Marissa Elman | Fashion & Photography

Marissa Elman is a lifelong lover of fashion and photography.

5 Trends to Avoid This Winter

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The world of fashion is increasingly fast-paced. Trends seem to change at lightning speed. Last season’s must-haves quickly become this season’s faux pas. Avoid embarrassment this winter season. Don’t be caught dead in any of these out-of-style pieces.

 

  1. Cropped Coats

Cropped coats have been popular in the past, but it’s time for a new queen bee. This season is all about dramatic, full-length coats. They are warmer as well as more mature. A camel colored coat is a classic and timeless piece that fits this trend. A fur or faux-fur choice is a more glamorous and attention-grabbing option that also aids in providing sufficient warmth.

 

  1. Over-the-knee boots

Over-the-knee and thigh-high boots seemed to be everywhere over the last few years, knocking knee-high boots out of their once-popular ranking. Fashion is always cyclical, and knee-high boots have made a comeback. Equestrian boots are among the most popular styles. However, motorcycle boots and heeled animal print boots, such as snakeskin, are bolder choices that can add extra flair to your outfit. Avoid boots that rise above the knee if you want to appear fashion-forward this season.

 

  1. Mini Dresses

Mini dresses were a unique trend for winter in the past. Perhaps they were downright inappropriate since winter is not a time for warm-weather clothing. Mini dresses are being replaced with warmer, more appropriate options such as ankle-length or midi-length dresses.

 

  1. Vinyl

The age of vinyl is gone. Say good riddance to all the clear vinyl skirts and shoes especially. Many could argue that the vinyl trend was a faux pas to begin with, but in any case, it is gone for good. Leather has risen in its place instead. Leather lasts longer and looks better than vinyl. Vegan and vegetarians may choose a faux-leather option to keep in style with this trend.

 

  1. Boxy Silhouettes

Winter doesn’t have to mean being drowned in fabric. Loose, boxy silhouettes are a thing of the past. Far too often, boxy silhouettes translate as sloppy and lazy instead of effortless. The current style is more refined, feminine, and clean-cut. Choose figure-flattering silhouettes in luxurious, quality fabrics to look put together instead of careless in shapeless clothing.

10 of the Latest Photography Gadgets

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The latest innovations in photography showcase gadgets that span a wide range of useful applications, which includes both complex and simple functionality.

1. Datacolor SpyderCube

This handy addition to any photographer’s kit works by being the single point of reference for light balance within the frame of any shot, which saves post-processing steps later.

2. Tinxi Hot Shoe Two Axis Bubble Spirit Level

Rather than eye-balling whether or not a picture’s frame aligns with the chosen horizon, photographers can instantly see when their camera’s position is level for the perfect shot the first time.

3. Joby GorillaPod Hybrid Tripod for Compact System Cameras with Integrated Ballhead

Shoots that require creative angles in hard-to-reach places, the bendable and jointed legs on this tripod can give a photographer a lot of flexibility in pursuit of the perfect shot.

4. Rogue FlashBender 2 Portable Lighting Kit

With so many modification options for flashgun attachments in this kit, photographers can experiment and play with lighting effects in countless new and interesting ways.

5. Hahnel UniPal Extra

Camera accessories that serve dual-purposes like this are a photographer’s best friend, especially when it charges a battery and operates as a power bank, too.

6. Lastolite by Manfrotto Joe Mcnally Ezybox Speed-lite 2 Plus

The portable versatility of this miniature softbox, which can be used as an attachment or as a standalone, opens up the possibilities for portrait photographers who work outside of a studio.

7. Lensbaby Spark

The build on this lens lets the photographer quickly and easily choose the angle of their soft-focus shot without having to adjust minute details each time they shift the perspective.

8. Rode VideoMic Pro R

While a built-in microphone comes standard with many DSLR cameras, serious professionals know that a mounted and shockproof mic like this is the only way to get the best quality audio possible.

9. NG Mediterranean Camera Tote Bag

A tote that doesn’t advertise it carries a bunch of expensive camera equipment is the photographer’s best friend while they’re on location for shoots in busy areas or traveling with a compact kit.

10. Transcend 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Drive

Modern storage options need to maximize their internal space and minimize their external vulnerability, which makes this a great choice for photographers who need a durable and expansive hard drive.

Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in Summer 2018

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This summer many cutting-edge fashion trends are emerging, many of which are making a comeback from their original eras.

 

Pastels

 

Pastel hues in the sundae style are making a comeback this summer. This carries over to dresses, accessories, purses, pantsuits, belts, and any garment you can think of. In addition to this, you can find exciting ways to pair different pastels with each other to make an entire pastel outfit.

 

Pastels—whether it be green, blue, or a more exciting pink—will really make your features pop and compliment any complexion and hair color.

 

Feathers

 

Miuccia Prada spurred the revival of feathers last season, followed by Kaia Gerber and Gigi Hadid, who wore dresses adorned by swan-like feathers. This followed Zara’s debut of feathered swan sandals, proving that there are feathers are not only a high-class embellishment, but simultaneously a versatile one.

