Spring trend challenge: the Fatigue

As I was perusing old Spring '10 runway shows and flipping through Bazaar mag (which, by the way, you should get this month if you haven't already, because it gives some GREAT inspiration aritcles and pics for the spring!), I was struck by one trend that I'm wary about: The Fatigue.

It seems strange, really, to see fatigue style amidst the pretty neutrals, pastels, laces, silks and ethereal fashion I've been most excited about. And it's definitely different than the military looks we saw in the fall, because this is almost more literal. And it's definitely going beyond a little jacket with brass buttons... it's full on surplice trenches. Oy. I'm no army chick, that's for sure. Dreams of spring do not call to mind cargo pockets, olive green or wrinkled cotton.

But then again, what's the best way to tone down such light and pretty pieces? I mean, we're not trying to be ballerinas around here.

(Right? We're not? Yeah, no... never. Ahem.)

So the fatigue is, I suppose, a fun and edgy way to mix in the unexpected. So my challenge was to find pieces that I think I would wear (and hopefully you'll like too, especially if you're also a bit on the fence). Here are my Fatigue-inspired picks:

Diane von Furstenburg shorts, $225

Maybe cheating here, since it's silken and boudoir-esque, but the cuffed buttoned up sides are very cargo-reminiscent.

 

F21 Strapless cargo dress, $22.80 

This is cute! I can see it on a relaxing summer day with a cold margarita in hand. Nice.

 

F21 Leatherette bag, $29.80

A good way to infuse this style in a wardrobe is to do it subtly-- a slouchy pocketed hobo is great.

  

J Brand skinny cargo pants, $230

I just love these! So cute.

 

Juicy Couture peplum backed jacket, $198

(Juicy got surprisingly military for the Spring, so there are a lot of selections here!)

L.A.M.B. skirt, $191

Another nice way to cheat the fatigue style: still very femme, but reminiscent of the surplice look.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Twill Dress, $248

This is literal, yet still feminine. I likey!

Nanette Lepore Burning Heart Dress, $268

This just looks damn comfortable. And versatile... imagine with a cute striped cardi and flats. 

Splendid fleece jacket, $148

Maybe best for cooler springs given the material, but it's another literal-yet-feminine take. 

SO many choices out there, my lovies, and so many ways to try the trend. The great thing about this spring's style is that almost anything goes. Just as long as you do it with proportion and smart pieces.

eShakti order arrived!

So I believe my suspicions were correct-- the brogue thing was a questionable trend for you lovies. Which excites me, really, because it means I have a challenge now-- attempting to style my metallic flat oxfords for day and night to convince you (or at least make you think I'm less crazy) that the trend is actually pretty doable and pretty cute. Yay! Stay tuned for that one coming up, maybe this weekend.

On another (even exciting-er) note, my eShakti order arrived! The lovely ladies at http://www.eshakti.com/ let me pick which item I loved the most (a difficult feat) and sent me a free sample. How fun! Thank you, eShakti! Here are a few pics I snapped of this pretty lil' jacket. (PLEASE ignore the blotchy face, ugh... long day at work and makeup has officially melted off ma face.)

(pretty details, and I messed with the brightness to get the details better, so don't worry I don't have radiation poisoning on my neck)

Peplum! Preeeety!

Thanks, Rosa, for reminding me I need to tell ya'll about the site... hehe. The site is cool-- they have samples of their designs online and you have two options: buy standard sizing (0 to like 26 or something), or get a custom fit. Yes, it does cost a bit more but I don't think it's unreasonable (not sure of the exact fee). And I think it's worth it, because this thing fits like a charm. It's pretty simple-- fill out their custom measurements form and voila-- your perfectly tailored item comes to you in the mail, like, supahfast. (I've heard about a week after you order-- mine took slightly longer because of the holiday season and vacations) You can even have the dress length custom to what you want-- short or long, or if you want V neck instead of boatneck, they'll do it. Basically what nips/tucks you envision, they'll custom it to you.

My overall review: I love this thing. It's made of a very heavy wool, so I know it will be nice and warm for these next few months. The embroidered sequins are darling and not too flashy, so the jacket maintains a level of elegance. That peplum? So cute. I took that pic with my arms out to show you how much it gives me a waist and flares out at the right spot. It needs a little steaming, but that's easy. One thing I kicked myself for (bad Justine) was not being more careful about my measurements-- the arms are a tad too short, but not so much that it's unwearable by any means. That was totally my fault; I was hasty in my measuring.

I can't speak to their sizing otherwise (i.e. without custom tailoring, as I chose to custom mine), but they have a sizing chart on their site listing deets. Overall, I think I will for sure shop there again. Oh, and maybe sooner than later: Use code 5liKOr to get $20 off a $30 purchase! Nice! (and I've said it before, I'll say it again for any new readers... SRSLY check out their necklaces. Total Anthro inspired, 1/2 the price!) Happy custom shopping. :)