Looks of the Week – Menswear Edition
Most of the fashion that I feature on this site is geared towards women, but I have to confess that I do in fact love mens fashion and follow a number of male fashion bloggers. So today I thought we could celebrate some of the oh-so-stylish gentlemen out there. We all have men in our lives – whether it’s a significant other, brother, father, son – who we can use this as inspiration to shop for!
I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a fashion crush on this blogger {he was featured in this Looks of the Week post & Let’s Hear It For The Boys}. Not only does he have a great sense of style, he’s pretty darn funny in the comments section of his Tumblr account – which is, by the way, named after his hair – Edward’s Hair.
What caught my eye here were all of the great neutral colored layers – Not only is that a killer shearling coat, he’s also wearing a button-down shirt and a sweater vest paired with a great printed scarf. If you’re interested in learning how to stylishly apply layers, My Mirror is a site that you should definitely check out.
This Italian blogger is a PhD-level accessorizer – This is such a fabulous combination of pieces, it almost looks like an advertisement for a luxury brand! Retro sunglasses, an orange cashmere tie, Belfiore shoes, Louis Vuitton briefcase, and a killer vintage coat – Utter perfection.
What I love about this is the combination of colors, textures, and prints. The blue & white Gingham button-down shirt paired with the army green suit jacket is great, but I love how he took it a step further and paired those pieces with the brown slacks.
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean that your personal style needs to go out the window while you pile on layer after layer. Here’s a chic example of how to casually layer and add cold weather pieces to a look without sacrificing fashion.
Suits don’t have to be boring or traditional to get the job done. Try a flattering color or an interesting cut or fun patterns & prints. Or try all three!
Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to mention my favorite male fashion blogger in this post, even though he doesn’t regularly post photographs of his own personal style, UK-based Stu Bradley of Not So Lonely Londoners {you may know him from his sensational How To Pose Like A Fashion Blogger post that swept the internet last Spring}.
Which of these menswear looks above is your favorite? And what is it about that particular look that caught your attention?
MCLV Style: Animalistic
Northern California is all about layering during the Fall – The mornings may start off foggy with a chill in the air only to end up in the mid seventies with the sun beating down on you by lunchtime. Since moving to San Francisco I’ve become something of a self-taught layering expert.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Leopard Knit Moto Jacket – Express, Siren Skinny Jeans – Victoria’s Secret, Black Tunic Tank – Club Monaco, (faux) Patent Leather Chainlink Bag – Express, Gold Geometric Bracelet – BCBG & Over-The-Knee Seude Boots – Chinese Laundry}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out outtakes from this shoot here – Just log into Facebook to view}
This ended up being the perfect amount of layers, I could easily unzip the moto jacket to get some air, and take it off completely when it got too warm. We spent the day wandering around Sonoma Square and enjoying wine tastings, window shopping, and a tasty lunch at The Girl And The Fig.
Do you like to wear multiple lighter-weight layers when the weather starts to get colder in the Fall/Winter? Or do you prefer to wear thicker outerwear during the chillier seasons?
MCLV Style: Sergeant Pepper
This past weekend we participated in one of my favorite San Francisco Saturday morning rituals – A lazy walk along the bustling, sun-drenched Embarcadero to the Ferry Building Farmers Market. The vendors, shops & food stalls are amazing, the people watching & street performers are hilarious, and the view is unparalleled.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Sgt. Pepper Coat – H&M, Cropped Black Leggings – Victoria’s Secret, Bow Ballet Flats – H&M, Tortoise Shell Sunglasses – Aldo, Star Cocktail Ring – BCBGMAXAZRIA via Bloomingdale’s, Spiked Bracelet – ASOS & Shoulder Bag – OASAP}
{You can view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view}
I ordered this handbag after swooning over Smile For Style‘s bag a few weeks ago {included in this Looks of the Week post} and I’ve been quite pleased with my first OASAP purchase. I’ve always loved High Street Fashion and shopped online at UK-based sites like Asos, Miss Selfridge & Topshop, so I’m thrilled to add another British store to my list.
Personally, I’m of the mindset – Why run errands in your workout gear if you can throw on a chic coat and make a stylish morning of it? Do you have a weekend uniform when you’re running errands? Will you keep your workout gear on when you go out into public or change into street clothes?
