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!

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.

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.

Wild about Wedges

My favorite style for Spring and Summer is coming to you full force this season.  Let yourself be bowled over with these options.  I'm sure you'll strike a perfect 10 in any of them!

This Mary Jane inspired wedge is anything but prim and proper, but this look puts you on a pedestal!

Vintage vamp adds va-va voom! 

Classically cool, the quintessential summer shoe!

Get the best of both worlds with a woven textured wedge and leather upper!

Wowza! What a statement wedge!

Charming cut-outs give this wedge a coquettish quality.

Hot Holiday Heels

Don't get mad at me for saying this, but the holidays are right around the corner and you may already be scouting out your cute holiday ensembles, why not see if you can add one of these sexy pairs to go with!

$122

$107

$114

$107 

$92

$94

$244

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Now that fall is in full swing are you finding that there are trends you want to try but may be too timid to try them?  This is something that happens a lot!  You see a great look in a fashion magazine and think " I wish I could pull that off".  Well guess what, you can!

The Cure: Peter Pan Collar

This innocent looking collar has been seen all around this season, typically in a contrasting color to stand out, but if you're not ready to go all Never Never Land, you can incorporate this trend into your look without it taking over.  By choosing a printed blouse in which the collar carries the print, the collar is slightly camouflaged.  Pair with a great trouser jean and striking accessories, things you know you are comfortable with.  Remember fashion magazines want to highlight trends, so they go over the top, you want to highlight style and a little trend goes a long way!

Fetish Femme

Here's a look for a girl that is looking to mix and match feminine and fatale pieces to get a style that says something.  Lucky Magazine describes it as "Fetish Femme" and says the key is to " Girly up this subversive look with a prim and delicate white collar."  Also important is to consider just the right amount of skin, if it's form fitting, go for a longer skirt.  This look is all about the mystery, if you show off your legs, cover your arms and vice versa.  Break up the black with "heavy gold accents" and dare to be primly playful.

What you must have, a cut out black dress, textured mini, lace blouse a la peter pan collar, and a peplum skirt.  Add some irony with a cat-ear hood, and accessorize with platform lace boots or mary-janes, and cat eye glasses.

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

In 1921 a craftsman named Guccio Gucci opened his store to sell leather goods, and a legend was born. I have been oohing and ahhing Guccio's work since before I could walk, so how could I resist this simple yet sophisticated design of the Miss Bamboo Sandal ?!?  This beautiful double leather strap high heel sandal, with simple ankle strap and trademark horsebit ring buckle is just one of Gucci's many fine pieces of craftsmanship.  So what will fine Gucci craftsmanship cost you? Oh just $625.

Gucci

Just $625 she says?!? I know, I know, I haven't totally lost it, I know you can still get fine craftsmanship for much much less.  For now I will pass on the Gucci's and focus my sights on a similar Bacio61 style. Lauched in 2010, Bacio61 fuses organic elements and modern influences to create a truly special style. The Vandois sandal features a similar double leather strap heel and the price is oh so nice, at $136.

Bacio61