Sure, at first glance you might be thinking: is this part of a dominatrix outfit? We completely understand why you would be asking that question, they do have a sadomasochistic feel. When I first saw them I wanted to take this trend to town, but after some thought and consideration - I get it. They were designed by two best friends, artists Marylouise Pels and Vanessa Giovacchini. The two girls embraced the vintage style while DJ-ing clubs in LA, and decided to reinvent them. Spats add a funky, edgy element that celebrities and pop stars like Rianna are grabbing on to. They are certainly not for everyone, me included, but they will look great on the twenty-somethings who love late night clubbing and have there finger on the edge of fashion.

funky items in this observation:

Pull out the plaid this Fall and Winter season. It’s no longer just a fabric to be worn only around the holidays. Right now… play with it! Plaid is classic, funky, and fun. We’re showing two ways to wear a fitted plaid dress.

Look #1

To wear it from the office to dinner, pair it with a feminine coat, some lace-up pumps, textured stockings, and a clutch. Pop on some pearls before you leave for dinner, and you went from day to night in seconds. It’s classic with refreshing & current pieces.

classic tartan pieces in Look #1:

Look #2

To play up the funky side of things, add rock and roll edge. Think Gwen Stefani. Gwen has embraced plaid for years, and has given us a new perspective on how to wear it. Truly, she could be the reason plaid has a funky side. Although, I’m sure there are a few on King’s Road in London who would say they started the trend, I’m giving the honor to Ms. Stefani - she brought the look to the masses. To get her playful punk meets rock look : The plaid dress should be the center piece, try not to overwhelm it too much. Start by wrapping a studded leather belt around the waist, a vintage denim jacket, unrefined leather boots, and some bold textured stockings. This outfit is fashion forward with downtown edge.

funky tartan in Look #2:

Are you over the moon for stars?
Ever notice those fleeting fashion concepts? One month every woman’s got it on and the next month, that “it” thing makes itself comfortable in the back of your closet. The good thing about this month’s star trend is its impeccable timing with Memorial Day Weekend. You can be patriotic and fashion forward all at once. More importantly, we’re going to help you figure out a practical, affordable, and fashionable way to approach this shiny trend.

Over the top stars: If you want to grab on to this trend with full force, keep the price point on the low end. That way, when it’s out in a couple of months you won’t have buyers remorse. Check out the cute top from Asos. It makes a bold starry statement. Or give your stars a little color with a red strapless cotton dress. It’s a great piece for daytime or a family BBQ.

Subtle stars: Jewelry is an easy way to embrace this trend. Have the stars fall from your ears, cascade down your neck, or adorn your arm. A blouse with a subtle star print will keep you on trend, but will also stand the test of time. It’s a top that will always look great with jeans.

Funky stars: There are even stars out there for the edgy girls. Bring the stars over your knees with a fun pair of tights. Go for the gold with the YSL sandal. Or be mysterious with the Superfine tank, the stars have their eye on you with this one.

While this starry trend won’t be around for long, it’s certainly fun and oh so “au current!” So, grab a bit of it before it shoots away!

stars in this observation: