Trend to Try: Wide Leg Pants

by Laura Perkins

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  || Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

Top and Bottom Set: Zara  ||  Clutch: J.Crew (old), similar: J.Crew Factory  ||  Earrings: E. Shaw Jewels

One of my favorite trends this spring/summer has been wide leg pants. For any of you skeptics out there, I know what you're thinking - how could that much extra material be flattering? Well I promise these voluminous trousers are cuter on than you may think. So put your skinny jeans to the side (come on, it's been over a decade!) and opt for a wide leg pant. Just trust me! They're very Katharine Hepburn, effortlessly chic! And not to mention, very comfortable! (it's like you're wearing pajamas!). There are so many fun styles out there but my first recommendation is to just try on a bunch until you find the perfect fit for you. I personally like the higher waist because I think they're the most slimming. In fact, my one rule would be you need to show off your waist in these pants, don't cover it up. So try tucking in your shirt or styling with a crop top, either one that shows a sliver of skin or hits right at the waist, like this matching printed top I found at Zara. Maybe it's because these pictures were taken on a surprise trip my husband planned for our anniversary with a night stay at the gorgeous Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, RI, but for some reason whenever I where this outfit I can't help but feel a little old hollywood glam! 

Shoe tip: Opt for a chunky platform, block heel or wedges with your wide leg pants for a modern look that elongates your legs. 

Menswear Meets Bali Style

by Laura Perkins

Top: Go Fish ||  Trouser Pants: Zara (old, similar)  ||  Shoes: Latigo (light grey)  || Necklace: Lola Accessory Boutique (old, similar)  ||  Bracelet: Stella and Dot (gold)  || Lipstick: Mac (So Chaud)

Two weeks ago I had a desk side appointment with an editor at Vogue and I honestly did not know what to wear. I mean, seriously - what do you wear to Vogue?! (no pressure!!) I wanted something that looked professional yet had that cool, editor-chic vibe. After taking a good look through my closet and daydreaming for a second that I was Cher in Clueless with an outfit choosing computer program and revolving rack, I finally made my selection. I decided to go with this menswear inspired look of navy drawstring trousers paired with a bright tropical top. This gorgeous batik blouse is very special to me and is from this amazing store called Go Fish (available online and in Go Fish stores in GA, FL, SC, and VA). It's handmade in Bali using a really fascinating batik hand-dying process which actually takes 60-75 days to create each design and then dried in the sun (how cool is that?!)! The vibrancy of the colors are then dictated by how sunny or cloudy it is that day. Mine must have dried on a very sunny day in Indonesia because the color is so bold, making me feel like it represents spring that much more! :) The other fun thing about this top is that it's short in the front and longer in the back. You can wear it in all sorts of cute ways but here's a little styling secret to give you that polished yet laid back look - try a front tuck, especially if your pants are a little higher waisted. I think it's very flattering, especially with these trousers because it shows off the drawstring and leather waistband detail. I finished the look with a statement necklace, layers of bracelets and watch and my new 70's vibe Latigo clogs (btw, these are crazy on sale at Anthropologie right now!). These oxford style, wooden block heels are perfect with trouser pants. The Vogue editor even said she loved my shoes! (Yes!! I might have freaked out a little on the inside when that happened!!). And that's when my imaginary virtual Cher closet said "My work here is done."

Mad for Plaid (One Plaid Shirt Three Ways!)

by Laura Perkins

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar  ||  Shoes: Zara (old, similar)  || Crossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  ||  Skirt: Bloomingdales (French Connection -old) similar || Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

Plaid is a fall wardrobe staple. Whether it's a plaid shirt, dress, pants, scarf, jacket, purse or heels, I can't get enough of it this season! Most of us have a plaid shirt in our closet but finding new ways to wear it keeps your style fresh. This first look is probably my favorite. I love pairing plaid with a leather skirt (or pants). As you know, I'm a big fan of a dressy/casual ensemble. The leather dresses up the plaid or the plaid dresses down the leather (however you want to look at it!). I usually wear cute flats with this skirt (unless I have tights underneath) otherwise it's a little short since I'm 5'8" (it's all about balance, ladies!).

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)

For a more casual chic look, try a plaid shirt with ripped skinny jeans. I cut these black skinnies myself (see my DIY Distressed Jeans post for ideas). I paired this outfit with suede ankle boots. Styling Tip: To update your look, try rolling or cuffing the bottom of your skinny jeans with ankle boots, showing just a sliver of skin.

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters)  || Shoes: Madewell (old, similar)

Plaid Shirt: Zara  || Sweater: J.Crew (old, similar)  ||  Jeans: Urban Outfitters (old, similar - I distressed) *Madewell has a similar distressed pair*  ||  Cossbody bag: Boutique in Austin (similar at Urban Outfitters) 

For colder weather (let's face it, winter's coming!), opt for a crewneck sweater over your plaid shirt. The key is you want the plaid to still show at the bottom. So either find a shirt that runs longer (like this Zara one) or wear a shorter sweater over it. You can also try a cropped sweater which would be super cute! And don't be afraid of a sweater that has texture like this J.Crew one. To dress up this look, you can add a statement bib necklace or fun heels. Or for a little funk, you could pair this with a sleek, floppy hat.

Little Black Leather Dress

by Laura Perkins

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Dress: Zara  ||  Cuff: Stella and Dot  || Heels: Guess (DSW - old, similar)

Leather has been a hot trend this year so what better way to modernize your Little Black Dress than with a chic leather LBD. I recently found this faux leather dress at Zara. Doesn't it look real?! It's pretty thermal too! Might not have been my best idea for Florida weather a few weeks ago but I will definitely be getting a lot of wear out of this in New York. I think it will be my go-to for holiday parties. Just add some sparkly jewelry and I'm all set. I'm really loving short sleeve dresses right now. Not only are they appropriate for fall but they are very slimming for your arms (no workout required!). Plus they help me to feel less pale! I also like the fit and flare shape of this dress because I think it tones down the sexy leather vibe with a fun, girlie feel.

Styling tip: To accessorize a simple black dress, try statement heels or a bold jewelry piece like a cuff, chunky necklace or standout earrings.