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Step into Spring: 2015 Footwear trends

Spring has sprung and with it comes a set of trends specifically those in footwear. If you haven’t had the chance to check them out or just need a little refresher I am here to help. Check out my rundown & some options on how you can make them your own. Let’s get started.

Flats

Now flats aren’t new to fashion, but even so they manage to reinvent themselves in order to make a returning appearance each season.

Runway

Bottega Veneta Spring 2015

Bottega Veneta Spring 2015

Bottega Veneta Spring 2015

Real way
BP.

BP. Cutout Flat (Women)

BP. Cutout Flat (Women)

The Cutout Flat (Women) Avaliable in Gold and Pewter Glitter for $49.95 at Nordstorm

Futuristic Shoes

This particular trend is definitely for those fashionistas who don’t shy away from being the center of attention.

Runway

Alexander Wang Spring 2015

Alexander Wang Spring 2015

Real Way

Silver and Black Futuristic Platform Knee High Womens Boots

Silver and Black Futuristic Platform Knee High Womens Boots

Dear to wear these? Silver and Black Futuristic Platform Knee High Womens Boots for $134.15 from Uturn Utopia.

 

Gladiator

Depending on how you feel you might be glad the Gladiator trend is back yet again. 

Runway

Rodarte

Real way

Wild Rose Tasseled Super Strappy Caged Gladiator Heels

Wild Rose Tasseled Super Strappy Caged Gladiator Heels

 Wild Rose Tasseled Super Strappy Caged Gladiator Heels for  $52.99 original, but now on sale for  $21.20 at Charlotte Russe

Mules

In a case of Déjà vu for me Mules are back again for another season. However, this time they have been upgraded from the version we remembered. 

Runway

Donna Karan Spring 2015(mules)

Donna Karan Spring 2015 Image courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar

Real Way

Pointed Toe Two Piece Runway Mule

Pointed Toe Two Piece Runway Mule

 The Pointed Toe Two Piece Runway Mule can be found at $79.90 on Express

Platforms

For some when they hear platforms they think 70s Disco. However, platforms have come a long way.  Below are the stylish runway and real way version for you to check out.

Runway

Saint Laurent (platform)

Real Way

Daisy Street Silver Holographic Mollie Shoes 1(platform) collage

 

Daisy Street Silver Holographic Mollie Shoes  available for $75.78 on Asos.

These are just  some of the footwear trends you can expect to see this spring.  Hopefully you can make a few of them your own this season!

This article was written by our guest blogger Tamarah Brown. You can follow her on Tumblr and Twitter.

 

How to Mix Patterns and Prints

Polka dots, floral, tribal, stripes, cheetah, zebra, snakeskin; the list of stylish prints seems to go on infinitely. On the contrary, sometime styling them into a proper outfits can become a daunting task, even more so if you want to try to mix patterns. It’s not impossible but be warned that this can either make or break an outfit.

What to Remember:

1. Colour is probably the most important thing to consider when mixing busy patterns because if you can find two prints with the same colour palette, or the same background colour, there’s a great chance that the look can unify itself.

Mix Colour Patterns

Fausto Puglisi Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Colour Patterns

Emanuel Ungaro Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Colour Patterns

Fausto Puglisi Pre-Fall 2015

 

2. Belts are your best friend if you’ve tried the first step and see the potential but are unsure of whether the look really works. Try buckling a belt–of common colour between the two prints–on top of both layers, ensuring that the patterns show through, to really pull them together.

Mix Belt Patterns

Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Belt Patterns

Marni Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Belt Patterns

Matthew Williamson Pre-Fall 2015

What to Try:

1. Monochromatic- Try pulling together an outfit of two-toned patterns with two different pieces and you’ll be surprised at how chic it can turn out. You can also experiment with matching or complimenting textures like sheer, wool, etc. This trend should be taken advantage of more!

