Loud Prints

Fringe is in!

Hot Colors for Spring

Salute an Officer! Sailor Jeans

Owning the perfect pair of jeans is probably one of the most difficult tasks that we have as a woman. How is it that we can go into a dressing room with 15 pairs to try on and we walk out feeling beaten and battered with nothing to show for it? Stop the madness.

The sailor jean is a quick answer to fix most ladies jean shopping problems. The high waist and flared leg allow for movement and comfort because you are not having to suck, tuck and squeeze yourself through your day. Shorter ladies must hem these to wear with heels because the overwhelming width of the leg will be too much for your petite frame. Unless you are at least 5'4", buy some stacked heels in addition to your sailor jeans. Also, be sure to have a back pock or at least the illusion of one unless you have the perfect heiny of a twenty year old. Ah, the days....:)

This style also allows you to play with your funky sailor side (we all have one) as well. Jeans are a basic concept, but this design puts a spin on them that is definitely worth playing with. I am always screaming about adding your own personal flare to any look and here is a simple way to set yourself apart. Plus, during fleet week (one must live in NYC for this Labor Day extravaganza) it will be an easy way to have something in common with all of the cute sailors....

KUT Stretch Sailor Jeans
$93.00

Sassy Spring/Summer Woven Clutch

We have already established time and time again that I love anything metallic. I cannot stress enough that it is the easiest and most stylish way to give your outfit a kick while not diverting attention away from your look. It can be a standout color choice, but truthfully it just adds that certain something that only exemplifies that you are a true fashion diva.

No matter what the season, the clutch and metallic colors will always be en vogue, so why not pair them together? This great gold woven clutch is a perfect boost to your Spring or Summer ensemble. Woven bags are going to be huge this season so why not pick one up for yourself. It will be a staple of you style this season so it will be well worth the money. You will not even be able to figure out the "cost per wear" figure because it will be in your pretty little hand so often!!!

Due to its extreme versatility, giving you specific styling tips on how to rock this bag seems ridiculous. Wear it with anything. I am (almost) completely serious. You can obviously tell if something looks off, but this bag will most likely fit in with most of your Spring/Summer outfits. From the easy breezy to the simple and sophisticated, this bag will shine like the top of your grandfathers bald head.

Soft Woven Metallic Clutch
$42.00

The Chain Link Purse: Longer Handles are Back!

Coco Chanel must have known a thing or two about style, her brand is still a thriving pillar of fashion society decades after she created it! One of the staples of the Chanel empire is the longer chain link purse. It is a trend that certainly goes in and out of style and if you asked me what I thought about this piece 2 years ago I would have laughed... or vomited:)

But alas, it is 2009 and the '80s are back with a vengeance. So, whip out your collection of chain link Chanel backs and shop your closet for the best pieces you thought had gone away. This does not mean that shoulder pads are going to make a return debut, be realistic!!! Save us all.

If you don't have a collection of vintage Chanel bags, no need to fret. There are some companies making great, reasonably priced chain link bags to give you the fashion fix you are looking for. This style is from one of my favorite chain stores, Banana Republic. It is trendy and chic with the touch of '80s flare that we all deserve (and want!). It is clean yet the hardware and clasp make it a bit tough and edgy. Most any type of gal can pull of this style and the greatest part is that is is hands free! Wear it during the daytime (the size is perfect) or at night so you can hold two drinks at once. Style and function meet again!

Bridgeport Snake-Embossed Shoulder Bag
$130.00

My Newest Obsession: The A-Symmetrical Ruffle Shirt

I cannot stop dreaming about this beautiful style of a shirt. It is romantic, flirty, sexy and flat out fun all at the same time. You know how I like to hit multiple style types with one item! I want to be everything!

Since this shirt has so many possibilities, it also has a multitude of opportunities for styling! So much fun for me. Clearly her sad right wrist is crying out for a bangle. Even two or three.... Layer it on to even out the triple ruffle ladies! Why not? The other great option is to throw on a gigantic pair of statement earrings. Load up on the dangle and color. This shirt may be a busy silhouette, but because of the neutral tone, it screams for a pop! This is where free-will comes into play... You are in charge of your pop, make it good. I would also play up the "cha-cha" feel of the shirt if you have the guts. I feel I have been inching you into the fabulous world of fashion and you are ready for the plunge... Time to dive in! By adding a red accent you will automatically bring out your 'Maria from West Side Story' inner diva. "I want to be in America...." Can you hear it?

What I would not do is pair this with a belt or a necklace. Hello Banana Republic, did your stylist have off for the day? There is a certain flow that is halted by cutting off your waist or adding to much bling to the top. Both detract from the fabulous ruffle at the top of the shirt. You always want your silhouette to flow..... Now go and cha-cha your way right out and buy yourself a ruffle shirt.

Banana Republic Monogram Silk Asymmetrical Top
$125.00

The New Trend: Pleated Cropped Pants

This is one of the ugliest trends I have come across in a while. I also understand that because it is a trend, people will still try and pull them off no matter how they really look. So, as a fashion stylist and advice purveyor, I feel it is my duty to give you the best possible style I could find. I searched high and low for these suckers, you can thank me later:)

A drop crotch, pleated and cropped pant just seems like a mean joke... But no ladies, this is for real. There is an easy comfort and flow to this style, but in the end it really only works on the super tall and super skinny. So basically, only the supermodels walking the runways can really (sort of) pull these pants off.