Looks of the Week: Pants Edition
This Looks of the Week post is going to be all about PANTS. As you’re stocking up your wardrobe for Fall you’re going to be seeing lots of pants in stores – Every variety you can imagine, from faux leather and brilliantly colored brocades to plaids, stripes, and collegiate tweeds. So before you find yourself standing in front of racks and racks of pants feeling overwhelmed, why not spend some quality time getting inspired by how other fashionable ladies are wearing theirs this season?
Embellished or studded pants are a fun style for weekends. You can go full-on rock n’ roll or you can keep things polished with a trench and classic white button down like in this shot. The look is chic and timeless, but still has an edge.
Holiday sweaters don’t have to be tacky – They can just as easily be the kind of cute pieces that you look forward to wearing all year! This oversized reindeer sweater paired with black leggings and cute flat booties is the perfect look for the holiday season. Festive but oh-so-cute.
If you’re brave enough for a bold animal print than this is the look for you. Take a tip from Lysana, she keeps the look from being over-the-top with minimal chunky gold accessories, a basic black sweater, and cute flat boots.
If you’re thinking about what styles of pants are work-appropriate this shot is a great example of how to make a slim pair of pants fit that bill. Her killer styling keeps the look fun, but still formal enough for a business casual office. The over-the-shoulder bag and similarly colored knee-high boots are the perfect accessories while the chic tweed blazer from H&M tops the look off perfectly.
Plaid shirts aren’t just for trips to the cabin anymore, with seriously cute versions available now you can pair one with virtually any bottoms for a chic, stylish weekend look. This look is spiced up all the more with lacy Dolce & Gabbana ankle boots and a killer Proenza Schouler handbag.
They may say “No White After Labor Day” but this amazing white-pants look will change your mind in a heartbeat. The mixture of prints, colors, and textures makes this look fun and interesting – Chambray polka dot blouse, leopard print heels, a red knit sweater, and white denim all come together to make the perfect look.
{Click on the images above to be taken to the original source}
Are you inspired to try a new pair of pants now that you’ve gotten a chance to check out these fun looks? What is the first style, fabric, or silhouette pant that you’d like to try for Fall 2012?
MCLV Style: Pardon My French
I fell madly in love with this sweater when I saw it online and knew that it had to be mine – Totally fun and perfect for Fall! First I tried pairing it with flirty, pleated black skirt but I ended up deciding on my favorite cropped black pants.
{You can shop similar pieces by clicking these hyperlinks: Pardon My French Sweater – Forever 21, Cropped Black Pants – Juicy Couture @ Bloomingdale‘s, Patent Leather Chainlink Bag – Express, Vintage Inspired Gold Bracelets – JewelMint, Spiked Bracelet – Asos.com}
{You can also view this outfit on both Lookbook.nu and Pose}
{Check out more outtakes from this shoot here – just log into Facebook to view}
I wore this for my company’s End Of Summer party two weeks ago. It was a great night filled with games – skee ball, bouncy houses, golf, mechanical bull, even a zip line – an open bar, lives music, tons of food, and a great view.
I have to admit that it’s been a while since I wore a top that had writing across the front and I’d forgotten how nerve-wracking it is when you feel like everyone’s staring at you trying to read your shirt!
How do you feel about wearing a shirt or a sweater that has writing on it?
Looks of the Week
Welcome back to another Looks of the Week post. As tempting as it was to solely feature looks from New York Fashion Week I decided to save all of those for my NYFW Round-Ups, the first of which should be up later this week. So enjoy a little non-fashion month street style from around the globe!
One of my favorite trends right now are patterned pants – I’m absolutely mad about them. From Fall-ready plaids and tweeds, to the florals and sweet prints that’ll be all over the streets in the Spring. Wendy shows us how to winterize cropped pants with this fabulous bow & flower-printed look.
How much does this look make you ready for fall? The bag is pure fun, those earrings are killer, and that coat – SWOON.
You had me at Flamingos! This is a really fun, chic look, but it’s far from boring, the mixing of great prints means it has a fun retro vibe to it as well.
Denim on denim has never looked so chic. She even accessorized her jeans and chambray button-down perfectly with tassled nude heels, a snake skin tote, and a killer brass cuff.
There are few things that I love more than a shorts suit. Except maybe a patterned shorts suit. And if you’re worried that florals or another all-over print will come off too sugary sweet, style it this way – the black shirt and bold silver accessories are a unique twist and the tights and buckle-adorned platform boots give this look a touch of rock n’ roll!
