Emerald Green - the 'It' color this year!

Pantone is the authority of all that has to do with color and its many shades.  Each year they compile a short list of go-to colors for the season with one hue ranking at the top of the list as the official color of the season. This year, emerald green took the prize.  Symbolically, emerald brings a sense of clarity, renewal, and rejuvenation.  It helps that it's a rich, sultry color that I feel conveys power and the ability to step outside of the neutral rut so many of us find ourselves in from time to time.  In celebration of Pantone's choice, which I highly approve of, I put together some of the Spring 2013 runway looks and picks you can take advantage of right now!


 I love this Burberry dress from the Spring 2013 runway.  Lace is another big trend for the season and the color really pops and makes a statement.  This dress is chic, ladylike, and very much on trend.





Again, another lace look to try and a nice contrast to the usual black (lace).  This color deserves all the attention it gets for its near universally flattering capabilities.





Don't you just love this dramatic Issa dress?  I know I do.  Feel feminine and cool in this super-trendy, flowy, printed dress this spring.





If solid green seems a bit of a stretch for you, no worries!  Try a watercolor print, or any print you fancy, that has a hint of emerald in its weave.  Issa wasn't the only designer who put touches of the color here and there in lieu of a solid green garment.  This outfit is available at Reiss.





Want some sparkle?  How about this fabulous color block number by Jonathan Saunders?  Throw this on for a night out on the town with the girls and I can guarantee you'll turn heads!





Again, sequins are not a passing fad, so no point in avoiding them!  They're going to be around for a while as designers keep strutting looks that positively shimmer!  Try it in green ; it'll look smashing with your standard black tights and booties.  Try it with a worn-in leather jacket to tone down the shine and add a cool factor to the mix.





I can't stop thinking about what I want to wear with these green pants and neither will you once you get them home!  You'll be surprised at their versatility.  Grey, black, and navy are all easy neutrals already in your closet that will look gorgeous next to this color.  Remember that hot pink top you bought but haven't worn yet?  It's fair game too!  Try these for an office look and then put on your favorite pair of statement heels and you've got something that says cocktail hour has arrived!  Hint - that pink lipstick could be a perfect color addition too.





Remember when skinny jeans first came out?  We all thought we had to be models to pull them off.  Slowly but surely we've come around and can't imagine what we did without them!  Well, peplums are the skinny jeans of the 2010s.  The waist flounce look defines even the most boyish torso, hides a multitude of sins for the curvier gals, and draws attention upward toward your pretty face and hair.  If you haven't tried them yet, now's the time!

Spring's most Vibrant Colors!

After what seems like a long, dreary winter, there's nothing we look forward to more than the cheerful colors of spring.  I know that I for one, am ready to put my winter colors away and start wearing the lovely colors of spring.  The runway this season witnessed both the traditional spectrum of bright, bold hues as well as some less traditionally spring colors in the form of serious jewel tones.  From shocking pink to saturated yellow, this season is anything but drab.  So go ahead and satisfy your color cravings by shopping some of spring's most vibrant colors now!


Hello sunshine...this season's yellow is definitely not that mellow.  On the contrary, fashion houses like Michael Kor's and Oscar de la Renta proved this time around that brighter is better.  My pick?  This boxy tweed yellow jacket from Alice + Olivia.  A raw trim gives this bright hued topper a classic look, while metallic threading keeps it young and fresh.  Pair over a black frock for a bold splash of color.





The grass is greener...designers like Vera Wang and Reem Acra showed off some mean shades of green including kelly, forest and even spearmint.  With so many options out there, it's hard to pick a favorite but this striking dress from Phillip Lim is definitely high up on my list.  Hand embellished with dark green and silver sequins along with panels of white and black chiffon, this sleeveless frock makes for a sparkling choice when going out.





Red hot...from Proenza Schouler's shiny fire engine red to Prabal Gurung's sultry siren version, the color red has never looked this provocative.  Fiery and alluring, make sure to leave the focus on the hue by paring your color with minimal accessories and neutral colors.  Or mix it up by incorporating tribal necklaces like the one attached to this sexy peplum top.






Purple reign...catered to the ultra-feminine set, pretty purples look divine when finished in luxe satin or a lightweight silk as proven by the likes of Vera Wang and J. Mendel.  However, power players should not be discouraged as this royal hue also took form in sharp tailored pieces.  I dare you to resist this gorgeous combination of leather and breezy silk from fashion-forward label Cushnie et Ochs.





