I Can Smell The Blossoms From Here

Admiring a bouquet of flowers I recently received, I noticed how they enhanced the look of my living room. I thought to myself, I bet a flower print blazer would equally elevate my closet. Top Shop’s pixel floral blazer ($136.00) proved me right!

For the fashion risk takers among us, Topshop’s floral print pantsuit is the perfect solution to the basic jeans and tee it’s so easy to reach for on warm weather days. Rag & Bone Jean’s yellow Brando tee adds another pop of color to this vibrant ensemble, while Aldo’s Kathryn cognac ankle & t-Strap heel, and 3.1 Phillip Lim’s over-sized clutch ground the look, creating just the right amount of pizzaz.

If the head-to-toe floral look is too much a statement for you; pairing Top Shop’s pixel floral print blazer with white jeans - Frames skinny cropped jeans are divine with an amazing fit – tones down the look and delivers just the right amount of flash. Wear with Kain’s Classic modal and silk blend tank in light grey,  Alexander Wang’s pale grey Diego bucket bag, along with Laurence Dacades’s (my new favorite shoe designer) white ankle boot with grey trim for an ultra chic look that’s right on trend.

Top photo: Pixel Floral Blazer $136.00 www.topshop.com.

1st group of photos – clockwise from top left: Topshop Pixelated Floral High Waist Pants $84.00 www.nordstroms.com, Rag & Bone Jean Brando Yellow Tee $80.00 www.aritzia.com, Kathryn Cognac Ankle & T-Strap Heel $120.00 www.aldoshoes.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim 31 Minute Bag $450.00 www.barneys.com.

2nd group of photos – clockwise from top left: Frame Le Skinny De Jeanne White $182.00 www.barneys.com, Kain Classic Modal & Silk Blend Tank $85.00 www.netaporter.com, Alexander Wang Pale Grey Diego Bucket Bag $850.00 www.ssense.com, Laurence Dacade White Ankle Boot $855.00 www.shoescribe.com.

This Week’s Wish List

For now, this week’s wish list will have to remain just that, wishes. But with a little work wishes can become reality. The first thing I am placing my energy on is the Smythe color block blazer. I love adding a pop of color via a blazer and the black lapel gives it an extra shot of versatility – I will dress it down with skinny jeans or ragged cut-off shorts, but it’s nice have to have the alternative to dress it up with wide leg trousers or a maxi skirt.

The Norma Kamali retro halterneck swimsuit is not only an awesome swimsuit that is super flattering (rouching is great for camouflaging tummy areas), it makes for a brillian halter top with a pair of high-waisted shorts or a-line skirt. Phillip Lim’s silk crepe de chine dress is another versatile piece – the blush nude color is not only amazing when paired with black but it makes for a spectacular back drop to springs vibrant hued accessories.

Happy shopping! If you have any wishes you would love to share PLEASE do!!

Clockwise from top left: Smythe Color Block Blazer $595.00 www.intermix.com, Moto Black Hotpants $40.00 www.topshop.com, Embroidered Tulle T-Shirt  $59.90 www.zara.com, Zinnia Ink Pillow $295.00 www.barneys.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Crepe de Chine Silk Dress $595.00 www.netaporter.com, Norma Kamali Halterneck Swimsuit $350.00 www.netaporter.com.

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

  Favorite Resort 2012 Looks

It’s a new year and a time to look forward towards new beginnings, and what better to start us on our journey than the prelude to spring – Resort 2012. These our my 21 favorite looks from the Resort 2012 collections, the ones I would die to add to my wardrobe (hopefully a few of them will). But even the ones that don’t make it into my closet will make for great inspiration while I am planning my spring wardrobe and updating my style.

I recommend going over to Style.com and perusing the Resort and Spring 2012 collections to get your inspiration. It’s a wealth of imagery that will inspire many ideas. Which designer is your favorite? Whose collection resonates with you? Do you see a style that “says you” or maybe there’s a designer whose “look” you’ve been wanting to try?

Whether you want to fine tune your style or do a total overhaul – a fresh, new beginning – this is a great time to start! Let me know who inspires you this season.

Happy Shopping!!

Clockwise from top left: 3.1 Phillip Lim, A.L.C, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Helmet Lang, Gucci, Givenchy, Balmain and Celine – all Resort 2012.

Group 2 – Clockwise from top left: Jenni Kayne, Johnathan Saunders, Lanvin, Peter Pilotto, Theyskens’ Theory, Zac Posen, Vionnet, Valentino,Preen, Matthew Williamson, Nina Ricci, Rachel Zoe – All Resort 2012

Trend Report: Resort 2012 Colors

Resort 2012 has hit stores and the collections are more a herald of the next season than a continuation of the former, a new beginning of sorts. Designers integrate the main elements of Spring into their Resort collections so their trends cannot be ignored. For Resort 2012 bright color is still chic but the neon hues have taken a back seat to bold, vibrant colors and their pastel cousins.

The five color trends for  Resort 2012:

Naturals – Almond to Avocado Green, the slightly muted, “natural” is in.  Worn in soft oatmeals, browns and tan neutral tones they’re perfect one on top of the other, for a layered multi-dimensional effect. From left to right: Rag & Bone, Alexander McQueen, Valentino – all Resort 2012.

