High Low Skirts

Hey guys! Sorry for the lack of posts lately! My last two weeks were spent in Europe, where I noticed some trends that will soon pop up in the States. My favorite trend was the high-low skirt. The skirts I saw had a hem that was higher in the front, and lower in the back, like this one from shopeclectique.com ... 

I love this look for many reasons, the main one being that it's just so different from any other styles of skirts you'll see. The second reason is because it's versatile. This skirt can go with a lot of different shirts, while still making a statement because of its unique hemline. The last reason I love high-low skirts is that most of them look really feminine. The ruffles and soft color give off a girly appearance to any outfit. 

Like I said before, it's fairly easy to create an outfit with one of these skirts. If you find one in a simple color, it's even easier. As you can see in this picture (above) from chictopia.com, all it takes is a simple floral top to make the high-low skirt into a fashionable outfit. 

In my opinion, the high-low skirt is my favorite trend I've seen recently. It's unique hemline will provide a statement, but the solid color is versatile and can be worn in many different ways. Look for these skirts at trendy stores like Forever 2, H&M, and Urban Outfitters. 

More Lace!

Untitled #13 by peytonjordan featuring short shorts
Another way to wear lace shorts!

Lilac top, $38
Cotton shirt, $60
RED Valentino short shorts, £234
BCBG Max Azria wedge shoes, $250
LORD TAYLOR yellow gold jewelry, $400

Lace Shorts

Lace Shorts by maddyfoster featuring coral jewelry

J Crew silk tank top, $88
RED Valentino short shorts, £234
ASOS flat sandals, $41
Coral jewelry, £7.50

How to Wear Lace Shorts

I love lace on anything and everything, but especially on lace shorts. Lace or crochet shorts are perfect because they're feminine and girly and go with just about everything. Look for a pair with lace that's tightly knit, because then the lace looks subtle. I love this high-waisted pair from yesstyle.com:

The great thing about white lace shorts is that they are very versatile. Bright, summery colors go best, but any color of top will look good with these shorts. 

If you're looking for a dressier look, go for a black version. I chose these from Bank Fashion because they have an adorable bow, which makes them a little dressy. 

Pair these shorts with this purple button up from thecorner.com, and you'll be ready for any special occasion. 

How To Wear a Crop Top

How To Wear a Crop Top by maddyfoster featuring a bra top

Warehouse bra top, $57
Topshop print shirt, $52
Blonde Blonde cap sleeve top, £15
Warehouse shorts, $68
Red shorts, $30
Angel Eye pink shorts, £15
Miu Miu wedge heels, $595
Flat leather sandals, $295
Steve Madden platform sandals, $70
Proenza Schouler white shoulder bag, $1,325

How To Wear a Cropped Shirt

At first glance, a cropped top may seem like a trend that's nearly impossible to pull off. Its shorter length can look awkward on most body types, and also expose more skin than most people are comfortable with.  However, a cropped shirt becomes a stylish addition to an everyday wardrobe when paired with high waist shorts, or other high-rising bottoms.

In this outfit, the shirt's hemline is a lot shorter than a normal shirt, but you can't really tell because the high-waisted shorts cover that lack of fabric. She still manages to look appropriate even though the shirt is shorter than a usual shirt. 

To some, the phrase "Kansas Couture" may seem like an oxymoron. Some may say that Midwesterners' glamour goes as far as cowboy boots, but it's much more than that. Contrary to popular belief, not all people living in Kansas run around in ten gallon hats and plaid shirts. Our style here is much more than that.. It's Kansas Couture.
However, not all the trends I see on the runways seem to be the most wearable to me. The sporty trend? I don't know about you, but I'd rather keep the gym clothes seperate from the couture. What I'm doing here is simply providing you with a guide to wearing the craziest fads while still looking presentable even in Kansas. It's still couture.. It's just Kansas Couture.

Colored Denim

Colored denim in Teen Vogue June/July

For many people, the idea of wearing bright or statement shorts seems a little scary. However, if these neon cutoffs are paired with something more neutral, the outfit becomes more practical and age appropriate. Try a gray tank top or other solid to tone down the brightness of the shorts. 

From crossroadstrainingco.com

For example, in this picture the hot pink shorts are toned down with a more neutral graphic t-shirt. If these shorts would have been paired with a brighter alternative, the outfit would be overkill and risking the possibility of looking like a toddler. So to conclude, neon shorts are a stylish alternative to blue jeans as long as the rest of the outfit is neutral.

Peplum Dresses

From whowhatwear.com

One trend that seems to be popping up everywhere is the peplum dress. This dress appear to be a normal dress, besides the excess of fabric around the waistline. What is it that people find attractive in this style? To me, it looks like the designer had some extra fabric and didn't know what else to do with it. Besides, who really wants to make the butt look bigger anyways?
However, some people buy into the peplum look because it makes your waist appear smaller and your hips appear larger. You don't have to wear excess fabric around your hips to achieve this. You could simply wear a wide belt around the smallest part of your waist.

This will create the same illusion of a smaller waist and fuller hips, while still looking attractive. High waisted pants will also give you the same effect, and plus they make your legs look longer.
Maybe it's because Kansans aren't always on top of the trends, but I do not think I will be buying a peplum dress anytime soon.

Colored Denim Shorts

Colored Denim Shorts by maddyfoster featuring vintage tortoise shell sunglasses

Chaser LA cropped shirt, $44
Black cotton shorts, $33
Oasis flat leather sandals, $38
Vintage tortoise shell sunglasses, $32