Ab Fab

Ab Fab by dianeo

http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/010912_Trend_Report

One of the biggest trends of Spring 2012 is exposed midriffs.

Rachel McAdams in Glamour - Feb. 2012

This includes belly button-baring outfits, but most looks cover the belly button and only expose the area under the bandeau and above the belly button.

A basic outfit that falls into this category is a cropped top paired with high-waisted bottoms.

I love cropped tops; I think they're very flirty and daring, and I have no problem with showing my belly button.

Even though this trend does include cropped tops, the overall look is much more classy and elegant compared to what I usually wear and like (my style leans more towards edgy). I love this trend, but if I was to try it out myself, I'd tone down on the elegance and give it more of an edge. All the "put-togetherness" is just not my style, but that's not going to keep me from obsessing over the runway photos any less! (:

-Diane <3

My Favorite Trend of 2011

Hands down, my favorite trend of 2011 was combat boots.

I made post, after post, after post about them. Even though combat boots have been around for a couple of years, I still see people wearing them. I don't know when I'll get my own, but when I do, whether people are still wearing them or not, I will wear those boots to death.

The thought of fresh, clean, edgy, freakin' hot combat boots on my feet just warms my heart. They are at the top of my shopping list and they have been for maybe two years. I have no idea why I blow all my money as soon as I get and forget about the awesome combat boots I still haven't bought yet. If I had to choose any pair of combat boots to have right now, I would go for these nice, basic, black ones:

Black Lace-Up Snap-Button Back Zip Boots $39.50

I need to hurry up and get a job so I can have a pair of combat boots on my feet by this summer.

-Diane <3

Trend Spotting: Leather Pants

Leather pants were listed in Seventeen magazine (October 2011 issue) as one of the "Top 10 Celeb Trends to Try Now". 

Leighton Meester

Ashley Tisdale

Seventeen suggested pairing sexy, leather pants with a conservative, more buttoned-up top (keep the look classy!).

Leather was a real go-to piece for 2011. There were leather leggings, jackets, skirts, shorts, dresses, etc.

I love the leather pants trend. It may not be the easiest look to pull off, but it makes a statement, and it's sexy without being too revealing.
Here are some ways other people have worn leather pants:

Comfort is Key



People have been rocking the comfort/sporty trend like crazy. I noticed the trend in late 2010, it became increasingly popular through 2011, and I'm sure it'll stay ontop in 2012. The average woman is drawn to clothing that is both easy to wear and stylish.

Even though I would probably choose style over comfort any day, it's impossible to hate a trend that keeps you cozy without sacrificing your sense of fashion.

From some of the top magazines, here are ways you can nail this convenient and chic trend.

Glamour - Dec. 2011

• The Basics: sweatshirt, bling, and a wild color and/or luxe fabric
• An easy sweatshirt, frilly skirt, and a few key accessories; slip on comfy shoes and a chain link bag (it's all about contrast; metal strap gives a tough edge)

Seventeen - Oct. 2011

• Sweater & boyfriend jeans: make a comfy look cooler with a slip of shoulder and a cute beanie

Selena Gomez

Cosmo - Nov. 2011

• Scrunch the sleeves of a sweater to add shape. It's cute with ankle boots and a miniskirt or skinny pants

Kate Bosworth

Glamour - Nov. 2011

• Super thick knits with a flouncy skirt or skinnies

• An oversize neutral chunky knit never goes out of style

• Pair a thick knit with a body-hugging piece. Balance out a fitted skirt with a softer-fitting and feeling sweater.

Seventeen - Sept. 2011

• Bright sweater over a floral dress

• Body-hugging skirt with an oversize graphic sweater (last outfit)

• Slouchy cardi and an artsy printed full skirt (middle outfit)

• Pile on sweaters, but let a little thigh show between shorts and knee-socks

Seventeen - June/July 2011

• Workout-inspired shapes and high energy color
• Pair drawstring pants with a body-conscious top

Kat Graham

Glamour - Dec. 2010

• Comfortable & Elegant: chic flats and sweater with black pants

Teen Vogue - Nov. 2010

• Match a laid-back flannel or comfy knit with cool accessories, such as an oversize bag or hipster hat

Glamour - Nov. 2010

• Pair a sporty striped sweater with a sparkly skirt, pants, leggings, etc.

• Dressed-up sweats

Cosmo - April 2010

• Slouchy boyfriend khakis (rolled up), cute sandals, white top

Seventeen - Dec. 2010/Jan. 2011

• Sparkle cardi and cozy sweatpants
• Thermal tee and pouf skirt
• Little black dress and slouchy sweater

Seventeen - March 2011

• Skinny hoodie with a slim fit and bold stripes (shows off your shape)

Olsenboye for JCPenney

• Cool sneakers: leather high-tops, cool prints & colors

Marimekko for Converse

Glamour - March 2011

• Short-shorts with a structured jacket or chunky knit sweater and flats boots or booties

Fashionably Laid-Back by dianeo