Blog: Crossroads Style

I’ll admit it: I am terrible at coming up with gifts for the holidays. Once in a while, I’ll surprise myself and come upon the perfect gift on my own, but my family will be the first to let you know that I’m that person that has to ask what you want (over and over).

So what do you do when you want a surprise and you’re out of gift ideas? You turn to your favorite bloggers! They’ve definitely saved me quite a few times during the holiday season. If you always need a little extra help picking out the perfect gift, check out some of my favorite blogger-curated holiday gift guides for this season!

Grasie Mercedes
Grasie’s gift guides are my favorite this year! She has created five so far, including ones for the fitness buff and the home entertainer. By highlighting her favorite gifts and including options under $50, Grasie’s guides will save you this holiday season! Check out all of Grasie’s gift guides here!

Jo, A Cup of Jo   
Jo has created gift guides to cover all your gift-giving needs! From your parents and siblings to your BFF and kids, Jo has affordable, creative gift ideas for everyone. Check out her gift guides here!

Samantha, Could I Have That?
Do you know someone who is always traveling, whether for work or for play? Samantha put together a brilliant gift guide for your jetsetter friend! Check out her guide here!

Kristen for Who What Wear
Who What Wear is pretty much my style bible, and I wasn’t disappointed with Kristen’s gift guide for the stylish person in your life! Find her gift ideas (for every budget!) here!

Aimee, Song of Style
A new year means renewed focus on getting healthy—at least for a few months. For those you know will stick it out, check out Aimee’s gift guide for your health- and fitness-obsessed friends!

Danielle, We Wore What
If your BFF is a fashion lover, chances are that she will love a gift featured on Danielle’s gift guide! See her gift guide here!

Emily, Cupcakes and Cashmere
If you’re on a budget—and let’s be honest, we all are, especially during the holiday season—Emily has a great $25 and under gift guide. Emily will be posting gift guides twice a week all month. You can view all her current guides here.

Along with scrunchies, kitten heels, and fanny packs, add stirrup pants to the growing list of comeback trends that we never thought we would see again. Originally designed for horseback riders and skiers, stirrups pants eventually became popular in casual fashion in the 1960s. As an ’80s baby, I experienced stirrup pants in their height of popularity. With the “leggings as pants” trend returning this year, it’s no surprise that we are going the extra mile and bringing back stirrup pants. I’m not quite sure I love them, but I can tell you that I definitely don’t hate them! They’re able to add just a bit of interest to an outfit without looking like you’re trying too hard.

Take a look at some modern ways to wear stirrup pants this season!

Make them edgy.
Fishnet details and frayed denim give these striped stirrup pants an updated, modern edge.

Update your menswear.
Update your favorite menswear look by trying stirrup trousers!

Keep it classic.
Not too sure you’re ready for stirrup pants? Downplay them by pairing them with classic pieces. An oversized sweater and simple heels are perfect for fall.

Go athleisure.
Keep it old school and go athleisure with your stirrups. Throw on sneakers or a pair of heels to complete your look.

Try it in denim.
Stirrup straps add a little something extra to your otherwise regular denim outfits.

Fake it.
A little weary about stirrups and don’t want to invest in a fade? Add stirrup clips to any of your pants to get the look.

Mixing prints isn’t a new trend, but it can still be quite daunting. You don’t want to look like you got dressed in the dark! It’s totally possible to mix prints and still look chic by following a few simple guidelines.

Mixing prints is a big trend this fall season, so check out my tips below to get started!

Know your neutrals.
Stripes, leopard, and floral prints are considered neutral patterns, because they mix easily with any other pattern.

Consider size and scale.
Play around with the size and scale of your prints. The same print in different sizes tend to pair well together. Choose one dominate print and pair it with a smaller print.

Color-coordinate.
Pair prints that share a color to bring them together effortlessly.

Go graphic.
Pair your graphic tee with a fun printed bottom or layer. A graphic tee with a plaid blazer is super trendy this season!

Create space between your prints.
Wear a belt to break up patterns, or pair a printed top with printed shoes. Space between the two prints will keep the outfit looking clean instead of too busy.

It’s that time of year to upgrade your outerwear, and if you’re looking for cozy this season, you’ll find it in the teddy jacket.

Personally, I’ve been trying to make this trend happen for years, so I’m glad that my millennial pink version  will finally be accepted this season!  The teddy jacket is super versatile, offered in many cuts and colors, and almost always made of faux fur, leaving you feeling warm, cozy, and guilt-free. My blogroll and Pinterest timeline are scattered with variations of the teddy jacket, so I’ve rounded up some of my favorite ways to wear it this season.

Yara, Chapter Friday
Yara’s teddy and leather jacket combo adds a fun, funky element to her outfit.

Tess, Tessted
I love Tess’s outfit pairing of faux leather and fur! Perfect for the cool temperatures coming our way.

Annabelle, Viva Luxery
This bomber-esque teddy jacket is perfect for throwing over your basics to complete your outfit.

Adenorah, My Little Paris
I adore this ’70s take on the teddy!

Hannah, COCOBEAUTEA
Hannah looked every bit the Paris native on her trip, showcasing her teddy coat in a classic cut!

Lindsey, Ropes of Holland
Lindsey’s navy teddy coat is perfect for layering to keep cozy this fall.

Although fall is arguably every fashion lover’s favorite season to dress for (the chunky knits, jackets, layering, hats… I could go on and on!), it can undoubtedly become a bit monotonous. It’s time to refresh your fall wardrobe and I’ve rounded up some of the newest trends that we will be seeing everywhere this season!

Corduroy
Corduroy has been revitalized for Fall with modern silhouettes, and according to the Fall/Winter runways, will be everywhere this season.

Checked Print Blazers
The piece of the season that can elevate everything from your favorite denim, tee or dress, a checked print blazer should be on your Fall must have list.

Metallic
Go bold or be subtle, metallic is in for Fall. I love the idea of a pair of silver metallic booties to complete an outfit.

Baker Boy Hats
Baker Boy Hats topped the outfits of all the fashion “It” girls this past NYFW and are perfect for adding that last minute touch to your Fall outfit.

Belt Bags
This is not your Mom’s fanny pack! Belt bags are a chic alternative to you lugging around a purse all day. It will fit all your essentials and adds an extra accessory to your outfit.