Even though I went to a Catholic college, I never dressed like a typical Catholic school girl. This Fall if I was still in school, I could dress the part and be on trend as well! Prep attire is back with the same styles as a few years back, along with a few new added looks to keep the trends fresh. I’ve chosen a few of the things I think every preppy “It” girl should own to feel smart and studious!

What better way to dress the part than with sweaters of various sorts! I love oversize cardigans especially as transitional pieces to layer into the colder seasons. This one by Madewell is a great earth tone color and the perfect length as well.

Go a little more nautical with this blue and white cardi or a shorter cropped style!

This Rugby by Ralph Lauren sweater is the picture of private school:

Another great way to rock a sweater is to add a sweater vest over a colored shirt, polo, dress, or tighter fit sweater

An iconic blazer is another school girl staple. Madewell has so many options this season, like this classic black boyfriend blazer or a more casual look with this grey jersey version:

One of my must-haves right now is a navy blue blazer, boyfriend, or cropped it doesn’t matter I just need one!

My best friend and I were shopping last weekend at Forever 21 and we saw this Harvard Dad sweatshirt and both really loved it, even though neither of us ever went to Harvard we thought it may be fun to pretend we did!

Now what will you carry your belongings in while walking those busy halls in between classes along with all your books? My favorite designer, Marc Jacobs has a great option with this tan turnlock bag.

Alexander Wang has also been designing AMAZING bags, I just wish I could afford one! This olive colored leather duffel could fit all your personal necessities along with school supplies all in one!

Let Them Eat Cake makes and adorable vegan handbag that is on my wish list.

Oxfords in all heights and colors are so HOTT right now! I recommend one in a heel/bootie style and a pair of flats. These suede oxford pumps by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent are great for work, a casual day, and even a dressier affair.

Or choose a more masculine yet feminine take and go for the more traditional version with these styles:

No prepster would be complete without a pair of chino or khaki colored pants or capris. I like this skinny chino by J Brand or this pleated DKNY pant!

Be sure to become a “Follower” of Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com to receive $10 off anything at Fred Boutique!!

As I was shopping at the mall last week (which I prefer not to do very often because of the unoriginality of it all) I noticed that every store had an immense amount of military/army inspired pieces. Some things were cute and others were a little too G.I Jane for me, but nonetheless I have found some pieces that I wouldn’t mind going to bootcamp in.

For a more dressed up look of this trend, this top by Alice + Olivia is perfect with a pair of black shorts or pants and a patent, nude heel!

Need something to carry your girly military essentials in? Go for this Botkier bag for a little more stylish look or for more casual look sling on this army messenger.

I absolutely love this double tier cargo skirt! I would pair it with a white tank or a white flutter sleeve tee tucked in. Add some gold jewelry and the perfect pair of shoes and you’ll be one HOTT soldier!

This Elizabeth and James army green corset is versatile and sexy! Wear it with a skirt, shorts or even a pair of harem pants or capris.

Looking for a more played down way to work this trend? Try a pair of these Diane Von Furstenberg cargos, Current/Elliott skinny cargo, or this green burnout tee!

Every girl needs a dress they can carry over into all seasons and this Foley + Corinna dress is it! Change the look by adding a longer boyfriend cardigan, cropped jacket, or khaki colored vest.

If your looking for just a little added touch go this pair of Jeffrey Campbell flats or this Jenny Bird chain necklace.

Transitional pieces are starting to pop up everywhere to get us through ever changing weather from season to season. This Pencey field jacket is a perfect lighter option for weather that isn’t too warm or too cold. Or go for this sleeveless trench by Torn by Ronny Kobo and wear it with a long tank, dress, or a fitted long sleeved solid colored top!

 Stay updated on everything in the world of fashion by clicking on “followers” and sign-up to get weekly alerts from Fashion Speak! Another reason to start following? You receive a $10 off coupon for Fred Boutique as well, AWESOME! And keep an eye out for an all NEW Fredboutique.com coming soon, with merchandise available to purchase ONLINE!!

It has taken me a while to actually admit I like how animal prints and references are used in every aspect of the fashion realm. I think it has something to do with the fact that designers and brands have stepped in up and broken away from the typical skimpy leopard print ensembles that are shall we say, a little stripper-esque? I have done my research and found some fabulous pieces that will take you into the wild!

 I am LOVING this brighter take on the leopard print in this dress by Diane Von Furstenberg. Perfect for a night out with a simple, but stunning pair of heels!

For a more casual affair I love this romper also by Diane Von Furstenberg with a pair of gladiator sandal; also, throw on a fedora for a chic day look!

And this long beachy dress by the designer is picture perfect for those hott summer nights!

This snakeskin inspired diagonal/off-the-shoulder dress by Laila Azhar is also perfect for a dressier occasion or for when you want to vamp-up the sexy factor a bit!

