Today's Fashion - Maxi Mini

On a previous post of mine, I expressed my love for maxi dresses.  Typically when one hears the term maxi dress I am sure the first image that comes to mind are long dresses.  But I also really love and enjoy wearing “maxi minis”.  I am not sure if those words are patented as yet, but I am referring to the short maxi dresses.  

Short maxi dresses are perfect for comfort.  In addition, these dresses tend to be manufactured in stretchy fabric and are ideal for flattering a woman’s figure.  Whether  the fabric is printed or solid, when paired with accessories that matches and flats, the maxi mini is the perfect outfit for a cool breezy afternoon with friends or family. 

As usual, I must post samples of my fashion pieces that I write about.  Check out a few of my maxi mini favourites for wearing on really hot days:

 

 

Tell me, have you ever purchased a maxi mini dress and if yes, can you relate to my love for maxi minis?

Today's Fashion - Blazers

It is Christmas time again. Not only do I look forward to enjoying time with a few close friends and family for this joyous occasion, but it is also the time for the Christmas office party or dinner. For a Trini, this means shelling out extra cash to ensure you get the perfect dress if it is a dinner or perfect outfit if it is a party. After all, this is your time to get out of the mundane office wear and show off to your co-workers your sense of fashion.

This year, my office will just be having an office party, so the hunt is on for an outfit. Thanks to my little sister, I was introduced to blazers, which I will be wearing this year. While blazers are not a staple item in a Trini’s closet in my opinion, I think they should be as it puts the finishing touch for an elegantly casual outfit. My sister’s picture below demonstrates the perfect way to incorporate a blazer at a Christmas theme office party / brunch.

 

 

 Did the pop of red colour add to the feeling of Christmas with this outfit?

Today's Fashin - Chiffon

Chiffon fabric is sheer and lightweight and is used to make garments such as blouses, scarves, lingerie and dresses.  It is made from synthetic fibres, silk and cotton and generally contain “see through properties”.
 

Living in Trinidad and having outfits with the material is wonderful for me because of its lightweight and the ability of the fabric to be absorbent given the often times hot temperatures. 

Wearing an outfit - be it a top, blouse or dress in chiffon in my opinion, does not require much accessories to add glamour as this fabric already in itself contains softness and represent femininity.   Check out four of my favourite chiffon pieces:

 

Do you prefer solid chiffon fabric or printed chiffon fabric?

Today's Fashion - The Cold Shoulder

Carnival 2016 in Trinidad is right around the corner.  While there many elements to this yearly celebration, I look forward to seeing the variety of fashion trends.  Not one to shy away from a party (otherwise known as fete) at that time of year, Carnival is when I use the opportunity to show off my love for cold shoulder tops, which is always trendy here in Trinidad.
 

The “cold shoulder” is not a new fashion.  In fact, they have been around both broad and in Trinidad for quite some time; however, I find this style never gets old.  Whether they are used as dresses or simply as tops the cold shoulder speaks of elegance.  In fact, minimal accessories needed when using an outfit with this style. 
 

In anticipation of the upcoming parties for Carnival 2016, check out below some cold shoulder styles I intend to use: -

Would you use a cold shoulder top?

Today's Fashion - Racerback Tops

I have mentioned on numerous occasions on my blog of the hot temperatures in Trinidad.  As such, racerback tops is a must have staple item of clothing for staying cool.  Generally resembling a “tank top” the racerback design is slightly different and more stylish to the tank. 

Feel free to use a racerback top by layering with a tank top that has a pop of colour.  A racerback can be used with skinny jeans, shorts or a ¾ pants.  Added with flats, accessories are a must and a simply fashionable look is completed.

How would you dress up a racerback top?

 

Today's Fashion - Ruffles

Ruffles is a form of trimming or frills that can be added to clothing - whether its tops, skirts or dresses to name a few and in my opinion adds fun to the garment.  Ruffles usually “catches” the eye and as such, it can be a fashion option of choice for persons who are not afraid of standing out from a crowd.  Ruffles can be incorporated onto an outfit to be the main part of the design or it can be used just to highlight a certain detail of the design.   However, paired with a variety of fabrics, ruffles can be used casually or formally.

