Sunny Winter

         All this sunny Winter weather goes so well with the yellows (butter, lemon, & mustard) that are out for Resort and Spring lines this season.  Yes, you can wear bright yellow in the middle of this cold time of year.

full pleated skirt with chambray & leopard

mustard yellow pencil skirt

yellow coat with burgundy & black

yellow shoes!

yellow military coat

raincoat with pink, yellow clutch

Even later, when the weather turns, yellow goes beautifully with gray!

                                                                             photos by Pinterest

Packing

                             

Diane von Furstenberg: The Bearable Lightness of Packing.

When I first watched this clip I thought I was going to be imparted some serious packing wisdom from the source.  However, what the video lacks in packing direction, DVF makes up for with her chic sensibility as well as joie de vivre.  She says,"if you pack lightly, you live lightly."  Hmmm...

I have packing on the brain of late.  As a compulsive over-packer, I have been hunting for tips for more efficient ways to get to the same result:  a cohesive, chic, appropriate look for my destination while staying within my means (and my suitcase!).  These directions from a pair & a spare sum it up packing well.

Maybe next time my suitcase will be a little more organized!

Maybe She's Born With It...

               My new obsession is Maybelline's Baby Lips.  It's like a tube of super-soft chapstick crossed with lipstick.  It comes off as more of a lip stain.  It's fabulous.  Your lips stay hydrated, colored, and protected from the sun (SPF 20).  Plus, the packaging is so fun!

Buy Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 20 Sunscreen,...
$3.99 - drugstore.com

Buy Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 20 Sunscreen, Pink...
$3.99 - drugstore.com

Buy Maybelline Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 20 Sunscreen,...
$3.99 - drugstore.com

Workin' on my Fitness

    I LOVE the look of Athleta and Lulumon work-out gear.  It makes exercising look elegant and chic.  But what I like most about these two brands are the compression, styling, and shaping benefits of their pieces.  After all, I feel so much better about staring at myself in a gym mirror when I like my outfit.  

Man, I love a kettle ball.  

I tolerate running.

The only thing wrong, is the price-point.  What's new?!!!  

Here are a few budget-friendly pieces that I love.  When I look for activewear I'm looking for key-words like compression and spandex (HELLO!!).  I also like my fabrics to be thick for a smooth look.  As in everyday life, play up your assets and downplay any perceived flaws- it's about you feeling good.  Maybe we'll all hit the gym more if we like our outfit!

I am crazy about the compression Reversible "tights" from Target (pictured above left).  At $34.99 they are a steal compared to other brands.  The fabric is thick and they do not ride up, even with running.  I have two pairs and I am considering another!  They look great paired with tanks or even a loose t-shirt if your middle is your problem area.  

This Zella top is so cute when paired with a sports bra underneath.  

Nordstrom, $38.  The reviews say it runs large, so order a size down.

This top is so Flashdance and the tye-dye look is on trend.  It also comes in solid colors.  I figure that this model has to be 6 ft. tall, so it would not be truly cropped on "normal" women.  It is called the 'off the shoulder crop' from Victoria's Secret, at $29.50.  The draping is so attractive.  The look would transition well from gym to the street.

Zella 'Play the Day Away' Skirted Capri

Nordstrom, $54.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

It's still Winter....

Sometimes we all need a little inspiration.  It's cold and wet here so I want something cozy to wear.  I love this look with the mix of dressy and casual: skinny jeans, black blazer, white top, gray scarf, and over-sized red bag.  The pops of color are on the bag and shoes.  The same effect could be achieved with different color accent pieces as long as the shoes and bag are of the same color family.  You could substitute a smaller bag and flats. 

Another look: camel knee-high boots and bag, jeans, an light oatmeal sweater, and jean jacket with a muted plaid scarf.  

More casual inspiration: Khaki polka-dot sweater, white tee, camel belt and flat boots, black satchel, and a light tan jacket.  This is a laid-back outfit that works.  A pony-tail or bun is a chic way to avoid time spent and hair disasters when the weather is not cooperating.  

You can still be fabulous, even when it's cold and wet!

                                                                                                                                                                                        photos by Pinterest

Wedge Sandal

               As I've said before, I love it when things are in style AGAIN!!  I'm trying to think Winter but the fashion world is always operating a season (or two!) ahead.  Plus it's always good to know what you'll need so you can be on the lookout for deals.  So wedges or espadrilles are back in a big way.  Basically anything goes and a few trends are big as they are in clothes as well: bright colors, nudes, color blocking, and metallics.   Sky high or low, the wedge is a great option for those warmer months ahead.

The Look for Less: 

Bandolino 'Kahari'

Piperlime, $69.

Report 'Kristi'

Zappos, $60. $ 47.99

Colin Stuart T-Strap Espadrille

Victoria's Secret, $35.

kensie girl 'Maylou'

Zappos, $59.

Bandolino 'Positive'

Piperlime, $59.

Disney Hot Mama

  This post is a reader request from a dear friend.  She's off to Disney with her husband and sweet children.  The concept is versatile pieces that can be worn and mixed up.  On a trip like this you want to be pulled together but ready for anything.  Have fun!   

Victoria s Secret beach dress
$70 - victoriassecret.com

J Crew lace t shirt
$58 - jcrew.com

Free People gauze top
$108 - bloomingdales.com

Forever 21 top
$20 - forever21.com

J Crew long shirt
$78 - jcrew.com

J.Crew pants
$45 - jcrew.com

Vintage style swimwear
$30 - target.com

J Crew beach tote
$45 - jcrew.com

Wet Seal fedora hat
$11 - wetseal.com

Trend Watch: Chambray

        Fantastic!!  Chambray shirts are back for Spring this year!!  I love it when a trend holds on for more than one season.  But this one is really a classic: think Ralph Lauren and the 80s!  Denim tops are an omnipresent force in fashion.  A button-down chambray or denim shirt is a chic way to blend different  trends with ease and little expense.  Mixing a chambray shirt now with work wear or casual is a great way to update the basics already in your closet.  The look melds the Southwestern and ladylike trends effortlessly.  Try these on for size:

a mix of formal and casual,

leopard, stripes, & chambray,

wide belt and white boot-legs,

peeking out of a sweater with an orange pencil skirt,

choices galore...

unexpected with gold sequins (more blurring of the formal & casual), 

great casual work look,

monochromatic...

chambray & white lace.

Simplicity at work!  Shop Your Closet: black blazer, chambray, and khaki pants.

If you are looking for versatile item to help you transition from Winter to Spring this top is a great choice.  It can be cozy now under a sweater and then fun with the sleeves rolled up for the warmer months ahead.  Many Spring lines are featuring fun day dresses and skirts in chambray as well.

Shop it:

J. Crew The Jean Shop Chambray Shirt

$198.00

The Look for Less:

Old Navy Chambray Shirt

$26.94

                                                                                                                              photos by Pinterest