Tonal Dressing...master the art!

As many of you know, especially if you've been following my posts, floral prints, patterns, brocades, mixing prints and bright colors have been very popular for quite some time.  I happen to love these trends and have no problem wearing floral pants or mixing prints and wearing lots of color!  However, these trends are not for everyone, so if you're not a fan of pattern overload, today I'm going to give you a few tips on a chic way to colorblock by dressing head to toe in varying shades of the same hue.  You can master the art of tonal dressing with these simple steps.

Choose your main - start by choosing one bold color that you can easily build on, like a bright red blouse that you can pair with blush-toned shorts or turquoise pants that you can match up with a navy blue camisole.  By starting with a bold color, it's fairly easy to add on a secondary lighter shade.

Pick your neutral - bright shades are all good and fun, but it takes a neutral piece to tie everything together.  Whether it's a tan camisole that offsets a mix of bright hues matched with a metallic navy, or off-white shoes to add instant polish, picking one neutral will ensure a successful tone-on-tone style.

Check your accessories - yes tonal dressing is meant to look bold.  That being said, there is a very fine line between looking fierce and appearing like a fashion victim - which is why it's best to keep your accessories in check.  While a simple pair of gold earrings to match a mustard colored dress can be striking, going beyond that one item might prove to be too much.

Subtlety is key - make sure to keep silhouettes sleek and modern in order to avoid the circus effect that results from too many billows, ruffles and pomp!  Streamlined non-fuss pieces will also further the tonal effect by focusing on the contrasting, yet similar, shades rather than distracting with too many accents.

Skip a few steps - make tonal dressing a breeze by opting for a dress or blouse that already features built-in tone-on-tone shades.  For spring, avoid dark moody pairings and instead opt for bright shades like peach with orange or yellow with gold.

So, now you've been given the tips on how to do tone-on-tone dressing, here are some examples and pictures of some different looks for you to become inspired.

The Return of the Midi Skirt..

The midi skirt - this item of clothing has earned the rep for being a piece that only certain women can wear.  Sure, a mid-calf hemline can be tricky to master if you don't have model-esque gams - but it's not impossible, so I've done some digging to prove it!

The midi skirt is this season's must-have piece, but it has a tricky habit of bisecting us in the most unflattering ways, making us look shorter, squatter, and generally un-Mad-Men-like!  But don't fret! There are definitely ways to make it work well for you.

The key here is to experiment with skirt lengths - sticking with options that range from just below the knee to just above the ankle - until you find the hemline that hits your leg at a flattering point.  Once you've found the right spot all you need to do is find the perfect skirt!


A skirt with some texture and volume is the easiest thing to throw on.  Just make sure it doesn't swallow your frame.  Taller ladies can go as low as their ankles, while shorter girls should stick with just-below-the-knee length.




Don't shy away from fitted midi-skirts.  Balance out the sexiness with a looser cropped top that ends at your waist and add tough shoes.  Shorter gals - make sure this skirt hits you above the widest part of your calf.




I love the look of a high-waisted denim skirt with a long line of buttons (either slim fit or A-line), but a thick material can make an outfit look dated.  Instead, choose a lighter denim like a chambray that will drape more beautifully.




Because they take up so much surface area, brightly colored midi skirts should only be worn with duller tones.  Nude ankle boots and a pastel shirt let this tomato-red skirt shine.




Betty Draper had the right idea!  Update the class full skirt, blouse, and pump uniform with a pretty jersey blouse, a roomy skirt, and pointy-toe shoes!  Lovely and appropriate for the office!




Still a little nervous about so much fabric?  A skirt with a sheer panel can help you achieve the same silhouette but show off some more of your leg.  Love this look!

Graphic Black & Whites for Spring!

I think it's pretty safe to say that we all love wearing black and white, right?  I know that I love wearing black and white and it's a regular go-to for me, especially whenever I'm stuck on figuring out what I want to wear.  I know I can always rely on wearing one of the many black and white pieces of clothing from my closet to save the day and look modern and chic at the same time.  However this spring, sophisticated and urban, graphic black and white is the new attention-getter!  As seen on some of the hottest shows this season, including Marc Jacobs and Jil Sander, this contrasting color scheme proves striking and fashion-forward.  For maximum impact, keep your palette strictly B&W as other colors will take away from this graphic duo.  Here are some of my picks of B&W combos for every style!





