Wearing is Believing

The New Little Black Dress

The new LBD is the Little Blue Dress!  More modern and popping with bold color, the little blue dress has been spotted at cocktail parties, clubs (cobalt is rocking the dance floors of Vegas), and red carpet events alike.  No matter the shade - baby blue like Sienna Miller or royal blue like Renee Zellweger, you’re sure to turn heads in a little blue dress.  Even better - it’s flattering to nearly every skin tone, and nothing makes blue eyes look bluer.

What to pair with your little blue dress?  Cream or nude pumps look fabulous - as will silver or gold.  Avoid matching your shoes exactly to the shade of your dress - it’s too on the nose these days.  And how about some little blue bling?  It'll add the perfect compliment to your dress.  Try a piece  that mixes diamonds and sapphires, like the Fabulous Faux Sapphire Celestial Eternity Ring ($45) or Midnight Mystique Drop Earrings ($45).  Topshop’s Multirow Necklace ($30) features numerous shades of blue, so it’s easy to match you your little blue dress - and will look great with a strapless cocktail dress.

There’s never been a time to get into the blue - so give your favorite little black dress a rest and try something new!

Passionate For Purple!

Last fall, I wore the heck out of my favorite purple trench coat.  Great news - purple continues to be huge, and is one of the big colors for fall this year, too!

The color of royalty adds punch to even the most drab ensemble, and is appropriate at any age - just check out Jessica Alba’s plum Converse (at left), and her toddler daughter, Honor’s purple sweatsuit if you need proof!

Purple is easy to pull off, even in large doses, like Eva Mendes and Megan Fox (at right) demonstrated at recent red carpet events - and it works in everyday life, too.  I got nothing but compliments every time I wore my purple trench, my favorite plum blouse, or my purple cocktail ring.  Purple flatters all skin tones, too - anyone can find the shade that’s perfect for them.

Wear it with black, or, take a cue from Megan Fox and wear two complimentary tones together.

Some of the coolest pieces to try: Forever 21’s scarf ($13), Lauren by Ralph Lauren purple trench ($199, at Macy’s), or Enzo Angiolini 'Merryann' Open Toe Pump ($79, at Nordstrom’s...just don’t buy all the 6 1/2s before I get mine!)

Jumping For Joy

The 70s are back!  Jumpsuits are in for the summer, showing up everywhere from BBQs to celeb events (like Michelle Trachtenberg, at left).  They epitomize easy summer style, in fluid fabrics that will keep you as cool as you look.

Cropped, belted, short, long and flowing...there are jumpsuits suited for every body out there right now.  My recommendation - avoid the elastic cuffs at the ankle or knee.  Also avoid anything that flares at the hip in addition to narrowing in the leg.  While genie pants and even the dreaded AC Slater/MC Hammer pants also are back in style, creating puffy volume at the calf or ankle isn’t flattering for most.  If you need further evidence that this look isn’t flattering, take a look at this wafer-thin model in a Robert Rodriguez jumpsuit.  Anything that makes a model look bulky usually doesn’t translate well to real life.  Opt for a monochromatic jumpsuit that cinches at the waist and flows from the hip.  It’s a look that’s dramatic yet understated.  To get the look without breaking the bank, try White House Black Market's Strapless Jumpsuit. 

For a casual brunch or BBQ, I like the Free People Riptide Jumpsuit, which is a bargain at $88 compared to designer looks by Matthew Williamson and Stella McCartney.

As for accessories, a chunky bracelet (Holsted Jewelers' Sterling Silver Jet Stream bracelet looks great with a black jumpsuit) or pair of dramatic dangling earrings is the way to go.  For strapless styles, you can’t go wrong with long layered necklaces, which up the chic factor of this look considerably.

Have a favorite way to wear this look?  Find me on Facebook and tell me about it!

Fringe Benefits

What’s swinging this summer?  Fringe detailing on skirts, tops, dresses, bags and even shoes.  I’ve never thought of fringe as a high fashion - it’s always conjured up images of the American west for me.  But the fringe that hit the runways at Alberta Ferretti, Alexander McQueen, and Jil Sander this spring changed my mind about fringe as a fashion statement - today’s fringe is delicate, sleek and feminine, often more reminiscent of a sassy flapper than a cowboy.  Celebs like Lindsay Lohan, Rachel Bilson and Lilly Allen have embraced the trend, too!

