Lace

Lna Lace Back ss tee Singer22While I”m loving all the menswear inspired pieces that are so hot right now, there’s just something so uniquely feminine about the look of lace.  This timeless material evokes glamour and elegance.  You don’t have to channel Madonna circa Like a Virgin, just add little lace touches in here and there and embrace your inner feminista!

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Trend: Mixed Media

LeatherBraidedBracelet_1mixedmedia mixed’-me’di·a (mĭkst’mē’dē-ə) adj.

A technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink and pastel or painting and collage, that are combined in a single composition.

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Motorcycle Jeans

Every season, the denim gods figure out yet another way to breathe new life into the same old duds.  I myself never tire of jeans (I’m an addict in the worst way!) but this trend really has my motor runnin’….

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Hardwear

Embrace your inner bad ass by adding a little bit of hardware to your wardrobe.   Snaps, buttons, grommets and spikes are embellishing everything from hats to jeans these days.   Just be careful not to overdo it, one piece will deliver the statement.  Make sure you tone down the rest of your ensemble too.   For instance, pair the Current Elliott studded jeans below with a simple white tank and some black booties and you’re good to go!

Bleudame Denim Snap Leggings

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Talkin’ Tribal

Like every other pseudo rebel chick in the 90′s, I got the infamous “tramp stamp” aka tribal tattoo stamped on my lower back.  No regrets though, it was more than cool at the time and has since become very much a part of me just like all the others.

Well these days tribal is a lot less permanant so feel free to experiment with this trend and get in touch with your inner warrior!

Rachel Pally Thea Dress in Tribal

Rachel Pally Thea Dress in Tribal, $148

Forever 21 Tribal Paint Leggings, $9.80

Forever 21 Tribal Paint Leggings, $9.80

Forever 21 Aurora Tribal Print Dress, $24.80

Forever 21 Aurora Tribal Print Dress, $24.80

Urban Outfitters Tribal Burnout Tank, $24

Urban Outfitters Tribal Burnout Tank, $24

Fred Flare Navajo Sunglasses, $11

Fred Flare Navajo Sunglasses, $11

Rules Schmules I Say!

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Photo found by foundphotoslj

  • You can’t wear white before Memorial Day or after Labor Day
  • Do not mix black and brown or black and navy
  • Never mix patterns

 

BORRRRING!

Who made up these stupid rules anyway?!

Listen up people!  Blacks, browns and navys are all neutrals and thus, they can always be worn together and with just about any other color as well.  While white looks amazing against sun kissed skin in the warmer months, you can, and should still rock it come Fall and Winter.  I’ve realized over the years that the key to pulling anything off is Confidence (with a capital C of course!).  Fashion is all about freedom of expression and experimenting which means NOT always playing by the rules!

So quit holding back and release those chains! You no longer have to be fashionally challenged.

Feel free to mix your metallics, play with pattens and wear white whenever you damn well please!   It’s really quite liberating!

Here are a few quotes to use as inspiration:

“Forget the old rules. I love white all year round. It’s cooler to wear it when you aren’t supposed to.”  Rachel Bilson

“The idea of not wearing brown and black together seems so dated. The other day I wore a black T-shirt, black Nobody jeans, a brown leopard-print belt by Dolce & Gabbana, and brown shoes, and it looked awesome. And I also love to mix prints.”  Rihanna

Click here to see them all!

Trend: Cage Heels/Boots

We first saw this look on the Fall 2008 runway and it’s since exploded!  When YSL dropped their signature cage boot, everyone went coo-coo for the cage!  (myself included)  Strong, sexy lines make for a bold, look-at-me statement piece.  The grid-like pattern definitely packs a punch!  It’s best to wear these with a simple, understated ensemble because with this trend, it’s all about the shoe.

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Well my bank account doesn’t permit me to plunk down nearly a grand for these beauties so using YSL as inspiration, here are some of my picks:

Bonnibel Cage Heel

Ashton Cage

Matiko Vaughn Wedge

Jeffrey Campbell

“Cage heels represent a return to modernist architectural lines, which, positioned in the right way, make a shoe incredibly sexy,” says Faryl Robin Morse, founder and creative director of Farylrobin Footwear.

As is evident above, you can find the cage heel at just about every price point so pick up a pair today!

Gossip Girl Fashion

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Whether you’re a fan of the show or not, you gotta love the fashion goin’ on here!

If I ever had the luxury of meeting the man behind all of this, costume designer Eric Daman, I would literally bow at his feet.  He never ceases to amaze with the truly unique ensembles that he comes up with week after week.  Tuning in for the fashion is almost as guilty a pleasure as the various scandals going on.

I’m literally busting at this news!!!!!!!

