Step into Color

I've been talking about incorporating color into your wardrobe a lot recently. I think it adds so much character to an outfit, but a lot of women are scared of wearing it. While it definitely takes time to introduce bright patterns or shocking neons into your usually monochromatic wardrobe, a great way is to use accessories to brighten up your typical color palette. Great with black, navy, tans, and white a  little pop of something bright whether its your bag, your shoes or a belt can really help to liven you up. It's all about baby steps.

The other day I went shopping with my friend and we stopped in one of my favorite stores in Atlanta, Jeffrey's. Every time I walk in there, I go straight for this shoe because it really captures my attention. I love that its vibrant, but a pastel. The coral color is definitely anything but practical, but yet so easy to pull off at the same time. Also available in lavender and teal, the only thing that stops me from adding all three of these to my closet is the idea that I would be standing around 6' 5 1/2."

Another great option for a colorful heel, are these two sandals by Aldo. At a fraction of the cost of the Christian Louboutin pumps, these make the same fun and flirty statement. What I think really draws me to all three of these shoes, is that they are bright but not over the top. Perfect with a pair of jeans and white t-shirt or a shift dress, they are complementary without drawing too much attention away from you. Always wear your clothes (and shoes), never let them wear you!

SunDressing

Now that spring has officially arrived, you will start to see more women in dress. Going from wool and cashmere to lightweight silks, cottons and linens is always a nice change of pace. Dresses are a great way to show your spring spirit, and often they are the most flattering piece of clothing a woman can wear. While jeans and pants tend to camouflage the natural shapes of our legs and blouses and shirts add to our frame, a dress can accent all of the best features. There are many styles of sundresses available this spring. Go for something vibrant or a pattern, save the black for fall and winter. Also look for versatility. Dresses can carry you from morning until night with the switch of a few accessories. Who doesn't enjoy making life easy. Don't always assume that the smallest dress is the sexiest either. If you are voluptuous, show cleavage but don't show too much leg. If you have long legs, show them off with a mini but have a sleeve or a higher neckline. If you best feature is your small waist, go for a wrap dresses that cinches at the waist with a blousy top and pencil or a-line bottom. Love your toned arms and back, highlight your upper body with a one shouldered  or low back dress.

Here are a few dress options that are sure to get you in the mood for spring.

Seen on the Scene - J. Lo Edition

When Jennifer Lopez is out on the town, she is bringing her 'A' game and everyone should move out the way. With the upcoming release of her new film 'The Backup Plan,' J. Lo has been gallivanting around New York City and Los Angeles in promotional mode dressed like she means business. Within just a few, she has been seen in dozens of outfits around town, in addition to several wardrobe changes for various interviews and appearances. Although she is notorious for oozing sex appeal, as she's gotten older she manages to do it without revealing too much skin. She is all about fit, fit and fit. Knowing what works best on her shape and wearing pieces that compliment her assets! Notice how she will wear an embellished dress, but it won't be revealing or a very fitted silhouette, but in the form of a black trench. The high hemline on her Roland Mouret red dress is countered by the high neckline. Again when it comes to sexy, its all about give and take.

                                                                               

 

Leather Okay for Warm Weather?

Recently, the Wall Street Journal went out on the streets of New York and asked what people thought about leather shorts. A noticeable piece in many designer's collection for spring, leather shorts seem to be a bit contradictory, at least without further examination. Most people typically associate leather with fall and winter, a material that is meant to keep you warm. Over the years designers have begun turning the traditionally cold-weather fabric into a hot (no pun intended) item for warmer times.

It got me thinking about my favorite leather pieces. When I worked in retail, the designer was great at using leather for every season. Lightweight buttery-soft leather jackets, pencil skirts and pants were all staples in his designs and people loved them. Definitely an investment when you find the right pieces, but completely worth it because you will have them for years. And when you buy a quality leather piece, it can only get better with age. The leather develops its own character and the scratches and marks, which you try to avoid in the beginning,  become the best part.

Because the weather is warmer, naturally any leather item that you wear will contain less material. I recommend either short or tight, not both. Otherwise you end up looking like a biker chick. Stick to one leather item per outfit, and make it the focal point. Build around that piece and allow everything else to gently compliment. You don't want to be caught in some magazine as a "Fashion Don't" wearing a complete leather ensemble (In my honest opinion, that applies to every season, I don't care how cold it is). I found a couple of leather pieces that can be great for summer, but also transitional pieces depending on how you wear them.

