Fringe is in!

Hot Colors for Spring

My Style: Edgy, Daytime Chic

Recently I went on a whirlwind European vacation and made it into my own personal fashion show. Kind of how I do everyday with my life. A pleasant daytime stroll in Zurich, Switzerland turned into a city wide photo shoot.

Vince Camuto Sunglasses, Club Monoco top, Leather Bomber (Loehmanns), DVF lace motorcycle gloves, Adrienne Landau fur scarf, Armitron watch and a Helmut Lang blazer.

Top 5 Trends for Spring

It may still be freezing outside, but it is time to start thinking warm! Well, at least warmer. Spring trends are starting to make their way to stops around town and it is time to choose your favorites. Every season there are a few pieces that always stand out, trends are what make the fashion world go ‘round. Knowing these trends and understanding what works best on you will constantly keep you ahead of the fashion curve. Here are the top five fabulous styles making their way down the runway for spring:

They say orange juice is good for you, well apparently so is the color. Bright, citrus shades are all the rage this spring. Out with the bland neutrals and in with fun, deliciously loud color! Aside from being vibrant and brightening anyone’s day that you may encounter, the look also allows you to never get lost in a crowd! High fashion, fabulous color, useful in large groups, the choice of orange really seems like a no-brainer. If you are overwhelmed by the shade or feel that it washes you out, choose accent pieces like a purse or jewelry to stay on trend.

This style of jeans loves to make a comeback. Much like John Travolta, just when you think they are officially over, here we go again…. High waisted and extremely tight through the thighs before flaring out to widths unknown, bell bottoms are not for everyone. It certainly explains why the trend lasts a few years and then mysteriously disappears, only to re-appear once designers have forgotten this fact again. There is a love for bell bottoms, but it is from ladies with slender, long legs. If you are lucky enough to be in this category, rock the look like it is 1975. They are fun and flirty and can instantly add a youthful feel to your look.

And yet another style that has made its way from the ‘70s into 2011, clogs. Apparently the time travel machine was large enough for a few pieces. Often looked at as an orthopedic option or service industry footwear, the clog has never fully gone away, it just wasn’t exactly “a trend”. Spring 2011 has changed all of that, clogs are in. High, low, bedazzled, studded, these shoes are out in a big way. One of the best parts of this particular trend is that they are quite simply one of the most comfortable options you can buy. Seeing as they are designed for people with bad feet or individuals that stand all day, you can bet that strutting your stuff in these babies will be pretty cozy. Looking hot and comfortable never felt so good.

Sexy and sophisticated are two words that deserve to go together and with the explosion of sheers this spring, they can. It is just the hint of skin that classy ladies all over the globe are looking to show off. No need to put it all out there, just the idea is enough to get hearts racing. Whether it is draped, flowing or taught, sheer materials give an element of sexy danger with a feminine touch to any look. Be wary of cheaper versions as they can lessen the value of your outfit. Tailoring is very important in any piece with sheer materials because it is so easy for them to fall incorrectly. So choose wisely and add sexy sophistication to any ensemble!

Jackie O made the trench coat uber-famous years ago with her easy, breezy style. Now in 2011, the coat has been revamped from its original glory. Don’t worry, the trench coat is not ever going to completely make an exit, it just has a new face. The trench dress is ready for spring! The classic ease of the coat makes altering this piece a simple and smart idea. The trench coat has always been a great option for any body type because of the body skimming style with cinched waist. Not too tight, not to loose and it accents your waist allowing your curves to shine. The trench dress will show off your shape in the same positive way making you spring ready for any day to evening event. Accessorize your look with big, bold bangles and you are officially on point this coming season.

Running Errands in Style

Last night I did a Sass n Style party with a lovely (and entertaining) group of women. One of the women (who has attended twice!) told me about a tweet that Clinton Kelly did about how to look good even at the grocery store. Not to be outdone, I wanted to show off my version of "Errand Chic".

I have often spoken to clients about how comfort and style SHOULD go hand in hand. People have this idea that unless you have on super high heels you are not looking excessively fashionable. Sex and the City is a TV show people and NO ONE walks miles in 5 inch Manolo's. Oy, my feet hurt just thinking about it.

