What's Old is New Again

It seems like that groundhog was right: spring is coming upon us very quickly, and is ressurecting some old styles. This spring, stores like American Apparel and Urban Outfitters have brought back some styles that haven't been with us for a long, long time. High waisted shorts, ruffled socks, Spandex cropped tee shirts, onesies, and even scrunchies are finding their way back into trendy girls' closets (some things, like the cornrows, butterfly clips, and overalls, should stay in the 90's, though). I'm going to show you some ways to channel your inner "Saved By the Bell"--it's 2013, but we're bringing the 90's back.

The Colorblock Jacket

Will Smith really knew what he was doing when he rocked a colorblocked ski jacket on multiple occasions. Well, maybe he didn't know what he was doing, but he influenced modern style on recent runways. Nowadays, the colorblocked jacket is worn with anything from glamorous pants to flatforms.

Patterned Flowy Pants

I'm in the costume crew for my school's musical, and I have seen some horrendous yet fabulous articles of clothing. One of these was a pair of gold and black patterned pants, which were open and flowing at the bottom, but tight up top. I spent hours debating with myself if I liked them or not, and I came to the conclusion that they were so 90's. Paired with the right shirt and shoes, a pair of these pants is flattering on everyone, and come is every color and pattern imaginable (and I'm not joking, either). Since the pants are flowy, they look their best when paired with a fitted tee shirt.

High Waisted Shorts

Not only do they flatter anyone's figure, they're super cute. Nowadays, we see them in every style, from acid-washed to studded. Pair them with a crop top or shirt tucked in--if you let something go over the front, it'll look like you're wearing just wearing underwear.

Keds

Keds are probably the simplest of all the sneakers that exist today, but that isn't always a bad thing. Scrunch down your socks or buy ruffled ones (like these from American Apparel, or these from TopShop). The best part about Keds is that they're made of canvas: easy to clean, easy on your feet, and easy... to paint? Indeed, some people bring out their inner Van Gogh and paint your sneakers with a modern Starry Night, or dip-dye white keys into colored dye. So artsy.

Scrunchies

When I was little, my grandmother used to let me pick out a scrunchie to wear whenever I went to her house (needless to say, I wanted to go over there quite often... she must have had 400+ scrunchies). They look best when slid over a sleek, high ponytail, and worn with something somewhat casual. My personal favorite from my tiny collection is one that my mom got me last year, during lacrosse season (it is my school's colors with little lacrosse sticks/bows on it). For an idea on how to wear one, click here.

The Crop Top

Oh, how scandalous! Showing a little midriff is no biggie when a crop top is worn correctly. Since it is a simple article of clothing, it is easy to pair with other things. A tip to keep in mind: the higher the  bottom of the shirt, the higher your bottoms are.

Blunt Bangs

Bangs have literally taken over the style world in the past two years or so. Danielle Fishel rocked them in the 90's, and now stars like Nicole Richie and Taylor Swift have lashed their locks for blunt bangs. Heart-shaped faces generally look the best with this hairstyle.

Rings!

WONDERFUL NEWS EVERYONE! My lovely friends at Deconstructed Living in Wayne made a beautiful display for my ring company, Blooms & Buttons. I've been making these rings for about three years, and everyone has been super supportive. If you want to order one, feel free to contact me via email (inthemodeblog@gmail.com) to order one. 

Neiman Marcus's Spring Trends: Do it Yourself

In Neiman Marcus's latest catalog, there was only one thing that I was looking for: the spring edition of their "it" list. Every year, for fall/winter and spring/summer, they release their trend predictions for that upcoming season. This year, the list ranges from orange as a new neutral, to face-framing jewelry. Today, I'm going to explain multiple ways to rock each of these trends for the spring/summer of 2013.




Orange: the New Neutral

In the past, this citrus-y bright has been reserved for small details. This spring, style experts say to pair it with any color you can imagine: neon pink, navy blue, other shades of orange, and tan. Since orange is bright, it looks nice in more sporty outfits--think pencil skirts and eyelet shirts.

