trendspotting: beetle prints

Taking my last post on beetle wing-inspired iridescence one step further, it seems that these creepy crawlies have served as design inspiration this fall beyond just a color story. Prints depicting the insects appeared in a surprising number of collections. I'm not sure what it is about them--perhaps it's their surrealistic quality (another Fall '13 trend) or maybe designers suddenly realized that they make for an intriguing, kitschy print. Whatever the case, I am down.

Though the Lanvin ensemble above was the only beetle-covered look to walk their runway last March (other bugs appeared in jewelry-form throughout the show), the print packed a powerful punch and has proven to be an editor favorite.

 

The collection with the most extreme case of beetle infestation was, by far, Tory Burch. The designer developed not one but two prints--teal scarabs and a museum-worthy array of species in blues and greens--that were featured on everything from silk tops and scarves to small leather goods and even an iPhone case. Jeweled beetles embellished sweaters, smoking slippers and a tasseled evening bag, and appeared in jewelry form, as well.

 

McQ Alexander McQueen produced a creepier take on the print, which has appeared on body con dresses (like the one above) and the line's signature lightweight scarves just in time for Halloween.

              

Madewell is also on board the trend with this vintage-inspired silk scarf. And how funky is this satin Marco Bologna bomber jacket?

The bugs even made a cameo Kenzo's quirky Fall '13 ad campaign! 

So tell me, are you down with Beetle Mania?

Peace, Love and Neon,

Marisa

trendspotting: matching short sets

[kirsten dunst in stella mccartney]

Move over rompers, you've got some competition creeping in this summer. Matching shorts sets have announced their presence and I am LOVING it. Although coordinating separates have been on the scene for a couple seasons, they now feel so fresh in sophisticated summer silhouettes. The floral print variations, like the Stella McCartney worn by Kirsten Dunst, above, and Katie Lee's Zara ensemble, below, are especially refined yet completely fun and girly. The best part: these pieces pair together for an easy instant outfit, or can be mixed and matched with other wardrobe staples.

[katie lee in zara]

[kate mara in mulberry]

[bradley agather of luella & june in j.crew]

[kate bosworth in topshop]

[unknown fashionista in zara]

Would you try this mono-patterned look? Tell me, tell me in the comments!

Peace, Love and Neon,

Marisa

trendspotting: tropical prints

With images of surfers and palm trees constantly dancing through my daydreams these days, it's clear I've got a tropical story on the brain. Maybe it was my trip to Miami last month where I couldn't stop snapping photos of naturally lit green palms and reflections of them in my mirrored sunglasses. Or maybe it was the test shoot I did recently which featured tons of mismatched, gypset-inspired swimwear and an experiment with palm leaf shadows. More likely, this infatuation goes back to September when tropical prints began manifesting on the sidewalks outside fashion week. Whatever the reason, I've been on a ferocious hunt for pieces in hibiscus and palm patterns as of late and I cannot get enough! Here are some photos that have been perpetuating my obsession.

[images: honestly...wtf, refinery 29, they all hate us, how two live,
luella & june, the man repeller, song of style and style.com]

To shop some of my favorite tropical prints of the season, check out H&M's Conscious collection, Joie, and Juicy Couture. Aloha!

 

Peace, Love and Neon,

Marisa

trendspotting: that's so clutch

Paris fashion week came to a close Wednesday, wrapping up another season of shows and another month of poring through countless street style photos. One of the most salient trends from the month's tour of New York, London, Milan and Paris is playful accessories. I love these wacky clutches resembling everything from a book to a Lego block to a domino. My favorite are the bananas!

 [images: style.com, marieclaire.com, the cut, refinery 29, elle.com, and vogue.com]

Peace, Love and Neon,
Marisa

trendspotting: mirrored sunnies

It all started with this picture.

The "it" that I am referring to is my obsession with colored reflective sunglasses, which has now established itself as a full-blown trend for spring. (See just about every fashion week street style round up and this post on Refinery29.) I posted this photo by Garance Doré about two years ago in reference to the white blazers, but it turns out that it was those orange mirrored aviators that left a lasting impression on me. I picked up my first pair of mirrored sunnies at a street fair last summer: clear wayfarers with blue lenses, and when those sadly broke, I snagged a set of cobalt blue wayfarers with orange lenses from Aldo. Cute as they may be, they're pretty bold for every day and not the greatest quality, so now I'm jonesing for mirrored Ray-Ban aviators just like the ones above. (Birthday money purchase, perhaps?)

Here are just a handful of the many photos that have been perpetuating my obsession:

[images: garance doré, song of style, style.com, viva luxury, and the cut]

A bunch of really cool sunglasses brands, like Spektre, Westward Leaning, and Wildfox, are featuring plenty mirrored styles. Not to mention you'll be sure to find them at every fast fashion retailer this spring.

You think you'll give them a shot, too?

Peace, Love and Neon,

Marisa