Lovely looks for Valentine’s Day…

Love it or hate- Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. So, what to wear on that dreamy date without looking like you tried too hard? Spring has some killer trends that scream romance… Gingham has gone from the farm to the forefront of fashion this season with designers like Diane von Furstenberg reworking this checkered classic. I am mad for her super sexy take on this country staple. Just be sure to keep the rest of your look very simple to stay more fabulous than farm girl!

gingamcvfdvf

Another great look from the Spring runways was the return on the one shoulder cut. As stylist, I often ask clients which part of their bodies they love and loathe and the shoulders seem to be one body part that always make the love (or at least “like”) list. Jill Stuart showed beautiful flouncy one shoulder blouses that pair perfectly with virtually anything from a sleek pencil skirt to more casual jeans. Cushine et Ochs’ offered up a simple column dress is gorgeous on its own or accessorized with a few touches…

jill stuartoneceo

And now for my all time favorite look that is trending this Spring- 70’s chic! There was such an effortlessly cool vibe to clothing in this decade of decadence that it was almost impossible to be “too much”. Pucci had an ethereal take on this era with incredible lace and crochet pieces, while indie favorite Honor and fashion God Tom Ford gave us more streamlined silhouettes of 70’s classics.

pucci honor tom

Now go get ’em Lovebirds….

Best shorts for your body type….

 

shorts

As temperatures heat up, so too do hemlines. It is key however to make sure

you‘re wearing the right pair for your body type – that creeping up the inner

thigh look flatters NO ONE!   If you have curvy hips, opt for a higher waisted

pair. When the waist hits higher up on your torso, everything looks slimmer.

If you’re built a bit more straight and narrow, you can choose styles with more

volume like pleats. Petite gals look great in short-shorts. A shorter hemline

won’t look vulgar on a teeny tiny frame. If you have a larger tummy you’d like

to hide, look for low or mid-rise cuts. You can also go for pattern

shorts to draw the eye down, just be sure to pair with a solid tee to avoid

pattern overload.

Time and a place…

comfy

After a recent trip to Disneyland, I was both horrified and amused at the parade of “fashion” I saw marching by. Now as a stylist, I might have a more critical eye than most, but I am pretty sure the vast majority would agree that a white crop top barely covering the boob with no bra in sight is not Happiest Place in the World attire. So what are some options for comfortable yet chic looks? Cut-off denim shorts worn with a tailored shirt is always a great go-to look. Patterned pants with a flowy silhouette are also a great option when the temperature heats up. They provide great coverage- which when you have a toddler climbing up and down you all day is essential- while still allowing you to breath. The key here is to pair with a solid color top, as too much pattern can be a recipe for disaster. Another no brainer is an easy sundress. Pair with chic sandals and a long necklace or two and you’re good to go. They key here is not only comfort but remembering there is a time and a place for skin tight dresses and butt cheeks creeping out of shorts, and Disneyland  ain’t it sister!

Summer Headgear

summer headgear

It’s officially summer, which means time to protect those beautiful moneymakers ladies! As a wardrobe stylist I focus mainly on clothing but as I get older, I have realized the importance of skincare which is why I LOVE hats. Not only do hats complete any look and take doing your hair out of the equation, but they offer some pretty decent sun protection as well. Above are some of my favorite picks for this summer…

Rag Bone fedora hat
rag-bone.com

Fedora hat
modcloth.com

Flower garland
2020ave.com

Slouch beanie
amazon.com

Best bang for your buck!

Image

As a stylist, I am constantly shopping and looking for the best deals. While some outlets can be a total bust (did you know many designers now manufacture special lines- i.e.. lesser quality-  exclusively for outlets?!), there are still some gems out there. Some of my favorite brick and mortars include Off 5th- Saks’ outlet where just this evening I bought a fabulous pair of B Brian Atwoods that retail at $425 for $156; Barney’s Outlet- not to be confused with their infamous Warehouse sale which is often a big cluster@$&#; and Neiman Marcus Last Call.

If you prefer to bargain hunt from the comfort of your own home,  The Outnet.com offers everyone from Alexander Wang to Zac Posen at pretty significant discounts. Sites like Gilt and TheRealReal have time sensitive sales with everything from art and home decor to jewelry and ready to wear; it’s like an uber-fashionable race against the clock!

Killer kicks…

As I get ready to produce the Wine, Women & Shoes Fashion show tomorrow, I started thinking about the importance of shoes in a gal’s life. While I have always fancied myself a handbag girl, I am a sucker for a killer pair of shoes. Over the past several years, there have been a few shoes to come along to really shake up the footwear world. Here’s a quick homage to some of my favorites….

Isabel Marant Booties- A super cool combo of boho, chic and comfy! Remember those Guess Booties we all went nuts for in the 90’s? Well think of these of the much cooler, much more sophisticated older sister. Perfect with everything from a dress to leather pants, these have been a staple in my closet for years!

im

 

 

Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Heels- The sexiest sandal to ever hit the streets! Available in a rainbow of colors, these heels add the perfect finishing touch to any dress – and they look pretty fab with skinny jeans and a white blouse.

ysl

 

 

Lavin Ballet Flats- I fought the battle against wearing flats as long as I could. My legs are pretty muscle-y so anything without a heel can make look a bit obtuse. Enter the Lanvin flats with their ingenious hidden platform in the heel! Suddenly ballet flat wearing legs everywhere were looking a little longer and leaner thanks to these bad boys.

lanvin

Christian Louboutins- Who knew the color red would make ladies everywhere so loco?! A real power shoe, these heels had women clamoring for a hint of red on their soles. They also really popularized the nude shoe- a perfect solution to that “What show do I wear with this weird color dress” dilemma; and a great way to give the illusion of a few extra inches on your stems.

loubs

 

 

Kate on Top (shop)!

Kate Moss has long been one of my fashion inspirations. As an insecure, knobby-kneed teenager, I thought her unique look was so cool. As a wardrobe stylist, I admire way she so effortlessly mixes pieces and transitions from one look to the next. She is a true style chameleon so it is a perfect fit to have her design a capsule collection for Top Shop. From a whisper of a slip dress to boho chic outer wear, every piece is something you could image Kate wearing herself. Not all of us have Kate’s shopping allowance and/or figure, but now we can all be just one step closer!

Image

Haute Mama Fashion

Okay so spring/summer may not be the ideal time to be pregnant as you can’t get away with wearing black leggings and cute sweaters. And while maternity clothes have come a long way, this time around I am opting to just buy pieces I love from “fast fashion” meccas like Zara and Asos in a larger size and altering them to my ever expanding bod. Here’s a few picks from my favorite retailers than can be tailored to fit any baby bump…

Haute Mama Fashion

Spring has Sprung…

Now that spring is in full swing, I am pulling out some of my top picks for accessories (partly because I am an accessories junkie, also partly because at 5 months pregnant , I am not rocking all my favorite little dresses and spring gear). As a stylist in Sunny San Diego, I often get asked for some easy ways to top off a look. I always suggest adding some edge into an outfit with cool accessories, below are some of my favorites for spring…Spring Fashion