Archive for the ‘Inspirations’ Category

Inspiration: The Dress to Impress Project

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

If you do one thing this New Year it should be to subscribe to Managing Editor of Well to Do You, Suz Stephenson, and her fantastic project “Dress to Impress”.
 
 
Over the next month Suz Stephenson will be posting on her blog – almost daily – about her style adventures in wearing and accessorizing one dress, YES, the SAME dress for 31 straight days!  Suz has taken on this challenge  in an effort to encourage and empower women to put their best foot forward and to raise awareness of Dress for Success® Southern Maine, a non-profit organization that provides women in need with suits, accessories, and confidence boosts to help in their own career development. Suz will also have guest posts from beauty, style, and image experts along the way.
 
Suz will be wearing the Islesboro sweater dress by L.L. Bean Signature accessorized with a generous collection of pieces donated by various retailers, designers and boutique owners. The looks over the next month will include some professional looks, as well as some casual looks.  All accessories given to the project by these participants will be donated to Dress for Success® Southern Maine
 
I encourage you to participate with Suz and all her generous supporters in this style challenge that will benefit and empower women all over the world by subscribing and sharing this story.
 
See Suz’s first post here.
 

Inspiration: 4 Stylish Ideas for 4 Different New Year’s Eve Parties

Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

There are always party invites for NYE and with the momentous event taking place on Saturday night this year, there is even more reason to step it up in the Fashion department. Here are 3 very different party outfit ideas for 3 very different evenings. But one thing these looks all have in common is that they all help you ring the new year in -  tremendous style.

The Neighborhood NYE Bash

I love the casual NYE party, having grown up with this style my whole life, I think they are the most endearing way to celebrate. And you don’t have to forget about style just because you are at home.  My mother and all the neighborhood ladies would certainly take advantage of any opportunity to dress up and this was no exception.

I love this entire look from Tibi. It’s perfect for an neighborhood party.   The Metallic Cardi sweater adds a bit so shimmer to a splash of this royal blue, matte leather pencil skirt.  Great combination of color and texture!  I’d love it paired with a leopard coat, and these beautiful Giuseppe Zanotti Pointed Toe Nude Patent Wedges for an amazing entrance.

Cocktail Party Celebration

A late evening of cocktails and candlelight deserves a look that will twinkle as you ring in the new year. And you will certainly light up the room in this Asos Embellished Sleeve dress. It is sure to turn heads and look stunning from every angle in every photo opportunity that comes your way.An Affair to Remember

An elegant, late night dinner and hours of dancing topped off with numerous champagne toasts deserves a NYE look to remember. These Python pumps from Alexandre Birman are the perfect accessory to make a statement that you are ready to take charge of 2012.

Celebrating in the Elements

Sometimes we need to spend our NYE outside, watching a ball drop or just walking from one party to the next. I love the idea of wearing sequins, but instead of the traditional top, I thought why not a pair of Express Sequin Leggings!  This way you can sparkle and glitter in all the lights even when you are outside. Plus, you can then wear this gorgeous French Connection Fit & Flare Coat and bright colored Asos Faux Fur Lapel. The bright color of the lapel paired with the  Agent Provocateur red leather and leopard gloves is a great way to make sure your date and friends know exactly how to find you in the crowd.  And no evening out on the town is complete without a stunning, crossbody bag (free hands are a must for all the cheering and clapping you will be doing). No one makes a more stunning, classic statment than this Jas MB Melissa Shoulder Bag.

Ring in a Fashionable New Year and Celebrate in Style in 2012.

 

Inspiration: Ideas to Take You from Work to the Holiday Work Party

Thursday, December 15th, 2011
We all have the variety of holiday parties that we look forward to each year and… some that we don’t.

The most difficult party to dress for has to be the Holiday Work Party.  As much as it is usually the most fun party of the season, it is most likely, the most stressful.

Well, this year, let’s forget the stress part of it and dress for the fun of it. I found some amazing, sophisticated and some whimsical dresses that I think would be perfect even if you have to go from work right to the party.  Enjoy.

