls

Me: I don't think animals will like being in plastic eggs

Coco: We will put da weal baby amuls in weal eggies

Me: Sweetheart, we won't be able to glue the shells back together after they are broken.

Coco: Den we will get weal eggs wif amuls alweady in dems, fwom da nests, in da jungle

Me: But the Mommies will cry and miss their babies

Coco: We will only take, just, only, one amul eggy

Me: I would notice if you took just one of my babies

Coco: Den, den we will take the Mommies with the babies, and I will walk dems evwy day

How can I argue with this?

And since I will be busy collecting animal eggs and their jungle mothers, it's a good thing I already have my Personal Creations Easter baskets.

C-O-C-O is embroidered onto my animal-loving daughter's bunny basket, while L-E-V-I is sewn into Mini-ster's blue robot basket (which symbolically speaking already had his name all over it). And did I mention, they already come complete with all the pastel delicacies.

Which means, I can avoid the seasonal grocery aisle and it's holiday inspired conversations.

You're welcome, now all you have to do is pick a basket out to match your Easter Finery.

Easter Basket c/o Personal Creations

Cardigan Empire readers save 25% on your baskets

Enter code BunnyHop25 at checkout

Photos by Breanne Johnson of Red Poppy Photo

The Most Flattering Spring & Summer Trends

2014-03-31T18:43:00.002-07:00

video wardrobe:

anourak jacket over global column dress with metallic glitter heels

tribal geometric shift blouse with pastel orchid denim and metallic sandals

raglan necklace baseball tee and full accordion pleat skirt

varsity jacket over lasercut perforated sweatshirt with camouflage heels

In short and summary,

click to enlarge

Because no one should sacrifice pretty for the sake of novelty:

click to enlarge

3 Tips for Wearing Green this St. Patrick's Day

2014-03-16T17:25:00.000-07:00

My husband claims he is allergic to holiday decorations. Apparently, crepe paper doesn't lend itself well to mid century modern decor.

A big thanks to Breanne of Red Poppy Photo, who captured a fleeting rainbow of joy amongst the meltdown of a three child photo shoot :)

However, I can always compensate by decorating the kids. And I did! Summer Bellessa, one half of The Girls with Glasses posted the results in this babble article on how to dress your kids for St. Patrick's Day.

My Leprechauns: Oscar (1), Levi (3), Coco (4)

Here are my favorite green fashion tips:
1. Go Monochromatic: I love pairing different shades and tints of green: chartreuse with kelly, mint with hunter. Follow nature, and blend away. And did I mention camouflage??
2. Rejuvenate: Levi's (my son not the brand :) favorite green jeans were loosing their vibrance, so I followed my own instructions to refresh their color. Cheap, easy, perfect.
3. Green with Pink: I love pairing complements, but green and red skips to December rather than enjoying March. So I deviate slightly towards pink or burgundy. It has a similar impact without the unseasonable mention.

And if stake your tent in mine and Coco's camp (aka those for holiday decorations), check out these adorable banners from Emily Blais's Banner Shoppe. I have her exceptionally well-made Lucky Banner hanging from my modern chandelier, and I am pining over her rainbow tassel garland. Get an exclusive discount by entering cardiganempire in the promo code box at checkout.

Happy St. Patty's to You and Yours!

2 Ways to a Tuxedo Skirt, DIY

2014-02-28T16:29:00.000-08:00

I believe in everyday glamour.

Not just for the red carpets, but for beige carpets, and berber carpets, and carpets in need of vacuuming. Cue the tuxedo skirt.

Born from an inexpensive H&M jersey skirt, this little number flexes to perform a myriad of life works, and it looks just as good with a cotton sweatshirt as it does with a sequin blouse.

H&M - Jersey Skirt - Black - Ladies

Watch the videos below for two different techniques to transform a basic pencil into a tuxedo skirt, perfect for your upcoming Oscar Sunday, office Monday, or homebody Wednesday.