Designer Anna Sui has announced that she will be teaming up with Target to put out a line of fashion forward albeit budget friendly clothing that is inspired by the show’s Upper East Side hotties.  The line will be sold in 250 Target stores across the US and will run from September 13 – October 17, 2009.

Current Obsession Du Jour: The Jersey Necklace

For some of you, this may conjure up terrifying images of dudes with mullets and chest hair, wearing their version of the Jersey necklace, a tarnished gold chain…..

Well allow me to introduce you to the new (not New) jersey necklace.

I’ve got three of these bad boys and counting.  These serve double duty as a necklace and scarf all in one.   Being a huge fan of the Spring/Summer scarf, this look is right up my alley!

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Circa 78 Knot Necklace, $48

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Urban Renewal Studded Jersey Necklace, $38

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Urban Renewal Jersey Necklace, $28

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Urban Renewal Scarf Necklace, $38

Bright is the new black

Every magazine I pick up lately is littered with bright colors.  It’s so inspiring!

This dress is great for Summer.  Throw it on with a pair of glads and you’re out the door!

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This is “the scarf” that Isla Fisher wore in Confessions of a Shopaholic.  (great movie by the way!)

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Jelly bracelets always remind me of being a kid and who doesn’t love that!?

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If your gams could talk, they’d be asking for these.

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I’m a long time fan of Paige and the wash on these is ahhhmazing!

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Trend: Exposed Zippers

Function and fashion?  Zip me up!  

As with just about any trend though, easy does it.  One zipper is all you need to exude that rocker chick vibe.  Too many and you’ll end up looking like a straight jacket.  Wait, do straight jackets have zippers??  Either way, less is more!

 

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LnA Dani Stahl Legging, $115

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LnA Zipper Pencil Skirt, $74

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Bleu Dame 8570 Luxe Stretch Nylon Zipper Legging, $24.80

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Luichiny Colby Dark Pewter Ankle Boot, $118.50

Trend: Black & White

I must admit, I’ve always secreted hated that store White House/Black Market with their stuffy styling and ridiculous price tags.  It all sort of reminds me of what some trophy wife living in suburban Connecticut would wear to a bridge game with the girls.  

Okay, rant over.  

The point being that in the past, when thinking in terms of black and white, what often came to mind were images of that god awful store.   However, my eyes were opened recently after skimming the pages of my latest Marie Claire (thanks Annie!)

This trend is all about clean lines and classic cuts.  It’s also very accessible to most people since almost everyone has a few black and white pieces hanging in their closet. 

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The combination of wide leg pants paired with a cropped black top is simple yet sophisticated.

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This silk mini by Lewis Cho makes chic seem effortless.  Regularly $319, it’s on sale at pinkmascara.com for $95.

If you’d rather not opt for a full on black and white look, try a few accessories on for size.

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Bibs: Not Just For Babies Anymore

You no longer need to be shoveling in spoonfuls of pureed plums to rock a bib – thanks to the bib necklace.  Loving this trend right now.  Throwing on one of these is the quickest way to breathe new life into your jeans and t-shirt.

They’re cropping up everywhere with many at very reasonable price points, so what are you waiting for!? 

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Urban Outfitters Colorful Bib Necklace  $34

 

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Banana Republic Glam Bib Necklace $69

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Forever 21 Peacock Plate Necklace, $8.80

Bold Jewelry

As was very evident at NYC Fashion Week, bold jewelry is huge right now and will continue to be well into Fall/Winter 09. 

The only rule?  The bigger, the better!  Some of my favorites include this piece by designer Candace Ang for Urban Outfitters.  It’s sort of tough and feminine at the same time with it’s mix of metal and pink frills.

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This cuff from Accessories & Beyond is definitely eye catching yet still toned down enough to wear with just about anything.

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These earrings from Free People are a nice change from your everyday gold hoops.

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One of my favorite places to find bold statement jewelry online is Ebay.  I’ve scored some really unique finds over the years.  In the real world?  Try looking for Estate sales!

Spring into Florals!

It may seem rather literal but florals are huge for Spring.  This is a trend that can very easily be overdone though, so it’s best to stick with just one piece.  Think bigger floral prints verses smaller which can be a bit too eighties, and not in a good way.

This adorable frock from Forever 21 is high on my ever growing wishlist right now.  I love all the vibrant colors.

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This tunic from Arden B would look great on a casual Friday paired with skinny jeans.

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This flared floral skirt by Xhilaration for Target would be a perfect accompaniment to your favorite pair of flats.

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These floral peep toe pumps by BCBGirls practically scream Spring!

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If you prefer a more muted palette, this strapless number by Kay Unger may just be right up your alley.

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This canvas hobo bag from Old Navy is a great way to get your feet wet with this trend.

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Florals are fun, flirty and a great way to welcome Spring!