Asos Fit & Flare in Red

Everyone loves a pop of color and the fit & flare style is so great on all body types. I’d wear this to work with a black turtleneck and boots. For a work party, I’d bring out a Baublebar bold, chain link necklacesuper high heel TopShop Wedges and a sparkle clutch.  
 

Elkin Noir Dress

   I love the idea of a simple, black dress.  It really is the perfect opportunity to show your accessories - especially those that might not be great to work in (ahem, faux fur vest), but look amazing at a work party set against a classic LBD. 
  
Erdem Cherie Tweed Dress

The cowl, the tweed and the pencil skirt all scream to be worn at a work event. Worn with a blazer and tights, this could easily go from work day to evening with the change of shoes , a gorgeous CC Skye cuff and an offbeat color,  Maje clutch.

 
Asos Pencil Dress in Colorblock
 I adore colorblocking and the sporty style of this dress is great for a really casual work party. I’d par a little, cropped sequin jacket over it for an evening party, but if you are just going out for beers at the bowling alley, throw on some boots, a arm full of bracelets and a Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac crossbody bag to keep it simple.
 
 
I adore this look for a fun and easy outfit to wear to any holiday work party.  Pair the Scatter paillette pencil skirt with a Chambray shirt, colorful heels and add the slouchy hat  for a cool, casual vibe.
All from J. Crew
 

Looks + Trends: Editorial Inspiration

Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
Sometimes fashion and lifestyle editorials can seem a bit “out there”, but that’s why we love them so much, right.  The looks, whether outfits or rooms or even hair/makeup, need to be eye catching and over the top.  They are  meant to be inspiring. Real personal style is about taking their on trend pieces and creating a look that shows your true self. We are not meant to copy the looks in editorials, but to interpret the creativity of them.  
 
Sometimes all you need to do is take an element or even just the overall feeling of a look to really make it fashionable.  I have a huge “inspiration” board in my office filled with all kinds of beautiful images and the recent fashion editorial “Cast Away”  in Marie Claire, December 2011 issue was added to the board with all its amazing combinations of colors and prints. I love the entire spread, but found the look below most inspiring and suited to what I would wear.
 
I took a few of the elements of this innovative look and put together my own interpretation.  It’s obviously not as impactful as the orange leggings, but I think the important thing is that I took elements from the look; a neon yellow t-shirt, leopard cuff and mixed prints. It’s the way I styled these pieces that gave me a look that I love and would feel comfortable wearing anywhere.  I would have totally paired my look with my new Orange Skinny jeans  if I had them at the time. They are really bold and fun so, be prepared to see them soon.   
Photo via Marie Claire Dec. 2011 Issue

My interpretation using elements from the Marie Claire editorial

 Looking to add some of these elements into your closet?  I’d love to see your interpretation of this look. Here are a few ideas to help you get the look. You can take one or you can use them all- it’s up to you. The point is to give it a try and see what you come up with. Enjoy.  xo

 

 

 

 

 

Gap Zip Back Pointelle Sweater in Neon Yellow
 
Jessica Simpson Leopard Print Coated Canvas Belt (shown above)

J Crew Wide Enamel Bangle

J Brand Orange Skinny Denim (shown above)

Current/Elliott The Ankle Skinny Suede in Orange

Diane Von Furstenberg Vicent Oversized Tweed Jacket (shown above. Even has NEON lining!)

Max & Chloe Leopard Print Cuff (shown above)

Adam Broomstick Crinkled Silk Chiffon Skirt

Whistles Hilda Leopard Collar Cardi

Brian Atwood Fluorescent Pink Platform Pump

Naven Party Dress in Pop Pink  (also in Orange Crush)

Inspiration: 12 Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Every Fashion Girl

Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
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1. Selma Optique Grace Cat Eye Sunglasses $385.00 ~ for the modern fashion girl who has some vintage deep in her heart.

