WEARING STRIPES: SPRING 2012

Stripes have moved beyond the nautical navy blue and white.  They can be seen in large stripes with small stripes in between, stripes mixed with patterns, and vertical stripes which make you taller and more in style.  Graphic prints with stripes are also very popular.  Look at the stripes width, the fabric-too clingy does not look well on your body, and the neckline to make a striped top or dress work for you.

Celebrities wearing the black and white stripes trend.

 

Stripes of different sizes can slim you.

American Apparel, $54.99

 

Ali Ro Striped Dress, $204

 

Nicole Miller Stripe Jersey Midi Dress, $275

 

Wear stripes in various patterns or design to create interest.

Type Z Ashton Striped Dress, $70.99

 

M.S.S.P. Striped Jersey Dress, $118

 

Ruching and Scooped Neckline Drape give this dress an interesting detail.  

Quotation Red Hot Dress, $105

 

Nicole Miller Striped Jersey One Shoulder Dress, $245

 

Try a graphic design with your stripes.  This appears like you are wearing artwork, which always makes a statement.

Asos Graphic Print Dress, $69.83

 

Enliven an outfit with a striped blazer over a bright colored dress.  I love this look for spring with a fuchsia, cobalt blue, or kelly green dress or with cropped straight leg pants.

Tinley Road Striped Blazer, $79

 

Not sure you are ready to wear stripes all over?  Try it in a heel, sandal, or flat.  Beverly Feldman is go-to designer for this type of shoe.  Available at Periwinkle Boutique, Old Town Alexandria, VA (for locals).

Beverly Feldman Dream 4 Ever Striped Flat, $86.25

 

Beverly Feldman Dream On Wedge, $125

 

TRENDY TENNIS LOOKS

The weather has been beautiful and the time is right to find new spring tennis looks.  Mainstream designers such as Nike, Adidas, and Fila traditionally have new styles and colors each year.  Feel fresh on the court with a new look.

Stella McCartney's Perf Tank in Lemon or Blue, $75.  Has a fitted waist band with flowy top.  Perfect fit for the courts.

 

Opt for a tennis dress in a new style or color combination this spring.  This Fila dress in white with cobalt blue and lime is fresh, $39.

 

Bebe Tennis Dress, $74

 

Tennis Skirts come in various different styles, with pleats, flat front, side zipper, etc.  Shop for a look/fit that works well for your body.

Smash Gal Bright Rose and White Zebra Skirt, $39

 

Jerjog Bermuda Bay Front Wrap Skirt, $62 and Racerback Tank, $52

 

Bebe Tennis Skirt, $49             Bebe Tennis Skirt, $49

   

Bebe Tennis Jacket, $89

  

Bebe Polo Shirt, $59

 

Bebe Crisscross Tennis Tank, $49

 

Smashing Golf & Tennis make women's tennis wear that is slimming, taking about 10 lbs. off you.  Higher waist-lines and body compression slimming panels and the non-clingy fabric cinches in a woman to get rid of muffin tops or any unwanted bulges.  Stick with wearing one color line, aka monochromatic.

 

Looking for a chic bag to carry your tennis gear?  Try one from Cortiglia. 

 

Fortylovetennis.com is a great site for middle-aged or older women looking for tennis gear.  Skirts and slightly longer.  Vineyardvines.com (local store in Georgetown) carries a preppier look for women's and men's tennis with polos, tanks, shorts, and skirts.  Adintennis.com offers petite to plus size tennis clothing that can be shortened or lengthened as needed.

SPRING DRESS SILHOUETTES

Retire your bulky knits and chunky sweaters.  Fresh off the runway are this season's hottest silhouettes.  How will you wear these styles this season?  Drop waist, Asymmetric hem, and Peplum are all over.  I will be featuring two of these in today's blog.  Search my other blogs if interested in peplum.

Drop Waist- features a lower waist usually at the hip bone or lower abdomen area.  This look works for most body types including those ladies for have an abundant chest, are larger in the waist area, boy silhouettes.  Where the dress is dropped or gathered around the hips and the fit of the top determines how the dress will fit on you.

Donna Morgan Drop Waist Silk Dress, $148                  Asos Dropped Waist Dress Yellow, $89.53

  

Diane von Furstenberg Mikini Printed Drop Waist Dress, $229.90

 

Vanessa Bruno Sleeveless Dress, $525

 

Asymmetric Hem-shorter in the front and longer in the back gives coverage yet shows some skin.  This look is very flattering leg line for most women.  This hemline can go from extreme to minimally done so try both looks or find the one that fits your style.  Sass & Bide, BCBG, ABS are designers known for this silhouette.

