STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

Peplum is a unique cut that has been very popular on runways this year. It is lady-like and has an extremely flattering shape. Essentially, it serves the function of a tea dress in the way that it highlights the waist, except that as a shirt it can be worn in a variety of ways whether with a pencil skirt or variously colored pants. This Fashionista styled her peplum top with black jeans and boots creating a perfect fall outfit. The white polka-dots pop in contrast with the dark shirt and pant color, especially in contrast with the warm boot color as well.

Polka-dots are also making a comeback this year, looking sweet and animated on blouses, dresses and even pants. This classic pattern is eye catching and definitely a pattern that adds dimension and class to an article of clothing as simple as a T-shirt. Anyone looking to keep their wardrobe simple this semester need look no further; a polka-dot pattern is an accessory in itself.

If you aren’t sure that polka-dots are your thing, Anthropologie sells a peplum top with a unique shape pattern. For different material, Madewell’s silk peplum top could get you through dressy occasions for the rest of the school year. If you don’t like layering, Zara sells long-sleeved peplum shirts for cooler weather. For subtler colors and pattern, the Irish company A Wear sells a beige and white-colored polka-dot peplum. For even more pop, ASOS sells a peplum in candy apple red.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

Spots, blots and polka-dots. A trend that seems to be oh so hot. Last week in fashion, Marc Jacobs shared more of Louis Vuitton's artist collaborations by working with Yayoi Kusama, a designer known for her dots. Nevertheless, I’m truly obsessed (rhyme intended) with this Fashionista’s Kate Spade inspired ensemble. Besides the circular printed perfection, the tie-waist bow makes this dress another one of my next personal purchases. She makes this cocktail dress casual cool paired with a simple cardigan and gold metallic Jack Rogers, but you could also try it with a peep toe black patent leather pump, like this Gucci pair, and you’ll turn this spotted look from day to night.

Polka-dots are a print that never seem to go out of style. Celebrities and designers were “Falling into Polka Dots” last year in high fashion and yet today, they are still rocking the classy design. Fashionologie reports about the “Six seasons of Polka Dot pants“, showing that this trend is here to stay. Just look at stars like Jessica Alba and her simple polka dress or stunner Emily Blunt and her more abstract take on the trend.

This Fashionista’s accessories are very preppy and feminine. Her David Yurman bracelets with signature matching Albion ring are classic pieces to invest in as well as her Louis Vuitton monogrammed Neverfull, a bag you literally can never fill. But how could you not love her super fun and eccentric headband (similar style option 1/option 2). With the bow like folding and feather accents, it makes for a statement.

I’ve always been writing about playing with your closet and trying new trends, but most importantly I think it has always been about standing out with your own style. This Fashionista has truly defined this concept by taking a trend and making it her own. So for this week, take a risk with fashion. Try a print, splurge with color or buy a cute accessory such as a funky headband and be bold. Just maybe you’ll end up seeing spots and buying some polka-dots!

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

A stripe may be as classic and simple as patterns get, but nothing rivals a polka-dot print in terms of fun, retro flair. No longer reserved for just itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikinis, spotted pieces took center stage on the fall 2011 runway, including an oversized polka-dot on a cutout maxi at Diane von Furstenberg, a ladylike tight at Marc Jacobs and sheer panels at Stella McCartney. With an undeniably energetic vibe, polka-dots are simply impossible to pass up — and this Fashionista’s bright dotted top only confirmed that.

There’s no missing this colorful top. What could have been an obnoxiously loud outfit remained fun and eye-catching, all thanks to the fact that this Fashionista wore the pattern in moderation. Its busy design called for subdued additions like dark skinny jeans, black combat boots and a studded crossbody bag. The black and white polka-dot is classic, but as this stylish gal proves, color doesn’t have to take over.

To take your spotted top from day to night, keep things girly with confidence to spare. Try the blouse tucked into a pleated leather mini with black tights and heeled booties. Want to tone down the ‘tude just a bit? Go for some cropped slacks and a metallic belt. The resurgence of polka dots has made them available in hundreds of different styles, hues and garments. Take advantage, and get creative with your spots this season.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

I am personally very infatuated with all of the different retro trends. I am personally not sure if I can pull of them myself, but always seem to be appealed to those who are able to come full circle in the fashion trends. This season one retro print that seems to be having a strong comeback are Polk-a-dots. For instance She & Him artist Zooey Deschanel’s personal style is the essence of retro and is able to accomplish this polka a dot trend in fun flirty way. More than ever this retro trend seems to be revived in a more sophisticated way. When I spotted this Fashionista on a lazy Friday afternoon, I pounced at the chance to talk to her and how she was able to take this retro revival trend into one of her own.