2. Rebecca Minkoff Material Girl Pouch $55.00 ~ for the girl who will start singing just by seeing the words.

3. Gap Polka Dot Tights $10.50 ~ for the fashion girl who loves a little bit of whimsy in her closet.

4. AllSaints Fairisle Mittens $65.00 ~ for the girl who loves fashion contradictions; preppy but edgy.

5. Marilyn $25.00 ~ for the bookworm girl who embraces curves in every aspect of her life.

6. House of Harlow 1960 Antler Wrap Ring $75.00 ~ for the girl who loves animals, but doesn’t want to go camping. Seriously, don’t ask.

7. Kate Spade New York Sparkler Missy ~$155.00 ~ for every fashion girl because we all love a little sparkle. And we deserve it.

8. Banana Republic Faux Fur Hat $59.50 ~ for the girl who doesn’t always have time to do her hair, but still wants to look good.

9. Michael Kors Jet Set Sport Watch in Gold $250.00 ~ for the fashion girl who believes a watch is more about making a statement than it is about telling time.

10. Diane Von Furstenberg New Lips iPhone Cover $28.00 ~ for the girl who always has lipstick in her bag and a smile on her lips.

11. Mary Green “Sleeping Beauty” Eye Mask $25.00 ~ for the girl who really appreciates her beauty sleep.

12. Clarisonic Mia Skin Cleaning System $119.00 ~ for every girl at every age who will be grateful for a Clarisonic. It is the ultimate gift.

A Fashion Era MashUp: What’s Your Favorite Style Decade?

Wednesday, November 16th, 2011

I just joined IFB (Independent Fashion Bloggers) and found so many great communities already.

One particular IFB Project they have going on and encourage members to participate in is ”What is your favorite style decade”. Well, I can’t say the 80′s is my favorite, but since I love so many things about the 80′s, it must certainly be my most inspiring decade.

I love “mash ups” in music so, it’s no wonder I like the same in fashion. I did a little mashup of decades below.

It includes some 80′s neon and gilt, ladylike elements from the 40′s and some graffiti from the 90′s. Of course the Faux Fur is more present day. What can I say…. I like so many era’s, I just couldn’t decide.

 Wolford Bonney Polka Dot Tights

Lace Trim Sweater Fashion DIY: Jason Wu Inspired

Tuesday, November 15th, 2011

 

Jason Wu Lace-trim Sweater available at Net-a-Porter.com

 I tend to label myself as a bit of a contradiction when it comes to fashion.  I love the edgy looks, but give me a little feminine lace and my knees will buckle with adoration. Wearing lace with an edge can certainly take a questionable turn when done incorrectly.  So, when I saw the looks from the Jason Wu collection that included a sweatshirt style sweater with lace trimmed sleeves,  I thought it was the perfect balance of casual and dramatic and I knew it was the perfect opportunity to test my DIY skills.

So here are a few steps to make your make your own Jason Wu inspired lace trimmed sweater

Here is a list of what you will need:

- a Raglan Sleeve Sweatshirt, Sweater or Tee. I chose a raglan sleeve so there would be less issues with the shoulder seam.I just purchased mine at Loft today so it is very new. It was availabe in 2 colors.

- Roughly 1 2/3 yards of lace trim (depending on the length of the sleeve of your garment). I used a 4″ wide double scalloped edge trim.

- Spray adhesive for Fabric.

- A scissors, a tape measure and straight pins and fabric marking chalk (if preferred).

 Step 1:

Cut the lace trim 1″ longer than the full sleeve length for each sleeve. Wearing my sweatshirt, I held the sleeve-length piece of trim at the top of the neckline, letting the trim fall straight down my left arm. Facing a mirror, I moved the lace into place so that it was in the area on the sleeve that would show the lace trim equally in front and back. I pinned the lace in place at top and at the bottom. 

- Do this for the right sleeve as well, keeping in mind to line up the scalloped edges so they “mirror” one another.

 Step 2:

Measure the distance from the raglan seam at the collar to the lace trim edge.  Make this measurement equal on both sleeves. Crisscross pins to keep lace in place

Do the same measurement at the cuff. Measure from the sleeve seam to the edge of the lace. Do this to both sleeves.  Crisscross pins to keep lace in place.

