New Year, New Things

So there’s A LOT of big trends starting to emerge right now and I couldn’t be more excited.  As you all know, I’m a HUGE fan of black and most of my closet is filled with it.  I’ve been wanting to incorporate color into my wardrobe for quite some time but there have no been many affordable options that I’m attracted to…

Well not anymore! Bright bold colors have taken over a variety of stores and are easily accessible online too. I have ripped off that big black Band-Aid and have run into 2012 screaming, “Color! I will wear you!”

It’s true.  I’ve been shopping a lot lately.  My husband and I don’t surprise each other with gifts on Christmas so every year we pick out our own the week after.  I began by spending the $100 gift card to Forever21 I received as a gift from my mother-in-law.  I filled my online cart with TONS AND TONS of skirts.  (Only one black one!) I picked out a red one, a bright blue one, a peach one, a variety of big bold necklaces, a blue and green belt and a bright orange tee shirt.  Since then I’ve also gone to the mall and come back with a multi-colored dress and a blue top.  I even ordered those nude Brian Atwood Maniacs I’d been eyeing for the last year as well as an orange and red bauble necklace from JCREW.

I know, it seems excessive (or so the Mr. thinks) but I’m not done yet.  There are so many great things out there so different from the “safe” options available in the past in a variety of prices that I just have to take advantage of it.

Here are some of my favorite “must-have” items:

The Spectra Skirt from Forever21.com.

Not only is this skirt under $10, it comes in four colors.  FOUR COLORS!!

(Spectra Skirt available @ Forever21.com, $9.80)

These blue Suedette Platforms.  I feel like I’m also posting blue suede shoes but I can’t help how amazing they all are!

(Suedette Platform Heels available @ Forever21.com, $24.80)

Bright yellow pants.

I’m absolutely obsessed with these yellow ones from J. Crew.

(Toothpick jean garment-dyed twill available @ JCrew.com, $108.00)

Anything royal purple.  Like this blouse from Piperlime.com.

(Parker Button Down Silk Top available @ Piperlime.com, $198.00)

A side piece.

And by that I mean a fierce clutch. I’m not usually much of a pink person but this clutch makes me want to be.  There is something so Barbie-esq about it, don’t you think?

(Jimmy Choo Cayla Patent Leather Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,150.00)

A piece that ties it all together.

For me, it’s this necklace.  It’s the perfect accessory when color-blocking in shades of blue and green!

(Cobalt Blue and Emerald Green Statement Necklace available @ Etsy.com, $58.00)

What about you, have you found any great bold and bright pieces you must have?

XXoo

Suit Up

This time of year always tends to be an epic struggle for me.  Should I have that beer? Those chips? Those carbs?  I know it should be crunch time (literally) but I can never bring myself to be as disciplined as I should be.  I'm probably not the only that goes through a serious self debate the entire month of May trying to get ready for [the dreaded] bathing suit season.

Since I can never guarantee that I will be able to stick to an intense workout regimen and a diet made for celebrities, I always like to have a few bathing suit choices that will flatter my figure no matter what kind of day I am having.

Here are some of my favorites.

Splish splash

(One-shoulder Cutout One-piece available @ Alloy.com, $35.90)

Build a sandcastle

(Billabong Daniella Bikini available @ Konasports.com, $74.00)

Hang ten

(Pistol Panties Heart-detail Multiway Bikini available @ TheOutnet.com, $71.75)

Hit the boardwalk

(Missoni Mare Banares Crochet-knit Bandeau Bikini available @ NETAPORTER.com, $475.00)

Fun in the sun

(Zimmermann Whisper Crochet-trimmed Underwired Swimsuit available @ NETAPORTER.com, $345.00)

Summertime and the livings easy

(Ralph Lauren LaceOptic Triangle Bikini available @ MyTheresa.com, $198.00)

What’s your swimwear style?

XXoo

How To Rock A Good Color-Block

So I know what you’re thinking – “What’s wrong with you, it’s St. Patrick’s Day and you did an entire post on the WRONG color.”  I know, I know, today is supposed to be about green and leprechauns and beer and while I appreciate all three, today’s post color will be BLUE; one of my favorite shades to pull off color blocking.

Having trouble getting started?  Find a key piece that inspires you.  For me, it's the Fendi Belt!

Build around your key piece.  This top is great because it can be worn many ways and is under $30.00!

(291 Aqua Jersey Scoop Neck Double Strap Tank available @ Bluefly.com, $24.99)

This belt is what my Fendi filled dreams are made of.

(Fendi Grossgrain Leather Belt available @ MyTheresa.com, $319.00)

Now add a great bottom..

(Jil Sander 3/4 Length Skirt available @ Yoox.com, $195.00)

Accessorize with a simple bag that ties into your key piece.

(Jalda Lizard Embossed Brief Clutch available @ Endless.com, $240.00)

And top it off with a FABULOUS pair of shoes.

(Giuseppe Zanotti Black Strappy Suede Crystal Detailed Booties available @ Bluefly.com, $1,088.00)

Now you're ready to go! Are you brave enough to try this trend?

XXoo

Yearning Desires

By this time of year, I find myself yearning for open toe shoes, short dresses and bright colors.  Even though the weather still has a few months to catch up with these feelings, retailers are right on target (with my feelings) and begin selling the perfect garments for spring.