In Trinidad, I think Trinis like to dress safe (myself included) and don’t utilise ruffles enough to really add that element of flirty and fun to clothing.  Nevertheless, because of my insatiable appetite for fashion, I always keep my eyes open for any ruffle clothing I can find, once it suits my personality.  Check out these simply fashionable ruffle tops I found.  Paired with the right colour leggings, these outfits can be used casually.

Tell me, would you accessorise with a necklace to either of the tops above, or the ruffle element itself is enough to brighten the design?

Today's Fashion - Costume Jewellery: Handbands

Costume jewellery can be considered cheap and disposable, but it does contribute significantly to adding the finishing touches to an outfit and certainly shows one fashion sense.

For this post, I wanted to focus on costume jewellery handbands.  I love chunky handbands.  Not only are they less noisy than the typical "bangles" but as a simply fashionable Trini, I want an accessory that can immediately add style to any outfit without much effort.  In my search for stylish chunky handbands in Trinidad, I visited several stores throughout the country.

While there is no shortage of beaded costume jewellery and bangles in fun and bright colours, chunky handbands stole the show.  Along with your typical gold and silver palette, colourful chunky pieces are readily available to simply transform your attire from drab to fab. 

 Check out these favourite simply fashionable chunky handbands I found:

What type of costume jewellery handband do you prefer - beaded, bangles or chunky?

Today's Fashion - Clutch Purses

Every woman dreams of having the perfect purse to complement the perfect outfit.  And the clutch purse makes this dream come true.
 

The clutch purse was originally from the Victorian era. This fashion accessory represented elegance for women everywhere and it became the evening bag of choice.
 

Clutch purses are designed to be carried by hand, however, more modern designs have chains and leather straps incorporated on the purse so they be used to hang over the shoulder.
 

Clutch purses are easy to find in Trinidad and I definitely have fun dressing up with these clutches below:

What colours (other than the standard black, brown, gold and silver) can really make clutch purses remain elegant?

Todays' Fashion - Cardigan Sweaters

A cardigan is a sweater that may or may not come with buttons and opens at the front.

Cardigan sweaters date back to the 17th century when the French fishermen in those days wanted garments to provide warmth on the cold seas.

In my view, the use of cardigan sweaters today is two-fold.  It serves its purpose which is to provide warmth as well as to serve as an additional facshion piece which can be casual or dressy.  The fabrics used on cardigans are generally light to heavy wool, cotton or even cashmere.

While the temperatures in Trinidad are often times quite hot, cardigans are quite popular and can be seen in a wide variety of colours and styles.
 

Check out my favourite cardigan pieces below:

What type of style do you prefer for cardigans - plain or patterned.

Today's Fashion - Wedge Shoes

The first wedge shoe was created by an Italian designer name Salvatore Ferragamo in 1936.  As history recall, there was a shortage of leather and rubber, so he resorted to materials like cork and wood.

With the evolution of fashion, wedge shoes have seen a variety of materials, styles and a variation in height, even right here in Trinidad.

I have always enjoyed wearing wedge shoes in the past, but it is my view that they no longer make an outfit stand out as much as pumps do.

As such, I presently only have two wedge shoes that I may wear occasionally:

Do you think wedge shoes are still trendy?



Today's Fashion - Leggings

Leggings originally were worn during the fourteenth century by men in Scotland mainly when they were preparing to go hunting.  It was in the 1980s as fashion became more advanced, they were being used as fashion attire by women and children.

I consider leggings as a staple item of clothing as it allows me to transform a dressy top into a completely dressy outfit, paired with accessories and pumps.

The trend with leggings I am seeing more of in Trinidad which I love is leggings that resemble jeans. What is also great about this simply fashionable trend is that the fabric for this style is really soft and super comfortable.  They come in solid colours or they have the 'denim' effect look to them.

Check out the pictures below of both solid and denim printed leggings I added to my wardrobe:

Tell me, do you prefer leggings with the standard solid colour or those with the rugged denim effect look?

Today's Fashion - Cheveron

The "chevron" print which became popular in the 1970s is a display of inverted "v" shapes as the style for the print.  This pattern is also replicated on ancient art such as pottery and stone carvings.

I first became aware of the chevron print during my recent travel abroad and I must say that this print  exuberates fun.  I am still trying to discover a store(s) where I actually see an outfit with chevron in Trinidad, so until then, I will hold my one chevron print maxi dress close.

