The edgier trends are a thing of the past this Spring and femininity is the way to go. Whether your a little girl playing with dolls in her bedroom or a successful business women, one little detail never overstays it’s welcome, BOWS! They are on everything right now, big, small, bright, or toned down there is a perfect bow for every girly girl out there.

Start simple with accessories. Even if your personal style isn’t over-the-top feminine, a small version of this trend is just the right amount!

Try a piece form Marc by Marc Jacobs with pretty little bows in silver or gold.

Ships ahoy stylish sailors! The color of the deep blue sea is the latest trend to hit the streets and it is literally everywhere. From blazers to handbags to trousers and blouses choose your favorite option. Navy is a rich jewel tone that will make anyone look glam!

This color is great for the work week, try this navy with gold cardigan blazer by Milly

or this Ella Moss blazer

Add just a touch of this trend with a platform pump by Dolce Vita

or this more sophisticated pump by Kate Spade

For a day look or a more casual night out on the town choose this sexy back top by Gryphon

or wrap on a cozy dark blue scarf by Rag & Bone to bundle up in

Pair this long basic maxi dress and this crop leg jumpsuit with a fitted leather jacket in either black, mauve, or tan and your outfit is easily kicked up to the next level!

If your in need of a dress for an upcoming occasion why not wear navy? Here are some options to choose from

this feather detail shorter dress by Madison Marcus

Loving this Ruffle sleeve, v-neck dress by Elizabeth & James

and I adore the Bohemian flare to this billowy sleeve dress by Parker

Recently I have been seeing alot of rough around the edges kind of looks for women and not so much of the pretty pink romantic look. Although I have seen a mixture of the two! For example a black tutu, pretty but a little punk rock at the same time. One of my favorite designers William Rast does this very well from season to season with designing with femininity in mind, but still throwing in some leather and denim.

Add a little sexiness to an outfit with these leather fingerless gloves by Juicy Couture or  lace leggings!

Sex it up for night with this lace bustier. Pair it with jeans and a cropped jacket over it and a pair of leopard print pumps

Carry all your necessities in this metallic Halston Heritage clutch or this black feather style

Skin tight metallics remind be of a women playing a villain in a movie, it gives off a little of that bad ass vibe! This Torn by Ronny Kobo dress is a great way to feel bad

Faux fur exudes confidence, class, and mystery. All of theses style below are perfect ways to bring out your inner Cruella Deville (But without the real fur ofcourse)

t’s the weekend and you and the girls are going out but don’t feel like taking the time to get overly dressed up, what will you wear? Try a one shoulder black lace top like this one by Only Hearts

Or a body hugging lace dress like this version by Nightcap

For all these living on the edge styles you have to have a great pair of shoes to complete the outfit. I love these furry booties by Dolce Vita and this lace platform by Report

It’s a little western, a bit bohemian, and a little rough around the edges. Rebellious style is hott and there are so many ways to be a part of this trend. Try some suede boots, anything fringe, studded boots, and something ripped to show off that ruggedness.

 Get ready for some good old line dancing with a pair of these revel Antik Batik Suede boots

or this Frye Engineer boot

Pair either one of those boots with this torn denim shirt by Bec and Bridge

This fur and suede vest by Antik Batik is perfect with jeans

Or wear it with black torn skinny jeans like these by Cheap Monday

and these suede Haute Hippie fringe pants

Grab this vintage fringe wallet bag

or this fringe bucket bag and you’ll be oh so fashionably rebellious!

Just wanting a little bit of this mischievous trend? Grab this Rag and Bone hat and put it on with something casual to add a little extra something to your outfit

Dress up a little bit with this long sleeve velvet blouse by Opening Ceremony 

Or this flared sleeve dress by Parker

And complete the look with this tarnished silver Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff

Usually every week I write about a trend or something in the fashion world that I love or think others should own, but this particular blog post will be dedicated to the not so attractive MAXI SKIRT! Maybe it’s because I am short and could never pull this off or the fact that it reminds me of Little House on the Prairie, these things are pretty awful. There is one exception, if you are a tall and stick thin model, then you have my permission to rock this trend. Take a look!

I love Haute Hippie, but this skirt is a bad mix of a tu-tu and a gypsy skirt all in one bad garment.

LAMB makes this long pencil skirt which is perfect for work with a shirt tucked in and a pair of heels. Make sure to keep you’re body type in mind!

