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Personally, I am not a huge fan of silky shorts, just remind me of PJ's. However, they are a huge trend for this summer. Sometimes I just suck it up and become a slave to fashion. So, probably heading to H&M this weekend to check out, silky shorts. Great thing about H&M is they have trend right product and I don't have to break the bank. For example, silky shorts for $17.95. Here's a quick outfit I put together.
In the past 2 weeks I have gotten emails, texts, facebook messages and even a phone call, about how disappointed they are in this springs looks. Now, to clarify, I'm not actually "the one" (there is no "one") that decides what the spring looks are. So, to my wonderful friend that texted "Can you do something about these awful spring clothes", my answer is "no dear, I can't". However, what I can do my darling friend, and readers, is to help you through these tough fashion times. I'm with you all, I am not happy about this season. All seems like last year and been there, done that.
Since this season is not so stellar, it's definitely frustrating to go shopping, feels like there is nothing out there to buy, so why not just wear what you have. However, if you layer on new pieces to your existing wardrobe, it creates a whole new look. Let's start with the "fall back" clothing items- Jeans, stretchy pants, t-shirt and some sort of summer short, then, add on some Spring 2011 trend right accessories, and viola! you are the most fashionable person on your block. Here are some examples-
The Jean- We've all got the basic jean, tee and sneaker. We look like this:
a) Take this look, add on one this springs trendiest items, the trench coat. Flip out the sneakers for espadrille wedges and you've got a brand new look.
Old Navy v neck tee, $8.50
Old Navy twill coat, $50
Old Navy distressing jeans, $35
Wedge heel shoes, $25
b) Switch out the white tee for a nautical stripe tee, big spring trend. Add bangles and boat shoes and again, a new, trend right look.
The Stretchy / Yoga pant- I love my stretchy pants and it's going to have to take a lot for me to have to stop wearing these. But looks pretty boring.
a) Add on a military jacket, a scarf, switch out the flip flops for a pair of TOM's and you've hit most of the spring trends.
b) Throw a utility button down shirt over the tee, add a cuff bracelet, a handle hand bag and some ballet flats. Once again, screaming spring.
The Summer Short- Here's how we'd look on any given spring into summer day.
a) Easiest way to transform the look, throw on a cardigan (preferably in the blue or purple family) and you're done!
b) Add on an un-constructed blazer, switch out the flip flops for jeweled flats and add a gold necklace. 3 spring trends right there.
Hope this helped all those that texted, e-mailed, FB'd and called me. Anyone have any other ideas on how to create a new spring look? Would love to hear from you.
This spring it's all about casual shoes for the guys. I don't think we ever really got out of the casual shoe "trend". A few years back it was "declared" that suits and dress shoes are the hottest trend and all men must buy leather wing-tips. I don't know one man that decided to trade in his sneakers for a pair of stiff wing-tips. So, fellas, good news the casual shoe trend is "back" with sneakers, saddle shoes, moc drivers and boat shoes (my favorite).
Boat Shoes- Go with the classic top sider, fun laceless version, high top and even tri-color looks. Can opt for the traditional "preppy" look with khakis or madras plaid shorts and a pique polo. Or, create a day into casual night look with jeans, a utility button down shirt and an un constructed blazer. Try this outfit with any of the shoes below.
INC Core 2-Button Blazer ; Soft Wash Gingham Check Shirt (bananarepublic.com) ; DKNY Brooklyn Jeans ; Sperry Top-Sider Original Authentic Boat Shoe ; Kenneth Cole Reaction Drifting Around Boat Shoes ; Sebego Fairhaven Laced Boots. All items available at macys.com except shirt
Moc Drivers- Go with the original un constructed soft moc driver and wear with shorts, khakis or even jeans. Roll up the bottoms of the pants for a fun casual look. If you're looking for a shoe with a little arch / foot support, you can still get a constructed shoe with a moc driver look. Try this outfit with any of the shoes below.
Club Room Pique Polo ; Dockers D1 Slim Fit Clean Khaki Flat Front ; Cole Haan Air Grant Driving Moccasins ; Alfani Samba Moc Toe Driver ; Clarks Mansell Moc Toe Driver. All items available at macys.com
Casual Oxfords- The great thing about casual oxfords is you can dress them up with a suit, or dress them down with lightweight khakis. Wear them to work or a summer BBQ. Go traditional with a plain toe nubuck oxford with khakis and a button down. Or suede saddle shoes, rolled up white jeans and a pique polo. Or a sneaker oxford, a pair of jeans and a hoodie. Try this outfit with any of the shoes below.
Club Room Long Sleeve Woven Shirt ; DKNY tie skinny Tobiko Neat ; DKNY Brooklyn Jeans ; Clarks Kustom Oxford ; Ralph Lauren Jamford Wingtip Oxford ; Timberland Concourse Waterproof Oxford. All items available at macys.com
Settling in to watch "one" of my favorite shows- Selling New York, and there are the the Kleier ladies all dressed in full dresses. Could it be that the Kleier's are making a guest appearance on my "other" favorite show, Mad Men? Nope, these ladies are just representing one of the biggest trends, straight from the 1960's- Full Dresses and skirts.
Gouache Floral Dress- Talbots.com
Perfect to wear at any spring / summer occasion- weddings, graduations, bridal showers, etc. Pair with a handle tote bag and sling backs for the perfect Jackie O look.
Jardin Floral Dress and Full Skirts- Talbots.com
Just hoping smoking in offices will not make a come back though... Cheers!
Calvin Klein Dress- macys.com
Stripes are yet another big trend for Sp 2011, same as LY. Nothing has really changed as far as look or style. Personally I love stripes, they add a whole dimension to any outfit. For example, pair white trousers with a navy / white nautical brenton stripe (wide stripe) t-shirt. Looks better than just a plain navy or white shirt.
Tommy Hilfiger Stripe Sweater- macys.com
70's fashion is here in full form. Wide leg trousers, platforms, wedges, peasant blouses etc. But re-vamping your wardrobe can definitely get pricey. Some ways to look good on the cheap-
1) Raid your Mom, Aunt, Cousin, Sister, etc closet and hope they kept some key pieces. I, luckily, found the best velvet wide lapel blazer while raiding my Mom's closet.
2) Vintage flea markets, salvation army or garage sales are another way to to get great classic finds.
3) Wait for sales at department stores, they will come. As tempting as it is to grab those perfect sky high wedges, just know, they will go on sale, or you will get a coupon in the mail.
Here's a 70's outfit I put together, all under $85 ($82.28 to be exact). Includes shoes and accessories. *Styling Tip- with wide leg trousers you want to always wear a fitted or tailored shirt and keep it tucked in, will avoid looking "dumpy".
Scarlet Johansen, Mila Kunis, Natalie Portman
Purple was the hot color on the red carpet at the oscars. One of my favorite colors and all hues of purple are very versatile. Yes, sometimes, if not worn right, you could look "barney-esque" or leaning towards the peanut butter and jelly color scheme, but if done right, can compliment any look.
Take a deep violet dress and pair with a light taupe trench and pumps for an elegant evening look. Or a lavender tank and white wide leg trousers for a summer wear to work look.
ABOUT ME
I've worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years. My experiences vary from being a buyer for Women’s Shoes to a Product Brand Manager for Macy's Private Label Brand, Club Room . I have a passion for fashion & hope you'll join me as I follow the trends and sit on the couch for some retail therapy. (Read more...)
