HOW TO WEAR PRINTED PANTS

Styling prints can be hard. In fact, just finding a print that you really like can be a challenge. So many of my personal styling clients have said this to me at one point or another, so I thought I would show you how I style my printed pants.

The trick to prints is to keep things simple. Everyone needs to have the basics in their closet to rely on for the moment you find an amazing pair of pants or a skirt. The basics you need are: 

• White, gray and black v-neck t-shirts
• White, gray and black scoop-neck t-shirts
• Chambray, white, gray and black button down shirt
• Black, gray and denim jackets/blazers/cardigan
• Black and dark denim jeans
• Black pencil skirt
• Black simple dress

If you have these things you really can't go wrong when styling your printed skirts or pants. Here's what it looks like to simply add a denim jacket over your t-shirt.

It totally changes the look and feel of the outfit doesn't it? In Arizona it's hard for me to justify wearing a jacket now that the temps have climbed to the 90's, but I sure love how classic they are. This one is from Goldies and is only $52. 

Here is what it looks like to opt for a chambray shirt. It's just as simple as a t-shirt, but the collar adds a little more sophistication. 

Get the whole look here: Gray t-shirt, patterned pants, denim jacket, gold necklace and chambray shirt.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MAXI SKIRT & T-SHIRT

This post is for all of you ladies that never know what to wear and who stare at their closet and stress out. When I want to feel pretty and feminine but I don't have any energy to think about putting an outfit together I reach for a pleated maxi skirt and a t-shirt. That's it. End of story. You will look great and in style with that outfit. 

You can chase after your kids in this outfit, especially if you wear flats. If you didn't do your hair that day you can throw on a hat or put it up in a bun. And, you don't even need to accessorize with jewelry if you don't want to. With the minimalist trend in full force you don't even need to wear jewelry right now. Plus, this is definitely and outfit that can transition to a date night with your beaux.

Usually, I'm sporting a diaper bag these days, so I LOVE, love the new Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper clutches. It has a wipes case, changing pad and plenty of room for a onesie, some makeup, my keys and wallet. Even when I don't have Levi I take this clutch with me because it's so cute. But, seriously, any bag would do with this outfit.

If you like color in your closet I suggest this Goldie's wine color maxi skirt. It's only $39 and made in the U.S. If you are color shy, you can always opt for a black skirt and pair it with a white, black or gray t-shirt and look great too.

Get the look: Black t-shirt from Nordstrom Rack, wine maxi skirt from Goldies, black hat from Target, lace up flats from Lulu*s, and clutch from Petunia Pickle Bottom.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

Purple

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Everyone has a color that they don't like. For me it has always been purple. I don't know what it is, but I have never warmed up to the color. Magenta is about the closest I can get to the color. What is really interesting is that I'm not alone in my dislike for purple. I often find that people either are obsessed with the color to a crazy degree or they really don't like it either.

Well, up until a couple weeks ago I didn't own anything purple. The closest thing I had was a Marc Jacobs midi skirt with purple feathers on it. LE TOTE sent me this sheer purple floral shirt, something I would never have picked for myself, so I thought I'd give it a whirl.

Well, it turns out purple is growing on me. It still may not be the first color I reach for, but I sure do like this blouse. What about you? Do you have a color that you have never been fond of?

Get the look: blouse, skirt, shoes

Photos by Michelle Herrick

I Still Wear Pigtails

I mentioned last week that a button down shirt and jeans is my stylish go-to outfit, and here's another piece of proof that it really is. But this time I added one of my favorite cardigans and pigtails. What can I say? I'm a preppy little girl at heart. Haha.

I find it so funny that I put my hair in pigtails more than I do Elle's. It's such an easy hairstyle when I'm on the go that I don't even care if I have something in common with a one year old.

Get the look: Black skinny jeans (ZARA); Chambray shirt (GAP); Cardigan (Target).

Pinterest & Stylists

Before I profess my love for Pinterest, I would like to publicly express gratitude to Jeanette Leblanc and Melissa Jill for sharing Pinterest with me. I owe you gals!

In the past week Pinterest has revolutionized my business. No joke! This first big way that it has helped AVE Styles is Pinterest has asked me to share with you how I use the tool for AVE Styles, and is currently featuring me along with other fashion bloggers this week under their "Spring Looks" category. SO FUN!!!

This web tool has also helped me capture fashion trends, visualize my personal style, finally start focusing more on menswear, collect home inspiration (I'm in the process of buying a home..eek!), and share my styling projects with the rest of the world.

I have also been able to see a cohesive theme in my personal style. I can confidently say that I enjoy solid and bold prints, bright pops of color against black, white and neutrals. I'm a classic, feminine girl at heart with a touch of tomboy thrown in.

Stylists are constantly examining fashion, which can cause us to get a little lost in our personal style because we appreciate most everything. Creating a Pinterest personal style board is a great way to help you stay true to your personal style!

Also, putting a collage together of fashion trends has helped me with blogging. Honestly, I run out of things to say about fashion at times. I'll look through my Google Reader, watch some fashion TV and read magazines for blog inspiration, but sometimes nothing comes to my head. BUT this week I was able to pinpoint a trend that I'm really enjoying just by examining common threads in my style board. Check back on Monday to see what it is!

I've also connected with some new faces in the blogging/fashion world. Pinterest works a little like Twitter where you can follow people and particular collages. It also has easy Facebook integration, so you can click "Like" button if you like a board or a person you find on Pinterest.

In  the near future, I plan to use this tool to organize my thoughts for creative fashion shoots by simply making a board for that particular concept, as well as creative boards for my personal styling clients.

How would you use Pinterest? Would you collect recipes? Hair styles? Party inspiration? Share below! Leave your email address too, and I'll send you an invite for pinterest!