Get Ready for Spring 2012 Fashion Trends

BRIGHTS & NEON

Carlos Miele, Oscar de la Renta

LOVELY PASTELS

Reem Acra, Elie Saab

 CROPPED PANTS & ANKLE STRAPS

Givenchy

Jill Stuart, MaxMara

 TECHNO GRAPHICS

Milly

 POPPIN FLORALS

Tracy Reese

 SHEERS, WHITE & COLORBLOCK

Chado Ralph Rucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs

 TANGERINE TANGO

Carlos Miele, Naeem Khan

photos/style.com

Style Inspiration: Winter White + Animal Print

Weekend style for me is very casual and easy.  Whether running errands or spending the afternoon with my family, I'm usually in leggings, jeggings or knit pants.  This time of year, I love wearing them with riding boots and ankle booties.  Call me crazy.  Despite the lack of snow and 70 degree temps, it's still winter and my only chance to wear 'em.

Off to lunch with my guys...  It's what we look forward to every weekend.  Between trips to the Lego store and lunching, I think it's a close tie.

Dressing for the season here is much lighter than most.  The extent of our winter means dealing with the "Santa Ana" winds.  I'm loving this animal print jacket from H&M.  I think it scares my husband and son just a bit, but it's me.  Not much else needed when you've got a standout piece.  So, the rest of the outfit was very subtle.  It's been years since I've worn a turtleneck, but have really embraced it this season.  It's timeless and the color on this sweater is so pretty.  Wedges are a favorite.  Anything that adds 4" to my height, I'm a huge fan.  I can spend hours in them and my toes are good.  Looove these MICHAEL by Michael Kors.  The oversized clutch was a chic alternative for day.  A fabulous gift from hubby.







When: Jan 28th

Where: Around Town, Lunch

What:
Animal Print Jacket: H&M
Turtleneck Sweater: French Connection
Knit Pants: Joe's Jeans
Chrono Watch: Michael Kors
Leather Suede Wedge Boots: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Black Leather Clutch: Pour la Victoire

Fabulous for Less Under $250: Dinner With My Valentine

I love the romance of Valentine's Day.  Do we really need a holiday to celebrate our love?  No, but getting dressed up for a night out isn't so bad either.  Each year, we take our son to his favorite place-usually one that serves mac n cheese.  For us, it's pretty low-key.  But I still like to dress for the occasion.

Doing a family dinner is a little different than a couples night.  It's important to find a happy balance between sexy and appropriate. Either way you go, I think this MANGO dress has it.

  

Get the Look:  I love how it feels classic yet oozes sex appeal.  Throw in a super-flattering v-neck, curve-hugging silhouette, and flirty length...  Gorgeous!!!  Silver or gold accessories with this.  I like pieces that feel both modern and edgy like this two-tone ring, gold hammered cuff, and spiked earrings from ASOS.  Peep-toes are super flirty and a chic patent clutch is perfect for all your little things.

Note: For wet or snowy evenings, pair with black tights and ankle booties in black leather or fabulous leopard.

"Dinner With My Valentine"

MANGO Wrapped Dress $79.99
ASOS Spike Drop Earrings $10.74
Zad Sun Temple Gold Cuff $18
Giles & Brother Dresser Gold-Plated
Rhodium-Effect Ring $30.25 (sale)
Sondra Roberts Patent Clutch $48.95
MANGO Leather Peep-Toe $54.99 (sale)
(Total $242.92)

H&M Trend Guide for Mens and Womens SS12

Seems odd we're thinking spring in the midst of all this rain and snow.  But there's definitely some fun trends to look forward to this season.

Here's a great video from H&M of what's to come for Spring/Summer 2012.


"It's much more about a grown-up look; more about a well-dressed look.  It doesn't have to be sharp.  It can still be very soft and fluid and feminine.  But it is a cleaner look and more tailored."    ~Ann-Sofie Johannson, Head of Design H&M





















"The must-have for this season is a functional jacket.  You need to have a parka or an anorak.  I think the most different thing this season compared to last one is the use of color in menswear.  And also, the mix between the tailored look and the functional look."

~Ann-Sofie Johannson, Head of Design H&M

Style Inspiration: Morning Splash

Seeing these photos brings me right back to that morning.  There was the slightest breeze and stunningly clear waters.  We were on our way to breakfast, but decided to take a quick detour to the beach to grab these shots.

"Mom, are we doing another style inspiration?" Our son likes to tease, but he's also incredibly understanding for a 9-year-old.  His easy "go with the flow" nature has been such a blessing.  Never a fuss-so patient and just happily playing nearby.  Our boy.

I packed so many different options for this trip; printed dresses, bright little skirts, and shorts.  I think a beautiful caftan is such a must for a beachy destination.  The minute I spotted this piece on ideeli.com I knew it was vacation bound.  The embroidery and crochet detail is so intricate with frilly sleeves that tie at the bottom.  Accessories were very natural and fun.  I love the contrast of this stone ring next to my dress.  And the studded bag gave it just a touch of island glamour.






When: Jan 10th

Where: Lahaina, Maui; our resort

What:
Marigold Caftan Dress: ideeli.com
Oversized Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Leather Studded Hobo: Sara Berman
Cross Heart Stack Ring, Gold Stone Ring: Rachel Rachel Roy, Mango
Stacked Wooden Bangles: Wanderlust

Style Inspiration: Breakfast in Paradise

Hello All!  I'm so thrilled to be back and thankful to Theraflu for getting me through this past week.  Despite getting terribly sick the last two days of our vacation, Maui was amazzzing.

We stayed on the west side of the island this time in Lahaina.  I don't think it matters much which area you visit, Maui is such an inspiring place to be.  Waking up to the ocean; taking in the vegetation and gorgeous colors... I fall in love every time. And even in January, we couldn't have asked for more perfect weather.  It truly is paradise.

Our first morning, we were all up at 5am waiting for the sun to rise.  It's unusual for me to ever see this time of day-guess we were too excited to explore.  My husband shot these pics right before heading off to breakfast at nearby Whalers Village.  It's a nice short walk from our resort and a great place to stock up on extras for the day.





When: Jan 9th

Where: Lahaina, Maui; our resort

What:
Sheer Navy Top: Rennes
Colored Denim Shorts: Zara
Wooden Gold Bead Necklace: Wanderlust
Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Leather Crossbody Bag: ASOS
Two-tone Watch: Micheal Kors
Leather Gladiator Sandals: DV by Dolce Vita
Straw Fedora: purchased in Santa Monica, Third Street Promenade
Gold Bead & Friendship Bracelets: Shashi, assorted

A Winter Wonderland Holiday

Sometimes, it's the little things... Just a sled and snowy hill; visiting family and a new puppy was all it took to make this one of the most memorable Christmas' ever.

I haven't gone sledding since grade school.  It felt so freeing to be a kid again with our boy.  Grandma and Dad enjoyed themselves too.  We also met my little niece for the very first time.  She's the sweetest thing; love those pretty brown eyes.  And my parents' puppy was a sweet surprise.  It wasn't easy saying "goodbye" to him.  But the best  was having snow for the holidays.  Just perfect!!

Here's a "postcard" from our travels to Grandma and Grandpas.

Steal of the Day: Vacation Style by H&M

Just back from a snow-filled holiday vacation...  Soon, we'll be off to a warmer destination and will be packing much lighter.  How perfect are these pieces from H&M? The acidy knit top would make such a cute topper for a bikini or swimsuit. And love the striped jersey dress for a casual lunch or just around town. What a steal!!!





Sleevless Knit Top $39.95

Short Jersey Drawstring Dress $12.95