Sponsored by

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Apply a set of Crest 3D White Whitestrips Luxe Supreme FlexFit to your teeth as you add a sparkle to the seam of your pencil skirt. You'll be red carpet ready in no time. Then keep your smile brilliant with Crest 3D White Brilliance Duo (Toothpaste and Boost).

Here's to everyday glamour!
(Don't forget to pick up your Luxe Supreme FlexFit Whitestrips coupon from the P&G estore, courtesy of Good Morning America Deals & Steals.)

Funner, Fitter Fashion: Zumba Basics

2014-02-25T13:04:00.002-08:00

Ditch the drone of the treadmill for a calorie blasting party. Get ready to take your first samba step or take it to the next level. Learn the basics of putting together a functional, fashionable Zumba look.

Video Wardrobe:

More Zella...

5 Best Nursing Bras Reviewed

2014-01-29T23:10:00.000-08:00

Newborn Mothers.

I would like to make a meal for your family. I pine to do your dishes while you take a nap. My heart itches to color drape your baby and buy him/her an appropriately hued onesie.

At the least, please let me give you a postpartum makeover. The following video will ensure that your wholly organic bottles will not drip out of their supports. These selections will flex through engorgement, and open before you sweet one can protest.

Video Wardrobe:

More Leading Lady...

Stretch your Budget: Yoga Fashion, $25 or Less

2014-01-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Relaxing your psyche doesn't mean you need to relax your budget. Find full outfits where no piece is over $25 in the video below.

Video Wardrobe:

More Forever 21...

Running 8 Days a Week, Athletic Wear

2014-01-24T22:56:00.005-08:00

Raw armpits, unsecured posterior, floppy bra business...all possible casualties of an improperly outfitted run. Watch the video below to avoid this an other fashion related injuries.

Video Wardrobe:

More Gap...

Sponsored by

Keep your smile in shape with Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips and 1 Hour Express Whitestrips. It may take you months to run off years of bad eating habits but years of stains can be removed in as little as an hour.

Show off that red carpet worthy smile on E’s post-Grammys episode of Fashion Police. Submit your best red carpet-worthy smile selfies on Twitter and Instagram using #SmileStyle to be entered for a chance to win! Details at SmileStyle Selfie Contest. Make sure to tune into this year’s Grammys.

Why You Need to Look Cute at The Gym

2014-01-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

Why you need to look cute at the gym has nothing to do with flirting with the person on the neighboring treadmill. Watch the video below for my rationale.

More Nike...

Also, do not fear a digital return. This is the only time you will ever see me ballooning my husband's basketball shorts....ever. And there is more fitness fashion to come.

3 Easy Holiday Looks - How To Wear Leather

2013-12-17T22:47:00.000-08:00

More footage from the Holiday Zone starring leather. Edgy yet elegant, this trend is taken in three distinct directions below.

leather pants + novelty sweater + fur vest

(Outfitted for caroling)

leather skirt + romantic blouse + playful stockings

(A refreshing Christmas cocktail)

leather sheath dress + check buttondown + motorcycle booties

(A delightfully sleek New Year's Eve)

3 Easy Holiday Looks - How To Wear Sequins

2013-12-13T09:00:00.003-08:00

There is a dimension beyond Sunday Best, preceding Black Tie. It is the middle ground between casual and formal. It lies between the pit of social faux pas and the summit of elegance and grace. It is an area which we call the Holiday Zone.

Festive yet approachable, many a social invitation during December will speak openly of this fashion Brigadoon, but below is live footage of the illusive locale. And more importantly ideas on exactly what to wear.

sequin top + colored cords + monochromatic flats

(Perfect for a cookie exchange)

sequin dress + fur stole + jeweled headband

(Appropriately fancy for that shmancy work party)

sequin track pants + necklace sweatshirt + platform heels

(Shiny and cozy enough for the New Years Fête)

Sponsored by

Sequins won't be the only thing sparkling this holiday should you brush with Crest 3D White Luxe Lustrous Shine Toothpaste. And if you have sensitive teeth try Crest 3D White Luxe Sensitivity Toothpaste.

