As previously blogged about in the posts Spring Fashion Trend : Floral Prints of All Sizes and Kate Nash Rocks Floral Print, Floral Prints are a huge trend for late spring and summer of 2008. Lots of brands and designers have taken a shot at items with floral print. Some are gorgeous, some are cute, and some are just plain tacky. What makes this years floral prints so great is the fact that they are combined with the vintage trend. The cutest of all the floral print items are inspired by pieces from the 1950’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Taking the best qualities of vintage styles and cuts, and combing them with florals to create a look that’s anything but innocent and frilly. Here are my favorite examples of Floral Prints Done Right.

The poppy print of the Oasis Floral Frocks Poppy Full 50s Skirt in Multi Red is never going to go out of style. Ever. Poppy print is the essential floral print for every grown-ups closet. The Kimchi & Blue Scarf Print Pull-On Skirt in Yellow Scarf is one of my favorite floral print pieces. It reminds me of the engraved leather purses that were so popular in the 1960’s and are now popping up in vintage stores all over. It’s the kind of floral print that gets revived every year or two because of the carefree feel of the style of this print. The ASOS Daisy Print Full Skirt in White & Yellow is a great mix of the graphic print trend and the floral print trend. Why pick just one when you can have both? Pair any of these skirts with basic tops, gladiator sandals, or vintage inspired heels for the best look.

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One item that I am completely infatuated with lately is the Charlotte Ronson Bow Cardigan. Anyone who knows me knows that two things I love are cardigans and very feminine style. This cardigan perfectly encompasses both of those qualities, which means that it would be pretty much perfectly at home in my closet. Another thing that I love about this cardigan is that it can easily be dressed up or down. This is also a key element of any item that you are going to be spending more than pocket change on. After all, you do need to get your money’s worth in wear.

I’d likely pair it with a white tank, as pictured, dark wash skinny jeans, and ballet flats. Add in a smoky cat eye and some pink lips and cheeks, and it is able to walk that fine line between innocent and not-so-innocent. Or, pair it with a pencil skirt, some pumps, and red lip stick for a more refined look. Pick up the Charlotte Ronson Bow Cardigan here.

What would you wear this cardigan with?

While Gwen Stefani has had great success in the beauty market with her perfume, L, she was not done with fragrances. Available in September 2008 will be a line of Harajuku Lovers Fragrances by Gwen Stefani. Featuring a scent for each Harajuku Girl (named Love, Angel, Music, and Baby after her L.A.M.B. line) and Gwen herself, this line of five fragrances is not only adorable but will also have something for everyone.

Love is a floral scent with notes of bergamot, minion pomelo, peach, bamboo blade, aqueous peony, living hydroponic lace rose, jasmine sambac, nectarine blossom, creamy paper whites, Egyptian jasmine, ylang ylang, vanilla, musk and fair wood.

Lil’ Angel is a fruity floral with notes of raspberry, cranberry, blackberry, pineapple, pear blossom, violet, rose, lollipop accord, hinoki wood and crystal amber.

Music is a floral scent with notes of clementine, pear, jasmine sambac, sweet pea, honeysuckle, vanilla, skin musk and sleek woods.

Baby is a musk scent with notes of freesia, bergamot, frosty rose, orange flower, tiare, jasmine, frosty musk, soft woods, turnsole, vanilla and violet.

G is a gourmand scent with notes of mandarin, coconut, apple skin, jasmine sambac, freesia, magnolia, coconut cream, frosty sandalwood and cottonwoods.

Developed at various perfumers, including Yves Cassar, Pascal Gaurin, Christophe Raynaud, Honorine Blanc, Harry Fremont, and Steve DeMercado, these scents will be available in 10 ml and 30 ml sizes, as well as solid fragrances.

One of the biggest marketing ploys out there is the word organic. Once something is termed as being organic, not only does it fly off the shelves faster but it can also be sold at a higher price. No matter what the cost to grow and produce the item, and no matter the condition of the economy. The average consumer assumes that an organic product is one that is produced without pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, chemical fertilizers, or GMO’s (Genetically Modified Organisms). But, is that really the truth? What Does Organic Really Mean?

After starting to read The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan (available on Amazon), I realized that I really missed doing nutrition and health posts. If you enjoyed Skinny Bitch, this book would be of interest to you. This book, which is not about living a vegetarian lifestyle like many think, has so far been incredibly eye opening. One of the main topics that it discusses is the effect that consuming Organic food vs. non-Organic food has on our economy, social structure, land, resources, and environment. From there it even splits it up into the effect had based on if that Organic produce was raised, processed, and distributed in the same country as it will be consumed vs. if it was raised, processed, and distributed for consumption in another country. It is a book that really makes you think about the ultimate effect that you have as a consumer.

