Lace

The Spring Runways were covered in Lace...

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012

                                                                          Gucci

                                                                                                                                                           

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012

            Fashion's constant is change.  It is exciting when designers show us novel ways to make something classic relevant.  Lace is a prime example.  To translate lace into everyday wear this spring and summer pair it with a dark color or a masculine piece to temper it's girliness and you will be right on trend. 

Lace is everywhere on red carpets...

and fun for everyday wear.

                                                   Pippa in lace with a cropped jean jacket

  Calypso St. Barth

                                                                                                                                                                                          photos by Pinterest

Deal of the Day...Sperry for Girls

 

            This post is dedicated to my Mom, who has worn Sperry topsiders all of my life.    I'll admit, there were times that I made fun of her for it.  But as the years went on, my sister and I would steal them out of her closet when we were home. You were right Mom (as always)!  Face it- Sperry topsiders are comfortable and currently cool.  Plus, thousands of university women can't be wrong.  You can barely turn a corner these days without seeing a twenty-something woman wearing Sperrys. 

      Womens and Men's Sperrys are fab.  BUT, if you have a little girl, check these out.   They are too cute at a great price!  You can currently buy Sperry topsiders and other varieties almost anywhere, from Zappos to the Sperry site.  These girl Sperrys are available at Rack Room, for "BOGO" (buy one get one) for 50% off.   I love the pink and turquoise combination with the pops of patent leather.  Plus, they're boat friendly!!

Girl's Sperry Biscayne, $34.99

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go

'The Cosmic Cavern' by Kenny Scharf

The trends of the 80s are back, but not in the way I would have envisioned. The look is fun and punchy but sophisticated and more subtle.  Neon is the perfect example of a new trend that is very wearable .  Try adding just one piece to your wardrobe to make your look more current.  Pairing these bold colors with gray, white, black, and tans creates a more mature, yet funky vibe.  Neon pieces are available at every price-point so keep your eyes open.  Adding one neon item to your outfit through accessories, or even nails, is an easy way to make a big statement!

Diane von Furstenburg Resort 2012

J. Crew Pencil Skirt

    The Look for Less:

Little Pops of Color will take you a long way.

Jessica Simpson neon flat at Zappos, $69.

Kate Spade Bar None Earring, $58.

Greylin Silk Button Down at Piperlime,

Nine West 'Off The Hook' Large Tote, $79.

                                                                                                   photos by Pinterest

Man Magnet Clothes

Do women dress for men or other women? Whatever your take on this debate, if you want to impress the man in your life, check out this poll compiled by Redbook and the Today show.   It is just too funny and surprising not to pass on to you! 

Have you ever wondered what your wardrobe would look like if you were dressed by your husband or boyfriend? Redbook magazine polled over 300 men to chose their favorite looks out of this Spring's trends.  Surprisingly, the results had nothing to do with boobs and derrieres!  The men polled voted for the top 5 most attractive looks:

1. The All White Outfit:  "Men are simple creatures" when it comes to taste and they like a clean look as opposed to lots of prints. Caveat: do not wear white shoes with an all white outfit.

2. Sporty Chic:  "It's like wearing his shirt, only better," says the Today Show.  It's comfortable and sexy.  Give an anorak a try as a transitional piece for the seasons.  This jacket is huge for Spring and will give a sporty vibe to the clothes already in your closet.

3. Figure Flattering Dress:  Try a slip dress for this look.  It shows just enough without being revealing.  The slip dress is soft, flowy, and feminine.

                                      Free People Dress

Revolve Clothing Dress

4. Shorts: "These are not baring, Daisy Duke shorts. They are soft and feminine."  If you need more length, go for it.  Shorts are everywhere this Spring, at all different price points and looks.  Shorts as evening wear is HUGE as well.  You can even get them in sequins if your dare!

                                                           Both outfits are from J. Crew. The scalloped short is adorable but pricey at $118., the blue shorts are just $49.50.

5. Strapless: "Men are suckers for bare shoulders."  Obviously, this is a classic, super feminine look.  Strapless never goes out of style.  Keep it simple and feminine by minimizing your accessories.  The dress can be form-filling or loose and billowy.  The point is to focus attention on your shoulders.

Strapless chiffon dress
£55 - topshop.com

Strapless dress
£25 - axparis.co.uk

Quiksilver strapless dress
$70 - quiksilver.com

Smocked dress
$40 - delias.com

ASOS strapless dress
$50 - asos.com

Dorothy Perkins strapless cocktail dress
$44 - dorothyperkins.com

Strapless cocktail dress
$53 - modcloth.com

2 Lips Too t strap heels
$68 - heels.com

The Crop

One of this year's most flattering trends, the cropped pant or jean looks chic for almost any occasion.  It's a becoming way to show just the right amount of leg.  Showing the ankle lends a touch of femininity to casual and formal looks.

Do not be afraid of this look.  It can be achieved in so many different ways: roll or fold up your jeans or jeggings (so 80s- I love it!), capris in color or black.  This is a great opportunity to go shopping in your closet and wear something you already have in a new way.  Crops can help transition a look you have been wearing this Winter for Spring. 

J. Crew 'Minnie' $79.50

My absolute favorite pair of black "magic" pants (because they make everything look better) is a pair of J. Crew Minnie pants in black twill.  If you know me, you have seen me in these one thousand times!  I wish I had them in every color.  They have a wide, slimming waistband, side zip, stretch, and darts behind the knee so they sit just so.  Minnies are perect for cocktails with heels, meetings, and the playground with flats or chucks.  It's a lot of bang for your buck!  The fit is slim so if you want more coverage go with a long, flowy top, boyfriend sweater, or blazer.

The Look For Less:

I just found these last week at my second home, Target.  Surprise!  They are sure to become a Spring and Summer staple in any wardrobe.

Target, Mossimo 'Skinny Crop,' $24.99

The colors available are Rinse Wash (dark denim) and White as shown. These babies have a serious amount of stretch, so they are not just for supermodels.   Another lovely feature is the midrise: they fall below your belly-button but are not so low as to leave you exposed when you sit or bend.