floral prints for spring...

have you noticed all the lovely floral prints out for spring?  something for everyone...whether you choose to go big or go small...this spring...there are lots of items to choose from...

if you are not a big floral enthusiast...but want to bring a little into your wardrobe...the best way to do that is through your accessories...try finding a fun colorful floral scarf...whether you go with bright colors...or pastels...either choice is a great way to infuse not only pattern...but a little bit of color into your wardrobe...

liberty floral scarf
j crew

how about bringing in a nice floral print in your summer flats...or wedges?  lots of fun floral prints...and they can kick up any outfit...whether you are in your jeans...shorts...or a fun summer dress...

alice + olivia hudson flat
nordstrom

a fun summer skirt...in a lovely floral...how can it not make you smile?  i did an extra squeal when i saw that this was a leather skirt...yeah...nice touch!

leather skirt in hibiscus floral
j crew

dresses...easy breezy...and scream summer summer summer...especially when florals are added into the mix...

msgm mixed print silk dress
nordstrom

or go a little wild...and add a nice floral print in your jeans...i've seen some big bold floral prints on pants as well...i myself...would probably stick to the more tamer florals...on my jeans...

collection june's meadow floral capri
j crew

how are you planning to incorporate a little flower burst in your wardrobe? 

leather in spring...

one of the big trends for this spring season is leather...now most associate leather with fall & winter...but this can easily be transitioned into a fun & spicy spring wardrobe...

while your heavy leathers won't work...the key to bringing in leather in spring is the weight of the leather...look for lighter weights...and then to make it more fun...add in some fun bright colors...or pastels...here are some fun pics to get your juices flowing in ideas...

nothing screams spring like a dress in a coral color...add the leather element...and you've got the spring 2013 leather trend right on the mark!

alice + olivia a-line dress
nordstrom

a peplum top is very feminine...but add a little edge by wearing it in leather...i actually have a similar leather peplum top...and i'm thinking i could wear it just as shown below...or with a little white tee underneath...

trina turk 'tatyana" leather peplum top
nordstrom

 or add a fun leather skirt to the mix...and while you can always do a neutral color...how about adding a fun color this season?  this vibrant yellow is such a happy color...no?

jason wu nappa leather pencil skirt
nordstrom

whether you go for a real leather or faux...there are so many options out there...look for something in your best spring color...

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?

all pleated out...

one of the big spring/summer trends for 2012 is pleats...as i had posted on a few weeks back...click here to read the original post...

for fun...i did a little search in the fabulous finds consignment boutique to see what would come up...with almost 900 items...it is hard to keep track...so the search functionality really comes in handy...hint hint...if you are looking for something specific...use the search!

any-hoo...i came up with quite a few lovely items with the current pleat trend...including...this fabulous pair of pleated pants...SO wish they were my size...but alas...they are not...

joseph ribkoff black pleated palazzo pants - sz 8

this beautiful vintage pleated cloche hat...

vintage 50s 60s pleated ivory cream cloche hat

found several pleated skirts...and gorgeous pleated black dresses...

so if you are looking for pleats...check out fabulous finds consignment boutique...or to fill in the void with other trends that are hot this season...

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?

introducing the flatform...

so what do you get when you mesh a platform and a flat? drumroll please...the flatform...as was widely seen on the spring 2011 runways...one of the hottest spring trends is this...um...interesting shoe...

i like the idea of it...i mean...who doesn't want height...and yet...still feel like you are wearing your flats? if i had to choose a favorite...the two below definately have my vote...but the verdict is still out as to whether i love them enough...to get a pair for myself...

what about you? are you loving the flatform?

chloe wrap-around canvas espadrilles
saks fifth avenue


derek lam stacked wedge platform pumps
saks fifth avenue

print print...everywhere a print print...

in case you didn't know...prints are big for this spring season...everything from dresses...to shoes...to bags...to...well...just about everything...

as i was in the boutique yesterday...setting up for our big "spring fling" sample sale...i caught myself smiling as i was unpacking all the lovely silk scarves we have...just look at all these fun prints!

prints are not for everyone...but there are always small ways you can incorporate a trend in your wardrobe...without it overwhelming you...for example...prints...if the thought of wearing a dress in bold print terrifies you...how about a fun scarf? you still have the print theme going on...just in smaller scale...

i already have my eye on one of these...i keep telling myself "if it doesn't sell"...but i have a feeling...it may never hit the floor...

you can follow the dates and fabulous items in the savvy chic boutique on our facebook page...or website...and by all means...if you are local...(meaning the san francisco bay area) stop by and say hello!

so...are you going to give prints a try?

dear fashion advisor...