This is a gorgeous colored skirt & matching top. The hue suits her to perfection and the fun textured fabric adds a little something to the too cute Tibi ensemble.
How adorably retro is this? I love this bright cat print blouse, it’s chic but still a fun, unique piece. And those shorts are fabulously retro, they suit her to a T.
Wow. She looks jaw droppingly gorgeous in this pink Gucci gown. It’s not a look I would traditionally pick out for her – it’s a more feminine than she usually favors – but she looks stunning.
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
What your favorite way to transition into Fall from a sartorial standpoint? Trading in your shorts and skirts for cropped pants? Mixing Summer and colder-weather pieces? Or do you completely switch gears when the weather starts to get cooler?
Looks of the Week
After a relaxing t-shirt & shorts weekend I was looking forward to a fun, fashionable Looks of the Week post to get me back in the fashion mind-set for this week. So enjoy some of the great looks I found and get inspired!
Chic Chic Chic!
I love how from a distance this outfit looks low-key, but the individual pieces are all really beautiful and unique. The animal print ankle strap heels, gorgeous lace shorts (DIY!!!), and two-tone envelope clutch are all the perfect touches.
This is a great combination of pieces. The floral peplum top is really cute & summery, those cropped black pants are totally classic, and I love both the strappy glitter sandals and the Kelly green clutch. Well done!
Summery florals have been all the rage lately and this is a fun, fresh take on that trend. The minty green slim pants and neon yellow heels make the look interesting and keep it from being sugary-sweet.
This is such a classic, fashionable menswear look. Cuffed jeans paired with a plaid shirt is a great, traditional style, and those lace-up boots are totally covetible.
Light & breezy at it’s finest! This bubble-silhouette white midi skirt is a great focal point for this look, while the ankle strap platforms, yellow quilted iPad case, and retro sunglasses add the perfect about of individuality and quirk.
Nothing says “Summer” to me quite like a printed, flowing maxi dress. This color and silhouette couldn’t look better on her, which is the key when finding the right dress. I also like that she chose neutral hued, low-key accessories rather than picking up one of the brighter colors in the dress.
This is such a relax, French look. From the vintage bicycle to the printed pants to the chic blouse with a Peter Pan collar, this is a completely unique photo. Makes me want to rent bikes and ride over the Golden Gate Bridge for a picnic in the Marin Headlands! 🙂
Summer style is really an art. With hot weather making you want to wear nothing but shorts & tanks, coming up with a stylish outfit can be a challenge. White cropped pants are a great alternative to shorts and these bright, sunny extras are the perfect way to keep things interesting.
This is a great look from head-to-toe. Slim cropped pants, a sheer ankle length cover up, and a rouched blazer, all paired with a Balenciaga motorcycle bag and a killer silver collar. Model street style at its finest!
{Click on images above to visit the original source}
Do you wear different styles of clothing during the week than you do on the weekends? Is your vacation style more relaxed than your day-to-day personal style?
MCLV Style: Kisses!
How was your mid-week 4th of July holiday? Have you been dating everything Monday instead of Thursday all day today like I have?
{Top – Zara, Jeans – J Brand, Shoes – MaddenGirl, Bowling Bag – Zara, and Zebra Print Aviators – Piperlime}
{You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above to shop comparable pieces and visit store websites}
Check out more outtakes from this shoot here (just log into Facebook to view).
Hope you like this cute new Zara top, I saw the little kisses and knew that it had to be mine! Are you a fan of lipstick kisses too?
I was lucky enough to have one of my best friends since college visit a few weeks ago and after delicious food, wine, and some much-needed catching up, we headed outside for a photo shoot. Her enthusiasm and energy were great and I had a phenomenal time taking these photos. It’s amazing how much visibly better a photograph turns out when the subject is genuinely enjoying themselves, that’s one of the reasons you pay the big bucks for a shoot with a good photographer.
Have a great Thursday.
MCLV Style: Workin’ That Tee
Last year I published a post called What NOT To Wear To Work where I discussed, among other things, whether or not a T-shirt could be considered appropriate office attire. Ultimately my conclusion was that while casual graphic and burn-out tees were out of the question unless you work in fashion-forward industries like fashion, music, or film, there were appropriate possibilities out there if you looked hard enough and styled them properly.
