Spring/Summer 2012 Trends: Motion in the Ocean!

A huge trend for Spring/Summer 2012 is a futuristic water world. This look started in Paris for fashion week and trickled down to many designers and I am starting to see these looks even in stores. CLICK HERE to read the full article and see photos on my new blog.

Edward Scissorhands Chic: Studs and Spikes!

This is one of my favorite looks that transitions throughout the year, and you can wear it anytime. The best way I can describe this look is “Edward Scissorhands Chic”. That probably sounds really odd but that’s exactly what inspired this look. The idea of real hardware mixed with black and leather is such an iconic look that a woman at any age can pull it off. Here’s how we do it:

Pick one item that you want to stand out in your outfit. This can be a bracelet or a shoe or even a handbag. Look for styles that have studs or spikes on it that you can really see yourself wearing. Here is a pair of Louboutin heels that have studs all over them that really give any outfit a pop of sexy! With studs and spikes you really do not need to add to many accessories because the studs and spikes take on that role of an accessory.

Here I also wanted to show you a handbag. It is a Burkin Knockoff but I love the spikes on this. This handbag would dress up any look and really stand out as a statement in your wardrobe. Spikes and studs will be around for a while so feel free to INVEST in this look because it will be around for a while!

Remember ladies, be daring! This look is for a CONFIDENT woman so when you wear it, own it!!!!!

Wrap THIS around your neck…

STATEMENT NECKLACES

We all have those days when we want to put minimal effort into getting dressed but look like we put forth a lot of effort. Often times we are getting ready for work or going out with friends and running late or taking care of a million things at once and taking 2 hours to get ready like we did when we were teenagers just isn’t ideal anymore.

Well I have the trick to take a simple outfit from “almost there” to “THERE!” Add a statement necklace! Take any simple outfit and put on a large, chunky, bold necklace. Make sure you are complementing the outfit and not overpowering it and keep the colors in the same range.  Here are some examples of how to wear a statement necklace:

Statement necklaces should add to the outfit, not take away from it. Remember, it’s all about bringing life to the outfit!

Menswear – for Women?!

This is my favorite look for Fall and Spring!!!! I know many of you have seen the Menswear looks that are out there right now and you are thinking, “I could never wear that.” Well you can!!! Follow these guidelines and you will be sure to pull off this look!

• It’s all about the lines: When shopping to create this look, make sure you try on everything and pay close attention to the tailoring of the item.  The blazer should have a nice princess cut that accentuates your waist and has broad shoulders to give you the appearance of a slender sillohuette.
• Pants: When shopping for the bottoms to this look, you want to find a high waisted wide leg pant or a straight leg pant.
• Details, ladies: Pairing both the tailored jacket and pants with a stiff collared top will create a gorgeous look that is sure to bring looks. Add a simple necklace and flats or a heel and you will knock em dead ladies!

If you need any more help with this look, Diane Keaton is a fashion icon for the menswear look.

Over The Knee… Oh My!

Ladies, we all know and love the movie Pretty Woman. Like me, I am sure that many of you would love to have the body that Julia Roberts spent months molding for this movie. There is one part though that every woman wants to re-create. THOSE DANG BOOTS!!!

After the movie, those boots were sold out for almost 4 years straight because they received so much hype. Now I know you all are thinking that you are too mature to pull off this look, (after all she was a gentleman caller!) But you can! Maybe not in the exact same way but you can pull off an over the knee boot.

Today there are many styles of over the knee boots. We have flat ones, round-toe, embellished, heeled, and even platform! Pair your over the knee boots with a skinny jean, leggings, or jeggings and add a simple cami with a cardigan, or for a fierce look add a leather jacket!  The boots should stand as the focal point for the outfit so keep everything else simple!

WARNING: DO NOT wear over the knee boots with a skirt or dress…it gives off the wrong impression and can leave others thinking that you and Julia worked the same block (if you know what I mean).

Here are some great styles I found that I think you ladies will love. Remember, you want these boots to be a reflection of your style so find that special pair and WORK IT!

Cuff Boots – the CHIC Way!

Have you ever wanted to wear a cuffed boot but you were not sure how to wear it without looking like a pirate?

Well I have been shopping all over to help you ladies out and I have found that there is a way to wear these boots and they are very much in style right now.

This look started in the 1800s when a shoemaker was creating shoes for the village and he found that he could create sturdy flat shoes but he didn’t have anything for bad weather. For years the man struggled and struggled until he came up with a shoe that completely covered the shaft of the foot as well as half of the leg. Many were skeptical at first saying that the boot would never last but for years it stood as a fashion icon.

Today you can find many different styles of cuffed boots and I have posted here several that I think you will love. Boots are going to be very stylish for years and years. They add that certain something to an outfit and I think from the selection I have posted you can see that they are very versatile, and you can wear them with pretty much any outfit. Some great stores to try are DSW, Nordstrom, and Zappos.

Handbags!!!!

The change in style of handbags over the years has been one crazy rollercoaster. I think 2011-2012 is the year that is the sleekest. The styles this year are all about the business woman. The strong lines and sturdy materials are very convertible from both day to night and can be the statement piece in your entire outfit.

When shopping for handbags, you want to think of this part of your wardrobe, if not anything else, as an investment. Buying a purse is not like buying a dress on sale, it will not hold up as long as you think it will. PURSES ARE MARKED DOWN IN PRICE FOR A REASON!! You want to shop quality when it comes to purses.

Look at the material and hardware and make sure that the quality is good, otherwise it will be broken in a few weeks and you will spend what you didn’t the first go around buying a second purse. I would look at finer stores like a Nordstrom or even a Stein Mart to find a brand name purse.

I know it sounds funny but, they make purses for a reason ladies. The materials used in name brand purses are often of higher quality and will last you through everything. Here are some styles that are very fabulous for 2012!