Hot Winter Look

It gets boring wearing the same coat, day in and day out through the long winter months. The alternative to buying a new coat is warming up your winter look with expressive accessories. I wouldn't suggest wearing all these accesories at once. Instead buy a couple of scarves, belts and a great brooch and mix and match two pieces at a time.



The best winter accessory this season is the silk scarf. Silk scarves are more colourful and stylish than traditional knit ones. They brigthen up your overall look. If you need the extra warmth of a traditional knit scarf, you can still get a fashionable look, by using classic patterns like hounsdtooth, plaid and animal print or even solid bright colours.

A) Mauve Leaf 18"x72" Satin Chiffon Shawl $79.00 Deebozzz.com
B) Veronica Long Silk Scarves $36.00 Belsi.com
C)Houndstooth scarf $49.50 Bananarepublic.com


Corset belts with buckle detail are a flattering trend. I especially like metallic belts. To look a little more dressy try a jewelled belt.
A) WCM Triple Buckle Patent Leather Belt $120.00 Nordstrom.com
B) Linea Pelle gold woven leather wide high waist belt $105.30 Bluefly.com
C)Sparkly chain belt $49.00 Newportnews.com


Brooches bring old Hollywood style to your winter look. A beautiful brooch is a great investment, since it can be worn with many items and is a timeless classic. More than just pinning your brooch to your lapel, you can also attach it to your scarf to keep it in place.

A) Sterling Silver Antiqued Marcasite Brooch 19.99 Limogesjewelry.com
B) Judith Jack 'Snowflake Special' Pin $125.00 Nordstrom.com
C) Blue Winged Swarovski Crystal Dragonfly Brooch $34.00 Silverme.com

Style Profile

This is a great street chic everyday look. The important thing her is the detail on all the pieces. I especially love the booties, which are quilted at the front and have a cutout at the back. The blue embossed croc bag adds some colour. The jeans are decorated with a fleur de lis design.

A) Fleur Jean $79.00 Dereon.com
B) Plaid Toggle Jacket 49.80 Forever21.com
C) Sam Edelman Women's Tammy Bootie $134.00 Endless.com
D)Franco Sarto Handbags East Bound E/W Satchel $94.00 Ebags.com


These copper metalic jeans from Diesel make the outfit; they are definetly a s show stopper. The metallic effect makes these jeans look dressy. This look is perfect for a night out. The cracked leather shoes and buttons on the crop jacket play up on the metallic jeans. This great evening bag is continuing with the quilted trend.

A) Diesel Metallic 'Clush' Zip Back Jeans $313.78 Asos.com
B) LaROK 'Flamenco' Crop Jacket $98.90 Nordstrom.com
C) Report Signature Women's Jacey Sandal $129.89 Endless.com
D)Joan Woven Silk Box Clutch $126.oo Zappos.com

Ne-yo Style

A) Slim fit stretch poplin dress shirt
$59.59 Bananarepulic.com
B) BR monogram wool/cashmere plaid pant $148.00 banarepublic.com
C) Classic Wool Blend Winter Coat $129.99 Blair.com
D) Stacy Adams Palladin $78.00 Zappos.com

My favourite thing about this look which Ne-yo is wearing is the grey coat. Grey is definetly the colour of the season. I'm not sure how I feel about pairing grey with brown, but overall it is a good look. I find that men's fashions can often be repetitive, so the solution is to pay attention to detail. I choose pants which like Ne-yo's have some plaid detail. For the shoes I went with something daring- a grey purple crocodile embossed dress shoe. It is a subtle shade of purple but it makes the outfit look original without being outrageous.

1940s Style

The 1940s are heavily inspiring fashions this season. The look is very feminine and delicate. Hair is curled or set in loose waves and the key make-up item is red lipstick. I strongly recommend having a make-up artist pick out the right shade of red lipstick for you. Since it is a very bold colour the wrong shade can look harsh, however the right shade looks dramatic and sexy.


Blouses with femine details such as bows and ruffles are pefect for getting the vintage look. They are great when paired with a pencil skirt or high waisted jeans for a more casual look.

A) Liz Baker® Ruffle Blouse $17.99 To $21.99 Jcpenny.com
B) Long Sleeve Pussy Bow Shirt $62.03 Asos.com
C)Sutton Studio Exclusive Buttonfront Blouse with Tie $139.00 Bloomingdale.com

I find pencil skirts to be very flattering. They cover a lot but because they are shaped to the contours of the body they are extremely sexy. A pencil skirt is a staple which never goes out of style and can be paired with multiple items.