These next 4 pieces are so ugly I just don’t get it. The first one is by LNA, another brand I adore but went wrong with this skirt.

This glimmery velvet skirt by MINKPINK is not how anyone should wear the velvet trend this season.

This Kimberly Ovitz velvet skirt is a better choice if the long skirt thing is your cup of tea.

And everyone knows I love bohemian flare, but this Opening Ceremony fringe skirt is cut-off in a weird place and all wrong.

I actually do like this Rachel Roy skirt because of the sophistication that was put into it. Wear this to a ball, gala, classy holiday event, or any other special occasion.

I think that Rag and Bone took some notes from Marc Jacobs with these northern style, equestrian skirts. I like them on certain people, but mostly only when Marc has them walking the runways!

It’s holiday party season so what to wear? I am loving the glitz and glam choices out there right now. This time of year is where you can have a lot of fun with the over the top looks and be a little more adventurous on the fashion front. Here are some front runners for what you may want to rock this season!

If you are attending a work event or something a little more low-key, try these options from Topshop.com!

For new years, I say go all out and be beyond fabulous with this ballet bustier dressOr this asymmetrical velvet piece

Or this asymmetrical velvet piece

Looking for a little fashion throwback a la Carrie Bradshaw style? This asymmetrical tiered ruffle dress is exactly what you need!

If any of your holiday party plans involve a ball, gala, or other extravagant affair this one shoulder bustle dress would be a great choice

Don’t go anywhere else for your dress or dresses this year, just get to FRED BOUTIQUE! The entire 2^nd level of the store is ALL dresses and such a variety, that you will find one for any and every occasion!

Check Out www.Fredboutique.com and “Follow” our blogs for $10 off at Fred!!

Bundle up with these flowy jackets that may seem well, a little Robin Hood and his merry men, but I love me some cape action! There isn’t just one type of these fashionable street wear pieces to rock, there is a variety so that you can pick whichever one suits you the best. I picked my favorites and hopefully you can find one that makes you melt within these top picks!

This cape by See by Chloe is more of a jacket type cape that would be perfect for walking the streets for a day of shopping or just worn to work.

Here is a piece that is sure to keep you nice and warm during the freezing Midwest months. This quilted cape coat by See by Chloe is your cold weather life saver!

Halston Heritage has taken the cape trend into dresses with this one for Fall.

I’m loving this deep camel colored Nanette Lepore version…so chic!

Vena Cava makes a wrap cape jacket that is a little more casual, but I would consider it to be bordering more onto the poncho side than the cape side.

Same with this military version by Rebecca Taylor and this wool version by Juicy Couture

Want to work the trend but with a more lighter option? Try a cape or “ballet” sweater or tee…so trendy and feminine!

This embellished cape by Alice + Olivia version is my absolute favorite out of all the different versions I have seen thus far.

Fred has every thing you could ever want in your wardrobe this Fall arriving weekly! Shoes and hats have made their way into the store and a dress for any occasion is waiting for you on our second level. Become a “follower” of my blog, Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com and receive a $10 off coupon good for your next purchase at Fred Boutique! Bundle up and get shopping!

Although it isn’t Spring or Summer anymore, stripes are still a huge style staple for this season’s wardrobe! Choose from the typical nautical stripes or change it up with a variety of different colors and sizes to make the look fresh. You can use stripes for a dressier occasion, casual, accessories, or just a good old cardigan!

Blouses are perfect for a day at work, meeting, or if you just feel like looking a little classier for the day. Try this button up blouse by Gemma or this black and white striped blouse with a pocket by Gemma as well:

Thakoon makes this black and white tee that can be paired with a pair of dark denim or a skirt:

I LOVE sweaters and can never have enough! Every store in Chicago has a full stock of striped fuzzy, warm tops and I would like one of each please.