This other take on the faux snake skin look by Rachel Roy is a dress up or dress down top. Pair it with a pair of black or tan shorts or slip on some Daisy Dukes for a simple, laid back look.

Now since I am a vegan I have to mention the animal friendly fashion. Recently I went to a vegan fashion show/event in Chicago and discovered a designer brand called, Vaute Couture. They are an eco-friendly, animal friendly brand and I am now obsessed! I looove these tanks, so cute and affordably priced!

I also loved this necklace by them as well:

They make great jackets for the colder weather and the most adorable flirty dresses that are a new addition for the company.

This trend doesn’t stop at clothing though, accessories are a great way to add just the right amount to an outfit if you don’t want to wear the look as a statement. I love this CC Skye bracelet. It’s a life saver for that extra oomph for any occasion!

I still want to get my hands on a double ring and this particular snake ring is glam! Fred Boutique has MANY accessories and always has a few great animal jewelry pieces at the BEST prices!!

Animal prints and patterns are so sexy on shoes, and a fantastic way to attract attention to your hott tootsies if your outfit is a little dull. Snake skins, leopard print, get one of each! My personal fav is this pair by Giuseppe Zanotti platform booties; with a pair of black shorts and the right top…PERFECTION!

What do you wear on those gloomy rainy days if you want to still be fashion forward? Rain boots! And a pair of Hunter faux snake skin ones at that, awesome!

Be sure to become a “Follower” of Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com to receive $10 off anything at Fred Boutique!!

Skin tones galore is what I’ve been seeing in every store and every fashion magazine. I haven’t seen the trend pick up so much on the streets as of yet, but hopefully this week’s blog will inspire you to go walk around in the nude!

Although we are in the warmer months of the year, being outside by the lake or outside at night can get a little chilly so a girl needs a cute way to warm up; a cropped bomber jacket is the answer! This nude bomber is perfect to put on over a dress, tank and shorts or a fun summer romper, very Top Gun.

Looking for an easy outfit that is complete in one step? Get yourself a nude jumpsuit! Merchandise it up with a long stunning necklace, cuff, and a pair of wedges or platforms. This off-the-shoulder Narcisco Rodriguez jumpsuit is IDEAL and far from plain and boring.

Now to the fashion subject that I have such an obsession with I should be put in shoe-holics anonymous! I really loved Jeffrey Campbell about 2 years ago and then the styles kind of went BLAH, but now I seem to want EVERY single pair! I love these booties and this pair of wedges. They are so great because they are high quality for a low cost! I also love these sling-back clogs by Michael Kors and these nude lace-up oxfords with a pair of boyfriend Bermuda shorts and a great tee. Fred Boutique has shoes again and come Fall the store website will have shoes available online, yay!

If you don’t want to take the trend to an extreme or make a big investment staying on trend, KAIN has great nude tees and tanks that are everyday styles and cheap! Try a halter or lace top if you want step it up a bit.

I think that this flesh tone color looks best and sexiest when it’s dressed up for an occasion. For example this dress Grecian dress, a rosette style dress, or this draped skirt by Thakoon:

This Rebecca Minkoff dress is a little more edgy but still very SEXY and this peplum dress is great for a rehearsal dinner, or any semi-formal affair!

Be sure to become a “Follower” of Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com to receive $10 off anything at Fred Boutique!!

Bohemian is one of my favorite styles to wear any day of the year. So easy to throw on and looks great without trying too hard. We know knits are always around during the Fall and Winter, but now we can strut our stuff in lighter crochet knits for the Summer, YAY! Grab anything in this trend from hats, dresses, tops, and even shoes!

One accessory I think EVERY girl needs no matter the temp outside, is a crochet knit beret. Any color you want, just get one!!

This dress by Bridit Catiis is a great go-to! Wear it to a casual wedding, outdoor event, or slip in on over a swimsuit and wear it to the beach:

If you haven’t noticed by now, I really love VESTS!! Any material, color, or style BUT to keep with this trend, this particular one is so different and a fun new way to play with this look

Free People is a great brand to grab anything that is boho-style and this cami can be worn as a more casual day piece, or wear it at night to an event where dressing up is NOT required.

This crochet dress by Herve Leger was a little unexpected coming from the designer who usually only does the “bandage” style dresses, but you can see a resemblance to his signature pieces in this UBER-SEXY ensemble! Wear it on a hott date OR for a night out of cocktails trying to pick-up a future date!

These two tanks I love paired with black shorts, black pants, denim shorts, or jeans. They are so versatile, making them a great top to take from day to night in a flash!

Let’s finish this off with some fabulous footwear. I have to say that I usually don’t like the sight of the typical, overly trendy “Tory Burch Ballet Flats” but these are out of the ordinary and I would love a pair. Props to Tory Burch for changing it up and designing for the boho lovers!