Shock in pink...if you have seen Oscar de la Renta's Spring collection, then the image of Cara Delavigne in a shocking pink tutu is the first thing that probably comes to mind when talking this vibrant hue.  Unlike seasons past, this spring's pink is rich and sophisticated.  Get in on this eye-catching trend with this lovely form-fitting high-waisted pencil skirt from Aqua that is both sweet and sexy.  One of my favorites!





The icy chill...this continues into spring courtesy of the metallic trend.  Designers mixed light-reflecting silvers with muted grays, creating an alternative neutral to beiges and browns.  Sophisticated yet contemporary, spring's new metallic feels fresher than ever.  Give your grays a more feminine flair by combining barely-there pinks and icy purples like this modern boxy shirt from Markus Lupfer.





The sophisticated blue...luxurious jewel tones also hit the runway, giving typical springy pastels and brights some competition.  A big hit?  Cool navy blue, which started this season in a beautiful way as seen on gorgeous floor-length gowns at Jason Wu.  Incorporate this mature hue into your everyday wardrobe with this effortlessly chic blouson dress by Zara.





Orange for the win...while last spring's orange teetered on fluorescent, this season's version is more mature thanks to a matte electrifying finish.  Shown by the likes of Carolina Herrera and Helmut Lang, orange looked just as polished on a structured jacket as it did on a sweeping floor-length gown.  My pick? These nifty Margiela lace-up oxfords.  Totally cool!

Ladylike Looks For You...

This season, designers are telling us that the lady is back!  Feminine silhouettes, frilly blouses, and ladylike accents give a basic wardrobe a softer and more romantic look.  I of course love this, as I like nothing more than wearing something flowy, soft and feminine.  But, to avoid looking like an old maiden, stick to one or two ladylike pieces while incorporating edgy accents like patterned and/or colorful tights, or avant-garde shoes.  Here are some ways to get the ladylike look.


Elegant accents like a twisted knot gathered on the front keyhole and subtle knife pleats that billow at the bottom give this chartreuse dress a very ladylike stance.  Pair this delicate dress with oxblood Mary Jane pumps and minimal jewelry for a spot-on winter look.





Leather bows lend just the right amount of edge to this uber-feminine top from Milly.  A shocking pink hue gives the scalloped wool top a vibrant look that will brighten up just about any winter wardrobe.





Dare to be feminine?  If the answer is yes, then step into this sultry scarlet hued celebration of femininity that should be reserved only for the most seductive of occasions.  Ladylike details come in a sweet bowed neckline and soft romantic pleats.  Love it!





Upgrade your basic year-round staples by introducing more feminine styles like this Zara blouse.  The ladylike bow tie and silk fabric give this practical separate a refined feel that works in both personal and professional settings.  I have several blouses like this in different colors and absolutely love them.  You can jazz up a casual look of leggings or jeans with one of these blouses, and I like to add several strings of pearls (one of my signature looks!), to finish off the look!





Oversized ruffles take an asymmetrical turn giving this sleek pencil skirt a unique and fashion-forward twist.  Not only are the frills ladylike and sophisticated, they are also figure flattering as they tend to hide any unwanted bumps from sight (which of course is always an added bonus!).





Add a hint of vintage inspiration to any outfit by adding this elegant cameo necklace.  Intricate detailing including delicate gold etchings surrounding a refined Victorian silhouette give this unique design a romantic and womanly touch.





Playful oversized bows adorn these ladylike pumps from Carven.  The sumptuous fabric and powder blue hue make for a refreshingly winter appropriate accessory.



Hands down, one of this season's most opulent accessories belongs to Stella McCartney (one of my personal favorite designers!).  Featuring oh-so-pretty lace, sumptuous satin, and a gleaming gold chain, this structured clutch will lend a luxe touch to any occasion!



Give your outerwear a softer and more feminine look by opting for ladylike hues like this rose coat.  Its 50s-inspired silhouette and thigh-grazing skirt give this delectable topper a playful feel that is perfectly in tune with this season's ladylike trend.

Dirndl Skirts...

The dirndl skirt is a sleeper trend that's been featured (sometimes consecutively) on the biggest, best runways for the last several seasons.  If you're struggling with its official name, dirndl skirts were known as "poodle" skirts in the Fifties for the doggie applique attached to many of them.  This below-the-knee circle skirt is prim and proper, as well as sweet and youthful when worn with flats.  Dress it up with heels and boots for a modern, grown-up vibe that's sure to turn heads for its rare appearance in street style outside of fashion week (in which editors from all over the world were snapped wearing them!).  This skirt has the perfect shape and shows the right amount of leg for your daytime office look, and I highly recommend you pick up one or two to rotate in with your pencil skirts and dresses.


