SPRING'S WARM-WEATHER LEATHER

Leather is typically thought of as a fall/winter staple, but don't pack away your key pieces yet.  Leather made a big statement on the runways for Spring/Summer 2013 wear.  The key to these leather pieces is color, shape, fabric, and accentuating with it.

Color:  This season is about wearing leather in bright vibrant hues or soft pastels.   Pair these colors with neutrals, such as white, gray, navy, or bone color to pack a punch.  Tangerine, coral, pale pink and mint green, lemon chiffon, and cobalt blue are just a few shades that are on trend for the season.  Put away your black, caramel, and brown hues and add some color!

Milly Leather Dress, $450                       Amanda Uprichard Leather Peplum Top, $268

  

Nasty Gal Pleated Leather Skirt, $58

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Shape:  Look for timeless pieces that you can transition between seasons.  Sheath dresses, fit and flare dresses, and pleated leather skirts.  Cropped lightweight jackets are stylish for spring.

Alice + Olivia Box-Pleat Leather Skirt, $495    Vince Perforated Leather Shift Dress, $1150

  

Bebe White Leather Blazer, $398

Fabric:  Spring leather pieces should be a lightweight leather, soft fabric.  This feels supple and smooth but very light to the touch.

Accents:  Not ready to jump into this trend?  Accent spring fabrics such as chiffon and silk with leather trim and leather panels.

Cynthia Steffe Dylan Dress, $198

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Here's to being fabulous in leather this season!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC

CHIC FOR SPRING....KITTEN HEELS

Low heels are hot and happening for spring/summer.  Both the thin Kitten Heel and the Chunky heel are on trend.  Look for detailing in the ankle straps, buckles, and embellishment.  Bright colors, pastels, and prints work well for any look this season!  When purchasing new shoes, think of what colors or styles will complement what you own and wear.  If dresses are your thing, strappy versions look great.  If you wear long pants or capri pants, then embellished versions are a better option.  Linen is a great fabric for spring kitten heels.  The texture adds interest in the heels.

Bold Spring Colors:

Butter Shoes "Sadie", $285            Kate Spade "New York Jacey" Cut Out Kitten Heel, $328

 


All Shoes Online Bow Kitten Heels, $36.99    


Butter  Bow and Pointed Toe Kitten Heel
 

Neutrals/Pastels:

Via Spiga "Raiden", $185                           Michael Kors "Shay" Sandal, $285
 


Ann Taylor "Mara" Ankle Strap Kitten Heel, $118



Here's to being chic & comfortable this spring!

XOXO,
Divine Style DC

EASTER FASHION FOR LADIES AND GENTS

The Easter holiday represents family time and togetherness.  It is often a kick-off to spring fashion and lightness in clothing.  Pastels, bright prints and bold colors, and white look fresh for spring.  Lace dresses are an elegant piece for spring.  Layer with a light weight leather coat or a tweed blazer to look current.  Men, light gray or white pants on the bottom mixed with a pastel pink, blue, or purple shirt or go with a small printed button down.  

Perfect spring color and style with this flare sleeve spring dress, or wear it as a coat. 

 Ali Express, $67.70

Pair this peplum top with a white wide leg pants.  A navy cropped jacket and heels finish off the look.  A cobalt blue pencil skirt would look crisp with a white cropped tweed blazer.  

Maeven Peplum Shirt, $48

Be on trend in this pale pink Alice + Olivia peplum dress.  Stay with neutral colors or pair with bold jewelry, bag or shoes in a bright hue such as purple.  

Alice + Olivia "Tracey" Shiny Peplum Dress, $297

This Kensie lace dress is a younger look with the short flouncy skirt.  Make it pop with bold cobalt blue jewelry and clutch.  Neutral heels pair great with this.  The teal Adrianna Papel lace dress is perfect for more mature ladies.  The color is on trend for spring and pops.  Add a bright colored cardigan with a skinny belt on top to cinch the waist. 

Kensie Lace Dress, $99   Adrianna Papell Lace Fit & Flare Dress, $138

  

Nothing looks crisper than a white button down shirt with printed cuffs and neckline.  The print grabs your eye and gets you noticed! 

Absolute Rebellion Shirt, at Caramel U St. DC

Stripes are on trend for spring.  Go muted or bold with your stripe choice.  Pink is a great color for spring, whether in a lighter shade or bold.  

Nordstrom Smartcare Traditional Fit Dress Shirt, $65  Ted Baker London Trim Fit Dress Shirt, $95

 

Eton Contemporary Dress Fit Shirt, $265

FRESH & FABULOUS LOOKS FOR OVER 50

Ladies, looking trendy and stylish is possible at any age.  The key is knowing what silhouette's work well for your boy.  Highlight one area that you are proud to show, either your chest, arms, or legs but not more than one.  Layer your look in light pieces so you are not adding bulk.  Light knit cardigans and blazers look great. Break out of the black pants and sweater look by adding fun spring colors and jewelry.  Chunky necklaces enhance a look (but can hide unflattering skin lines).  Belts are a great accent piece, whether or not you have a tummy.  Position a large or skinny belts at the bottom of your rib cage or lower on the hips.  Bright colors and prints add panache to your look.   

