A Modern Take On Apostolic Fashion

We are coming out of one of the most depraved and ugly election seasons in the history of our country. If you are like me you are ready to leave all of this talk of corruption and perversity behind and return your focus to all of the things that make life beautiful. We are even seeing this desire manifest in the world of fashion. There is an exciting new trend, a return to modest dressing. Here at Posh At Play we want to jump on board and celebrate this return to modest, feminine style. Apostolic Fashion is all about using clothing to highlight the beauty of what makes a woman unique; wearing dresses instead of pants, while at the same time not exploiting her sexuality but rather illuminating her femininity; clothing that does not expose breasts or thighs. It is so refreshing and brings a long needed innocent beauty back to the fashion industry. It is time for a fresh perspective on what makes a woman truly beautiful.
Christy Dawn Dress
Sunglasses
Hat

Graceful Beauty

There is something so stunning about a woman who dresses modestly. It leaves something to the imagination and actually draws attention to and highlights the beauty of her face, which exemplifies who she is without the distraction of in your face sexuality. Several celebrity women in the spotlight who exemplify this trend toward dignified allure are Kate Middleton, Olivia Palermo & Emma Stone.
Dress
Sandals

Modest And Modern

Despite what some may think modest fashion does not have to be old-fashioned or frumpy looking. Style bloggers Julia Engel @GirlMeetsGlam and Sarah Vickers @ClassyGirlsWearPearls are both great examples of dressing with modest femininity while still maintaining a modern style.
Striped Sweater
Circle Skirt
Sam Edelman Boots
Fendi Handbag

KJP Button Down Dress
KJP Belt
American Flag Tote

Iconic Apostolic Style

It is almost impossible to think of anyone who represents modest femininity better than style icon Jacqueline Kennedy. She is the epitome of timeless classy style. Grace Kelley pictured below also exemplifies this aesthetic.

Yes ladies, lets exchange the term “hot chick” and cat calls on the street for the reference  “lovely lady” and chivalrous men who hold doors open and carry heavy packages.

 

 

 

 

FROM MOROCCO TO PARIS TO L.A.: SPRING’S INSPIRED PRINTS

Thrilled by the exotic? Waiting for your next getaway? Dreaming of Paris? Even if you can’t afford to vacation in luscious Morocco or romantic France this summer, take your own little “mini travel escape ” for a few minutes, and peruse the mysterious yet alluring foreign style inspirations for Spring 2016.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, colorful tapestries, and exotic locales, the Mediterranean is full of rich heritage and intriguing culture. The influence can be seen in brightly colored pattern and print dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants, as well as sweeping, luscious fabrics.

Hot red and luscious pink prints derive from the colorful sunsets and intricate embellished patterns of Moroccan scarves, tapestries, and fabrics. Sizzle in a silky pink and purple printed maxi dress or try a pretty patterned halter dress paired with your favorite flat sandals.

The lifestyle is much less hectic and fast paced than other parts of the world. Moroccans enjoy a lunch break on the beach or dinner by the sea in their own brightly colored “cabanas” created by their own tapestries and scarves. Food of choice includes flavorful spices, bright fruits, fresh vegetables, and homemade pita bread.

From the mint hue in cropped floral capri pants to kelly green on printed silk blouse to neon color on  silk wide leg Palazzo pants, Moroccan nature’s favorite color is popular throughout Spring’s fashion lines. Earth green patterns influence prints from skirts, to swimwear, to blouses, to pants.

Echoing the natural beauty of the terrain, sellers in the popular Moroccan baazars utilize nature’s green, gold, and beige hues in the pottery, tapestries, and home decor. Earth green colors seep into the patterns and prints of Spring’s favorite fashion lines.

The beautiful yellow and blue patterns on the Mosque Hassan are just one of the many examples of the intricate architecture and rich design found in Morocco and across the Mediterranean. The people are proud of their heritage and culture, and take time to beautify their buildings as works of art.

Inspired by Moroccan tile print and architecture, get your own blue and yellow print flowy maxi dress this Spring.

It’s easy to get swept away in the mystery and natural beauty of the Moroccan culture in sweeping chiffon printed wide leg pants or coral colored pants, reminiscent of the desert sun.

