Wild BLUE Yonder

One of the hottest colors of the fall is cobalt blue.  Yes, that's right, blue.  Some of you might be thinking that cobalt is more of a spring color, but blue was seen all over the runways and will be all over the stores... not to mention celebrities like Jessica Alba and Taylor Swift are already rocking this trend.



Cobalt blue is an intense color that can really help you make a statement.  It's easier to wear then fire engine red and much more interesting then fall's normal colors of olive and rust.  Plus, with it's cool undertones, cobalt complements every skin complexion. 

So get into the "blue mood" and embrace this trend.  You can start with just accents of blue and jump right in with head to toe blue.  Remember cobalt and black make a sophisticated and rich look. From tops to skirts to dresses to shoes to handbags, blue is going to be every where this fall.





So jump into the wild blue yonder and embrace cobalt this fall!

Clash of the Tartans

As New York Fashion Week is currently underway, showing looks for Spring 2014, it's time for us to start gearing up for Fall 2013 - even though the weather is the furthest thing from fall time.  But, there's no time like to present to get our closets ready!

One of the major trends for the fall is tartan, more commonly known as plaid.  Most people think of private school uniforms when they think of plaid; however, there is nothing old-school about this modern take on plaid.  When paired with leather, other prints, sequins, and textured vests, plaid can be a quiet way to show the world you are a confident, fashionista!


An easy way to rock this look is just with a basic plaid shirt and then layered with a vest - whether the vest is quilted, textured or fur, the added dimension of a vest gives a relaxed but very put together look.  Pair it with leggings or skinny jeans tucked into books or pump up the volume with leather booties!


If wearing plaid just isn't your thing but you still want to get in on this major trend, trying wading in the waters with an accessory.  Shoes, scarves, and handbags in all colors of plaid will be everywhere and should be really easy to find.  Use the plaid accessory to really pump up the volume of a plain outfit.

So don't be afraid to venture to the Scottish Highlands this fall and jump into the CLASH of the TARTANS!

Go For the Gold

Shiny and shimmery, gold is one of this summer's biggest trends.  From jackets, short, pants and dresses and even to accessories, gold is shining bright this summer.

Some of us are scared to venture into gold during the day.  But, don't be.  In small doses it's a great way to perk up any day outfit.  And, epically this season with gold shorts and jeans hitting the stores.

Gold is also perfect if you are going out for a night on the town.  It shimmers and shines surely to make you the one to look at the party.  If you are brave enough, go with head to toe gold, just make sure you keep simple accessories and shoes.  Or, you can try wearing a gold skirt or top for less of an effect.

 

Clothes aren't the only things that are shiny this summer.  Handbags and shoes are all the rage.  Whether that be flats, wedges or heels, gold shoes go with just about any day or night look.  I was shopping with a client a few months ago and we spotted these beautiful gold Chanel wedges.  She will be able to wear them with shorts, pants or dresses.   Obviously, Chanel is a little pricey, but there are plenty of options like this on the market.

 

So remember to go for the gold this summer and spark up your wardrobe!

Spring Sales

Spring has sprung and is now ushering in summer, which is my favorite season!  Time to stock up on summer goods.  And, stores are helping all of us fashionistas by having their spring sales.  Three of my favorite store are having 25% sales today and for the rest of the week.

First up is Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the best stores on earth!  They are currently having their Friends and Family sale, which means 25% off of clothes, handbags, and accessories and 20% off jewelry with the code FRNFAM2.  I'm currently OBSESSED with this Diane von Furstenbery handbag.  It's the "On the Go Metallic Canvas" tote and is perfect for summer.  It's a great size to throw everything in and head to the beach or just to run errands.  The canvas resembles straw so it screams summer but much more durable.  I'm in love!

Next up is Tory Burch, again one of my favorite brands!  They are running their Friends and Fans sale with 25% off by using the code TBSPRING.  I'm loving these "Adalia Thong" sandals.  Tory sandals usually run really narrow and are hard to wear if you have a wider foot.  However, these are on her rubber soled flip-flop base, so they are wide like the flip flops.  Because of that and because of the pvc strap they are the bargain price of $85, not to mention with the sale they are only $63.75.  And, with the cute flower detail are perfect for summer!

 

 Last but not least is JCrew.  They are running their spring sale with 25% off by using the code SPRINGBEST.  I'm dying over this bathing suit cover up.  I don't know about you, but I find it very hard to find a really cute and really practical bathing suit cover up.  In Louisiana heat, I don't need a cover up with a long sleeve and I find that's what mostly out there.  This "Whisper Gauze Grecian Tunic" in white is the perfect fabric for summer and it's sleeveless.  So, all us girls who don't want to walk around in our bathing suits but still get a tan on our arms now have an answer to our dilemma.  And, with the sale it's only $45.

 

As you can tell with these pics, I'm day-dreaming of laying on the beaches of Turks and Caicos.  And, although I'm not heading there again anytime soon, these three obsessions will make me feel like I am.  So, get ready for the summer and check out these great sales!