A) Calf Skirt $27.80 Forever21.com
B) Puppytooth fluted pencil skirt $88.00 Bananarepublic.com
C)Ruby Skirt $118.00 Marciano.com

Hosiery in the form of thigh highs, with seam detailing, keyhole tights or fishnets are the perfect finishing touch for any outfit. Hosiery is that extra detail which completes an outfilt and makes you look well put together.

A)Hanes® Silk Reflections® Stockings, Sandalfoot 3-Pk $8.99 Onehanesplace.com
B)Spanx Fishnet medium control top with back seam $26.00 Figleaves.com
C)Cropped Keyhole Bow Footless Tights $13.00 Asos.com

I love the shoes for this season. I really like the black and white contrasting. These are very trendy shoes, so perhaps if you wanted to opt for something that will withstand the fashion seasons you could try the classic high heeled pump and still pull of the 1940s look.

A) Pleaser USA Seduce-458 $55.95 Zappos.com
B)Modern Vintage Women's Alma T-Strap Pump $209.95 Endless.com
C) Guess Arabella pump $74.99 Lovemyshoes.com

Fall for Fall!

It is fall!!!! Fall is my favourite season for fashion. Bring out the boots and cute jackets and get ready to layer! This season the trend colours are purple, magenta, royal blue and grey.

A)Belted Wing Sleeve Jacket $59.00 Joe.ca
B)Marvin Richards Wool Blend Peacoat $158.00 Nordstrom.com
C)Flared Trench Coat $139.00 Bebe.com
D)Pea Coat $295.00 Neimanmarcus.com

There are a lot of options in jeans this season. Skinny jeans, trouser jeans and high waisted jeans all look stylish. Personally, I reccomend a pair of dark blue wash trouser jeans with a pleat.

A)Kindness Trouser Flap Pocket $194.00 Jeans.com
B)Killah High Waist Jean $210.46 Asos.com
C)Stella Skinny Jean in Shine $165.00 Couturecandy.com

The number one fall accessory is leather gloves. Pair it with any outfit regardless of wether or not you are wearing a jacket. It is part of the edgy rocker look that is extremely popular right now.

A) Portolano magenta leather long gloves $78.00 Bluefly.com
B) Michael Kors black quilted leather gloves $51.00 Bluefly.com
C) Driving Gloves with Piping $64.95 Leatherglovesonline.com



As for footwear, boots are key. From knee high to cute ankle booties, whatever style you prefer. This season the boots are accented with buttons and buckles. The riding style boot is a hot look!

A)Lace-up bootie $69.00 Victoriassecret.com
B) Type Z Susana $197.96 Zappos.com
C) Miss Sixty $349.00 Brownsshoes.com
D)Max Studio Radcliffe $299.00 Piperlime.com

Perfectly Suited

I love a white suit on a woman. It is a modern look for work.It can also be very sexy for evening wear with the right heels and accessories. It can be paired with a camisole or worn without any top underneath by the very daring!


A) Cotton chino blazer $168.00 Bananarepublic.com
B) Martin chino suit trouser $78.00 Bananarepublic.com
When buying a suit, I find that it is best when you can buy the pieces seperately so that you can ensure that both the blazer and the trousers fit you properly. At the same time it is important to buy the pieces from the same store or brand to ensure that the colours are from the same dylot and that the materials are the same.


To get the maximum value out of your suit, wear the pieces seperately. Pair the blazer with jeans and flats for a more casual chic look.

A)Cotton chino blazer $168.00 Bananarepublic.com
B) Striped Tube Top $15.80 Forever21.com
C) Seven Jeans Farrah Stretch Jean $209.00 Shopbob.com
D) Corso Como Jala Blue patent flats $130.00 Piperlime.com

Wear the trousers with a silk blouse and open toe d'orsay heels for a more dressy look.

A)Plunging Silk Halter Top $69.00 Bebe.com
B)Martin chino suit trouser $78.00 Bananarepublic.com
C)Betsey Johnson Holden $162.00 Zappos.com
D)Alfani "Genova" Metallic Clutch $88.00 Macys.com
Often times when you buy a pair of trousers, the pockets are sewn shut. I think that if you buy trousers with pockets instead of flat front ones, it is best to leave them sewn shut. I find that after putting your hands in the pockets for a while, they become stretched out and the pockets look very bulky on your hips.


