ROCKING SHEER FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

A thin, see-through blouse may not be the first thing you think of when the winter holidays roll around, but there's few things that can instantly elevate an outfit in the way that something sheer can. With the underwear as outerwear movement that's happening in fashion right now (think slip dresses, bralettes, etc.), it's a great time to experiment with layering and showing some skin. Wearing a thin, gauzy top or dress doesn't have to be risqué, especially with the amount of options available now that sheer is a definite trend. Let the runways be your guide. Push the envelope this holiday season.

THE SHEER TOP

PHOTO VIA MIISHKA

Showing your bra may seem a bit taboo to you, but when done right, it's just plain chic. Even if you aren't comfortable showing quite that much, who says you can't wear a cami instead? Or a cool tee? The sheer layer is just meant to add interest, how you style it is up to you.

THE SHEER PANT/SKIRT

PHOTO VIA SPOOK MAGAZINE

The thin nature of sheer fabric allows it to move in a beautiful way, adding instant elegance to your look. Just because your pants are sheer doesn't mean you have to show everyone all you've got, either. Most maxi skirts come with a slip, and it's easy to add shorts (even spandex ones) under a pair of mesh pants you happen to fall in love with.

THE SHEER DRESS

PHOTO VIA WWD

Whether you choose to wear a sheer dress over a full turtleneck and jeans ensemble, or something less complete, you know you're going to look good doing it. Sheer dresses speak volumes as an accent piece, and they stand alone just fine too. If you just want to give the whole see-through thing a test drive, try a regular dress with a sheer overlay.  

THE SHEER ACCESSORY

PHOTO VIA WHOWHATWEAR

If all this bare skin seems a bit intimidating to you, don't be discouraged. The sheer trend isn't limited to clothing. Sheer socks are a great way to add some extra flair to your outfit (and stay on trend) without a ton of commitment. 

MAUVE VELVET

The fact that the color mauve and velvet are in vogue right now and I am wearing them is proof that fashion really does go in cycles. I never in the world thought that I would buy and wear a mauve velvet bodysuit in my life after owning a ton of velvet tops in the 90s. Then again, I also never thought I would wear chokers too. 

Never say never is the lesson here because the truth is that I'm head over heels for this rich fabric and color right now. Maybe 20 years is the magic number for making you miss a fashion trend?

You are going to see velvet shoes, tops, dresses and even coats the more you shop this winter, and this is what you need to know about velvet...

It's really hard to care for and it's easy to ruin. So, those velvet heels that are calling your name will likely only be worn a handful of times. That said, I'm all for experimenting and having fun with trends if they are budget friendly. Fashion is for our enjoyment and play, but I also don't want to light a match to $100. 

So, I've rounded up a bunch of velvet goodies under $50 for you. This way you can adopt the trend for a small investment, and enjoy every minute of it. 

Photos by Katie Jameson Photography; velvet bodysuit from ZARA

NYFW STREET STYLE

My heart breaks a little knowing that New York Fashion Week is over, but it picks right back up when I remember we still have London, Milan, and Paris to go! As much as I adore fawning over the creativity that goes into creating the looks that make it down the runway, I've always felt that street style is a bit more authentic. I love seeing people interpret trends in different ways, and observing how they make it work into their own aesthetic. Runway has a tendency to feel a bit distant from the average consumer, but seeing variations of extravagant runway looks on "regular" people makes the styles feel more within reach.

I adore the contrast between the rock n' roll edge of the top layering combination down to the glittery heel. The combination of a sparkly turtleneck and a glitzy heel can leave you feeling a little overly preppy, but I love the way this look is roughed up a bit with a band tee, loose jeans, and a casual suede clutch. The bright red belt scarf really sets the look off.

How darling is this monochromatic look? Sticking to a single color scheme can lead to disastrous clashing if not executed properly, but adding texture and complementary details makes this look polished, not lazy. 

Wide leg trousers are making a comeback, and I'm fully behind the immersion of the style into denim. They're comfortable, flattering, and when paired with a drape-y patterned button down, just the right amount of sexy. The pointed toe on the shoe perfectly contrasts the shapelessness of the pants, and the light basket-like handbag softens up the entire look.

Good news, shapeless & oversized no longer translate to just rolling out of bed. When paired with a statement shoe and polished accessories, it's loungewear turned streetwear. The silhouette of this sweatshirt dress is anything but sloppy, and can you imagine how comfortable it is?

All street style images from Refinery29.

RUNWAY TO REALITY

This post is sponsored by Visionworks

If there is one dream I have always had it is to attend NYFW. I have had two chances so far, and they both happened when I was a week away from having a baby. A good reason to miss out, but bittersweet nonetheless. One day it will happen, and in the meantime, being the fashion lover that I am, I'll be translating the runway looks of my favorite shows to everyday life. This past week models strutted the catwalk wearing the latest designs of iconic fashion labels such as Zac Posen, Lacoste and DVF. I've partnered with Visionworks to showcase eyewear designs from these designers and translate these styles to the concrete catwalk of Arizona.

DVF's latest show was full of rich colors and interesting layers. You can always count on Diane to show women as sexy and strong every time. I love these teal glasses with a femme cat-eye. They frame my oval shaped face very well, and the color is complementary to my olive skin. After seeing the pictures from her show, I gravitated toward the rust color, and the masculine trousers. I also enjoyed the new ideas of putting skirts over pants and dresses over skirts. So, I put a lace slip dress over my slacks and a rust colored sweater vest on top.

Lacoste is the perfect example of high fashion sportswear. There is always a classic and timeless quality to what they make such as these brown frames, but you can always expect a sporty twist. In their show they showcased a lot of hoodies mixed with full feminine skirts. There was also a lot of dusty blues and purple pieces to see. I created my version of their runway look pairing this dusty blue hoodie and purple skirt. It's a bit out there and yet really cool.

Zac Posen's runway shows are always inspiring to me. He really celebrates the frame of a woman, and even his fabric choices speak volumes of femininity. Everything he puts on the runway makes a statement that you can't miss just like these red glasses. I feel so artistic and memorable when I wear these frames. I loved that he styled the models with curls and bit of frizz for the runway. That's my hair everyday. I also love that he had the models wear one color or pattern head to toe. He showed a lot of jackets and a lot of red. I was so surprised to see that for spring, but I love it.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; all clothing was found at thrift stores; glasses were provided by Visionworks.