Must-Have: Colored Denim

It all started with a pair of J Brand Mid Rise Skinnies in Electric Blue. They were comfy like leggings (hello, Japanense Twill!), structured like jeans, and right on-trend. I wore them to work with a cropped trench, out in Brooklyn with a hot pink silk tank, and lunching with friends paired back to a simple tee. OBSESSED MUCH?

The answer is yes. But after awhile, my eyes began to wander. And my heart began to lust. First it was a purple pair, a Spring style that I hunted down relentlessly all over the Upper East Side-to no avail….huge bummer.  I did, however, find them in Emerald Green and now we are insperable! These jeans have become my new uniform.

There are a multitude of ways to wear colored denim, but this is my go-to look:

Of course, the bright denim takes center stage in this ensemble. I tone down the bright factor with some of my wardrobe staples-an easy tee and classic blazer. My favorite tees are the v-necks from Old Navy and my all-time favorite blazer is the Gabe from Theory. Jazz it up with a great necklace-currently, I’m into big gold collars-and you are all set!

Have you jumped on the colored denim trend? What’s your favorite way to wear it?

Fashion Week: J Crew Spring/Summer 2012

images via style.com

Well, this is definitely not your mother’s J Crew. Or mine, even.

Jenna Lyons has done it again, this time transforming the prepster cool looks into an almost unrecognizable mashup of prints, color, and texture. Familiar highlighter pinks and citrus tones make their return for Spring. They bring with them familiar J Crew standbys like chambray, slubby silks, and sequined stripes.  The styling was part Tory and just a touch menswear…if you peered really deep, you can see a little bit of 2011′s Spring J Crew peeking through.

Was it tailored? Yes.

Playful? Yes.

J Crew? I’m not so sure.

Ms. Lyons has thrown me for a loop this time. Is this another J Crew revolution or just an update to their current recipe for success? I’m going to have to let this one sink in for a little bit. What’s your initial reaction?

Fashion Week: Diane von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2012

all images via style.com

Get out your shades, ladies! DVF’s Spring collection is full of punchy, cheery colors and many lively prints. If optimistic is what she was going for, well I give her an A-plus. Familiar shapes like wrap dresses, cropped pants, and toga styles were broken up by menswear-inspired blazers and punctuated with lighthearted prints. The kimono styles and wide obi belts were a welcome update to the expexted DVF wrap dress.

The diverse silhouettes and creative juxtaposition of the styling showed just how versatile this collection is. Sophisticated prints, fabulous frocks, smart work looks-in DVF’s neck of the woods, things sure are looking up!

Fashion Week: Rachel Zoe Spring/Summer 2012

images via style.com

I’m sorry, but was there a convention for the completely chic that I was not invited to? I’m just gonna go ahead and say it, I. DIE. Die.

My mouth is hanging open like Eli Manning at a press conference. I cannot get over this collection!

From dressy elegance to casual cool, every single look was a win. Fluid fabrics worked seamlessly back to tough leathers, chunky knits, and structured shapes. Bold hued looks were grounded by all white, ethereal ensembles. This collection is totally glam, utterly cool, and very, very wearable.

Which look is your favorite? Clearly, I’m having trouble deciding.

Fashion Week: Marc by Marc Jacobs Summer/Spring 2012

images via style.com

The Spring collection from Marc by Marc Jacobs was surpsringly simple. Bold, bright, feminine-all typical of MMJ, but the simplicity had me scratching my head. The looks had very few prints, just a tiny bit of whimsy, and were relatively plain. This divergence from the expected lent quite a bit of sophistication to the collection, with MMJ being a line that has traditionally been marketed to the Contemporary market.

Is simplicity a bad thing? I say no. The interest in this collection is found in its dramatic shapes, beautiful folds, and eye-cathcing brights. The A-line shapes, perhaps a nod to the 80s and 90s mood we are currently seeing in fashion, make the skirts and dresses completely wearable for a variety of customers. Clean, crisp, and smooth-Marc threw me for a loop but had my heart in the end.

Fashion Week: Rebecca Taylor S/S 2012

images via style.com

Rebecca Taylor’s Spring collection brought a single word to my mind: fluid.

The slinky shapes, the way the colors changed from one to another with each series of looks, the movement of the fabrics all were simply fluid. Classic skirt shapes in fun colors instantly grabbed my attention, but the new silhouettes with assymetrical hems, raw edges, and midi lengths are just too fresh to pass up. True to Rebecca florals were grounded by casual, loose knit sweaters. Bold hues balanced by soft greyish whites. Subtle shimmer and in-your-face paillettes adorned many of the sweater bodies and are a nice intimation that we won’t be kissing any of that of-the-moment sparkle goodbye anytime soon!

I personally can’t stop thinking about the orange cropped tank…what’s your favorite?

Fashionable Happenings: 2011 Fashion’s Night Out

So….whatcha doin’ next Thursday? You’re wearing something fab and doing something fun for Fashion’s Night Out, right? Now I know there is no way I could hit up all of the amazing events in the NYC area, but I do have a few things on my checklist:

DIY-ing with the girls from Honestly…WTF
click here for more info

Exploring all the neighborhoods of NYC inside Lord and Taylor
click here for more info

Loading up on Missoni for Target at the Pop-Up Shop
click here for more info

And I’ll probably wrap it all up with a free Foster the People show at Lacoste…all in a day’s work, my friends!

