Category Archives: smashin' fashion

Spring 2019 Runway to Reality

This was an unusually busy fall that didn’t allow me to participate in the purchasing + photographing of the new Spring fashions from New York Fashion Week. However, I did make time to watch some of the shows (I mean…you can’t miss a Marc Jacobs show!) + help my sisters get inspo from the runways.

I’m loving this new trend of inclusion on the runway. Designers creating + styling for everyone in mind. Well…let’s hope it’s not a trend + that it’s here to stay! Regardless of your shape, size, body measurements…we can all rock these spring designs.

There are some really cool trends this season like a cinched waist, which looks amazing on every body type + also some that might take a little bit to get used to. Tie dye, for example…unless you’re from Oregon, in which it’s a wardrobe staple! Ha ha..I’m kidding…or am I? Biker shorts + boxy blazers are a new way to make our mom-blazers fun again.  Cargo pants, because who doesn’t love an extra pocket for a lip gloss? And color…yellow! So fresh + dreamy for spring + easy to add into our existing wardrobes.

Below are my gorgeous sisters + their finds from the New York Fashion runways. Let us know your favorite trend in the comments below!

-Jenn

Yellow. Like last year, when orange was dominating the runways I was less than thrilled Not everyone can wear it from head to toe, but pops of yellow…we all can do that! I had no trouble shopping for this trend. Yellow is everywhere right now! If you are looking to add this to your wardrobe this spring, popular choices are mustard + neon. Sunny days ahead!

My inspiration:

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Muppet Mania. So many logistical problems with this trend! Gah! That’s when this becomes a major Runway to Reality moment. I translated the feathers + fluff to this crocheted, fringe vest. This way I stayed true to texture + movement, not to mention that crochet was spotted on the runways as well. I saw a lot of other ways to carry out this ‘muppet look’ whether it was fur vests or sherpa jackets. Soar into spring with your version!

My inspiration:

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Fisherman’s Netting. The looks found on the runways of Cushnie, Ports 1961 + Altuzarra were elegant + mermaid-like. I found that a more viable option for this netting look is finding a tighter knit netting. Experiment with layering, in fact, I highly recommend it + catch yourself a new look.

My inspiration: My version:
Victorian Inspired Puff Sleeve. I love a dramatic sleeve. Marc Jacobs, Brock Collection + Mara Hoffman were just a few that played with volume this season. Since the 80’s are making a comeback, we wouldn’t want to forget that delicious puffiness. I still remember my heart skipping a beat seeing the sleeve on my older cousin Shannon’s prom dress. Heart eyes. Besides, how great is a look that allows you to avoid arm day?

My inspiration:My version:

Blazer with biker shorts. If you follow any fashion account on Instagram you most likely have seen the biker short trend. This year NYFW stepped it up by pairing the trendy biker short with a boxy shaped blazer to give it more of a chic feel rather than sporty.

I personally love sports wear. So now that it’s fashionably acceptable to wear my biker shorts in public which, by the way are SUPER slimming for legs, I’ll consider this trend a win. Sign me up!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Cargo pants. I know what you’re thinking. Cargo pants, really? Shouldn’t we just leave those for dad to wear? Before you knock em’, let me list some reasons why you should be totally on board with this trend.

  • Easier way to sneak in cheaper movie snacks.
  • No need to pay the hefty airport baggage fees when you pants can carry all your extra items.
  • You can leave the house without a bag and still have both hands free to bring in all your groceries in one trip.

If you aren’t sold on the cargo trend yet, do a Pinterest search for women’s cargo pants and you’ll be heading to the stores in no time to find the perfect cargos.

My inspiration:

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My version:

Tie dye. When I think tie-dye I think BRIGHT orange, BRIGHT red and BRIGHT blue, all colours that just yell at you and hurt the eyes. Fortunately, this year’s tie-dye trend is a bit more subtle and sophisticated. Now that, I can work with! Don’t let those 80’s flashbacks scare you away from this fun trend. Instead, feel a sense of nostalgia for younger years when you were tying and dying those plain white tee’s.

If you’re wondering where to score tie-dye this day and age without having to create your own check out, Aritzia and Shopbop.

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Spring 2018 Runway to Reality

Inclusive. Not always a word associated with fashion…but this years New York Fashion Week was all about being inclusive. We saw this in the modeling world–all shapes, sizes, colors and ages were represented…even a pregnant woman strutted her beautiful self. We saw it in the venues the designers chose to show–no longer just in the tents or Lincoln Center, but all over New York City. And now, watching the shows are as easy as signing in on Facebook Live.

What this means for us regular schmucks is that fashion is even more available than ever before. Regardless of your age, shape, where you live, or even your budget–access to great fashion is accessible and inclusive for all.

A few trends from the runways this September (which means you will start wearing these trends come spring ;)) were; candy stripes, glam leisure, cowboy chic, fringe, sheer and jackets paired with shorts. The colors that seemed to dominate the runway were WHITE, Lavender and allllll the neons!

