Anyone else tired of wearing the same athlesiure look 4 days in a row? As I sit here twiddling my lip that has not been waxed in 4 months, I find myself dreaming of actually getting dressed. Not decked out like I used to, but just putting a little bit of effort into myself. While fashion trends might not be as big a focal point as they once were, women are women and we want to feel pretty.

The NY Times Style section recently featured a piece on the come back of the housedress. Yes, the the style d’jour of the 1950’s housewife is back (with a twist, obvi) and I have to say, I am all in. Below are some of my topics for how to feel chic, even if all you’re doing is staying home- and the best part, most of them are on sale!

This Fraiche by J faux wrap dress has a lot going for it, paramount of all is the elastic waist perfect for that Quaratine 15. The tie dye print is also super on trend and perfect for summer. Chic with a flat slide or more sporty with a sneaker, this dress is super versatile.

This Free People Pintuck Maxi is a dream. Sexy worn on its own with the deep plunge, you can also layer over a fitted t-shirt for a more modest and sporty look. I am nuts for anything olive green, but it also comes in a beautiful lilac or ivory.

I am obsessed with this Elan V-Neck maxi. The price point cannot be beat ($78), it has pockets and looks impossibly chic with a few layered gold necklaces and a slide.

Does this Billabong x Sincerely Jules maxi not scream summer fiesta?! Even if you’re not attending any summer soirees, why not look like you could be?

I’d like to picture myself wearing this Sandro dress with chic slippers whilst sipping a martini. Realistically I’d most likely be chasing my kids around spilling coffee all over it, but hey, a girl can dream with a dress like this.

I love, love, love this LINI Hallie dress. Adorable with sandals or sneakers now and even better in the fall paired with booties.

The ultimate house dress remix, this Topshop Midi Dress flatters every body. The neutral hue suits almost every skin tone and the drawstring neck allows for varying degrees of modesty.

This Free People Maya Shirtdress is perfect for warm summer days- whether you’re running errands or throwing it over a bathing suit (unbuttoned of course) for a day at the beach. 

One of my favorite gigs has been styling the fashion stories for San Diego Magazine for the past decade. It is a day of pure fun and whimsy playing dress up with the season’s best trends, with a dream team. I am happy to share with you some of my picks for Spring’s most wearable trends, hot off the press!

Utilitarian Chic

I am coconuts for this dress from Staud at Nordstrom (obviously it can also be worn buttoned up-lol!). Super chic worn on its own and even better worn as a layering piece with everything from a bathing suit to cut offs and this season’s must have bra top- more on that below.

White Haute

Springs’s answer to the Little Black Dress, this Bardot open back white dress is perfect for everything from a wedding, to brunch with the ladies. It is the prefect blank canvas for any accessory you fancy- from understand to bold and crazy.

Daytime Shine

In my past life, I’d like to believe I was some kind of rockstar; it would explain my inexplicable love of fringe, grommets and all things leather. It also makes sense then why I was so drawn to this Paco Rabbne metallic disc chain top. It is pure fire and I wish and I could wear it on a daily. For those that aren’t channeling their inner Iggy Pop, this piece can also be worn over a crisp white blouse for a more classic spin.

Sheer Beauty

While this Gucci look is a real dream, I get that not everyone can drop thousands on a blouse. For the rest of us, Topshop’s Organza Top is an absolute must have. Sheer fabrics look best in a classic silhouette that walk that fine line between class and sass. Wear over a pretty lace bralette or any color cami and pair with anything from cropped jeans to distressed denim cut offs.

Disco’s Not Dead

I am a devout fan of Zimmermann and pretty much anything they design, as evident by this Rolled Grassy Playsuit. Well known for their romantic pieces, Zimmermann is my go to when I want to feel feminine, yet fierce. The exaggerated collar on this romper is super on trend for Spring, as so many designers pay homage to the famed disco collar of yesterday.

Play with Proportions

Bermuda shorts are back, who knew?! The warm weather answer to the wildly popular mom jeans, tread carefully when rocking modestly cut knee length slacks, like these from Isabel Marant Etoile. Bermudas look best when playfully paired with a cropped shirt, like this Sandro Paris cardigan to keep the look modern.

Fringe benefits

The roaring 20’s are back, well in fashion anyway. Fringe and feathers were all over the Spring runways and I love all the drama they bring. This fringed Aidan Mattox dress moves like a dream and the neutral color palette works on most skin tones.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT….
I recently posted jeans I love on my Instagram and got so many inquiries I wanted to share the love here as well! My go to for the BEST fitting jean you will ever wear is Topshop’s Jamie Jean. I used spend upwards of $200 without a second thought on Rag & Bone, J Brand etc., then I stumbled upon these gems and haven’t looked back since. The high waist cut is pure magic and the rear pocket placement is an instant tush lift- all at under $80 a pair! I kid you not when I say I own these jeans in every wash and every cut. You’re welcome!

