She Rocked It: Leather Trend

Happy Monday Fashionistas! We hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving. We certainly did. What did you wear? We'd love for you to share it by emailing thegatheredlady@gmail.com or tagging us on Instagram @ TheGatheredLady.

As for today, I'll share a personal style victory- Rocking Leather. I've always loved leather for it's expensive appeal and ability to be hard and feminine at the same time. Sometimes it can be hot and bulky, but because of the flood of leather designs, I was able to take a classic skater-cut leather skirt and make it chic and classy.  I accessorized with a leather hand-clutch purse and a vintage white blouse. Do you like? Then show me how you can rock it too!

Leather Trend from Fall 2013 Runway

How to Rock Military Style

Happy Veterans Day! To all the Military personnel who serve our country, your service is priceless and appreciated. Not only do military protect our country, they also inspire pretty hot fashion  (and sometimes lust- yes, men in uniforms are hot!).

One of the major trends on the Fall 2013 runway is military inspired clothing. What I love about these looks, is that it's comprised of clean lines, dark colors (perfect for fall), and has tough androgynous appeal. You don't have to wear camouflage to be military chic (sorry, it just makes me feel very 'People Of Walmart'). Some of the key elements needed to pull of this look and stay sophisticated are: 

• Mix hard (military wear, leathers, metals) and soft components (satin fabrics, jewelry, make-up)
• Use an editing eye. Military aesthetic is clean and airy. Reduce the clutter of too many accessories
• Metallics go great with Navy, Army Green, Cream, and White colors found in military uniforms
• Purchase essential military style pieces that always come back in fashion (Army style jacket, sailor pants, striped shirts, dog tag necklace, aviator sunglasses)
• Keep your purse small to medium sized and structured. This isn't the time for Boho satchel bags.

Here are some of my favorite ways to rock the look and still stay chic! 

Military Look 1 by bree-jenkins featuring a green pleated dress

Military Fashion 2 by bree-jenkins featuring a red lipstick

Military Look #3 by bree-jenkins featuring an iphone cover case

Military Fashion #4 by bree-jenkins featuring wide rings

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. Have you rocked this trend and look fierce? Take a pic and share it with us on our Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter at TheGatheredLady. If we love it, we'll share it!

She Rocked It: Big Coats Trend

We love when one of our readers is caught bringing hot fashion to real life. Gathered Lady Deanna did a fabulous job with rocking one of the hottest trends this season  "Big Coats". We listed it in our 7 Heavenly Trends for Fall 2013 post, but have yet to see many women successfully pull of this look.  Check out our trend examples and the catchy way Deanna used color blocking and contrast for a eye-catching combination. Notice her coat is only a half size to one size larger than her frame. The structure of the coat balances the body conscience style of her chic pencil skirt. That's how it's done! Style. You have it. We Love it.

Big Coats from Fall 2013 Fashion Week Runway

 LA Fashionista Deanna

Have you rocked one of our style picks or the hottest trends? If so share your pics with us @ The Gathered Lady on facebook, twitter, or instagram. If we like it, we'll share it.

She Rocked It: Boho Style

Happy Monday! We love when our readers translate our 'How To Rock' and Heavenly Trends posts into real life wear. Check out this fashionable lady and her Boho style. Style. You have it. We love it.

Fashionable cutie Amy P.'s boho style for work 

Our Style Inspiration Have you rocked one of our style picks or the hottest trends? If so share your pics with us @ The Gathered Lady on facebook, twitter, or instagram. If we like it, we'll share it.

How to Rock the Fishtail Braid

Happy Friday Fashionistas! I, intrepid blogger that I am, have put Tropical Storm Karen preparations on hold to being you a quick post on how to rock one of my favorite hairstyles to lust over. I say lust over, because I have NEVER worn this style - braiding is one of my kryptonite skillsets. That is to say, I don't braid very well! (I can barely re-do a box braid that fell out and I cannot cornrow to save my life!)

Ah, the fishtail braid. Le poisson braide! Zut alors! Please forgive my lapse into ecstatic French, but I was poetic over this braid, which can be worn messily or neatly, and is appropriate for everything from the office to the club and in between. This braid, which has been on trend for awhile now, is often rocked by celebs and starlets. 

Beautiful. Sophisticated. Seductive.

But how does one accomplish this? It's not like I can tell you, but I checked youtube, and found a simple video that will have you rocking fishtail braids at will. As soon as you learn you can come to my house and do my hair...