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!

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.

Spring 2010 Trends: Must Haves Under $100

Hello my fashion darlings!! I am so excited to be the new girl here and to talk with you weekly about my favorite topics, fashion and style.  Check back each Wednesday for a new fashion related article.  I would love any input about what you would like to see each week.  I plan to do a monthly fashion Q & A, where your fashion and styling questions are answered along with other styling articles.  Please email me your comments and questions. Feel free to stop by and visit me during the week at my site, Red Sole Diary…I love visitors.

Q:  What is the must have article of clothing (not shoes) for spring under $100?

A:  There were a lot of trends that came down the Spring 2010 runways. Below are just a few to incorporate into your closet this spring.

Various versions of the jumpsuit were seen walking down the spring runways, from the relaxed glamour at Lanvin to loose and flowy at Roberto Cavalli.  Be sure to check out ASOS’ ruffled, one-shoulder jumpsuit ($34) to create a new spin on evening-wear. You’ll be stylishly chic at your next cocktail party.  For a more casual look, try Victoria’s Secret floral printed silk jumpsuit ($88) as floral prints are a must this season. Add a great pair of gold flat sandals and you are pool-party ready.

While we saw a lot of wide-legged pants on the spring runways, skinny-legged pants are still hot. Denim leggings are the cool girl’s jean of choice this season. Pair Ann Taylor’s denim leggings in dark wash ($88) with a white “boyfriend” t-shirt and your fitted blazer from last season to be the most stylish mom running errands.  To mimic Balmain’s military-inspired spring runway looks, pair Blank black denim stretch jeans ($78) with an Aqua military jacket ($88). It will truly be the look for less.

Shorts are the new pants this season. From quilted leather shorts seen in Alexander Wang’s show to the gold lamé harem shorts on Phillip Lim’s runway there is something for everyone. Add a pair of Victoria’s Secret belted linen shorts ($34.50) to your wardrobe this season. Pair with a lingerie inspired camisole, which is another hot trend for spring, and finally complete the look with last season’s boyfriend blazer.

Q:  What is a must have accessory under $50?

A:  Bold statement necklaces continue to be popular for the upcoming spring season. We saw everything from a full bib necklace at Vera Wang to bold pendants at Bottega Veneta. Color was everywhere on the spring runways so have fun with your accessories. Add Anthropologie’s double torsade necklace ($28) for a fresh look this season.  If you are looking for a bit more edge, check out Express’ bib necklace in a bold citrine color ($39.50).

See you next week!