Incorporate the beautifully patterned tapestries and silky scarves sold at Morocco’s favorite outdoor bazaars. Feel like your own “Queen of Sheba” in a printed jersey maxi or blue printed crepe de chine wide leg pants. Throw on a lace design poncho for perfect Moroccan style.

Across the sea, the Moroccan influence can be seen street style in Europe’s most romantic “City of Lights.” Rich in art, culture, music, film, and architecture, the Parisian woman combines the patterns of the Mediterranean with the sophistication of the metropolis.

This Spring, combine the world of Paris’s art, pop culture, and celebrity with influences of Moroccan lifestyles and femininity.

Celebrity and fashion icon Olivia Palermo perfectly portrays the quintessential Parisian woman’s style- classy in an effortless manner. A vintage A-line Moroccan-inspired print skirt easily pairs with a tailored top and black Bolero jacket or rabbit fur vest, mixing exotic patterns with classic silhouettes.

 Parisians know how to rock Spring’s favorite romper in style. Incorporate the exotic ancient prints of Morocco with the trendy new styles of today in a blue printed romper roaming the streets of Paris.

And finally, around the world to America, combine the culture of Morocco and the romance of Paris with the trends of the vibrant city of Los Angeles.

With the trendy yet artistic vibe of the city, L.A. women combine the culture of the Mediterranean with the class of Paris to create a fresh, new style all their own. Trends are often started in the “City of Angels,” spreading across the States one by one.

From Sofia Vergara to Paris Hilton to Salma Hayek, vibrant Moroccan prints attract celebrities of all ages and fashion tastes. With designer style yet affordability, you too can dress like your favorite Hollywood star in a  Boho printed jersey knit maxi dress or go with a classic style in the printed jersey shift dress.

You’ll feel the mystic of Moroccan style as you relax poolside in a custom print sheath dress complemented by lace up Boho chic sandals.

Vacation in style with a colorful Moroccan inspired print maxi or flutter sleeve maxi with the pose of a Parisian lady.

And bring the fun to your own back yard like the Angelenos do. Entertain just like a celebrity with Moroccan tapestries and decor complemented by your own patterned, print dress. From Boho printed maxi dresses to classic shift silhouettes to floral cropped pants, there is a Mediterranean style to fit your personal taste.

From the mystery of Morocco to the romance of Paris to today’s trends from L.A., get swept away in other worldly cultures this Season. Whether Boho maxis to classic shift dresses to cropped or wide leg pants, there’s a perfect style for you.

FLIRTY FLORAL DRESSES PERFECT FOR SPRINGTIME FUN

“April showers bring May flowers.” While the saying may or may not be true, there’s no doubt that floral prints of all kinds are “blooming” this Spring. From Zuhair Murad to Ralph & Russo to Dolce & Gabbana, the runways were full of flora and fauna of all shapes, sizes, and designs. Whether big and beautiful or minute and abstract, the motif is just feminine enough, playful without taking itself too seriously.  The key to styling your favorite floral frock is to avoid over accessorizing and opting instead for a restrained approach. Take a look at our top picks trending for Spring 2016.

FLORALS FOR THE OFFICE

Start off your Monday morning with a breath of fresh florals for the office. The trick is to go with a sleek silhouette paired with shoes and accessories for all day comfort and style. We like Hale Bob’s sleeveless floral sheath dress combined with Sam Edelman’s lace up heels and simple gold bangles from Kendra Scott. When it’s time for a meeting with the Boss, throw on  Hale Bob’s black Bolero jacket over your floral frock for a perfectly polished professional look. As lunchtime approaches, pull out the homemade mini cupcakes decorated with lavender wild rose royal icing flowers from Confectionary House  and you are sure to start your co-workers’ week off right. Bring a little Springtime fun to the workplace this Season.