BCBGMAZAZRIA Aurela Off the Shoulder Maxi Dress Coral, $118

  

BCBGMAXAZRIA Short Sleeve Dress, $118

 

BCBG, $178

 

ABS Peek A Boo Dress, $250

 

Asos Sweethear Neckline Dress, $152.19

 

Like a trend but don't want to spend a lot of money?  Search in stores or online for a color or silhouette or trend that you like.  These silhouettes can be found at all price points and styles.  

TRENCH COAT TRENDS FOR SPRING

A Trench Coat should be a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  But a trench coat does not have to be the longer knee length version that you have seen before.  Find lengths that work for your body shape, and the clothing you wear.  No matter what your shape is, a belt at the waist will accentuate your waist and when cinched, makes it appear smaller.  

It is the time of year when women are wearing dresses and skirts daily for work, often layered with a jacket for the morning or evening.  The key is knowing your skirt length and the appropriate length your coat should be.  If wearing a skirt that comes to mid-thigh (2-3 inches above the top of the knee), opt for a coat that is slightly longer than your skirt by at least an inch or one that is more cropped to hip length.  This gives the eye areas to look at and makes you appear longer .  If worn with a coat right above the hemline, it looks like you aren't put together correctly and you didn't match your hemlines.

Three trends for spring in trench coats are:  Color, Metallic, and Prints.  If you only plan to have one trench coat, I would recommend going with a more versatile style versus a print or bold color.

Metallic

AK Anne Klein Metallic Trench, Gunmetal $199             INC International Concepts Belted Trench Coat, $99.50

     

Color-find a color or style that you like.  Most coats are mimiced by numerous brands.  As an example I found a Michael Kors coat for around $100 and a Burberry version that looks almost identical in shape and color (though the fabric and buttons are nicer on Burberry) for $1,400.

Burberry Brit Hip Length Metallic Trench Coat, $750

 

Bebe Tulip Trench Coat, $139                                              Tommy Hilfiger Green Trench, $124.99

  

MICHAEL Michael Kors Taxi Yellow Trench Coat, $110     Burberry London, $1,405

  

Prints- the key to prints is finding colors/patterns that you enjoy and will be versatile.

Burberry Trench, $795

 

 

Replace belt with a wide hot pink patent leather belt, bright yellow, or kelly green belt.

Dino Direct Belted Polka Dot Trench, $67.69

 

SPRING UPGRADES FOR MEN...CASUAL CHIC

Most men go the route of casual Americana on the weekends.  A version of jeans, polo, button down work shirt, and chuck taylors/boat shoes/loafers.  This look works but why not add some flair to your look this season.  Look to our European counterparts, particularly Italian, for how to infuse casual with panache.  Fit, fabric, and style are key elements to look for.  European men are known for the slim fit and tailoring of their clothing.  Take note of these details and leave the baggy shirts and shorts behind.  

Upgrade your casual staples to luxury class.

Buy a few quality short sleeve and long sleeve shirts.  Make sure they fit the shape of your body.  Relaxed shouldn't mean cheap.  If you invest well and launder them appropriately these pieces will last you.

Public Opinion  Trim Fit V Neck Shirt, $22

 

Vince Short Sleeve V Neck, $45

 

A well-cut military jacket can make an elegant statement if free of embellishment.

This is a staple for fall and spring.  Find at least one shade that is versatile for your closet.  Light grey, olive, navy, taupe, etc. that can be worn through out the season.  Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, and Zegna all make versions of this.

Rag & Bone Lowman Jacket, $495

 

Lose the baggy khaki's and stock up on well-fitted chinos that taper towards the ankle.

Nothing looks better on a guy than pants that fit well.  Cargo pants, khaki pants, and every type in between all come in tapered looks.  It is about the stitching, pockets, and fit.  Find a designer/brand that fits your legs and bottom well.  Look at how the pockets fit.  

Theory, $225

 

Add an accessory.  

A guy can look very pull together just by adding a sleek watch, or pair of shades.  Make a statement with a belt or accessory to look fashionable.

John Hardy, $650                                                                                     Givenchy leather braided bracelet, $150

  

Nemesis, $59.99

 

Oliver People's Benedict 59 (numerous styles available), $450

 

Personalize your ensemble.

Wear a shirt with a bold printed collar.  Roll your cuffs up and show a printed detail.  Add an unexpected color in a jacket or shirt.

Michael Kors belt, cargo shorts, thermal shirt

 

Michael Kors Look