Outfit inspiration: Black on Black

I usually love a lot of color but sometimes an all black outfit can be the quickest way to a chic look when inspiration is failing you.

-Cardy from Target

-Dress from Nordstrom Junior's Department

-Necklace from Francesca's

-Black leggings

-Steve Madden boots from South Moon Under

Bump it Up, The Ultimate Maternity Style Guide

I get a lot of questions from clients, readers and friends and family about maternity style. Dressing your changing body throughout and after pregnancy is a major challenge. Finally, preggers everywhere have a style guide to help them through the difficulty. Style expert, Amy Tara Koch has just released her buzzed-about pregnancy style bible, Bump It Up: Transform you Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement and will be in DC this Sunday to celebrate the launch. Details above. See you there!

Loving Right Now: Embellished sandals

What's not to love about flat, functional, and fashionable sandals? My hunt for new spring/summer sandals for my wardrobe this season has prompted me to tell you all that they are a must-have in your closets as well! And they are sprouting up in about every store that sells shoes with all different designs for everyone to find a little something they love about them. Whether you have an edgy side and like the rocker studs, a glam side and want to add some sparkle to your feet, or a boho chic side with the earthy tones and beaded details, there is a pair of flat (or slightly wedged) embellished sandals out there calling your name!

Some favorites:

Go Jane.com-->

Steve Madden-->

Nordstrom-->

Aldo-->

Take Me Away...How to Travel Stylishly

Whether it's by plane, train, ship, or car, a woman of worldly travels needs to know how to pack for her getaway. Packing in itself sometimes is so overwhelming, especially when the weather conditions of your destination may not match the current ones of where you are living. Always check the forecast before you throw anything in your suitcase to be sure you are packing only what you need. And of course, you want to look your best when you are out and about on vacation. Therefore, you can follow these helpful hints to keep yourself stylish and stress-free to make the most of your cruise trip to the Bahamas, flight to Europe, Amtrak ride to the mountains, or wherever your adventures may take you:

1. Pack a lot in a little amount of space. Folding your clothes make them not only bulkier in your suitcase, but lead to unsightly wrinkles once you unpack. To avoid both problems, flatten your clothes one on top of another so that they are smoothed out. You will be surprised also how much more you can fit in that same suitcase you thought was going to be too small!

2. Think ahead. If you know of certain events on your itinerary, have an idea in mind of the outfit to wear. Dinner? Wear that little black dress that will work at any fine dining restaurant. Beach? Pick one or 2 of your favorite bathing suits and a day dress and sarong that can be used as a cover up. Sightseeing? A comfortable pair of jeans or shorts (weather varying) and a top made of a breatheable fabric (cotton preferably). Always pack a versatile pair of heels for dressier occasions and comfortable walking shoes for more casual days.

3. Dress comfortably, but look good. For the day when you are going to be cooped up in a seat for however many hours it takes to get to where your going, you might just want to take the easy option and wear sweats and sneakers. Now while there is nothing wrong with that, a pair of leggings and a looser fitting shirt and cardigan or tunic top are so much more put together and not so "I just rolled out of bed." It may also be good to dress in layers for purposes of air conditioning or heat in the vehicle as well as when you arrive you may need to throw something on or take a layer off.

4. Make matching outfits easy. Everyone wants to bring options so that they can pick and choose what they want when they get there (that is, after you have narrowed it down a little with Tip # 2) Stick to a color pallet that is easy to mix and match. Colors like black, khaki, and white, and denim are your go-to basics and separates can be in other colors and prints to liven up your look.

5. Accessorize after you arrive. Leave your old jewelery that your tired with anyway at home. Not only do you get to re-accessorize your wardrobe to rejuvenate it, but you give yourself another excuse to go shopping for some local finds which you can bring back with you as souvenirs! (If you must bring a few basic jewels in case you have some attachment in which you can't live without them, then by all means do so).