Make 2-3 more measurements up and down the sleeve so that the lace is in the same position on both sleeves.

Pin as you go along on both sides of the sleeves; keeping the lace as flat and taught as possible. Crisscross pins as needed.

Step 3:

In a well ventilated area (wear gloves and mask if needed), prepare for spray adhesive by choosing 1 sleeve. Cover rest of garment with a towel as needed to protect.

With 1 sleeve laying flat so lace is flat and in full view, unpin the lace trim at the neckline and along the edges, marking the edges of the lace placement with the pins or with fabric chalk. Leave pins at cuff so lace remains attached at one edge.  Pull back the lace onto another towel (it will still be attached at the cuff making it easy to lay back into place without having to touch the tacky adhesive. 

Spray the lace trim along the entire backside length, leaving about 1/4″ on each end clean and unsprayed  (I used a strip of tape along each end to stop the spray from adhering to the lace). Once the entire length of trim is sprayed, carefully press the lace trim onto the flat sleeve, lining up with your pins/chalk mark placement lines. Pat the lace down as you go with your gloved hands or a towel.  Pat gently along full length of lace to make sure it is completely adhered to the sleeve, especially at the collar seam and cuff seam edges. 

Leave the sleeve flat, checking it to make sure all the lace is adhering to the sleeve. Leave to dry.

Do the same thing on the opposite sleeve.

Step 4:

Remove all pins, trim the collar edge and cuff edges of the lace trim; leaving a bit for a raw edge look. Or trim close to the seam edge as possible for a cleaner edge.

 Let the entire garment dry in a ventilated area until all tackiness is gone and the adhesive is completely dry.

My finished Loft Sweatshirt with Lace Trim

 I promise to show some better outfit pics as soon as my photographer/husband is back from his business trip. In the meantime, here is me wearing my Lace Trim DIY project.  I love it!  What do you think?

Morning Inspirations: The Beauty in Breakfast

Saturday, November 12th, 2011

Dippy Eggs served with Toast and Fruit

 

I’m certain my love for breakfast comes from my Dad.  He not only likes to eat breakfast, anytime of the day, but he likes to make breakfast too.  Growing up with breakfast for dinner was always a treat and I’ve made a point to make sure my children feel the same way as I did about it.

The love for presentation comes from my Mom.  She always served our meals on real plates, no paper plates that I can recall, and always infused some sort of French tradition into our meals.

Breakfast of Dippy Eggs, Toast and Fruit was a favorite of mine and when I found this set of Dippy Egg holders at HomeGoods last year, my heart and my mind traveled instantaneously back to my childhood.

Do you have a family tradition or food that inspires you or takes you back?

xo

c.

BeJeweled My Heart

Friday, November 11th, 2011

Add some jewel tones to your holiday looks this season with the simple addition of a colored, faux fur stole. Inspired by the Fall 2011 Runway looks of the most amazing designers, the look is certainly swoonworthy.   I’m loving this colored faux fur style from Topshop: wear it with a dress, a sweater or a collarless coat. The jewel tones and lux look  take everything to the next level, don’t you think?

TopShop Faux Fur Tuck Stole in Purple  Inspired by Gucci Fall 2011 Runway

TopShop Faux Fur Tuck Stole in Teal Inspired by Prada Fall 2011 Runway

TopShop Faux Fur Tuck Stole in Oxblood Inspired by Oscar de la Renta Fall 2011 Runway

(Runway photos via NYMag.com)

Key Pieces for Fall – Part Two

Friday, October 21st, 2011
I hope everyone enjoyed Part One of the Key Pieces for Fall.  I had so many must-haves that I had to do a couple of posts.  After I posted Part One, I had some requests for additions to Part Two which included Colored Denim, which I believe is a really fun way to wear denim this fall and suggest the burgundy and rust shades if you decide to try this trend for Fall. Pair them with a pale blush or pink chiffon shirt or knit for a fresh take on the color trends. The other suggestion was Animal Prints; which can be worn in almost of the items I shared and more. It’s easiest to wear as an accessory like shoes and bags and belts, but if you want to rock the a leopard trench or ala Pippa Middleton in a chiffon leopard print blouse, I say “go for it”. 

