denim penciled in

I am who you call a denim girl. Jackets, jeans, shirts, shorts, skirts, vests, shoes, handbags, headbands-- I have owned them all. All in denim. With the recent re-trend of the denim pencil skirt, I am ready to rock it-- once again.

The possibilities are endless with my new BLANKNYC 'festival' denim skirt! Here are few fun ways to sass it up with this classic meets edgy staple:

1. slouchy sweater + pumps- The juxtaposition of fitted bottom with a loose top is a safe and comfy option. It leaves room for a fun accessory such as neon pumps or bold handbag or scarf. 

2. classic white t-shirt + boots- Pairing denim and white never goes out of style. Boots, booties, or flip flops- flats (and tan) are it.

3. black cropped top + sandals- If you're feeling more on the edgier side, this is the look. Show off your curves, re-live the 80s.

denim skirt look one by fashionparadegirl featuring off the shoulder tops

ombre to dye for

It tends to happen to most of us as spring and summer approach... we start feeling a bit blah about our hairstyles. Rather than doing something drastic like chopping off inches (again), I am entertaining the thought of playing with color. Not just a color, but the gradient shades of colors- the dip-dye effect of ombre hair. A few celebrity inspirations:

Rachel Bilson

Whitney Port

Giuliana Rancic

Until I get myself (and my wallet) to commit to this hair trend, I am fine with flaunting my ombre fashion. A few fashion parade inspirations:

ombre looks by fashionparadegirl (via polyvore)

Discover ombre fashion!

one of the guys

one of the guys by fashionparadegirl featuring h&m jackets

As if towels and pillowcases weren't enough to label as his and her. Time to start labeling your wardrobe! In the last few months, menswear inspired women's clothing has been quite the buzz. Here's a round up of the top 5 guy style items (on ladies, that is) I have repeatedly spotted all over town:

1. motorcycle jacket- Pairing a moto jacket with a feminine top is the way to go.
spotted: H&M, Banana Republic

2. plaid shirt- Plaid seems to be one of those timeless trends that doesn't ever completely go away.
spotted: Old Navy, J. Crew

3. oversized watch- I currently have a personal obsession for this!
spotted: Michele, Michael Kors, Nixon

4. loafers- Think of your classic Hugh Hefner smoking flats. Yep- those are cool.
spotted: Steve Madden, Sam Edelman

5. pinstripe trousers- Chic, tailored and confident. A guy's girl for sure.
spotted: J. Crew, BCBGeneration

Love my chucks!

sequin time

Happy New Year by fashionparadegirl featuring hair bow accessories

There has to be at least a single New Year's Eve in every girl's lifespan when she's decked out in sequins. As cliche as it may be, I still love it! With this year's fashion trend consisting of glitz and glam textiles, it makes it even more easier to shimmer your way into 2012.

1. clutch- Mango
2. bangles- Betsey Johnson
3. tank- Rachel Zoe
4. dress- Antik Batik
5. blazer- Haute Hippie
6. skirt- Vince
7. headband- Salvatore Ferragamo
8. shorts- Patrizia Pepe
9. pumps- Enzo Angiolini

bhangra board shorts

Here's a thought: unreal acrobats under the big top combined with Indian bhangra music and... board shorts? Yup. I went to the Cirque du Soleil show, TOTEM, over the weekend. And naturally, being a huge fan of Indian influenced fashion, I was amazed at how well saree inspired board shorts really completed the scene. Take a look at how these traditional South Asian fabrics have fashionably made their way into our contemporary wear.

saree inspired by fashionparadegirl featuring silk scarves

it's a bird. it's a plane. it's...

the cape, again!

One of this season's must-haves and one of the items I cannot wait to add to my wardrobe. Comfort, practicality and on trend. Just make sure it's the right fabric choice. No fleece please.

inspiration cape by fashionparadegirl on polyvore.com

perfect nude

perfect nude by fashionparadegirl featuring miu miu platform pump 

Just like the LBD, a pair of nude colored pumps should be a part of every girl's wardrobe. Consider it the perfect staple for any dress in your closet (plus it looks fantastic with jeans). For months, I have been on a quest for that perfect nude colored pump. It always either had too much of a pinkish tone, too much of a platform heel, too much of a pointy toe, or just too much gloss... until I finally found her: Miu Miu Patent Platform Pump in cammeo.

stuart weitzman: puffystuff

Cheers to my first shoe of the month post! Look out for my fave footwear feature each month highlighting various ways to strut your shoe style. Indulge.

Stuart Weitzman puffystuff pump in color Hummus Aniline

comfortable with color

I have recently been intrigued by colored denim. If you are like me and steer towards sporting neutrals (well, mostly black in my case), here's a way to ease your way into the world of color. Start with a bright colored jean and pair with a neutral top (gray is a great option!). Accessorize with simple yet fun pieces and end with a punch of color with your handbag. You can always add more color as you get more comfortable. Magenta nails would be my next step.

Colored Denim by fashionparadegirl featuring cropped skinny jeans