Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Menswear influences have not only touched clothing, but shoes as well this season as the driving loafer is on the up and up.  Soft leather or suede with a mocassin stitched round toe create a cool, casual, and comfortable vibe for your feet. This rediscovered classic has numerous designers backing it from Manolo Blahnik to Prada, to Bottega Venetta, to Brunello Cucinelli, but big names means big prices, you could be looking anywhere from $450 to $830.

Brunello, Manolo, Prada, Bottega

I do have one more big name that just might surprise and excite you.  Frye has their own version of the driving loafer and it is the epitome of cool, casual, and comfortable!  The Reagan Campus Driver is made with a buttery soft leather and is a timeless must have.  Fear not, you can drive away with a pair of these for only $148!!! Just remember to buckle up!

Frye, $148

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Shine On!

All of the sparkly goodness from last night's Oscar awards reminded me of how much fun a little (or a lot) of shine can be! Alas, such things are not so ready-to-wear...or are they?!?  Perhaps not to the extent of being red carpet ready but designers from Chanel, Armani, Theory, and Reed Krakoff have exhibited a subtler sequin Spring look this season.

According to InStyle magazine the sea seems to be a major influence with an abundance of iridescent and opalescent fabrics, so take your cues from that, choosy pearly colors and simple, flowing lines.  Stick to the "less is more" mantra, one shiny piece is enough.  Most importantly,remember that while shimmer is acceptable 24/7, what you wear, where is still important.

Sale!!!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Well we are now in that weird part of the season where focus is shifting...fall/winter is going on sale and spring/summer is making its grand entrance...so what do you wear? You are so excited to show off your special new finds but the weather isn't cooperating enough yet.  Time to transition.

The Cure: Transition Teasers

You don't have to fully reveal all of your fabulous spring finds just because every fashion outlet is putting all trends on blast, allow your wardrobe to heat up in line with temperatures!  One thing you should not be without this season is a frilly and feminine full dress.  Great for shifting seasons and moving day to night! Layer up with a blazer, individualize with accessories and go for a great neutral spring shoe!  Transition triumph!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

What Summer shoe collection would be complete without a fabulous new wedge and of course there is one that has already caught my eye! Mixed materials of leather, cork and metallics, this leg lengthening number is off the charts. With the signature snipped peep toe and adjustable ankle strap this Guiseppe Zanotti wedge is bold yet barely there.  Coming in at $695 it is a definite must-have!

Guiseppe Zanotti, $695

Must-have if you plan on going broke this season. If mixed materials and summer statements are what you're after take a look at this stunner from Bacio 61.  Varying shades of beige leather are set off by cork sprinkled with metallic, complete with peep toe and adjustable ankle strap.  The mix of colors and textures makes this a wedge to be wished for.  Wish no more and make it yours for just $176!

Bacio 61, $176

Popping Pastels

InStyle Magazine just came out with their massive March issue, in it is their coverage of Spring trends, which I love! First on their list is Pastels, claiming "Spring color doesn't go soft even when it's time to get pretty".  This season's softer side of color still packs a potent punch.  Sure there are lilacs, mint greens, powder blues, and pale pinks, but each shade is a bit more saturated.

How to pull it off you wonder? According to InStyle,

"Because these shades are intense, choose clothes with clean lines, and balance solid on solid. Avoid neutrals as a base but rely on them for accessories, especially shoes. To add power to this glory, pair pastels with...more pastels!"

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

I bet you are excited to go shopping with all of these new Spring trends on the rise.  Let me caution you slightly, what you see the on runway is so much more carefully conceptualized than what you may find in stores, so while you may be ready to take the plunge into new trends it may be better to just get your feet wet.  Case in point...the athletic trend, I'm pretty sure that neoprene is not office appropriate, so how can you try your hand at this fit fashion wear?

The Cure: Simply Stated Sport

Many fashion editors are advising a "less is more" mantra when it comes to such trends like athletic wear. You do not want to look like you are coming from the gym, you want to embrace the street chic fashionista that you are so choose just one piece to help illustrate this look.  Personally, I would start with a great pair of dark skinny jeans, a failsafe basic and then venture to the world of runway with a mesh top.  Notice this top is not neon (another tip, don't try to wear all new trends at once).  The mesh provides an athletic feel, but the neckline and fitted silhouette provide subtle sophistication.  Simple, but it makes a statement. In keeping with generally neutral shades, do the same with your shoe, but amp up style.  If you want to test the waters a little more, add one bold accessory to complete the look.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Lacing is making a transition from boots to heels this season as this feature is climbing the fashion ladder.  These Manolo's would make even Carrie Bradshaw drool.  The satin fabric sandal with lace up vamp and leather cut-outs is like a corset for you foot, and is certainly sexy! They can be all yours for $885, no longer drooling are you?