Jackie Kennedy Onassis in a classic trench

Trench Coat

A classic in every modern day woman’s closet, the trench is back and a must for Fall. The classic khaki is being shown from one end of the price spectrum to the other.  The reason everyone is designing one and everyone is wearing one?  Because all you need to do is add a beautiful scarf, tie it up, throw on some boots and you are ready to go. I would add an amazing bag and probably a hat, but it’s up to your own personal style and how you want to wear it. Anything goes. It’s instant sophistication.

How to wear:  Tie the belt around your waist or add your own belt. I like a patent belt here for some added texture and a little shine. Oh, and add some big sunnies like these House of Harlow 1960 Nicole Sunglasses.

A watch is a must have, and as much as I love my RoseGold/Stainless version, it is time for a yellow gold or possibly a black or maybe even a white/gold combo. If you haven’t already, check out the Michael Kors selection of watches, his gold version is a best seller and fashion- girl fav.

How to wear: Layer with some bangles, a chain link bracelet and/or a  leather cuff. I love these Pyamid bangles from nOir Jewelry.

Joe’s Jeans Gala 2 Wedges

Suede Wedges

If you don’t already have a pair of suede wedges, get a pair now. You will love that you can pair with dresses and long skirts now and with skinny denim in the Winter.  I also love the versions with built in socks for those blustery Winter days that are sure to be here soon. And don’t be afraid to get one in a color as well. I’m loving the navy suede versions.

How to wear: Pair with tights and/or chunky socks pushed down at the ankle with dresses, skirts and skinny jeans.

Hope you found some inspiration here for updating your Fall looks.  I have lots more ideas to come; chunky, crop knit sweaters, colorful bags and more shoes, of course.

xo

c.

 

P.S. You might find a versions  of these items in your closet already so, take a look around first and see if you can make them work for the season with some updating.

Key Pieces You Need for Fall Before it’s Too Late Part One

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

I’ve been getting a lot of emails and facebook messages lately asking me what the key pieces are for Fall.  It was a lot of fun to put the list together, but because it is a half dozen or so items long I did it in two parts. Here is my Part One list below to get you started. Stay Tuned for Part Two – coming later this week.

I have also included some suggestions and links to help you with your shopping and styling.

Rachel Bilson

Cape, Cape, and Another Cape 

This is a must for Fall and if you take a look at the options, you may even find one you can wear into Winter (I even found a puffer cape).  If not, you can plan to bring a ligherweight Fall cape back out in the Spring so either way, it’s a good investment.

How to wear: Throw over everything, especially a bright knit turtleneck like  this Reed Krakoff style and add leather gloves or a slouchy hat ala Rachel Bilson.

 Best Buy: Cut25 – Three-In-One Coat

Runway Colorblock Coat

Tweed Blazer

The Tweed blazer is another must.  The version should be a feminine cut and if you can find one with some leather patches or a collar, go for it. Or spluge and get this Rebecca Taylor tweed/faux fur version I am dying over.

How to wear it: A ladylike bow blouse in a pattern is a sophisticated look with a pencil skirt or flared jeans. Or throw over the season’s sweater dresses.

 Stripe Shirts

For years I have bought stripe tees because I love them and my collection is substantial, but I need to refresh my selectionwith the looks of this season. You can never have too many Breton stripe tops, in my opinion. Don’t be afraid to play with bright, colorful stripes and get both tees and turtlenecks as well as short sleeves. I’m searching for a yellow l/s stripe version myself.

How to wear it: Layer the short sleeves over your button ups for Fall and the long sleeves under colorful sweaters this winter so we get a sneak peek of the sleeves.

Tracy Reese Emmy Loafer

High Heeled Loafer

These heels are a very feminine take on the classic loafer and the heel is usually a wedge or stacked making them very wearable. Or if you want flats, then these

How to wear: Great with a long, pleated skirt for a 60′s vibe or with a midi length floral skirt and chunky knit sweater.

