Inspiration Board: A Wild Sheep Chase

Fashion inspiration strikes not only when I see a runway show or catch a glimpse of what celebs are wearing. Usually, it's pretty unexpected, like when I'm listening to music, eating, watching a movie, walking around, or reading a book.

I was reading Murakami earlier and these were some of the things that came to mind.

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Style Icon: Dakota Fanning

photo credit: http://dakota-fanning.org

This is the outfit that made me realize how much she has grown! At fourteen, the talented Dakota Fanning has blossomed into a lovely young lady with great style to boot!

photo credit: http://dakota-fanning.org

On a regular day, Dakota takes casual chic to the streets donning a long tank top over skinny jeans with a pair of black ballet flats.

photo credit: http://justjared.buzznet.com

Her tank top and jeans get an upgrade with a motorcycle jacket and a Balenciaga bag. Très chic!

photo credit: http://dakota-fanning.org/Associated Press

The dress and the shoes that have just about as much sparkle as glass slippers make Dakota look like a modern-day princess. This pink strapless number looks sweet on her petite frame.

photo credit: http://dakota-fanning.org

Dakota seems to love wearing silk mini dresses on the red carpet. She wore one in black at the Toronto premiere of The Secret Life of Bees and another in blue at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards, among others, but it was this simple white frock that immediately caught my eye. I like how she wears minimal accessories, keeping her outfits looking clean, fresh and classy.



I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her continue to grow--as an actress and a fashion icon!

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Clash Culture

Clashing prints are splattered all over the Spring 2009 runways, from the wild mismatches of Wunderkind to the more subdued contrasts of Anna Sui. Here are a few of my picks.

photo credit: www.style.com

If you're in the mood to get a little crazy without going too over-the-top, try mixing small prints with big ones like this Marc by Marc Jacobs white top with tiny black polka dots paired with a bold print skirt.

photo credit: www.style.com

The same goes for this outfit, which looks like something Gossip Girl's Chuck Bass would wear. Then again, he would probably go for a crazier combination! Boys, take the cue from Marc by Marc Jacobs with this wide-striped button-down shirt and shorts with thin, vertical stripes. The plain jacket balances off the look.

photo credit: www.style.com

For those willing to experiment but still want to play it a little safe, you might be more comfortable with putting together clashing printed pieces in the same color palette. Get some inspiration from these top-and-skirt ensembles by Anna Sui.

photo credit: www.style.com

This look is not limited to neutral and punchy colors--it can work with a dark wardrobe, too. I love how Miu Miu's artsy printed top and seemingly spray painted skirt create a quite sophisticated number layered with the solid black skirt and finished off with sexy black pumps.

Bet you're itching to start mixing and matching now! Have fun!

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