Cool Blues

Blue is timeless, ladylike, and can range anywhere from electric blue to soft, muted gray. This year, take every shade of blue you can think of, and pair them together. Designers like Lela Rose turn classic shift dresses into modernized oceans with color blocked designs. In early spring, chambray blue is the perfect transition from winter to warmer weather.

Amazing Lace

Lace is all grown up this spring, popping up on runways in neon lace shift dresses, Valentino espadrilles, and even biker jackets. The trick for wearing a lot of lace: classic shaped dresses keep it fresh, and try to keep it to one color all over. Also, plunging necklines and lace usually aren't a good match, so play it safe by keeping necklines simple.

Relaxed Chic

Looking cool doesn't always mean dressing up. This year, tweed jackets meet jeans, work pants meet flowy, boho shirts. Ballet flats are optional.

Print Mania

I've always loved designers like Roberto Cavalli and Alexander McQueen--their prints always intrigued and excited me. This year, prints go head-to-toe. All-over prints are such a fun thing: it's almost like wearing a piece of art on your body. If you want to be really safe, bold stripes and floral never fail--it's a good place to start.

Bold Eyes and Nude Lips

Starting on runways back in December, this trend has really skyrocketed. This past fall was all about the red, bold lips, but this season is all about the dramatic, over-the-top eyes and plain lips. An easy way to achieve the "nude" lips look: prep your lips with BB Cream the same color as your skin, apply nude lipstick, then swipe clear gloss on top of that. The BB Cream prevents any color from your lips to show through, making them blend in with your skin, but the gloss defines your lips just enough without going over the top.

Warm-Weather Leather

With leather growing in popularity for this past winter, I had no doubt in my mind that it wasn't going away any time soon. Designers like Alice + Olivia and Philip Lam incorporate this hip material into unexpected pieces, like shirtdresses and tank tops.

Face Framing Jewels

Statement earrings have been in for a while, and now stylists are saying to pair those over-the-top earrings with over-the-top necklaces! Always make sure the metals are the same, but feel free to experiment with different shapes and textures.

Gladiators

Strappy shoes have always been cool, but this year, they're hot. Sorry, bad pun. Anyway, sandals and heels are seeing straps, whether they're animal skin, adorned with sparkles, or sky-high.

High-Voltage Handbags

Springtime always covers everything with color, and this season, handbags get a jolt of electric fun. Spice up your purses with neons, pastels, mod designs, and funky straps.

Neiman's 2013 Trend List

Book Smart, Style Smart: Alice in Wonderland

I'm pretty sure we all know the story of Alice in Wonderland: a girl named Alice is lured into a mysterious town underground, where she meets numerous quirky characters, has a tea party, and manages to play some cards along the way. Today, I've put together a few fun outfits based on this greatly loved childhood story.

Into the Rabbit Hole

Alice's style depicted in the Disney adaptation is the one I'm sure everyone knows: blue dress, white apron, black Mary Janes. So, why not make that outfit wearable? This version makes Alice's outfit come to life--and in a very cute way.

Shirt: Jil Sander, $420

Skirt: newlook.com, $32

Shoes: Forever 21, $30

Necklace: oliverbonas.com, $19

We're Late, We're Late, For a Very Important Date

Not everything in books has to be goofy and over the top. For instance, a rabbit with a pocketwatch was the inspiration for this pretty, stylish outfit.

Blazer: A. F. VANDERFORST Blazer, $720

Pants: youshehe.com, $220

Necklace: etsy.com, $20

Shoes: L.A.M.B., $195

No Need to Get Catty

The Cheshire cat was always a mystery to me. How could he be in a tree one second, and be gone the next? Bring out your inner cattiness with a pink striped sweater, purple pants, and killer kicks. 

Sweater: Christopher Kane, $855

Pants: Prada, $395

Shoes: YSL, $600

14 Cute Valentine's Day Outfits

Ahh, Valentine's Day. What is there not to like about it? Stuffed bears, boxes of chocolate, and it's the perfect time to pull out your most fun and flirty outfits. I've put together some cute ideas for this special occasion, whether you're spending it with your friends or that one special person. For a description and list of all items used, just click here.



