A Diva State of Mind

Although it snowed on Tuesday, it is officially spring! Which means if you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start working on your wardrobe. The start of a new season warrants a time to take inventory of what’s currently hanging in your closet and look for ways to incorporate the season’s trends (of course ones you can wear year after year) into your wardrobe.

Here’s a list of the hottest trends of the season!

Crop Tops

Do a crunch or two because crop tops are here! This is probably the season’s hottest trends. Crop tops are everywhere. Keep the look classy and feminine, by pairing them with high waisted skirts or pants allowing just a little bit of skin to show.

Pastels

While we are used to seeing bright colors during the warmer months, this year is all about pastels. Infuse this trend into your wardrobe with pastel dresses, shirts and jackets. If you don’t want to spend the money on apparel, add a pastel scarf or printed pastel scarf to your wardrobe; this will allow you to incorporate the trend without feeling like you’re fully committing to it like you would if you purchased a dress.

Florals

It wouldn’t be spring without florals. Like leather is a fall staple, florals are most certainly a spring staple! Have fun with floral dresses and tops. You can also switch things up and look to add florals to your wardrobe with a new floral clutch or shoes with floral details.

All White

Between pastels and all white, this spring season is all about clean lines. In this case, less is more! All white is a major trend this season and I think it’s one of the sexiest. You can wear dresses or tops with pants, skirts and shorts.

Tomboy Chic (aka sporty chic)

Love mesh, sweatshirts, bomber jackets, track pants and chunky heels? Then this trend is for you! Tomboy chic plays on the balance between masculine and feminine details. Pair bomber jackets with shorts, boxy tops with slim pants or mesh tops with skirts to create the perfect tomboy chic outfit.

Geometric Prints

Every spring season it’s all about prints! This year, along with florals, the focus will be on geometric prints. I’m glad to see geometric prints are popular this season; it is something different than traditional stripes. Geometric prints adds a breath of fresh air to the print trend as a whole.

Sheer

Another sexy silhouette this season is sheer. Discretely show skin in a sexy but classy way with sheer tops and skirts or with pieces that have sheer panels.

Suiting

The popularity of suits returns this season. But don’t be shy when it comes to your suiting options. Experiment with color and print this season; meaning you can have fun with colors other than black, grey and navy. Remember, visit a tailor; fit is key to looking great in a suit!

Will you be incorporating any of this year’s trends into your wardrobe?

We don’t often see trench coats with a feminine flair. “Traditional” trench coats are single breasted with a belt but don’t offer much else in terms of design. Although traditional, that can get boring at times.

Whitney is on the hunt for a feminine black trench coat and asked that if I found any to send them her way. While there aren’t too many feminine coats out there, I did find a few that offer fun feminine details like high/low hems, exaggerated collars, skater skirt silhouettes, ruffles and more.

If you’re like Whitney and want a less traditional black trench coat this spring season, check out these offerings below: 

More T Tahari…

Now that we know Radiant Orchid is the color of the year, you may be wondering “how can I incorporate this color into my wardrobe?”

Some may be interested in featuring the color via accessories. Others may like the idea of buying garments that have radiant orchid in them like dresses or skirts. Whatever your desire, I hope these outfit suggestions will provide inspiration on how to wear this year’s color during the spring season.

I really like the idea of incorporating the color of the year in an outfit with accessories. Two of spring’s hottest trends this season are crop tops and wearing all white so for this first look I thought it would be fun to combine the two.  All white is sexy ladies! Pair white pants with a white crop top. Add pops of color to the look by adding radiant orchid jewelry and a bold clutch. Bring the look together with gold and bronze accents: shoes, sunglasses, bronzer and aviator sunglasses.  I didn’t include a statement necklace because I did’t want to distract the eye too much from the all white silhouette.

The easiest way to dress up a pair of jeans is by pairing them heels and a cute top. This is what I like to call a casual chic look. Dress up your favorite pair of straight leg jeans (more flattering than skinny jeans) with a printed top and silver heels (on my wish list). Although the shirt is printed, it is not extremely bright so you can add a radiant orchid bag to add a pop of color to the ensemble. Another big trend this season is pink, purple and berry lipsticks. Add your favorite lipstick for another pop of color. Don’t forget your trench for those cooler spring days!

You can wear a radiant orchid dress but that may get boring after awhile. Instead, opt for a printed dress that includes this year’s color. Prints are more fun and never go out of style for the spring season, so you will more likely wear a printed dress year after year than a solid radiant orchid dress. Since the dress like the one below is such a statement piece, keep your jewelry and makeup neutral. You can include a neutral clutch; for those that are a fan of mixing colors and prints, pair the printed dress with a clutch or purse in a bright color.

I have seen different shades of radiant orchid online. Most sites feature items in the hue I’ve shown above, but some variations show radiant orchid to be close to the color fuchsia. If you’re a fan of fuchsia, this last outfit may be right up your alley. Florals will always be associated with the spring season, so you can pair an a-line (remember, a-line skirts are flattering on most body types) floral skirt with a blouse that is the same color as one of the flowers in the skirt. Showcase your love for radiant orchid or a variation of the color by pairing the outfit with fabulous sandals. Keep the look lady like with pearl earrings and a pearl bracelet. Since the shirt and shoes bring so much color to the outfit, keep the makeup light with a nude gloss and neutral eye shadow palette. This is a great outfit for those who like to brunch after church!

