Ruffles & Pastels for Spring

I’m currently coveting ruffles and pastels. For me that’s a big statement as I usually mix my tailored, classic style with a bit of rock n’ roll edge. Maybe it’s the springtime weather that has finally got me getting in touch with my romantic side. Pastels usually remind me of Easter and not in a good way, but I am loving the soft rose color of this gorgeous Valentino asymmetric ruffled top. This color looks amazing against all skin tones and the ruffles are not over the top.

In staying true to my style I would pair the Valentino top with this Vivienne Westwood accident pencil skirt. I love Westwood’s signature flair of the ruching without losing the silhouette of the pencil skirt. The dark color of the skirt adds a bit of edge to the overall look.

These Valentino leather and organza sandals complement the ruffled top perfectly and I love the beautiful floral detail. They make your feet look like delicate presents!

The Lanvin Le Genereus Soir silk bag is the perfect mix of polish and feminine style to complete the overall look. So maybe my wallet isn’t loving this look as much as I am…but a girl can still dream, right?

Spring 2010 Trends that will Last through Fall

In some places people are still trying to utilize their spring wardrobe but winter is making it a challenge.  The clothes seen at New York Fashion Week for Fall 2010 this past week seemed more appropriate for the weather most of the country seems to be experiencing than the spring trends that are waiting to be worn. Not to fret, spring will soon be upon us.

The great thing is that you will get extra milage out of some of the upcoming spring trends, as we saw them repeating themselves on the Fall 2010 runways. Not only good for your favorite trends but fabulous for your wallet!

Bold Prints

This spring, bold prints will be a big trend and we will continue to see them for Fall 2010.  Choose a print that you love since you know you can transfer it into your fall wardrobe as well. Not feeling like you can pull off a bold print? Then choose one item of clothing, such as a skirt and pair with all black to tone-down the print.

Belts

Belts will continue to be a popular accessory one can play with for the upcoming fall season. On the spring runways we saw belts over brightly colored cardigans and at the waists of dresses. We will continue to see these usages for fall, as well belts layered over outerwear. I personally love this look,  as it’s a chic way to show your figure while keeping warm this fall.

Shorts

This spring, shorts are the new pants. For spring it seems the shorter, the better.  If you are past your prime of short, shorts invest in a longer tailored pair. These will be perfect for fall, as we saw them paired with tights on 3.1 Phillip Lim’s runway.

Ruffles

Romance is what first comes to mind when one thinks of ruffles. They will be a big trend for spring, as we saw them in many different forms. We continue to see them for fall in darker hues than the nudes and pastel colors we saw for spring. If you invest in a springtime nude version of this trend, pair with dark tights or blazers to transition them into fall.

Nothing but Love for Spring Fashion

It’s Jennifer from Red Sole Diary, and I am happy to be back here again. Since Valentine’s Day is approaching I thought it only appropriate to write about my current loves and obsessions…for spring. There are so many fun trends for spring that it was hard choosing but I somehow managed!

Brightly Colored Dresses
I am so excited that colors are here for spring. While I do love black and tend to wear a lot of it, I love color. When I saw this Carolina Herrera dress {$1990} it was love at first sight. This dress will get you noticed as soon as you step foot into your party but for all the right reasons. Check out T-bags asymmetrical dress {$275} in the same color. You’ll be sure to create the same buzz for a less bang to your wallet.

Military Inspired
When some of my favorite designers are screaming that military-inspired jackets are the next big thing, I do what any fashion lover does and say “Sir, yes sir…or Ma’am!” Which brings me to my next love…Balmain. I’m obsessed. I would be marching left, right, left to the nearest Balmain boutique to get my hands on their studded military jacket {$6225}. When I say I’m in love I mean, L-O-V-E! If only my wallet would agree. Thankfully the Gap has a military anorak jacket {$79.50} that will easily fit into your current wardrobe. With authentic military details, you will be effortlessly chic this spring.

