Chic Travel: Luggage

Known for her infamous creation, the wrap dress, Diane Von Furstenberg is quintessentially one of the most sought after designers for her elegant and chic collections.

Simple lines, innovative textures, playful colors and classic structure make DVF's designs a definite must in every stylish woman's wardrobe.

As every stylish woman must own a classic wrap dress...every woman wants to travel with style.

• Stand out in a sea of black and never have your luggage anxiously snatched up by a hurried passenger only to be replaced back on the never ending carousel featuring total lack of whimsy.

• This expandable metallic pewter case is unexpected and very chic! Cool lines, simple statement and standout color make it a staple choice for luggage.

• Even the interior is fabulous with earth tone DVF logo jacquard, removable hanging bag and dividers for jewelry, toiletries, and accessories.

• Typically I shy away from colored luggage because so often it looks childish or cheap...certainly not the effect here. Though made of faux leather it will withstand time with reinforced leather trim and brass hardware.

Transcend travel in style!

Ciao'

DVF Sexy Metal 25" Expandable Rolling Case $229.99 (on sale from $475!!!)

Pretty Prints

You know the first time you hear a new song by Beyonce...not always a big fan until I hear it at least 2 more times and then miraculously I can't get the song out of my head.

Much like a new song...florals are definitely a print that had to grow on me.

I love girly accessories and frilly dresses but I've always believed flowers should stay in a vase and off of my clothes. Until now...

Art deco meets urban chic! Paired with just the right outfit these would be a statement in any crowd of basic pumps.

• Keep your outfit minimal, let the shoes make the statement. Perhaps pair with your LBD, a beige pantsuit or a navy shirtdress.

• Select a bold color bag to accent the shoes...though 80's inspired we don't really want to go back there with dye to match accessories! Choose your favorite color from the shoes or the one that screams "I'm fabulous" the most and wear a bag in that color.
• Afraid of the color...then select a bag that is monochromatic (or from the same color family) as your outfit. Black dress...black bag...floral pumps.

• Jewelry can go either way...minimal or drama. Base your selection on the event, time of day/night and your outfit. Just remember...less is always more! A great cocktail ring, classic watch and chandelier earrings are always appropriately chic.

Look around...florals are budding everywhere. Check out your favorite shops and see if the trend doesn't grow on you!

Ciao'

Jessica Simpson Floral Print Pump $89.00

Trend to Try: Gladiator Sandals

To know me is to know I rarely wear flats. I know so posh...but what can I say I feel more confident in heels. However, I've been gravitating toward a more casual way of thinking and with the latest trends in flat sandals...one can certainly see why!

I love style. I love comfort. I love stylish comfort even more.

Gladiator sandals covered the runways the past couple of seasons and are back again this year...but better.

Found with new textures, fabrics, colors, studs, fringe...gladiators are making a trend worthy statement!

• Metallic Pewter, low wedge and thong toe give this gladiator a modern twist. Paired with anything and everything in your wardrobe from sundresses, jeans and yes to your LBD...these are sure to liven up your wardrobe.

• Silver studs against black leather...need I say more! Perfect for those times you want to add a bit of edge to a basic outfit. Paired perfectly with a feminine dress, jeans, or skinny crops...instant boy meets girl.

• Who ever said you can't wear suede in the summer??? Apparently 'they' didn't tell Kenneth Cole! I love this shoe...the nude color, subtle grommets, ankle strap and thong toe. To me it is understated glamour...a bit more sophisticated than all out glam.

Save your flops for the beach and try a stylish flat sandal instead. Add some drama into your summer wardrobe by selecting the perfect gladiator that best shows off your style and flair! Trust me...mine won't be the only feet happy about this trend!

Ciao'

Madden Girl Kneil Patent $49.95

Madden Girl Skallion Studded Thong $39.95

Kenneth Cole Reaction Gem-nastics $79.00

Great Lengths: Maxi Dress

Inspired by some of my favorite boho muses: Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad, Eva Longoria, and Eva Mendes I thought it was time to feature a glam twist on a maxi dress.

Warmer weather means ditch the boots, sweaters and pea coats and start thinking sandals, dresses and sheer cardigans.

A maxi dress is not necessarily a figure flaunter but if you have great arms or shoulders they can be very elegant.

Paired with flat gladiators or even flops during the day give a boho chic appeal.

At night swap the flops for a coordinating pump, wedge or seriously retro sandal.