Right now, MyTheresa.com has some fabulous pieces to satisfy all of my cravings.  I’m particularly fond of this site because we share the same name and of course because they carry all the fabulous designer things I drool over.

The name implies sweater but this cardigan would look super cute belted and worn as a dress or with leggings.

(Missoni Saraphina Cardigan, $649.00)

It's no secret that orange is one of my favorite colors for this spring and summer.  Pair with navy accessories and you'll be right on trend! (Orange you just I posted this super cute dress?)

(Carven Detailed Mini Dress, $298.00)

I love Mulberry bags for their classic nature.  They are made of quality material and craftsmanship.  This coral/red shade is the perfect upgrade for a lackluster wardrobe.

(Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag, $1,100.00)

There is something about this top that makes me HAVE TO HAVE IT!  It might be the neon, it might be the single strap or it might be the fact that this top would look great with skinny jeans, tucked into high-waited shorts, a mini skirt, or a pencil skirt.  Basically, with anything.

(Kimberly Taylor Silk Top With Contrast Strap, $118.00)

                                                                        

Emerald green is another huge trend right now (think Mila Kunis, Angelina Jolie, Catherine Zeta-Jones.) This dress would be great to wear to a wedding, out with your girlfriends or to a cocktail party.

(Miu Miu Silk Bustier Cocktail Dress, $1,390.00)

Such a fun skirt.  Wear it now with leggings or tights and bare-legged all spring and summer.

(Etoile Isabel Marant Mini Skit With Fold, $210.00)

I need these shoes in my closet immediately (and so do you.)  They are the perfect vacation sandal.  (Imagine wearing them with your favorite cover-ups.)  These would also look great with the up and coming wide-leg pants (or anything else really.)

(Balenciaga Two-Toned Suede Sandals, $495.00)

What do you yearn for this time of year?  New clothes? A vacation?  Reading by the fireplace?

XXoo

Friday I'm In Love

…with feminine touches.

Even though I love to dress up, I wouldn’t classify myself as someone who dresses particularly feminine.  (My favorite color is black.)  I’ve never been a huge fan of excessive pink or bows but lately I’ve been wishing I had some girlier pieces in my wardrobe.  I recently ordered a giant bow head band from Urban Outfitters and figured this would be a great way to start adding some of these pieces to my closet.

(Halter Ruffle Front Top, available @ Wet Seal, $21)

 XOXO

(Premium ruffle chiffon pelmet skirt available @ Topshop.com, $80)

Kisses

(Marchesa Notte Lace Detail Cocktail Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $1,089.030)

 XOXO

(Marc Jacobs, Ruffled Detailed Skirt available @ MyTheresa.com, $307.06)

Kisses

(Christian Louboutin Fortitia 100mm sandals available @ NETAPORTER.com, $875)

Love

(Club Monaco metallic Naomi Clutch available @Shopbop.com, $88)

XOXO

(Moon Terrace Creme Dress available @ Lulus.com $59.00)

Kisses 

(Valentino Peep-Toe Lace Couture d'Orsay Pumps available @ Saks Fifth Avenue, $885)

XOXO

(Betsey Johnson Bow & Satin Tie Necklace available @ Nordstrom, $98)

So I still couldn't manage to stay away from the color black.  What do you expect?  I'm only human.

XXoo

The Color Black

One of my all time favorite colors to wear is black.  Some might say always wearing or owning so much black is morbid or boring but done the right way black is anything but!  Black remains a perfect choice for a formal event, office meeting, or night out.  Just pair it with the right accessories to make it appropriate for each occasion.  Here are a few of my favorite black things this month...

The Tuxedo Blazer.  I'm a HUGE fan of classic pieces that can be worn more than once season.  For a new twist on an old classic, go with this season's favorite fabric - jersey.  I love this blazer because it can be worn over a dress, with any type of pant and can be dressed up or down.

(Ian Matte Jersey Tuxedo Blazer available at Bloomingdales, $585)

The Bootie.  Not only is this a great bootie, it captures so many of this seasons MUST have elements. 1.) It's suede. 2.) It's a wedge. 3.) It's a bootie.  Booties have been around several seasons now and their everlasting presence have shown us something they are 100% worth investing in.

(D & G Dolce & Gabbana Wedge Bootie available on Endless.com, $615)

High-waisted Leggings.  Boring plain black leggings have been way over done.  This season, its fun to switch up the plain leggings and go with something a little different.  I love the high-waited legging because even if your legs aren't super long, everyone will think they are!

(Tall High-Waisted Leggings from Topshop USA, $40)

Trouser Pants.  I want trouser pants in more colors than just black.  Black is a good color to purchase your first pair in because they will go with everything.  This 90's revival can be worn with flats and a hat for a Heburn-esq feel or with heels and a blazer for a night out or in the office.

(3.1 Philip Lim Drapered Trousers available at MyTheresa.com, $487)



The Structured Bag.  Move over slouchy hobo bags and insert structured tote like bags.  A good structured bag will last for many years and is perfect for work, happy hour or a night out with friends.  This season it is ALL about lines, fit, and structure!

(Fendi Structured Leather Tote available at MyTheresa.com, $1,677)

XXoo