Maxi Dress

Like florals, another trend that is here for another season is the maxi dress. Now, also like florals, if not done correctly, a maxi dress can look matronly and old-fashioned. So, here are some tips...

If it's a really blousy dress, wear a waist belt so it doesn't add any weight. Or, if you need more arm coverage, top with a jean jacket or light-weight leather jacket. I think a maxi dress always looks better when worn with flats for a cool, casual look. And, be sure to choose a bright color or an updated print.

If you have a maxi dress from last season and want to update it for this season, try layering it with a new brightly colored or neon tank top or layer with two or three long necklaces. So jump into the warmer weather with a maxi!

Flower Power

Spring is in full bloom - literally along the driveways and more importantly all over the runways! Now florals for the spring can't quite be called a trend - can you remember a time when floral prints weren't key for spring fashion? I can't. It's like Meryl Streep's character, Miranda Priestly, says in The Devil Wears Prada, "Florals...for springtime...how original." She's right, but it doesn't negate the fact that floral prints are really important for this spring.

Now, here's the problem with florals...if they are not a modern print, it can tend to look old-fashioned and out-of-date. So, be sure to keep the prints fresh and bright so you don't look like you're wearing your grandmother's drapes. Also, at a certain age, you shouldn't wear floral pants or skirts. This too can be a bit too much. Stick to floral tops and dresses.

Now, if you are like me, wearing florals may not be your favorite thing. So, the best way to get a little bit into your wardrobe is wearing a floral scarf or floral shoes. Or, pair down a floral top with jeans.

Whatever you decide, jump into the flower power and embrace the florals!

Accessory Report: Gold & Black

As spring arrives with all of it's color, don't forget about accessories. And, there are some definite accessory trends on the horizon. One important trend is mixing black and gold - although this actually isn't a new trend since CoCo Chanel started making black and gold handbags years ago. But, it's definitely a trend that is being resurrected this spring.

Now, in the state of Louisiana the colors black and gold synonymously go hand-in-hand with the Saints. So, it can be a little hard for some of us to wear it without thinking of going tailgating. However, it's always a chic color combination and everyone needs to think outside the box.

Mixing black and gold can be a certain mix of trendy and classic that is always chic. So, try introducing some black and gold jewelry into your spring wardrobe. Or, try investing in some black and gold shoes or handbag. Because even though this is a trend in some people's eyes, black and gold will always be here to stay!

Color Trend: Orange

This spring is all about color. And, one huge color trend this year is orange. There are so many different ranges in this color that it's an easy trend to jump into. So, whether you call it coral, cinnamon, or tangerine, wearing anything in the orange family is going to be right on track this spring.

If you want to limp into color, try wearing an orange top with a neutral skirt or jean. Or, jump right into the color pool with a full orange dress. If you want to cut the boldness a little, try wearing an orange print dress - whether that dress is mostly orange or just orange accents, the point will still get across - you are a fashionista that knows her stuff.

Orange looks absolutely amazing with gold. So, accessorize with gold jewelry, shoes or handbags. Also, nude, black and brown shoes and accessories work too. If you want to try and pair down the orange, top with an off-white or white cardigan or blue jean jacket.

For those of you who tend to shun color, a little orange is a great way to start introducing color into your spring wardrobe!

Shocking Spring

Spring is finally sprung. With cooler temperatures and breezy afternoons, it's a great time to be inspired by fashion. And with this springs fashions having so many things going on, it's an easy thing to do. Over the next few days I'm going to highlight some of the top trends for the spring.

We are going to start at the most "shocking".... spring is going into full shock with a spectrum of electric colors. If you've been to any mall lately, you could not have missed this trend. Florescent yellow, pink and orange are everywhere...tops, shorts, skirts, jewelry and scarves. It gives off a very 60s Austin Powers kind of vibe and is a really fun trend to take part in.

If going neon head-to-toe is not your thing, try introducing at least one piece into your spring wardrobe. Try either a neon short or skirt and pair with a neutral white, grey or brown top to tone down the look. Or, find a great florescent blazer and pair over a neutral white or black dress. But, if you are really bold, go for the gusto and wear a neon dress!

Whichever way you get ready for spring, remember to kick it up a notch with these fluorescent hues!

Spring Cleaning

With warmer weather finally coming our way, that can only mean one thing - time for Spring cleaning. I know you all don't get as excited about organizing stuff as I do, but the ending of one season and the beginning of another is a great time to get rid of the old and bring in the new.

I just finished a two day cleaning of my husband's and my own closet. And, 9 garbage bags later, I'm done. And, oh boy does it feel good. The closet has less stuff in it, making the clothes fit better and much easier to see. Oh, and did I mention that I do this at least once a year and I had that much useless stuff in there.

For those of you who are thinking..."I need to do this," but just can't build up the nerve to give things away or for those of you who haven't cleaned out your closet in years, here are some hard-hitting rules for you that I myself just followed...

1. If you didn't wear it this Fall/Winter, get rid of it. Again, the only exception is if it's an investment piece that you paid a lot of money for. However, if you got it at Target or the Gap, chances are you can rid yourself of it. If you didn't like the way it looked on you, you probably never will. Why would you want to keep something that just takes up space?

2. Get rid of all whites and blacks that are dingy or faded. Basically, if you've worn it all season, it's old - get rid of it.

3. Really evaluate your favorite tops. Have you worn them out? Are they out-dated? Are they still age appropriate? I know it might be hard, but if you answered yes to the first two and no to the last one, get rid of it.

4. Look at your clothes for Spring/Summer. Were any pieces really trendy last year and will just not work this season? If so, get rid of them? Do any of the pieces not fit? Or, do any have holes? If so, get rid of them.