To make this type of look work you just need to keep the pieces clean and simple, and go for a thick, well-made shirt in an appropriate cut, color, and silhouette for the occasion.
In this case I went with a royal purple Zara Basics t-shirt with cap-sleeves paired with a basic black pencil skirt, round-toed pumps, and a vintage-inspired gold belt.
Tee – Zara Basics, Pencil Skirt – Zara, Pumps – Franco Sarto, Bracelets – JewelMint, Vintage, & Forever 21, Rings – Vintage, Multi-Strand Gold Necklace – Express, and Retro Gold Belt – BCBG
You can HYPE this look on Lookbook.nu, shop similar pieces on ASOS Style Finder, or click the hyperlinks above for some comparable pieces that you can buy.
And believe me, I’m not the only one who enjoys a good tee. Mixing high and low, like adding a basic shirt into a work or night out look, is an art form practiced by many.
A loosely fitted highlighter colored t-shirt can keep a slouchy black suit from being boring or too business-like.
Old-school denim overalls are perfect for a hot summer day and a little white tee is the perfect finishing touch.
If you’re going to work a layering look nothing beats a basic t-shirt. It’s the perfect building block!
You can even roll up the sleeves of your basic t-shirt to give it a more unique and one-of-a-kind feeling.
What better than a basic white tee to pair with denim cut-offs and a vintage style leopard print coat for a walk on the streets of New York City.
Even high-end designers like Oscar de la Renta can’t help but enjoy a good striped tee.
Are you creative when it comes to building new and fun looks using your favorite tees? What do you think about wearing a T-shirt to work – ya or nay?
If You Like Stripes & You Know It Clap Your Hands – Clap Clap
As this Spring has progressed I’ve found myself pining over and adding more and more outfits containing striped pieces to my Looks of the Week posts.
I have to make a confession, I love stripes. Love.
Without a doubt, stripes are my favorite pattern. They’re my go-to when basic black is out of the question. I love adding a striped piece or two to an outfit to make it standout or to make it more distinctly me. And luckily, they’re always “in” during this season.
Whether you go nautical, classic, or dramatic and eye-catching, work some stripes into your wardrobe this Spring and Summer.
Dresses & Skirts:
Wearing a striped dress or skirt gives you a great starting place for your outfit, from there you can pile on layers of solids or even other stripes. You can make your look all black & white, you can add some color, you can keep it traditional and demure. The sky is the limit.
I really like how this dress mixes directionally different black & white stripes, it gives the dress an interesting and eye-catching quality that basic stripes wouldn’t have. I also love that she paired a cargo pocket Anorak with a chic work-style dress. It’s a great juxtaposition.
A flowy maxi dress is a relaxed but chic way to stay cool. This particular dress is especially cute since it incorporates the trends of brights and pleats for Spring.
A striped maxi skirt is a great option and I like the business style double-breasted blazer and the white Oxfords she paired with this, it’s a unique one-of-a-kind look.
A knit dress is perfect for warmer weather, as are the flats, sunnies & day clutch she added to her look. Cute & comfortable, what more could a girl ask for?
Jackets & Coats:
I really love striped outerwear, for both men and women. It’s a stylish way to top off an outfit and give it that great final touch, or you could even wear a fabulous striped coat as a dress!
Amazing! I love love love this coat. If you click on source below you can see some other looks that Atlantic-Pacific put together using this gorgeous J.Crew coat. This is the perfect standout piece, everyone should have a great statement coat like this in their repertoire.
This is a great striped jacket & shorts suit, absolutely to die for. And I love that she paired the black & white stripes with red & white polka dot platforms. Great finishing touch!
Truth be told, when I saw this Tinley Road blazer I immediately went online and ordered one for myself. 🙂 Enough said.
I seriously can’t get over these coats, they’re all so cute, so chic. I want one of each please!
Basics:
Adding a single striped piece to your look – for example a basic sweater or a pair of pants – is another great option. For those of you who are pattern-phobic wearing a single striped tank under your jacket or a cute pair of striped short-shorts with your T is going to be easier than wearing stripes head-to-toe. It gives you a chance to ease into it gradually.
This is the perfect type of blouse for summer, the fabric is lightweight and the fit is relaxed. You could easily pair this with shorts, jeans, or even a mini skirt, and stay cool all Summer long.