6. Find the most flattering swimsuit. Don't underestimate the power of good swimwear. The right suit will give you enough confidence to strut down the beach looking your best, no matter your body shape. Settling for second best is unacceptable. Shoo around until you find the right one for you.

7. Mountain Gear can be sexy too. While the down parka and ski boots may not be the most slimming of accessories, there is a way to look cute while you're outdoors in cold weather.
Lace up some tall boots over legwarmers and leggings and pair a long t-shirt with a sweater or hoodie for a cute, casual and weather appropriate look. Stay warm with some stylish scarves and beanies to mix and match.

8. Dress like yourself. Vacations may seem like the ideal time to experiment with a new look considering the public there won't know the difference, but don't diverge too far away from your individual taste. Not only will you feel like you are playing a character, but with the new clothes you buy, you may not feel comfortable wearing them when you do come back to the everyday you.

Color Me Gorgeous! Oscars 2010

So I'm sure many of you watched the 82nd Annual Oscars this past Sunday! The most beautiful and popular stars were out to shine on the red carpet and everyone was on the edge of their seats to find out who was going to be a big winner. Sure enough, there were some surpirises and some very lucky nominees. But the most exciting part for me was to see what everyone was wearing. You've heard me talk about blue being the color for spring this year and it was definitely well represented on the red carpet. We also saw several red dresses, which will be a big color for fall 2010. Here are some of the best looks:

BLUES

REDS

Outfit Inspiration: Blazer

-Dress from Gossip

-Express blazer

-Target boots

-Nordstrom hose

Outfit Inspiration: Casual Chic

Sometimes I just want to be super comfortable without looking sloppy. What could be more comfortable than leggings and Uggs? Style them up in your own way and you've achieved the best of both worlds.

-Dress from Marshall's (or somewhere like that)

-Sweater from Target

-Thrifted belt from Goodwill

-Forever21 leggings

-Ugg boots

Outfit Inspiration: Sassy Professional

It's been months since I've done an outfit post. My camera was being held hostage in Connecticut for a while but it's back now. I have some more outfits coming too. Enjoy!

-BP brand turtleneck from Nordstrom

-J. Crew necklace

-Thrifted skirt from Twig in Old Town

-Donna Karen hosiery (the best!)

-Bandolino boots

New Trend: Key Necklaces

Tiffany & Co. wants you to unlock your personal style with their new collection...key necklaces!

The collection includes an array of fanciful designs: medallion-shaped keys that promise access to wondrous places, romantic heart shaped keys for lovers, flower-topped keys that are graceful and femenine, and luxurious keys set with sparkling diamonds. Silver and gold, these beauties are sure to catch everyone's eye this coming season. Worn alone or layered, these keys are innately chic , for the keepers of secrets to know and for the curious to imagine. Pick your lock-breaking beauty today!

Can I Have You, Jimmy Choo?

All I have to say is Jimmy Choo has done it again! The latest 24/7 Collection has made the Perfect Pump, Perfect Flat, Perfect Peep-Toe and Perfect Sandal so much so that you feel like a star when they are on your feet! Not only do these shoe styles exhibit the womanly foot in its prime appeal, but they come in different colors and finishes to allow you to wear them from day to night. The versatile beauties that these are, most can be paired with jeans for a chic day outfit or glammed up with a cocktail dress to be flirty and fun. Most styles come in solids, patent leather, metallic, or textured with shine to fit any lifestyle. So to buying a Jimmy Choo shoe from this collection would be like buying a great basic that can be paired with many outfits to rejuvenate your wardrobe and make everything you have in your closet feel like new. Here below I have listed all the styles and my suggestions as to what to pair them with for the ultimate way to show off your Choo shoes...take a look!

CLUE

This is your most basic, anytime kind of shoe. Dresses (bare legged), skinny/ boot cut jeans, leggings all go with this. It would be the clothes that would dictate if it were for daywear or eveningwear...the choice is yours with this peeptoe slingback!

