All that glitters is not gold… sometimes it’s silver instead! And I’m not just talking jewelery, ladies. This spring designers have metallics out in full force, from accessories to basics, serving as inspiration for your wardrobe.

Metallics are a relatively simple way to add some visual interest into your wardrobe. A top or a dress in silver or gold will have you shining, while a more subtle accessory will add a splash of sass to your look. Some items have a metallic thread to them giving the fabric an extra shine, and others have a more in-your-face metallic aspect to them. Either way, metallics add texture, or are at least a good contrast, to an otherwise basic outfit.

Ready to get your shine on? Here are 15 spectacular metallic items to get you started. Read More »

While you continue to cope with April showers, I’m here to remind you that it’s nearly time for May’s flowers! If the rain has you in a slump that not even Cee Lo on repeat can get you out of, you might have to take some more drastic measures. Like busting out those spring clothes that channel your cheery, summer self.

And what better way to channel spring than with bright, happy florals?

Even though the flowers might be a little scarce in your area at the moment (hell, even the sun is scarce in my part of town), now’s the time to start pulling out your bright-colored, floral print items for spring. Why? Well, for one thing, maybe that great floral top will inspire Mother Nature to get a move on with the spring weather. And if that doesn’t work, well, at least you’ll be looking splendidly springy until she does.

The wonderful and surprising thing about spring florals is that there really is something for every kind of style; there are lots of small floral prints in light colors if you like to dress girly, and large graphic floral prints in bright colors for those of you looking to make more of a splash (and not the April rain puddle kind). From skirts to dresses to bags to undies (??), everything’s coming up florals this season. And here are 15 items to get your garden wardrobe started. Read More »

I love me a bold print, so I’m shakin’ in my leopard maxi dress over the variety of fabulous prints coming at us this spring (if it ever comes). There are so many prints to choose from: animal prints, prints of animals, florals, abstract, paisley, tribal, stripes, polka dots and any other design you could possibly imagine. They come in all colors, on items of all types, meaning there are unlimited ways to incorporate prints into your look this spring.

You can even wear them mixed together. Crazy, I know!

While there are many prints that make a big statement, there are also many that are more subtle. A smaller, daintier print might be for you if you’re not looking to draw a lot of attention, or go for a big, bold pattern if you want to have all eyes on you when you enter a room. After all, there’s nothing wrong with drawing attention from the amazingly bold dress you’re wearing… unless it’s because you’re falling out of it.

If you’re up for the challenge, mix things up. How, you ask? By choosing prints in similar shades/complimentary colors. When you do that, the patterns look more like neutrals and you end up with a seriously interesting and appealing look. You ready to get your print on (literally)? Here are 15 of my favorite printed looks for spring. Read More »

Every year the Pantone Institute names a “Color of the Year.” Last year they had us swooning over turquoise, but this year the color of choice is honeysuckle. This year’s “it” color has a different feel from 2010; while turquoise is reminiscent of oceans, honeysuckle is considered the color equivalent of a vacation. Honeysuckle is also a confidence color, meaning it channels an attitude of being able to conquer the world.

Yes, all this from a color.

Apart from what wearing the color means, honeysuckle is generally flattering on all skin tones, bringing out a warm glow on those who wear it. As it’s a type of pink it obviously has the connotations of being a feminine shade, but it’s not too bubblegum or girly for those of us who tend to stay far, far away from the pink family. Still, if you don’t want to end up looking like Elle Woods in head to toe Pepto Bismol, there are tons of honeysuckle accessories around that can add a fun punch of springy color to your typical everyday look.

If you’re feeling up to looking pretty in pink or taking a much needed fashion vacay, here are 15 items to get you dreaming in honeysuckle this spring. Read More »

With just a week away from one of my personal favorite “holidays,” it’s time to start digging through our wardrobes looking for that pot of gold, otherwise known as green clothing to wear on St. Patrick’s Day. If you don’t wear green on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to stock up on a few things now so you don’t give drunk frat boys a reason to pinch you. (Unless you’re into that sort of thing…)

Lucky for you there are lots of pretty green items to add your your wardrobe for the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with the gang at your local Irish pub, or hiding in the library trying to avoid the drunks, green is not only festive, but it adds a pop of color to your look on St. Paddy’s day and beyond! For those not wanting to commit to a full green dress, an accessory (note: NOT the shamrock headband thingies) is an easy way to add a touch of color, without being dressed head to toe like a leprechaun.