This flowy cardigan by Vince looks great with leggings, jeans, or a pair of skinny cargos:

This cashmere billowy off-the-shoulder sweater by Enza Costa is my favorite:

Joie makes one a little similar and a little less expensive:

I think Mink Pink was taking a little page from Nicole Richie’s, Winter Kate collection with this long, easy breezy cardigan:

The vest is a piece that you can carry throughout all seasons. Wear it with a long tank, fitted long sleeve top, t-shirt, or fitted sweater. Try this 4 pocket sweater vest by Madewell or this draped and edgier vest by Mason by Michelle Mason:

Want to take the trend into accessories? Grab a striped hat or this great for everyday saddlery bag by Marc by Marc Jacobs:

If you’re going out with your friends for a relaxed evening of drinks and girl talk, a ¾ length sleeve dress is your go-to option:

But, if you and your entourage are looking to dance the night away and stay out till the sun comes up, a sassier dress like this asymmetrical choice might be just what the stylist ordered:

Fashion is a flutter right now with feathers! If you are looking to make a statement and have someone notice how stunning you look, then get your hands on anything with a little added birdy touch. From skirts to capes, to shirts to scarves , feathers are on just about everything from minimal to extreme the choice is yours!

Every season Elizabeth and James has feather detail in at least one piece of the collection, but this time around they have paid homage to this trend with a couple pieces. My favorite is the ostrich feather skirt. Perfect for a glamorous Saturday night out! Add a cute pair of boots or any edgy type of shoe and a toned down top and step out on the town.

This strapless dress with feather detailing on the bottom is great for any holiday party you have coming up in the next couple of months or a night filled with dancing!

Choose this feather boyfriend blazer (which I am so completely in love with) for a little extra excitement at work or anything “business casual” where you want to professional, but fashion forward.

If strutting your stuff like a peacock isn’t your thing, add just a pinch of the trend with a top like this one by Alice + Olivia:

Or you can go really subtle with a feather print dress:

There are so many dress and skirt choices to wear to any occasion this season. For example, this beaded feather dress by Sue Wong

or this dress by Badgley Mischka.

Marchesa is never a design house to disappoint and Georgina Chapman has used two trends; the mini and feathers all in one dress:

Alice + Olivia and Robert Rodriguez each have two different styles of skirts, both beautiful!

Haute Hippie has a version that is similar and much more affordable than all those high end designers:

Jason Wu has stolen my heart ever since he arrived on the fashion scene a few years ago. His collection for Fall 2010 has this sophisticated and feminize feather top that would look perfect tucked into a sleek black trouser, skirt, or trouser shorts and tights.

A vest in any form is always a necessity for the colder weather and a more casual option.

It’s about that time to stock up on hats, scarves, and anything that can keep you cozy when concurring the great outdoors, but that doesn’t mean you have to dress like your going skiing or climbing Mt. Everest. Throw on a scarf or cape to keep the glam going.

For those bad hair days or when your ensemble needs that extra oomph, add a feather fedora!

Now go out, gather your flock of friends and grab whichever piece matches your personal style!

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

One of my favorite times of the year is when the September issues of all the fashion magazines show up at my apartment. Fall fashion is my absolute favorite, so many things to add to my wishlist and not enough money to buy it all! Cozy knits, flannels, boots of all heights, and warm parkas are MUSTS!

 This flannel jacket by BB Dakota is such a great way to keep warm during the chilly months and not too pricey! I would slip on a pair of gray or tan knit fingerless gloves to complete the look.

You could probably buy any boot in any color, size, any added detail, and you’d be right on trend. Boots are a necessity and we have the freedom to pick and choose our favorites this time around. I love a comfy brown riding boot like these:

Want a dressier style? This suede mid heel pair by Giuseppe Zanotti would look hott with a pair of dark skinny jeans tucked in or with a sexy dress or skirt.

Every girl needs and over-the-knee boot, high-heeled, flat, or one of each!

I have been obsessing over this parka by Free People for a week now since I first saw it:

I also love this one by Torn by Ronny Kobo. It’s the perfect piece to keep you warm and would look amazing with a pair of skinny green cargo pants, or skinny jeans and a pair of rugged boots!

A wool fedora is final touch to the stylish northwoods look!

The best designer EVER Marc Jacobs is totally hunter-esque for Fall as well as everything he has designed for the Louis Vuitton collection. I love this flannel Marc by Marc Jacobs shirt and this twill cargo dress. Add a little edge to the dress with a pair of lace-up combat boots!

Walk through the wildnerness with another season staple, the poncho. Opt for a hooded version, sweater or jacket and wear it with a straight let and tighter fit bottom to keep the silhouette well proportioned. This M Missoni hooded poncho jacket is my favorite:

Fred Boutique is your go-to stop for Fall season staples at an AFFORDABLE price! We have added shoes to our amazing selection of fashion forward merchandise, so get shopping!! Become a follower of Fashion Speak at www.fredboutique.com and receive $10 off at Fred!