prints

Thanksgiving Dressing

It’s Thanksgiving Week! This week is always a whirlwind of food, family and holiday spirit. For those of you who have found a way to keep Christmas at bay, that will be over this week. There’s no tuning it out once we get past Thanksgiving. But I’m getting ahead of myself.

As we prepare for the week ahead, one of the last things you’re probably thinking about is what you’ll wear on Thursday. So consider this your reminder to think ahead and plan that outfit. Need a little help? That’s what I’m here for.

What you wear for the Thanksgiving holiday will completely depend on how you are planning to celebrate. You might be the chef and hosting dinner. You might be a guest in your in-laws home. You might be headed to a casual family get together. There are a variety of situations in which you might find yourself. Let’s breakdown the options.

For those who are hosting, I recommend a print blouse and jeans or a pair of dark pants (depending on whether your event is more casual or more dressy). If you’re hosting you’ll be in and out of the kitchen, finishing up cooking and serving dinner. Darker print tops are more likely to hide spills or splatters. A machine washable option will set your mind at ease should a spill take place.

For those who are attending a more formal Thanksgiving dinner as a guest, you can also go with a print top and pants or better yet, a print dress that is on trend for fall. A floral or animal print is popular this season and easy to find. There are also plenty of fall colors on display to complement your complexion. Find what suits you best.

For those who are looking for something more casual, go with a simple jeans and sweater combination. To stay on trend for fall, find a sweater in a gorgeous jewel tone that will bring life to your outfit. Dress it up or down with accessories as you feel appropriate.

Thanksgiving offers a wide variety of options for what to wear. If you need inspiration see the items I have highlighted below. You want to be comfortable and confident. Then turn your attention to your family and friends and the meal you have the pleasure of sharing together. Happy Thanksgiving!!

J. Crew Factory Long Sleeve Leopard Drapey Tie-Neck Top

J. Crew Factory Long Sleeve Leopard Drapey Tie-Neck Top

Joie Maizie V-Neck Satin Top

Joie Maizie V-Neck Satin Top

J. Crew Tippi Sweater

J. Crew Tippi Sweater

Maggy London Floral A-Line Dress

Maggy London Floral A-Line Dress

Banana Republic Fit and Flare Dress

Banana Republic Fit and Flare Dress

Banana Republic Print Midi Shirt Dress

Banana Republic Print Midi Shirt Dress

Prints on Trend for Spring!

Who is ready for spring?? Me, Me!! We had the opportunity for a nice warm getaway recently which makes coming back to the cold, rain, snow and wind…. well, unbearable. Ugh. But I am trying to look on the upside, spring is not that far away and spring trends are already in stores!

So for those of you who might be headed to a warmer destination, inventory is in stores so you have a chance to do a little shopping before your trip. You might be wondering what the trends are for this coming spring and what you might expect to see in stores. Jumpsuits and rompers are still very popular. Prints are especially hot right now and can be found in a number of different silhouettes. Pastels and pops of color are trending as well.

In looking for something new for this upcoming spring, I found a dress that I fell in love with from Draper James. This is my first purchase from the brand and I suspect it will not be my last. This dress (as shown below) fits perfectly with all the feminine details you could ask for in a spring dress. With a split neckline and a delicate print, this dress is well on its way to being so versatile that it will last through multiple seasons. Not only do I love the smaller print (looks great on petites) but also the flowy nature of the style.

See below for a few select other styles that are currently available and on trend for spring. There are a variety of options available in any color and silhouette you prefer at any price point. Find the dress that suits you best!

Draper James Printed Popover Dress

Draper James Printed Popover Dress

Tory Burch Printed Shift Dress

Tory Burch Printed Shift Dress

Tory Burch Printed Deneuve Dress

Tory Burch Printed Deneuve Dress

Banana Republic Floral Ruffle Wrap Maxi Dress

Banana Republic Floral Ruffle Wrap Maxi Dress

J. Crew Factory Smocked Tie Front Dress

J. Crew Factory Smocked Tie Front Dress

What To Know About Print Pants

Prints on pants come in a variety of different styles. I've recently been seeing everything from paisley to geometric to floral prints and more on pants. Before you dive into this trend, take a minute to consider whether this style is really right for you. As I've mentioned before, not every style and trends works for everybody. You want to be critical about your wardrobe and buy the items that work best for you.

When it comes to prints in general there are a few things to keep in mind. Generally, smaller prints will work better for most body types. In particular, a petite frame will look better in a smaller print. A larger print will look overwhelming on a small frame. A larger print will also draw attention so if you are trying to accentuate your top and minimize your bottom, large print pants are not the way to go.

If a large print bottom works for you, keep your other pieces simple. This is not to say that you can't pair prints with other prints. You absolutely can. But with a larger print, you will want to keep any other prints smaller. Let the larger print be the one stand out piece. You want to keep your look polished.  You can also do this by trying to find a color that might be hiding in the background of a larger print and bring it out by pairing that item with another piece in that particular color.

If a larger print is not for you, try something smaller. A smaller geometric print can work for most body types. If you're still feeling self conscious about drawing attention to your pants, you may find that a print in the same color as the pants will work for you. A monochromatic print can add detail without volume. It is also easy to pair with other items allowing it to go further in your wardrobe.

Now that you have some insight into the world of prints, you are ready to shop! Understanding trends, styles, fabrics and fits before you go shopping gives you the tools you need to have a successful shopping trip! Find a little inspiration below from Ann Taylor:

The Wide Leg Crop Pants in Jungle Floral

The Wide Leg Crop Pants in Jungle Floral

The Crop Pant in Wildflower

The Crop Pant in Wildflower

The Crop Pant in Gingham

The Crop Pant in Gingham

The Crop Pant in Scallop

The Crop Pant in Scallop

The Ankle Pant in Daisy Jacquard

The Ankle Pant in Daisy Jacquard

The Crop Pant in Mosaic

The Crop Pant in Mosaic

Devin Geo Jacquard Cropped Pant

Devin Geo Jacquard Cropped Pant