flower explosion...

almost anywhere you look...you will see an abundance of floral prints...the question to ask yourself...is how much floral do you want in your wardrobe...as with any trend...you can do as little or as much as you are comfortable with...

some of my clients are loving the floral prints...but when they see some of my posts...for example this one on "picking your poison in printed pants"...they get a little nervous...or think..."i can't pull that off"  and therefore...stepping away from the floral print explosion...truth be told...as much as i love those printed pants...i can't pull them off myself...but it won't stop me from pulling in florals in other ways...

so...here are some examples...especially for you minimalists out there...how about a gorgeous floral scarf?  work this in over your plain t-shirt & jeans...for a fun weekend look...add a blazer...for a casual business day...you get the idea...no?

j crew printed summer scarf

how about a solid-colored dress with one or two discreet flowers adorning it?  you might even look for a dress that has a floral border by the hem...or skirt...

how about a floral print in a wedge?  or clutch?  floral blouses...oh the choices are in abundance...

keep in mind...floral prints can be all out bright...or more simple in a neutral palette like cafe au lait or white...the key is...you choose...you take control of how much or how little...so whether you mix it all up...and wear it from head to toe...or add a tiny touch of it...the question remains...how will you bloom?

pleat it out...

something about the pleat...that is oh so feminine...many tend to shy away from pleats...be it the size of their hips...mostly...but the thing is...pleats come in so many forms...wide, narrow, inverted, boxed...you name it!

when it comes to pleats...which you can find many variations of in stores currently...as it is one of the current spring/summer trends...in skirts...they appear in all lengths...i say...try a mid-length pleated skirt with a wedge heel for a fabulous new outfit...

but don't stop at the skirt...you can also find them in many other pieces...i thought i would show a few examples...currently in the fabulous finds consignment boutique...

loose flowing pants...

joseph ribkoff black pleated palazzo pants - sz 8

an adorable short skirt...

mexx teal blue linen full belted skirt with pleats - sz 4

how about a pleated dress?

walter baker black pleated bustier strapless dress - sz 8

pleated work around the collar...

romeo & juliet couture white cotton pleated ruffle blouse - size large

or just a little pleated detail on the back of a jacket...

robert rodriguez brown wool blazer jacket - size 2

whether you decide to go all out pleats...or just show a little pleated detail...be sure to pleat it out...one way or another...

spring/summer trends 2012 currently in...

fabulous finds consignment boutique

as i've been sharing all the spring summer trends for this year...i thought i would show examples from the consignment boutique...over 850 items...nope...that wasn't a typo...lots to choose from...in every color, shape and size...if you haven't peaked lately...you are missing out!  

so to recap...some of the spring/summer 2012 trends...

patterned pants

graphic print

bright colors

pastels

neon

color blocking

florals

colored jeans

wedges/espadrilles

going for the print...

as i was doing a little shopping with my niece today...i couldn't help noticing all the lovely prints that are currently out...while the floral prints are pretty noticeable...and available in dresses...tops...and pants...don't limit yourself to that...

such a fun way to express yourself in prints...why not step out of the box and try something new?  perhaps a  beautiful bird print or butterflies...both to surely showcase some lovely colors...but again...a step away from the florals...

perhaps you want to flaunt your inner foodie...you can indulge that side of you...and find something in zucchini, chili pepper or sunflower prints... 

as you can see in the examples below...when it comes to prints...your options are endless...

java tunic dress
j crew

this anchors dress made me smile...what a fun way to show your nautical side...

dizzy anchors dress
j crew

where does your fun lie?  and what print would best express it?

the patterned pant...

if you haven't already noticed...there are a lot of fun patterns out in the stores...and among these...are the patterned pant...whether it be floral...animal print...polka dots...the look is fun fun fun...

trying to pull it off?  the key is to keep everything else in your outfit neutral...no need to have anything competing with those wild & crazy prints...

is this a spring trend you are planning to incorporate?  if so...please do share...

cafe capri in silk foulard
jcrew.com

spring/summer 2012 trend: color blocking...

while color blocking has been going strong for a few seasons now...it shows no signs of slowing down...so how do you color block?  the easiest way...is to find a piece that has done the color blocking for you...as in the example below...

featherweight cotton cardigan
j crew.com

easy peasy...right?  again...as with any trend...you can do small doses or go all out...because color blocking is so "in" right now...if you are out and about...you can pretty much spot it in scarves...shoes...handbags...as always...you choose how much or how little to incorporate into your wardrobe...

if you want to try a full on color blocking outfit...the possible combination are endless...what two or three colors do you love?  you can work with colors that are close...like red & pink...or blue & green...or if you are more adventurous...go for a few colors that clash...and you'll fit right in...