I was recently a guest on a podcast celebrating women, Bitches Be Brave, to discuss fashion, being a mom and being… you guessed it, brave! While dishing with those fabulously brave ladies, I realized that much of my advice came back to my favorite “neutral”, leopard print. A big trend for this past spring and upcoming fall, leopard print is everywhere and shown in every way. Here’s some of my top picks for pieces to work into your wardrobe asap!

Zadig & Voltaire Blazer

A good tip if just venturing into the jungle for the first time, look for leopard prints in classic silhouettes like a blazer. This blazer by Zadig & Voltaire is combines edgy and classic seamlessly and even has matching pants if you want to really commit!

BLANK NYC Bomber Jacket

For those that are sufficient in walking on the wild side, this bomber jacket is magic! It is so soft and surprisingly quite warm for being so light weight. I bought mine yesterday and am tempted to turn my AC way down so I can start wearing  it today:)

Pistola Leopard Denim Jacket

A denim jacket is a must have in any woman’s closet, so why not have some fun and pepper in some animal print? I also bought this yesterday (curse you Southern California Indian summers!) and love the boxy boyfriend fit.

Aqua Tie Dye Leopard Sweater
Combining the tie dye trend with leopard, this sweater couldn’t be more fire for fall! It pairs beautifully with everything from distressed denim and leather pants to a black pencil skirt, perfect for holiday parties.

Caroline Rose Silk Bouse
Leopard print in bold colors is big for fall. This silk blouse combines the classic shape of a tie neck blouse with an edgy electric blue for a perfect balance of class and sass.

Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Blouse
If blue leopard seems a bit overwhelming, this Rebecca Taylor blouse is a great option. A tone on tone print is a softer approach to patterns as it is all the same color story.

ALC Marcella Dress
The ruching on this ALC dress is perfectly placed to make your waist look teeny tiny. Add in the exposed zipper that can plunge per your mood, and meow!

Kate Spade Panthera dress
If you’re feeling a bit less wild, this Kate Spade shirtdress is a very lady like option. The gently puffed sleeves add a romantic touch and the button up silhouette keeps it classy.

Mad for You vegan leather tote
If you’re a bit nervous to jump right into animal print, accessories are a great way to test out a trend. This vegan leather tote is big enough to carry all your essentials and the two sets of handles make is super functional.

See by Chloe Joan shoulder bag
Cross body bags are a must have for busy ladies on the go. This bag by Chloe has a removable top handle however to give you two carrying options. The black leather is a perfect compliment to the bold print.

 Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Bootie
I am a sucker for boots- all boots but these Marc Fisher booties are top of my list. A pointed toe is a classic that will never go out of style. A pointy toe box also elongates legs making them look longer and leaner. These look great with a copped flare jean or black leggings and happen to be super comfy.

Marc Fisher Izzie Combat Boots
Looking for a chic comfort bootie? Look no further than these dreamy Marc Fisher combat boots. I lived through Doc Martens in my teens and am thrilled the combat boot is back! The lugged sole make these perfect for fall, rounding out the perfect combo of fashion and function.

To hear the full Bitches Be Brave podcast, click here

Temperatures are finally heating up and so are summer trends. The key to my summer dressing is ease. It’s too hot to fuss with layers and too many bells and whistles so here are some of my top picks to keep you cool for the summer.

BLANKNYC Leopard  Shorts

Leopard print and distressed denim one? Be still my heart! I am nuts for both the fit and price of these shorts. I pair them with everything from a white blouse to a graphic print tee.

Arizona Copper Birkenstocks

Not your basic comfort shoes. I have been living in these the last few weeks. They are a dream to walk on and the metallic sheen make it clear these ain’t your grandma’s Birkenstocks

Ray-Ban Unisex Brow Bar Sunnies

Part handbag, part art. Okay, mostly art as you can’t have your purse inners a mess when carrying this. It does however hold all your brunch and beach essentials and looks fab with any outfit!

Cult Gaia Mini Ark Handbag 

Part handbag, part art. Okay, mostly art as your purse inners can’t be a mess when carrying this. It does however hold all your brunch or beach essentials and looks fab with any outfit!

Pily Q Joy Lace Coverup 
Pily Q has quickly become my go to for well made and crazy flattering bathing suits. This cover up is magic worn alone over a suit or layered on top of distressed denim and slides for a poolside lunch.

Brixton Joanna Straw Hat
I love me a good summer hat for two reasons. One, they camouflage greasy beach hair and two, they keep (more) wrinkles at bay. The brim to crown ratio is sheer perfection on this hat and the straw keeps your head cool on warm days.

Metallic Salon Slide Clips
You’ll find these Free People metallic hair clips in every side pocket of every purse I own. Of course they are cute as can be, but they are also super functional and the perfect way to keep those summer fly aways in their place.

