Met Gala 2013 Fashions...

The Met Gala is to fashion what the Olympics is to sport, and last night saw the fashion industry's most glamorous night of the year.  The theme was "Punk : Chaos to Couture", an exhibit I would dearly love to see, especially as I grew up during the Punk era and remember it as clearly as yesterday.  Despite not being a punk rocker myself, I have vivid memories of The Sex Pistols, The Clash, & Blondie starting this classic revolution in London, and making a statement with their music and of course, fashion.

I recall walking around London's Camden Market on a Sunday and seeing mohawk hair cuts in multi-colors, body and facial piercings, and safety pins holding together articles of clothing.  The anti-establishment T-shirts were being seen everywhere, and Vivienne Westwood's store in the Kings Road was a big part in this ecclectic mix of fashion, and she will always be known and loved for her contribution to the Punk movement.

Last night the stars were out in full force in their glamorous gowns.  Some tried to add a little punk to their look, whether it be with their clothes, makeup or hair.  Some were huge hits (for me at least) and some were huge misses.  I think one of my favorites of the night was Sarah Jessica Parker with her amazing mohawk headdress, designed by Philip Treacy, and a dress by Giles Deacon.  Underneath her punk rock gown, SJP styled plaid thigh-high boots!  Way to go SJP, you're still an amazing fashionista!

Here are some of the other fashions of the night.  Judge for yourself which ones you think worked and which ones didn't!

Grayed Jade - the color to wear this Spring...

One of the colors that has been predicted to be a big hit this Spring by Pantone, the world predictor in color, is Grayed Jade!  It's a color described as a "subtle, hushed green".

In a sea of bright brights it may look boring at first, but not everyone likes or looks good in vibrant hues.  This is a great alternative for women who prefer quiet, more understated tones.

It will really suit you if you are a Summer.  Summers have cool, muted coloring.  Their skin has pink undertones and they have ash tones in their hair.  Women with this coloring, like Helen Mirren, Jennifer Aniston and Michelle Pfieffer, would look fab in this shade.

If you aren't a summer, or a winter (another season that could wear this color), you can still wear this color, but you might want to keep it away from your face.  For example, you could buy a pair of shoes in Grayed Jade, or Pistachio, as some call it.  Or, maybe a pair of skinny jeans, or a purse.  That way the color is on your bottom half away from your face where it could drag you down or just not make you look your very best.

You can also choose to wear this color as an accent.  If you have a warm skin tone you could wear a top with small touches of color in it.  For example, a warm cream blouse with touches of grayed jade in the pattern would be subtle.

Jewelry is a good way to incorporate Grayed Jade.  One idea is to wear a necklace or bracelet that mixes grayed jade with warmer colors like emerald green and coral, two very popular shades this spring.

Having said all this, don't get too caught up about wearing exactly the right colors all the time.  You can make yourself nuts being such a perfectionist, so don't sweat it!  The guideline is to just generally stick to warm tones if you're warm in coloring and cool tones in you're cool in coloring if you really want to shine.  If a color is in fashion that isn't perfectly you but you like it, just wear little bits of it.








Here are some other colors that complement this new shade

10 Ways to Wake Up Your Work Wardrobe...

Deciding what to wear to work everyday can indeed be difficult.  You want to look professional and work-appropriate, but you don't want to look boring.  I remember when I worked in an office I struggled to figure out how to keep my outfits business-like but stylish and fun too, and trust me, it wasn't easy.  Wearing the standard black suit can look classy, but there are times when you want to step outside of the box and add something a little extra to your work look.  So today, I'm making a few suggestions of what to add to your work wardrobe to wake it up!


This fuchsia color will instantly brighten your outfit while it's practical cut makes for a versatile buy.





Give casual Fridays the colorblock treatment with this bright cap-sleeved shift.  Clean oversized panels help keep this look professional.




Add a pop of pastel to your outfit.  With its cool lilac color, these patent pumps will take you from your desk to dinner in the trendiest of manners!




Not your usual school girl attire, this forward-thinking jumper has all the makings of a fashionable career woman.  Wear over a graphic blouse for an intelligent combination.





If I had to pick one designer item to transition us from the office to dinner, this striking frock would be the clear winner.  Fashion-forward but subdued, modest but flattering, this have-it-all dress will pick up your work gear in style!




Pair with a high-waisted skirt and sleek pumps for a polished look or with loose trousers and sturdy heels for a more casual approach.  Either way, this blouse will give your 9-to-5 attire a fashionably versatile turnaround.



No need to lug a boring briefcase to work when you can show up with a cache in hand carrying this gorgeous blue tote.  Not only will its bright blue hue amp your wardrobe on a daily basis, its roomy interior is spacious enough to carry all of your belongings and then some!




This sophisticated statement necklace is a great way to upgrade your office look, and unlike others in its category, it won't feel distracting.  And because it's clear lucite, it's super easy to pair and mix.