This outfit is perfect for a day in the office--the heart sweater brings both warmth and cuteness to the outfit (and you can literally wear your heart on your sleeve!), and the sparkly skirt is fun but very appropriate. Simple pearl-colored shoes and a turquoise structured purse tie the outfit together.

The perfect outfit for a picnic, walk in the park, or anything outdoorsy, this outfit is both playful and stylish. The sweater is oh-so-perfect for the occasion, and the color goes with everything, like this fabulous blue polka dot skirt. Finish off your look with tan and white brogues--they're classy and totally easy to walk around in.

Who says Valentine's Day has to be pink, red, and white? Freshen up your look with minty green and peach--it's fabulous, and perfect for a coffee date or for school.

Remember in elementary school when you would get the little cards that said "You're the cat's meow!", or something like that? Well, this shirt is that card, all grown up. If you're thinking of going to a concert on Valentine's Day, this is an awesome outfit for one.

For whatever reason, my sister always insists on eating those chalky heart candies with messages like "be mine" and "hot stuff" on them. Personally, I think they look much better in the box, or on a skirt like this one. This outfit would be cute for a themed party, like a secret Valentine party. Hey, who ever said you can't wear your candy?

Some people like to take it easy on Valentine's day by going out to see a movie. I was inspired by the zombie-story-meets-love-story, "Warm Bodies". Channel your inner movie-goer and go for a more edgy look if you're planning on falling in love with a zombie. This outfit takes my inspiration from the movie, and adds a cute, romantic twist. 

Despite what many people may have told you before, red and pink CAN mix--it just has to be done right. This outfit can be worn everywhere, and is a perfect transition from a day at work or school, to a night out.

                                   

If you plan on going somewhere fancy this lovely February 14th, may I suggest this dashing outfit? Mixing metals are cool when it's not in your face mixing. It's perfect for the red carpet. Or the carpet in your hallway, pretending it's the red carpet.

One of the most romantic, feminine colors out there has to be peach--it's not pink, it's not nude, it's in the middle and it's perfect for any time of the year. It looks nice in every fabric, like this leather punchout skirt over a silky top. Edgy doesn't have to be black--and it's still appropriate enough for a night out, or a rom-com with the girls.

Perfect for the occasion, a trip to the UPS store should always be done in style! Probably the best for little errands or meeting up with some friends, this outfit is very festive with a graphic print lips shirt, oxblood jeans, and metallic purse. You'll kiss everything on your to-do list goodbye.

One can always rely on Topshop to come up with the most creative and quirky things. What better to dress in for Valentine's Day, then a dress with hearts on it? Nothing gets better than that.

Some people just want to stay home and curl up by the fire with a nice love story. You probably won't want to wear stilettos and a skirt when at home, but looking cute can still be possible. I love infinity scarves, and J. Crew's are the definition of the perfect infinity scarf. Red lip gloss can be so subtle, but make a statement at the same time. This outfit is good for a day at home--it's cozy, chic, and functional all at the same time.

The cat shoes are so purrfect, and the red sweater is sweet. Spikes are so cool. This is tough lovin' here. 

When you're going to sleep at night, who says you have to be boring? For Valentine's Day, try some cute, festive pajamas, like these ones. Sweet dreams!

Draw Your Attention Right HAIR.

It's deep into winter, and by now your hair has probably been so thirsty for some love and good, old-fashioned hair care. Well, today, I'm showing you that the TLC your hair is craving can be achieved in ten minutes or less.

Caught Between a Rock and a Tight Closet

Every day, 4 to 6 people come up come up to me and say, "You must have the biggest closet in the world!" I just say that I have great organization methods, which I'm going to share with you in this video. Subscribe to my Youtube channel for more weekly videos!

Similar products like the ones I show in the video:

Stacked Skirt/Pants Hanger 
Velvet Top Hangers
Shoe Rack
Purse Basket
Under-the-bed Bins