This Fall brings some strong fashion styles: leather, rhinestones, dark earthy tones, military-style jackets, rocker-chick inspired wear. Some designers say it is mirroring how we feel as a nation--strong and determined. But there is a hint of something in their pieces that has caught our eye, something very out of the norm from everything else they are portraying...the ruffle.

Strong, dark leather jackets have a slight ruffle on the collar; dark earth-tone sweaters have a ruffle along the neckline. We love it all! The only way to pull of some of these "dark" styles is to make sure you still feel like a woman, and you can do that by adding a touch of feminity with a ruffle.

We wanted to give you some examples of pieces and brands we carry in our store and how they are using this trend in their lines.

These cardigans by Free People are the perfect example of dark tones that are really brightened up with ruffle detailing. We love how this is definitely not "girlie" but just a bit feminine. This is one of our favorite items for Fall here at Blend.

Here is another piece from that line. The color is very dark and even the fabric chosen is a bit bulky BUT when they put in the ruffle it makes this vest really work!

This stunning short-sleeved cardigan is a piece from a new line we are trying out called Mystree. This company really is the "Queen of Ruffles" because they always fit them in so perfectly into all of their pieces! And look how it POPS when paired with a brightly colored undertease cap sleeve! Perfect to pair with a skirt, jeans or dressier pants.

Visit Blend to see all these items plus many, many more in person!