Supergoop Everyday Sunscreen
The older I get, the more I nuts I am about sunscreen. Wether I am headed to the beach or just out and about, I slather on this sunscreen daily. It’s incredibly light weight and the citrus and basil notes are a far cry from the chemical smell of the sunscreens of yesterday.

Nars Velvet Lip Pencil in Promiscuous
I like my summer make-up to stay put as long as possible, through sun and surf and everything in between. This Nars velvet lip pencil goes on silky smooth and stays put. The bold color adds a nice pop to a summer tan.

Free People Rumors Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is the perfect topper for anything in the summer- bathing suit, sundress, t-shirt and cutoffs, anything! The wash on this jacket reads summer and the fit is to die for.

I consider my husband to be very lucky in that I tell him exactly what thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts he should get me. For those of you with more tact and subtlety, feel free to direct those near and dear to you to my list of top picks below!

Tretorn Leopard sneaks…

I bought these two weeks ago and have worn them 8 times since. Not only are they super comfy, but they are super on trend and the small platform adds a little extra ummmph to any t-shirt and shorts.

Gucci Marmont Belt Bag ( aka socially acceptable fanny pack)

The day my youngest was potty trained I gleefully tossed aside my diaper bag and put my favorite handbags pack into rotation. My Marmont belt bag has bridged that mom on the run but still loves fashion gap perfectly!

Adidas belt bag
For those of you whose significant others/kids scoff at the idea of a designer fanny pack (aka on trend belt bag), I give you my go-to for those active, but still fashionable days.

QUAY x JLO specs

I’ll be honest, morning drop off at school is not where I shine. You’ll always find rocking sunglasses, rain or shine.  With these Get Right mirrored specs they’ll never know if I just got my pupils dilated or am just chic AF.

Le Labo Santal 33
If Ron Burgundy’s beloved Sex Panther did exist, I imagine it would small just like this. This fragrance works on any and everybody and the smell is simply the best I have ever encountered.

Silk Scrunchies 
I wore them twenty years ago and I am wearing them again! Who knew scrunchies would be back?! These make any mundane ponytail looked like you actually tried and are perfect to keep your hair out of your face at night without any post slumber creases and kinks.

Diptyque Baies Candle
This was the first non Bath & Body Works candle I bought myself over a decade ago and remember feeling like real hot s@#%. The rose and black currant smell is divine and can fill a room within minutes.

Mother Daughter Journal
My daughter is only seven and she has so.many.feelings. She has written me some real humdinger letters and I treasure each and every one. I love this journal as way to communicate back and forth with structure… and a bit less drama.

Eminence Mangosteen Cleanser

As approach 40, it turns out the only part of me that looks young is my teenage, acne prone skin. I love all Eminence products but am currently loving this Mangosteen daily cleanser. Hoping to totally resurface my skin asap!

This Mother’s Day, remember mamas make this world go around, so in their honor, please be kind to everyone this Sunday and every other day.

They’re back…. mom jeans. These ain’t your mama’s smart high-waisted Lee’s from the 90, these are chic and so on trend. Now when most of us hear mom jeans, we think of some Kardashian or Jenner rocking high waisted baggy jeans with teeny-tiny tee’s and not a bra in sight. Not the most wearable option for real moms with real bodies. The key with these jeans is to be sure to highlight your waist. You can go with the “accidental tuck” (you know when you just so happen to tuck in the perfect amount of just the front of your shirt), or even a cropped cut shirt. No, not a crop top, but a shirt with a shorter cut to offset the high waist of the jeans.  Rest assured, whatever your body type, there is an appropriate denim look awaiting you…

While a kick flare looks great on all body types, they are particularly flattering on curves, and lord knows us mamas have earned them! Be sure the flare starts just above the knee to balance out larger hips and bottoms. These Madewell jeans have a slim fit through the hips and thigh to really accentuate the flare, creating a long and lean line.

Hourglass shapes should draw the eye to the smallest part of their bodies, their waist, with a high-rise jean with minimal stretch. Try these J Brand Natasha Sky High skinny jeans with a high rise and smooth, skinny fit for a super flattering and leg-lengthening silhouette.

Pear shapes can balance put their proportions with a flared leg to offset curvy hips. These Good American Good Curve high waist ankle straight leg jeans have the perfect amount of flare and stretch to make these your go-to jeans for every day.

Boyish figures, look to create a more curvy shape with a high rise and tapered leg in non-stretch denim. Topshop denim is my current obsession and the wash and cut on these Autumn High Rise Mom Jeans are divine.

For petite shapes, try cropped, straight-fit jeans. The shorter length will help create a longer silhouette, lengthening out proportions. These Current/Elliot Cropped Straight Jeans in Loved are the perfect cool jeans for summer fun.