Pastels – Girly shades like Blush Pink, Mint Green and Butter Yellow are the cousins to their bold, in trend, counterparts. They pair perfectly with naturals and when worn with black they unexpectedly POP! From left to right: Bottega Venatta, The Row, Prabal Gurung -  all Resort 2012.

Yellow -  Bright Aurora yellow will become the theme of next season. Look for it in most designer collections. Be sure to add this sunny hue to your wardrobe and if you feel as if it’s not for you, try a pop of yellow via accessories. From left to right: Chanel, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane  – all Resort 2012.

Orange - Tangerine Tango is Pantone’s color of 2012, this radiant color has already cut its way into designer psyches, popping up everywhere. From left to right: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenberg – all Resort 2012.

Teal -  A new shade of blue has taken center stage. Teal is the perfect complement to the other trend colors in the resort collections – mixed with yellow or orange it makes a bold statement that isn’t overdone. Try mixing it with the natural hues for a toned down yet fresh, rich look. From left to right: Vionnet, Richard Chai, Emanuel Ungaro – all Resort 2012.

Trend Report – Leather

Chic and stylish, leather is showing up everywhere and no longer just in the accessories department. Seen in almost all designers Fall/Winter 2011 collections, it also made a strong showing in Spring/Summer 2012.

Leather is trending strong and not just in jackets. The trend has branched out and you can find amazing pieces in shirts, shorts, tops and dresses, all in a variety of price points. With the plethora of styles showing up -  metallics, laser-cuts, colors, and trimmings – there’s a leather investment piece out there for everyone. No longer relegated  to some punkster’s wardrobe, now ultra feminine and glamorous, everyone can get in on the leather craze.

Clockwise from top left: Hinge Ruffled leather Bomber Jacket $298.00 www.nordstroms.com,  Liena Leather Skinny Pant $270.00 www.us.allsaints.com, Theyskens Theory Leather Seamed Dress $995.00 www.barneys.com, 3.1 Leather & Silk-Armure Top  $725.00 www.netaporter.com, Leather Jacket $249.00 www.zara.com,Leather Midi Skirt by Unique $400.00 www.topshop.com.

Designer Pre Fall You Can Buy & Wear Now

If you’re anything like us, you can’t believe we are approaching the middle of August. Where did the summer go? Before we know it we will be with friends and family at a Labor Day BBQ delighting in the weather and burgers and franks, pondering how summer could be over.

That aside, we are ones to bask in the moment, problem is, when shopping these days the stores are rolling out the fall merchandise, and it’s nearly impossible to wear now. How do we get our quick fix?

We have put together a selection of pre-fall goodies that you can wear now and come this fall. The Jenni Kayne – one of our new favorite designers, who is infamous for her super short skirts – wide leg trouser paired with a cream silk blouse or a wife beater and vest is ideal to wear now. Like wise for Dsquared2′s sergeant shorts and tropical print top which can be worn with tights and cardigan when the cooler days roll around. We would be happy to sport any of these dresses now or for fall.

Who says a women can’t have it all?

Clockwide from top left: Diane Von Furstenberg Cyrano Silk jersey Dress DVF $345.00 www.neimanmarcus.com, Jenni Kayne Wide Leg Trouser $350.00 www.shopbop.com, BCBG Max Azaria Janis Print Dress $178.00 www.nordstrom.com, 3.1 Phillip Lim Sleeveless Cowl neck Dress $675.00 www.shopbop.com, Dsquared2 Thank U Top $$395.00 & Sergeant Shorts $490.00 www.shopbop.com, Diane Von Furstenberg Squaretan Short-Sleeve Shift Dress $375.00 www.neimanmarcus.com,

From My Closet To Yours – Styling Tips By Kristin

The Little White Dress

 

 

 

The Little White Dress, sister to the Little Black Dress, has always lived in the shadows of it’s sister and it is time it received the props it’s due. Think of it as the summer version of the LBD and for a well curated closet is as equally important to own. In fact, your closet should have 2 to 3 different styles in a variation of fabrics.

Like the LBD, the LWD, is super easy to wear -  just throw it on, accessorize with the perfect shoes, bag and jewelry – Voila, you are out the door. An ideal choice for a picnic or window/actual shopping is a cotton empire waist tank or a long boho style LWD, and a structured version with or with out added detail – I like to add detail with an edge -makes an excellent choice for lunch, museums and nighttime outings. You can also turn up the sex appeal at night with a strapless, form fitting mini. The LWD is versatile too, going easily from day to evening with a quick change of accessories.

Best of all, with stores on sale, NOW is the perfect time to invest in one or MORE LWDs and with the collection I have edited for you, it’s easy.

Happy Shopping!!

Clockwise from top left: Aqua Tiered Strapless Dress  $88.00 www.bloomingdale.com, Theory Silk Flutter-Sleeve Dress www.bergdorfgoodman.com, Aqua Double Scoop Eyelet Dress $88.00 www.bloomingdales.com,, 3.1 Phillip Lim Halter Tie waist Dress $350.00 on sale for $209.00 www.barneys, Calvin Klein Turnlock Detail Stretch Sheath Dress $129.00 on sale for $99.00 www.calvinklein.com,Tall White racer Back Maxi Dress $100.00 www.topshop.com, ASOS Skater Dress with Open Back $77.58 www.asos.com, Calvin Klein Floral Pin Tuck Dress $130.50 on sale for $ 79.99 www.calvinklein.com.