Shop the Stella & Dot Summer Collection Now!

Summer is almost here and the easy dressing of the season is within reach!  The thought of a simple dress wor a tee and shorts with wedges is so tempting that I have to get started now! And what a better way than with jewelry – I can wear it now even before the summer weather hits.

Here are a few of my favorite picks from the new Summer Stella & Dot Collection – Now available! 

My favorite piece has to be the Cameron Pendant! It is a hand sculpted coral branch pendant in white enamel with turquoise and lapis colored stone accents, on a gold plated brass diamond link chain. Perfect for the bold colors and even with prints that are hot for the season. Only $79.00. Or try the smaller Vallen branches in silver for a fresh look with a simple v-neck tee – Only $39.00!

Cameron Pendant

Cameron Pendant

Of course, I love the idea of a the perfect, white tee with bright jewelry.  The layering of bangles, affectionately known as an “arm party” is still a big hit and the selection from Stella & Dot this summer made sure they were tops on the invite list. I love the mix and match of these!  Pair the Eleanor cuff (also available in turquoise) in the season’s best colors, pink and coral and top with the Carrie bangles (only $59.oo for all 3!) or the smaller Lindsey cuff (love this in the orange and the white!).

Eleanor Cuff in Coral

Carrie Bangles

Luxor Link Bracelet

 Of course you can’t go wrong with a traditional gold link bracelet, like the Luxor Link bangle, paired with your classic LBD and some simple sandals for that classic, pulled together look.

Get out there and start enjoying summer with some jewelry shopping with Stella & Dot!

 

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Colorblocking Inspiration

It’s easy to think colorblocking wouldn’t work, but sometimes you just need a little inspiration from outside of the fashion world to show you that it does. This is one of 10 paintings my son did last year and I just love the color combinations.

The hottest trend is soft colored denim for Spring and I think this turquoise Stiletto Jean style from Current/Elliott would look amazing with an orange sweater like this dolman sleeve from Vince. Paired back these amazing Delilah Snake Wedges from Alice + Olivia and you are colorblocked in a blink.

Neutral Inspired

If you are sure the bright color with bright color is a look you would love, how about trying a neutral with an accent of  color. Inspiration from your home can be a great place to look for ideas. I love the limey green of these succulents against the grey of the pots.  This dress from Asos is perfect in Navy  with a bright yellow belt and pinstriping details. I’d throw a bright kelly green Alice + Olivia blazer over it too just for some added punch.

Structural Inspiration

So maybe you want to pass on the color options from your home. How about some structural and/or textural inspiration.  This Sea Lavendar hanging in my entry reminds me of a family tree and being a Pisces, I adore underwater plants.

The Alexandria Necklace from Stella & Dot is a great way to way this inpiration.  And best part of it is, you can pair it back to black for a real statement.

Or if you really want to mimic the inspiration, this Stella & Dot Lace Cuff is a ringer – in both black or gold.

Take a look around your home, I bet you will find a little inspiration to get you more creative with fashion this Spring.

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If it makes you remember something special and smile.

If when you wear it, you feel beautiful. Then it is worth every penny.

It doesn’t matter if you get it as a gift or if you buy it yourself, if a piece of jewelry has even one of these qualities, you know you have to get it.

Jewelry has that affect on me and when I saw the new Spring collection from Stella & Dot, I knew I had to be a part of it.  I hope you will check out my blog frequently to see some new Stella & Dot suggestions mixed into my fashion posts. As you’ll see they fit in nicely with the new Spring Collections! And if you are local and want to host a trunk show, send me a message here and we’ll get it booked.  In the meantime, check out my website for these and more pieces from Stella & Dot.

 

Chantilly Lace Cuff

I know this look is not what you’d expect from me, but the trend for Spring also includes some more delicate pieces, especially with bracelets and layering necklaces. And I intend to start with this Chantilly Lace Cuff with as much excitement as the larger, brighter statement pieces. I’d pair this cuff with a leather tank and white jeans and some tough heels for a night out.  Of course, it would look amazing paired back to my new Jason Wu floral skirt and a Rag & Bone Striped Blazer .

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about these Serenity Drop Earrings! I love the color, the size and I’m so into Gold for Spring I can’t even tell you. These will be gorgeous with my new designer love, Mary Katrantzou dresses. Or pair them with with Elizabeth and James printed pants, a tank, some sandals, a floppy hat and a bright Tory Burch tote for a day out and about.

In case you are not familiar, click for the history/philosophy of Stella & Dot. I think you will find it speaks to all women, especially you. I hope you enjoy my favorite pieces from the new Spring collection. Add them to your jewelry box now before the sell out.

xo

c.