A) Corset dress in solids $75.00 Victoriassecret.com
B) Cotton chino blazer $168.00 Bananarepublic.com
C) Necessary Objects™ High Waist Pencil Skirt $42.00 Nordstrom.com
D) Martin chino suit short $68.00 Bananarepublic.com

The jacket is the most versatile part of the suit. I love wearing the jacket over a nice tailored dress with some mary janes for a work or afternoon lunch look. Sheath dresses are very conservative yet sexy. Also try experimenting with shorts and pencil skirts.

Rompers / Jumpsuits / Playsuits

A new style that I really love are rompers. They are extremely chic and they are the perfect party outfit. Personally I think they look best when worn with heels. I think this style is very sexy without showing off too much. For casual day wear I like the denim styles like the Applebottom romper (A).

A) Short All Jumper $51.00 Applebottoms.com
B) JLO by Jennifer Lopez Sea Girt Halter Romper $79.00 Macys.com
C) Firetrap Hotpant Jumpsuit $128.70 Asos.comp,l
D) XOXO Twill Button-Front Romper
$59.00 Macys.com
E) 7 For All Mankind® Sweetheart Stretch Denim Shortalls $185.00 Macys.com

Rompers would be flattering on most people. You dont need a perfect body- just some killer legs! I found th e the largest selection of rompers on Asos.com. The style pictured in (C) can easily transition from day to night. I would suggest also adding a belt to it for a finishing touch.

Rbk Freestyle

The Rbk Freestyle was originally released in 1982 and became one of Reebok's best selling shoes and was a fashion must-have. Reebok relaunched the freestyle on its 25th anniversary back in March. Reebok will be releasing 16 shoes and they have different release dates. The prices vary from $79.00 t0 $199.00.


Reign-bow available June 1, 2007
Comes in Hot pink, purple, orange and green.

This month I am anxiously awaiting the release of Reign-bow, which will be coming out on June 1st 2007. I love this shoe... I am salivating over it, I am dreaming about the amazing funky outfits I will put together with it. I love edgy style and there is hardly a colour more edgy than hot pink. Here are some of the best Freestyle shoes:


Easter available April 1, 2007
Comes in different shades of pastels.


25 Candles available March 2007


Snow available on September 3rd 2007


Houndstooth available on August 17, 2007
Houndstooth pattern on the inside.

Style Profile (Men's Edition)

Every well-dressed man needs linen in his summer wardrobe. Olive green or royal blue shirts look great with natural coloured linen pants. I recommend tucking the shirt in for this look. I did like the cuff in picture A and it would compliment this look if there were one less item in dark brown leather. Be careful not to over-accessorize.The Chelsea boots are the best item here, This London look is extrememly fashionable right now. I love them because they are an orginal style and an alternative to the lace up dress shoes.

A) Mavi Jeans San Remo Linen Shirt $68.00 Macys.com
B) Merona belt $21.99 Target.com
C) Relaxed flap-pocket linen pant $68.00 Bananarepublic.com
D) 'Chelsea' pull-on boot $168.00 Bananarepublic.com


This look is casual but stylish. The Sean John jeans have good detailing on the back pockets. The shoes have the sleek design that Puma is known for. A red t-shirt could be substituted for the white one to give the outfit extra flare.

A) Zip up sweater $69.99 Armaniexchange.com
B) Fitted long-sleeved T 19.50 Gap.com
C) Sean John Track Stitch Jean $39.99 Macys.com
D) French 77 $75.00 Puma.com

Orignal fashions: T-shirts

Threadless.com is a great website which I recently discovered. They have competitions which allow people to design t-shirts. The winning designs are produced and customers can purchase a unique t-shirt. The t-shirts are $15 for men and $17 for women. Hoodies are also available for $40.



I really love original t-shirts. It is definetly a fashion mistake to wear a logo tee. I will never understand how people are persuaded to buy expensive t-shirts that are plain except for a strategically placed company's logo. These shoppers are getting ripped off AND they are acting as a walking advertisement.



This t-shirt was my favourite. It would be even better if they had printed "Biggie was right..." above the picture. I found that a lot of a humour in the t-shirt designs comes from the title. In some cases, the significance of the picture would not be clear to someone who didn't know the title.