What do you think of these looks? Are you feeling inspired to incorporate radiant orchid into your wardrobe this spring season?

Topshop and Adidas have teamed up to create a new spring collection and I must say that I am impressed! The collection is sporty chic, comprised of printed pants, sweatshirts, tanks, high top sneakers and more.

“Topshop and Adidas Originals working together is a total celebration of the greatness of fashion and sportswear and how important and influential they are to each other,” said Topshop creative director and Vogue contributing fashion editor Kate Phelan. “We wanted to bring some femininity to the range and make the collection fit with all your fashion staples; the beauty is in how you combine it together. We’re in a sportswear revolution at the moment. Fashion is really driven by what’s happening in the sportswear world, it’s at the top of the radar in the fashion stakes - so to have Adidas Originals as a starting point was fantastic.”

The printed pants and graphic sweatshirts featured in the collection are right up my alley! Check out the collection below:

The collection launches in stores March 20, 2014.  Are there any pieces you want to add to your wardrobe?

Source: Vogue UK

Guess who is 29; where did the time go?!?!

Last week, I celebrated my birthday and since it was the beginning of the last year of my 20s, I had to put my best foot forward. I decided to step it up and wear an old turtleneck crop top I had for years from Forever 21 and pair it with a high waisted pencil skirt.  Since the skirt made such a statement, I decided to keep the jewelry simple and seal the look with a red lip.

I received a few inquiries about the skirt when I posted a picture of my birthday outfit on Instagram. The skirt is from Express. I purchased the skirt two week ago so it is still available in-store and online. The stripes are great for women who want to create curves (raises my hand) or women who need to balance out their top half of the body. If you’re bigger on bottom, I would suggest pairing a solid color high waisted skirt with a printed top in order to balance your shape.

If you want to recreate the look, check out the options of skirts and crop tops below.

High Waisted Pencil skirts

More Asos…

Crop Tops

More Forever 21…

Depending on the skirt, shapewear may be necessary to create a smooth look no matter your size. For high waisted pencil skirts, look for half slips like this one from Spannx. Kohl’s is a great place to shop for shapewear; they usually have them on sale!

ELOQUII, the company once owned by The Limited, is back and better than ever.  When the company was operated under The Limited, the selection of clothing was minimal and the brand really didn’t have its own identify.

Now as an independent company, ELOQUII is offering fresh pieces with a little more edge. There will also be a lot more options! According to The Curvy Fashionista, ELOQUII will be launching 25 new styles every two to three weeks; these styles will be produced in limited quantities.  With more options available, ELOQUII positions itself to be a lifestyle brand offering options for work, casual settings and nights out on the town.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces currently available on the site:

Click HERE to shop! Also make sure you create an account and/or sign up to receive emails so you’ll be the first to know when they are offering exclusive deals.

Pantone is the world-renowned authority on color. They provide the color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. In essence, Pantone decides what the “it” color will be each year.

Radiant Orchid is the 2014 Color of the Year.  But how did Pantone decides that the harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones would be the color for 2014? “While the 2013 color of the year, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, served as a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity, Radiant Orchid reaches across the color wheel to intrigue the eye and spark the imagination,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

So where can you expect to see radiant orchid this year? In fashion of course! Designers incorporated this color in their spring runway presentations so expect to see that influence trickle down to major retailers and their spring offerings. We can also expect to see radiant orchid as a color for many beauty products including lipsticks, eye shadows and nail polish.

What do you think of the 2014 Color of the Year? Will you be incorporating it into your wardrobe this year?

Not only do I create shopping list for my clients, but I also create them for myself! Last year, I listed camo cargo pants on my shopping list. Although skinny pants and jeans have become the norm, I wanted a pair of camo cargo pants that weren’t tight. A pair I could dress up with heels and booties or dress down with sneakers. I had heard that checking the men’s section of stores was a great place to look. So after searching for months, I finally found a pair online from Hot Topic; and they were available in a men’s size that was comparable to the size I wear in womens. YES!

When I wore my camo cargo pants to Brunch For A Cause, my client Celia commented that she needed to find a pair. And I already know that when one or two people comment about needing an item, there are many more looking for the same thing. That means, it’s time to provide the masses with the info! If you are still searching for a slim or loose fit pair of camo cargo pants, check out these retailers below. P.S. they are all from the men’s section! Click on the photo for more info on the pants.

Urban Outfitters

Hot Topic

Levi’s (also available at L&T and Macy’s)

Old Navy

Hollister

Other options include eBay and army uniform stores.