Q. I'm seeing all of these bright colors out there for Spring, and they remind me of the 80's (you know, been there...done that?) How can I incorporate them into my wardrobe in a current way?

A. ah yes...i know what you mean...the old saying is something to the effect: if you remember the trend from the first time around...you probably don't want to jump on board the second time around...but...if you're wanting to give a nod to the current trend...there are a few ways to do it (courtesy of british vogue...thank you very much!)

pair your favorite bright with a neutral - the calming effect of nudes, caffe latte, mushroom and silver grey help diffuse some of the 'pop'...

try a band of black to anchor the neon - whether it's a literal bank of black or a tie-dye effect or even black lace...


go conservative in styling - a prim suit and sensible skirt length will counterbalance the daring of the bright color...



if that's too much for you...try a neon accessory...it'll add an element of surprise to an otherwise neutral outfit...

of course...if you're the dramatic type...you may want to try the head-to-toe column of color...all you need is a brave state of mind...

pops of color...

as i was diligently cleaning out my office yesterday...i started flipping through last year's march 2010 issue of harper's bazaar...what? don't you get distracted when cleaning? came across this wonderful spread that just screams color...which always puts a smile on my face...kind of went along with my post from yesterday...aren't these colors divine?











all photos scanned by moi...

adding pops of color...

color is showing up on the runways...in the stores...such a big part of the trends this coming season...so the question is..."how do you get more confident adding pops of color to your wardrobe?"

for those of us with "abundant black disorder" it may be daunting to think of adding color into our wardrobes...but there are easy ways for the color-shy to begin incorporating a few brighter elements...

first...just try adding your favorite color in an accessory - like a handbag or shoes or maybe a scarf...maybe you will add a blouse or other underpinning in a color that complements your complexion...

if you're feeling bolder with color combos...try combining colors on the opposite sides of the color wheel, i.e. violet and yellow...blue and orange...remember...with so many shades of one color..start small...for example...violet with bright yellow may seem daunting...but look at a pale version of yellow...and a color scheme within the purple family...

on a scale of 1 to 10...how comfortable do you feel wearing color? are you at the..."i can add it in a scarf...perhaps"...or are you at the full on..."give me two bold colors to put together"?

11 in '11...

who is ready for spring? i for one...am...and have been...for quite some time...even more so...with this beautiful weather we have been hit with in the san francisco bay area...(sorry east coasters)

thought i would list 11 new spring trends in 2011...an excerpt from my february newsletter...enjoy!

11 in '11...

i don't know about you...but i love all the 'play' that happened early in the year with 1-1-11...so we'll just keep it going with the top 11 spring trends in '11:

1. structural suiting - the menswear suits that gained popularity last fall/winter are still with us...and now with a more fitted silhouette...

2. brights as accents - almost anything can benefit from a pop of color...

3. ladylike handbags - a la jackie o...

kate spade
photo source: nordstrom

4. statement necklaces & scarves - with mixed metals, studs, fringes, feathers - think texture...

5. techno fabrics - again with a metallic edge and texture...

6. belting - a statement belt or layered belts - all shapes and sizes are still 'in'...

7. wide-leg trousers - while your slim-leg trousers are still appropo...now the wide-leg pant is having a resurgence...70's style...

8. longer skirts - but just wearing any old long skirt won't cut it or you'll look frumpy...these skirts need to have lots of styling...

a skirt becomes 'frumpified' when it's not the right length (in this case, too long) or is worn with the wrong shoes...

voila!
photo source: bloomindales

9. animal print - surprise, surprise! yes...it's still around...and i think we can safely say it's not going anywhere for the forseeable future...i've said it before but it bears repeating...animal prints are a great neutral...they work with almost any color...

10. nude fishnets - what a great way to provide some leg camouflage when you don't want bare legs...

11. color of the year - honeysuckle pink...or whatever pink suits your complexion...if you aren't a 'pink' person...think of adding it as an accent item...

so which trend are you excited about trying? please share...