Arm Candy

Lily and Laura Bracelets

Have you shopped in a college town recently? If you have, at the check out, you have surely seen a large glass bowl brimming with bead bracelets. I love the bracelets and the concept. The price is even more fun: usually 1 bracelet for $11., or 3 for $30..

These handmade glass bead bracelets are made in Nepal by local women. Some of the proceeds go back into the community there.  I think I would have bought them anyway but it feels good to give back!

The best way to wear the bracelets is to stack them with other bracelets from your collection. That way you avoid a matchy/matchy look. They add a little punch and depth to finer pieces as well. 

Initially I gravitated towards classic jewelry tones: gold, rose gold, and silver.  This is a safe bet but the colors are gorgeous. If you are wondering how often you will wear them... ALL THE TIME. I even swim in mine with the kids. 

What a fun trend!

Seeing Spots

Stella McCartney NY Fashion Week

Polka Dots 

are just as relevant today as ever.

There are so many ways to wear this look year-round. Polka dots are simultaneously playful and sophisticated when worn the right way. To keep the look chic and not too girlish pair polka dots with sophisticated accessories like fierce black heels, leather jackets, leopard prints, and man-sized watches.

 Try these looks:

I need these jeans!!!

Rachel Zoe Sandals

I'm obsessed with my new Rachel Zoe Gladys sandals. They are perfect everyday shoes. They are chic, comfortable (flats!!!!) and sexy. PLUS...of course, I bought them on sale. The retail for $235., I paid $40. I love end of season sales!!

Thought of the Day: Never Give Up

And I am NO quitter.

Try D'orsay Flats

Try D'orsay

Flats

If you are in the market for a versatile and attractive pair of flats, go d'orsay. D'orsay flats and heels are feminine and appealing because they show off the narrowest part of the woman's foot. D'orsay refers to the style of shoe.

d'orsay: a pump style shoe or slipper made with a circular vamp and a quarter that curves to meet the vamp at the shank line (Merriam Webster).

What is even more appealing about this shoe is that they are easy to find on a budget. I found a pair similar to these at TJ's for $16.99.

D'orsay flats pair well with skinny pants or jeans as well as dresses and skirts.  It's just wondrous when function and fashion meet. Win win!

She's Got Good Jeans

Recently I discussed dark jeans with a client. They are a must-have!! This task is easier with a large clothing budget.  But we can still look fabulous within our limits. Here is my jeans guide:

Everyone needs a pair of dark jeans.  They are the ultimate wardrobe essential.  Buy whatever style you prefer: straight leg, skinny, or trouser. They can be dressed up or down to suit the occasion.  Pair them with heels or tuck them into boots if you are not as fond of your ankles.  Even in the more conservative parts of our country, denim can be seen in Country Club grills (gasp!) for drinks and dinner.  Stacy London agrees, "dark denim is the blank slate from which you can create any style." They instantly convey a contemporary, youthful vibe.

Tall, 5'9 or over:

Old Navy Rock Star Jeans in Tall

J Crew Matchstick Jeans in Tall

Levi's

Curvy:

Gap jeans

Just Fab Signature Skinny

Lucky Brand

Boyish Hips:

J Crew Matchstick Jeans

Old Navy Rock Star

American Eagle Jegging

Plus, size 14 and above:

Chico's So Slimming

Lee

Levi's

Petite, 5'4 and under:

Gap Jeans in 'short' leg

Old Navy Rock Star

Guess Brittney Cut Petite

Nylon Magazine once printed "If you can't tell if your jeans look good in 30 seconds, you need a better pair." This wardrobe essential is worth the effort!

Fun App: Red Stamp

I am totally obsessed with

This app is free and fabulous.  You can make digital cards, calendars, invitations, and postcards.  Once you easily personalize them you can text, email, or have them printed.  It is a blast!  I have sent "thinking of you" cards by text, added fun text to pictures, and even expressed condolences.  Even though nothing will ever take the place of the old fashioned note through the mail, Red Stamp is incredibly useful and user friendly.

Think Globally

  Wow. I get very excited about fashion trends.  I get even more excited about trends when I'm sure they're going to last into the next year.  If top designers have anything to say about it, Global Chic is here to stay (at least through next year. Haha).

Suboo S/S '13

UK Marie Claire, June 2013

love the strong brow

Vogue, India

Mara Hoffman, F/W '13

                                                                                                               Oscar de la Renta, F/W '13

Fashion editorials as well as the runways were covered in the past two seasons with technicolor global prints and design. The key to pulling off this look is to pair a global item with a more everyday item. For example, wear a flowing bohemian top with preppy, more tailored pants. Try a tribal print maxi dress or skirt from a less expensive store with your favorite tee and belt. This world traveler look can be a bit bold, but you can translate it with pieces from your own wardrobe to make it work for you.  Here are some looks below to inspire you:

Obviously, this girl is fully committed to the trend.  But you gut the point.  Mixing prints is a big part of the concept.  As long as they are tone on tone, go for it!

The tribal inspired necklace changes everything in an otherwise simple look.

Try a bold scarf and stacked bracelets.

But, If you have not taken the plunge just yet...try an embroidered tunic.  It just does not get any more classic than this.  Tunics come in every shape, color and size.  They range from a bohemian look to seriously preppy and elegant.  I have a black silk one for cocktails that is lovely.  A tunic is a risk free way to try the global trend as you can go as conservative or daring as you like. Another positive aspect is their forgiving nature: pair a tunic with skinny jeans or leggings for a slender look no matter the size of your mid-section.

Free People Top, $89.

Oh, and I did mention that the look is back for Fall/Winter? It's all very Dr. Zhivago/Twenties and I love it!

Tory Burch F/W '13/'14

Mara Hoffman Fall '13

Come Slither with Bulgari

In the Chinese Zodiac Calendar, 2013 is the year of the snake.  Coincidentally, the iconic Italian design house Bulgari is also celebrating six decades of serpent designs.  

       

Bulgari Fifth Avenue

Bulgari  "Serpenti" bracelet, necklace, and watch.  How lovely!!

Chloe snake ring

$355.

Now...how do we translate these opulent luxury lines to everyday life? We found the look on a budget (you can even wear it to the grocery store!):

Stella & Dot:

Sidewinder Ring, $69.

Serpent Bangle, $49.

How to wear it: raid your jewelry box! Mix different brands and styles to achieve a casual, rich, thrown together look. Pictured above: Stella & Dot Serpent Bangle, David Yurman Cuff, Link Bracelet by Glamour Me Jewels on Etsy, and Michael Kors watch.

 Stella & Dot
Snake Orb Pendant, $79.

How to wear it: I love it when outfits are pictured with Starbucks and a grocery bag.  See? I told you. You can wear serpent jewelry to the grocery store!