The best top for the Chloe and Cynthia Steffe short would be something simple and classic, maybe a crisp white blouse or a colorful blousy top. The Helmut Lang short is a little more edgy, so an off-the-shoulder graphic printed top would work better.

These leather jackets will go with any and everything in your closet. Great with a pair of high-waisted twill trousers, a pair of denim shorts, a linen pencil skirt or a mini, these pieces will carry you from day to night, from the office to a girl's night out.

So it seems that leather in warm weather works after all!

Fashionista Spotlight

When it comes to having personal style, Tracee Ellis Ross definitely knows . While she hasn't been in any major projects since the cancellation of the hit show 'Girlfriends,' Tracee just like her mother Diana Ross, will always leave a lasting impression. Never holding back and always taking risks, she is a stylist's dream. With killer curves, she knows how to dress her body in the most flattering way. Never one to shy away from color or patterns, she is bold and eccentric. Even with some looks that are slightly left of center that not everyone can appreciate, she stays ahead of the game but manages to look classic in everything she wears. In my opinion, she is the definition of Unforgettably Chic.

I must admit her fashion sense is at times very quirky, but when you take risks with your personal style it happens. It is called 'personal' style for a reason. Yes, she knows how to work a fitted dress but she portrays sexy in a number of different ways. Women are so caught up in wanting to be sexy all the time that they get lost in a sea of women who look just like them. If anything, Tracee Ellis Ross shows that sexy is about having the confidence in yourself to be an individual and think outside the box. Young women could stand to learn a thing or two from her.

Around the World We Go

When it comes to spring and summer fashion, I don't think I love anything more than color. When you drape yourself in strong, vibrant colors it awakens the senses and you can't help but feel alive. Here in America, I think we tend to be a bit more conservative with our choice of color and patterns for fear of what others might think. But take a trip around the world, and color is all you will see. Besides the sampling of local cuisines and learning about other cultures, observing how people clothe themselves makes travelling to different countries my absolute favorite hobby.

India

Ethiopia

Korea

Brazil

Tanzania

Thailand

Although the modern, cosmopolitan woman around the world might wear jeans and sun dresses just as we do in the United States, often reserved for traditional ceremonies and in rural villages these colorful ensembles are such beautiful expressions of the local cultures. Looking at these images cannot help but unleash positive vibes.

When it comes to personal style, don't take yourself too seriously. Enjoy the process of choosing pieces to drape over your body, just as you should enjoy chewing each delicatable bite from your favorite dish. Never be afraid to express your emotions, not just through your words, but through your image. If all of our senses were taken away, except for sight, I imagine that people would take more risks when it comes to fashion. Somehow, someway find inspiration in the simplest things.

Menswear for Women's Wear

It is unfortunate that a lot of women think a sexy look only results from clothing that is short, revealing or tight. You don't have to let everything hang out though to be the most attractive woman in the room, and any real man with tell you that. One of the funniest observations I've made in consulting women on style, is that women dress to impress other women, not men. We think that showing off our "assets" we'll either make the next woman jealous of what our body looks like or force her to give us a compliment. Neither should ever be an incentive to get dressed each day.

I've always thought that menswear inspired pieces for women were some of the sexiest items of clothing I've ever owned. An impeccably tailored trouser, a tuxedo jacket or a pinstriped suit always seem to empower women with a confidence that isn't displayed in a mini dress. Every year, every season you will see designers whose collections never fail to feature menswear for women. The looks are chic and timeless, sometimes androgynous, often seductive but most important powerful.

This spring spruce up your wardrobe with some menswear inspired clothing. When buying these pieces, pay most attention to the fit. A wide leg trouser usually looks good on most women, but if your curvy try pairing them with a fitted top to counter the proportions. If you are boxy or shaped like a pear wear a jacket that does not cut you off at the hip. Try one thats longer and darted to create the illusion of curves. This is also the perfect time to get familiar with a great tailor in your area, alterations are a woman's best friend!

Rachel Roy, currently one of my favorite designers, did an amazing job with this concept in her Spring 2010 signature line.

Zac Posen for Target

On Thursday, famed designer Zac Posen held a 24 hour party in his honor celebrating the launch of his Zac Posen for Target line. While often designer collaborations with mass retailers result in diffusion lines that fail to live up to the standards that the designers are best known for, Zac Posen's line was actually quite impressive. With less than ten years under his belt on the fashion scene, Posen is most celebrated for his attention to dramatic details and impeccable tailoring. Obviously less exclusive and detailed than the signature collection, the Zac Posen for Target line still offers buyers designs which stay true to his aesthetic but at a significantly lower price.

