spring must-have's

the sun is beginning to shine, trees are regaining foliage and the stores are chocked full of spring goodies. here are a few things to start stocking up on today:

nude shoes - so fresh for spring. pick a pair that closely matches your flesh tone and wear them with EVERYTHING! i love dresses with nude fishnets and nude pumps to sass things up with a little bit of coverage.

floral print scarves - if a full on floral dress is too much, and perhaps not weather appropriate yet, tie a bright scarf around your neck and viola!

the new shape pant - its a little fuller, slightly tapered and hits at the ankle. a fresh alternative to leggings and trousers, theses show off your sassy shoes and are the perfect transition piece. define your waist with a bright belt and cropped jacket.

lucite and natural jewels - the bold look is still in! wear natural, rope and stone statement pieces during the day and swap them for clear, lucite strands at night.

go forth and shop! best of luck and always stay stylish!

transition time

it's that strange time of year when we are between seasons. when it's cold, rainy and possibly below zero outside it's certainly not appropriate to wear a tulle dress or a sheer floral print blouse (a la vogue). so the question remains, what's a fashionable gal to do when the weather does not warrant wearing the latest spring fashions featured in the magazines and filling the department stores?
here's a few ideas to get you through january and february in style:

• layer! that gorgeous floral print dress will look just as divine over a sheer turtleneck and leggings. pair it with a rugged boot for an unexpected edge now, and when the temperatures rise wear it with a lightweight boyfriend cardigan and jeweled flat sandals
• neutrals - shades of oatmeal, tan, cognac and nudes are the it colors for spring. wear them today with your black wardrobe staples and add a pop of color as the seasons change. your go-to piece will be a bf cardi, long and streamlined in a neutral shade that compliments your coloring
  
• leggings are a key trend for seasons to come, evident in the fact that they are all over europe and we tend to be seasons, if not years behind them. i love denim leggings, printed leggings, leggings with a little sparkle, leather leggings... you get the idea. not only are they super versatile and work on a multitude of body types, they are toasty warm and look super chic tucked into boots now! pair them with wedges or oxfords when it gets warmer
  
• oxfords/brogues - menswear inspired and fabulous, these shoes are chic and comfortbale! wear them with tights and a sweater dress now and go bare ankled in the spring. i love the metallic, patent and two-toned versions
• scarves are a year-round staple. varying the weight, material and patters will ensure you remain fashionable from season to season. wear your cashmere and wool now to keep warm and pull out the cotton, silk and lightweight blends later

now go forth into the cold with a hint of spring today and allow it to blossom into a full-blown fresh look as the tempuratures rise. best of luck!

stay tuned and always stay stylish!

brr... how to bundle up, and dazzle in style

baby, it's cold outside! how does one stay fashionably warm without looking disheveled and bulky? here's a few ideas:

• LAYER - wear a dress with tights, over-the-knee socks and boots to stay toasty on bottom; pair a chunky sweater with a sheer turtleneck and a classic 3/4 wool coat on top for a cozy, chic look
• scarves - they go with everything... i love lightweight cashmere, wool blends and the new infinity scarf
  
• boots, boots, boots - flat, slouchy, over-the-knee, riding, motorcycle, etc. whatever strikes your fancy. not only do they look fab, they keep your lower half warm. who would've thought?
  
• legging pants - a wondrous marriage between your incredibly comfy leggings, and tight but sexy skinny jeans. wear these in place of either, or layer them under a dress for extra warmth
• the perfect winter coat - whether its a gorgeous cashmere Burberrys or a feminine goose-down, make sure it's timeless, tailored and weather-appropriate
  

ok. you're nice and warm and that's fantastic, but what about holiday party attire? here are a few great ways to shine at all your upcoming events:

• sequins - a little sparkle never hurt anyone! go all out with a sequin mini dress or tuxedo-style jacket, or keep it subtle with an embellished cardigan
• statement necklace - you've seen them all over the magazines and in the stores. fall in love with one, buy it and wear it with your lbd, white t-shirt, whatever. you will get compliments, i promise
• legwear - it changes everything, literally. pair your go-to lbd with opaque tights and booties for the office party, then transform your look with nude fishnets or a metallic flecked tight with your sassiest shoes for the real parties... champagne flute optional

now go forth with confidence and show the world that you know how to bundle up outside, and work the room in sky-high heels for the holidays inside. cheers!

stay tuned and always stay stylish

fall fashion updates

I know, if you reside in the northeast the summer has yet to make an appearance BUT fall fashions are rolling in like morning fog. These are the key trends from the fall runways, so adjust your closets accordingly:

• leather
• boyfriend blazer
• skinny pants/leggings
• suede footwear and accessories
• grays and purples
• mixed metal jewelery
  

happy shopping! details to follow...
stay tuned and always stay stylish!

national necessities

the east coast has its cultural differences, but i am adjusting. that being said there are a few things that i realized i needed after being here for only one week. the following key pieces are universal necessities, no matter what coast you call home:

• a classic trench coat - the perfect weight to ward off spring chills and transition into fall (I love the 3/4 length Burberry in trench, which is the perfect shade of khaki)
  
• black platform gladiators - for those sassy days when a flat sandal just won't cut it
• bold, statement necklaces - to add that special something to your basic black wardrobe staples
• nude nail polish - keep it light and simple, but don't throw your dark shades away, just stow them until september
• the perfect black maxi dress - throw it on and dress it up or down

there will be more summer updates to follow so stay tuned and always stay stylish

it's official!

i got the job and i'm moving to providence. NY is my next mission...
with the east coast comes some exciting wardrobe changes, most notably:

• fur - it may sound terrible, but vintage mink is oh-so-fabulous!!
• black - appropriate year round, and always slimming
  
• straw totes and breton red - new england classics that never go out of style
• all of your favorite vintage accessories (heirloom jewelery, brooches, gloves, etc.) - perfect to mix with big city basics like tailored blazers, wide-leg trousers and oxford pumps
• scarves - silk when its warm, cashmere when its cold
• any and all exotic skin pieces
  
• Bean boots - bring on the snow!

i cannot wait for may 1st, all i have to do is work on my accent...
stay tuned and always stay stylish

xox

investment pieces

times are tough. but you can't always cut corners when it comes to classics. you get what you pay for with shoes, bags and other wardrobe staples that will be in your closet for years to come. the following investment pieces are worth the extra hours at the office.

• fabulous wear-with-everything flat sandals
• nude pumps. I love the christian louboutin very prive patent leather platform peep toes
• a classic, seasonless handbag big enough to fit a pair of flats and a snack (if you're spending all that money on shoes, try saving some cash by packing your lunch). I am coveting the chanel maxi and I will get it...
• a blazer
• white trousers, preferably lined
  

if it's a trendy piece that will only take you through the season at best, save your money and shop smart. department stores and boutiques are fighting for your business so take advantage of sales and lower-priced outlets to feed your need for that item of the moment. happy bargain-hunting!

stay tuned and always stay stylish!