Guaranteed to knock a few socks off, this bodycon is meant for those who like to be in the limelight.  Contrast stripes zig-zag around this curve-hugging dress for a look that is super sexy!




If your style is more simple than busy, then you will love the clean design on this fit and flare contrast trim dress.  Classic, yet fashionably current thanks to its bold graphic trim, you will look super cute in this number!




Kill two trends in one sweater-dress with this fashion-forward piece.  Daring and modern, this B&W combo features peekaboo lace inserts as well as a contrasting shirt tail hem.





Give your casual gear a more rocker edge with this super lightweight two-tone sweater.  Keep the look effortlessly cool by pairing it with leather pants or distressed boyfriend jeans.





A graphic geometric print gives these pants a ton of artsy street cred!  Keep the look streamlined by pairing with a black or white top and modern jewelry pieces.




This striped skirt is super fun and cute!  Keep it edgy by pairing with a cropped top and peep-toe booties of the same color.

Ruffles Rock! Wear them this Spring!

I've talked about ruffles before, but it looks like this trend is here to stay!  Many models rocked this trend on the spring 2013 runways, and whether you want to be bold with ruffles, or just have a hint of a ruffle, there is a way for everyone to make this look work.  When was the last time you seriously considered adding ruffles to your look?  The word itself can evoke feelings of icky 80s overdone-ness, so it's no surprise if you've passed by ruffled looks on store hangers and shelves!  But this spring, you can do it in a way that's modern and sophisticated.  Here are a few of my picks for this look, so see how this trend works for a variety of styles and why it's one of fashion's current trend darlings!


Love 'em or hate 'em, high-low skirts are happening.  While a mini skirt with a tail can look awkward, an asymmetrical hem with a ruffle can call to mind sexy Latin culture, and be very chic.  The graphic black and white combination of this Balenciaga look makes it appropriate to wear with tights in the fall and sandals in the spring.





I agree that every once in a while a girl wants to feel young, fresh and flirty.  A dress with a bright pop of color and tiered, ruffled skirt that has lots of movement can be just the garment to make that feeling happen!





What's better than a new neckline twist (literally)?  I'd love to see an affordable iteration of this Gucci neckline hit H&M, Zara or some such retailer.  Another style inspiration from this collection : keeping the majority of your look ultra simple paves the way for one major embellishment statement!




Sometimes you want an accent, but not one that's going to overwhelm another piece you intend on wearing.  Enter this small, ruffled peplum for those of you who aren't ready to do the big ruffle look!  Ruffles don't have to be in your face.  They can pack a subtle message like this look too!




Back to bold, this out-there ruffled peplum (which I love!) is an attention-getter that's perfect for a cocktail party or otherwise chic night out!  Nothing wrong with using your wardrobe to draw eyes, where and when appropriate!





If you're a ruffle lover (or are becoming one after viewing my picks!), then you might want to just go for it and buy a top or bottom that has ruffles galore!  Just be careful : you want to avoid being mistaken for a pirate!  Ruffles that aren't too voluminous or are paired with sleek basics are probably the best way to go.





Look at how sweet, sophisticated and feminine this look is from Chloe.  The delicate chiffon and sweet lavender color have me all a fluster!  This is the ultimate in something cool, breezy, and on-trend!

Cut-Outs are the Look of the Moment...

Cut-outs and sheer panels are everywhere this spring and were a big hit on the spring runways.  They were shown at Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang and Derek Lam, and the details provided by the peekaboo accents and cut-outs can make you feel demure or daring, depending on how adventurous you want to be.  For me being of a certain age, I prefer just a subtle cut-out, just enough to be edgy but stylish at the same time.  For the younger set, go as bold as you dare.  All you need is confidence to achieve this adventurous look!  Here are some of my top picks for this look.