 

Additionally, feathers do a great job of framing and contouring the original garment. They are often used to help outline the body in a way that emphasizes and shapes features attractively.

 

Floral Prints

 

Botanical prints are undoubtedly making a comeback this upcoming summer. There are so many print combinations and patterns under this genre, and due to the numerous options, it won’t be difficult to find one that is particularly flattering to you and your body type.

 

Slogan Prints

 

Shirts that make a statement have been booming in popularity over the course of the last couple years. This market is continuing to expand to include not just shirts, but also hats, jackets, and a plethora of other accessories fit with snappy slogans.

 

There are so many types of slogans being printed on garments, from spunky to sassy, inspirational to hysterical. With a little searching, you’ll undoubtedly be able to find one that fits your style and expresses your personality.

 

Fringing

 

Fringing is part of the maximalist movement, a statement which is coming back in high fashion. It involves fringing and swishing along the edges of features, adorning where the fabric meets fabric or fabric ends. Fringing can be done with a variety of patterns and material, making it extremely personable and easy to pair with clothing.
It also allows you to modify simple outfits, and fringing is relatively easy and cheap to do yourself. If you have an old shirt or skirt that you would like to turn into a brand new garment and be in stride for summer style, it is extremely simple to accent it where you see fit.

Fashion Trends for Fall of 2017

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Fall Fashion Trends 2017 - Marissa Elman

 

It’s almost time to put away the flip flops and get ready for Pumpkin Spice Lattes and the cool fashion trends that follow with the autumn season. As we head into fall, it’s time to check your wardrobe and make sure you’re ready to start it off on the right foot with these trends that are sure to be hot this year. Fashion week was held back in February, but the styles seen then help to set the stage for the fall’s trends to follow.

 

Denim

A timeless classic for anyone’s wardrobe is denim, and for the past few years, skinny jean denim has been the go-to style for many women. This fall, designers and trendsetters have decided to take a more structured take on this classic by creating more structured separate pieces like tailored jackets and skirts with clean lines. For jeans, we’re looking at high waisted and looser on the leg pants, rather than tight skinny jean styles we’ve seen over the years.

 

We’re also seeing more denim on denim looks for this season, allowing you to pair your favorite pair of jeans with an always-comfortable jean jacket.

 

Subdued floral prints

Florals for spring are typically a given, but florals rarely make waves in the fall. Rather than bright, colorful floral prints, we’re seeing flowers in subdued or even neutral shades. For this trend, aim for dark colored floral prints that are the opposite of pastel.

 

Trumpet sleeves

Shirts with sleeves that flared out made waves in the 70s and it seems like they are right on trend again. This look can be achieved with neutral colored shirts and dresses as it adds some fun to a simple garment. Or, go bold with a strong pattern or rich colored dress for some drama. This nod to the era of disco will add some flair to your fall wardrobe.

 

Glittery shoes

Last year, nude heels were all the rage as they were a way to elongate your legs and went with absolutely every outfit. This fall season, consider going on the opposite end of the spectrum by adding some sparkle to your shoe collection by investing in a pair of glittery shoes. While they still are likely to pair with multiple outfits, sparkly shoes will add some panache to your wardrobe.

 

’90s Fashion Trends That are Making a Comeback

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Marissa Elman - 90s fashion

Fashion trends from the 1990’s are anything but boring. From bright colors to muted plaid, the ‘90s showed us a variety of trends that have largely remained dormant until just recently. The following trends are now back on the fashion scene for those of us who are willing to relive that decade.

 

Doc Martens

These chunky boots have definitely made a comeback. This staple shoe was found in most teenager’s closets in the 1990s. Today, this versatile footwear can be dressed up with a cute frock or dressed down with jeans.

 

Plaid

During the 1990s, grunge was in the music scene and oversized plaid was all the rage. It started making an appearance on skirts, blazers, hats, etc once Clueless hit theaters. In today’s fashion, plaid has made a serious comeback and can be seen in some of the most high-end retailers.

 

Jelly Sandals

Children of the ‘80s and ‘90s will remember the plastic sandals called “jellies.” These sandals often came in a wide assortment of colors and are a throwback to the carefree days of childhood. Now, jelly sandals are seen on the runway and in fashion magazines, once again, in every color under the sun.

 

High-waisted jeans

A decade ago, ultra low rise jeans were popular, but we’re now starting to see high-rise make its way back into fashion. Once declared “mom jeans” are now seen on runway models during fashion week. To wear this look, find good-fitting jeans that hug your curves and pair them with a fitted shirt or crop top.

 

Neon

In the 1990s, neon was typically paired with more neon, and the wearer sometimes looked like a rainbow color explosion. Nowadays, the neon trend is back in fashion but the bright colors are typically paired with a neutral color. If you want to try this look, make the neon a statement piece and wear neutral colors as well, especially black.

 

Choker Necklaces

The majority of girls of the ‘90s wore choker necklaces almost every day, especially the tattoo style choker. Now, these necklaces that sit tighter on the neck are even hotter than ever this year.