Maria Harper Designs Blog Spot

Aaaaahhh…Goodbye Summer!! Hello Fall! As one season leaves us, another one is fastly approaching and I must say, the fall is my FAVORITE! Since the seasons are changing, there lies the million dollar question..WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MY WARDROBE? Fret not my little fashion lovers, MHD will help you transition pieces from your summer wardrobe to fall, as well as, break down fall pieces and how they should be worn. Trend watching is a major part of my job, therefore it is only right that I keep you up to date on the latest fall trends!

SUMMER TRANSITION

I know it may not seem like it, but there is hope for your summer pieces in the fall. Awesome right? It gets better! Your summer wardrobe does not have to be put on the back burner for your fall wardrobe. Don’t be such a meanie!! As long as you can layer pieces, you can make this transition a smooth one. There are key items that can be worn in both summer and fall.

• tanks

How easy is this? Very easy my friends. Simply layer a tank under a cardigan and belt it for a simple, yet chic look. Also, you can layer a long sleeve shirt under a regular short sleeve tank to create a relaxed look for when you’re on the go.

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• denim

Now we all now that denim can be worn all year round. Instead of wearing cute sandals or skippers with your favorite jeans, go for a cute ankle bootie or a knee-high boot to spice up your denim. Denim jackets can also be worn in the summer with the sleeves rolled to a 3/4 length. Roll those sleeves down and pair it with your favorite tank or tee. I told you this was easy right? It gets easier!

• accessories and shoes

As the trees change colors, your accessories should follow suit. Time to put away the lilacs, pinks, and yellows. Camel, Nude, Black, and even Blue should make it to your fall wardrobe, although, they can be worn in any season.

Now we all know that there is nothing sexier than a peep-toe shoe. A pair of cute tights or fishnets with your peep-toe shoes and PRESTO! Your shoes have officially crossed over!

Now on to the fun part! What’s hot this fall? I’ve done my research and well….here we go!!

Trend watching is the best part of my job. This fall, the colors of choice are brown, black, gray, purple, and deep blues! I am excited about this color pattern for one particular reason. All of these colors are easy to match and can be paired together in some type of combination.

• SHOES

Shoes can make or break your outfit. The best part about this blog? I wont allow that to happen to you.

Ankle Booties in every color is fine. However, you can never go wrong with gray or black. Ankle booties can be worn with virtually anything if done the right way. For instance, when wearing black pants or jeans, wear a black ankle bootie with the pant tucked in to elongate the leg and make you look leaner. There are plenty of ways to mix up the ankle bootie! It’s always best to wear them under pants so that they wont cut the leg off and make you look thicker than you really are. If wearing them with a skirt, it is best to wear tights or really stylish stockings to pull the look off successfully.

Rider Boots are the best thing that could have happened to my wardrobe! I absolutely love the things you can do with this shoe. Black, brown, gray, leather, or suede! Either way, these boots are a fall fashion statement! The perfect rider boot should stop right under the knee with no bunching at the ankle. Pair them with jeans, a skirt that stops right above the knee, or opaque tights.

For the daring woman, a thigh-high boot can rock your wardrobe! We all have our opinions about these boots, but they can be quite fashionable (i.e. Mary J. Blige, J.Lo., Monica). Wear these boots with your favorite jeans, or leggings and make a daring statement!

• COATS

Well, we’ve come to the most important part of your fall wardrobe. THE COAT! A pea coat, a trench, and the perfect wool coat can do the trick. Try these coats in different hues but nothing too bright so that the style of the coat will remain classic. Also, try the pea coat with a 3/4 sleeve with gloves to create a sophisticated look.

The trench should remain classic. PERIOD! Classic tan should be the color of choice. Its a neutral hue and can be matched with just about anything.

Last but certainly not least, the perfect wool coat! Ahhhh yes…keeps you ultra warm and fashionable at the same time! Keep this coat in deep hues such as green, black, navy, or gray.

As we say goodbye to summer, we gladly welcome the fall with all of the essentials needed to make this coming season a great one.  Remember that dressing is a way of life and should be treated as such. As always, to look good is to feel great! Remember to follow these guidelines and you too shall have a great fall season!

By: Shawanna Breach

shawanna@mariaharper.com

Photo Credit:Derek Blanks
Models: Sincerely Ward, TK

Okay let’s face it! Where would we be without the fashion staple known as “the little black dress”? How can something so simple be worn so many different ways? Well, I am going to help you to look your absolute best in your LBD! No matter the price of your LBD, you can make it work for you! With the right material and the right shape for your body type, you too can pull off the look that made Audrey Hepburn and CoCo Chanel rock the fashion world.

THE BASICS

• Finding the right material is very crucial to pulling off the perfect LBD. Overly Shiny, tight, or anything outdated is the perfect way to fail pulling off a classic look!! The fabric you choose is the just the beginning!!
• Okay guys…not everyone has the perfect shape. However, you can achieve that hourglass frame with simple basics. For those of us that are thicker in the waist, simply adding a wide belt will not only hide the imperfections; but also take inches off of your waist. If you are pear-shaped, an A-line dress is perfect for you! Its fitted where it needs to be and gives a cute flare to minimize hips and backside. If you are busty, an empire waist or halter style LBD will lift the girls and place them in the position they need to be. Always remember, the girls should be looking straight ahead…not down. If you have a boyish figure, try a one-shouldered look or a dress with details on the bodice. These looks will help you to play up your figure and make you feel your very best in you LBD!!
• Ladies! There is no way your little black dress should be plain! Accessories are a girls best friend! Consider your LBD a blank canvas. You should never, ever be afraid of color. Its simple. A pair of leopard print heels, a sexy clutch, and bold jewely makes for a great outfit for a night out with the girls or a sexy date. Also, consider pearls for a wedding, cocktail party, or dinner.

 

In closing, I can guarantee that if you follow these steps, you will get the results you are looking for! There is nothing hard about looking your absolute best. Style is about being who you are, not what others want you to be. Always remember that! So put on your LBD, your perfect shoe, the perfect accessories, and walk with your head held high!

By: Shawanna Breach
shawanna@mariaharper.com

Photo credit: Derek Blanks Photography
Models: Tahirah, Neek, & Yanet

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