5. Lastsly, check out your shoes. If you haven't worn them, get rid of them. If their heels are worn down, either throw them out or if they were expensive, get them re-heeled.

If you can really be honest with yourself and follow these rules, you could definitely be a great Spring cleaner. Buy yourself some storage bins and your closet will be looking like a California closet in no time!

And, for those of you who just need someone to hold your hand doing it or if you need some help figuring out what to wear what you have, check out my website at www.redressbylaura.com

Valentine's Day for Men

Men are usually the hardest to buy for. So, with Valentine's Day right after Christmas, lots of women get stuck and can't figure out what to buy the guys in their life. Well, Red Envelope has some really great, unique ideas that guys probably won't think about themselves.

First, personalized golf club links for the ends of their clubs are a great way to turn their clubs into a sophisticated work of art. Not to mention it's a sure way for them not to lose them.

Another great personal gift is a monogrammed money clip. This particular one has a place to put a hidden message on the inside flap so he can be reminded how much you love you everyday.

And, for those guys who have a bar in the house, get them their own personalized coasters. These particular ones look like they come from an actual vintage barroom.

Lastly, for those men who love to grill, get them a personalized brand to allow them to pretend they own their very own restaurant when serving steaks.

These are some sweet treats that the man in your life is sure to love this Valentine's Day!

Red and Pink Valentine's Day Treats!

I know not everyone likes gifts as much as I do; however, I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't like getting gifts every once and awhile. And, even though Christmas usually gets all the attention, Valentine's Day can be a great way to tell someone that you really appreciate them and what they do, whether that be your kid's teachers, your secretary or your best friend. And, with all the red and pink around in the month of February, there are plenty of options out there of other and for yourself!

First, for those fashionistas in your life, this new Christian Dior book reveals all of the designers secrets of style that covers everything from what to wear to weddings to different ways to tie a scarf. And, at only $20, it's a great gift. And, for those Tory Burch lovers in your life, go with a Tory Burch paperweight or Tory Burch Key Fob. These are a little more expensive but still under $100.

Now for those women who you might want to splurge on - or for yourself to tell your husband about - here are a few ideas. What woman doesn't love cashmere? These cashmere pajamas are sure to satisfy and are oh so cozy. Also, every woman needs a pair of red pumps in her closet. And, these Cole Haan ones have the perfect point and perfect height.

Now for all you guy readers who need ideas for your ladies....or for you ladies who need ideas for yourself, here are some great splurge pieces. The jewelry designer Finn is based out of New York and the pieces are sold exclusively at Barneys. And, most importantly, they are TO DIE FOR! I'm so in love with the cupid arrow rings. Also, one of Finn's signature collections is the Love Knot. It comes in a ring, earrings and bracelet. Lastly, Finn has a heart collection. These pieces range from $75 to $600 so it's definitely a splurge, but you will always be reminded of the love of your life who bought them for you.

Winter Ombre

Celebrities have been wearing ombre since last spring. And, with Olivia Wilde as one of the best dressed celebrities on the red carpet at the Golden Globes this past Sunday in ombre, not to mention all of the other award shows that celebrities have been wearing it, ombre is a trend that is here to stay for a few more seasons. And, since it's such a fresh, fun look, it's a great way to update your drab winter wardrobe.

Ombre is actually a French term meaning "shaded." Ombre can be created with different multicolored stripes changing from light to dark or it can be created by graduated or shaded color changes woven right into the fabric.

This can be an easy trend to work into your outfit buy adding a great ombre coat, cashmere sweater, or ombre scarf. And, for all those winter weddings and cocktail parties, try wearing a great ombre dress in a jewel tone to make a great statement. So, create a little rainbow in your winter wardrobe and go ombre!

Winter Update

Is anyone else out there tired of this cold winter weather? Feeling a little dull and drab in your winter clothes? Well, here are some quick winter updates you can do to treat yourself and make a fashionable exit from the winter season.

One easy way to put a little pep in your step is to add a brightly colored cardigan over your winter outfit. A huge mistake that most people make is that they are scared to wear color in the winter. Don't be! A little color is good all year round. But if you are a little hesitate, go for a more subdued jeweled-toned color, and it will be sure to lift your winter spirit.

I've said it a hundred times and I'll say it again...A great scarf is the easiest way to go from drab to fab! Another simple way to not feel so dull this winter is to update your make-up. Fresh colors and a little sparkle makes everyone feel better! I recently discovered this Too Faced Glamour To Go palette and absolutely love it. The colors are neutrals with a twist and are great for day and night.

So, embrace the new year and update your winter wardrobe with a little pizazz!

Winter White & Sequins

The holiday season is approaching. That means holiday parties!! There are two things that are always chic to wear to holiday parities - winter white and sequins.

I'm absolutely obsessed with monochromatic outfits. And, winter white is oh so chic! Wearing all winter white always looks sophisticated. Try wearing relaxed shapes for a soft, luxurious look. However, if you are afraid of looking like an ice-cream cone, try wearing a different texture skirt or darker colored camel pants to contrast the winter white top. And remember, winter white functions the same way white does - so it always looks great with black.

Next up are sequins! And really, does anything say "Hello, Holiday Party" better than sparkles. If you are really into it, go with a full out sequin dress. They come in all shapes and sizes and plenty this season come with sleeves to help with the cold weather. If you are a little more reserved, try a dress with sequins along the neckline or hemline. This will give you just the right amount of sparkle. Or, if you just want to wade in the water, try a cardigan or sweater with sequins on the shoulders or neckline.

So, be the "belle" of the ball and get ready for your holiday parties!