Cocktail parties, fashion presentations, meet and greets, and perhaps a free drink (or three)-there’s bound to be something happening in your neck of the woods!

Check out the offiicial guide for all the fashionable functions and hot happenings!

Fall Tip: All About Accessories

all necklaces from forever 21

Do ya need a quick wardrobe pick-me-up during this time in between seasons? I know I sure do! If you have been following along, you know that I have already started gathering ideas for my Fall Wardrobe. I also have begun saving for those “musts” and investment pieces for the season.

The problem?

I want to shop now.

The cure for my fashion itch is accessories — specifically those from Forever 21. I can load up on a variety of styles, look good on the cheap, and as it turns out-these items are usually the ones I get the most compliments on!

I’m obviously a necklace person; I love just tossing ‘em on over a simple tank, a fun romper or easy strapless dress to instantly elevate my look. Pieces with movement, layers, and tassels add a bit of texture and interest to outfits comprised of softer fabrics-a must for all the lightweight jersey we are currently wearing to keep cool! Bird accents are also something I just can’t seem to pass up-whether a feather for a Boho feel or a tiny bird charm for a sweet vibe, I’m all about the “fowl play”.  The statement collar is another silhouette I love, as it can be paired back to the simplest of outfits and take them from tame to eye-catching.

Do you have a go-to store for accessorizing frugally?

OM(issoni)G: Missoni for Target

image via

One of the most well-done and highly anticipated designer collaborations is on its way….Missoni for Target! Arriving in stores September 18, the zigzag-clad offerings will include items for men, women, kids, and home. Did I mention there are accessories?

Scarves!

Rain boots!

Totes!

Laptop cases!

Cosmetic bags!

Luggage!

This is sure to be one oh-so-chic collection. To shop the new Missoni collection, head online or plan to get there early-what’s your strategy for getting first dibs on Target designer collabs?

I am so excited….O M(issoni!)G!

Inspiration: Fall 2011

It’s definitely a bit early to start stockpiling fall duds. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start collecting your thoughts and building an inspiration board so that you have a good jumping-off place when you do begin to start shopping. Living in NYC, space is limited so I can’t always create an elaborate inspiration board of magazine clippings, fabric samples or pictures. My tech-savvy and style-friendly answer is pinterest! It allows me to create an online inspiration board-everything in one place and able to be traced back for easy shopping. Here’s a peek at mine:

all images available here

As you can see, I am loving the combination of bright hues like Cobalt and Goldenrod against a saturated neutral like Cognac. You can still find me colorblocking, but this time it will always involve a deep neutral anchor. Vintage prints and silks always keep Fall from being too frumpy, and there’s nothing like a simple shoe to keep the focus all about the clothes.

What Fall trends are calling your name? Do you create inspiration boards a la pinterest or the old fashioned way?

How to Stylishly Survive: Indian Summer

blazer, necklace, wedges, shorts

Sure, the temps are still going strong–but the calendar is telling us that Summer is drawing to a close. It’s the age-old battle of Farenheit versus fashion, ladies, and we need to be prepared.

Here’s my simple method for surviving the swelter while still maintaining a current look: blazer+shorts+acessories. It’s foolproof — all you do is add a tank or tee in your favorite color (or pattern, if you’re a daredevil!) and you’re set. Try it with different shoe heights. Experiment with fabrics. Play with color. You’ll be surprised how many combinations you can come up with!

We Covet: Vince Fall 2011

all items available at vince

I’m sweating. Literally. From the heat outside and also from looking at the Vince Fall looks-who could imagine throwing on a wool anything right now? Still, I’m browsing these amazing pieces and finding myself crushing on every one of them. If I have my street lingo in check, I would have to say I’m “sweatin’” Vince right now.

What?  Is it too early for bad humor as well as sweaters?

But seriously, folks…this collection has sophisticated cool written all over it. From slinky silk tops to glam fur vests to easy prepster sweaters and familiar skinny pants-there is something for everyone in this season. Most pieces easily work back into your wardrobe, reviving your old Fall favorites and there are a few show-stoppers thrown in-hello, fur jacket!

Which items make your heart skip a beat?

Bunches of Bracelets

With the mercury rising, it is quickly becoming too hot for many of the accessories we have been sporting. Sayonara scarves, bye bye wide belts, see ya later cardi….even long, dangly earrings begin to stick to my (perhaps sweaty) neck! Sure, sometimes fashion can be uncomfortable-but that rule applies for fancy events, special dates, job interviews, and things of that sort. Cool summer style should be just that-cool.

Okay fine, cool-ish.

At least comfortable?

To keep in style and on trend, my go-to summer accessories have been bracelets. Piles of them. The more the better. Here are some of my favorite styles-they all are great on their own, but look super chic piled up all together.

belleblake cuff, dannijo chain, kate spade bangle
stephan and co. stranded bracelet, lucky brand friendship bracelet

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