Dress Up

Black and white pieces are made up of elements that remain classic and interesting, but with minimalistic and fairly simplistic notes. While prints and patterns can easily become bold and the opposite of simplistic, the windowpane trend catching on for spring 2013, is a pattern that can be easily incorporated as a basic. With it's precise grid lines and geometric order, the windowpane pattern is almost effortlessly put-together and chic. While I have seen this up and coming trend printed on blouses, skirts, and this sweater that I have my eye on, this Tibi dress is perfection. Though the peplum trend still seems to be going strong, this drop waist is a relief to waists everywhere, and it's little flounce on the bottom adds just the right amount of interest, as well as draws the eye down to add to a more complete look. 

Are you excited to try out this windowpane trend?

Person of Interest: Amanda Brooks

Growing up in Bronxville, NY and Palm Beach, Florida, Amanda Brooks was always surrounded with style and influential people. Beginning with her parents who met through a mutual friend, Lilly Pulitizer, to being a student at Brown University studying photography and having Carolina Herrera's daughter, Patricia as her roommate, to dating DVF's son, Alexander, Amanda was destined to be not only a regular in the social world of fashion, but in being a part of it creatively, as well. Her interest in photography led her to an internship with famed fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier. Following photography, she then became the muse and former creative director of Tuleh, and contributed to Vogue. However, in addition to her involvement in various parts of the industry, it is said to have been her blog, "I Love Your Style" that played a key role in her hire for her position as Fashion Director for Barney's. After a year of this position, she has since moved to Oxfordshire, England with her husband and two children inspired by the blog, "The Pioneer Woman" to show that she is able to write about fashion from a different perspective, as well as citing "I've spent my entire career devoted to the vision of others,""This year away is for introspection. For myself."

Amanda Brooks has one of those styles that I admire for their sense of no-fuss perfection. From some of the photos in the image above, she manages to form her put together style with minimal elements that still come across as complete. From a basic button down and pencil skirt with heels, or simple peach dress with a pop of color for a bag, it is this act of simplicity to which I am drawn. Having been cited as not fussy when it comes to fashion, you can tell from the way that she wears the clothes, as well as the actual clothes that she is wearing. Amanda reminds us that there is something important about knowing how to wear simple pieces well, and that prints and patterns (while keeping the shapes and cut of the garments simple), can keep your outfit interesting and full of style.

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Person of Interest: Elin Kling

Elin Kling is a Swedish fashion blogger, model, and fashion director of her magazine STYLEBY, as well as had her own collection collaborated with H&M. While she can be seen in printed and colored pieces occasionally, her style appears to be more of basic colors in tailored pieces. Mostly made up of key pieces from slim-fitted pants and trousers to blazers and knits, I am inspired by how she manages to appear effortlessly put together and stylish without hiding behind bold prints and bright colors. Aside from her outfits, she does not hide behind statement jewelry pieces, either. This too intrigues me in that while many feel that even a simple necklace can finish their look, hers often go without--and succeed without, as well.

Does Elin's style inspire you, too?

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Person of Interest: Jane Birkin

Whether you are fashion obsessed or fascinated with celebrities, you are probably aware of the famed Birkin bag. However, many are unaware with the incredible Jane, the woman who inspired and carried this bag herself. The long-legged, blunt banged actress and singer was famous in the sixties was known for her iconic fashion sense, as well. A fan of turtlenecks, mini-skirts, denim, and t-shirts, she wore everything in an effortless way that always had a fresh and basic feel in the best way. While it wasn't until the eighties that the actual Birkin bag was created from her expressing her need for a nice weekend bag on the plane to Jean-Louis Dumas, chief exec of Hermes, her sense of incredible style without the bag was long before that.

What do you think of Jane's style?

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Everyday Embroidery

{Zara top and skirt, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors watch, Francesca's Collection necklace, Essie's "Tart Deco" polish, and Revlon's "Orange Flip" lipstick"

As much as a sucker as I am for bright colors and basically all prints and patterns, I definitely am as much of a fan for simple silhouettes, neutral colors, and minimalist design. However, there always has to be some sort of "interest factor" that goes into whichever piece I purchase. This top has all of these qualities. I love how it wears like a favorite white T-shirt, but is amped up with the delicate embroidery details and longer boxy sleeves. When paired with a classic skirt in a neutral navy, perfectly clunky clogs, and a fun beaded necklace, it's a great outfit for everyday wear.

In Line

{Necessary Clothing blouse, Michael Kors watch, Zara skirt, Madewell oxfords, and "Bordeaux" nail polish}

As much as I am a fan of bright colors, patterns and prints, and flowing fabrics, sometimes there is nothing more that I want to slip into than a simple color palette of garments constructed around clean lines and classic appeal. Though this may appear to be very simple, I appreciate it for the contrasting pockets and placket on the blouse and the detailed lines and asymmetrical shape of the skirt.