Manolo Blahnik, $885

Gentle Souls has a lace up vamp, cut-out leather sandal that can give the MBs a run for their money.  With a slightly smaller heel this shoe comes with advanced comfort technology, designed to make your shoes comfortable and current.  At $187 they are more than drool worthy!

Gentle Souls, $187

Get in the Game

This Spring designers want you suit up in a different sense.  Alexander Wang, Rag & Bone, and Narsisco Rodriguez are just a few taking their design cues from the court with exaggerated athletic stylings.

Mesh and neoprene fabrics, racing stripe details, cargo pockets, and sophisticated track pants raced down the runway. But don't be fooled, these aren't just luxe gym clothes ladies, this is locker-room chic taken to the next level. Put's a new spin on the growing athletic wear trend. What will you be sporting this Spring?

Shoe Love!!!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

While you may think you need to possess some serious swagger in order to pull off the Island Fever trend I mentioned earlier this week, I have to tell you, you think wrong.  Bold prints are going to be everywhere this season, but that doesn't mean you should wear them everywhere.  How can you pull it off?

The Cure: Fiery Florals

A casual outing is probably best for this type of ensemble. But whether you're going on a date or making a trip to the mall, this is a great way to try a big, bold, floral print without going overboard.  Choose one piece of your ensemble to wear a print.  Most may choose a blouse, covered by a sweater or blazer for a subdued look, others may make it the blazer, and yet others may choose the up and coming print pant.  Next, highlight one of the colors in the print with another item of clothing, and finish off the outfit with neutrals.  In my case, my print is the blazer, complemented with the blouse, and white skinny jeans.  Pair with a great  shoe that spotlights the season and any accessories you with to add.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

There is one shoe that should be on everyone's Spring/Summer wishlist...a cross-band wedge! This timeless warm weather classic can literally go with just about every ensemble you can imagine.  I found a beautiful cross-band platform wedge by Marni, with buckle accents and an adjustable ankle.  It's clean and simple and without a doubt a go to shoe. It will only put you in the hole $655.

Marni, $655

Of course it's easy to dig your way out with the Harwich by Clarks.  While wedges are normally comfortable by design, you know with a name like Clarks, comfort is going to be first rate.  This wedge is very similar to the Marni with it's cross-band straps and adjustable buckle ankle strap.  I only see too real differences, a cork wedge (which oozes summer style) and the price...$112. These are sure to be a fast favorite!

Clarks, $112

Island Fever

With all of the new trends walking their way down the runway, one very special one caught my eye, probably because I have a little bit of island fever, but if I can't go to the islands, why not bring them to me!
Stella McCartney highlighted a retro Hawaiian feel this spring, combine that with clean sporty lines and neoprene fabrics and you evoke a version of modern nostalgia.

Hawaiian prints, color-blocking, sporty minis, bright colors and exotic florals all awaken that island feel.  Keep in mind this is not a look that is anything close to mainstream, and don't think that the Hawaiian shirt in your closet can pass for this specific style.  Pick and choose pieces carefully to pull off this period style.

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

If you're anything like me than you're already thinking about transitioning your wardrobe to shorter sleeves, shorter dresses, and well just about anything shorter in length.  It might not be warm enough to loose all that length but that doesn't mean you should skimp on style.  Loosing a little goes a long way, so how do you transition and stay on trend?

The Cure: The Short and Long of it...

A short-sleeved striped maxi dress is a great way to loose a little length and still dress for the weather.  A light weight jacket provides a layer of warmth if needed.  Add a statement pendant to add interest and a great casual leather loafer to nod to nautical stylings.

First-Class Flats

While strutting your stuff and showing your glam gams may be all you can think about when it comes to Spring/Summer, don't forget sometimes your feet need as much R&R as you do.  Give them a break in any one of these pairs of fabulous and flirty flats!

"You can do anything you want, but don't step on my blue suede shoes"

"Chain Chain Chain" no way you could be a fool with flats!

"Chain Chain Chain" no way you could be a fool with flats!

Must have moccasins!

Bold buckles bring out simple style savvy

Bold buckles bring out simple style savvy

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Spring, snakeskin, and slingbacks all seem to go together, and the combination couldn't look more lovely than they do with the Casadei Python-Embossed sling-back pump.  This leg lengthening look in a neutral nude python is barely there brilliant and sensational for Spring. Only $820...only...

Casadei

Well what about Guiseppe Zanotti's, open-toed, snakeskin embossed platform pump? This one has a slightly hidden cork platform, and it's only $695...only...

Guiseppe Zanotti

Ok ok I know what you're thinking, what is she going to throw at us next?!? How about Sam Edelman's Evelyn? The peep toe cleverly conceals a slight platform of this sexy shoe with a sling-back and skinny heel. The price is oh so nice at just $118!!!

Sam Edelman