Shed some layers...Chic Raffia Bags

Warmer temperatures always make me want to lighten up.

• Shoes, hair, clothes...I want everything more relaxed. Even my bag gets a makeover!

• Leave your leather at home and opt for a chic raffia or straw bag.

• Select a style with leather trim for office worthy wear. Save the bright oversize straw tote for the beach, picnic or day with the gals.

• Neutrals are the new black this season so I love the mixture of beige & nude against dark brown, silver or white.

• Don't want to ditch your favorite hobo that you swore when you purchased you would never let leave your sight....I know me too in the form of Marc Jacob's Hillier!?!

• Choose a clutch for summer lunches, late night suppers and meeting friends for drinks. Styles can be found with leather trim or in metallics which are spot on for this season and will even take you into early fall!

Shed some layers...sip some lemonade, stroll the beach and look fabulous!

Ciao'

Clockwise:

Adrienne Vittadini Soledad Tote $119.00

Nine West Raffia Tote $49.00

Zambos & Siega Brigitte Oversized $130.00

Michael Kors Panama Soft Straw $256.99

Maxx New York Washington Raffia $68.75

Make A Statement: Earrings

Make a statement: Earrings

Statement necklaces have been all the rage this season and now trends are moving toward earrings.

Face framing styles are so flattering and offset a summer up-do!

Accessories are the easiest and often the least expensive way to add personality and drama to your wardrobe. Often times a spectacular belt, fabulous bag, gorgeous earrings, or bold bangle is all you need to update your classic closet.

Less is more...some stylist tips to consider:

• Break up the boldness! If wearing bold statement earrings pair with a bold cuff or cocktail ring...skip the necklace. Statement necklace...skip the earrings.
• Wear your jewelry...don't let the jewelry wear you! Select pieces that are flattering of your skin tone, compliment your outfit and don't scream you raided your jewelry box.
• Matchy-matchy is OUT! Select pieces that pop against your outfit...jewelry is meant to compliment your attire. Think: Red dress, oversize cobalt ring, and statement chandelier earrings with perhaps coral or green stones.

Accessories are always your friend...always fashionable, always stylish and in a season of lightening up...they always fit!

Ciao'

Left to Right (top):

Layered Hoop and Ball Earrings $24.00

Sexy Looped Chain Earrings $22.00

Left to Right (bottom):

Alluring Links Earrings $20.00

Artistic Hammered Metal Earrings $24.00

Cheerful Chandelier Earrings $18.00

To 'Dye' For...

Trend to try: Tie Dye

Gone are the days when we would purchase a cheap tee, tie it all together and throw in some dye and call it fashion!

The current tie dye is more sophisticated and doesn't scream 'I made this' or 'I'm still looking for Woodstock!'

Rather the modern trend evolves around being chic, fashion forward and simple. Washed hues mixed with neutrals such as black, grey and beige give the pieces more interest and elegance whilst still being on the edge.

An oversized clutch is such a perfect piece to show case a trendy item. Usually less expensive than their larger sisters, a clutch can be worn day or night and virtually looks fabulous with anything from your wardrobe.

When selecting a tie dye item for this season choose items that are not too boldly colored. Make your choice complimentary...as it is an accessory.

Mix it with the unexpected such as your florals, nautical stripes, boho maxi dresses, your LBD and even your jeans and a white shirt.

Be creative...but leave the dying to the designers!

Ciao'

Left to Right:

Kimchi Blue Tie Dye Clutch $38.00

Kimchi Blue Tie Dye Clutch $68.00

Felix Rey Mesi Ikat Clutch $190.00

Chic Correspondence: stationary with style

Say hello darling in the chicest way...thanks to these fabulous little notes from Linda & Harriett!

Few months back I received the most darling little note from a dear friend of mine. You know the one that always seems to stumble upon the cutest items...that's my girl!

Being inspired by her thoughts through mail I've been searching for delicate, elegant, simple, sophisticated personalized cards with a hint of whimsy...I'm hard to shop for.