It is always great when celebrities and models lend their support to these events and such labels, because it reinforces to the general public that being well dressed is not a result of the price but rather the clothes.

Supermodel Alek Wek graces the Zac Posen for Target red carpet

A Housewives Showdown

In honor of  'The Real Housewives' series which airs every Thursday evening, I decided to highlight the style sense of the first ladies of Bravo TV. In looking at the four installments of the 'The Real Housewives' casts: Orange Country, New York, Atlanta and New Jersey, it's not hard to notice that the women in each of the cities dress very differently. While not my favorite for entertainment sake, in typical New York fashion, the ladies of Manhattan have no competition when it comes to style, especially this season. Rather than looking mildly trashy, age inappropriate and slightly cheap, the six women of this extenstion of Bravo's hit really know how to pull it together. With the exception of a few outfits, they really dress the part. Stepping into the forefront as a fashionista this season is Jill Zarin, the Upper East Side fabric store owner, who rarely misses a beat when it comes to being chic.

Having spent most of the first season in darker colors and black, Jill camoflaged her well pronounced curves. After a recent breast reduction and a slight weightloss, Jill is still holding onto her hourglass figure but showing it off more in printed tunics, fitted dresses and slim jeans. I admire Jill's fashion sense because as a women with a shape, she always dresses for her figure, is always age appropriate, but never dull. Whether she's in a full length gown, day dress or jeans her style is unforgettably chic. The other members of the 'Real Housewives of New York' cast are not far behind Jill when it comes to pulling together an outfit. Each of them brings something unique to the fashion table. I appreciate their individuality and feel that when it comes to personal style they get "it", especially Kelly Bensimon, the former model and single mother of two girls. In a world where women follow trends to be like other women and dress like 21 year olds to remain "young", its rare to see a group that stays true to themselves and remains chic.

A Natural Aesthetic

Springtime always has a way of bringing you back to nature. Maybe it's the flowers blooming, the spring rain showers or even all the pollen in the air. Whatever it may be, the change of season has its effect on designers as well. Nature is reflected in the fashions of Spring with everything from raffia and wood to cork and straw. Most visible in accessories, nature inspired pieces tend to add a look texture to any outfit without feeling heavy.

Below are some great options to allow your natural element to come alive this Spring.

The greatest thing about adding nature inspired pieces to your wardrobe is that you can wear them with virtually anything. Fantastic with monochromatic or colorful looks, metal jewelry or vibrant stones, these accesories add some spice without being too dramatic.

Chic Picks of the Week

The Chic Picks of the Week are pieces which transcend seasons, cultures and trends. While these pieces are often exclusive and expensive, they have influenced the work of designers at all price ranges. Having an Unforgettably Chic style has nothing to do with the price tag.

Iconic and classic, these picks have inspired fashionistas worldwide.

The Hermes Birkin

The ultra exclusive, bag of all bags. When it comes to the best, Hermes has mastered it with the Birkin. Available in an endless array of colors, skins and sizes, the Birkin is not for the faint of heart starting at around $7,000. With a waiting list miles long at times, if you can nab this bag, a toast is in order . Classic in both shape and style, the Birkin screams Chic without being too flashy. My favorite bag of all time!

The Sheath Dress

The sheath dress is one of the most iconic pieces to date. Jackie O made them incredibly fashionable during her days as first lady. The above dress is from the Roland Mouret Spring 2009 runway show. Mouret's designs are infamously sexy, sleek and classic. Both he and Michael Kors have mastered the art of designing this dress every season. Whether silk or wool, black or purple, cap sleeve or one shoulder, this style of dress is exceptional for every body type. A great option for work, a wedding, cocktail hour, Sunday brunch or a night out with the girls, it works. Sexy because of the fitted structure but never sleezy, the sheath dress is a must have and definitely an investment piece if you were ever looking for one.

When Celebrity Goes Wrong

I have always been a fan of celebrities who are fit but still maintain their womanly figure like Sofia Vergara, Tyra Banks, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. Whether in tiny daisy dukes or rocking a completely curvacious body, Jessica Simpson is absolutely beautiful and always flaunts her shape with confidence while setting a positive example for young women everywhere. With that being said, if you are going to appear on a red carpet and you are a celebrity you should hire a stylist.