So how can you take advantage of this trend’s fringe benefits yourself?  Make sure to pay special attention to the quality of the fabric and how the fringe hangs on the item, particularly a top or skirt.  Trying before you buy can alleviate any unfortunate fringe mishaps!  On scarves and belts, thicker, less delicate fringe adds stylish texture - and I’ve spotted plenty of fringed scarves around NYC - a perfect companion to a casual Sunday brunch!

Like most major trends, fringe can be found to suit any budget.  For a rocker vibe, check out Haute Hippie’s pale beige jersey tank (available at Shopbop.com for $295) - just add skinny jeans and your favorite heels.  You can get the look of Alberta Ferretti for far less - right down to the teal hue - with the Foley + Corinna Strapless Ombre Fringe Dress.  Not too sure that wearing fringe is for you, but still want to take part in the trend?  Try Holsted Jewelers’ Penelope Bag - a steal at $75 - which is a classic black handbag with fringe accents. 

Not So Grungy Plaid

As far as I’m concerned, summer is all about breezy dresses, cute shorts, tank tops, and of course, killer shades.  So I was a little puzzled when I spotted a profusion of plaid shirts on celebs lately, even as temperatures rise:  Anna Faris recently lunched in a blue plaid button down, and Sarah Michelle Gellar (at left) was filming in NYC in a black and blue checked-pattern top.  

Beyond the obvious temperature issues with wearing a long sleeved shirt in the summer, these tops look like the sort of thing I wore in the early 90’s, with waffle weave t-shirts and construction boots - and I look back at those photos and cringe. 

The plaid boyfriend shirt trend is all over the place - and far updated from the days of Nirvana and grunge.  Instead of looking shapeless and asexual like we all did in the 90s, the idea is to pair a plaid tailored shirt with shorts and flirty pumps, so the look is feminine and fun. Or go cowgirl and tuck your top into a great pair of jeans.

If you’d like to bring plaid into your warm weather wardrobe, try Ralph Lauren’s Blue Label Madras Cotton Shirt (at right) or Sylvia Madras Blouse.  The sleeveless Sylvia Blouse looks great with a pencil skirt and peeptoe pumps.  Another cute option: the Steven Alan Plaid boyfriend fit shirt.

Is plaid for you? What do you like to pair with your plaid? Tell us!

In The Green

Angelina Jolie wowed at this year’s Oscars with stunning Lorraine Schwartz emeralds that left no doubt that the green gems could be a girl’s best friend just as easily as diamonds.

Since then, green jewelry has been hot on and off the red carpet, with stars like Jessica Alba (at right) and Amy Adams have worn green accessories lately.  Always eye-catching and flattering to any skin tone, green pops when paired with black (as proved by Angelina’s Oscar look), white or neutrals.  It also provides great contrast to reds and yellows. 

Want to make others green with envy?  Check out Anthropologie’s Lace Line Necklace or Nordstrom’s Sequin Multistrand Bead Necklace -- layer it over a cocktail dress with a square neckline like Michelle Obama did at the Time 100 dinner -- her strands weren’t green, but layered emerald-hued necklaces add an unexpected twist to a gorgeous trend.  Kate Spade’s “On The Rocks” ring kills two trends in 1 accessory - citrus and green.  Green rings like Holsted Jewelers’ Faux Emerald Ring and Kenneth Jay Lane Green Headlight Ring are a great way to add green to your look.

 Go green - you’ll love the results!

Hot For Hot Pink!

The name says it all: there’s nothing hotter than hot pink!  “Legally Blonde” or not, This surprisingly flattering shade warms pale complexions and provides pretty contrast to darker skin tones.  Check out how vibrant and gorgeous Amanda Bynes looks (at left) in hot pink!

Hot pink looks beautiful with nude and neutral accessories.  Try a hot pink dress like Amanda’s (like Herve Leger’s tank bandage dress) with strappy cream colored sandal (like Nine West’s Jannelle).  Black is a crisp companion to hot pink, but looks less modern than pairing it with a neutral color.  Grass green also proves a striking yet preppy companion to fuchsia tones, but baby and sky blues are far too Barbie with pink.