BOHO FLORAL MAXI

Tap into your inner “hippy” this Season  with a flowy Boho floral maxi. Relax in style with Hale Bob’s floral printed maxi dress, Free People’s floppy hat, gladiators from Steve Madden, suede fringe tote from Patricia Nash, and chic hand chain from Lana Jewelry. De-stress this Season by creating your own personal space outside. Throw down a colorful floral rug from Loloi, add a string of lights, table, cozy chair or hammock and take a minute to enjoy the calmness of the outdoors. Consider even starting your own flower garden for luscious scents throughout the year. Check out the Gardener’s Supply Company for tips on how to grow the most perfect roses, America’s most popular flower. On weekends, add a few chairs and invite your best friends over for a garden party with cocktails and munchies. Whether alone or in good company, take the time to enjoy nature this Spring.

VINTAGE FLORALS

You can’t go wrong in a classic vintage A line floral dress this Spring. Grab Eliza J’s floral print fit and flare dress paired with cute white kitten heels from Bella Vita and a vintage floral clutch from designer tu-anh. Even if you don’t have time to grow your own posies this Spring, you can still enjoy the Season’s fresh flowers by shopping your local Farmer’s Market or flower shop. Here in L.A., we enjoy the family owned and operated Athletic Club Flower Shop delivering flowers to customers since 1916. Search your area for the best place to buy flowers and add a little brightness to your Spring this year.

FLORAL SHIRTDRESS

Whether vacationing in Cabo or simply tending the garden in your own backyard,  the very versatile floral shirtdress is one you’ll want to add into your wardrobe collection this Spring. We like Hale Bob’s “Cabana” cotton dress paired with trendy flat gladiator sandals NEW from Lucky Brand and color blocked straw tote from Straw Studios. Another styling tip is to fashion your shirtdress over a favorite pair of summer shorts or cropped pants such as Hudson’s cropped denim jeans. You can also bring your shirtdress along with you to pool or beach topped over one of Hale Bob’s colorful printed swimsuits. Lastly, don’t forget tie a comfy cotton plaid shirt around your waist when you need to layer as the sun sets. Casual or dressy, home or abroad, let your shirtdress work for you this Season.

ROMANTIC FLUTTER FLORALS

Not sure what to wear to your next wedding event or formal Spring occasion? We suggest a lovely sheer ivory flutter floral dress paired with black sandals from Calvin Klein and matching crossbody bag by Rebecca Minkoff. Protect your peeps with stylish “Palm Beach” sunglasses from Illesteva to complete the ensemble. For a different silhouette, we also like the faux wrap neutral silk chiffon from Hale Bob accessorized with “flower” inspired Betsey Johnson glitter “rose” bangle, Simone Rocha stud earrings, and crystal pendant from Nina. In the spirit of the Season, why not surprise the bride and groom with an arrangement of fresh flowers from your favorite flower shop.

COCKTAIL FLORALS

Take a cue from designer Emanuel Ungaro’s Spring 2016 collection with a flirty floral cocktail dress perfect for drinks with co-workers or date night out on the town. Glam it up this Spring in Hale Bob’s sequined embroidered cocktail dress paired with Betsey Johnson’s dainty flower detailed stilettos and kitsch “flower pot” crossbody. Or sparkle like a Hollywood star in a snug gold sequined floral dress accessorized with Vince Camuto’s embellished ankle strap sandals and 3D flower jeweled gold clutch. Spritz on a little romantic “Tea Rose” perfume and you’ll look and smell fresh as a Spring day.

TROPICAL FLORAL PRINT

Finally, no Spring or Summer season can be complete without a tropical floral print tank dress. Whether or not you vacation in the tropics this year, you can still get in on the fun with your own flora and fauna “Cabana” style. We like Hale Bob’s blue sleeveless tropical print summer dress paired with your favorite flat sandals and floral headpiece from Free People. Segue into the evening hours by switching out your casual flats for Vince Camuto’s white ankle strap heels as pictured above or opt for Sam Edelman’s fun floral print sandals and you are ready to shimmy the night away. Even if your year doesn’t include a trip to a getaway desert island, you’ll feel “tropical” in your very own floral print sleeveless dress while making yourself a homemade coconut cocktail from Cooky Coconut’s fresh delicious recipes.

From the workplace to destination getaway to date night, there’s a flirty floral dress to fit any occasion this Spring. Whether you choose a delicate feminine print or glamorous sequined pattern, florals are a “must do” this Season. Have fun, be you, and bring a little “flower power” style into your daily routine this Season. Don’t miss a single issue and
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