Sheath dresses in bright colors are a great option for spring.  3/4 length sleeves hide your arms but are the right length for the season.  Short sleeve sheath dresses are great for summer.  Add fun heels or flats and a large statement necklace (long or a short chunky one) to complete your look.  

Pim + Larkin Tweed Shift Dress, $79

Pair this bright pink sheath dress with sapphire blue necklace, or blue cardigan/blazer.  Kitten heels finish your look.

Kate Spade Evie Dress, $398                      Lilac Bijoux Uptown Girls Sybal Necklace, $54

Fit and Flare dresses are a silhouette that works for most women and are very on trend.  The bodice is more fitted with a sleeve line that works well for ladies.  The waist line comes in above a woman's natural waist and then flares out, not emphasizing your tummy area and hips or creating a waist and hips for those who have more of a straight build.  Look at the length carefully as the hemline of the dress is shorter for the younger crowd.

Pim + Larkin Sheath Dress, $59.99 (also in black)

Donna Ricco Dress, $118

Pair this dress with a long turquoise necklace and tan colored studded flats.  Or add a turquoise skinny belt and chunky gold necklace.  Pair with a large printed satchel and skin colored heels (look for laser cut details, studs, or embellishment to add flare).

Gianni Bini Fit & Flare Lace Dress, $129

Fun, spring dresses for ladies over 50.  Prints are on trend for spring.  Look for this in bright spring colors.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Wrap Dress, $178

New York & Co. Fit & Flare Maxi, $69.95

J. Crew Rosalind Dress, $69.99

 

Here's to looking fabulous at any age!

XOXO,

Divine Style DC

GAGA FOR GREEN ON ST. PATRICK'S DAY

Irish or not, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday inspiring green clothing looks.  Emerald Green is Pantone's Color of the Year, so you should get lots of versatility in any green clothing or accessories you wear.  While St. Patrick's Day might be a day wear you wear just green, Emerald pairs well with yellows and blues-ocean blue, turquoise, navy, sapphire.  Mixing together colors freshens the look.

Men's Looks:

A collarless shirt is a trendy, casual way to wear green.  Unbotton the collar and add a graphic t-shirt or striped shirt in contrasting colors underneath.  Layer a vest overtop (puffer, down) to add some flare.

Mauro Grifoni Collarless Shirt, $118

Prints, stripes, and plaid are on trend.  Go from subtle to bold depending on your personality and style.  This Shipley & Halmos shirt is very versatile.  Wear it alone or layer it with a colored t-shirt underneath (sapphire blue if you dare or navy).

Shipley & Halmos Plaid Button Down Shirt, $185 (Nordstrom's)

Stripes are a trend for Spring/Summer 2013 so try it in greens and blues.  

Gypsy 05 Reversible Crewneck Sweater, $120

 

Women's Looks:  Green looks fresh for spring when paired with prints or with white.  A white pencil skirt or long linen pants are two options to carry this pieces now into spring/summer.

Banana Republic Pin Tuck Silk Blouse, $79.99 (in stores only)

Banana Republic Hampton Fit Cropped Pant, $74.50

Hutch Draped Pocket Top, $152 (at Sassanova Georgetown)

MM Couture by Miss Me Embellished Tank, $43

Vivienne Westwood Assymetric Hem Dress, $156.99

How will you be wearing green this season?

Need styling ideas...contact Divine Style DC!

MEN'S SPRING TRENDS 2013

Spring is a kick-off of color and patterns.  Add vibrancy to your looks to appear crisp and fresh.  Pair a spring colored shirt, belt, or shoes with   Prints are a huge men's trend.  Large prints work well when based in a neutral color, such as white, pink, or gray and with a colored print on top.  Wear a printed shirt alone to make a statement or layer it under a jacket or sweater with the collar and cuffs out.  

White is a must have color for spring.  Looks crisp in pants and shorts, but mix in white in leather jackets and belts as well.  Lightweight jackets are a chance to show your flare.  Look for design elements such as zippers.  Bright color jackets in green, blue, and coral are a hit, but navy and white are also on trend for spring.  

Must have pants for spring include white denim (straight leg), light gray and white pants.

Spring Colors:  Layer your look for spring.  White, light gray, and blue pants work well with bold colors such as yellow, emerald green, turquoise blue, and sapphire blue.

Peter Millar Cotton & Cashmere Sweater, $125

Neutral Looks:

Calvin Klein

Prints:

Robert Graham "Brig" Shirt, $228

INC International Concepts Shirt, $59.50

Lightweight Leather Jackets:  White, light gray, pewter, and bone are the colors to have for spring.  Jackets should land at your hips, not longer.  

  

BOSS Hugo Boss, $1295

 

Michael Kors Faux Leather Moto Hipster Jacket, $195   Michael Kors Preforated Leather Jacket, $895

   

Theory Leather Jacket, available at Lost Boys DC, $995 

Lightweight Jackets:

Helly Hanson "Hayden" Jacket, $139.98

  

Robert Graham "Violas" Windbreaker, $168  Michael Kors Leather Trim Zip Jacket, $295

 

Want more style tips for spring?  Contact Divine Style DC!