For day keep jewelry minimal...you want to appear comfortable and relaxed not overly done.

Night time bring on the glam...load your arm with bangles & wear larger than life chandeliers or hoops. Add a funky cocktail ring, oversize clutch and smokey eyes. You want to look put together or shall I say an elegant boho chic!

• Stylist Tip: If the dress is too long to wear with flats opt for a low wedge or have it hemmed just enough that it skims the floor. There is a fine line of having a too short hem once paired with heels. Best to be a tad short...than trip on your own dress. Not the way you want to enter or exit a room!

• Runway to Realway: Pair your maxi with black bomber jacket...push up the sleeves or one that has 3/4 sleeves. Adds a bit of edge to the feminine lines of a maxi dress.

Whether you're having lunch, going to dinner or just running errands...go to great lengths and opt for a maxi dress!

Ciao'

Nicole Miller Iris Silk Beaded Long Halter Dress $286.20

What to Wear: Lunch with Girlfriends

Meeting some of your favorite gals for lunch...forget boring and be fabulous!

• Ditch your jeans and select an alternative to show off your figure, girly side and express your personality.

• Dresses don't have to be dressy...quite the opposite actually. Dresses easily pair with extreme wedge sandals, funky jewels and a cute side body bag to instantly become a casual day outfit.

• Be unexpected...your friends know what you look like in your old stand by. Surprise and dazzle with a dress!

I love the mix of cobalt, orange, brown and tan in this dress by TBags. Runways were full of boho chic ensembles...pairing delicate dresses with bold colors inspired by the earth with retro wedges and funky bangles.


Not a high wedge gal...pair this dress with tan or metallic gladiator flat or low wedge sandals...uber chic!


Don't be expected...be fabulous!

Ciao'


Tbags Graphic Jersey Keyhole Dress $102.85


Diba Libby T-strap wedge $49.95


Banana Republic Dreamcatcher Earring $24.99


Blu Bijoux Red Mixed Media Stacked Bangles $45.00

Spring Must Have: New Nude Pump

Warmer temperatures...shorter hems. Lengthen your legs with this seasons new nudes.

From the runway to the red carpet to the street its all about pairing nude pumps with the unexpected...bold brights and basic black.

• Invest in a shade that is closest to your natural skin tone for the most lengthening effect.

• Mix with jewel tones, monochromatic beige, white and definitely black.

• Think: Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Katie Holmes and Kate Bosworth.

Shorten your hemline and watch your legs grow with this season's new nude!

Ciao'

Jessica Simpson Lizza $88.95

Trend to Try: Bib Necklace

From the runway to the red carpet bib necklaces are making their way onto the scene of fashion for spring.

Mixed metals of gold and silver give this necklace a lux look without breaking the bank. Paired with a crisp white shirt, bold colors or sheer fabrics this will surely set the stage for your entrance!

Bold coral speaks casual elegance for any spring affair. Paired with this seasons neutrals of nude, gold and brown this will add a pop of color and give your skin a just-returned-from-hiatus-glow!

Shades of jade and amethyst add a touch of neutral glamour to your bold colors and brights. Mix this style with navy, yellows and reds...instantly chic!



So, whether you are neutral, bold or classic...take a cue from accessory reports...hang up your scarf and select yourself a stylish statement.


Ciao'

Nordstrom Link Bib Necklace $88.00

Banana Republic Bold Bib Necklace $69.00

Anthropologie Good Fortune Strands $48.00

Wardrobe Essential: Chain Strap Bag

All wardrobes should include one great bag...Your wardrobe should include at least four.

As previously discussed in Wardrobe Essential: Great Bag your wardrobe will be most complete by owning a day bag, midsized bag, a chain strap bag and an evening bag.

When selecting these bags classic is always fabulous, stylish and and in season.

Realistically we all can't run to Saks and snatch up the latest Chanel 2.55 in lux carbon leather so we search for a great find that matches our budget. On that search for a client I found this incredible bag...so I just had to gab!

• Classic lines and structure: give this bag staying power in years to come. As part of your essentials, being free from frills such as tassels, fringe or studs it will always be in season.
• Minimal logo: Often times lower end designer bags are really proud of their creation and the bag screams the brand name boldly across the entire bag...not pretty. Elegance is in the minimalism and tact of the logo.
• Single chain strap in silver: this chain is feminine yet sturdy enough to pull off with jeans.
• Saddle color: Though I typically opt for and recommend black, currently I am loving tan. It is a refreshing alternative to brown and pairs beautifully with black, navy or neutrals.

