The Velvet Mini-Dress

So, I recently purchased a DSLR, which is really exciting but also frustrating because I don't know the first thing about photography.  Please bear with me while I learn how to use my new camera!  I did, however, enlarge my pictures for you guys!  Please let me know if y'all like the new layout by commenting below - your feedback means the WORLD to me!

Anyway, I'm partnering up with Chaser again for today's post.  I featured them HERE previously on SS.  I'm head over heels in love with my new velvet mini-dress!  This piece is such a stunner.  The back's even sexier because it's vent out.  Clicky HERE to see for yourself.  Sorry, my cam's battery died before I could snap a pic *hangs head in shame* 

Heads up, this brand's not cheap!  This dress costs a pretty penny, but I promise you, the quality matches the price tag.  Their line's like boho BCBG.  If you like Free People or Anthropologie, you'll adore Chaser.  Regarding today's styling, I paired my dress with a fringe bag and gladiator heels to capitalize on the boho feel.  Since both pieces are fierce, I didn't accessorize with jewelry.  Too much can be tacky in my opinion.  What do you guys think? How would you have worn this dress?

Dress:  c/o Chaser || Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Bag:  Urban Originals

Celeb Style for Less: Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo needs no introduction.  Fashionistas everywhere worship her style, and she's cemented herself as a fashion icon with her impeccable taste.  Everything she wears is gold, and this look is no different.  Her take on fringe is on point! If you want to re-create this look, keep reading to see how you can do so for a fraction of the price.

Shoes:  6PM ($24.99) || Bag: Carlos Santana ($24.97) || Top:  Liberty Garden ($49.97) || Necklace: Robert Rose ($20) || Sunnies:  Urban Outfitters ($18) || Skirt:  Patchington ($69)

Olivia's skirt is no doubt designer, but I managed to find a really similar design for you guys at Bluefly for $69.  She styles the piece with a tan top and belts it to create a cohesive look.  The latter draws the two colors together and highlights her figure while doing so.  She goes all out with the fringe trend in this ensemble by wearing a statement skirt AND carrying a clutch!  I found an adorable alternative for y'all HERE.

It looks like Olivia's mixing metals - her necklace is gold and her belt buckle's silver - but it may be best to stick with the former. It complements the beige hues better in my personal opinion.  The necklace pictured above has a daintier feel compared to the statement piece Olivia's wearing, but it's a versatile item that can be re-worn again and again.  As a plus, it's only $20!  When you purchase a piece, you want to think about all the different ways you can wear it!  That's what I do at least.  It helps me stay practical so I don't blow a ton of money of something I'll only wear once.

Moving on, let's take a look at her shoe game.  Olivia's heels match her skirt perfectly.  There's a lot going on with her outfit so she wears nude shoes to create a neutral canvas.  With that said, instead of wearing simple, nude pumps, she throws on trendy cutout heels!  I found a nice alternative for you guys HERE at 6PM for $24.99.  A total steal for shoes like these!

What do you guys think of this look? Is it too much or just right? 

Top 5 Fall Trends

Fall is quickly approaching! Soon, it will be time to embrace the rapidly cooling climate, watch as all the leaves turn golden brown, and, of course, go back to school. I'm going to be starting my Freshman year as a Fashion Merchandising major, so I definitely have to restock my closet with all of fall's hottest pieces. Here are the top 5 trends for this upcoming season:

1. Fur Coats

Fur coats have been popping up everywhere in pop culture fashion. In the amazing, "Feeling Myself" music video, Bey is wearing a gorgeous brown fur coat over a leotard. Guys rock the trend, too! In cold weather, Justin Bieber's almost always spotted in coats with fur. Whether it's full fur, or just a furry hood, this look's gonna be super popular this fall.

Here are some awesome options for you guys to browse: 

2. Neoprene Sweatshirts

Like we talked about in our Bathing Suit Edition, neoprene suits were killing it -- everyone was obsessing over Triangl. This fall, that trend is translating into warmer wear. Neoprene is definitely one of my fave fabrics, and although it can be expensive, I definitely reccommend copping something neoprene this season.

Here are some super cute sweatshirts to try out:

3. Cape Coats

So, this trend is probably the funkiest of the bunch. Recently, capes have been dominating high fashion runways -- most of the latest runway shows have had some version of a cape in them. Unfortunately, this trend hasn't quite trickled it's way down to more affordable stores yet. There are definitely some retailers that carry gorgeous, inexpensive capes, but for the most part it's hard to find outside of high-end designer boutiques. But, if you can find an affordable cape, definitely buy it, because this trend's gonna be big!

Here are some really cool capes for you guys:

4. Turtlenecks

Unlike some of the other trends on this list, turtlenecks have been around forever. However, this fall they're coming back in full force! Retailers all over have new, funky turtlenecks that I'm falling even more and more in love with. Like chokers, they may not be the most comfortable, but sometimes beauty is pain, ha!

Check out these really cool turtleneck tops:

5. Sweater Dresses

Everyone has their favorite cable knit sweater, and, similarly, everyone has their favorite dress. The sweater dress combines both of these into one ultra-cute fashion item: the sweater dress! This look is honestly just adorable, and it can combine beautifully with any of the aforementioned trends, ie. the turtleneck sweater dress. In cold weather, simply pair this dress with leggings or tights for an insanely cute and comfortable ensemble.

Definitely try out some of these sweater dresses:

Do you guys like any of these trends? Which one is your favorite? Are there any specific trends you're looking forward to?

Written by Zoe Luiz