First, her ability to pull of two dominant trends this fall is something that we should all takes note on. This Fashionista’s Torn by Ronny Kobo oversized sweater was a fabulous way in order to take her own approach to this retro print. This helped give this trend a more simplistic and friendlier approach to be able to master it. This white and black ensemble was a perfect way to appeal to the colored denim trend. These red skinny jeans have been featured over every style watch blog known to mankind in the recent months.

I was personally very impressed by this trendsetter’s capability to pull off both of these trends in such a chic manner. Many different designers have been catching the Polk-a-Dot train wagon such as Marc Jacobs, Nannette Lepore and Miu Miu. It is easier than ever to recreate this Fashionista’s outfit or take your own spin on the Polka Dots. This can be found in virtually any article of clothing or accessory this season reigning from a blouse to a funky turban.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

From the fall 2011 runways to the red carpet, polka-dots have been appearing everywhere! This season’s biggest trend will have you seeing spots. You may have sported spots as a child, but the recent creations by Rodarte, Marc Jacobs and Stella McCartney prove that dots are anything but amateur. The look is easy to wear and can be downplayed or intensified to fit your personal preference and style. For a mild interpretation of the trend, I suggest a pair of polka-dot stockings or a structured evening bag. If you desire intensity, dive into dots with pieces that feature exaggerated takes on the trend by choosing pieces with bright colors, extra large polka-dots or laser cut detailing like this dress by David Koma.

These friendly Fashionistas were spotted on campus celebrating the warmest, and sadly one of the last, days of summer. Both ladies demonstrate the versatility of the polka-dot trend with two different takes on polka-dots in similar shades of blue. One Fashionista embraces the style in a tailored sundress, while the other wears the look with high-waist pants and a wrap top. Their accessories add an interesting pop, such as the bright blue messenger bag and the cat-eye such glasses (another large trend this fall, get the look here). The Fashionistas are covered in different variations of the large summer trend; jelly shoes. One Fashionista wears cut out clear sandals for an interesting illusion, while the other dons shiny neon flats to complement her bold bag. Together these two display the largest trends of both summer and fall, and look as if they stepped off the pages of Vogue.

There are many ways to embrace this trend and there are many different styles at various price points. I suggest this Forever 21 dress and these ASOS ballet flats, for the a budget friendly option, however my favorite polka-dotted piece of the season is this sexy Stella McCartney cut out worn by Kate Winslet and other celebs.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots!

Fall trends and fresh sartorial creativity are synonymous with the beginning of the school year. However, with an early start last week McGill Fashionistas had to incorporate fall trends while surviving the summer heat that has not yet subsided.

Today's Fashionista proves that the polka dots we have seen all over the Fall 2011 runways is appropriate for campus. No longer is a spotted dress associated with your first day of kindergarten dress. Marc Jacobs used dots in a big way, letting the pattern speak for itself on ladylike skirts and high necked blouses. Diane Von Furstenburg also showed polka dot turtlenecks and frill-free pencil skirts. The way this week's fashionista uses the pattern with a ladylike blouse in fact makes jean shorts a little more refined, perfect for stopping at the library before heading home. The key to making her blouse work are the neatly cuffed shorts, skinny belt and slouchy red cardigan.

As the air gets cooler, this Fashionista can mix up her polka dotted blouse with a similarly sized graphic pattern and some lace tights. To achieve a similar look, ASOS has a range of schoolteacher blouses like this graphic silk that are anything but childish.

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STYLE ADVICE OF THE WEEK: Seeing Spots

As the weather begins to warm up and the sun starts to shine, all around campus the forecast is for more skin, sundresses and short shorts. This Fashionista chose instead to pull out this lovely number, which caught my eye as soon as I saw it.

As spring comes into full bloom, most girls chose to pull out florals and bright colors. This polka dot pattern is a great way to stand out from the typical outfits seen on campus at this time. The shape and cut of the dress, with its long sleeves and the bow tied loosely around this Fashionista’s neck, is reminiscent of the 1960s. Even though the sleeves are longer and the hemline slightly on the conservative side, the fabric is still light enough to be cool and perfect for this springtime sunshine we’ve been experiencing.

To get this Fashionista’s look, look for something similar to this adorable dress. For other retro-inspired looks, take a look around ModCloth. This website has become one of my favorites to browse recently. Polka dot clothing can have a tendency to be cute and quirky, so its a fun way to mix up your spring wardrobe.