Bold Prints
Multi-colored, bold prints were all over the S/S 10 runways. These are a must-buy for the spring. Besides being trendsetting, they are great transitional pieces to get one ready for the new spring season. This Miu Miu dress {$265} is two trends in one…bold print and florals. This is a trendsetter piece for sure and perfect for a weekend getaway. Channel Alexander McQueen’s S/S 10 runway look, in Armani Exchange’s graphic snake print {$120} for a lot less. Pair with some flat strappy sandals and you’re all set for brunch with the girls.

Embellished Bags
We’ve been seeing more embellished bags and once again my fashion true love delivered. This Balmain punk suede studded bag {$3925} is so fun and will give you that instant luxe edge to keep everyone on their toes. If you prefer to have more money inside of your handbag, check out Antik Batik’s Lola beaded bag {$190}.

Ruffles
Nothing screams romance more than ruffles, and they were seen everywhere on the S/S 10 runways. From tops, skirts, dresses even shoes, ruffles are big this season. One can easily create an instant feminine look with a bold ruffled top. Oscar de la Renta once again shows us his skills at making women look like ladies with his clothes, especially with this gorgeous ruffled top {$690}. It is the perfect day-to-night item when paired with simple, chic pants. Check out Ellavie Jabot’s ruffle blouse {$41} for the same elegance at a more affordable price.

Shorts
Shorts are the new pants for this spring. When I saw these gold harem lamé shorts from 3.1 Phillip Lim {$350} I was smitten. These are perfect for daytime with a white boyfriend top and strappy flat sandals. Pair with open-toe booties and a fitted black tank, your favorite clutch and you are cocktail party ready. Not ready to embrace harem-style shorts, check out Ann Taylor’s cotton twill walking shorts {$48} for a more classic look.

Camisole
Lingerie was on the minds of many designers when designing their collections for spring. A camisole is a perfect way to embrace this trend. Pair with a fitted blazer and a pair of jeans for a sexy, yet elegant date-night ensemble. I loved how elegant this Carine Gilson silk-satin and lace camisole {$770} looks and it’s the perfect color, as turquoise is a must-have color this season. Check out Vanity Fair’s elegance camisole {$27} for a price-conscious choice without losing the style.

Peep-Toe Booties
Not only are booties still going strong, but we saw a lot of open-toed versions on the runways. Nude is another big trend for spring and when I saw these booties from Maison Martin Margiela {$1045} I knew I needed to figure out how to get them in my closet for spring…still working on it! For an alternative version, check out Biviel’s booties {$139}.

Something Red…
Just because it’s Valentine’s Day I felt I should have something red…so I splurged with my pick, but I love anything Agent Provocateur.

Have a happy heart day!

How to Wear: Ruffles

Feminine and frilly is all the rage this fall so don’t be afraid to embellish your look with ruffles.  (And yes, I did indeed just say “all the rage”.  And then I used indeed.  See how I did that?)  This is an easy trend to pull off, but you should be careful that you don’t go for too much of a good thing.  If you have ruffles on your shoes, then skip the ruffled bag.  If you have a cute ruffled top, then skip the ruffled skirt.  You’re smart – you get the picture.

The key to rockin’ this trend is to KISS.  (Keep it simple, silly.)  (Ok, ok, the real phrase is Keep It Simple, Stupid – but frankly I didn’t think it was very nice to call you stupid.  You’re here, right?  Ten automatic smart points!) Pair a ruffled top with a tailored pant or a pencil skirt and simple shoes.  Think of it as your signature item.  If you wear fire engine red shoes, you’re going to keep the rest of the outfit and accessories simple, right?  The same goes for ruffles.

Check out some of these awesome ruffled and frilly looks for fall.  I’m especially in love with the Walter dress on the right – it has a cutout back with a simple tie, and it is just gorgeous.  Be on the lookout for it on Leighton Meester in the season premier of Gossip Girl on September 14th.  So, what do you think?  See anything that catches your eye or stikes your fancy?