FINLAY
Flats like these are mostly casual, daywear. Comfortable for running around in on busy days you can pair these with any cut of a jean or leggings and a dress/skirt. Tights will go with these too for another option to keep those legs conservative and cute under a skirt or dress.

GLENYS

The best celebutante shoe out there: the cage heels. For eveningwear mostly, this would look best with a short cocktail dress (tighter if you are younger) for a night out on the town. Can also be paired with skinny jeans or leggings for a less dressy look but the ultimate go-to shoe when you want attention all on you!

LACE
I can see this best with professional business wear, like a pencil skirt and blazer or a office worthy dress. If worn, sheer toe-less hose is a must because it would violate the beauty of the shoes to see the tights covering your toes! Alternately, this could be a more conservative look to go with a formal dress. Depending on the style of the dress and the wearer's age, this could be classically beautiful with a floor or knee length gown.

LANCE

Here is the shoe that will make you feel like a Greek goddess. Like the LACE, it can be similarly paired with your best work attire and formal wear. The slimly-wrapped leather straps set this shoe style apart from most other heeled sandals and look elegantly timeless.


LEWIS
Appropriately called the Perfect Pump, this is another everywhere kind of shoe. Wear them to work peeping out from under your slacks or with a dress suit, or wear out to dinner with dark wash jeans and a dressy top. All the more personality comes from the leopard pattern that are featured here. Just don't overdo the animal print if you go for this and pair with solids to bring life to a neutral color ( ex: black, white, tan).
PRIVATE
Almost looks like a ankle bootie with cutouts, this shoe is edgy and requires a trend-setter mentality to pull off. This also does not allow the wearer to wear tights since you can't really hide much with them. Wear these only with leg conforming bottoms like leggings or skinny jeans and bare legged under skirts and dresses.

QUIET
The name of these is pretty much the exact opposite of what I think when I look at them. These are loud and proud, the tallest and boldest in the collection. These can be combined with jeans of all cuts (just make sure they are long enough to cover at least 3/4 of the heel) and if you're daring enough, all skirts and dresses too. The shorter the skirt, the sexier, but use your own discretion because you want to look sexy but in a classy way.


LOCKETT
The most coservative of all, this pointy mid-heel shoe is best for the corporate woman with businesswear like the LEWIS. I would also reccommend it for taller women who feel like they don't want to tower over others but still want a dressier shoe. Being closed up all around, anything goes when pairing these with your wardrobe for a chic and put-together look.

Wow Your V-Day Date

Guess what? February 14th is just around the corner! Time to make those reservations at a fancy restaurant, RSVP to that party, or make any other plans that will make your night oh so romantic. On a night when "love is in the air," you may be wondering what you should wear to impress your lover? Here are some helpful suggestions of outfits that will to make your V-day date feel like Cupid shot them through the heart... (stores listed below)


~SEXY LOOKS~

Bebe Forever 21 Charlotte Russe Guess



~SWEET LOOKS~


Forever 21 Arden B Kohl's BCBG Max Azria

Loving Right Now: Trenchcoats

Something that I just can't seem to get enough of: Trench Coats. This timeless and classic springtime must-have just always seems to be making a comeback every year. This year there has been more of a play with colors. The color selection has expanded past the traditional black or khaki which is beginning to become a bit cliche. Instead be unconventional and go for white, blue, green, red, pink or various patterned ones. Good places to hunt are Express, GUESS, or Banana Republic. This should be any and every woman's go-to outerwear on the days you need something to go over anything from everyday jeans and a t-shirt to cocktail dresses for evening. Take a look below at some of my favorites:

Golden Globe Take-Away Trend: Nude Dresses

Golden Globe style is always a great forecast for spring. One of my favorite trends was the nude dresses many celebrities wore. Here are some of my favorites. And my overall favorite: Zoe Saldana. Love the color, tiers and ruffles of her gorgeous dress.'