Cardigans: Not Just For Mr. Rogers

Ask any of my friends what is one article of clothing that Bevann can’t live without and they will say- cardigan sweaters.    It is shameful as to how many sweaters I own…and I keep buying them!  I love the versatility of a great cardigan sweater.  They are lightweight and a great layering tool.  You can wear a cardigan with just about anything ….dresses, skirts, trousers, jeans- ANYTHING.  They can liven up or tone down any outfit.  Solid, printed or embellished cardigans, it’s your prerogative.

Some of my favorite cardigans for the spring season are….

…the smocked detail cardigan from Ann Taylor Loft in my favorite shade of green.  Something about that candy apple green shade really puts a spring in my step!  I also really love the rib tie sweater from Tommy Hilfiger in star fruit yellow.  Yellow is such a hot color for summer and spring.   And when is black and white paired together not fashionable?  I adore the DKNY white cardigan with black trim that is embellished with a black and white flower on the shoulder.  I don’t know about you, but when I wear black and white together I instantly feel more chic and fashionable!

Also on my list of favorites for spring; the three quarter length cream and black polka dot sweater and the short sleeved leopard print cardigan from Forever 21.  Both are fabulous, very bold and under $20!  What a steal!

The Anthropologie dissolving spectrum cardigan is a beautiful mix of pastel colors.  When I saw this sweater, I was immediately reminded of Rachel McAdam’s Eli Saab gown that she wore for the 2010 Academy Awards- which I absolutely loved!  Although the colors of Rachel’s gown were more muted than the Anthropologie cardigan, it still conveys the same feeling and look of complete sophistication.

Last on my list of must have cardigans for spring is the floral cropped v neck cardigan in violet from Express.   Shades of purple are very trendy this season and this sweater is no exception.   I like this sweater because it’s different.  It is floral, but it looks more graphic or color splashed than floral.

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!

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!

Spring 2010 Trends: Go Red

Red.  It conjures up all sorts of images, doesn’t it?  Power.  Anger.  Rage.  Love.  Red is sexy, alluring, bold – it pulls people in and announces, in no uncertain terms, that you are unafraid of confrontation.  Or of power, anger, rage, or even love, for that matter.

I know the new year has only just begun, but I thought I’d give you a quick tip for ways to start building your spring wardrobe – so here you have it:  Go Red.  Buy a pair of sexy red heels (they work wonders, trust me), cinch up your little black dress with a red belt, don a red blazer, warm your hands with some red leather gloves, pair a sexy red skirt with a black tank, black boyfriend blazer, black tights and sexy boots…you get the picture.

I know, red seems an unlikely candidate for Spring, but not according to the runways.  Red harmoniously made it’s appearance alongside of the subdued neutrals and soft earthy palettes – almost every single designer added in a dash of red, cerise, pomegranate, or pimento to their collections. (If you want a more in-depth Spring preview, you can read my latest article on Lifetime Moms.)

Remember, wearing red is much like wearing a chunky necklace – don’t overdo it.  Tone down the rest of your ensemble, or better yet, use your red item as the basis for your outfit, and build up and out from there.  Oh, and then send me PICTURES!  Who knows, you could be internet famous.

That’s way cooler than regular famous, anyway.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (And I’m THERE!!)

Oh hai.  It’s me.  Little old Erika.  I’ve been a bit MIA lately, because, well…

I’M IN NYC AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK!

(Are your ears ringing from my loud shrieking?)

Lifetime has given Audrey and I the opportunity of a lifetime (no pun intended) by sending us to New York to cover Fashion Week for Lifetime Moms.  We will be updating our coverage every day on Lifetime Moms, and if you head over there to comment then you can win one of five $200 CASH prizes (that’s cold, hard cash people!!) just for leaving us a comment!  That’s it!  Simple!

In the meantime, you should check out our video recap from yesterday, when we attended Carolina Herrera, Jill Stuart, and Donna Karan.  They were all breathtaking, but, well, you can hear more about them if you watch the video below!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week September 14th Recap from Erika Lehmann on Vimeo.