Red Pants Strike Again

{Blazer, shirt, and necklace: Forever 21, Jeans: Old Navy, Heels: Ralph Lauren}

If someone would have told me how versatile red pants could be (some ideas here, here, and here) I wouldn't have believed them.  I now find myself being drawn toward them almost as often as my regular dark blue skinnies.  Have you jumped on the colored jean trend bandwagon yet? If not, I highly encourage you to give it a try!

Chambray Love

chambray, red, leopard, + black by quartknee42 featuring a leather buckle belt

chambray + black maxi by quartknee42 featuring gold gladiator sandals

chambray, teal, and leopard by quartknee42 featuring tahitian pearl stud earrings

My chambray button-up is easily one of the most worn pieces in my closet, yet I still hear people calling it a "Canadian Tuxedo" when worn with other denim pieces.  I think that pairing it with denim is perfectly fine, so long as they're two different colors of denim, but there are also many other ways to wear this versatile item.  I took one simple chambray top from American Eagle and have created three different ways to wear it for a variety of occasions.

Marni for H&M

{All images from H&M}

By this time, I'm sure you've heard about the latest designer collaboration with H&M, Marni.  Although I didn't go to H&M yesterday for the debut, I did have my eyes on a few pieces.  These are some of my favorites from the collection!

Nordstrom Spring Designer Preview 2012

 {Justine & I}

{Runway, pre-show}

Last night I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Nordstrom Spring Designer Preview fashion show again.  I had a great time looking at all of the designer fashions, and also seeing how the outfits were styled.  One of my favorite things about the show was the model's hair, that was in some sort of chignon/bun look - very chic.  Unfortunately my iPhone wasn't able to take the best pictures, so this is the only "runway" picture that turned out somewhat decent.  Thank you to my best pal Justine for working for such an awesome organization so we could get into the show for free!

Trend Watch :: Ladylike Purses

ladylike purses by quartknee42 featuring zippered tote bags

I've already blogged about a couple of spring's fashion trends (Polka dots and color blocking) that I'm looking forward to, but I couldn't help but add another to the list.  The idea of a ladylike purse is so fun and refreshingly structured compared to a tote bag or hobo style purse.  I especially love ones with a top handle, so that you can carry it in a different way.

Trend Watch :: Polka Dots

{Pinterest}

{Shopbop}

{This Time Tomorrow}

{Pinterest}

I've already declared my love of stripes several times on my blog, and I want to tell you another favorite of mine - polka dots.  Lately I've been seeing them pop up all over the place, and I've gathered some of my favorite interpretations of the look.

Trend Watch: Color Blocking

colorblock by quartknee42 featuring flap handbags

The weather that we have had this past week has made me long for the warmer days of spring and summer.  I couldn't help day dreaming of a time when I can start wearing my high heels and flats again.  Also, I'm excited to wear bright color blocking, in addition to tangerine.  I haven't stopped color blocking this fall/winter but it will be nice to add in some brighter items!

Waxed Skinny Jeans

 {J. Brand at Nordstrom}

{Gap}

{Hudson Jeans at Piperlime}

Have you noticed the new(ish) denim trend of waxed or coated jeans? At first I wasn't so sure about it, but the more I thought about it, I realized how perfect they would be to not only keep you warmer but most likely more dry as well.  I can imagine how much the natural elements would be repelled from them and keep your legs more dry.  Not to mention how they can take a simple outfit and dress it up a notch or two.

Gray + Navy

I wanted to try out a more fall version of "colorblocked" nails.  I really like the combination of navy and gray, and these two bottles of nail polish are both so inexpensive.   The gray nail polish is Sally Hansen, and is only about $3, and the navy blue is from Forever 21 and was also a couple dollars.  (I might suggest buying a different brand of navy polish since it doesn't seem to last that long.)  Changing up your nails is such a fun way to change up your look.

Wish List: Corduroy Pants

 {Forever 21}

{Gap}

{Nordstrom}

I can't believe I'm about to admit the following, but in fifth and sixth grade I had a pair of wide leg, dark blue, thick wale corduroy pants.  Let me tell you, they were not pretty.  Despite that, I am again wanting a pair of corduroy pants, but this time I hopefully won't look back at them in disgust.  All of the above options are fairly inexpensive, and are putting a modern twist on corduroy pants.