Dear Snapshot Fashion...

One of my favorite things about having a blog is when I hear from readers. Whether it be content feedback, info on new trends/designers, or emails regarding style advice...I love it all. That engagement between blogger and reader is what keeps me going.

I got an email from a reader the other day requesting some style advice, and thought I'd share an excerpt from it along with my tips.

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Hi Diane,

My name is Amanda and I'm a twenty six year old dance teacher from Chicago, I teach mostly ballet and some tap and jazz. Sooo at work I don't get to dress up as I'm in my dance attire and outside of work I am stuck in a total rut consisting of jeans, leggings and boots. I made a New Years resolution that I will greatly expand my wardrobe and start wearing dresses and skirts as much as I can and also try to get away from black and add more color. Being in Chicago it gets very cold and windy here so tights are a must with any skirt or dress but I feel like that's good because it adds another accessory and color to add to my outfit. I came up with some outfits I was thinking of trying but really need your guidance and opinion. Any help would be much appreciated.

-Amanda

The four outfits Amanda is needing some advice on are: outerwear and legwear options to pair with a floral romper (other than black), shoes to finish off a pale pink and pastel green look, a cozy sweater dress and knit tights look, and pieces on finishing off a black leather skirt/red tights look. Let me tell you something Amanda...I am so impressed with your outfit ideas!

I feel like I am in the same boat as you are: always wearing black. It's a tough habit to break, as black is so easy, chic, and on trend. Colors can be tricky. But I have to say I have been adding more and more colors to my looks thus far this year, and it just adds something more to your outfits.

OUTFIT #1- Romper/Tights/Outerwear

Yes I think pairing a black leather jacket and black tights would be the most simple option. But you can totally make this more fun with color. Draw colors from the floral romper. If you have a romper with purple and blue flowers wear some purple tights and a navy jacket. A simple switch like that will make your outfit look so much more interesting.

OUTFIT #2- Pairing Shoes with Pastel Hues

This is definitely a bit trickier, as you don't want to come across looking like an Easter egg! I would recommend doing either of the following: match your shoes to your tights or wear a metallic flat. Metallic shoes are actually very much on trend right now, and the best thing is they go with practically everything! 

OUTFIT #3- Sweater Dress & Knit Tights

I love the idea of this combo together...but I would be careful. I've tried something similar in the past and depending on the cut of the dress it can get caught up in the knit tights...leaving you in an embarrassing situation. My suggestion is that if you are going to pair these two that you have the sweater dress be a little more on the loose side.

OUTFIT #4- Leather + Red

I love red and black together. Now I know you said you are trying to get away from wearing black...but I would totally do a classic black high heel and a sexy black top with this. To top it all off I would put on my absolute favorite creme lip stain in Always Red.

Amanda, I hope my suggestions helped a little. I'd love to see your final looks!

For all of my other readers, if you have any fashion questions or are in the need for style tips feel free to email me at: snapshotfashion@gmail.com

Butterfly in the Sky

I'm absolutely in love with this dress from Brooklyn Industries. Not only is it absolutely adorable, but my husband picked it up for me as part of my Valentine's Day gift. I could care less about jewelry...he knows the way to my heart (besides his cooking) is by expanding my wardrobe.

dress- Brooklyn Industries, booties- ASOS

Not only is this dress covered with an adorable butterfly/insect print, but I love that I can wear it in the spring or summer and to work or casually when at home.

I could have easily worn a nude, brown, or navy shoe with this dress...but that would just be so boring! Why would I do that when I could totally jazz it up a little with some hot pink booties!?!?! Pulling another color from the dress and pairing it with my footwear just elevates the look.

Thinking Spring

This weekend has me dreaming of spring!

plaid coat- She + Sky, sparkle high top sneakers- Vans, tee- H&M, jeans- Highline Collective, hat and sunglasses- Urban Outfitters

The beautiful blue sky, pretty flowers at every bodega I pass, and almost 60 degree temps make me think that we have gotten (almost) through winter without much snow. Hooray! All this paired with some bright colors (can you believe I'm not in black?!), have made me feel super cheery and excited for my three day weekend.

My day kicked off with a lovely walk around my neighborhood, a stop at a local bakery for an amazing sweet treat for breakfast (I had a passion fruit donut...need I say more?!?!), and some fun photos while I soaked in the sun.

So last weekend I picked up this adorable coat at a local boutique in Williamsburg. I walked into the store for a candle and saw this beauty on the sale rack. The last one. Marked half off! When I went to the register the girl working there told me how much she loved this coat and was hoping it would hang around until her boss would finally gift it to her. I left there apologizing...but, sorry not sorry! I absolutely love it!

And then there are these sparkle sneakers! Another great find that I got for half off at a local shop in my hood. Okay, I'm not going to lie, I wish they had my size...these are 1/2 a size smaller than I normally wear. But they were too cute to pass up!

I bet you all didn't think I would stick to my new year's resolution of trying to wear some brighter and bolder colors. As you can see, I'm really trying to stick to it!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

NYFW- Gemy Maalouf

Gemy Maalouf's presentation at the Bowery Hotel last night was was an elegant affair that was perfectly choreographed. Full of sequins, tulle, and lace...this collection had something for everyone.The dresses were so beautiful, it made Gail and I say how much we wished we had an elegant occasion to wear them to. Sigh...maybe one day.

I took these photos with my phone last night. They are just a few of my favorite looks from her collection. Isn't that dress in the bottom right image with the bow straps beautiful? My favorite look of the night!

NYFW- Anastasiia Ivanova

I was so happy to have the opportunity to stop by Anastasiia Ivanova's presentation last night. My good friend Gail joined me at the show in SoHo. It was so wonderful to see these designs up close. The colors and prints incorporated in these feminine designs left me wanting more...and really left me wanting to get a number of these pieces in my closet! 

imgs from Press Release

Anastasiia Ivanova states-

 The Collection is divided into 3 blocks. The first block is a combination of modern art geometry and classy silhouettes. The complicated texture of French jacquard and gentle eco chamois are interpreted in a very feminine way. Comfort and elegance are features found in every piece of the block.

If you have an eye-for-style, you will definitely love the second clock with its ribbed bohemian textured chiffon and detailed sophisticated cut. Color palette- is a main part of the story. Infinity, wisdom, calmness and profundity, all these are the meanings of the blue color, which is transmitted into fabric's ornamentation.

The third part of the collection praises femininity and grace. It is about more graphical and refined silhouettes, maxi dresses and pattern inspired by rebellious Van Gogh stokes. This part is the perfect treat for women wanting to feel fragile and in the same time fabulous.