Sparkle while you work in this metallic knit top.  Its classic-casual design enables you to pull off shimmer, even in the office.  Pair with gold pants in a lighter tone for a super haute look!




Whether you're a lady who lunches or one that works, this pretty lace skirt is a great addition to your spring wardrobe.  Did I mention you now have an excuse to wear lace to work?  Love this look!

Subtle Dressing : Spring's Quietly Demure Sexy New Trend...

This spring and summer, one of the biggest (and best) runway trends could be your secret weapon to presenting yourself with class in any situation, from office to date night!  For a handful of designers, sex appeal was on the back burner, and represented in a garment's detail and cut.  It was hinted at playfully rather than overtly put on display.  From the recent past in which we saw the platform heel reach outlandish heights, the inevitable backlash has now given us pointed flats, chunky short heels and a wardrobe to match subtler sensibilities.  Check out some of my favorite designers who embraced this trend beautifully.


Some designers chose waist cinching to show femininity.  Marc Jacobs chose a boxy shift (a la late 60s style) that left everything up to the imagination, and the stems on display!  The graphic print and high neckline keep it sweet, and his low heels and flats let the show of leg almost girlish.




Another spring hit.  A reminder of new buds aren't the only thing that makes this bold green gorgeous.  The silky satin finish is so feminine, and the longer hem length (not to mention overall construction), are entirely proper!




No doubt you've heard (and read) all about sheer looks, but this is different.  Rather than being overlaid on a bra (or braless) top, it's a textured element on top of a refined strapless sheath.  Pure class!




This model is covered from head to toe in an unbelievably fabulous look.  Everything is left to the imagination, but for a sliver of skin down the front of her blouse.  So subtle, and so sexy.

 


One more Valentino for the road!  The sleeveless shirt-styled bodice is fully buttoned, the skirt is below the knee.  And all you see are tiny pieces of skin showing through small slits.  Brilliant!




What do you do when you pair an old school print with an old school fit-and-flare shape?  How do you make it fresh, youthful and midday boardwalk appropriate?  Exactly like this.  While some skin is showing, the overall effect is covered due to the placement of cut-outs.  Simply gorgeous.




Rarely has colorblocking been used to such great, innovative effect.  It's the shape of the pieces and color choices that draw the eye down an imaginary hourglass curve.  The dress itself (as you can see) is a standard short-sleeved short style.

Wrap Blouses will give your wardrobe a boost

Wrap blouses, also known as surplice tops, have always had a bad (pardon the pun!) rap.  Long sleeved, exaggerated cuffs, replete with a huge bow at the waist, make us think of the go-to evening option for women gliding into their golden years.  But times change, and so do the iterations of specific types of clothing - thankfully!  Right now I'm loving how current wrap blouses are.  Made by hip retailers and designers they're more fashionable and versatile than ever before.  They're about to be our go-to for day-to-night looks,  And if mom (or grandma) wants to borrow ours, she's more than welcome to add a fresh infusion to her look too!  Here are some of my favorites to try!


This sweet sweater top leaves just enough to the imagination to make it office appropriate, and just enough sex appeal to transition to cocktail hour.  You may wear it under your suit during the day, but if you pack your pencil skirt to change post-5pm, you'll be good to go!





It's so easy to buy the interesting piece and leave the simpler one at the store, especially if you're spending a lot of money.  But a simple white blouse that isn't too clingy is a must-have.  Dark blue skinny jeans, statement jewelry, heels = perfection!




You all know I've been loving bold, interesting prints this season.  With a wrap blouse like this, you'll be the statement piece wherever you are!  Looks great with a tailored pair of white pants.




This blouse covers the graphic trend, as well as the black and white combination seen on the red carpet so often.  But, you can forget about its trendiness, because this will become a classic in your wardrobe.






Asian-inspired runway looks crossed from the fall catwalks into spring.  And why not?  Their cultural fashion heritage is beyond gorgeous!  Case in point: the kimono sleeves on this simple navy number.  I can see this on top of a LBD, faded jeans as seen here, or a pair of wide-leg trousers.



Love stripes?  Me too!  Here's a great way to make stripes work for you.  This slouchy fit top by Derek Lam is fabulous, and so right now!



This color green works on just about everyone who wears it.  If you're in a black rut, this color can get you out. And I love the faux wrap neckline that gives way to a defined waist and peplum bottom.  So feminine, and so right for your favorite skinny belts.





A sheer wrap sleeveless number is definitely a keeper.  Because you can make it day appropriate with a cream or white tank underneath, and then switch it out with a black cami, or if you're daring, wear it like the model does here!





How, you ask, do I transition a boho top from day to night?  It's true this might not be in your office wardrobe, but it will certainly be in your weekend brunch look.  Wear it with faded denim or a maxi.
When nighttime rolls around, it's gorgeous for your favorite concert in the park.  I'd pair it with black
leather leggings, and then throw on some chic metallic sandals!