High-end fashion brands like Brian Reyes and Louis Vuitton showcased several looks featuring big shoulders on the spring 2009 runways. While I’m not advocating stealing some eighties-style shoulder pads from (hopefully deep inside) your mom’s closet, you can still rock the big shoulder trend.

And why would you want to? Well, for one, it’s everywhere. And it’s chic, unlike the shoulder pads of the 80s. Still not convinced? How about the fact that wearing a top or dress with ruffled or puffed up shoulders can balance out wide hips and make arms appear slimmer? Yeah, I thought so.

Here are some of my favorite picks at every price point: Read More »

Relaxed fit pants are the must-have silhouette for spring 2009. With the correct fit, they strike the perfect balance between appearing effortlessly chic and professionally appropriate. They can be worn for a day out, a night out, or even to your summer internship.

But without the correct fit, they can also go horribly, horribly wrong.

When you try them on, make sure they are fitted in the waist and butt. They should be looser and more relaxed over your thighs, and tapered and cropped above your ankles.

Since cropped pants can make your legs seem shorter, wear heels to balance everything out if you’re on the petite side. If you’re taller, pair them with heels or wedges for a dressier look, or flat gladiator sandals for a more casual vibe. Just stay away from ballet flats.

Because you’re going loose on your bottom half, you’ll want to wear a more fitted top. A tucked in blouse works for a more professional setting. When you’re not at work, wear a slim-fitting t-shirt and belt around the pants. Click here to see an example of how to rock this trend on one of my favorite blogs, Cupcakes and Cashmere.

Here’s some more outfit inspiration: Read More »

[Do you ever feel like you can’t pull something off? Have trendy pieces in your closet that you would never have the courage to actually wear out? Well take those pieces out, shake off the dust, and continue reading!

In this series, I will choose a different piece that can be difficult to incorporate into an outfit and give you ideas on how to wear it. If there’s anything you would like to read about in the future, please leave a comment!]

Those of us who live in New England are extremely thankful to the designers of labels like (above) Brian Reyes, Cynthia Rowley, Giambattista Valli, and Givenchy for incorporating highly structured collars into their lines this fall, which provide some protection for our necks against freezing winds. No more ugly neck warmers! No more frozen necks!

This look is very trendy right now and definitely makes a strong statement. The structured trend is all about volume and creative construction. Read More »