SHIMMER AND SHINE IN METALLIC LOOKS

Look fresh and chic this season by adding metallic clothes and accessories into your look.  Metallic colors including: gunmental gray, bronze, gold, silver, dusty rose, and metallic chocolate.  Metallic tops work for the office under a blazer, for brunch on the weekends with jeans, or for a night on the town.  

MICHAEL Michael Kors Gold Foil Printed Fisherman's Sweater, $150

MICHAEL Michael Kors Gold Foil Printed Shaker Stitch Sweater, $140

Vince Metallic Gray Knit Sweater, $335 30% off

Urban Outfitter's Metallic Mesh Sweater, $59

Calvin Klein Sheer Metallic Cardigan, $54.99

Eileen Fisher Metallic Mesh Poncho, $238

Gibson Cutaway Metallic Blazer, $138

Metallic Denim and Leggings look fabulous paired with navy, chocolate, black, and more.  Add studded, lace, and sequined tops for an evening out.  Great with a sweater and shoe booties for daytime.

Juicy Couture Metallic Coated Skinny Jeans, $198

Finish your look with a metallic hangbag or clutch.  No matter what you are wearing, metallic always goes!

MICHAEL Michael Kors Gunmetal Python "Hamilton" Jewel Large Tote, $448

SIZZLING SHORTS STYLES...FOUR FITS FOR YOU

Lots of women say I can't wear shorts...I don't like my legs.  Or they cut me off, my hips are too wide, etc.  Wearing shorts is about finding the right style and fit that works for you body.  Some women can wear all four styles dependent on which shoes and top you choose and others work best in one type.  Find the length and style that works for you and designers that carry this trend.  Fit, fabric, your height, and the cut of the leg opening are all things to consider when shopping for shorts and determine how dressy or casual the shorts are.

Short Shorts:  Yes, they have been around for years.  There are always new styles, colors, and designs that come out.

Fit Tip:  Works well for petite statue, those with a boyish frame, or shorter legs.  This look lengthens the leg.

Avoid If:  You have full thighs and hips or a curvy body (pear shape).  

Theory Airfic Woolstretch shorts, $190

Milly Print Shorts, $109

Ann Taylor Oasis Teal Petite Resort Shorts, $78

Mid-Length:  This is the most flattering length for most body types and coordinates with most style tops the best.  

Fit Tip:  Typically has a 5 to 7 inch inseam so look for your best length in these.  Stand with your arms hanging straight down by your sides and the hem should be within an inch or two of your fingertips.  This style works with short or long legs and all body types.

Ann Taylor Stretch Linen Twill Shorts with Sash, $78

Bermuda:  This style is great to dress up or down.  Perfect for women who are older and don't want to show as much leg but also looks great on younger ladies. This knee length style offers more coverage and creates a taller, slimmer figure.

Fit Tip:  If you have longer legs, are pear shaped, or curvier figure, this style is for you. 

Avoid If:  You have super short legs or are extremely petite which can end up looking like ill fitted capri pants.  This cut visually breaks up your leg.

Diane von Furstenberg New Boymuda Shorts, $285 (silver)

Caslon Stretch Twill Shorts (Fuchsia, Berry, Pink, White, Sand, etc.) 9 inch inseam, $29.90 

Catherine Malandrino Cutout Shorts, $106.90

Pleated Shorts:  Are back this season.  The look is not your straight leg short with pleats in the front, but instead a looser flowy fit similar to a skirt.

Fit Tip:  Wear with a fitted blouse or top to emphasize the waist and dress up the look.

Juicy Couture Silk Short, $138

METALLIC AND PRINTED SHORTS...STEP UP IN STYLE

Update your spring/summer wardrobe by wearing a metallic or printed shorts.  These shorts can go from day to night and make a statement.  Wear with jeweled flat sandals during the day or heeled sandals at night.  

Metallic Gold Shorts- great option to go from a picnic or bbq to a night on the town.  Wear simple tops during the day and then glam it up for night.  Pair it with a neutral, such as black, white, or navy; or go bold with a bright hue.

Robert Rodriguez Gold Shorts, $275   Club Monaco Marianna City Shorts, $69.50

  

Jennifer Lopez Foiled Cuff Shorts, $22 (Kohl's)

Nighttime:  Glam it up with a blazer, jewelry, and heeled sandals.

Robert Rodriguez Gold Boyfriend Jacket, $545

Metallic Silver Shorts- shorts come in all different lengths so find what works best for your shape, from daisy dukes short to knee length, you can look stylish and sleek in any length.

This is a white background with silver printed short by Club Monaco, Marianna style, $69.50.  Great with a bold silver or gray top, or try it with bright color such as purple.

Juicy Couture Metallic Texture Short, $178    Diane von Furstenberg Simca Metallic Lame Shorts, $110.25

Diane von Furstenberg New Boymuda Shorts, $285

Nighttime:  dress up the look with a silk blouse, a fun studded or metallic clutch, heels, and jewelry.

Printed Shorts- great way to add zest to your look is with a printed short.  Typically these are embossed patterns, in color, and look great with neutrals, such as white or navy.

Ann Taylor Loft Tribal Floral Print Short, $44.50

 

Ann Taylor Loft Ikat Dot Print Short, $44.50

Styling/Fit Tip:  Every figure can wear shorts.  It is about finding the appropriate length and fit for your body.  Long walking shorts work well for older women, but also for those who don't like the look of their thighs or they want to cover more skin.  Shorts will tell you the inch length so you can determine what works for you and your body.  Try on a pair or hold them up against your body to see what length works best for you.

WHICH WAISTLINE WORKS FOR YOUR BODY?

When styling clients I get asked this question all the time.  There are three waistlines types:  Natural Waist, Drop Waist, and Empire Waist.  Some figure types can wear all three and others one works best for.  See the descriptions and shopping examples to learn what will flatter your figure.

Natural Waist:  Hits in your tummy area.  Typically wear pants waistlines are (though now people are wearing lower hip height pants).  

Wear this...if you have a curvy shape (waist being smaller area), busty, a pear shape, or boyish shape.  This silhouette creates curves and emphasizes a waistline.

Avoid if...if your tummy is your largest area.  The defined waist emphasizes a thicker middle.

This Halston Heritage dress has a natural waist due to the belted waist.  $242.99

This Alice + Olivia Twisted Shoulder Silk Dress natural waistline would look great with adding a belt and a large statement necklace in a bold color.  $297

Kay Unger Floral Print Twill Dress, $270

Marc New York Blue Jersey Belted Dress, $104.99

Diane von Furstenberg Carpreena Ring Stitch Dress, $365

Empire Waist:  Sits underneath of your chest/upper abs and flows outward.  Gives the illusion of a high, defined waist and hides your bottom half.

Wear this...if you have a smaller chest, a tummy, larger hips or bottom, or are pear shaped.

Avoid if...you have a large bust.  This style draws attention to your chest and can make you look bigger all over.

Gianni Bini Minka Sleeveless Tiered Dress, $138

Laundry Empire Waist Banded Dress, $49.99

Speechless Maxi Dress

Drop Waist:  Is great for boyish frames and can help conceal a tummy as the empahsis is towards the bottom of the dress.

Wear this...If you are an apple shape, want to conceal your tummy, or have a boyish frame or are very thin.

Avoid if...you are curvy or pear shaped.  The shape of this cut puts a focus on your hips which will not flatter you.

Juicy Couture Sirius Print Silk Dress, $228

Theory Sheer Stripe Drop Waist Dress, $265

Victoria's Secret Drop Waist Dress (numerous colors), $34.99

Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Dress, $531