Orange Is the New Black

Prabal Gurung Fall '15 - Fernanda Calfat/Getty Images North America

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Orange you glad summer's almost over? No? You're right, no. Definitely no. But judging by what designers sent down the Fall '15 runways and the palpable (make that pulpable) buzz surrounding the season's juiciest colour, looks like we'll be able to take some colour comfort for the new season. 

No shade stood out so vibrantly for fall as orange. I'm talking in yo face, unapologetic, orange.  Designers like Derek Lam, Jill Stuart, and Prabal Gurung splashed their collections with the vibrant shade and fall looked far brighter for it. Orange was shown mostly head-to-toe on the runway, but the shade looked especially wearable when mixed with tan & black, with bright white or even, surprisingly, with merlot.

You might not be super stoked for fall but remember fellow stylistas, shopping makes everything better. Get your dose of Vitamin C here with my top orange picks to wear now and all the way into fall. 

READ MORE...

3 Reasons You Need a Shirtdress This Summer

via Stockholm Street Style

Originally posted in The CLOSET

If I was stuck in a heatwave (which we are), and had to choose only one item of clothing to wear (which I sincerely hope to never, ever have to do), I would always choose the dress. I love dresses. I live in dresses. And when it comes to helping my clients choose their dream summer wardrobes, dresses are always part of the equation.

While my obsessions come and go, I always come back to the classic shirtdress. It's easy to throw on, it's flattering on almost every figure, and always looks super chic. The menswear-inspired piece is inherently cool on its own of course, but as some of my fave street stylers have proven time and time again, it's all about choosing the right accessories to make the outfit epic.

See 3 cute & compelling cases for the shirtdress below. Stay cool (even though you already are....)

READ MORE...

If You Like Piña Coladas...

via H&M

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Dressing down has never been my strong suit. Picture me, as a 6 year-old, at the beach, in my sparkly bathing suit, with my ruffled plaid purse slung over my shoulder (yes, it was as awesome as it sounds). You could not rip that thing off me no matter how big the waves got or how hard my parents tried. And boy did they try. I couldn't help myself, I was born to accessorize. And yet, I've witnessed more blinged-out beach babes and foundation-plastered trophy wives at the gym than I care to count. So, over the years, through trial and error, I've learned the art of subtlety when it comes to casual style. The goal (always and forever) is looking like you care, but not too much. Never too much. 

Whether you plan on hitting the beach, cottage or pool-deck this summer, swimwear is way more than just swimsuits. If you're like me, you probably spend 86% of your time out of the water with your perfectly-pedicured feet planted firmly on solid ground. Whether lounging on a chaise reading a smutty beach read or making sand castles with your littles, a banging beach wardrobe is within your reach. From sunnies to cover-ups to an Instagram-ready beach towel, the stores are stocked with pretty finds to make your next trip to the water may more stylish. 

Want to make a big splash this summer? You'll be the belle of the beach in these sweet summer finds...

SEE MY PICKS HERE...

SUMMER STYLE CLASS | 3 Must-Try Trends

via Stradivarius

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Summer is nearly here and while I've been lusting after the season's top trends for months now, many of them haven't felt all that feasible until now. I mean, busting out floral shorts on a frigid day just didn't seem right. And all that girly gingham really only makes sense during picnic weather.

For Spring '15, designers sent loads of tempting trends down the runways but as we all know, so many of them look better in performance than in practice. Luckily this summer, it's easy for even the most cautious dressers to diffuse the big trends down into outfits you can actually wear. 

Florals can feel too precious but the right blooms make for the perfect summer look. I'm loving the floral high-waisted shorts at H&M right now - add a chic white shirt and block-heeled city sandals and you're good to go for the Best Lunch-Date Look Ever.

The Seventies has been the biggest trend of the season so far but I like my disco-era in small doses. You dig? Round sunglasses, wooden accents and clean, pale denim feel like just enough to give off the right vibe. I'll be rocking summer's must-wear shirt - the short-sleeved chambray shirt - with my white girlfriend jeans and easy slides (another huge summer trend, btw).

And while stripes are a perpetual summer staple, the most fresh print of summer is gingham. The picnic print is back in a big way and will ensure you'll look right on point this season. I love the idea of a sweet gingham dress worn with sneakers or gladiators. I've shown a mildly risky pair but if you feel like pushing it even further, I'd highly recommend a pair of super tall gladiators this summer. 

Check out the looks below for some hot-weather style inspiration. Happy (summer) shopping! 

READ MORE...

R.S.V.PERFECT | Be the Best-Dressed Wedding Guest

A floral stunner from the ELLE by RW&CO. Collection via RW&CO.

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Wedding season is upon us (does it ever actually end?) and while you might have RSVP'd and ticked off her registry list, you might not know what on earth you're going to wear. It's stressful. I mean, you want to look amazing because, we all do. You'll likely see some people you haven't seen in awhile and of course, you want to look your best for the bride and groom's big day. But do you play it safe? Or go bright? Plus there's that nasty budget to contend with. And then there are the shoes, and the clutch, and the jewelry, too. Oh, and hair and makeup. Phew. 

If you're not in the wedding party, remember this: the pressure's officially off. No speeches or showers or wedding to-do's, you just have to show up looking cute. That's all. I've rounded up some pretty ideas for you to try out if you're currently looking for some wedding day inspo. I've gone beyond the LBD with some fun little finds for you. Enjoy and happy wedding season to you!

READ MORE...