NOT YOUR GRANDMA'S NECKERCHIEF

The neck scarf is having a resurgence. BIG time. Bandanas and silk scarves worn around the neck are no longer reserved for those in western flicks or 50's sock hops. (Though I always did admire Marty's blue neck bow in Grease...) This trend is the perfect way to jazz up any outfit with a case of the "blahs" and works with just about any outfit. Throw one on to add some personality to sleek workwear or tie it on to top off a casual look with a denim jacket. There's also about a million ways to tie these scarves. Test it out with the french twist, square knot, neck wrap, or slip knot. I recently found a navy scarf bandana at GAP that is long enough to tie multiple ways. That might be a great place to start your collection.

It's always helpful to see how other people wear a trend. Here is some inspiration spotted on Pinterest. Be sure to follow my "Trends I Love" board to see more style spotting. 

WESTERN BELT TREND

In today's fast paced fashion world it can be quite difficult to keep up with the latest trends. It's fun to play around with trendy clothes every once in a while, but it can be costly to do. This is why I love playing around with accessory trends. It's much easier to justify buying a trendy accessory than it is to shell out money for a trendy coat or dress that may soon be obsolete.

Lately I've been noticing lots of western belts being worn in different ways and I love the power they have to spice up a basic outfit. Transform a simple t-shirt dress by throwing on a floppy hat, a bandana neckerchief, and a western belt to achieve a laid-back cool girl vibe that's perfect for spring. They go great with cutout booties, too! In the Southwest, our thrift shops are brimming with loads of western inspired accessories, but this trend is all over stores if you look. You can find my favorites from ASOS below. 

Images from Pinterest. See more of my favorite trends here. 

Embellished Shoulders

2011 Toronto International Film Festival - Butter Screening - By Lionel Hahn

Trend alert! BEEP! BEEP!

When you think to accessorize a part of your body usually wrists, neck, fingers and occasionally the ankles come to mind. Well, add your shoulders into the mix this fall by embellishing them with studs, leather and jewels.

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Yep, yep! Now when you give someone the cold shoulder it'll be stylish. haha! (Yes, I AM that corny in real life).

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Sources: Wit & Delight, Breakfast at Yurmans, unknown, Never Fully Dressed

Ladylike Spikes

Up until now, the only people that I know that wear studs and spikes every day also ride big motorcycles, wear bandanas and have deep voices. Of course, I'm completely stereotyping, but seriously, that's all that comes to mind.

Well, I'm about to be proven wrong with all of the studs and spikes that are on shoes, bracelets, sweaters, dresses...you name it. Pretty soon loads of people are going to be walking around with studded gear if they aren't already.

Now, let's be clear - This is WAAAAAY different than bedazzled clothes. Do NOT buy anything bedazzled, especially denim jackets. Barbie and My Little Pony are the only two that can pull that look off all of the time.

But if you're a gal like me whose style is pretty classic, clean and leans a bit toward the feminine side you're probably not interested in this trend. At least that's what I told myself when I started to see flats and slippers with studs on them this spring. I have to be on honest with you though - I think I'm warming up to them more and more, especially when I see a pretty dress with a bit of hardware or a pretty clutch.

Still not sold? Well, with any loud trend like this or neon you can always just add a little bit to your outfits with accessories rather than larger pieces such as pants, jackets and dresses. Check out some of these I found, and maybe you'll want to add some more hardware too.

studs and spikes by alexandraevjen featuring spike jewelry

Image sources: Cherry Whore, Tumblr, Pinterest, The Shiny Squirrel, ASOS

Berry Me!

I've spent this past week putting together some fall looks for a fun little project, and it has made me CRAVE pumpkin spice lattes, cooler weather and, of course, fall fashion. But given that the temperatures are rising to 111 degrees here in Phoenix, Arizona, I don't think any of those things are going to happen for at least a couple months. So, what can I do to start embracing fall without sweating profusely? Wear autumn colors!

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Berry tones are going to be all over stores this coming season. Whether you lean toward purple or red, you will definitely be able to find clothing in a shade you enjoy.

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And if you really want to be on trend, berry bags are the "must have" color for toting your personal belongings around in style.

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This trend isn't just for the ladies either. Menswear has completely adopted shades of berries into their collections. I don't know about you, but men in sweaters make me weak in the knees.

SOURCES: Club Monaco, They All Hate Us, Prepaganda