We've all stocked up on horizontal stripes over the last few seasons, and according to Spring 2013 runways, the look is here to stay!  How do you make a striped long sleeved T-shirt or sweater a bit more upscale for the office?  Take a hint from Burberry Prorsum and add a full dirndl skirt to the mix.  A striped shell top with a cardigan or wrap over it works just as well. I love this look!





This next look kind of made me wish I was still in school heading to class!  The pleated dirndl is as much of an academic classic as elbow patches on a sports jacket!  Channel your inner intellectual for the next big meeting by wearing something inspired by this look.  Add some big specs to finish off the look as shown here if you really want to impress!





This next look is a favorite of mine (as many of you know I like loud prints and bright colors!).  But here, Dries Van Noten took the dirndl to a new modern level by extending the hem and adding this bold graphic print.  Here's my tip : if you wear a standout piece like this, keep the top simple.  Although this entire ensemble looks great on the model, it's hard for the average girl to pull off.  I love the idea of this skirt with a tucked in fitted black turtleneck.





From the stripes at the bottom to the quilted overall texture, this dirndl skirt is simply amazing.  And the mauve and purple color combo is perfect for either spring or fall.  If you find a skirt like this for your very own, take it home ASAP!  Also look how the statement necklace finishes off this look.  Love it!





A sheer dirndl like this has a lot of DIY potential if you're handy with a sewing machine!  The pattern is easy to come by and so is chiffon or organza at most fabric stores.  Pick your favorite color and put it on top of a shirt dress as shown here.  It's avant garde, but still completely daytime appropriate.





Here is a gorgeous example of a dirndl skirt that's actually part of a dress.  It's perfect for cocktail hour with the right accessories, and with pointed flats and a cardigan or a cropped jacket on top, it can be made daytime apropos in no time!





This patent dirndl skirt is a fantasy piece for sure.  But if you get your hands on one and put it with a classic white button-up, I bet you'd get some serious fashion cred around the water cooler!

New Twists on Your Closet Staples...

When you think of the bare bones basics - I mean, the utter necessities of the modern functional wardrobe - what do you picture?  A sexy black dress?  The monochrome sweater that will pair with everything?  Those pieces are all well and good, but for spring, I'm feeling a slightly fresher approach to the foundations of fashion.  Designers are happily reworking our wardrobe staples so that getting dressed for work and play is a lot more fun.  Why not let your little black dress be a little more interesting and a little less obviously sexy? How about a super colorful chunky sweater as your new everyday knit?  I'm especially feeling a new take on the everyday flat; one that's more statement than demure.  Take a look at some of the latest twists on your everyday staples and get excited about remixing your wardrobe...


The Little Black Dress - the essence of the LBD is to be a go-to sexy frock.  I say, turn that concept on its head with this swingy long sleeved dress.  A demure, floaty answer to an endless row of expected body-cons.  You can find this lovely frock at Topshop.




Stripes Galore - when we find a soft, well-fitted striped shirt, we tend to pounce.  But I also like the stripe theory on this pretty silk-georgette blouse. The floral element makes it fresh for spring, but this shirt could definitely work year-round.



Everyday flats - when you think of flats you probably think of ballet flats, right?  But how about changing things up with these cool slip-ons?  It's clear that metallics are basically always in style, and the cool, deconstructed silhouette brings these shoes a bit of edge!




Work Skirt - The knee length skirt is a necessity in every working girl's wardrobe.  This voluminous skirt is sneakily subversive!




Wear with everything sweater - the thick gauge of this multicolored sweater makes it an attention grabbing piece, but I can totally see it working with both leather pants or with a mini for party going!



The new button down - equipment is definitely the ultimate brand in button-downs, and I like this one for its sheer properties - with modesty pockets of course - and cool polka-dot inspired gold flower pattern.




Cool cardigan - the cardigan is pretty much a necessity (at least it is for me!).  I like the cool sheer-textural thing going on with this Alexander Wang number.  Uber-cool and modern!





Trendy satchel that endures - this bag is unabashedly trendy - a pretty color with metal animal hardware - but it's a kind of combo that I can see coming back in a few years, the way fads go.  It's also super cute and perfect for spring!



