Pretty in Print

Finding ways to incorporate print into your everyday can be a tad tricky. We often find them slightly daunting; especially after the long winter months that have (sadly) kept us bundled in head-to-toe black. But since May is here and the temperatures are beginning to climb, it’s about time you add color, pattern and print back into your somber, weather-induced wardrobe. Print doesn’t always have to come in the form of a top; it can be rotated into any look through clutches, skirts and even notebooks (this idea we especially love—there’s no trendier way to keep track of your ideas and sketches than with a C/FAN printed notebook). Bright and intricate, these prints will be sure to pop on even the most vividly colored summer days. 

What We Picked (all available at Cerato Boutique):

1) C/FAN Notebooks

2) Corey Lynn Calter Top w/Obi Belt

3) Plenty by Tracy Reese Dress

4) Plenty by Tracy Reese Top

5) BB Dakota Maxi Skirt

6) Brynn Capella Wristlet

Obsessed with Jess

Judging by her clothing style outside of the show, we’re guessing Zooey Deschanel has a lot to do with the quirky, ultra feminine looks her character Jess dawns in New Girl. We find the pattern mixing, high-waisted skirts and bright ballet flats a refreshing approach to our everyday. Style doesn’t always have to be safe or even chic; it can just as easily be playful and experimental. The best part about this: you’ll never end up wearing the same thing twice. And as a bonus, you’ll never have to worry about blending into the drab, depressing nature of an urban sprawl. So, in honor of our obsession with the daring dress of our favorite fashionable TV character, we’ve created three looks from Cerato that exude her bubbly, carefree sense of style.

Our first look incorporates the often-recreated high-waisted shorts, tights and cheeky prints Zooey’s character wears on the show. We adore this combination for its ease and versatility. With the addition of a few accessories and stepping into a wedge or heel, this ensemble can be transformed from day to night effortlessly.

Cardigans seem to be a staple for Zooey on and off the screen. Rarely do we see her wearing dresses without one. We think it’s the best way to add a layer of conservatism without making an outfit feel overly stuffy. Her dress/cardigan pairings are never boring, however, mixing in metallic or patterns via belts and accessories. This look is preppy, but cute, playful, but classic.

It wouldn’t be right to pull outfits for Zooey or her character Jess without considering the high-waisted skirt. We mostly find her rocking a shorter hemline, flats and long-sleeves, a style decision that never seems tired or overplayed. We specifically picked this candy striped skirt in bubblegum, because frankly, it couldn’t scream “Zooey” any louder if it had a mouth. We imagine she’d go for a basic long-sleeve knit and bright blue flats.

*All Jess-inspired looks are available at Cerato Boutique (with the exception of the high-waisted Marc Jacobs shorts). Shop these looks in store or online, here.

How To: Belts

Don’t be afraid to belt it out.

The one accessory grossly underutilized: belts. We all know how to stack on the bracelets and lay on the necklaces, but for some reason, we neglect to consider our belting options. Perhaps this has something to do with the overexposure to horrible belt trends in the 90s (we’ll admit they even managed to bleed into the Millennium). Belts were (too) often slung around our hips neither accentuating our waists nor keeping our pants up.  And if they weren’t belts, they were sashes covered in sequins or seashells. Oh, and let us not forget to mention the seatbelt/bottle cap trend—yes, we’re still trying to figure out why that one didn’t stick. Our point is, belts (no matter how they’re fashioned), will always be on-trend. It’s just a matter of figuring out how to wear them, when it’s appropriate to wear them and most of all, to remember to wear them.

Here are some helpful tips:

1)    We love the loose-fitted nature of a great blouse, especially during the day. However, we think it’s important to recognize how easily a belt can transform your look from safe to striking. Not only are waist belts figure flattering, but they can be just as effective as a statement necklace. Don’t be afraid to mix prints and patterns, patent leather skinny belts or wide woven bands, gold or silver, neon or neutral—your options are endless. A simple belt is the key ingredient to recreating a piece again and again

2)    We all own and adore slouchy sweaters, but sometimes they look a little more boho than chic. These instances are when belts really prove their worth. A way to add definition to a hidden waistline, a skinny belt (or really any belt for that matter) is the go to accessory for an open, closure-less cardigan. Aside from the obvious practicality, they can add sophistication and refinement to an effortless day look.

3)   A belt’s most apparent use is, not surprisingly, as adornment. They can add edge to a feminine frock or polish to a plain LBD. Though they can be utilized in a functional way, we’re completely okay with their decorative nature. We’re in love with their playfulness and endless possibility, an accessory that truly epitomizes the word “timeless.”