Typical female Vs. male stereotypes; re-enforced with the pink for girls and blue for boys. Love it. This would be a cute shirt for the ladies to wear to a wedding shower.



I was disappointed that Treadless.com didn't have V-neck Ts. I really prefer V-necks but for my favourite designs, I can make do with a crew t-shirt. Wearing a shirt with interesting designs like these instantly makes a plain outfit stylish. Go for style and vogue and skip the logos Ts!

UPDATE

Guys and Dolls $15.00 Dressingthedreamers.com

Reverie makes a t-shirt which is very similar to the treadless "Perpetuate the stereotype" shirt, it is called "Guys and Dolls". I'm not sure which company came out with the shirt idea first, but one of them is jacking the other's style!

Black and White is in vogue!

The simplicity of black and white together is making a dramatic statement on red carpets everywhere. Whether it is a black and white dress or black and white seperates that are being paired together, the look is undeniably fresh and sophisticated.

Who do you think wore the Jill Stuart outfit better: Lindsay Lohan or Nia Long? I vote for Nia, she seems to fill out the dress better and I prefer black shoes with this outfit. Lindsay also looks great.

You may not have to buy new pieces to achieve this look since most people have black and white in their closet. If you want an excuse for shopping though, there are some great options below. My favourite is the dress by BCBG Max AzrIa. A more affordable choice is the colour block dress from Victoria's secret.

A) Dannii Ruched Tie Dress $75.08 Asos.com
B) BCBG Max Azria Black and White Cocktail Dresses $260.00 Edressme.com
C) Contrast Bra Top dress $29.00 Victoriassecret.com
D) Colour Block Mini Dress $53.63 Asos.com
E) Chetta B Beaded Top Shutter Pleat Dress $460.00 Bloomingdales.com

Dressed to Impress: 21 Dresses for Spring/Summer

Bright colours are perfect for spring and summer party dresses. For the woman that wants to be in Vogue the bubble dresses are a great option. They are high fashion and definetly stand out. A more traditonal A-line dress is complimentary to most figures. This season the past trend of black and white floral patterns is continued. It is a classic look that is even better when highlighted by bright red accessories.


A) Knot-front matte jersey dress $75.00 Victoriassecret.com
B) ABS by Allen Schwartz Cream Bow and Black Bubble dress $250.00 Bloomingdales.com
C) Lily Strapless Print Party Dress $108.00 Nordstrom.com

Floral is in for spring. It is very feminine and delicate. An alternative is brightly patterened dresses which give the same variety of colours without the floral backdrop.

A) Catherine Malandrino Palm Trapeze Dress $450.00 Saksfifthavenue.com
B) Silk Printed Dress $75.08 Asos.com
C) Adrianna Papell Floral Silk Halter Dress $178.00 Nordstrom.com

Pastels are also very feminine. These soft colours are best suited for the daytime.

A) Shoshanna Eyelet Surplice Dress $330.00 Southmoonunder.comg
B) Ballet dress $65.00 Gap.com
C) Bisou Bisou® Printed Halter Dress $80.00 Jcpenny.com

White is a staple for the hot weather. It looks fresh and keeps you cool. White sundresses are best worn for afternoon parties or lunches.

A) Tresta Beaded Dress $98.00 Guess.com
B) Tiered empire dress $69.50 Gap.com
C) AE Patchwork Grad Party Dress $69.50 Ae.com

Stripes are another new trend. Blue and white striped dresses are great as part of the nautical look.

A) Breezy boatneck dress $48.00 Victoriassecret.com
B) Striped dress $65.00 Victoriassecret.com
C) Striped halter dress $31.20 Newport-news.com

Mod minis are in vogue. They are very cute for the younger woman.

A) Silk Trim Jumper with Pockets $98.00 Bebe.com
B) Scoop Neck Pleated Dress $22.50 Wetseal.com
C) Lulu Dress $24.80 Forever21.com

Long loose dresses give a bohemian look. They are best worn in the day time, since they tend to have a more casual look.

A)Lyndia Procanik Halter dress $158.00 Victoriassecret.com
B) Girl Talk Halter Butterfly Print Dress $29.99 Overstock.com
C) Tie-neck Halter Dress $49.00 Newport-news.com

Swimsuits

Depending on your coverage preference you can go from bikinis to monokinis to full bathing suits. The trend for this season is definetly the monokini, but you should always choose a swimsuit that compliments your body.