Ready to do St. Pat’s in style? Here are 15 festive pieces to get you started. Read More »

A bow headband is an easy way to accessorize an otherwise basic outfit or detract from a borderline-bad hair day (you’ll probably want a hat for a full-on one). But bows are also a popular accent on other pieces of clothing, ranging from a bold accent bow on a heel to a more subtle graphic-print bow on a tank. This pretty, feminine detail adds visual interest to otherwise basic pieces. And even if you’re not into the whole “I look like a present all wrapped up” look of actual bows, there are lots of bow prints to choose from, including my personal favorite, the unexpected bow on the tights.

A bow detail is the perfect juxtaposition to the more masculine pieces popular right now. Bows are inherently girly (unless it’s a bow-tie!) and even the smallest one can soften the baggy silhouettes of boyfriend blazers or army jackets.

Still don’t have you sold? Here’s 15 pieces that should change your mind. Read More »

It’s officially brrrr-it’s-so-cold-I-can-feel-it-inside outside, at least where I am. When I got dressed this morning, I piled on tights, leggings, thick socks and legwarmers before heading out the door – and that was just for my legs. Really, I just wanted to dive back under the covers and hibernate. For the next three months.

I don’t know about you, but when the temperature drops, I’d like people to think that I’m all about layering and looking cute, but in reality I want nothing more than to lounge about the house in my pajamas, feeling cozy and warm.

So if you have a day off, or it’s the weekend, I say take advantage of the time not spent finding enough clothes to layer on to keep you warm in the great outdoors and lounge around in your warm jammies. Toss on your warm slippers, throw on the matching pajama set “Santa” brought you for Christmas, and just enjoy the fact you are not outside. Whether you spend the day catching up on class reading, or catching up on those TV shows everyone’s always talking about, do so in comfort. Because come Monday when you need to spend 30 minutes layering up just to face the cold, you’ll be thankful for those two glorious days you spent in warm, cozy comfort.

And if you don’t have enough lounge wear (I said “lounge,” meaning you shall not leave the house in any of this, no matter how tempting it may be!), you’ve got a whole weekend ahead of you to kick back in your bed and shop for some new favorites. Here are 15 of my new favorites to give you a head start. Read More »

One of the hottest colors for 2011, whether it’s for fashion or home decor, is navy. With the popularity of nautical inspired pieces the last few seasons, there’s a good chance you already own something in this dark shade of blue. Navy can substitute for black as a neutral in many cases, making it a good addition if you’re trying to banish some of the black from your wardrobe. For example, if you’re tired of your usual little black dress routine, why not switch it up with a little navy dress?

Navy works well with all other textures and trends of the season. Navy lace? Check. Navy stripes? Check. Navy Sequins? Check. So when you’re hitting the mall looking to add new life to your wardrobe, try navy instead of black. You won’t be disappointed. Read More »

It’s almost the end of the year. As you’re making your New Year’s resolution list, here’s something to think about: punching up your style for 2011.

If you have “budget better” on your list, this might seem like it will counter a resolution to save money, but it doesn’t have to. An easy way to add a little punch to your wardrobe is with accessories! With a pair of patterned tights you can easily change the appearance of your go-to black dress. With a sparkly headband you can add some interest to your in-dire-need-of-a-cut hairstyle. Though Blair Waldorf-esque bow headbands may seem so Constance Billards, adding one with a lot of bling is a way to stray from that UES image.

By adding accessories from head to toe, you can add a lot of pizzaz to an otherwise basic outfit. And I’ve got 15 items to scoop up just in time for the New Year. Read More »

As of next week it’s officially winter. For those of you that have been piling on layers of clothing already, this will come as no surprise. You’ve already been wrapping the scarves around your neck, putting on a hat while praying you don’t get horrendous hat hair and crawling around every morning looking for that second mitten (while wondering aloud why they don’t make those mitten clips for anyone over the age of 6). Maybe by this point you’ve gotten sick of the one warm scarf you have, or have discarded the purely practical hat that leaves you looking like a Chia Pet every time you take it off.

It might just be time to buy some new winter weather accessories to punch up your wardrobe.

Whether you pick up one for yourself as you race around the mall to do your Christmas shopping, or include them in your wish list to Santa, there are a lot of cute and cozy options to choose from. And with options like these, there’s no need to look like a giant marshmallow all winter long. In fact, these are so cute, you might even come to kinda, sorta miss them come spring.

[Click on the images for all the shopping info!] Read More »