Make sure to become a “follower” of my blog, Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com to receive a $10 off coupon at Fred Boutique!!

I have to say I was pretty shocked to see that all of these recent “down on the farm” fashion trends are back for the Spring. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE some of these trends, and others I am shocked that they even allow some of them to walk down any given runway! (cough, long denim skirts, cough). Flannel and plaid are always one of my favs and I love that they are in dress form this season!

Speaking of, I love this James Perse dress and this other one by Juicy Couture. So easy breezy and can be worn with a great pair of flats or short western style boots.

I also like this tie-up plaid top by Splendid, perfect with patchwork or distressed denim to wear to one of the many amazing country concerts this Summer!

Now let me just show you an example of the dreaded Amish looking denim skirts I mentioned before… this one by Nanette Lepore is just not okay! I love her designs, but I may have lost a little respectful for her after seeing this hot mess of fabric.

This skirt by Brian Reyes is okay atleast it has some design to add a little more flaire to it.

This skirt by LaRok skirt is super cute and would look adorable with this Rebecca Taylor eyelet bustier tucked into it.

Pair it with a great pair of cork wedges like these Marc by Marc Jacobs and your ready to grab your partner for a crazy hoe-down!

Shorts are finally in at Fred and we have a pair that look VERY similar to these Sunner shorts but at a fraction of the cost. And we always have a variety of rompers which are great for a comfy day look and other styles that can be worn with some fabulous heels for a night out!

The denim pieces I do like are denim vests and shirts, when worn the right way!  I am a HUGE fan of William Rast and no not just because Justin Timberlake is one of the designers. The jeans and tops can be a little pricey but MORE than worth it!  Looks great paired with lighter colored denim or a pair of white skinnys!

This denim vest by Genetic denim is the perfect way to a country-up an outfit. I love how it looks with a shorter floral or paisley dress or pair it with a romper as well..yeee haw!

White is the color to wear when trying to feel the country vibe. Whether it just be plain white with ruffled sleeves, white with a floral print, or an eyelet material it can make any girl feel innocent.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress is adorable and would look even better paired with a brown or black leather gladiator sandal OR this pair by Elizabeth & James!

This dress by Juicy Couture with a pair of worn in boots like these makes for a great look for day or a casual party:

Pencey has this floral dress you can wear for a dressier event. Slip on a pair of black booties and you’re ready for the night! Now go out and get yourself something cowgirl inspired and mix and match to make it your own!

Accessories are such an important part to every outfit. I myself have so much fun with this that I have run out of ways and organizational methods to tame the chaos! Right now statement necklaces are still very on trend but in a more heavy metal way. Chains, chains, and MORE chains all meshed together to create a stand-out reaction! They come in silver, gold, silver & gold and some even have pearls and other embellishments to look even more fabulous. These are great for any plain, basic outfit pair with a solid color tank and destroyed bottoms of your choice OR add a blazer to the look for a dressier occasion. Thank God for Fred and our HUGE selection of accessories! We have a variety of lengths, colors, and styles of these rocker-esque must-haves so don’t wait…get one NOW!

Every year and pretty much every season it seems like distressed denim shows up in some form, but now I would say it goes beyond distressed and more like shredded! In all honesty, any one of us could probably just take and old pair of our jeans and cut and shred to our desired amount. But there is something about these mangled bottoms that make me want to give in and buy a pair. This pair by Cheap Monday would be great on the weekends for going out to brunch or running errands.

And these distressed bermuda shorts make me want to grab my flips flops and BIG sunnies and hit the beach! I REALLY love this pair by Current/Elliot because you could pair them with a dressier top and wear them for a night out or make it more casual with a white top, chain necklace and be totally rocker chic! These jeans by Madewell are beyond distressed and ripped… they look like they have been thrown in a fire, but I am still oddly drawn to them:

These jeans by Madewell are beyond distressed and ripped… they look like they have been thrown in a fire, but I am still oddly drawn to them.

When the warm weather hits, you of course need a few great skirts and this one by Sass & Bide is one of them! Might be a little scandalous with the ripped areas riding a little high, but so sexy and statement making at the same time.

As for dresses in this trend go… sadly I haven’t found many that I really like! I bought one from Topshop last Fall and loved it and got so many compliments on it and it’s pretty awesome that I can still wear it through the Spring. I really like this dress by American Retro, but I feel like it is a more of a transitional from winter to Spring piece….maybe a month or two ago, not approaching May. OR you can buy it now and wear it again in the Fall.

My favorite category of this trend is the tops and lightweight sweaters! They are all flowy, edgy, chic, and easy to slip on and get out the door. RVCA’s newer line by “Erin Wasson X RVCA” is great… this sweater is on my list of “need to buy ASAP” it looks great with skinny jeans, leggings, and even shorts while not being too heavy for the higher temps!