The fact that you do not have on your pumps does not mean that the rest of your look should go out the window. It is time for what I refer to as "my pajama look". It feels like pajamas, but it certainly does not look like them! For those days when getting dressed seems like a task, or you just don't have to go anywhere that fabulous, you can still look fabulous. In fact, you should always look fabulous! Always.

Pull out those leggings, they are seriously your savior for days like this. If leggings aren't your thing, jeans are a great second option. One of these two items will work for almost all body types so have your pick. The ideal combination for achieving this stylish "pajama look" is to add a longer, looser top. Remember, you want to be as comfortable as possible so wearing something that is looser through the middle will only promote this. As to not look pregnant, choose a style that has some sort of cinch at the waist, like a belt, or wear a longer necklace to break up the looseness of the shirt. Throwing on a trusty pair of ballet flats will keep the look insanely comfortable and still channel your chic side. A hat and sunglasses are a choice for the day based on how hungover you are or if your hair is way past the point of no return.

So there you have it. There are no excuses and no reason why looking stylishly fab is not a rule for life..... No matter how crappy you feel or where you are going. Done and done.

Image by brokeinthecity.com

Men's Layered Look for Spring

I know I have been neglecting my male readership (I am sure it is huge:), but here is a great look for all of you wives and girlfriends to pass along to your men... Or just dress them directly. Spring is coming up and we are all excited for a change in wardrobe, even men. Who doesn't want to take off that big, bulky winter coat and reveal all of the lovely new and old items that have been waiting to shine! One of my favorite things about spring is that you don't HAVE to wear a jacket, you can layer up enough to make a cute and warm (enough) ensemble.

Take "Joe model" over here. He loves his easy, layered look. He is so happy that he looks handsome, stylish and feels comfortable all at the same time. His smirk says, "I know what is up, but I am going to be coy about my incredibly stylish outfit and let YOU compliment me on it". I love making fun of people that cannot talk back to me.

Let's dissect Joe's very functional and stylin' ensemble. A white blazer may not be your thing, but don't let the brightness of it scare you. Choose your own color palette, one that makes you feel hot. If you do not feel comfortable in your diggs when you leave the house, no one is going to convince you. Inevitably your pick-up rate will be far less. See, I look out for you.

This easy layered look is quite achievable and will look good on most men tall or short, fat or rotund. I love that the brightest color is coming from the lowest layer, the red polo. It is also fantastic because hopefully it will get too hot and you will get to show off that red polo! The key to a layered look is that every layer could stand alone. The thin navy zip up adds depth by placing a dark color between the red and white. In addition, the stand up collar is really the "cool" factor of the look that is very subtle. If stand-up collars are not your thing, put on a hoodie and have it drape down your back. Complete your look with a blazer (not a suit jacket!) and you will be ready for an afternoon of Sunday cocktails or dinner with your lady. Try, but don't look like it!

Look available at Banana Republic

Sassy Spring Scarf

I know it is freezing outside, I live in New York City, but let's at least think warm. Let me set the tone... It is a crisp, sunny day. The birds are chirping, mother's skip with their children down the street and I twirl round and round through the park enjoying the fabulous day a la Mary Tyler Moore. I am also 5'9, 125 and resemble Stephanie Seymour.... Hell, it is my sunny fantasy!

Dreaming of warmer times only makes me brace myself for Spring shopping. I adore the Spring scarf, it is a representation of the hot months to come. It is a transitional piece that has many lives because it can be worn both indoors and outdoors. It instantly creates a messy bohemian look that would easily make Mary-Kate Olsen jealous. Plus, it is a simple way to put your own stamp of style on your outfit. Be creative and be you.

This easy and fun scarf reminds me of Missoni without the hefty price tag. At $85 it isn't cheap, but it rocks neutral tones that can really be worn with most basic looks and different styles of jackets. You can be a sophisticated bohemian, when mixing it with long gold chains and simple studs or be an earthy bohemian with mixed gold, wooden and beaded bracelets. Throw on a huge pair of hoops to top of the outfit. Scarves, like jewelry, are a quick fix to the age old problem of, "I have nothing to wear!". Yes you do.

Tolani Brown Weeds Scarf
$85.00