Continue reading for inspiration we found on the runways and our version of how to make it work with our lifestyle. And as always…we love your comments-so leave us a message with your favorite trend!

Sheer. Oh….I love a good sheer! So elegant and also so easy to wear! Victoria Beckham is a genius at using sheer to show some skin yet stay modest-so look to her collections for more inspiration in that area. Happy to say that you can get an early start on shopping for sheer as it has been slowly trending the last year and is already in stores.

My inspiration:

My version:

Jackets and Shorts. This is a great combo for those spring days when you realllllly can’t wait to wear your shorts…but it’s still just a bit cold! Also…you will get extra points if you find a sweet blazer with extra shoulder padding or a deconstructed blazer…they were all over the runway this season.

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Fringe. Fringe makes you want to dance. So go buy yourself some fringe and make the world a better place. That is all.

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Glam Leisure. A marriage of comfy + glam? Am I dreaming? But sure enough…runways of Valentino, Prada + Gucci had the Athleisure women of 2017 salivating. I found this dress that had Sporty Spice written all over it…check out my instagram to get a peek of the back.

My inspiration:

My version:

Candy Striping. Stripes are always in but this year it was specific to the candy stripes…yes, the red + white kind that hospital volunteers were known for in the 1950’s. Those that went clinical on the runways were Son Jung Won, Jason Wu + Monse.

My inspiration:

My version:

Lavender + Fanny Pack. 
In stores filled with neons + primary colors, lavender or lilac proved to be a difficult find. All three of us searched high and low for the shade from Victoria Beckham + Michael Kors. This oxford works for me because the fabric was just right and with what looked like a splash of bleach it had just enough personality. And as far as the fanny pack goes…I have always wanted to bring fanny back. Whether they were ‘in’ or not, I have owned many versions over the years, and well now, they are just easier to find!

My inspiration:

My version:
Orange. 
For the last couple of years we have seen orange trying to break out on the scene + this year was no different. I am not a huge fan of orange so I have steered clear. Soooo not the easiest color for to pull off. But hey, if you can, I suggest going head to toe with it. Calvin Klein, Fenty Puma + Tom Ford did. I opted to keep the orange on the bottom with these sack waisted shorts from H +M.

My inspiration:

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White on white. If you’re like me, 75% of your wardrobe is either black, grey or black so come spring it’s time to ditch those dark comfort colours and put on something vibrant and crisp.  A good accessory to go with this look would be a tide to-go pen.

My inspiration:hbz-ss2018-trends-white-out-1505073735

My version:IMG_1746blogsize

Microfloral. Is spring/summer fashion week even spring/summer fashion week without floral? Instead of the usual big and bold floral prints that trend, this year’s floral seemed to be on the small and subtle side.

My inspiration:hbz-ss2018-trends-micro-florals-1504973504

My version:IMG_1617blogsize

Cowboy chic. Western wear isn’t just for John Wayne anymore thanks to designers Cinq a Sept, Calvin Klein and Rag&Bone. Personally I’m not a huge fan of western anything but fashion is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. I found the best way to pull off this trend was all in the accessories.

My inspiration:Calvin Klein - Runway RTW - Spring 2018 - New York Fashion Week

My version:

Straw bags. Not to brag or anything but I totally saw this trend coming. While travelling in Europe I noticed that everybody that was anybody had a straw bag and I knew it was only a matter of time before this trend made it over to the western world. 

My inspiration:Brock Collection - Runway - September 2017 - New York Fashion Week

My version:IMG_1799blogsize

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Spring 2017 Runway to Reality

The past few weeks we have been all over Google looking at New York Fashion Week trends for Spring 2017. We admit…this years trends were a challenge for us. The trends were not looks we would normally choose for ourselves…Neon, bathrobes, ruffles? So out shopping we went…and in the end we decided that it was just the push a person needs to expand their wardrobe.

Here are our picks to add to our wardrobes this spring!

Neon

Ok…I thought that I had left neon firmly at my elementary school..but here it is creeping into my adult life, thanks to DKNY, Jason Wu and Phillip Lim. Stand out with a bright neon dress or just add a bright pop of color using layers or accessories. If neon just doesn’t work with your skin tone, a neon purse or clutch is the perfect solution!

