Bottoms Up

We are trying out a new format for our posts! We have a few goals with this blog (see bio in the sidebar), and providing sections allows us to address them all in a more organized way. For example, the "Inspo" section will discuss general trends and influences, any runway inspiration, and the aesthetic behind each post. "Tips & Tricks" will provide suggestions for styling on different body types, affordable shopping options, and tips on accessories and makeup. Lastly, in "What We Wore," we'll give you the exact details on each piece and link them (or similar options if the piece is no longer available). Enjoy! Feel free to provide feedback.

Inspo:

We like big bottoms and we cannot lie. By that we mean that fancy pants and maxi skirts with unique, loud prints are a summer favorite. The dress (worn as a skirt) and pants definitely make waves at events where the Basics will show up wearing white jeans and a flowy jewel-toned top. C wore these pants to a party recently, and apparently a group of guys was talking about her using the nickname "Crazy Pants Girl." If what someone remembers most vividly about you is your pants, is that a compliment? Either way, we could live in these pieces all summer long. This season is too short for boring clothes! We also loved contrasting these crazy pieces with the unfinished, structured backdrop of a gutted house.

Tips & Tricks:

• With loud prints like these, as we always say, keep the rest of the outfit simple (a plain, solid, fitted top). However, simple does not equal basic. Note how the cuts of these crop tops are both interesting and flattering. Also, with loose pants/skirt, a form fitting top helps you keep your shape. If you're not a crop top girl, wear a top that you can smoothly tuck into the hem of your pants or skirt. 
• With jewelry, as we always say, take risks. C's necklace brings in the popular trends of a tribal look as well as the recent cord craze. With something trendy like that, try not to spend a lot of cash money. C's necklace is from Aldo (on sale for $15, plus it was buy one get one free!). Aldo carries some adorable and current stuff, but try to avoid paying full retail price when possible. The trendiness and quality of these pieces will get you through a season or two before tuckering out. 
• With lips, go bold (a la C) or bare (a la J). Either look works with these prints. Our above looks are actually quite the role reversal...so don't be afraid to opt for a crazy color or to go without!
• Sometimes a maxi dress just doesn't look right. The one featured in this post is just too tight on J's top half (and her rib cage is, like, corset small...so we're not sure who it's supposed to fit). If you still love the fabric and want to make it more wearable, turn it into a maxi skirt. Layer a tight top and a cinching belt over the bodice of the dress, or tuck the entire top half of the dress under a belt and pair the "skirt" with a crop top. J also likes to make this piece into a shorter, fuller skirt by tucking the ends up into the belt.  

What We Wore:

On J:
Dress: Emploi from Nordstrom Rack (similar, similar, similar, and similar)
Top: Forever21
Shoes: Forever21 (very similar)
Earrings: Nordstrom Rack (similar)
Necklace: LUCA Jewelry

On C:
Pants: Anthropologie (similar, similar, and just love these)
Top: Forever21
Shoes: Dolce Vita
Necklace: Aldo (other options here and here)
Bangle: Kate Spade
Lips: Geranium by Albeit

Keep it classy!

J & C