Fashion February Week 3: Tartan

Another week, another topic for Fashion February!  This week, we're turning to tartan for inspiration.

What is tartan, you say?  Isn't tartan the same as plaid?  Actually, plaid and tartan are very different.  As I learned just moments ago (thanks, Google), plaid is a garment typically worn as a "belted blanket" while tartan is the criss-cross multi-colored pattern that most North Americans like to call plaid.  So, plaid = garment (whether tartan or solid color) and tartan = pattern.

Do you feel misinformed, fellow Americans?  I know I do.  My European ancestors would be appalled at my misuse of the word plaid for the past 25 years!

Now that we've had our history lesson, let's take a look at how I've styled this trendy pattern:

Fashion February Week 2: The Harem Pant

If you're a little behind, I'm participating in a series called Fashion February where each week myself and several other bloggers are writing weekly posts centered around a certain trend or topic (for a list of all the participating blogs, click here).  This week, the theme is...

That's right, it's hammer time!

Contrary to popular belief, these easy-breezy pants did not originate with MC Hammer.  The pants originated 2,000 years ago in the middle east, and unlike modern harem pants, it's predecessors required much more fabric (as shown below).

Image Source: wikipedia.org

These 19th century bloomers are also considered a variant of the original harem pant.  Sassy, no?
Image Source: Soarcomm

Modern harem pants (done right):

Image Source: Glamour UK

Image Source: SheKnows

Fashion February Week One: NUMARI Sheath Dress

Please note: This is NOT a sponsored post.

This month, myself and a gaggle of other beauty and fashion bloggers are participating in what has been aptly dubbed Fashion February.  Each week, our posts will be centered around a certain piece or trend.  If you'd like to see what the other bloggers are posting, click here!

This week's post features the NUMARI Diagonal Color Block Sheath.  In case you're unfamiliar with the brand, NUMARI specializes in women's wear that is tailor-made to your measurements.  You just pick out your style, submit your measurements, and three weeks later you have a gorgeous dress that is made for YOU!  (You guys HAVE to check out their Diagonal Drape Sheath Dress!  It's simple, but oh-so-gorgeous!)

Make no mistake, the price tag may come as a shock to some of you (the dresses begin at $130), but considering the custom-fitting and classic designs, it will be a wardrobe staple for years to come!

For our first Fashion February post, NUMARI has challenged us to create a look using the Color Block Sheath and style it with 5 additional pieces.  Since the dress is more of an investment, my 5 accessories will all be under $20!  That's right, (get ready to do your best Oprah impression) everything's under $20!  Let's move on to the goodies, already!