 

My inspiration:

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My version:
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The bathrobe

This was a trend last year that we ‘oh so nicely’ thought if we ignored it, it would go away. It returned on the runway this year at Band of Outsiders, Lacoste and Alexander Wang.  The robes were paired with everything on the runways including dresses, shorts and jeans. Off I went to see what I could find that would work. This time rather than thinking silky bathrobe…I thought of it as a light jacket and  found several options. I loved this one with the pockets and of course…I love adding some more black to my wardrobe!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Ruffles

A huge assortment in size and textures of ruffles were all over the runway and street style this year at New York Fashion Week. Melissa and I had a few conversations about how to add ruffles into our wardrobes. Neither of us are very ‘frilly’ but after extensive shopping (oh shucks!) we both found a found a ruffle that fits our style. Just remember that ruffles are their own accessory…so keep the rest of your look sleek and classic!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Fortunately ruffles are an easy trend to track down. I scored with this top covering 3 trends in one. Vertical stripes, reconstructed oxford + ruffles. I was drawn to this one because it was a more structured way to wear ruffles.
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Deconstructed oxfords

I mentioned this in the above image. The classic button down got updated! Keeping the stripes but having a little fun with the otherwise stiff and mature classic.

My inspiration:
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Beige
We see a lot of beige coming from Yeezy + the Kardashian clan but it’s a color that not many can pull off…especially when it’s beige on beige on beige! I chose to have a ‘pop’ of beige. At least we have the option this season to go with a neutral hue or chase a neon!
My inspiration:
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My version:
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Cut outs

For those that love the present cut out trend, have no fear, it’s sticking around another season. Jason Wu, Proenza Schouler + Marissa Webb were just a few to continue the Fall 2016 trend. There are a lot of cut outs out there but I struggle finding ones that I can confidently pull off. The cut out I chose was a more subtle alternative to baring skin that isn’t ready for the world to see!

My inspiration:nyfw17_0013

My version:

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Flashdance shoulder

Last season the cold shoulder trend caught on like hot cakes. The version brought to you by Tibi, and Monse this season were limited to one shoulder and Rodarte, Prabal Gurung and Tome brought us a flashback to Flashdance. Finding something with only the one shoulder cut out was proving to be a challenge, so I just opted for a dress that I could choose to either expose both shoulders or just pull down the one shoulder and be on trend, holla!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Vertical Stripes


We all know vertical stripes are a flattering option so I’m down with this trend never going out of season! Thanks to Altuzarra and Banana Republic, stripes were boldly represented on the runway. The stores were packed with this trend! I had a hard time picking just one, so of course I didn’t! I ended up leaving the store with a couple of varieties of this trend much to the dismay of my savings account. Better luck next time future savings!

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Garden Party

Nothing says spring better than floral and Tanya Taylor, Tibi and Lela Rose splashed down the runways with it! Although it’s nothing new, no ground breaking trends here, I’m totally cool with adding this colourful and cheerful trend into my otherwise black, grey and white wardrobe! I picked up this dress at Winner’s for 5$! Totes was stoked on this purchase and I can see myself reaching for it often.

My inspiration:

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My version:

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Special mention- The color yellow is having its season this spring. Shades from a light baby yellow to a bright daffodil yellow. Unfortunately all the stores have right now is a fall friendly mustard yellow. If you have a fabulous yellow option for us..post it in the comments! We would love to see what you have!

Inspiration:

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Karissa + Haley

Flashback to spring!

Karissa + I had talked about doing another shoot after we had so much fun with our fall shoot at the Arboretum in Seattle. The cherry blossoms at UW were Karissa’s next location choice. I had never really been on campus before and was blown away by its beauty. It’s a busy spot for many reasons but the blossoms were worth dodging the students + spectators for!

Just before heading out for our shoot Karissa’s mom whipped up these two lovely flower crowns for us to use. Talented, no?!  Thanks girls for putting your beautiful selves in front of my lens!

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not all who wander are lost. 

It’s that time again when the moving trucks arrive, all our belongings are packed and we move onto another new exciting place. New adventures. New friends. New places to explore. Lots of stress. Lots of excitement. All mixed into a few months.
This summer my family is packing up and moving to the Portland, OR. Wayne got a great faculty position at a small university…so if anyone is looking to geek out and take a biology course…I know a great (and super cute) prof. We will do our best to ‘Keep Portland Weird’!
Melissa and her squad are headed off to sunny Palm Springs, CA. David got a great hospital management job down there, so if anyone needs…oh wait…his job is similar to Chandler Bing…no one knows what he ACTUALLY does…but it’s very important, I’m sure. I am anxiously awaiting the gorgeous photos Melissa will take and hopefully post here of the beautiful and unique scenery down there.
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Vanessa is slaying it in Regina (although we keep pestering her and Erica about moving down here!). She has full-time work at the hospital as a Cytotechnologist, great friends and an amazing closet of clothes! I’m pretty sure her part-time job is trying out coffee shops and brunching….who’s jealous!? I AM!!!!

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We have an amazing group of readers and we love sharing our lives and photos with you all. We appreciate you checking out our site, all your comments and private messages. That being said…with all the craziness of moving we need to take a break from posting for the next month or so. Just until we get our feet on the ground…and unpack the camera gear!
…so…if you have any great spots in Regina, Palm Springs or Portland that you recommend we check out…Post in the comments! and remember to follow us on Instagram: @melissapetaysphotography and @vanpetays
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