Want to try the trend without drawing too much attention to yourself? Accessorize with this bold hue.  Try a hot pink clutch (like Merona’s Elongated Croc Clutch, available at Target), or a pair of hot pink shoes.

Whatever you choose, it’s easy to look amazing in the pink!

Who is Gabriella Kiss?

Nature-inspired jewelry is all the rage now, but jewelry designer Gabriella Kiss’ work has always incorporated the natural world into her work.

Kiss’ background in sculpture is evident in the detailed and delicate pieces she crafts out of fine metals such as sterling silver and 18kt gold.  Snakes (like the diamond and 18kt gold hoops at left), dragonflies and even animals’ paws are inspiration for Kiss’ creations: “So much of my work comes out of my walks in the woods,” she says.

Her newest collection is inspired by bones and antlers.  The collection includes ruby and sterling silver earrings which are an artsy twist on deer antlers ($1,400) and femur bracelets in sterling silver ($880) and 10kt gold ($3,300). Kiss told InStyle: “Some people view bones as morbid.  But I view them as the incredible substructure of life and movement.”

And one of the biggest keys to making beautiful pieces - personal buy-in:  "I think of myself as making small sculptures. I make things I would want to have, things with a timeless quality."

Trendspotting: Prom '09

It’s that time of year again, girls (and in this case, I truly do mean “girls”) -- it’s prom season!

It’s been a few years since I attended a prom, but I had the distinct pleasure of feeling very old by seeing some teens head off to this year's prom - and most importantly, note what they were wearing.

It seems that prom trends go in waves.  Long gowns are in for a few years, followed by a few years where short dresses are all the rage.  Right now, short dresses are in - while some stick with tradition, almost all the girls I saw kept it short and sweet.

With textured fabrics all the rage right now, it’s no wonder the trend is showing up in this spring’s prom attire.  Ruching and gathers that look almost floral add dramatic glamour to any dress.  Try Unique Vintage’s Style #8195 for a jaw-dropping prom look (at left).  Dress up this glam look even more with Holsted Jewelers’ CZ Estate Bangle Bracelet.

Undoubtedly inspired by Bella Swan’s deep blue halter at Twilight’s prom, blue is one of the hottest colors you could wear to your prom.  Get the look at JC Penney’s (blue halter by Blondie Nites, at right) or David’s Bridal, whose midnight blue Style # 98602305 is only $99.

Oversized cocktail rings are big for prom -- they add even more glamour to an already glamorous night.  Try the mark Open Ended ring or Holsted Jewelers’ Lilac Ice Cocktail Ring for a splash of fun color -- particularly if you’re wearing black.

A clutch goes without saying - it’s mandatory!  Pick one that’s big enough for your lipgloss, camera, and keys.  As for matching your shoes to your clutch, it’s okay to get in the same color family but different shades - or go for a neutral clutch.  No matter what color your shoes, it will coordinate! 

Got a hot tip for making prom an affordable and unforgettable night? Share it with us!

Blues and Beiges: Perfect Together!

Spring’s citrus colors aren’t the only fun hues you’ll be spotting as the weather gets warmer -- shades of sand and surf are all the rage, too!

Shades you’d see in the ocean -- from turquoise to bright blue greens -- flatter any skin tone and add a crisp burst of fresh color to your wardrobe.  Not only are these sea-sonal  shades cropping up on store racks and runways, stars like Reese Witherspoon, Eva Mendes and Kim Kardashian (at left) have been spotted wearing them lately.

Shades of beige and cream are anything but boring these days -- just ask Jennifer Lopez (at right), who wore a gorgeous sand-hued strapless dress to the recent Topshop grand opening party in New York!  Classic and clean, beige pieces are a great addition to freshen up your wardrobe, as they go with everything!

My favorite look of all -- pair a turquoise ensemble with beige accessories, like Eva Longoria.  There’s a reason these two tones are together in nature -- they’re meant to complement each other.

Looking for some bling to tie your sea and sand look together?  Try pieces with blue topaz, which capture the cool essence of tranquil seas -- like Holsted Jewelers’ Sterling Silver Genuine Blue Topaz Eternity Ring or Vintage Look Genuine Blue Topaz Pendant, which are a fabulous bargain at 30% off!