Introducing: Linda & Harriett

• Various styles to exude your exact style and personality
• Personalized varieties including note cards, note pads and greetings
• Greetings including Christmas cards...check out the red & green piggies!

Old fashioned...perhaps. But staying in touch never goes out of style! Always remember the feeling you get at the post when you've received a delicately hand written or personalized note...giddy!

Be a girl...stock up on correspondence, brush up on your elegant writing style & show all your gals just how great you think they are. Trust me...they will notice & they will remember!

Ciao'

P.S. Be sure to check out their blog: Linda & Harriett

Clockwise:

Redesigned Dress Note Card $6.00

Lace Foldover Note Card 8 pack $18.00

Thank You Doggie $4.50

Pig Love $4.50

Runway to Realway: Slouchy Hobo

Include in your Spring Must Have items a slouchy hobo!

From Chanel to Alexander McQueen hobo style bags were seen all over the runways for the next couple of seasons.

Unstructured yet with an air of sophistication these are sure to become your go-to bag.

Versatile from day to night, free from trendy decor and classic colors make these selections spot on chic!

If you only add one item to wardrobe this spring, a hobo bag will transcend you through the next couple of seasons.

Think: black trouser shorts, crisp white button shirt tucked, skinny python belt, saddle gladiators and that rich saddle hobo.

Simple statement...boho chic!

Ciao'

Fortune Tote Large Sienna $90.00

Fortune Tote Small Black $73.00

Lux for Less

Spring Wardrobe Essential: Python

On the runway from Gucci to Chloe to Prada...python is a must have print for this season.

Searching for a killer bag for this spring I continue to spy dramatic use of color...and I must say: BRAVO!

Adding drama to your wardrobe is as simple as a great bag, bright scarf, bold cuff or statement necklace.

This season add a pop color with a punch colored python tote.

• Aqua: adds a unique twist of color and accents fabulously with denim
• Mustard: pops against denim and brightens earth tones
• Plum: adds richness to cobalt blue, black and grey
• Gray with a touch of Lime: adds interest to beige, white and yellow

Take the runway to your realway with these savvy totes!

Ciao'

Clockwise & Center:

Signature Studded Barcelona in Storm $105.00

James Bag in Mustard $115.00

Lovey Tote in Plum $105.00

James Bag in Aqua $115.00

Lovey Tote in Turquoise $105.00

Spring Must Have: Scarf

Accessories are always your friend...weather & weight may change but your trusty scarves will always be loyal!

Lighten up with a linen blend, cotton blend, silk or silk-cashmere scarf.

Select bold bright colors to add a pop of color to any outfit.

Tie one on your basic day bag for a touch of trendy glamour.

Scarves are the simplest way to update a look without making a huge investment.

Shops such as Forever21, Gap, BlueFly and Echo have great selections and budget friendly prices.

Be bold...select a scarf that really portrays your personality, style and drama. That is the underlying beauty of a scarf...the outrageous print with minimal fabric. Thus no fear of it screaming at your admirers!

Stylist Tip: For fashion forward looks use opposite ends of a color wheel for complimentary colors, mix prints, and put the unexpected frill with something on the edge.

• Colors: Brown & Turquoise, Red, Yellow & Turquoise, Cobalt & Green, Red, Brown & Pink.
• Mix Prints: Python with Stripes, Floral with Plaid, Leopard with Floral.
• Unexpected: silk floral scarf with a bomber jacket

Tie one on!

Ciao'

Diane Von Furstenberg Orange Linen-Cotton Palm Long Scarf $114.00

Trend to Try: Denim Jacket

What comes around....is the feeling I get from the latest trend spotting on these stylish muses!

At one time or another in our lives we have all owned a denim jacket, borrowed our boyfriend's or stumbled upon a rare vintage find in a shop that no longer exists!

Before we go walking too far down memory lane and you begin to dig through your closet...lets take a look at the new restructured denim jacket.