A) Sailor bikini 19.99, Tropez brief 19.99 Gojane.com
B) Monokini $110.00 Instyleswimwear.com
C)Magic Suit by Miraclesuit® Wrap One Piece $132.00 Nordstom.com

One piece bathing suits are flattering on most people. There are swimsuits designed to firm up and minimize problem areas. Try the Magicsuit or the Miraclesuit which claims to take off 7 pounds!

A)Betsey Johnson Hot dot bikini $150.00 Southmoonunder.com
B) La Blanca African Queen Tankini $110.00 Southmoonunder.com
C)Magicsuit® Firm control one-piece $136.00 Victoriassecret.com

Colour should be another careful consideration. Colour should be chosen based on skin tones, however you may want to choose solids and darker colours for slimming looks.

A) L Space Scandalous Skin $160.00 Instyleswimwear.com
B) Skinny Dip Lined Lycra Deep V One Piece Bathing Suit with Buckle Detail $26.99
www.amazon.com/Skinny-Dip-Bathing-Buckle-Detail/dp/B000M8RA08/ref=pd_sbs_a_5_img/104-5518669-9091130
C) Jets by Jessika Allen Rouge Onepiece $133.00 Instyleswimwear.com

Style Profile

Coloured jeans are a hot new trend. Celebrities have been spotted wearing them in red, green and purple. These red jeans are sure to make anyone standout. The military style coat is another great look for the daring fashionista.



A) Japan Stand Collar Military Jacket $49.95 Chicstar.com
B) Rich & Skinny Leggy Jeans in Red $176.00 Pinkmascara.com
C) Black Mahala Croc Trim Tote inspired by Jimmy Choo $42.99 Baghaus.com
D) Miranda-04 Pat Wedge $20.99 Gojane.com


This royal blue dress with ruching in the mid-section is complimentary to most body shapes.The Classic Style woman can experiment with trends in the form of accessories. Quilted bags and shoes are a new look. This outfit is tied together with the bold gold jewelry.



A) White Quilted Stam Handbag Inspired by Marc Jacobs $52.99 Baghaus.com
B) Rsvp Bello $ 64.95 Zappos.com
C) Ruched Halter Dress-Blue $40.00 Fashionjunkee.com
D) Kenneth Jay Lane Bracelet $188.00 Buysnbargains.com
E) Shiela Fajl Necklace $60.00 Buysnbargains.com

Spring/Summer Shopping

A change is season is a perfect reason to go shopping, and there is nothing quite as satisfying as spring/summer shopping. So here are the essentials for you from your head to your toes. This is just a list, there will be more detailed posts with different options for each item.



1. Accessories
If you can't afford to add new pieces to your wardrobe, the next best alternative is accessories. If you can afford new pieces, accessories are the perfect compliment. Bright coloured patent accessories in the form of belts, earrings and bangles. Metalics have to be my favourite right now. Gold especially! Floppy hats and sunglasses are also staples.



Alexis Bittar Sedgwick Turquoise Cuff $245.00 Saksfifthavenue.com

2.Dresses
Spring and summer are the seasons to be feminine. Get yourself a light material white or pastel dress for those hot days and bright coloured sexy party dresses for those hotter nights.



A) Ballet dress. $69.50 Gap.com
B) 6-in-1 Top & dress. $48.00 Victoriassecret.com

3. You will need some sort of cropped pant. Depending on your height go with 3/4 length or capris or even shorts. Shorts are not for every one but if you can pull them off... do it! I’m loving the look of shorts with heels. Cute.



Citizens of humanity. $138.00 shopbop.com

4.Swimwear.
It is always hard to find the right swimsuit. Different body types look best in different suits, but the look now is definetly cut-out one piece suits.



BCBG Max Azria Crochet One Piece. $138.00 Nordstrom.com

5. Shoes
Wedges were made for spring/summer fashions. For comfort flat shoes are key. Try some ballet flats or slip-ons depending on your personal style.



A) Jessica Simpson Gali wedges. $92.95 Zappos.com
B) Vans KVD $40.00 Store.alloy.com
C) Sugar quilted cat $40.00 Store.alloy.com

5. Jackets.
For those times that it gets a little chilly, you'll need a great jacket. The motorcyle style jacket, the mandarin collar jackets and the cropped jackets are all hot looks. Otherwise the classic jeans jacket is a good alternative.



Leather racing jacket. $328.00 Bananarepublic.com