3 Tips for an Enviable Holiday Family Photo

2013-11-30T10:52:00.000-08:00

1. Wear Tried and True: Newer does not equal better. Careening to procure the allure of a new wardrobe could end in a photographed fashion fatality. Opting for a strong and experienced ensemble, allows you to capture a true memory rather than an unfavorable illusion. Shopping your closet captures you rather than a trend. Find everything you can in your existing wardrobe, then go shopping where needed to fill in gaps.

2. Blend Don't Match: Don't waste time, money, or creativity in mirroring a single static hue. Blending color harmonies offers rich dimensional results (and more flexibility in your ensemble choices-see tip 1 above). Try to repeat every color at least twice in your family ensembles and ensure that the hues share a similar heritage (ie jewel tones, pastels, or earthy autumnals). But beyond that, experiment with unexpected color combinations.

3. Apply Consistent Patterns: If one photo member dons a pattern, make sure they aren't alone on a loud pattern island. Conform to consistent use of patterns (both scale and contrast) so that each individual holds equal visual weight and interest. Remember that textures (ie fringe, lace, sweater knits) can also act as a point of visual interest.

Finally forget about saying cheese. Think about a pretty pair of shoes instead. You want to emanate natural bliss and footwear has a much higher chance of precipitating felicity than fermented dairy.

Sponsored by

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Fall/Winter 2013's Top Accessory: The Best Hat for your Face Shape

2013-11-04T06:34:00.000-08:00

Hats cozy your head, protecting your vulnerable ears. Hats shade your eyes, protecting you from squint wrinkles. But hats are more than functional. Meet the accessory rival to shoes in the following video which guides you through the fashion of the hat, styling you literally to the top of your head:

Plus, it features the lovely and informed Alex Evjen from

Hat Trends Primer for Fall/Winter:

Get your own Floppy, Fedora, Boater, Beanie, Cossack, or Baseball Cap :)

More Zara...

Don't know whether to start with a boater or a beanie, find the best hat for your face shape below:

click for larger size

What's your favorite hat style?
tell me in the comments

Look Fresh not Frumpy: Fall/Winter 2013 Wearable Fashion Trends

2013-10-25T17:08:00.002-07:00

military dress over grunge plaid button-down + mixed media leather leggings + shades of grey booties

cobalt blue film noir, rounded shoulder statement coat + mixed media leather sheath + punk fishnets

military inspired camouflage skinnies + lace pullover blouse

monochromatic shades of green sweater & skirt suit + gentleman houndstooth blazer

video wardrobe:

More J.Crew...

In short and summary,

click to enlarge

Color Palettes - Shades of Green (Emerald, Olive, Forest), Shades of Blue (Cobalt, Sapphire, Ultramarine), Shades of Grey (Dove, Steel, Charcoal + Black & White)

Prints & Patterns - Menswear (Houndstooth, Tattersall, Glen Plaid, etc); Camouflage; Hypnotic repeating patterns

Textiles & Fabrics - Street Leather; Surreal Feathers & Fur; Lavish Sequins and other Embellishments

Eras & Inspirations - Punk/Grunge Rebellion (plenty of tartan plaid, studs, chains, spikes, and vinyl), American Pastoral (over the knee boots, shearling, rugged knits), Military* (tailored jackets, uniform details, felted wool), 40s Film Noir (deep v necklines, soft rounded/exaggerated shoulders, nipped waists, tailored skirt suits)

*not shown in above infographic, but featured in video

Trends are an opportunity to connect with the present, to experiment, and reinvent yourself. But every trend does not flatter every person equally. Below are my suggestions on what to wear by body type, complexion, and signature style.