The Bralette Makes a Comeback

Solange Knowles dons a Nina Ricci bralette - Photo via the London Evening Standard

Just flew in from Puerto Rrrrrico for a friend's wedding where we ate, drank, and actually managed to truly relax.  Though our little beach vacay meant that I had to miss most of Toronto Fashion Week (aka World Mastercard Fashion Week), it was a badly-needed break.  While drinking my piña coladas, I couldn't help but notice how well the Puerto Rican women take care of themselves - I'm talking women in their 40's, 50's and beyond looking better and more buff than most women I know in their 20's and 30's.  Thanks to the mamasitas, I'm posting this pic of Solange Knowles today in one of spring's most daring trends - the bralette top.  Worn with a high-waisted pencil skirt (and often under a little jacket), the bralet comes in many forms, from the super-revealing (see above) to much more PG-13 versions.  The key to looking terrific, not trashy?  Only your upper abs should be on display (read: NO exposed buttons, por favor).  The weather's certainly ready for it, but are you ready to wear the bralette top this spring?  I for one, am still completely on the fence.

Off to do some laundry (and about a million crunches)

xo

Pattern Play

1. Feather Chiffon Skirt, $24.90, Garage; 2. Bird Print Blouse, $27, Smart Set; 3. Bird Print Scarf, $17, Smart Set; 4. Sleeveless Crepe Blouse, $29.95, H&M; 5. Feather Scarf, $19.90, Dynamite

1. Geometric Cradle Bag, American Eagle Outfitters, $20; 2. Aztec Fringed Scarf, $12.90, Garage; 3. Dolman-Sleeved Tee, $22.90, Garage; 4. Dollhouse Wedges, $39.99, Journeys; 5. Tribal Bandeau Bikini, Aerie; 6. Geo Printed Tiered Skirt, Aeropostale; 7. Putamayo World Music CD: Mexico, $14.99, Green Earth; 8. Belt, Ardene

1. Preen Pixelated Peep-Toe, $175, ALDO; 2. Pencil Skirt, $59.95, H&M; 3. Kate & Mel Espadrilles, $59.95,Town Shoes; 4. Floral Printed Dress, $86, Cleo; 5. Printed Stretch Trousers, $17.95, H&M

1. Kristin Embossed Python Cross-Body Bag, $238, Coach; 2. Python iPad Case, $39, Danier; 3. Printed Blouse, $34.95, H&M; 4. Python Pumps, $110, Guess; 5. Python Bucket Bag, $52, Cleo; 6. Double-Weave Snake Print Pants, $99.95, Le Château

With all of the prints out there, we often avoid them altogether in case we get it wrong.  Well fear not, my budding print-cesses - once you've played with all of this spring's prettiest prints, you'll wonder why you didn't embrace pattern sooner.   Whether you wear these prints as an accent or go full-blown floral from tip to toe, make sure the print speaks to you.  After all, if nothing else, prints are highly personal.

Bird Prints - Let pics of our feathered friends add some interest to basic separates.  Think bird prints are a juvenile trend?  Even Christopher Bailey from Burberry incorporated owls into his Fall 2012 collection. Whoo-hoot!

Aztec Influences - Look to the eclectic prints of Mexico for an instant update to your spring wardrobe.  (Margaritas optional)

Pixelated Florals - Flowers go futuristic this spring, with oversized buds and graphic florals taking over.

Python Prints - The reptile trend is still going strong.  If you've already mastered neutral python prints, look for snake prints in bright colours or pastels to look extra current

Other big prints for spring?  Hawaiian/tropical florals, paisley (yes, it's back!) and tribal, African-inspired patterns.  Stripes, as always, are still totally chic.  Glad to see some things never change!

Ashley Bridges the Gap

Sweater: Collective Concepts at Winners, Scarf: H&M, Black Leggings: Joe Fresh, Biker Boots: ALDO, Brown Leather Purse: Coach.  

We're right in the middle of that not-quite-winter, not-quite-spring season, with the mercury rising and falling like my emotions (right, James?) What's a girl to wear when even Mother Nature can't make up her mind?  I love Ashley's easy-chic, layered look - the perfect transitional outfit for right now.  A pair of leggings, some great moto boots, a slouchy sweater and a printed scarf will help you expertly navigate the weirdness of the weather. Be sure to sport a fit-for-public-consumption tee or long-sleeved top underneath for warm afternoons.  Thanks, sweet Ashley!  xo

RLR Must: Garnier B.B. Cream

Photo courtesy Garnier

A long, long time ago, I would leave the house without a stitch of makeup on.  My skin was radiant, there wasn't a fine line in sight and makeup, to me, just seemed like a time-wasting nuisance.  Several years and a few kids later and the sun, stress and sleepless nights have all taken their toll on my once-radiant face. 

I've been hearing the rumblings of Asia's best-kept beauty secret for years and was dying to try out the 'miracle cream' that so many women all over the world swear by.  B.B. Creams (B.B = Beauty or Blemish Balm) claim to even, correct, brighten, protect (with SPF) and hydrate all at once, so where we once needed four products, we now only need one.  Since the product is new to Canada, I got in touch with Garnier to send me a sample of their brand new B.B. to test-drive.

In a word?  Miraculous.  It sits somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and foundation in terms of coverage so it's sheer enough to look natural but still provide coverage.  It makes you look radiant (thanks to the Vitamin C & Caffeine), glowy and healthy and takes literally 30 seconds to apply.  It won't entirely cover blemishes or really dark spots  (so you'll still need a concealer for that) but it's the best solution I've found so far for a quick & easy facelift when you only have 5 minutes to get out the door, 

Are lack of sleep and lack of time making you feel a little lacklustre, too?  Enter on my Facebook page to win your own bottle of Garnier's B.B. Cream.  I'm telling you, it's a total game-changer. 

Totally Shade-y

These Retro-Inspired Sunglasses ($19 each) from Joe Fresh are a super fun way to shake up your spring style. I love the coloured lenses and the '70s vibe of these shades and imagine wearing them with a pair of sleek black trousers, a crisp white shirt and a tan trench coat.  Throw on these sweet shades,  then let the sweet sounds of Barry White fill your head as you shuffle your way down the street.  My first, my last, my everythiiiing...