Seriously chic! I loved these pants from the moment that I saw them. They’re eye-catching and dramatic, but the look is still somehow relaxed and laid-back.
I also raved about Taylor Tomasi-Hill’s personal style here, during Milan Fashion Week Fall 2012.
Such a great, chic look. A basic striped sweated styled with great accessories that make the look anything but basic. The Glamourai doesn’t let the fact that she’s wearing stripes keep her from experimenting with other fabrics, textures, and prints.
This is a great look if you’re more of a tomboy than a girlie-girl. Its well put together and fashionable, without being over the top. You could easily switch out her mini satchel for a messenger bag or cross-body bag too, which would make it even more laid-back.
Brights:
In the mood for something colorful this season? Brightly colored stripes are a great way to add a splash to your outfits. Whether it’s a sweater or a scarf or a bag, fun striped pieces are a good way to make a look wholly your own.
Not only is she rocking that striped sweater like no body’s business, she’s right on trend with her bright red cropped pants. Too cute!
This adorable striped top showcases the versatility of stripes. Stripes & florals? No problem!
You can see more great looks from Miss Jones here, I raved about her fresh new style a few months ago when she was making the red carpet rounds.
I like that she didn’t try to match her jacket to her stripes here – The contrasting colors are bold and fun.
You can even pull stripes in with your accessories – A pice like this amazing neon necklace will add a much-needed shot of color to your looks for Spring.
DIY Neon Tassel NecklaceSource
And if you’re in the City by the Bay with me you’ll probably get a kick out of this piece from Refinery 29 on stripy San Francisco blogger fashion!
6 Girls, 1 Look: S.F.’s Blogger Babes Show Us How To Rock Stripes!
So tell me the truth, are you ready to rock some stripes?
Spring 2012 Trends: What You Should Wear
The time has finally come and Spring is upon us and it’s time, ladies and gentlemen, to rearrange your closets so that your warm weather clothes are more easily accessible. Spring and Fall are my favorite, I love the transitioning seasons when it’s slightly warm but still crisp and the skies are bright blue and cloudless. I adore going for walks at night when it’s still light out, going to the Farmer’s Market and making huge, brightly colored salads, and of course, bearing some skin after months of being hiding under layers and layers of fabric.
So what’s on tap for Spring? As usual every magazine and fashion blog has a helpful list of what the New York, London, Milan and Paris collections showed for Spring 2012 – Fashionologie, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar & Elle to name a few. They go to the runway shows and examine them look by look to determine what the upcoming season will be all about. And this season we have: rounded shoulders, lace, 20’s art deco, ladylike silhouettes, florals, tribal prints, peplum tops & dresses, exaggerated & padded hips, wide belts, minimalism, head-to-toe white, mesh, sporty, cropped tops, bra tops…
Bra tops?
As adorable as these models look, this isn’t a what I would call a real trend for real people. Truth be told, pretty much only Carrie Bradshaw can wear a bra top in public. So my goal here today is to give you some ideas for great Spring dressing that are more suited to our non-Sex In The City day-to-day lives.
Pastels:
Pastels are usually a Spring staple and this year is no different. However, rather than putting together solid candy colored looks, try mixing various soft, sherbet shades together for a colorful but subtle look.
Lindsey Wixson & Frida Gustavsson’s ad for Mulberry highlights the beautiful pastel trend perfectly. Why not try pairing pastel pieces with neutrals or even black for a tasteful work-appropriate look?
See FabSugar’s ideas on how to integrate pastels into your wardrobe in 5 Ways to Wear Spring’s Pretty Pastels or WhoWhatWear’s How They Wear Pastels featuring Sarah Jessica Parker, Hanneli Mustaparta & Lily Collins.
Popping:
You may already be sick of the phrase “pop of color” (right Holly?) but this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon…
Why settle for one splash of color when you can have two like Judith Bedard does below? I love that she didn’t try to match her tights and oh-so-French scarf. They’re both beautiful, bright colors, and they’re both utterly different.
This is an ideal style for those – like me – who wear mostly black, since adding a bright scarf, pair of shoes, or purse is incredibly easy. Yet those quick touches immediately update your look, make it fresh and take it to a new level. So what did I do to ensure that I could pop pop pop all Spring long?