now of course...as with anything...you need to be careful...as you don't want to look like a clown...right?  look at things around you...whether you see two beautiful colors together in a vase full of flowers...or in a picture...take inspiration from all around you...and see what winning combinations you can come up with...

step into spring 2012...

don't you just love having a multitude of choices?  when it comes to this season's trends...most of them have been translated into the choices of footwear...this is great...especially for those a bit timid about going all out on a trend...

so what trends am i talking about?  i've posted a bit about color this spring/summer season...whether it is brights...neon...they can all be found in shoes...from flats to heels...pick your color...your heel height...and you are set to go!

steve madden 'xcess' sandal
nordstrom.com

prints are everywhere this season...from florals to butterflies...animal print to tribal...too much for an outfit?  pick a shoe...again...you choose the style...and you are wearing the latest trend...

texture...whether it be a pleated design or lace...there are shoes that are representing this trend as well...

so go for it!  if there is a trend you are wanting to try...an easy way to incorporate it into your wardrobe...is through your shoes...and then...step into spring with style...

a dab will do ya...

while we have been seeing a lot of neon on the runways...some with head to toe looks...and in the stores...most sway from wanting to announce their arrival by a flashing neon light...which in fact is your outfit...for those that can...i say...go for it...

while the neon color craze...and for that matter...the bright colors...are a cheerful addition to any wardrobe...if you love the idea...but think...too much color...

a dab will do ya!

one great way of incorporating a bright or neon color...especially if you are taking baby steps into this hot trend...start with a simple skinny belt...pick your favorite neon or bright color...keeping the rest of your colors in neutral...that little bit of leather...will be enough to make a HUGE statement...

skinny leather belt
j crew

 how about a nice lime clutch purse?  small enough...but with a pow to your outfit...

and if that is still too dramatic...but you are determined to bring in that neon or bright color...try looking for a scarf that has most of your colors that you gravitate to...but mixed in...is that bright color...just enough to make an appearance...

printed summer scarf
j crew

so where do you fall in this category?  full on neon?  or a dab will do ya?

spring/summer 2012 trend: peplum

while i had posted about the peplum back in december...read about it here for more detail...it is still a very strong trend for this spring/summer season...

lela rose peplum waist dress
nordstrom

while many women tend to shy away from any "bulk" around the hip area...this beautiful trend can give you a fabulous hourglass figure...so work it!  if that is your fear...look for a fitted bodice and sleek pencil skirt underneath...with a slight peplum detail...voila!

if a dress is not your fancy...look for a fun jacket or blouse with a peplum detail...just be sure to pair it with a pencil skirt..or anything with little volume...

flirty and fun...

spring/summer 2012 trend: prints...

this spring & summer season has really brought a lot of different options for individuals...bold color is in...but so are pastels...i like when there are choices...

as in the hot trend of prints...and it is not one particular print...just pick your poison...

do you like florals? go at it...perhaps in a flowing floral maxi dress...or cardigan...

florals aren't your thing? how about a tribal print? or possibly a graphic print?

the thing to remember - don't get scared off by big bold prints...if that isn't your thing...or perhaps you love it...but know that it won't quite work with your body type...there are always different ways of bringing items into your wardrobe...if it be something you really want...

for example...i am loving the printed pants...as in the capri pants below...but as much as i would love to buy these...they don't work for me...but it is inspiring me to get something in a cool polka dot print...perhaps in a fun summer scarf?

cafe capri in pop art polka dot
j crew

are you a prints lover? if so...how are you planning to incorporate it into your spring/summer wardrobe?

spring/summer 2012 trend: bright colors...

a big trend for this spring & summer season is bright colors...with my clients...i usually see it split down the middle...those who love bright colors...and those who don't...and truth be told...some just can't pull of the full on bright color look...

but...if you are wanting to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe...there are definately ways to bring it in full force...or in tiny bites...

so let's get started...

- bring in a pop of color in a fabulous flat (such as the one listed below) or a fun pair of wedges...

- how about a burst of color in a fun bright handbag?

- scarves - so many choices in bright colors...and a very easy way to adapt a bit of bright color...

- an arm full of fun colorful bangles...have fun with this...mix & match your favorite bright colors...

- sun dresses - oh the bright color choices...how about something in the color of the year? tangerine tango...

- add in a bright pop of color with the seasons colored jeans...so many colors to choose from...how can you stop at one?