Ladies, when it comes to determining your size equivalent, there are a few ways to figure it out. I’ve seen some suggest adding 21 to your current size. For example, if you wear a woman’s 12 in pants, you’d wear a men’s 33.  If you’re like me, that logic won’t work. The most accurate option is to measure your waist and try a men’s pair in that size.  From there, you may have to go up or down a size depending on how much room you have in the pants. Remember, men’s pants are not cut for women. Generally, women’s pants are cut fuller in the hips. You can also equate the smallest men’s size to the smallest women’s size and go from there. For example 0 = 26; 2 = 27; 4 = 28; 6 = 29; 8 = 30, etc.  Like women’s clothing, each brand is different so it will take some trial and error to find the closest men’s size. And if you just can’t find a pair that fits perfectly in the waist, you know the rule. Have them taken in at the waist by a tailor!

The sun was out and the temperature was expected to be in the high 50s/low 60s, which meant it was the perfect day to check out the Fashion for a Fraction warehouse sale hosted by Washington City Paper and The Yards.

Local boutiques filled the Ideaspace warehouse located in SE DC (a block away from Nationals Stadium) to offer fashionistas their best in apparel, shoes, accessories and jewelry. I had never been to a warehouse sale before so it was interesting to see how this was set up. On each side of the space, each vendor had a table (some also had clothing racks) displaying their merchandise.  Some vendors were offering discounts while others were selling at regular price. There was also a makeshift dressing room so ladies could try on garments before making a final purchase decision.

During the first shopping session, attendees enjoyed Red Velvet cupcakes and mimosas while shopping (don’t judge, it was 5 o’clock somewhere)! I hadn’t planned on buying more than one thing, but I know I was fooling myself by making that decision before arriving.  After checking out most of the vendors, I ended up purchasing Mercy Earrings, a sweater from Carnelian Boutique and a scarf from Nepali by TDM Designs. The Nepali by TDM Designs scarves were being sold for more than 50% off the online retail price.

With music playing the background and a mimosa in my hand, I had a great time checking out Fashion For A Fraction. It was nice to get out of the house, check out a different area of town and support local businesses.

Valentine’s Day is this Friday! Whether you’re making it a date night with your boo or hanging out with your best girlfriends, you’re probably wondering “what should I wear?”

Below are four looks to serve as inspiration as you prepare to celebrate love and friendship this Friday.  Since there are so many different things you can do on Valentine ’s Day, hopefully these looks will work for any occasion you have planned.

Let’s dive in shall we?

While this look can be worn if you’re hanging out with friends, slip on a skater dress and fur coat for a night out on the town with your significant other.  This style of dress is one of my favorites because it is flattering for a variety of body types.  The empire waist of the dress will conceal the tummy and create a waist. The a-line silhouette will skim the curves of a woman who is bigger on bottom and add flattering volume for a woman who doesn’t have curves. The cap sleeves also help balance the bottom half of the body, creating an hourglass shape.

Accessorize a red skater dress with your favorite black booties, a printed clutch and gold jewelry. Of course, if you don’t want to walk around with your legs exposed, you can add black tights (solid or textured). Complete the look with a cat eye and nude lip. 

Shop red skater dresses:

More Asos…

Although Valentine’s Day falls on a Friday, there will many women who have to go to work that day. If you know you won’t have time to go home and change before a romantic dinner date, add some edge to your work outfit by pairing a pussy bow blouse with a leather pencil skirt.  Switch things up by pairing the outfit with pumps in a fun print instead of black. The pencil skirt will nicely show off your figure while of course leaving something to the imagination.  Use the color of the blouse and the bow to add visual interest. Seal the look with red lipstick. Yes you can wear a red shirt AND red lipstick at the same time.

Shop a tweed coats and blouses:

More Ellen Tracy…

I envision the last two looks being for those who have more casual plans or are hanging out with their girl friends. I know I plan on having a girls night out; we’re having dinner and then going to see About Last Night.  I don’t want to wear a dress, so the plan is to wear leather pants or jeans. If you’re not a fan of wearing red, opt for a pink or fuschia sweater and pair it with leather pants or printed pants. Printed pants are great for women who are bigger on top. It adds visual interest to the lower half of the  body. It also helps create shape for women who may have a boyish frame. The shape of the purple sweater will work for a variety of body types including those who have a little extra in the middle; given the sweater skim the midsection, it will camouflage the midsection. 

Whether you’re pairing a sweater with printed or leather pants, add a pair of black pumps, a statement necklace and texture clutch to bring the outfit together. You know accessories take outfits to the next level! Complete the look with a smokey eye and dark nail polish.

Shop printed pants:

More Forever 21…

The final look is for the woman who loves wearing jeans. She does not want to be bothered wearing a dress. She is the type that likes to use heels to upgrade what would normally be a causal outfit.  If your ankles won’t be cold, pair a white or cream sweater with your favorite boyfriend jeans. To my fuller leg ladies, baggy boyfriend jeans will make your legs look larger; opt for straight leg boyfriend jeans.

If you’re not a fan of boyfriend jeans, you can pair a sweater with your favorite skinny or straight leg jeans. That’ll really elongate your legs. Use accessories to add pops of color. Instead of wearing red attire, opt for red heels and lipstick. Complete the look with a bold color coat.

Shop the look:

More Jessica Simpson…

Will any of these look work for your Valentine’s Day plans?