fall 2012 Archives - Listen to Lena

The wonderful thing about back-to-school shopping for tweens and teens? They’ll tell you what they ~~want~~ need to wear. As in, “Mom, I really NEED a pink lumberjack shirt this year. All the guys are wearing one.”

(Thought you’d never hear that one, huh? But check out the Men’s Superdry Lumberjack Brush shirt in Smith Pink pictured right – it’s actually quite stylish. I’d totally love to see a Bieber-esque dude sporting one of these… especially with low-slung jeans and a pair of killer retro kicks. From To Die For Mens Clothing.)

So why will you LOVE these back-to-school trends? Simple – you can find them readily available, almost anywhere. No worries about pounding the payment to find obscure pieces; just add these popular items to your list of must-haves, pop into your nearest trendy store, and earn your status as back-to-school hero.

(And if you happen to spot a pink lumberjack shirt, do pass along deets or a photo! Dying to buy one for Ryder.)

1. Coloured demin and chinos. Or as I like to call it: The trend that just won’t die. Hence, you may as well grab a pair for both yourself and the kiddos, because as long as Jessica Alba is rotating her collection of likely 46 pairs, bright bottoms are here to stay.

(Side note: someone tell this girl to just stop. I get it, Jessica – you like coloured denim. But when you become the poster child for rainbow-hued pants, it’s probably time to mix it up.)

I’m digging these Rich and Skinny Legacy Skinny Jeans available at SHOP.CA. Pair these fun, bright, raspberry-coloured jeans with a simple white or black tee. Rich and Skinny has a reputation for making jeans that give you the longest, leanest legs possible (rich girls need not apply; skinny girls have a slight advantage here).

Other places you can snag a great deal on this back-to-school favourite:

Old Navy – love their Rockstar Super Skinny Jeans
H&M – the same look in a Stretch Twill Trouser – great for business casual
Marshalls and Winners – find a whole rack of options for as low as $19.95
Simons – Flash Colour Skinny Jeans come in an enviable variety of colour options
GAP – iconic and affordable, 1969 Ankle Zip Legging Jeans are a best bet
Express – Zelda Coloured Jeans – their sexiest jean
American Eagle – Skinny Jeans in Teaberry Pink (my fave colour EVER)…

As a part-time beauty and fashion #fangirl, I’m constantly trying to stay on top of trends and must-haves. In fact, I spend a large portion of my time meticulously documenting all the designer clothes and makeup I want to buy… and then, spend even more time finding a perfectly affordable dupe (hello, H&M!).

However, ONE thing that drives me absolutely batty when reading trend reports? The shameful contradictions.

“This fall! Prints are fabulous! Or… try solid colours!”
“You’ll want to have a sheer pink, bright coral, deep berry or earthy nude on your lips this season.”
“Think sky high hair or a simple side-parted low ponytail.”

Mmmkay. How is it a “trend” if you’ve just given every woman an “out”? As in, I can’t do berry lips but I can do sheer pink, so I’ll be on trend! Gah!

And so when it comes to nail colour, I’m confused. Multiple sources have quoted the “it” colour to be either Stormy Gray, Gothic Berry, Metallic Green, Warm Cocoa or Bright Teal – or a combination of the hues. Hence, rather than splurging on every “trend” under the sun, I decided to weed out the common denominator: neutral shades of cappuccino, hot chocolate and iced coffee. The earthy staples appear on multiple trendwatcher lists for nail fashion – usually at the top. Therefore, I’m calling coffee-coloured hues THE must-have nail colour for Fall 2012.

Your Inspiration:

7 Back-to-School Trends You’ll LOVE

Fall 2012 Nail Trends: The Coffee Shop