The delicate threads that interface the panels on this all-black jersey dress give an otherwise modern silhouette a feminine accent.  Fashion-forward yet practical, this short dress transitions easily from day to night, from work to play, merely by changing up your accessories.





Give simple the boot and instead opt for a few strategic cut-outs that take this sheath from basic to statement without feeling overdone.




The bright coral hue balances out the sexy lace paneled cut-outs on this short frock, giving it a more playful vibe.  Make it day-friendly by pairing it with neutral hued oxfords and a washed-out denim jacket.





Embolden any outfit with this bright yellow fine A-line skirt.  Sheer panels give an otherwise demure silhouette a subtly sexy feel.





Sheer windows of organza give this beautiful midi skirt a very now, very wow edge!  This stunning piece will give your wardrobe instant chic appeal.





Equal parts girly and hippie-chic, this organza blouse features a beautiful flock of scattered flowers throughout.  For a more casual update, pair this stunning piece with sleek denim skinnies and blocked chunky heels.





Cool mesh panels framed in sleek metallic blue leather give these awesome heels a futuristic appeal.  Show off these killer-cool heels by wearing something short, modern and streamlined.





Flaunt your teen spirit in this grunge-inspired plaid dress.  Sheer chiffon overlay gives this effortlessly cool piece a more elegant stance that makes for an ethereal finish.

Don't Look Like A Fashion Victim...

I think it's great when ladies want to be on-trend and fashionable.  I'm all for it - but - I think it's really easy to look like a fashion victim or like you're trying too hard.  One of the quickest ways to look like you're trying too hard or relying too much on fashion magazines to dictate your style is for your outfit to be too trend-driven.  An it-bag, offbeat shoe, statement jewelry, color-of-the-moment pants, and a top with a quirky print all in one outfit is just too much!  So today I want to talk about how to incorporate trends without looking like a fashion victim!

Limiting how many seasonal retailer items you're wearing is often a good idea.  Mixing high-low isn't just fashionable, it also keeps the overall outfit from looking cheap, which is always a danger when dressing trendy.  There's nothing wrong with mixing pieces from H&M with a piece from Saks in your outfit.  Remember that the quality of cut, fabric, and fit is much more important than the label or price, and a higher end pair of pants will be a staple in your wardrobe for years.  You can get basics at a reasonable department store that last for seasons and mix in your pieces from "fast fashion" stores that change over their inventory every month.  When you're talking about a trend, something that is in store for 6 to 9 months like a Tommy Hilfiger sweater has more lasting power than the one at H&M you won't find next week!  By minimizing the number of trends you're incorporating into an outfit, you can have a lot more fun with the ones you choose!

One of the easiest trends to incorporate into your wardrobe is a seasonal color palette.  Color trends are easy to identify, and when you're looking for it you can find a certain color nearly anywhere in a variety of items that are flattering to your body.  Whereas a certain cut of a skirt might be the height of fashion but not look great on you, you can usually find a right-off-the-runway color that looks nice.  Now is a good time to invest in jewel tones.  The autumn staples of rich, saturated purples, teals, and magentas had a heavy presence on Spring 2013 runways.  Nearly everyone has some jewel tones in their fall/winter wardrobe.  You could wear a light knit with more summery pieces this spring.

Loose pants got all 80s on the runways also, and this is another trend that is almost always in stores in one incarnation or another.  But you need to know how to wear this silhouette without looking frumpy.  Silhouette trends are a little harder to incorporate since they do depend so much on your body type, so if you know your body type will not jive with this trend, leave it alone instead of risking looking like a ridiculous slave to fashion!

This is a point I can't emphasize enough.  A trend that looks ridiculous on you is a good example of looking fashionable but NOT stylish, chic, or elegant.  A stylish woman will always wear shapes that flatter her body in the way she feels most comfortable.  This means you don't have to emphasize the slimmest part of your rib cage because style guides say to.  But wearing something that was created for someone of a different height or with a much bigger or smaller chest is usually a bad idea!  That just looks like you're wearing a trend for the sake of being trendy.  Never a good look!


