RAAD Trend Remix: It's a Plaid World

Written By: Chantale Raad

Prepare yourself guys...you're going to be getting a lot of plaid from me this season thanks to the new Zara store that just opened (FINALLY) at Scottsdale's Fashion Square Mall. Good news is that Zara's current collection is chock-full of this season's must haves: rubber-soled platforms, whimsical dresses and leather and plaid/check everything. Sad news, I'll probably be broke by New Years (damn you inexpensive-yet-high-fashion retailers!). As for this week's trend of the week, I opted for a simple H&M button up dress I picked up the other day. It can easily be belted or left loose, but I paired this dress with my new linen Moto jacket I picked up in Santa Monica this past summer. The weather hasn't gotten completely leather-ready yet, but I had to bust out my favorite Chelsea boots I got in London a while back. Whatever, it's fall...at least I don't wear Uggs in July (or ever, for that matter).

Trend of the Week: Plaid

HAPPY FALL Y'ALL!!!

So if you haven't been keeping up with my insta-shananigans, then you probably don't know about my DIE-SUMMER/LONG-LIVE-FALL obsession. Pumpkins, bright orange, cinnamon on every thing, BOOTS (!)...lets just say it's a magical time of year for me. Ironically, I broke/sprained (not sure yet) my toe when I tackled Pascale's new puppy (more on that soon), so sandals it is!

Fall's trend lineup is out of control though. There are so many wild prints, unique color combos and, most importantly, LAYERING that is making me lose it over here. One of my fall fav's would have to be the lovely plaid print, (probably because of all the back-to-back Sons of Anarchy seasons I've been watching...Jax Teller really knows how to werk some plaid and leather). As you can see in the collage above, you can do plaid with any garment, even overalls. And colorways are not limited, so go for whatever tone you like. Let this be your main print in your outfit and balance it out with different solids like denim or leather, and accessorize with outerwear pieces, scarves, and fun jewelry. Whether it be 90's grunge, lumber-chic, or biker babe...you really can't go wrong with this look.

1. Asos: $151.88
2. No. 21: $2,555
3. Harvey Faircloth: $395
4. Asos: $64.13
5. Faith Connexion: $322
6. Asos: $37.97
7. Asos: $47.25
8. Suno: $795
9. Asos: $59.07
10. DSQUARED2: $545

STRIPES + SPOTS

Voila. My leopard + plaid + minor floral concoction. 

Being that I live in the desert-land of Scottsdale, I decided to take this feline look into the wild (otherwise known as my backyard).

We got leopard, plaid, florals, leather, jewels – there's definitely a lot going on. BUT it's all about balancing the color tones when mixing a variety of elements together. I kept the overall tone of my shorts, shoes and accessories pretty neutral so that the prints could make its statement.

If you aren't feeling this print on print action, then you can easily swap out my plaid for a solid color, or just completely eliminate the leopard coat. But a good way to approach this bold trend is to accent your accessories and shoes with these prints first, then move onto the clothing.

Check back tomorrow for some different leopard + plaid options.