Spring/Summer 2013 Trend Forecast

Wordless Wednesday

(image via freepeople.com)

Trend Watch: Eclectic Inclinations

I am currently working on curating a womenswear collection that focuses on apparel that is modest yet keeps up with with current trends and creating a store concept around it in one of my merchandise management courses. As a warm up for that final project, I explored a trend that I believe is going to be huge this Spring. Welcome to Eclectic Inclinations! This trend is all about mixing high end and fast fashion, being daring with bold hues, big patterns, and quirky textures. Being eclectic is all about putting an outfit together that no one else would think of and being aesthetically pleasing at the same time. What this trend is not meant to inspire is desperately seeking attention. Desperation is the root of all evil, so don't use Nicki Minaj (no offense to Nicki) as your fashion muse when listening to your eclectic inclinations. Instead, look to people like Erin Fetherston, Susie Bubble, and Leandra Medine for inspiration on color, texture, and accessories. Let me know what y'all think of this new eclectic vibe! Will you be experimenting with this trend in your dressing this Spring?

Store Concept:

Style Inspiration:

DIY Easy & Delectable Apple Chips

I recently ran across the idea of dehydrating sliced apples to make apple chips. I know I am a little late on the bandwagon, but better late than never right? Anyways, I don't own a dehydrator, so I decided to try my hand at making them in the oven. And guess what?! It worked! I have since made several batches and I thought I would share the recipe with all of you. Hope you enjoy this super easy, guilt-free, and absolutely delicious treat!

Supplies:

-apples of your choice

-cinnamon powder (optional)

-oven

-apple corer (optional)

-mandoline slicer (optional) 

1. Core the apples. 

I like to get rid of the core and seeds. But, I read somewhere that some people like to make their apple chips without coring. You may want to try both methods to see which one you like more.

2. Slice the apples. 

Yes, I cheated and used a mandoline slicer. It's really the easiest way, but you can also slice them by hand. Although if I had sliced mine by hand, I wouldn't be posting a picture of them online;)

3. Lay apple slices on a sheet of wax paper on a baking tray.

I also sprinkled my apples with cinnamon powder since I used granny smiths. The sweet cinnamon and sour apple combination turned out to be unbelievably good. You could also experiment with other spices and mix and match different apple types with various toppings. Play around with it a bit!

3. Bake the slices at 225 °F.

Leave them in the oven until the moisture is removed from the slices. You will see them start to crinkle up like potato chips. Also, flip them over once to make sure they dry out evenly on both sides. This process takes me about 30-35 minutes, but it really depends on the thickness of your slices.  

4. Store apple chips in an airtight container.

This will keep your snack fresh and crunchy for a long time. But, I hope your apple chips turn out to be so good that they never make it to an airtight container. 

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo

Aneela