I love this look.  This is an example of how to dress so that it looks thoughtful but effortless.



Jennifer Lawrence offers up a good example of how to incorporate a bold trend without looking too over-the-top.  Brocade has been a big trend, but Jennifer chooses a subdued metallic that doesn't take over her whole dress.  Her neckline and sleeves are black, she keeps a simple hairstyle, no jewelry and pretty black shoes.




Pick one statement accessory.  If you're going to wear a high profile trend like the Spring 2013 Damier bags at Louis Vuitton, don't clutter your look with other statement pieces.  This one piece will be more than enough!




Modern classic black & white.  This trend was seen everywhere on the runways, much to my relief as I do tend to wear a lot of black & white.  Emma Watson brings her modern sensibility to a classic black and white ensemble.  She looks simple, fresh and modern.




Voluminous trousers were another big trend, but is not for everyone.  Think carefully before trying out this trend.  These trousers by Diane von Furstenberg were cropped with clean lines.




This beautiful rich burgundy color would be stylish this spring.  And this simple sheath dress by Lanvin lets the color speak for itself.

Asian Inspired Looks...

This year, one of the truly "new" trends on the catwalks, i.e looks that haven't been recycled, displayed a serious love for all that is Asia's rich, stunning fashion history.  When it comes to Western style, most fashionistas have seen it before: pencil skirts, leather, leopard, denim.  But some designers went in the direction of something unexpected with their modern take on old style.  Stunning embroidery, plays on shape and proportion, colors, and femininity that is outlined rather than laid bare for all to see.  Whether Chinese, Japanese, or another Asian country, the inspiration was clear and the fashion world took notice.  Here are some of my favorite looks to get you inspired.


Flight of fancy...birds are highly revered in Asian culture, both in art and clothing design.  Pick up an item with a bird motif and you'll be channelling Asian style.




Art lesson...Asian art has a rich tradition of incredible skill level, centuries of development, and beauty.  A fabric printed with one of these classic Asian media (like watercolor) is another way to go.



The way of the Samurai...if you've never seen a Samurai Warrior's uniform, go ahead and give it a google.  You'll quickly be able to see the reference in these Proenza Schouler looks.  The transition from fierce warrier to 21st century womenswear is nothing short of amazing.




Another Samurai inspired look...




Embroidered emperor...this look calls to mind royalty.  For it was only the ruling class and Imperial House that could afford colorful detailed embroidered pieces like these.  Done by hand in the days of the Emperors, Asian embroidery is truly a work of art.  If you see anything resembling it, pick it up and don't let it go!




Flower girl....sometimes just a print can call to mind an entire national culture.  The print on this dress is reminiscent of flora native to Asia and is seen in cultural artwork and design.  And now in ours too, thanks to Jason Wu.




Mandarin influence....the Mandarin collar is a classic Chinese design.  The Mandarin collar dress speaks to a peek-a-boo idea of sexiness.  Show your shape without showing your skin and you've got mystery, class, and subtlety in your hands.




Cultural reference...Chrysanthemums (or mums) are a major part of Asian culture.  Both the Chinese and Japanese frequently used them in art and both have a holiday in which the mum serves as symbol.  These flowers were thought to represent perfection.  I agree!  Could this dress be more perfect?




The Kahn....Asia, of course, doesn't only refer to Japan and China.  Mongolia is also considered part of the continent.  And that's exactly what I thought when I saw this Rag & Bone look.  Shaggy, long fur, dark colors, and a rustic flower pattern on sleeves and boots are a dead ringer for the rulers of Mongolia's nomadic peoples.




Golden...another major motif in Asian art and design is the golden sun.  Golden painted and embroidered tapestries and clothing were common enough amongst the very wealthy.  Zac Posen adds gold to great effect in a jacket whose sleeves remind us of Kimonos.




Obi One...the history of the Geisha is often misunderstood by Westerners, but one thing we can relate to is waist definition.  The thick belt, known as the obi, on a classic Kimono is something we can add to any of our own looks.