Vests are still a huge trend and in my opinion look the best in the Summer months because it shows off vest and always look better with a tan! This crochet vest by Free People is perfect for music festivals or just for a lunch date!

Alexander Wang who is one of my favorite designers makes this super cute sweater which can be worn as a casual top or dress it up with black skinny jeans and heels for night.

Stop into Fred to check-out all of our BRAND NEW Merchandise for Spring and get ready for SHOES in just a few short weeks, Yay!!

AND check out www.fredboutique.com to stay updated on all things fashion EVERY WEEK in Fashion Speak and become and sign-up to become a “follower” to receive $10 off your next purchase!

What girl doesn’t dream about dressing up in an AMAZING dress that costs more than your car or a year’s rent? Just the thought of slipping on a piece designed by the likes of Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, Armani Prive, or Versace accessorized with a great pair of Louboutins makes me feel like a little kid on Christmas day! So, I wanted to dedicate this blog to ogling over my favorite masterpieces from the Met Gala, which to me has better fashion every year than any award show.

This dress that Anne Hathaway wore by Valentino makes her look like she should be back in the Princess Diaries or spinning around in circles in one of those jewelry boxes we all had when we were little and still may have today for the memories and I LOVE IT!

In my eyes Eva Longoria can do no wrong because she is nauseatingly beautiful and she doesn’t disappoint in this Marchesa dress:

Jennifer lopez sometimes takes too much of a chance when it comes to the world of fashion, but this dress by Zuhair Murad and her olive skin are a match made in heaven!

I love this dress! And usually if I just saw the dress I probably wouldn’t look twice, but it is designed by my all time FAVORITE, Marc Jacobs and Nicole Richie is a style icon for me too so what else can I say…

Now I have to say this dress is a disappointment and also made by Marc Jacobs who usually does not get anything wrong, but I was even more upset to see my idol, Rachel Zoe looking so NOT put together….she’s is no doubt still the best of the best!

Sienna Miller always has such a great edgy and boho style all the time which inspires me. This dress by Emilio Pucci she wore at the Met was sort for flapper-esque and a little bohemian at the same time, SEXY!

And lastly, Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage. She looks gorgeous and Grecian and always makes me think she IS Carrie Bradshaw. I get even MORE excited about the second movie whenever I see her and yes, I have already bought my midnight show tickets.

Now we may not all be as fortunate and wealthy enough to wear these pieces a few times a year to amazing events, but THANKFULLY we have Fred Boutique that has a fully stocked “dress attic” to cater to any occasion you need to go to throughout the year. We won’t let you walk out the door without a dress that makes you look prepared to walk the red carpet!

*Don’t forget to check out www.fredboutique.com!!

One of the best parts to the Summer for me is going out on the lake, getting a tan, and being with friends. Around here we can’t really go out on huge yachts, but we can still look fabulous and dress the nautical part all while sipping some cheap bubbly on a boat! The nautical trend seems to come around every other year in one area of the fashion realm or the other, but this Summer we are surrounded by everything sea inspired.

They say horizontal stripes are the least flattering style on anyone no matter how skinny the person is, but I completely DISAGREE! It depends on the colors used and the style of the top. I love this crop nautical stripe top from Bop basics. It looks great with denim shorts or with a dark denim trouser.

This dressier striped dress by Thread Social is perfect for a beach party, beach wedding or a party on a boat.

Pair it with a pair of tan and white wedge sandals like these Sigerson Morrison pair and your ready to set sail!

This two-piece Thayer dress is a dress that I am OBSESSED with! It is more casual so it can be worn to pretty much anything and with heels or sandals to complete the look.

Fred has many different variations of the nautical top at an always GREAT price so you can feel even better as you work this trend! We have to talk accessories because trends are like a story and is never complete without a chapter on accessories! A few years ago the anchor jewelry on necklaces was really popular and it’s back once again and I’m happy to see it. This necklace was featured in the newest People Style Watch and I fell in love with this necklace. The gold and crystal embellishments with the stars along the chain add extra appeal and would look great with striped shorts and a flowy white silk tank.

And what girl doesn’t need a handbag?! This messenger bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs is perfect for holding your beach essentials as well as your daily essentials!

OR Opt for this perfect straw tote by Antik Batik and a pair of shades and hit the beach or the boardwalk!

Although you may need to have to really concentrate on your balance, you CAN wear wedges and platform heels in the sand or on a boat! This pair by Rosegold are probably the easiest to wear and can be worn for a dressy or casual occasion.

I also LOVE these Michael Kors platform sandals that would look amazing in a hott swimsuit and top it off with a straw hat and a pair of classic Ray Bans and you’re the image of beach PERFECTION!

Now slather on that SPF, grab a cocktail, and get NAUTICAL!!

-Katie Schuppler, Style Maven for Fred Boutique

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