The Bootie

I'm talking about shoes, people!!

A good friend of mine just returned from market in New York.  Of course I grilled her about the noticeable street trends.  She reported that short boots were everywhere.  They are definitely on my list of upcoming purchases.  I just need to find the right price!

Wow! Pretty but painful.

That's better.

Brrrr! Our weather still calls for bundling up.  So, sadly these shots are still fabulous and relevant.

But as we transition to warm weather, the bootie is a great choice with dresses and skinny jeans for Spring and summer.  The look reads a bit bohemian.   However, what can take your outfit to the next level is the way you pair them.  It's cowgirl meets cocktails. Romance and rock-n'-roll. Booties can lend an edge to something more preppy and sedate.

How can you do this look on a budget? The bootie is a fun way to mix up your wardrobe.  Pair it with basics as well as items from past seasons for a fresh look.  

My Budget Pick:

Tom's Wedge Bootie

$89.

*They come in linen and chambray this spring as well.*

images from Pinterest

Color Class: Black & White

Combinations do not get more classic than black and white.  This crisp look is everywhere including interior design. I love the way creative industries influence one another.  The overlap is a fun excuse to squeeze in some house idea pictures!

I digress, we are here for clothes!

As a trend, black and white had a big runway presence.

 Michael Kors & Marc Jacobs

Oscar de la Renta & Tory Burch Holiday 12

Now for a little real life translation!  This trend is easy to rock.  We all have scads of black and white basics in our closets.  The trick is the combination.  Black and white stripes add graphic punch to your ensemble. Do not be afraid to mix your prints- anyone for houndstooth & stripes? When you are only working with two colors you can take a little more risk and pull it off. However, most street wear I have seen is just solids pulled together. This trend is a quick way to get out the door to work, cocktails, or for weekend errands looking crisp, chic, and on trend. Here is some outfit inspiration:

 J. Crew 

I love these: all black with a white statement necklace, mixing graphic prints. 

Spring Transition

Hello Spring!

The warm, sunny weather today has me thinking about transitional clothes (i.e. outfits or pieces that can take you from one season to another).  Here is a fun outfit that I put together with pieces from Target plus a couple of budget-friendly accessories.  Later when it is warmer the faux-wrap dress could be worn on it's own and belted.  It would also be cute with flats. The chambray blazer is a steal and would work as a more elegant alternative to the classic jean jacket.  The wedge sandals would be fun with shorts or capris as well as jeans. Both the tortoise bangle and feather pendant necklace would be stylish additions to your spring/summer looks.

Have you found any cute transitional deals? Keep me posted!

Outfit:

Dress, Mossimo for Target, $30.

Blazer, Merona for Target, $35.

Wedge Sandal, Mossimo for Target, $30.

Tortoise Bangle, BAUBLEBAR, $38.
Feather Pendant Necklace, Free People, $38.

Bat those LASHES!

Lashes are a big focus on the runways for the 2013 Fashion weeks.

 Kate Spade F/W 13 featured a cat-eye and Gucci showed faux, curled and combed lashes.

Jean Paul Gaultier's runway make-up was fresh with defined lashes.

Dark, defined lashes bring attention and definition to your eyes.  Take a look in your make-up bag.  Mascara should only be kept for a month or less as bacteria can build up inside the tube.  Give something new a try- I am! 

Since I was not born with these,

but am trying to avoid these,

I am always open to an upgrade on my latest drug-store brand mascara.  Beauty editors attest year after year that mascara is one of the few types of make-up that you can purchase without having to fork over $30.. So, why pay more?

My current favorite low-cost mascara is L'Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes.  L'Oreal says "Our lash sculpting fiber formula adheres to lashes for a volumized, sculpted lash effect. Lashes appear fuller, longer, sculpted and curled at every angle. Clump-free, flake-free, smudge-free. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist & allergy tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers."  I have to say, it does elongate my lashes. I recommend water-proof for staying power.

L/Oreal False Fiber Lashes

Drugstore.com, $8.95

And now for the car...

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!