The 70s Trend - Look Number Four

Today is the final look in my four part 70s styling series and I think I love it just as much as the first look. There is something about this blush top! And the shaggy vest. I would save the best for last, right? This look is completely on trend with the 70s fad for fall in that the key pieces are the flared leg jeans and textured vest. But it's still modern with the chic top and leopard print heels.

I kept the rest of the look simple. I really wanted the vest to speak for itself. A statement necklace and classic handbag is all the ensemble needed to feel complete. An easy look that anyone can wear. The top, vest, and jeans can all be purchased on The Bridge at Halls.

Vest: Blu Pepper; Top: 1. State; Jeans: Hudson

 

  

I don't mean to obsess, but I'm obsessed! Just look at the detail in this vest!

I have so enjoyed this styling series. Not only have I've loved talking about my favorite fashion era, but I've loved sharing styling tips with you. Just a few fashionable reminders. When wearing something as strong as the shaggy vest, keep the rest of the look fairly neutral. Prints should be minimal, like in look two. Jazz up a simple top like in looks one and four with fur or textures. And don't be afraid to play around with a piece like in look number three. A dress doesn't always have to be a dress. Wear over jeans for a tunic or tucked in to create a cute top. Fashion is all about taking risks at times.

Also, when I left Halls, I left with seven pieces. And with those seven pieces I gave you four looks. And I repeated several times. Two different vests appeared in two separate looks. Two pairs of denim in light and dark wash are key. The blush top was worn twice. You don't need an extensive wardrobe, only key pieces. And these seven items I would recommend for any woman's closet. And aside from the jeans, all the other pieces were under $100! Oh, and I have to mention, my favorite shaggy vest was under $50! Head to The Bridge at Halls and get shopping!

Happy Friday and an early Happy Halloween! 

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography 

The 70s Trend - Look Number Three

During the 70s, there was time that women wore incredible short dresses. Almost micro-mini dresses. And they wore them with knee high boots or longer. So when I found this darling dress I couldn't wait to style it. Suede was another popular fabric from the 70s, but it's definitely not wallet or kid friendly! What's awesome about this dress is that it's micro-suede! And short! Just like the ones from the 70s!

Because Christina's 5'8", and has super long legs, I decided to go the tunic route. I really like it! Sure, she could totally pull of the micro-mini with tights and heels for winter, but I love playing around with pieces. That's what styling is all about, right? Finding new ways to wear things. For the dress, the key piece in this look, I loved the idea of wearing it over the light washed jeans. It gives it a more casual feel. And the faux fur vest adds a little texture and depth. I paired it all with the leopard print heels, snake skin bag, a hat, and a couple of statement jewels for a little pop. (Again, all accessories, shoes, and jewelry are my own.)

Dress: Bishop + Young; Vest: Jack; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

 

I love an exposed zipper! It brings a little edge to a piece. And a little extra detail!

 

 This look has such a cool vibe. Definitely something I would wear for a day of shopping or brunching with the girls. Again, I would love it with bare legs and a sleek heel for night or tights and booties for a fun winter look. With a dress like this, the options are endless.

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography

The 70s Trend - Look Number 2

Today's look targets the prints and textures synonymous with the 70s. Back then we had psychedelic prints. Today, we have classic prints like the Greek Key, the ever popular paisley, (and my personal favorite) the animal print.  Textures, like yesterday's fur vest, have been the most commonly styled textile, but shaggy, non-fur pieces are appearing on the scene. Or at least, our scene.

There are so many things I love about this look. The navy and burgundy work so well together, and when paired with super dark denim, it looks incredibly luxe! The print within the top could be considered a little psychedelic! The swirl effect, if looked at long enough, can start to play with your eye. Who says the 70s isn't alive and well in fashion? But what I truly love is the vest! I'm actually obsessed. Like ready to run back down to Halls and snatch it up before it's completely sold out! It's very similar to pom-pom trim. And the shag! I love how shaggy it is. I think it's the key piece to making this look totally 70s!

 Vest: Blu Pepper, Top: 1. State; Jeans: Hudson

Just take a closer look at the print and texture of the vest. Obsessed!

Because there is so much going with the print and vest, keep the rest of the look fairly simple. I like how the dark denim keeps it on the dressy side. All I really added was a natural heeled boot and statement necklace.

 

This is definitely a work appropriate look for someone in a more casual environment. You could definitely get away with it on casual Friday. There's nothing casual about it. If anything, it's so chic it can be worn on multiple occasions. For me, I would definitely wear this to lunch with friends, any happy hour event, or on date night.

The top, vest, and jeans can all be found at Halls The Bridge.

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography

The 70s Trend - A Four Part Styling Series

The 70s! What can I say about this fashionable era? I've always been a fan. The flared leg jeans, shaggy vests of fur and other textiles, wild prints, suede anything, and tunic top dresses. And I believe, that because of all of these pieces, it's a style that seems to find it's way back into fashion season after season. It started subtle several years ago when flared legs replaced wide bell-bottoms. Fur vests entered the season the minute Rachel Zoe was photographed wearing one. And this fall, it's full on 70s glamour on every fashion magazine page you turn. 

Because the 70s are back in full force, I began scouring my own closet for ways to incorporate my pieces with possible new ones I've been eyeing. But then I started thinking about actually styling the look. If you go too far with all the trendy pieces out there, you might start looking like a Halloween costume. That's a definite no-no! I immediately knew I wanted to put together a styling series around how to work the trend into everyday looks and keep the trend to specific key pieces

I worked with Halls here in Kansas City, specifically Kelby Stehl their Bridge women's buyer, on this fun project. She is amazing! We walked around The Bridge, looked at all the pieces she had purchased while at market, and talked about why she thinks the 70s play such an inspiration on fashion. Kelby indicated that "fashion is always evolving." There is a nostalgia that comes with the 70s, but this seasons trend is "not an exact replica" of pieces from the past. When I asked her what key pieces she thought one needed to achieve the look, she stated that the number one piece was the flare legged jean. I couldn't agree more. And the big color trend, wine! If I recall, the Pantone color of the year was Marsala, so it sounds like they were right on the pulse of fashion.

 I headed back to Halls for a little styling shopping trip and picked out my favorite key pieces. I stocked up on flares, Marsala toned items, vests, prints, faux fur, and a little faux suede. I wanted to ensure I preserved the integrity of the 70s while keeping it modern and wearable. And, I wanted to style someone other than myself. I didn't want a model. I wanted a real person. My sweet friend Christina Brewer agreed to assist! And is she ever a natural!
(Side note: all other accessories, jewelry, shoes, and handbags are my own.)

I'm kicking off this four part series in one of my favorite looks! The key pieces in this look: flare legged jeans and a cropped faux fur vest. I paired it all with a soft blush blouse that I just adore! I love how it's blousey but still a little fitted. The sleeves are sheer, but still gives you coverage. It's still a nod to the 70s, but the blouse keeps it grounded. I think this look is perfect for brunch with friends, a casual date night, and if you can get away with it, casual Friday (sans hat). These three pieces are all available at Halls The Bridge!  

 

Top: 1.State; Vest: Jack; Jeans: Citizens of Humanity

 

I love mixing prints and textures in my everyday looks. With this ensemble, I went with leopard print heels, a snake skin bag, and the fur vest. Loads of bangles, a statement necklace, and a great hat are additional ways to finish the look. Don't be afraid of accessories! They really are the finishing touch!

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography