Le Printemps!

Le printempts: tout nouveau, tout beau!  For me, spring is always a new beginning, it's the first commencing season in the new year, it's when all the fashion designers get one day off before starting their fall collections...but it's also when all the beautiful shorts, skirts, and peep-toe pumps start to make their way out into the sunlight, just like the buds of cherry blossoms also start to bloom. 

I have recently become enthralled with finding low-budget versions to high-end pieces.  Even though I have seen this done before, I really only shopped by whatever caught my eye, then looked at the price tag and, therefore, simply went without whatever said trend piece it happened to be.  Oh, to be a fashionista on a budget!  (And before final examinations to boot, sacrebleu!) 

So, my goal is to literally find the faux in fashion, where some designer somewhere in some far-off, yet undoubtedly grander, place created these things and set the curve for the season, yet was ripped off in a tidal wave of imitations that even individuals that don't believe in fashion have been subconsciously influenced.  Nous commençons!
 

1. The Oxford -- I don't know of anyone that didn't buy into this trend for fall!  How chic, how effortless, how...suitable for rain??  Not so much, and so mine often stayed in their box.  However, the top store to watch for trends (Nordstrom, anyone?) has brought it back to all it's glory, for a season that *fingers crossed* sees considerably nicer weather. 
   Here is a shoe you probably already have (love Payless sales!):   
   And here is what Nordstrom did with it:
         
   A simple piece of ribbon from a fabric store like JoAnn's or online at Etsy can instantly prep up your current oxford, and when fall comes around again, you can simply untie the bow!
2.  The Blazer -- Also a fall essential, none can underestimate the sincerety of a tailored jacket.  Masculinity is bred in one, Coco Chanel broke gender barriers by creating them for women, who, in turn, broke into the business world with them.  Powerful stuff!  Time for the mash-up:
     Retails for $298 
   VS.
     Forever 21 for $11.99
3. French Charm/Sheer Tops --  The French are effortless people, they don't have a word for it, they just do it.  Paying through the nose for it?  Not so effortless... 
   Here is our high-end: 
    for $34 
   VS.
     $13.50

Of course, there are also short shorts, but i won't go there...

So, as le printemps commence, so shall the beautiful fashion for all the French --er-- fresh starts that lie ahead! ~~


Jusqu'à la prochaine fois,

Amour & petits gâteaux

xox Flowerbomber xox