No matter your investment, select timeless, stylish and classic pieces to build the foundation of your wardrobe. These will carry you through life...as it happens!

Ciao'

Antonio Melani Flap Bag $179.00

Inspirational Sky...Earrings

Coco Chanel once said, fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion is found in ideas...

Taking inspiration from the sky and the season these earrings are a true representative of the warmth from the sky and earth.

Uniquely designed with a tear drop whiskey quartz surrounded by sapphires are simply stunning.

Delicate and dainty these will pair beautifully with all the bold frocks coming our way this spring.

Substantial enough to causally pair with jeans and a asymmetrical top or even a basic tee.

Look around...be inspired....

Ciao'

Kuo Ting Faceted Sapphires and Whiskey Quartz Earring $91.79

Stylist Tip: Jean and Denim Fit Guide

Self professed owner of over 50 pairs of jeans, Eva Longoria knows a thing or two about what makes her petite figure look glorious in denim.

From the red carpet to dinner to shopping she always has the perfect pair.

Is she naturally fabulous...sure...but she's also petite and curvy and shaped more like a regular gal. So what makes her denim selections noteworthy....FIT!

Tall, short, petite, full, skinny or pear shaped women can all wear denim gracefully and elegantly.

The difference between looking frumpy and slobbish to looking classy and stylish is a mere few inches...FIT!

Denim Fit Guide:

Petite:

• Skinny, straight and boot cut denim are your friends. Wide leg trouser denim are also flattering if you want to minimize curves. Add heels for height and if hemming is required ask your tailor for "original hems". This will keep the jeans original seams intact.

Tall:

• Low waist and long lengths are very flattering. Fortunately designers are now making denim with 36" inseams! Slim fits in straight, boot cut and flare show off your legs whilst keeping in touch with femininity. Mid-rise instead of high waist, typically because your waist is already high and you don't want it to fall right under your boobs.

Sizing:

• Jeans should always fit your thigh!! Fitted in the thigh allows for the appropriate break at the knee as intended by the designer. Slimming the thigh, lengthening the legs and giving overall balance to the denim.
• Be kind to your waist. If you have to suck your stomach in all day and can't wait too peel them off...chances are you need to go up a size. It's okay...no one will know and TRUST me you will look better than greeting everyone with a muffin! They would rather have blueberry...not your belly!
• Invest in a tailor. Don't compromise fit because the jeans are too long. Have them hemmed and remember ask for "original hem".
• Bum Check...make sure you only have one! I won't elaborate because you all know to what I am referring; that weird second cheek that magically appears below your God given bum because your jeans are too tight. Yea...you know!

No matter your size, shape or investment, jeans can be a great addition to your wardrobe. So whether you own 1 pair, 50 or even 200...they better FIT!

Ciao'

What to Wear: Casually Meeting the Parents

You only get one chance to make a first impression. So leave the sequins, mini skirts and low cut tops in the closet...tonight you dress for them!

When meeting the parents most gals typically grab the basic skirt, blouse and pumps...BORING! You are not boring...YOU are fabulous! So why when meeting his parents do you opt to be the marm instead of the endearingly chic gal?!?

If the night or day is casual it doesn't mean for you. You are not part of the family yet and thus showing up in your favorite jeans, sweatshirt and sneakers is absolutely unforgivable and inappropriate. Save that look for way down the road when you go to a local football game and are maybe playing (even then I personally wouldn't wear that outfit because there will be friends of friends...I digress).

When selecting your outfit:

• Monochromatic: a solid color look is not only flattering but has an air of class. Think: Audrey Hepburn or Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Stick with neutral shades that accentuate your natural skin tone: beige, black, navy or greys.

• Personality: be true to who you are by incorporating a pop of color or an accessory of interest. Add color with your shoes, handbag or jewelry. Coordinate well...she WILL notice!

• Remember: you are dressing for them...but with you. Don't steer too far away from your usual fashion choices that they won't recognize you at the market! Select your attire based on what best resembles your personality, style and flair.

Comfortable equals confidence...and before walking out the door smile and know...You are good enough!

Ciao'

Kenneth Cole New York Metro Denim Sea $79.00

Castle Starr Ink Beaded Georgette Top $154.99

Tahari Shasta $120.00