Jessica Simpson stepped out onto the carpet for the 'Good Housekeeping Magazine 125th Anniversary' celebration in NYC on Monday evening wearing a dress that was a little too much of everything. Too much print, too much leg, and too much cleavage combined with the wrong fabric was a recipe for disaster.

The dress is not giving her enough support therefore making her chest look heavier and much larger than it really is. The addition of the mini hemline gives the look a bit of cheap feel, when infact the dress could actually be quite pricey. The fabric is too stiff so it gives her a box-like shape around the waist when we know that her shape is anything but square. And well the print, it just draws attention to everything that is wrong with the outfit. This is a prime example of knowing how to dress your body and shape. Here is a picture of Jessica at the same size but in a much more flattering ensemble.

This curve hugging dress in red with a accentuated shoulder detail is a much better cut for Jessica. The color is still bold and allows her to catch everyone's attention. This silhouette is streamlined with long, lean lines hitting just below the knee. With the addition of the exxagerated shoulder, the dress makes her waist look smaller than in the first look. This ravishing red look deserves an A!

Spring Essentials

I must say that there are definitely a few items of clothing that I believe everyone should incorporate into their wardrobes this season. These pieces are great for spring, but also fantasic transitional items that will stand the test of fashion time. There are many different styles available in all of these, at every different price range. Here are some of my favorite unforgettably chic picks, along with a "how to wear" guide. So get inspired!

A lightweight trench coat is a simple, yet completely stylish piece that should be in every woman's closet. Serving both the purposes of utility and fashion, a lightweight trench in any color can be worn over practically any item of clothing or alone as a dress itself. I prefer a trench with a belt because in enhances that hourglass silhouette without being bulky as an outwear piece. You can also switch out the belt it comes with, for one of your own and give your outfit that extra flair. Dress them up or down, they are great every season of the year and can be worn over many layers for the colder months.

A shirt dress is one of those basic no-brainer pieces that any and every woman must own. With varying lengths (from calf to mini), fabrics and styles, the shirt dress is a classic piece. They can be worn for day or night, on the beach or to dinner and will always make your style look effortless. You can wear a silk shirt dress with a pair of killer stilletos or a chambray denim shirt dress with cowboy boots, flats or wedges. So easy yet so fashionable.

There is so much power in a white blouse. Women who wear them exude confidence and show that less really can be more. With denim, skirts, under blazers, knotted at the bottom, the possibilities really are endless. A crisp pressed collared white shirt looks great on everyone, no matter who you are, no matter where you are going. A white blouse in an updated style will give a twist to the traditional look, but will serve the same purpose with a more relaxed feel.

There is this misconception that lighter colors and white always make you look bigger, especially when worn on the bottom. What really makes your bottom region look bigger is wearing jeans, for instance, that are not the right size or fit. Not everyone was built for skinny jeans neither were they built for wide leg denim, so it really is all about knowing what cuts work well for your legs. With the option of bootleg, straight leg, pencil skinny, wide leg/trouser, cropped and everything in between there is a denim cut for everyone. A light colored or white denim is so essential for spring because worn with a tank, a t-shirt, a blazer or a dressy top they truly speak to the spirit of warm weather.

This spring you will see a lot of flesh tone pumps in the colors of mauve, blush, sand and cafe au lait. They are sexy, yet subtle. Allowing the focus to be on the clothing you wear, a flesh tone heel will compliment your outfit and complete your look. The neutral color will always draw the eye down as the pump blends into your leg and adds a few extra inches. I don't know any woman who don't want that.

Many women stray away from flats because they believe they aren't sexy enough and make you look like an old woman. Realistically, you can't wear heels all time. Finding a flat which speaks to your personality and style can really enhance your ensemble. They can be funky, conservative, colorful or monochromatic but they will always be easy to wear. Slip them on with a pair of shorts, a shirt dress or worn in jeans and give your outfit a kick, literally.

All of my spring essential picks have been fairly simple. The best way to build a wardrobe is with basics and add on. This season, look for a unforgettable statement piece which can be worn for day or night. An embellished top or dress can be worn with white denim and flats during the day or a sky high heel and clutch at night. While a color shift dress can be worn alone with sandals and a big tote for daytime or with strappy heels for evening. Find a piece that pops without over doing it. Embellished or colorful, not both. When in comes to items like this, it's all about the way you accessorize.