I bought myself a new best friend! 🙂
A scarf, hat, bag or piece of jewelry are all great choices for bringing this trend to life. But you can get even more creative and find other ways to flash some color. How about a bright hairpiece or headband? What about throwing on some brilliantly colored nail polish?
Bright Blazers:
Similar to the splash of color trend is the modern style of adding a colorful blazer to your outfit to give it a bit of flash.
Above model Josephine Skriver shows just how to pair a bright blazer with a warmer look – slim pants, booties & long sleeves will all keep the chill away as we wait impatiently for the weather to heat up. Already warm enough to lose the pants in your neck of the woods, you luck duck? Try pairing a brightly colored blazer with shorts for a more Summery look like Liz Cherkasova from Late Afternoon does below. She even mixed multiple trends by adding metallic shorts & accessories as well as a floral printed blouse to her look. Quite the Mix Master!
For more tips on finding the perfect blazer, see Rachel Bilson‘s Spring blazer recommendations or Frugal Fashionista‘s great celebrity-inspired choices featuring fashion stars like Kirstin Dunst, Beyonce and Olivia Palermo.
Prints:
While florals are always a Spring staple, this year you should also invest in some other types of prints as well – from tribal prints to chevron zig zags to typical florals to geometric patterns – there’s something to suit everyone’s style. Whether you want to add a printed bag or belt to a monochromatic look or bravely don head-to-toe print, you should definitely give this trend a try.
Hanne Gaby Odiele & Elisa Nalin were both ahead of the curve and showing off gorgeous prints during the Fall 2012 shows this past month. I like that while they’re both wearing florals their looks couldn’t be more different, they’re both quite creative with their personal styling.
Even if you’re still working up the courage to flaunt the all-over 70’s style print you’ve always admired, you can try something a bit more subtle to work your way closer to your goal.
Left: French Connection Dress - Space Baby Knits $170 @ Bloomingdale's & Right: ASOS Print Dress With Dipped Hem - $65 @ Asos.com
A faint pattern like the two dresses above is a good stepping stone. It gives you a fun pattern to play with but isn’t quite as bold or dramatic as Hanne and Elisa’s looks at the top of this section.
White dresses:
Ashley Madekwe’s crisp Armani Exchange dress is light and summery, she paired it with black sandals and layered jewelry for a fun daytime look. While Natalia Vodianova’s dress shows the other end of the white dress spectrum, something fitted and more formal, with dramatic, nighttime accessories – bold purple heels and a crimson clutch.
Whether you’re planning to attend a garden party or have a hot summer night out on the town in mind a white dress is a great choice to show your tan off to perfection. Try adding colorful accessories to keep it fun during the day, chic black & white in the evening or even try out an all-white look if you’re not prone to spilling things… 🙂
In the mood for some more inspiration, check out the Native Fox’s white & red look on Lookbook.nu.
Shirtdresses:
I love shirtdresses! They always look crisp and fresh, and a little more of a formal feel to them than most sundresses so they’re acceptable in a number of social situations. Versatility is key!
Left: Aqua Shirt Dress - $80, Center: DKNYC Leopard Print Shirt Dress - $120 & Right: Vince Camuto Shirt Dress - $160 (All Bloomingdale's)
A shirtdress can be worn casually during the day with sandals, a floppy hat and a cute tote bag, but it can easily be dressed up at night with heels, a cinched waist and some serious costume jewelry. It’s all about the accessorizing ladies!
If you need a tutorial on this subject head over to The Stylist’s and read their latest series Lessons For A Modern-Day Lady and their most recent piece How To Wear A Shirtdress.
Cropped Pants:
This is one of my favorite looks for Spring, cropped pants are universally flattering and whatever your personal style, there’s the perfect pair for you. From bright colors to basic denim to harem style to classic Jackie O inspired black.
Want to take your crops to a new level? Try them in something textured or an interesting new fabric. Miranda was downtown chic in brown leather Capri pants and a basic denim button down. FabSugar as a great breakdown on the best cropped trousers for Spring – from J.Crew and Zara to Thakoon, Diane Von Furstenberg and Tibi.
Desperate for more ideas for Spring? Check out the FabSugar readers’ Spring Must Haves or Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP newsletter’s Get Ready For Spring.
Finding yourself inspired for Spring? Don’t forget to enter the Spring Giveaway for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate from Bloomingdale’s!