 Part two of Key Fall Pieces will be posted Friday.  In the meantime, if you have some suggestions or want me to add a particular trend, let me know. I”m happy to include more on the list.

xo

c.

The New Loafer: A Flat Shoe Me and My Closet Can Both Love

Monday, October 17th, 2011

I’m calling it the return of the cool girl flat.  A penny loafer turned bad ass is the only way to describe it and it is breathing new life into the ever -desperate “Flats” section of my shoe closet.

I have repeatedly tried to wear ballet flats ranging from one side of the money spectrum to the next, but alas, it is not meant to be. Ballet flats and me seem to have a serious personality conflict. I want to look cool, and they make me look the exact opposite. 

But, the return of this loafer (or the popularity of it since it never really left) has brought me new hope to wearing flats again.  It’s studded and satin and if there was ever a flat my wardrobe could agree with, it would be this one.

Sam Edelman Adena Gunmetal Loafer

 The Adena studded loafer from Sam Edelman is beyond the coolest flat I have ever seen and has answered my prayers for ever owning/wearing a balletesque type flat again.  I am obsessed with the Gunmetal, but the Black or the Rosegold would be just as amazing.

I’m already planning my sock choices!  How about some argyles or maybe some patterned tights from Happy Socks?  And I think these DVF Naples Trousers in Lipstick will be a chic way to show my new found love of flats; flats that I can finally wear. . .  my way.

xo

c.

ColorBlocking: More Ways Than One to Wear This Trend

Sunday, October 16th, 2011

J. Crew Spring 2012

Sometimes it’s not necessary to wear a trend as shown on the runway or in glossies, but more importantly to wear a trend your way.

Colorblocking is one of those amazing trends that is not only exciting, but really wardrobe and confidence altering. All of a sudden, we can mix our really bright reds with our hot pinks and our oranges with our purples and it is spot on – in style.
 
The obvious way to colorblock is to choose bright colors and pair them together. You can do it yourself with separates or pick a statement making dress that does all the work for you. J.Crew for Spring 2012 (more evidence the trend is here for another season) paired hot pink with reds and oranges and will offer the entire collection for you to style yourself next Spring, but that is no reason why you can’t start wearing or planning your outfits now.
 
Of course, not everyone loves the mix of bright with bright so here are some alternative thoughts on wearing the colorblocking trend.
 
A more subtle way to colorblock is to pick one bold/bright color and add a basic such as black, brown, camel or even a blush tone. Add a statement in metal such as a necklace or bracelets or even a metallic clutch would do the trick. Marisa Tomei looks stunning in this orange skirt and black top with metallic detailing; a sophisticated way to wear the trend.
Jill Stuart Ronneby Lovanni V Neck Dress

A dress is certainly the way to go when first trying the trend.  There are many designers showing their collections for those who are fashion forward with color choices, as well as those that prefer a  more suble look. This Jill Stuart dress has all the elements of how to wear the colorblocking trend; a bright color element paired with the basic black, a soft blush and a metallic element, which in a way is a piece of jewelry with it’s shiny finish. In fact, Jill Stuart did a gorgeous collection with several colorblocking dresses. Available at Shopbop.com

The various ways you can wear a trend is why I love the fashion and beauty industry so much.  It is all about taking a trend and making it your own. You can always start with a handbag like this Eden bag by Botkier or a pair of  Alicia ColorBlock boots from Tory Burch. Check out this page on StyleFind.com for more ideas.

Don’t be shy, try colorblocking, I think you will love how it will look and make you feel. Like I said, it can be attitude and wardrobe altering.  Let me know if you try it.

 xo
c.
 

What to Wear: How to Satisfy Your Need for Tweed

Wednesday, October 12th, 2011

 I’ve been looking for just the right weather to bring out my new H&M tweed jacket and Portland’s First Friday Artwalk night was it.  I paired the fitted tweed, complete with leather elbow patches and leather collar, over a Pencey sweatshirt, a printed scarf from Zane (see here) layered over a necklace from Baublebar.com, Kelly Flares from Genetic and my go- to Treesje bag. My ever- present arm party is a combo of Alex & Ani, Botkier and my favorite oversized RoseGold watch (similar here).