- try out a new fun bright lipstick...go for a bold bright color on your toes...

as you can see...the ideas are limitless...you just decide how little or how bold you want to go...is this a trend you are trying out this year? share your ideas...

alice + olivia daphney flat
nordstrom

spring/summer 2012 trend: pleats

so many beautiful trends for spring/summer 2012...i thought i would start listing some of them for you...and show ways in which they could be incorporated into your wardrobe...

pleats...think accordian...and they are everywhere! the most common is a 50's inspired pleated skirt...and while that is a great way to incorporate it into your wardrobe...some women will shy away from it...as the hip area is the one place they are not looking to bring attention to...

here is a nice example of one...where the pleats start below the hips...so...emphasis is off the hips...

catherine malandrino pleated maxi skirt
nordstrom.com

a nice pleated design in a bathing suit...that little bit of extra detail...so lady like and feminine...

betsey johnson 'french pastry' skirted one piece swimsuit
nordstrom.com

a maxi dress is always a fun way to look put together...without really trying to hard...

bcbgmaxazria harness strap pleated maxi dress
nordstrom.com

but don't stop here...as you will find pleating in blouses...jackets...a clutch purse...shoes...all you need to decide is how little or how much pleating you want...

is this a trend you are thinking of trying?

green & yellow...

my closest friends would say that my favorite color is green...it is usually what i gravitate towards...the truth is...i gravitate towards color...the brighter...the better...in the past...my favorite green combination was always...green & pink...made me think of spring...

but lately...i've been seeing a lot of green & yellow combinations...and i have to say...it is really getting my attention...now...if you are like me...and can't wear a certain color...especially around your face...there are ways of working in color that you love...but can't wear...

for me that color would be yellow...not the best choice for me...washes me out...so...how i would fix that problem? perhaps finding a colored pair of pastel yellow jeans...emphasis on the pastel...because i'm not needing bright yellow attention on my back side... =) just saying...or perhaps a pair of green & yellow espadrilles?

i like this combination of green dress & yellow jacket...but for me...i would flip it...and wear the green closer to my face...or on the outside...don't discount a color or trend that you gravitate to...but think of ways of incorporating it in...but in subtle ways...

bally

this nice yellow handbag with green embellishments is pretty fabulous...no? whatever your poison...look at pictures for inspiration...for color ideas...and then start working it in your wardrobe...baby steps...

prada

if green & yellow doesn't do it for you...pick a combination that does...orange & pink...green & blue...the options are limitless...but so fun to create...what would your winning color combination be? and how would you work it into your wardrobe?




photos scanned by moi - elle magazine february issue

you had me at hello: in a spring sort of way...

don't these shoes just make you yearn for spring? bright orange...such a happy color...such a fabulous shoe...

scanned by moi
harper's bazaar - february issue

oh prada...how i love thee...

um...yeah...have you seen the prada spring/summer 2012 campaign? les sigh...

we've been having some incredible weather here in the bay area...think 70's...yes...almost all winter...not that i'm complaining...so of course...as much as i'd love to be wearing all my thick sweaters...tweed jackets...the weather is not permitting me to...so i dream of spring/summer...

i first saw this video over at fabulous girls wear vintage blog...the lovely cherie who is the owner of this blog and fabulous vintage at shrimpton couture...if you are a vintage lover...collector...you need to check out her site...she's got some absolute lovelies...trust me...

i think cherie said it best...and i quote her from her blog...

"I want every single piece and then I want to hunt down every single vintage piece that looks even remotely like every single piece in this video. And then I want to drive a vintage pastel colored convertible with vintage hard sided luggage stacked on the back, filled with all my new and old treasures and sing out loud in the sunshine in my car till I can't sing no more."

kind of like a thelma and louise moment...except the last part...you know...going off the cliff...

enjoy the video...the absolutely "die-for" clothes...(and cars)...
and have a fabulous weekend!

biohazard spring 2012...

the fabulous AND gorgeous stacy lomman has done it again...and to say that i am obsessed with this dress...would be an understatement...isn't it amazing??









so...i have to say...the first thing that i loved about this collection...was all the color...which if you knew stacy...you would know...she is not into color...or at least doesn't wear a lot of it...we've talked on numerous occasions about my love for color...and well her love for black...oh...and she loves white...

stacy and i first met on twitter...and it was a week before fashion week last year in new york...that we talked about possibly meeting face to face...but hello...it was a week before her show...so it didn't happen...but...i can still call her my friend...and brag about how absolutely fabulously talented she is...

take a peak at her spring 2012 collection...and try not to swoon...biohazard...as stacy will explain...is the name of her collection...

a few funny tidbits about the show...that's official "radioactive" tape on the zipper pull of the dress i love...kind of unique...stacy got that from her sister's lab...

oh...and the bride's face mask was from the lab of the guy who invented gatorade...courtesy of stacy's sister...

and the guest goodie bags at the show...contained...official...ziploc/lab specimen/biohazard bags...

aren't you dying to know why she called her collection biohazard?? take a look at the video clip below to see all her fabulous pieces...to which...may i add...she poured over each piece with her own hands...did i mention how talented she is?



my hope is that next year...i will be able to see her show "live"...

photo credit: randy brooke
video credit: steve lars, creative ventures international