One of the biggest factors that contributes to this dilemma is the fact that organic produce is not necessarily pesticide free. This is the common belief among American consumers. Organic produce is more likely to have reduced amounts of pesticide residue present, but there is no guarantee that they are free of chemicals. Especially when you take into consideration the loop holes that are provided to companies to be USDA Certified Organic.

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A couple of weeks ago I stumbled across the blog of a girl embarking on opening her own boutique and blogging about the process. Since that is something that I want to do in the future, I was immediately intrigued. The boutique, Ooh La Luxe is now open for business and full of cute items. The boutique carries a variety of clothing from the labels Cohen Camden, Egoist, Jae Basilio, Plastic Island, Va Va Voom and Voom. Some of my favorite pieces are the Voom by Joy Han Luxe Babydoll Dress, Egoist Double Top, and the Plastic Island Twist Back Dress, which are pictured above from left to right.

Kim, who is a FIDM graduate, was kind enough to answer some questions for me about her boutique, the process of going from student to business owner, her summer must haves, and fashion in general.

Logical Harmony : Have you always been interested in fashion, or did the interest start at a particular point in your life?
Kim : It’s always been there. When I was really young, used to make costumes out of grocery bags (paper and plastic). And then when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade I started outlining barbie dolls on paper so I could make fashion “sketches”. I did go back and forth between which path in fashion I wanted to take, but it’s always been there.

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I know what you’re asking yourself right now. More Kate Nash? Honestly? The truth is that I just completely adore her style, and her music, lately. Not only is she an amazing musician, but she is able to pull off the best vintage fashions. Kate Nash is the type of person whose feminine style is able to perfectly match some of the current trends that are hard for many to pull off.This can also be seen in the post Kate Nash Rocks Floral Print. Few people can pull off a top that is completely floral print without it looking like they snagged it from their Grandmother’s closet. Yet, Nash can not only pull it off but actually makes it look chic. While she has been approached by Dolce and Gabbana in the past, Kate Nash shows that vintage style can be even more timeless than any piece designed in the high fashion world. What do you think about Nash’s vintage style?

You can learn more about Kate Nash by checking out her MySpace. Also, check out her music videos for more of her music, and style. Foundations (which is actually my favorite song at the moment), Pumpkin Soup, and Mouthwash are my favorites.

One of my favorite looks is made up of anything that is both Classic & Feminine. The two styles compliment each other to create a look that is perfect for any occasion. I love the Kimchi & Blue Sheer Button Front Blouse in White. The ruffles add a feminine touch to a classic, but very basic, item. The Lux Azure Skirt in Blue Chambray seemed like the perfect skirt to accompany the Kimchi & Blue blouse. With it’s high waist and belt like details, this skirt will draw attention to your curves; creating a look that is classy with just a touch of sexiness. The moment that I saw that Marc by Marc Jacobs Mouse Flats in Red I knew that I needed to incorporate them into an outfit. When I put together this skirt and blouse, it felt like a perfect match. What could possibly be cuter than these mouse flats? In red patent leather, they are classic but still trendy.

With this outfit, keep accessories simple. A cute bow headband, like the Forever 21 Glossy Bow Headband in Red, is a perfect accessory. It plays on the innocent look of the outfit. A great alternative would be a patterned or bright red scarf tied around your neck. A quilted patent clutch, like the Forever 21 Quilted Clutch in Black, is an often overlooked accessory. Clutches are perfect for times when you only want to carry your essential items, as well as for when you don’t want your handbag to overpower your outfit. Everyone should have at least one classic styled clutch in their wardrobe. I love the idea of wearing adorable and over-the-top girly jewelry, like the Juicy Couture Pavé Heart Stud Earrings in Crystal and Juicy Couture Wish Bangles, with this look.

Personally, I think that this outfit would look great with some black eyeliner, heavy mascara, and rosy cheeks. Similar to the Beauty Trends From Alberta Ferretti’s Fall Runway. For a very natural flush, try Benefit’s Posie Tint on both your cheeks and lips. You can layer the stain to make it as sheer or vivid as you like. This petal pink is perfect to play up the innocence of this look, while the edgy dark liner plays up the sexiness.