Trends for Spring 09

to be a ballerina... by kaliday featuring Balmain jeans

There are two distinct and different trend paths to follow for this Spring/Summer season. The first, "to be a ballerina" is dream-like, with pastel, washed out colors of beige, pink, blue, and gray. Ruffles are prominent in this trend, along with other feminine details, such as roses, pleats, and bare shoulders. Vintage looking accessories, from both this selection and my previous post, blend seamlessly with this trend.

Spice Trade by kaliday featuring Elizabeth and James cardigans

In a very different overall mood, Spice Trade embodies the other side of trends for Spring/Summer 09. Inspired by the warm colors of India and other exotic locales, this trend direction contains many bright florals and abstract prints. Fabric is draped and wrapped around the body, reminiscent of traditional Sari dress. Since the clothing is so loose, it is important to only wear a few pieces at a time, and to expose either your arms or your legs to avoid looking like a bag. Fringe is an of the moment accent...I personally do not believe fringe has the legs to go another season, and it will look dated in 6-12 months, so please do not invest too heavily in this trend. An inexpensive fringe bag or necklace will do the trick. Gladiator heels and flats are everywhere, and fit in perfectly with this mood. Accessories are made of leather and gold, and all have an ethnic influence behind them.

If you want to be on trend this season, I recommend buying at least one pair of great gladiator shoes. There are flats and heels, crazy dominatrix-like pairs and more tame versions such as the brown ones in my layout. Buy what you feel good in, always. Beyond that, you cannot go wrong with a ruffled, pleated, or otherwise draped dress in a bright print or a pale, pretty pastel. Pair with bohemian, vintage-inspired gold accessories and you're good to go!

A final word on trends...I recommend wearing no more than two trends at once. The key to being fashionable is in the subtlety. Inject yourself and your own style into everything you wear, and add in an on-trend bag or shoe to update your look. Looking good doesn't have to be expensive, as it only takes a little to go a long way!

stay stylish.
love,
kali day.

New Jewelry, Vintage Look (and price!)

Recently, jewelry has been skewing toward the vintage. Everywhere I go, I see treasured charms and cocktail rings that look like they are straight out of an estate sale auction. Luckily for our wallets, the prices have been quite reasonable too! I recently got this lovely flower necklace from H+M for $15!

The intricate detailing makes this necklace look far more expensive than it is. There are other ways to get this look, with several brands currently offering gold floral jewelry. Some are more modern than others.This gorgeous necklace is on sale now at http://www.topshopus.com/ for $50. Topshop just added the US site, and they are opening their store--finally!--in New York on April 2nd at Broadway and Broome.

For those who still have some cash to spare, this Coach number rocks a sunny sixties vibe. You can get it at coach.com for $148.

My other new jewelry/old look purchase is this beautiful malacite and turquoise square cocktail ring. It has a vintage, art-deco look about it, and the band is made of sterling silver. I picked it up at my favorite store in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Pema, located at 225 Bedford Avenue. It was $49.

If you can't get to Pema for the selection of vintage-esque cocktail rings, another option would be Anthropologie's Ice Castle Ring, $80, available at http://www.anthropologie.com/

And finally, for those who want in on the trend but don't want to break the bank, Urban Outfitters offers an estate-inspired Cameo Ring for $16.

I'm going out today to source some vintage. I will report back on what I find! Until then...stay stylish.

xoxo

Welcome!

Hello there....welcome to my new blog, "styling through the recession." i am a young entrepreneur, a freelancer in fashion, and I'm interested in starting my own line and/or becoming a stylist. i'm here if you have any questions relating to style, trends, and how to shop on a budget. my blog will feature of the moment fashion ideas, along with places you can go to get these looks at a recession-friendly price.

i will also be talking about my life and the difficulties of being in fashion in a recession. retail is dying, no one is hiring, and designer clothes are being sold at 80% off. it's a crazy time, but it's also a buyers' market. i myself am starting a custom childrens' clothing line, so be sure to check back soon to be the first to see the new looks!

i'm here for you for all of your styling and fashion needs!

kiss kiss.
kali day