Everyone's talking about the 'new neutrals' this year, but what is it that makes them new and what classifies them as neutral?  As for the 'new' part, what makes wearing neutrals current and exciting is by mixing and layering neutrals with different textures and, as you can see by this look from Pucci, there is nothing even remotely boring about it.  And what makes a neutral?  The obvious whites, tans, taupes and greys still classify but metallics are fast becoming the neutral of choice.  On paper, a sequined, gold blazer sounds right at home at a Dynasty fan-club convention.  In practice, however, it can look stunning when paired with subtle whites and tans, as long as you keep the hairspray and accessories to an absolute minimum.  I chose this pretty statement cardi from Anthropologie as a super chic alternative to the blazer and love the idea that it can be worn from now until the eggnog flows (imagine it layered over a flouncy red party frock).  That, my friends, is called 'Justification 101'.  Real Life Runway Tip:  If you're of the short-hating variety, replace these white shorts with tailored white pants and you'll immediately give yourself the option of bringing this look from bevvies to boardroom.  I've said it before but I'll say it again, don't forget to wear nude, seamless underwear under white, unless you want to pull an Alexis Carrington and divulge all of your secrets.

 Summertime is all about being as carefree, uninhibited and, of course, stylish as possible.  No longer covered up by heavy parkas and boots, the coming months leave us blissfully free to leave the house to enjoy the beach, park or patio wearing nothing more than a pretty dress and cute shoes.   Wedges, especially those with cork, wood or rope soles are one the best shoe options to indulge in this season.  Sexier than a flat and more practical than a pump, the wedge allows you to be a few inches taller without sacrificing your ability to walk.  And that, as Martha Stewart has always said, is a very good thing.  

Joe Fresh for even Less

Have you visited the Real Life Runway Facebook page lately?  Become a RLR fan and gain special access to coupons, discounts and insider tips.  Today's find?  $10 off at Joe Fresh when you spend a minimum of $50 between now and June 15th!  Just click on my Facebook link to the left to download this sweet deal.  Happy Friday everyone!

Canada's Answer to Target

Okay, so first I told you start shopping at Sears.  Next, I told you that Joe Fresh is one of my fave shopping destinations.  But Zellers?  For reals?  I can be a bit of a snob sometimes but I never like to shut the door on a potentially fab find because of deeply entrenched (and often totally wrong) perceptions.  If you and your friends are like me, I get really, really excited to make the trip to the States and set my GPS to the closest Target.  I see the red and white sign and my heart starts beating a little faster, my wallet quivers in my purse and I sit poised on the edge of my seat, ready to jump out and attack.  I walked into Zellers the other day and pretended that it was a Target.  Instead of trying to shield my eyes from the meatloaf and pie special at the Zellers restaurant, I focused instead on their adorable assortment of stationery.   Did you know that they have a sweet selection of greeting cards?  Instead of scoffing at the fluorescent lighting and unfortunate boxed bras, I perused the cosmetic aisle and found some seriously impressive deals.  I needed a new duvet cover and was so excited to see their Alfred Sung line of bedding which is incredibly current and chic.  The main reason for my visit, though, was to check out the PURE Alfred Sung line that's sold exclusively at Zellers which I'd heard was fashion-forward, excellent quality and too reasonable to pass up.  I was not at all disappointed.  Cute trenches, pretty pink blazers, sweet metallic ballet flats and comfy leggings beckoned me into the change room.  I took one look and decided to take my pretty finds directly home without a try-on instead.  Sorry Zellers, I'll be your friend but fat mirrors are not good for any girl's psyche.  Next time you pass a Zellers, head on in and check out PURE Alfred Sung.  I still love Target but I'm thrilled to have found a worthy Canadian rival without having to contend with power-tripping border guards.

Excuse me miss, but i can see your Spanx

DKNY, Giorgio Armani, Prada and DKNY, Spring 2010 - photos courtesy style.com  

Like many of you, I was appalled when Britney was going through her drunken, chicken-fried phase a few years ago and continuously flashed her private bits to the paps while exiting her chauffeur-driven car.  It was a serious cry for help.  Now, if wearing bike shorts had been au-courant back then, we may never have had to endure her indecent exposures.  I cannot think of any other good reason for the current trend.  Respectable designers like Armani, Donna Karan and Miuccia Prada purposely exposed Spanx and bike shorts from beneath skirts and shorts and have tried with all their might to make the trend catch, even going as far as giving the green light to wearing them solo.  With bikes being a responsibly green way of getting from point A to B, I suppose it was only a matter of time before runways mimicked reality and tapped into bicycle culture.  I personally feel that if your skirt is that short and your gams can't handle the exposure, get a longer skirt.  Once again, however, I feel a little torn because the hot pink numbers peeking out from shorts at DKNY were pretty cute.  How do you feel about bike shorts?  Are they best left to couriers and Lance Armstrong or worthy of serious fashion consideration?  Discuss.