Mix Monochrome Patterns

Alberta Ferretti Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Monochrome Patterns

Emanuel Ungaro Pre-Fall 2015

 

 

2. Dots and Stripes- This may be a combination that really throws people off but when put together well, it can really finish off a great look. Again, just make sure that the two colour palettes of each print are similar. Also ensure that the palette is distributed well meaning, if you find that the look doesn’t work, try focusing the darks on the bottom half and the lights on the top half or vice versa.

Mix Dots Stripes Patterns

Fausto Puglisi Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Dots Stripes Patterns

Marni Pre-Fall 2015

3. Stripes on Stripes- This may be another risky one but what’s fashion without risk-taking? Try mixing the sizes and orientation of your prints, in this case, stripes. A large-striped top could look amazing with a tightly-striped bottom if a matching belt can pull the two together and vice versa.

Mix Stripes Patterns

Marni Pre-Fall 2015

Mix Stripes Patterns

Marco de Vincenzo Pre-Fall 2015

Mixing prints is definitely something that can be quite scary at first but once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself feeling much more comfortable in the clothes you wear. It’s all about accentuating a focal point, colour, or aspect in the pattern. Just make sure that your colours agree and remember the power of the belt!

What are some of your favourite prints to mix? Tweet them to us @LuevoFashion.

This article was written by our coop student extraordinaire, Samantha Chung Sang.

New Year-New Designers

Here we are at the start of a new year. This is the time of year when people will attempt to keep their resolutions.  One resolution that always seems to appear is changing your look.  Now I am not going to focus on changing your whole appearance, but rather how to add new things to your wardrobe.  I narrowed it down to a few emerging designers that not only can help make this happen, but are also the ones to watch this year.

I visited several websites before I found a set of emerging designers that caught my attention on StartUp Fashion.    What sets them apart from all of the others are their products and overall brand that are truly unique.   It wasn’t only their unique style that drew me in, rather the influential message behind their brand.  You will definitely want to make sure to keep an eye on them this year.

The first emerging designer I want to highlight will help fashionistas who are looking for truly distinctive handbags, backpacks or wallets to add to their 2015 wardrobe.  Chiyome is the brand for you.  Since launching the brand in November 2011, Creative Director & CEO Anne Lynett Moss incorporates solid artistic roots into her designs courtesy of her maternal Japanese ancestry. The brand is also committed to source materials from minority-owned located preserve of leather work in NYC.  If you are looking for a minimalist,yet chic high-quality leather handbags, backpacks and etc. then you should check out Chiyome. You can find CHIYOME at their website, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest .

Chiyome2

The next emerging designer is perfect for those looking to stock up on beachwear and are concerned with animal protection at the same time.  Created in July 2013, Misha Mendicino Designs offers beautiful, yet effortless designs that will be perfect for your beach days in 2015.  Mendicino was also crowned the Designer of the Year at Phoenix Fashion Week 2014.   On the philanthropic side, they are dedicated to the protection of elephants.  Not only do they have a Signature Elephant Logo Print , but they also partnered with David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.  In addition, Misha Mendicino Designs donates 5% of all sales generated to secure a future for elephants.   To find out more about Misha Mendicino Designs check out their website.

Misha Mendicino Designs phoenix-design-week

If are looking for traditional sophistication with a touch of contemporary design to add your look in 2015, then Ryu Ryu is the emerging label you’ve been seeking.  Ryu Ryu consists of clean lines, a soft color palette, and is extremely luxurious when it comes to the designs.  The designs ranging from tops to their signature designs are sure to satisfy the taste of the sophisticated woman. One of my favorites from the line has to be the Strappy Racerback Dress  which can be dressed up or down.   Outside their designs Ryu Ryu also likes to give back.  A portion of their sales are used to feed children in North Korea.  To find more about Ryu Ryu  visit their website, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.

RYU RYU Strappy Racerback Dress

I am confident that these emerging designers will help you add hot items to your attire this season for a whole new look. I have a feeling we will be hearing from each of these brands and designers in 2015, so keep an eye out for them!

This article was written by Tamarah. Follow her on Twitter at @TZB86

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!