Fashionable Reading

I haven't blogged in two weeks.  Partly because I have been working, and partly because for the first time in 5 years, i took a little vacation.  A trip to the opposite coast to dip in the warm water.  My intention is not to rub in the ocean floating, but to recommend a book that was recently recommended to me in my book club.  While sunbathing (i am rather bronzed), I enjoyed a fabulous find that I couldn't put down. Wont give away too much, but Parisian fashion and aristocracy in the mid 19th century is my new favorite cluster of search words.  A must read for the Fashion industry.

Strapless By Deborah Davis

Color Creative (Rodarte Inspired)

The Mulleavy sisters have inspired me to no end.  Their Q and A session last night at LACMA about their inspiration and creative process led me to check out the collection in its entirety.   The color palette of rich golds and blues, creamy yellows and pastels might have just created MY color palette for Spring.

The (used to be) Secretive Stylist

I am like the Navy Seal of Stylists.....I'm covert and secretive and I keep all great things to myself.  I find a website or store with my favorite affordable finds, each offering a special something that I adore, and I keep it all to myself.  When someone inquires, "OMG, where did you get that oh so glamorous, very expensive looking belt?"  I then reply in a coy manner, "Oh, you mean this belt (pointing at the one I'm wearing), I couldn't tell ya."

Well, Im gonna tella ya.  

When looking for plain black leather pumps, ones you wear three times a week, I go to Off Broadway.  They have the platform that my tootsies love, and they are real leather which I never compromise with.  I can walk in at any given time and spend no more than $60 on them.  I'm on my 4th pair of the same black pump, and I don't see myself changing the way i wear those puppies out!

Faux fur:  I dont wear it.  But i will wear any animal that looks good with my skin tone.  That being said, I never pay full price for them, and I certainly would never purchase one at a department store.  Where to get them?  Resale and vintage shops in small towns.  I find the mark up in big cities is insane, but smaller suburbs all have resale shop, and it never fails, they always have furs.  I never pay over $65 for ANY fur piece.

Big, chunky jewelry is my best friend.  I recently found a jewelry designer at the flea market who designs for Anthropolgie.  Well, I don't know if that is true or not, but her jewels are so eye catching and magical.    I like the old estate jewels and brooches that are blinding you on a sunny summer day. I have more than a handful of complimentary worth gems.  Now, these pieces you find at the flea market are not always the cheapest, but they are the coolest. I also adore sale jewelry at Chico's.  Their eclectic style leans more towards Bohemian, whats not to love about that?

I'm feeling woosy, am I sharing too much......?

www.asos.com.  This site gets me giddy and I have it bookmarked on my computer.  While I do not order clothes online, I will order the crud out of shoes, accessories, and panty hose.  This store has the most unique accessories and at the most exciting price point.  Panty hose in all textures, trendy jewelry, Platform wedges, and hats are all things i like to buy here.  Because some trends are so short lived, I don't like to spend a fortune on my favorite ones!

Listen, I know this information may be nothing new to you fashion savvy's, but its helpful to some.  I do save up for those special designer things that I "have" to have.  "Mom, give me three reasons I should buy _______".  She usually gives me three valid, convincing reasons.  It's easier to save for those novelty must haves when you know what NOT to splurge on.

Spring Synopsis {A LIst of Trends}

DEEP SEA creatures and textures add dimension to fabrics. Shells, iridescent details, and coral textures  are a rich luxurious way to dress.  The world is your oyster {as said daily by me}.

PEPLUMS wiggled their way back on the trend list.  {I suggest wiggling when Pepluming (the action of wearing Peplums)} Peplum belts, peplum jackets, peplum dresses, peplum skirts.  See blog about how to wear - http://thestyleden.blogspot.com/2011/10/peplum-problems.html

BIRDS fly onto fabrics while feathers texturize textiles.  Not to be confused with insects, birds remain a feminine detail in Spring.  Experiment with Swans, Hummingbirds, wing prints and even bird brooches.

PEEK A BOO cut outs on tops and dresses expose flesh in a funky not overtly sexy way.  Back and side  cut outs can be a more functional way to experiment with this trend for those not as daring.  Baring midriff is never out of style for the warmer months is it?

DROP WAISTS much like those in the roaring 20's were shown with wide belts made of fabric and leather.  Great for boyish type figures, this waist line hits you right at your widest part of your hips.

PLEATS in delicate fabrics such as chiffons and sheer silks are so difficult to do.   Never underestimate a pleat and its ability to disguise lumps if done properly.

PASTELS such as milky creams and pinks with sherbert color pallets look good enough to eat.....but they're not.  This trend makes me the hungriest.