Spring Must Haves
It’s that time again…
Time to break out the sunscreen. Time to start hitting the gym to prepare for bathing suit season. And time to pull your spring clothes out of the depths of your closet and put them back into rotation.
Luckily for consumers, each season has a handful of predictable silhouettes, colors, fabrics and trends each year. Spring will always be a time for lightening up your color palette, showing some skin and pulling out your sunnies. Read on for some of-the-moment trends and perennial favorites that you should live in this Spring.
Stripes
This may be a given, but classic is classic. Nautical is virtually always in for Spring, and this year is no exception. Shots from the Celine and Fendi Spring 2011 shows below give us some juicy ideas for how to update our stripes for Spring.
From bikinis to accessories to dresses, stripes are a refreshing way to greet the improving weather. You can pair a striped piece with a mostly solid look to get your feet wet, but stripes on stripes is always fun too!
TOMS Canvas Wedge - $70 @ Nordstrom
Drop-Waist Silk Top - $80 @ BCBG
Velvet by Graham & Spencer Nettice Honolulu Tie Dye Knotted Dress - $155 @ Bloomingdale's
Coach Poppy Legacy Stripe Wristlet - $50 @ Lord & Taylor
Maxi Dresses
A maxi dress in a printed, light-weight fabric worn with sandals just screams great weather to me, and longer lengths are all the rage this season.
Diane Von Furstenberg Spring 2011 Ready-To-Wear
I like to keep accessories to a minimum with this style so that the dress is really the centerpiece of the look. Try adding bangles or an armband, but don’t over do it. Whether you prefer stripes, solids, patterns or black & white, you’ll find something to suit your every stylish whim.
Aqua Tribal Print Twist Back Maxi - $90 @ Bloomingdale's
Lace Kaftan Sleeve Maxi Dress - $50 @ Asos.com
Velvet Touch Racerback Maxi Dress - $50 @ Nordstrom
Prada - Spring 2011 RTW
MARC BY MARC JACOBS Colorblock Bolt Bangle - $70 @ Bloomingdale's
Sparkle & Fade Colorblock Top - $55 @ Urban Outfitters
Jay Godfrey 'Ferguson' Colorblock Dress - $400 @ Nordstrom
LWD
Francisco Costa is the king of minimalist chic, and his gorgeous white designs for Spring 2011 were no exception.
The Little White Dress is a staple for spring, especially in fun fabrics like crochet, terry cloth, knit, lace and linen. Throw one over a bathing suit for the perfect pool-side coverup or pair with color block sandals and some bangles and head out the door.
Twisted Bias-Neck Dress - $110 @ BCBG
Juicy Couture Lace-Trim Ruffled Micro Terry Dress - $150 @ Bloomingdale's
Yumi Vintage Cotton Slip Dress - $35 @ Asos.com
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Crochet Dress - $140 @ Nordstrom
Cropped Pants
Vena Cava showed us just how to wear cropped pants on the Spring 2011 RTW runway, presenting slim, slouchy, rolled and pajama-style versions.
This is one of my favorite styles and the cut is perfect for Spring. Wear yours in bright neon, rolled denim, skinny black, crisp khaki… So many choices, only so many days of Spring!
7/8 Tailored Slim Leg Pants - $50 @ Asos.com
BCBGeneration Cropped Twill Pant - $100 @ BCBG
Citizens of Humanity Thompson Twill Jeans in Picante - $160 @ Bloomingdale's
Juicy Couture Plastic Watch - $200 @ Nordstrom
MICHAEL Michael Kors Gold-Tone Zip Dress - $120 @ Bloomingdale's
ASOS Seamed Hot Pants - $45 @ Asos.com
70s Style
When I think of 70’s fashion my mind immediately flashes through a handful of images. From Bianca Jagger to Pucci kaftans to Diane Von Furstenberg wap dresses to boldly printed head scarves.
Those of you in the mood for a little nostalgia this spring are in luck, the 70’s are back in full swing. Use Marc Jacob’s Spring 2011 show as inspiration, like the flowing, gauzy gown and floral headpiece above.
Vero Moda Pleated '70s Dress - $75 @ Asos.com
UO Paisley Headscarf - $25 @ Urban Outfitters
Bianca Jumpsuit - $120 @ Rachel Roy
Horizon Sunglasses - $80 @ Michael Stars
Oversized '70s Floppy Straw Hat - $35 @ Asos.com
Moi Contre La Vie 