This pair, from Victoria's Secret, is the only answer to this trendy problem. They are not too over the top and the crotch is not down around your knees. Mistaking your pants for a bathroom problem is never a good look and this pair is a good middle ground. Not too droopy:) The pleats are also not so defined that you look like you are 3 months into or out of pregnancy. "Are you pregnant?" has never been a good question unless you are 100% positive the person is!

So there you have it. If you must rock this trend, at least do it in a reasonable way. Keep the overall look simple with a sleek tank or flouncy blouse (not puffy, loose and airy!). Add bold bangles or a long beaded necklace to keep the look playful. Do not wear boots with these pants. There should be some leg showing to break up the bottom half so a sexy pair of stilettos will definitely work!

The Marisa Fit Pleated Crop Pant
$58.00

Animal Prints are Grrrrrrrrrrrrrreat!

Who doesn't love a good Tony the Tiger reference? I know I do. He is one good looking tiger and knows how to wear his look quite well. So here are some tips for looking as hot as Tony does.....

Animal print can be down right scary (and cheesy) in most cases. I have had many times in my life where I wasn't sure if I was at Palm Beach or the zoo, I was petrified at either possibility. There are so many people in this world who let the animal wear them, they literally turn into a tiger before our very eyes. Stop the madness, I am like the zoo keeper for the fashionably challenged.

So here is most most simple tip for kicking it zebra style: Limit yourself to only one piece of animal print and keep it simple. This is such a bold choice for a material that often times when we choose to drape ourselves in it, the smallest thing can push us over the "chesse" edge. I truly believe that only Kate Moss can pull off a floor length leopard coat. I met her at a photo shoot I was working on and I wanted to tame her right then and there. She is a tigress.

This cardigan is a great option to show off your inner-animal without being caged for bad style. Wearing it open with a great colored blouse underneath will help to break up the crazy pattern even more. Choosing an accessory, such as a belt, is another fabulous way to raid the zoo. It says, "Look at my sexy, crazy, I'll bite you if you are bad side, but I am also a very stylish professional". Where do I come up with this crap?

Delia's Izzy Zebra Cardigan
$44.50

Make a Statement (With your Earrings!)

Now you know that I love the statement necklace, but seeing as I often change my outfit twice a day, I might need another statement piece of jewelry! Rounding the corner at a close second are statement earrings. They were the new big thing (like anything is ever that new!) at fashion week and I am sure they will be making their way into your hanging jewelry organizer very soon. This depends on how closely and religiously you are following my blog and all of the style knowledge I bestow upon you.

The statement earring is like bling for your face. At least it is the closest thing next to actual face jewelry. Seriously though, you want to highlight all that is fabulous about your gorgeous face and this is the best and easiest way to do that. Choosing a color, like these big guns, are a very quick way to brighten up your overall look and bring sunshine to your tired, I work way too much, face:) The key to the statement earring is to make sure they are big, very, very big. They don't need to be stupidly heavy, there are millions of styles out there that produce the same effects as heavier, earlobe drooping ones.

Owning these fantastic baubles means that you must show them off, don't hide them in your hair! I always suggest a ponytail with a slight poof at the front to highlight these lovely earrings. It is fun, playful and sophisticated at the same time. Using a head scarf is also another accessory that meshes well with a large earring. Just be careful that neither the scarf or the earring is too overwhelming because you will just look like someone puked fashion on your head. Never a good look. Keep your outfit fairly simple as well if you do make the bold choice of pairing a scarf and statement earrings together. Take the leap and the net will appear, you can do it!

Banana Republic Turquoise Hues Chandelier Earrings
$39.00

Jazzy Jumpsuits

We may not be two years old anymore, but we can still love ourselves a onesie. You know what I am talking about girls, the one piece, one garment, one look miracle of a jumpsuit. They can be your easiest, most stylish go-to piece yet.

I see the fear in your eyes though. I can feel the anxiety rushing through your body. "A jumpsuit!" you say. Yes, a jumpsuit. It provides endless opportunities for styling because it is a basic and simple silhouette that you can make fabulous in many, many different individual ways.

For those of you who are feeling the uncomfortable tingle in your mid-section, stop. I certainly can understand that this style is not always tummy friendly. We have two options here: One is to buy a jumpsuit that has a bloused mid-section. This means that the band around your waist is fitted while the top half of the jumpsuit is loose and flouncy allowing room for that extra cookie. The second option is this lovely jumpsuit behind door number two. It actually has a shaper built in. That's right, your undergarment that smooths out all of those nooks and crannies is sewn right into your new, awesome jumpsuit. Does life get any easier than this? I think not.

Now that you have accepted the fact that you may have to pull out your '70s vibe with a brand spanking new jumpsuit, you might have to go and buy some roller skates. Although a belt at your waist or some fun, crazy earring may be appropriate accessories, elbow pads are not!

Control Palazzo Jumpsuit
$48.00

I Hate Pleather Leggings

Seriously people. What pissed off stylist told their clients that it would be awesome to wear pleather leggings to their next luncheon meeting at the Ivy? Please save us all. I know I always talk about things that I love, but dear God, put down the fat emphasizing, ass hugging, stupidly shiny pleather legging. Barf.

And to make matters worse, this pair has decided to go stirrup style and add an open toe summer heel. This stylist should be fired and sent to a small island off the coast of some god-forbidden country I have never heard of. Have I made my point?

No matter how fabulous your thighs may be, adding a layer of pleather will not reap any compliments you may have been hoping for from your supposedly fashionable friends. If they were true friends, if they were fashionable friends, they would tell you to back away from the pleather... Don't walk, RUN.

Where not to buy these Kova and T Oxy Leggings
$115.00.... Yea, seriously.