Three Ways to Wear Eskell

We love flowers—getting them, growing them and of course, wearing them. Fun and feminine, florals always manage to find their way into spring and summer trends, but we always love when they’re designed with a bit of edge. Eskell’s silk, floral prints are exactly what we’re talking about. Rather than going the all-over, ultra feminine (could’ve been your grandmother’s wallpaper in a past life) route, Eskell specifically places their richly hued sprawls of flowers. The doily-esque delicacy of flowers has been kicked up a notch with sharp gestures and bold floral choices. In addition, we adore the choice of black, which acts as another layer of contrast.

Little creativity is often given to dressing up or down a dress (simply change a shoe here and add a stack of bangles there), but we’re going to show you some options that you perhaps haven’t thought of. Even though this dress is silk with a chiffon overlay, surprisingly enough, it can still be worn during the day. We like the idea of dressing this floral piece down with a breezy, asymmetric cardigan, canvas booties and round sunnies. We just love how much the oatmeal color softens the edginess of this floral creation.

The best part of a dress is how easily it can go from day to night. Eskell’s Hannah dress has “drinks with friends” written all over it (well, not literally). A night on the town always calls for femininity sprinkled with a bit of edge. And in lieu of this concept, we’ve paired this sweetly silky number with a structured black leather biker jacket. We chose this one specifically for its low-key hardware (you don’t actually want to look like you just jumped off your Harley). Try a suede peep toe pump (a classic feminine touch) and a chunky, vintage-inspired necklace to finish off your rocker-chic look.

This piece is of course perfect for the office, lightweight and formal, but unique (you should never resort to a tired pant suit when options like this Eskell dress exist). To keep this look from saying, “Hey guys, I’m going to the martini bar across the street after work,” try simple, delicate accessories and shoes. A great black flat (look for a distinct, structured loafer) and delicate statement necklace pull this look together without spilling into “nightlife” territory. The double-breasted trench coat in cream is just another layer of dimension, softening the black and further balancing the business-professional. We love an opportunity to make your work wardrobe feel fresh and creative.

Get the Look: Eskell Hannah Dress (available at Cerato Boutique or shop online, here.)

OTR: Cardigan: Zadig et Voltaire; Shoes: Rag & Bone; Sunglasses: Selima Sun for J. Crew

GNO: Jacket: Warehouse; Shoes: Classiques Entier; Necklace: J. Crew

WW: Coat: Orla Kiely; Shoes: Madewell; Necklace: J. Crew

How To: Pastels

Pastels can be problematic, especially around Easter time. Looking like you fell face-first into the multi-colored paper shreddings of an Easter basket is so 90s. Actually, we’re  trying to remember when this was ever a good look–for anyone. With that said, we’re here to give you full disclosure on how to wear your pastels (yes, you can wear more than one without looking like a dip-dyed Easter egg) and remain on-trend.

Tip #1: As demonstrated in the image above, pastels are a great addition to bright, contrasting colors. Lay your bright blue (red, yellow, or purple) pants on your bed, grab a bunch of solid colored pastel blouses or tanks and just start mixing them up. We’re guessing your first thought wouldn’t be bright blue and light pink, but it works flawlessly. Tie this look together with another pop of color  (we’ve chosen an orange wrap watch with gold detailing) and neutral shoes.

Tip #2: This suggestion is especially helpful when tackling those pastel jeans everyone seems to be obsessing over. It’s almost too easy to pair your pants with a neutral top, so consider mixing it up with a print. Bold prints work extremely well, especially leopard, geometric blocks of color (go for bright, rich hues) and florals. When accessorizing, stick to multi-toned metals and lots of them!

Tip #3: Our final tip is probably far from what you’d expect: layering pastel on top of pastel. We weren’t exactly sold on the idea at first either, but after observing the style cue in Vogue, we changed our minds. The key to wearing this correctly is in the pieces you choose. Pastel itself is feminine, so mixing pieces and accessories that seem to balance a feminine flare with a structured sense of edge is how you achieve this look. Try a pastel pant with a structured, pastel blouse (look for something with interesting detail) and clutch (a pastel clutch with studs–perfect). Definitely stray from matching, picking pieces that offer contrast through detail and structure rather than color.

Now, who’s up for a pastel party?

Get the Look:

Pants & Top: Robbi & Nikki 

Watch: Kristin Hassan