Vanguard: Rules Out For Summer

Summer is in full swing and admittedly some of us are thinking towards fall, and with that in mind, please bear in mind this post was planned for weeks ago... life has been chaotic to say the least, however I did want to post it regardless.

This summer has been all about rule breaking, we noted it in our summer trends reports and the street style has definitely reflected this. The heaviness of last fall has remained and black, leather and chunky shoes have all been staples...even in 100 degree heat.

I've created some fun little collages for you to demonstrate the trend, I recently had a fascinating interview with Polyvore who wanted to know a little more about my design choices with Dedicated. Usually I create my colages from scratch using programs like Photoshop and Illustrator, but it's been fun experimenting with Polyvore and providing them with feedback to improve their blogger tools (and it's always nice to know you're on their radar!) I've been impressed and definitely will be using Polyvore a little more on this site, it's definitely a lot less work!

Anyhoo...back to the matter at hand.

Black Stud and Strap Low Moto Boot, $40, June lace-up bootie, $595, Suede Stud Military Cuff Boot, 83 GBP, Steven by Steve Madden Geema, $199, ASOS AVA Suede Lace Up Wedge Boot, $101, Jeffrey Campbell CLINIC, $180

Boots are certainly an unusual choice for the heat of summer, but really why not? Choose a leather pair for breathability, and they provide wonderful comfort for hiking around cities on vacations. Team with a pretty floral dress for a lighter but slightly 90's grunge look.

Yumi Lace Bubble Dress | Yumi All Dresses @ USC, 35 GBP, Isobel Lace Dress, $50, Trickle cotton ruffle dress, $395, Women's Fashion Dresses - Vanity, $30, Bead Trim Halter Dress - NEW - Vanity, $9.98, Acne Gorgeous backless dress, 115 GBP

Black is not a colour usually associated with the rightness of summer, but get it right and this summer it's perfection. Balance the heaviness of the colour with light fabrics, floaty silhouette and lace, lace lace!

3.1 Phillip Lim Quilted leather shorts, McQ High-waisted leather shorts, $320, Black Leather High Waisted Shorts - Vintage clothing from Rokit -..., Surface to Air Kurtis Leather Short, $407, Leather Short, 60 GBP, 3.1 Phillip Lim Leather Shorts with Turn-Ups, 280 GBP

Leather in the summer? Yeah there really isn't a practical argument for this...and the potential for a Ross from Friends moment is high. But the look is awesome, and if you buy now you'll be ready for fall too!

What rule do plan on breaking or have already broken this summer?

Kelsi Smith.

Comments

[eclipse]

I wear black in the summer always, but summers aren't terribly hot here in NorCal!
Man those studded short boots are super cute but they are Hot Topic, I hate Hot Topic...but the boots are cute! dilemma....

I'll pass on the lederhosen though!!

[kitchen tables]

My wife always wears shorts. She love it because she is comfortable wearing it and she said that it is not hot to wear. I never saw her wearing a leather shorts. I think those leather shorts are perfect for my wife.