Groundbreaking

Whenever we wear florals, we always make fun of each other with Meryl Streep's quote from The Devil Wears Prada: "Florals, for spring?...Groundbreaking." However, there is a way to revitalize this classic pattern for fun and edgy spring and summer looks. Floral prints are the great equalizer of fashion; everyone can integrate this classic pattern, regardless of personal style. 

J, abandoning her traditional edge, is sporting a Kate Spade skirt.  To feel comfortable in such a preppy piece, however, she paired it with a lady-like crop top, metallic silver shoes, and two turquoise rock necklaces for a rustic look.  While traditionally, such a skirt is styled with similarly looking lady like pieces, J wanted to spice up her look, but still maintain the femininity this beautiful skirt offers.  The skirt flares at the hips and tapers down towards the thigh to maintain structure so as to not lose your figure.  If you have child-bearing hips, like J, a skirt of this nature is an alternative to a pencil, which, depending on the cut, can sometimes make ladies look like they are ready for the club, despite all intentions to look like a classy, sophisticated lady. When wearing a busy pattern, it is best to keep your other half (top/bottom) simple and classic so as to call attention to the statement piece.  Having said this, don't be afraid to put edge back into your look by adding other statement pieces within the same color scheme, in this case, the rock necklaces and metallic shoes.  Although J does not gravitate towards pieces like her skirt, she immediately tailored the look to better suit her "bad-assery".  Remember that when wearing bright colors, to keep them in the same temperature (in this case vibrant pink, turquoise, mint, purple)

C's straight pencil skirt with a delicate floral pattern calls for bold accessorizing in order to avoid looking like she makes clothes out of her grandma's upholstery fabrics. Pair a skirt like this with a simple, structured crop top. You should choose a crazy color that isn't in your patterned piece. We still haven't gotten tired of cobalt blue and are obsessed with all cobalt errythang. The mod look of the shades plus the additional pop of color they add help make the outfit look youthful. The red lip ties in the glasses, but don't get too matchy-matchy with your lipstick and accessories unless you're going for an Effie Trinkett look. A statement necklace and interesting shoes are a must, but staying with a neutral metallic look helps balance out this already busy look. Last but not least, beachy waves go with everything. C uses a 1-inch curling wand, starting about 2 inches from the root and ending an inch before the ends of the hair to avoid perfect ringlets. 

On J:
Top: Forever21 Similar here
Skirt: Kate Spade Similar aesthetic here
Necklaces: Forever21 & Anthropologie Similar here
Shoes: Target Similar here
Clutch: Kate Spade Similar here

On C:
Top: Forever21 Similar here
Skirt: Romeo and Juliet Couture
Necklace: Forever21 Similar here
Shoes: Chinese Laundry Similar here
Bracelets: Kate Spade
Shades: unknown Similar here

Keep it classy,

J & C