Monday, February 20, 2012

Spotting Jenna!

Over at leFashion, caught a fabulous picture of Jenna Lyons looking crazy busy.  I'd say she is likely multi-tasking in the middle of NYFW.  Celine pants, denim jacket and white tee with her signature eyeglasses...love.  She is so tall and leggy that I am pretty sure she's among a very small number of people that would look good in these pants -- they are amazing nonetheless.  And, if she couldn't be any taller, add the electric blue stilettos which I'm guessing put her at about 6'3"1

I love people-watching and it's far more interesting when it is a celebrity-type person that catches your eyes.  I like to wonder what they are talking about and why they look so serious. Her hair pulled back tight in a little bun only adds to her all-business like exterior.

And if this pic were not enough, you can find this one and dozens more over at girlcrushjennalyons, love, love, love...!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Be Bold, Be Bright!


Zoe Saldana and Prabal Gurung
Photo by Elizabeth Lippman 
There is no escaping it really, the brights I mean.  Nearly every runway collection, retail site and blogger focus has hit the brights, even down to nail color --
"orange, it's obvious" is my favorite color from Essie's latest collection.  For those of us that dress conservatively (at least most of the time) at work, a pop of color seems to be a way to add fun to an otherwise lackluster navy suit.  I don't know how I feel however, about bright and sometimes neon creeping into a full-on trend (hence my subtle sarcasm at the start)!  And let's face it, there are only a handful of colors that can really pop, so if everyone at the office follows trend, there will be a good chance that we'll all show up looking like a crayon box gone very wrong.
DVF
Photo by Kevin Tachman for Vogue.com

This trend takes a bit of tact and with some careful accessorizing -- 'um shoes and top, but not shoes, top, belt and headband!  Ok, so I am stating the obvious, but I know many who need this serious direction!  Unless you are 5'11 and clearly fashion is part of your vocabulary because you are a model, then don't try to pull off head to toe brights.  Frankly, this holds true for nearly every trend. Too much of a good thing can go very wrong!

Color blocking is another great way to wear a bright and sometimes two.  Color blocking can be tricky though so it is always easiest to buy the actual item already color blocked so you don't end up with them working against each other.

Banana Republic
You cannot go wrong with a great, bright accessory.  Ann Taylor, J. Crew and other retailers are selling beautiful clutches or ballet flats which can really do wonders for a pair of jeans.  I am loving bright colorful belts right now as well.  Banana Republic has shiny lizard belts in a great array of colors.  At $34.50, a couple of these beauties can spark up any outfit.

Ann Taylor
I love the cropped pants at Ann Taylor.  In fact, I love Ann Taylor a lot right now and they've done a fabulous job with their website.  When you can see many looks, it makes it a whole lot easier to shop and avoid fashion faux pas, period.  Click to "Must Have Looks" which feature bright colors, some neutrals and graphic prints. The modern crop denims  are really fun come in an electric blue (left) which get me excited for Spring.

Talbot's
J. Crew
There are some poppin' prints that hold their own as well.  Talbot's has a great cropped pant called the Signature fit floral super crop and this floral is gorgeous.  I love the richness of it, especially the cherry red.

I am thinking that J. Crew's Olympia leather wedges in radio red would be a fabulous compliment to these cropped pants.

These little also come in suede which I love as well!  Bright marigold is calling my name, but not my wallet!

Like I said, there is no escaping brights for Spring and always in Summer.  It is actually nice to have brights preview Spring instead of the always expected pastels.  Just pick carefully and don't over-bright your outfits.  I can tell you we have a couple lovelies at work that quickly became glamour don'ts from their head to toe colors.  A minimalistic approach is far more appealing...

Do you love this trend for Spring and if yes, what are your favorite pieces or accessories?

Cheers!
J. Crew




Tom Ford
Sp/Su 2012
One more thing, one of my favorite Pinterest boards is called "Jewel Tones" which features photographs with rich, bright and striking photographs.

McQueen
I have many fashionable brights posted on this board and I was obviously so taken with these colors.  A girl has to dream, right?  Love this pure purple Tom Ford dress which is ultra-bright and ultra-feminine.

And, nothing screams color more than McQueen!

Cheers!