• Stretch: modern denim jackets have a hint of stretch to flatter the figure and give a more stream lined appearance rather than the old boxy shape of the past

• Wash: varying from acid to dark black anything goes this time around. Personally, I prefer a medium vintage wash as seen on the muses above. It mixes well with other colors and dresses up a bit easier.

• Cut: Hip length or cropped jackets are most flattering on all body types. If you are really petite a cropped jacket will lengthen your torso and give the illusion of more height. If you are leggy a jacket that just skims the hip bones will balance out your top half.

I don't have style rules...if anything the only rule I have is to not obey fashion rules and be your own fabulous fashionable self. But with a denim jacket I must say this one rule and I must insist as your stylist that you obey....because if not...don't you DARE say you take advice from me!!

Denim Jacket Rule: NEVER under any circumstance pair your denim jacket with other denim pieces!!! Thankfully it went out in the 80's...and let's all do our part to keep it there!

Simple Styling: Pair a denim jacket with a frilly skirt & tank, your little black dress, leggings & a tunic, a maxi dress, or unexpectedly pair it with your suiting trousers & blouse sans jacket of course!

Think: vintage boy meets modern girl!

Ciao'

Jackets for you to try:

True Religion Brand Jeans "Jimmy" Denim $262.00

Urban Renewal Studded Denim Jacket $148.00

Dusted Blue Denim Jacket $69.50

Harlow Denim Jacket $54.50

Wardrobe Essential: Classic Tank

Every stylish woman knows the easiest way to increase your wardrobe wearability is by investing in fitted longer tanks.

The knowledge is easy to attain...the tanks on the other hand can be a bit more tricky.

Good news...the search is over and quite a savvy find I might add!

Due to the savvy price tag you will want to stock up on these due to the retailer often changes their lines every season.

With a bit of stretch these withstand multiple wears which is essential with a basic tank.

• Fit: tanks should sit right at your hip bones any longer and they often hang too far below a blouse or fitted top. A tank should also fit snugly against your body...tailored not tight.

• Wearability: increase your wardrobe by pairing tanks under fitted tops that are a bit too short. By wearing a tank of the same or complimentary color the top is no longer too short because the tank will create an illusion of a longer length. Selecting a complimentary color will add a piece of drama to your outfit.

• Bra straps: Please wear appropriate colors under tanks...classy not trashy! Nude under white, black under black, racer back cut bra under racer back cut tank...I know it seems fun but show your personality in other ways than with your underwear.

Simple and classic a basic understated item that will add volumes to your wardrobe. Buy what you need...and wear what you have!

Ciao'

Old Navy Women's Stretch Tank $8.50

Function Meets Fashion: Cross body Bag

Picturesque landscape...trekking across foreign lands your everyday-must-have-go-to-carries-everything-plus-one-more-bag just won't do!

To know me is to now know that not only do I rarely wear flats but I also don't do casual very well.

So if it has to be functional...it MUST be fashionable!

• Coated canvas gives this bag an ultra chic look of patent leather and simple wipes clean from any mishaps you may have on your trip

• Worn cross body it frees your hands for balance, photos or your significant other

• Small enough for comfort and large enough to carry all of your travel necessities: water, I.D., camera, phone, credit card, lip balm

Going somewhere??? Travel on with this functionally fashionable cross body bag!

Ciao'

Kenneth Cole Hide N Peek Cross body $48.00

Spring Must Have: Bold Bright Bags

Brighten up your wardrobe with a fun colored tote this spring!

• Designers from high to low are incorporating a punch of color into their accessories this season. Brights can be seen from the runway to realway from extremely expensive to seriously savvy!

• Bright totes can be such a fun way to add drama to your wardrobe essentials and exude your personal style and flair.

• Spice up your LBD, denim trousers or accent a favorite color that pops from a maxi dress.

What ever your choice...what ever your budget...brighten up!

Ciao'

Big Buddha Lindsey $64.00