Fashion Friday: Stars and Stripes Forever

Happy Fashion Friday friends!

I was wandering around a mall the other day (this never happens) and was amazed at the latest trends.

Stripes, stripes everywhere. And red white and blue – well before the ole 4th of July.

So today and next week for Fashion Friday we’ll cover the latest looks. Today it’s STRIPES. Next week, it’s the red and blue color combo.

I love stripes. They feel optimistic. Well, bright stripes. I’m guess gray and black stripes would feel more prison like than optimistic. But bright stripes are what are sweeping the store fronts, on line and in store.

As someone who wears a 10-12, not a 2-4, the trick is to either wear vertitcal stripes or stripes in accent areas like sleeves. Now you itty bitty girls go bananas with all the darling horizontal stripes out there.  I just have to avoid them, or throw a blazer over it and mitigate most of the stripey fun.

Here are some of my favorites right now, granted it’s a lot of tops, but seriously stripey pants might be too much (if you have daughters, there are adorable girl options too).  I apologize that most everything is from Boden but they are KILLING the stripe trend this season!

The bright green and white Lydia sweater from Boden is a perfect spring cross over addition to your wardrobe:

I’m a big fan of this blue and white boyfriend shirt from Gap for the weekend:

This look isn’t for everyone. But if you like big bold looks and you’re taller, then this topper from Francesca’s is for you. I personally love these oversized sweater/poncho looks:

I have never walked into a Forever 21. But this caught my eye. Wouldn’t this tank be great under a denim jacket for summer – or as she styles it if you don’t have a love-hate relationship with your arms (I love that they enable me to pick up my kids, I hate that they jiggle when I do…). And while we’re at Forever 21, I love everything about this sundress outfit for summer. Yes with a cute crochet purse. Yes with the converse. Just yes to this whole thing. Who even cares if it’s for someone 21, it’s stinkin’ adorable.

While I typically wear tankinis, I’m dying to pick up this adorable stripe-accent one piece swimsuit from Boden:

Would love your thoughts on this Verity jumpsuit. You know I straddle the fence on the jumpsuit. I’m a full no on jumpers but this seems like such a fun option for the summer. What say you?

I think everyone should have this utterly joyful outfit for summer (with a little longer short). I don’t even care if these are horizontal, I love their happiness.

Sneakers. I can’t even. Mic drop.

Stay tuned. How to make patriotic fabulous next week!