One of spring’s biggest trends is beach chic and one of the best ways to get that vibe? Tie dye! Now we aren’t talking about your favorite worn in Grateful Dead t-shirt from college. This is elevated, haute hippie style. As with all trends, you want to be careful not to overdo it to avoid looking costume-y. Here are a few beachy keen pieces I plan to live in this season.

I love a good jumpsuit. It’s a one piece, super easy way to look chic without trying too hard. This n:philanthropy jumpsuit can be dressed up with a great slide, layered necklaces and a hat, or dressed down with sneaks to run around town.

My favorite outfit topper for spring and summer is a good denim jacket. It is the perfect solution for a cool night and and goes with EVERYTHING from a sundress to beachwear. This Zadig & Voltaire Kass jacket is top of my “to dye for”  list this spring.

J Brand 620 tie dyed super skinny jeans are right on trend. They pair great with a plain ol’ t-shirt, or even a white button down blouse. If you’re feeling bold, try wearing with a pop of color; lavender or light yellow would be a dreamy combo.

I have always been a big believer that accessories are a great way to work a new look into your wardrobe if you are a little gun-shy about trends. This Prada Sidonie Shoulder Bag is a perfect piece to add some pop to  your style.

This Karen Kane shirtdress is a no brainer for easy summer dressing. It can transition easily from work to play and can support any color accessories.

This Zara skirt has the perfect asymmetrical hem and just the right balance of flow and structure. Paired with a chunky knit sweater (with that accidental front tuck of course)  it is a perfect date night outfit.

t’s that time of year when high school hallways are filled with giddy laughs and eager chatting about the big day, yes… prom! For young ladies around the nation, this is their Oscars. Their chance to glam it up and feel like a true princess for one night. Here’s some of my favorite picks to make this a night to remember.

Few things make me happier than a dress with pockets. It can hold all the essentials (which for prom means a phone and lipstick) as well as serve as a perfect for landing place for nervous hands that aren’t quite sure “what do to”. This C/MEO dress has a structured bodice balanced by a fuller skirt creating a chic and comfortable silhouette.

If glam is your jam, then this is your dress. This Dress the Population sequin number is a true showstopper. The figure hugging shape is red carpet worthy, while the leg slit allows for actual dancing.

When I think feminine florals, this embroidered lace corset dress by Blondie Nights tops the list. The fit and flare cut is super flattering on almost all body types and the corset top will make sure everything stays put for a log night of dancing.

This Avery G dress is the best of both worlds. You get the comfort of a short dress and the drama of gown with this jeweled tulle overlay. The bodice has built in padding (adios awkward strapless bra) and the all over sequins add to the princess feel.

For those fashion forward ladies, this Dress the Population fringe dress is a dream. The deep crimson (also available in silver) is so rich, while the fringe has incredible movement for a night filled with dancing.

For those who want to channel their inner Grace Kelly, look no further than this AQUA embroidered bodice gown. The diamanté embellishment looks beautiful set against the blush tone tulle.

Seeing as how prom and festival season sync up, here’s an option for the boho babe. This metallic Rebecca Taylor mini slays with stacked heels and layered necklaces.

This sequin one shoulder mini by Self Portrait is what I like to call a double duty dress. Killer worn with heels for prom, it can also be worn again after with boots and a leather jacket. A dress this fab deserves to be worn more than once

4:30am on a cold January morning, I loaded up my car with the brightest and most gorgeous spring fashions I could find and headed out to the famed Glamis sand dunes. It was a shoot the dream team I work with at San Diego Magazine had been hoping to do for quite some time. As you can imagine 5 women and racks and racks of clothes looked a bit out of place amongst hard core riders and their sand toys but after a few hiccups, including one very cranky and very tattooed gentleman in the trailer spot next to us, we quickly found our groove. What followed is one of my favorite shoots of all times.

The big take away here is that bold colors are big for spring. We shot the rainbow for this spread with a little something for everyone. Topping the color trends this season is lavender, as evidenced by this dreamy Caroline Constas dress. Pastels can sometimes be tricky while jewel tones are typically universally flattering, so deeper tones of pastels work too.
If you’re not yet comfortable rocking bold colors in your clothing, try out the trend with accessories, like sunglasses and belt bags (aka this season’s fresh take on the good ol’ fanny pack:) Celine, Quay and Chloe have some pretty colored peepers while almost everyone on the planet has their version of a belt bag.

While we went for head to toe monochromatic looks, if that is a bit too bold a palette, anchor a colorful piece with a more conservative piece like denim. Wide-leg, maximalist jeans are having a moment and I couldn’t be more thrilled. While dramatic, trust me, they make you look six feet tall and skinny- what’s better than that?!
You can also shoot bold color into other spring trends like suiting, anything tie dyed, crochet and feathers.
I am always big on having fun with your fashion and this spring there are so many ways to do so!