As we talked about yesterday, THE look of right now is beautifully minimal.  This isn't just about working-girl wear, though it will score you some serious points with your hard-to-impress boss - you'll also start to notice that the most stylish red-carpet starlets are steering clear of Texas prom-queen glitter and heading into simple, sophisticated sheaths.  I love the beautiful simplicity of this look from Céline's spring collection.  Instead of a white shirt (which, if you don't have one or two already, is a perennial staple that you can never have too many of), I've decided to pair a basic black pencil skirt from Jacob with a kimono-esque jacket from H&M.  These wedge heels from American Eagle add just the right amount of texture to a very sleek look and you can wear them with everything from now until Labour Day.  Real Life Runway Tip:  When the mercury soars, replace the jacket with a black or white tank or tee (with a hint of Lycra) and you'll have yourself an entirely different but equally chic look.  You see?  Easy does it, doesn't it?!

Spring Cleaning

Céline, Spring 2010 - photos courtesy style.com  

Spring is a time of renewal, of fresh starts, and of cleaning house to start the season off on the right note.  Perhaps the biggest surprise of all at the spring collections was Phoebe Philo's stunningly simple collection for Céline.  She has all but replaced Calvin Klein as the new go-to designer for minimalist chic with her clean, streamlined looks.  And, in a world full of chaos and confusion, her simple designs were like a breath of fresh, spring air.  The new minimalist look is fuss-free dressing at its best:  think form-fitting, stretchy shirts paired with pencil skirts, crisp white shirts cut to look anything but standard-issue and refined leather pieces to provide beautiful interest and texture.

How about accessories?  Her classic shoulder bag pictured above has become the 'it' bag of choice right now for models, editors and the fashion elite, but at $2,400 U.S a pop?  Hmm...that complicates things a little bit.  Ramen noodles anyone?  Luckily, my stylish ones, we won't have to Old Mother Hubbard our way into summer to achieve minimalist nirvana with all of the chic and cheap options out there.

Real Life Runway Tip:  This look is undoubtedly on the prim and proper side so take a bit of extra time while catching up on the latest episode of Glee to steam and iron your pieces to perfection.  Hit up the mall for some neutral (black, white, tan) body-conscious shirts with a hint of stretch (I would even try the Bay's body-wear department), find a good belt with a simple closure and then pull out all of your closet's classic, neutral basics.  Keep your hair sleek and neat by sporting a low chignon or keep hair off the face with a simple black headband.  Your only other requirement?  A sparkling personality, of course.  Chic, my darlings, should never, ever be boring.

Take a look at some of my simply fabulous favourites:

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Mom Love

 

Mother's Day is this Sunday and I can't believe I've already been a mom for almost two years.  Having children definitely gives you a profound new respect for all of the things your mother did for you over the years.  You realize the sacrifices that were made, you understand how no matter what, she only ever wanted the best for you and you completely get how it really is the little things your parents do that make all the difference.  My mom is the most incredible woman I know and continues to amaze me every day.  With her it was always croque-monsieurs, never grilled cheese, it was beautiful paper napkins in our lunch bags instead of paper towels, it was adventures to the grocery store instead of just running errands and spontaneous dancing with my dad in the kitchen while getting dinner ready.  My mom is always the one singing in harmony and doing crazy things like trying out for the opera, 'just for fun'.  She is beautiful and warm and kind and a little bit wild and if I can be half the mom she has been, my kids will be very lucky.  Though 'thank you' seems so incredibly inadequate, thank you mom for everything you've done and continue to do for us.  Thank you for teaching us the importance of laughter, for showing us to approach every day with verve and enthusiasm and for always loving us so very unconditionally. We love you!  xoxo

The Darling Buds of May

Rochas, Stella McCartney and Erdem, Spring 2010 - photos courtesy style.com 

Beautiful buds have popped up everywhere this spring, from bold, bright sprays of flowers to tiny, dainty prints, from impressionistic renderings to true-to-life.  From clutches to shoes to headwraps to ultra-femme frocks, flowers are making a lasting impression on everything this season.  I love that the floral print has finally broken free of its mold, no longer willing to be typecast as the sweet girl-next-door Betty, constantly overshadowed by her bad-ass bud, Veronica.  The florals at Rochas, Stella McCartney and Erdem perfectly demonstrate how versatile and downright sexy the flower can really be.  And now that April showers have finally exited stage left, it's the perfect time to indulge in a few May flowers of your own. 

These pretty finds will have you tiptoeing through the tulips just in time for the warm weather (Cute gardener not included):

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Party in Johanna's Pants

Boyfriend Blazer - Repurposed, circa 1992

Cami - Calvin Klein

Jeans - Joe Fresh Style

Necklace - Madewell

Wedge Espadrilles - Guess

Nailpolish - Lincoln Park After Dark by OPI

Jo is one of those women who knows how to look chic with seemingly little effort.  She's my older sister and a mom of two but when we're together, people often ask which of us is older.  She 'styled' me for my first school dance, would show me just the right way to haphazardly rip my jeans and has always had a Rachel Zoe-worthy closet.  The best part about Jo's approach to fashion is that she has that knack of being able to pick out something that looks extremely expensive, only to proclaim without the slightest hesitation, "I got it at Winners!"  Though she absolutely splurges on the occasional fine handbag, shoe or bauble, she does so with discretion and is the master (mistress?) of mixing high with low, never compromising on style.  I love her conviction in wearing these coral jeans from Joe, despite her husband's constant good-natured mocking.  Love you, Bella Sorella.  I will continue to coerce her to dress up, follow me into random alleys and let me take pictures of her for Real Life Runway so you can all be inspired by her style.  After all, isn't that what sisters are for?