Markus Lupfer Tweed and Silk Dress

Tweed has always been a staple in the Northeast, but what makes this season different is the cuts of the jackets and the use of tweed in shorts, dresses and skirts for Fall.  Tweed shorts with ribbed tights and booties is a great transitional look. Tweed pencil skirts are everywhere as are dresses like this super cute Markus Lupfer Tweed and Silk Dress from Asos (left). The use of silk with this tweed makes it seem light and fresh.

I think you will find this traditionally masculine textile can be quite feminine when paired with floral prints and chiffon fabrics.  Or try a tweed blazer with a sequin top – or better yet a sequin skirt! Check out InStyle.com for some under $100.00 ideas in tweed.

 The Evening’s Events

Our first stop on Portland’s First Friday ArtWalk was the Maine Historical Society’s “Paris Fashion Illustrations” exhibit; which completely met and exceeded my expectations.  I loved the use of fabric swatches on the drawings and the notes the designer included with the sketches. You can see my pics of the illustrations on my facebook page

Later we stopped to see the paintings of ML Norton at Maine Design Studios.  Norton is a former editor of Harper’s Bazaar and was the fashion editor of Town & Country for twenty years.  She now resides in Maine and her stunning still life paintings do exactly what she intends them to do ” bring a sense of serenity, peace and beauty to the world”.

Hope you can make it out for the next Friday Artwalk.  Share with me what you wear  – anytime. I hope it’s Tweed!!

xo

c.

 

The Black & White Trend: Is Together Better than Apart?

Wednesday, October 5th, 2011

Balmain Spring/Summer 2012

I couldn’t resist sharing some Black and White looks from the Spring/Summer 2012 Collections.  From NYFW to PFW, black and white was all over the Runway. This Balmain look was a favorite of mine. 

For the current season, it’s refreshing to have all this color, but let’s face it, Black and White, alone or together, is both classic, chic and sophisticated and it always will be.

There is a real beauty in black and real beauty in white, and the fact that these opposites work so effortlessly together is the real attraction. But the excitement this season begins when you start mixing in color like bright pink, neon yellow, cobalt blue and definitely coral and reds. 

This Fall, I’m into pairing the beautiful brights of the season with this black/white trend. I love the idea of a this printed floral skirt by Alice Temperley, worn with a fitted turtleneck in black, this Rachel Zoe Cheryl Trench from Piperlime, and some bright leather gloves by DVF.

Not sure you want to dive into the color wheel with your black and white?  That’s okay. Go shopping for a gorgeous black and white printed scarf in a graphic or floral print.  My favorite leather driving gloves in black are always a show stopper when paired with a white tee from Kain Label, a fitted blazer from J.Crew and Genetic Denim Flares.

Chanel S/S 2012. Photo via Vogue.com
 

 

Next Spring, embrace the simplicity of black, white and black/white as it is shown on the runways for 2012. I’ll take one in each color

Chanel S/S 2012, Photo via Vogue.com

of these Chanel S/S 2012 dresses.  Look at those necklines and those sleeves…… Gorgeous, right! It’s amazing how you can see the details in the white dress, yet I’m strongly drawn to the black  because of the silhouette. So effortlessly stunning.

Enjoy the simplicity of this on-going look of black and white trend and wear it your way, whether alone, together or with  a pop of color. 

xo

c.

Sweater Club: Isabel Marant Spring 2012

Friday, September 30th, 2011

Isabel Marant Spring 2012 Look

Isabel Marant Spring 2012 Look

Isabel Marant showed her Spring 2012 collection today at Paris Fashion Week and it was  a runway of  gorgeous prints and cool-girl styles. 

These two looks from the collection are perfect for Spring  in the Northeast.  It’s still chilly here in Maine in the Spring and shorts with heels and a chunky knit is exactly what the fashion forward yet, reasonably smart girl would wear. Me Included.

 
xo
c.