Spring it on…

The Spring 2010 Pantone Fashion Color Report

Splashes of Sunshine for Spring…

“Now more than ever, women are vigilant when it comes to spending,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Instead of re-inventing their wardrobe at the start of each season, consumers want pieces to complement what they already own. Pairing a bold color with a basic piece or freshening up their look with bright accents addresses the need for practicality, as well as fun.”

 

snowy vs. sunny

My aunt’s house yesterday in North Texas. Conjures up thoughts of sitting by a fire, drinking hot tea, listening to Christmas music and reading. Instead, I’ve got sunny skies, a house full of toys (with all those wires and screws that make it impossible to get the toy loose from the cardboard box), packaging, wrapping paper, children (and Christmas music) and it’s good! It’s a beautiful day down here in Houston. In fact, we are about to go on a family ride. I got something from my wish list (mine is in a seafoam green)...

quite a collection

Love it. I stumbled across this while perusing one of my faves, Sarah Klassen/ Haute Design.

You can see the shoe collection here.

You must check out Jane’s blog, Sea of Shoes. And, while you’re at it, see her mom’s blog here. There you go: three cool blogs and a fabulous shoe collection for you to peruse. Enjoy!

let me count the ways

Image via the Anthropologie catalog

I just finished perusing the newest Anthropologie catalog and it is just lovely. Real People; Real Places: Paris, New York, London. I love the ‘seen on the street’ vibe that is very reminescent of my favorite blog indulgence, The Sartorialist.

The image above appeals to me for many reasons: the layering that is so essential for the transitional weather we experience most of the year here in Houston, the lace-up boots (see my most recent blog post) and the precious bike that reminds me of the newest addition to my wish list (see here). And, of course, the sillouette. For those of you so inclined, get your leggings ready. Yep. Even bigger that the last couple of seasons. If you are not inclined, no worries! Thank goodness we are not all the same and we get to show off our many different attributes. You can take you cue from the waist up here: the soft ruffle details on the top, the rolled sleeves on the cardi, and the pop of color will all draw the eye up.

Are you working on your Fall list, yet?

dusting them off

Frye Villager lace-up boots

I bought these a four years ago and I am so glad I did. I will be dusting these off after not wearing them last season. They will be perfect for mixing with a billowy top, skinny bottoms (great silhouette for the Fall season) and tough accessories. I love the thought of mixing these somewhat Victorian boots with modern accessories. They will also look great under my cuffed boyfriend jeans. They will prove to be useful, I just know it.

Anytime I decide I need a particular boot for my wardrobe, I look at Frye Boots. I have several. In fact, I love these, but they don’t have my size.

Yes, I love boots. But, it’s still scorching temps here in Houston. Aside from my September vacation, it will be quite some time before these boots will see their day again. So, I will re-direct my thoughts toward my approaching summer vacation (VERY casual surfing town, I might add): bathing suits, cover-ups, cut-offs, Havaianas, and tees. Not a boot in sight…

Chic epitomized

photo via marie claire; March ‘09

I love perusing my marie claire magazines (and my Lucky’s and my Domino’s. Really miss my Domino’s). I stockpile them and re-visit them months later. The above image exemplifies why…

Charming

Tory Burch Amber Sandal

Did you partake in the snake skin trend this season? I like both of these options. One of my clients has the wedges below, from Target. They are cute! I put those shoes all over her Lookbook. They go with almost everything she has; they are so very useful, not to mention easy on the bank!

Mossimo Paz Faux Snake Wedge

The Boyfriend factor

image via The Sartorialist

To address a question from a reader (and college friend- this is fun, by the way. Keep the questions coming!):

Jennifer…I really don’t like Boyfriend jeans/shorts…they are so sloppy looking and unflattering.  Katie Holmes doesn’t even carry them off that well.  What do you think?  Am I out of touch?  Old fashioned?

You are right, they are kind of sloppy. Sort of the beauty. But still so chic, depending how you wear them. If the Sartorialist posts a shot of someone wearing BF jeans from the streets of Milan, you know they are undeniably chic.

They are so comfy and great to grab and go for the summer. And, they don’t have to be worn as messy as they are seen in the magazines. I have the Rich & Skinny’s. They are darker and less distressed. And, I will say, they look dressier (of course) when I’ve got some height for the heel. If you are looking for some BF jeans that are not sloppy, these
Paige Premium Denim BF jeans are great. My Cakewalk co-blogger has them (In fact she’s wearing them in our little photo on the left sidebar). And, of course, the Current Elliott’s are cool, but very slouchy (some styles more so than others). I bought their BF shorts in a size smaller than normal and they were still a little too big. I don’t mind slouchy, but I refuse to constantly tug at my waistband. I gave them up and I’m in the market for another pair of BF shorts. In any case, I would recommend going one size smaller. I have yet to talk to someone that wishes they would have stayed true to their typical size regarding Boyfriend’s, but have heard from a many that they wish they had gone down.

Value Shopping?

Value Shopping: wonderful! When done right. I was watching a commercial the other day and this store’s mantra was ‘value shopping’. But… uhmm… the outfits. No way! They wrapped up every trend of the season, color, embellishment and ruffle into one look and it did not play out well. That is not value shopping! That is spending money b/c said consumer thinks they are getting a bargain. But will said consumer wear that outfit next year? Probably not (they really shouldn’t be wearing it THIS year!).

So, how about this for value shopping? How about finding what you already love that is hanging in your closet and utilizing those pieces to their fullest potential? This will entail shopping, but you will be shopping for the ‘holes’ in your wardrobe. Now, THAT is bargain shopping!

Shop your closet:
Is there an unstructured jacket hanging in your closet? Work it with slouchy, straight cut (cuffed is nice) pants. Or, try pairing it with breezy, dressy shorts, and metallic flats or wedges.

Shop your closet:
Do you still have the cargo pants from a few years ago? Even better, do they have sort of a sheen? Roll them up (messy is fine) and try pairing them with a simple tank, oversized clutch, chunky bracelet, and heels for a night out. For another visual, jump over here.

photos from Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Tory Burch and Richard Chai via Style.com

Blog Happy

Were you looking for this? It’s still around; it won’t be going anywhere. I have, however, started this new blog, which is specific to ‘wardrobing’. Please come back and visit often! And, don’t forget to visit Cakewalk while you’re at it! You can always find the link on the sidebar of this new blog.