Most importantly, do not forget to accessorise:

Where can I find a chevron print outfit in Trinidad?

Today's Fashion - Leopard Print

Animal print, commonly known in Trinidad as "leopard print" is a fashion style wherein the fabric used often resembles the skin of animals such as leopards, tigers and zebras, to name a few.  This type of print originated in the early eighteenth century and evoked a sense of luxury and wealth to the user.  Not only are garments made with this print, but shoes, accessories and handbags as well.

 

 

I have always loved leopard prints as I enjoy their earth tones.  Garments made with the type of print is seasonal in Trinidad and therefore this fashion will appear once or twice yearly.

 

 

The pictures below are some of my favourite, simple leopard print pieces, shoes and accessories in my closet, just waiting to be enjoyed when leopard print season comes by: -

 

Would you use leopard print out of season?

Today's Fashion - Denim on Denim

The fabric Denim is a huge staple in the fashion world.  It originated in the 1800s when American gold miners wanted clothes that were strong and durable and this fabric was used to make jeans for them.  Jeans grew popular throughout the 1950s to 1970s, but it was in the 1980s it really became high fashion clothing for designers with a wide variation of types and styles.  With the evolution of fashion, this versatile and tough fabric was eventually used for other items of clothing such as dresses, skirts and jackets.

Demin jeans are definitely a “must have” item in every Trini’s wardrobe.  It is worn almost every where and they are definitely easy to maintain.  But how do you feel about denim on denim?

In my view, a denim top on denim jeans can be a bit of a risk as I would want the denim shades to be as close together as possible.

I purchased the denim top (pictured below) as I fell in love with it the moment my eyes laid on it.  It is simple and light and perfect for the hot temperature in Trinidad.  The nude belt and  skinny denim jeans completed this simply fashionably look.

Do you think my denim on denim outfit was a hit or miss?

Today's Fashion - Rompers

Romper is the name given to a one piece outfit.  It originated in the United States of America in the 1900s originally as loose fitting outfits for babies.  However, by the 1950s it evolved into an item of clothing for beachwear for women and children.   With today’s modern day fashion, rompers are made with all different types of fabrics, styles, lengths and can be used casually or semi-dressy.

It took me a long time in liking rompers, but I must say, they are different to the everyday top and jeans attire.  While I have not noticed the short rompers being used by Trinis often, the long rompers can be found seasonally at stores in the malls: -
 

The romper pictured above, shows how a romper can be used elegantly to a brunch with friends.  The gold accessories were not too much and the flats completed the look.
 

To re-use this outfit for another occasion a change in the colour accessories can put a different spin on the outfit.  Check out this earing and chunky handband below: 

Tell me, what other colour accessories you would use with this outfit with – the pewter above or another colour?

Today's Fashion - Floral Print

Floral print on fabrics originated from the East and Asia.  Slowly but surely, this type of fabric was introduced to Europe by traders, but sold at high prices.  In this regard, to wear this type of fabric, a person would be considered as a status symbol.  Eventually, the European manufacturers soon discovered how to replicate floral on fabric and as such the evolution of this textile took off.

Floral print is so perfect to use in Trinidad and by extension the Caribbean as it blends in perfectly with the sea, blue skies, calming breeze and tropical sunshine.

While I love the floral print, it should not be overdone. My view of moderation is just in using a floral top and not floral on dresses or other types of garments.

The pictures below represent five fabulous floral print tops currently in my wardrobe.  I love my accessories and together with right jeans or leggings, they are perfect to be used casually:-

Tell me, would you buy a floral print top?

Today's Fashion - Tube Tops

The term tube top is used to describe a top that has been tightened by means of elastic bands, which are strategically placed at the top and bottom of a garment. This top first appeared in the 1950s with the purpose of preventing a woman's breast from dropping.

In my opinion, the evolution of fashion has transformed this form fitting top from a purpose into a fashion style that I cannot get enough of.  Based on the textiles of the tube, it can be used casually or added with accessories, it can be used as a dressy top.  Paired with leggings this outfit can be used on a night out with friends.

As a Trini, I wear my tube tops to parties, but they are sometimes difficult to find in local stores. Check out three of my favourite tube top pieces below: -

 

 

Do you love tube tops as much as I do?