Head-to-Toe Color

Spring weather is finally here!  One of the best ways to welcome the season is with COLOR.  And, this year, color is here in a very big way.  Head-to-toe color was seen all over the spring runways and has been seen all over the red carpets.

Everyone already knows that an all black outfit is slimming.  Well, black is not the only color that can make you seem longer and leaner...if done correctly! You can wear a bright monochromatic look and get the same effect...plus you will be right on trend.

One easy way to rock this look is a colored suit - whether that be pants or shorts. That way the work of matching the colors is already done for you. Pair with a top in a lighter or more intense shade of the same color for a little contrast and choose matching shoes and accessories. Or, if you really have an eye for fashion, trying mixing different items of the same color to create the perfect skirt or short outfit.

So jump into spring and revel in color!

 

Oscar Fashion Wrap-up!

Oscar Sunday is referred to as Super Bowl Sunday around my house.  I literally start watching the red carpet coverage around noon and watch all the way to the end of the show.  It's an all day affair and one of my favorite TV days of the year.  I wish I could say it was to see who wins the awards but it's all about fashion! Couture gowns, diamonds, one of a kind shoes, embellished handbags...I love it all.  And, this year it was on different.

The best dressed of the night was Jessica Chastain in Armani Prive.  She looked absolutely stunning and really channeled "Old Hollywood Glamor".  She's a paled skinned woman but shockingly the nude color dress did not drain her.  The trick is that it was a darker nude - almost bronze - so it provided a contrast.  She kept her jewelry simple so the dress could be the star and added a perfect red lip to really complete the look.  Absolute perfection from head to toe!

Another star to make the best dressed list is Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture.  This was really no surprise since she is the new face of the Dior label.  Everyone was expecting her to wear this exact dress but I love how her stylist put it together.  She was wearing a total of 74 carats of diamonds on her earrings and necklace.  The Chopard diamond necklace draped in the back instead of the front was fabulous and her hair and makeup were perfect.

 

Also, on my best dressed list are Naomi Watts in Armani Prive, Zoe Saldana in Alexis Malbine Couture, and Sandra Bullock in Elie Saab.  All three looked like true movie stars and choose dresses that were a little risky but totally paid off.

Other starlets that looked great but didn't make the top five were Jennifer Gardner in Gucci, Halle Berry in Versace, and Kerri Washington in Mui Mui. 

 Now for the worst dressed...the part everyone loves.  I am seriously shocked at my worst dressed....Anne Hathaway - I absolutely love her and she made the best dressed at the Globes.  But, she totally failed at the Oscars.  She actually admitted to Ryan Seacrest that she picked the Prada gown only 3 hours before the show - and it shows.  It was ill-fitting, showing her side-boobs and nipples.  Then, she paired it with a Tiffany's necklace that was all wrong with that neckline.  The pale pink of the dress totally washed out her skin color and was overall just a mess.  So sad since she was one of the belles of the balls winning the Oscar.  Anne is usually styled by Rachel Zoe and looks great.  But, it looks like Rachel spent more time on Jennifer Lawrence and Anne might want to rethink her stylist for the next red carpet!

Also on the worse dressed list are Kristen Stewart in Reem Acra and Amanda Seyfried in Alexander McQueen.  Kristen just looks like a hot-mess and needs to fire her hair stylist.  And can someone please teach this girl how to stand up straight! Sadly, I choose Amanda's McQueen dress on my wish list for the Oscars, but she changed the color from black/gold to nude.  It totally washed her out, was ill-fitting at the neck and her hair and makeup made her look 10 years older than she really is.  Come on ladies, get with it!

Hollywood's most glamous night did not disappoint and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Red Carpet Wish List

With award season underway, and the Golden Globes being a little under whelming in fashion, I thought I'd point out a few dresses that I'm crossing my fingers we see in the next few months. These are beauties and deserve their chance in the spotlight.

First up is Oscar de la Renta. I didn't think he had a great showing at the Globes and his Spring 2013 collection was amazing. Here are two of his dresses that were to die for. Hopefully, at least one makes it to a red carpet.  The first one is a metallic 20's looking dress and with a different length and beaded fringe, it would make a great statement on the carpet.  The next one is right on track with the black and white trend.  I know it might be a bit of a risk but I think they would look fabulous on the red carpet.

Elie Saab's Haute Couture collection for 2013 was filled with stunning dresses.  It is actually hard to pick only three that would be amazing for the carpets - wondering why all those high paid stylist in LA didn't get there hands on any of these beauties?
 
And last but certainly not least are a few from a few different designers.  First is this amazing black and white number by Marc Jacobs.  I know it would be a huge risk, but I think it could steal the spotlight.  Then, there is this pinkish Chanel Haute Couture with back cut-outs - one word - Amazing!  And, lastly is this Alexander McQueen.  It's a whole lot of dress so needs to be on someone really tall but could make a huge statement on the red carpet.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we will see Anne Hathway, Nicole Kidman, Kerry Washington, or Jennifer Lawrence in one of these dresses!