Reasonable heels - did I really just say that?  It appears that most people believe that sensible heels are crucial.  Despite it going against everything I want to believe, I will begrudgingly admit that this is, infact, true!  So I like this super-affordable pair because of the pastel-pretty floral pattern, and sensible heel.  Semi-quiet statement heels are definitely a win!

The Biggest Resort Fashion Trends for 2013

I don't know about you, but I am so over this cold, snowy, wintry weather!  I dream of spring and the feel of the sunshine on my skin and the lovely spring colors that I can't wait to wear again!  So today I'm going to help you escape winter with a few of the biggest resort fashion trends.  From bright lace numbers to glam sparkly attire, resort 2013 will give your wardrobe a chic and edgy perspective.  So what are you waiting for?  Check out my list and start shopping now!






Denim Separates - slick tailored suits and fit-and flared frocks took denim from casual to fancy at the most revered fashion houses.  Unlike your day-to-day jean, opt for sleek and well-tailored separates this season that feel sophisticated and mature.  For a practical take on this resort trend, look for a versatile piece that you can easily incorporate into your wardrobe, like these lightweight denim trousers.  Retro-inspired and cool, these wide-leg pants will give any ensemble a sophisticated 70s edge.


 

Sheer order - while the "see-through" and "sheer" usually describe revealing attire, designers like Stella McCartney and Celine have altered the classic definition by making sheer subtle in their resort collections.  By incorporating transparent panels and see-through overlays, this trend went from openly sexy to subtly demure.  Give this delicate trend a go by working this paneled delicate knit dress.  A fitted bodice and sheer bands, both along the bust and hemline, give this romantic piece a modern twist.





Into the Wild - animal prints take a bold graphic turn with the help of designers like Kenzo and Giambattista Valli.  Think mismatched prints in leopard, tiger and even giraffe - all in one ensemble!  Start slow by incorporating these bold separates into your everyday attire.  An instant favorite of mine?  This leopard print peplum-styled jacket which features a fun and playful print.





Full-skirted frocks - no longer reserved for just teenagers, designers Jason Wu and Valentino showed off a sophisticated range of full-skirted party frocks.  To give this feminine silhouette an edgier bite, pair with studded booties or even a leather moto jacket.  Give this trend the green light by opting for a fun and charming design like this ultra feminine one.  A scalloped trim at the hemline and paneled bodice gives this flirty frock an even more delicate take, while its mesh illusion neckline borders on alluring.





Saturated lace - girly lace takes a backseat this season, as designers like Marc Jacobs show off a much more edgy version of the fabric.  Dyed in bold hues like deep maroon and electric blues, this classic romantic  gets a much needed modern upgrade.  Pair this bright chartreuse Kensie dress with black suede booties and minimal jewelry for a sophisticated finish.





Built-in sparkle - who needs statement necklaces, when this season already offers the best built-in sparklers! From beaded necklines to bejeweled collars, fashion houses spiced up their collections with a bit of bling.  Give your going out attire a piece of this fun trend with ASOS' embellished button-down shirt.  Multi-colored gems give this collared shirt a subtle yet sparkly accent.

Checkered Prints for Spring!

Do you love the checkered prints from the Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 collection as much as I do?  The bold graphic has been seen all over the red carpet, on gowns and suits in shades from the classic black and white to attention-grabbing chartreuse.  Depending on how you dress them up, checkers can be punky or mod - but they're always fun!

Jessica Alba is the latest celeb to try the checkerboard trend, wearing the designer's black and white long sleeved dress with a midi skirt and boat neck at the Golden Globes awards after-party.  She balanced the medium check with simple styling - an envelope clutch, pumps and a low pony were the only accessories she needed!  Kristen Stewart was the first to don the collection at the premiere of Breaking Dawn Part 2 in Tokyo.  Critics swooned over her oversized check ensemble which was somewhere between menswear and romper, and fit her boyish aesthetic perfectly.  Kirsten Dunst wore a copper version at a recent gala, and her floor-length dress featured a low, square neck and strong shoulders, which she smartly accessorized with matching pointy pumps and a white clutch.  One of my favorites was Kerry Washington at the premiere of Django Unchained in Berlin, wearing a midi version of the dress with a larger print in shimmery peach and white.

But you don't have to break the bank and buy Louis Vuitton to get this look.  There are many department stores that are carrying this checkered look, including Top Shop, River Island, ASOS & J. Crew.

Here are some of the looks as worn by celebs and as seen on the Louis Vuitton runway...






Here are some of the pieces you can get at high street stores that are easier on the budget...