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Spring 2012 Must-Try Trend: Style of Gatsby-esque Proportions

Can’t you just picture yourself walking through gardens in a simple dress before changing into a flapper inspired dress complete with beading and fringe?  I’m struggling with the picture in my head only because of my busy life of work, being a wife and mother,  but I am definitiely going to give parts of this trend some much deserved spots in my closet. When I started to see the Spring 2012 last year and the buzz about the Gatsby Girl was starting, I admit, I was really excited about the return of hats and the secretly dreamed of wearing all white

I consider my style to be a littel less boho and a bit more edge so, sometimes I can only embrace elements of a trend; wearing it my way, but still feeling like I am wearing what is new and fresh for the season. There are a few elements of the Gatsby Girl trend that I can definitely embrace including the all – white look, the drop waist dress in modern prints, especially the digi prints and pops of neon, and I adore lace, but only in small amounts so wearing a lace collar or a carrying a bag with lace and leather are right up my style alley.

All White Everything

Ralph Lauren takes on White for Gatsby

 A look so crisp and fresh, it could only be perfected by Ralph Lauren. Nothing says classic like an all white suit with the addition of a white cap and scarf; it all adds up to the perfect amount of elegance represented in the era – yet modern for today.  I can’t wait to try this look for Spring and even found some great, affordable looks from J.Crew including their High Rise Wide Leg Stretch Cotton Pant and Mixed Tape Cardi in White and their gorgeous Edie Attache Bag.  Paired with a Kain Label v-neck tee in white, a lovely silk scarf and white patent leather Miu Miu Wedges and I am ready to accept the Gatsby Girl in me. Now I just need to find that white driving cap! And maybe leather driving gloves?

 

The Drop-Waist

Tory Burch Masters the Drop Waist

The drop-waist dress is a key style for the season, but making it modern is a matter of styling and embracing color and prints.  Neon accessories and digi prints are  so anti-reto there will be no doubt you repesent today’s Daisy Buchanan, not the one of yesteryear. This Tory Burch is perfectly on trend with the silouette and print.. and of course, there is nothing wrong with a little sparkle.

Marc Jacobs

I love this drop waist Marc Jacobs Gingham Organza dress. It would be perfect now with a leather jacket and booties and then paired with some sandals and white blazer for Spring.

Derek Lam did a modern take on the Gatsby-inspired drop waist phenomenon with his 10 Crosby Ikat print dress.  The clever faux wrap style and ruffled hem is a wearable look for every body type and style.  

A Taste of LACE

Rebecca Minkoff

The Rebecca Minkoff Mini Romero is the anwer to every girl who wants to wear lace. Whether you love it, but feel like you can’t wear it for day or if you are like me and feel a bit too girly in any piece of clothing of lace, this is the perfect option for us all.  Thank you Rebecca Minkoff! We love you.

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 Spring 2012 Must-Try Trend: Sporty Chic

A combination of preppy and sporty-  beyond the basic locker room sensibility-  this trend is pulled together in a sophisticated way with its mixed us of ”hard” fabrics like techno-like and neoprene, combined with soft drapey (think lux sweatshirt) fabrics, silks and soft leathers. The use of racing stripes of color and combinations with soft greys, taupes and navy all make it work.

I love dressing up, but sometimes I just want to go casual, but still wear a trend. Here are a couple of wears to go casual and still be sporty chic.

Gap did an amazing  collection for Spring and has many items available now that have the Sporty Chic vibe. My favorite look pairs a sporty stripe sweater and bright ponte blazer with basics that every girl has in their closet: skinny denim, a button up shirt and oxford flats.  I’m not a sneaker fan, but I’d pair this Gap look with some sleek sneakers or edge it up with a pair of metallic Converse low tops.

Not quite sure you want to take it to such a casual level? How about incorporating a  Rag & Bone leather skirt, woven sandals from Alexander Wang and a Marc by Marc Jacobs slouchy leather bag in the hottest hue for Spring – Yellow with  Jason Wu’s Varsity Wool Sweater. This is also great way to wear the trend now and into those cool Spring days.  I’d also pair this sweater with sleek, racing stripe trousers by 10 Crosby and towering platforms for a sporty chic look with an edge.

 The Spring 2012 Runway had a field of Sporty Chic looks ranging from Alexander Wang to VPL and my favorite French girl, Isabel Marant. Below, Marc Jacobs gives us preppy yellow with butter leather for a new twist on texture. While BCBG brings on the red stripes for a dress I can imagine styling every which way. The addition of a techno fabric sporty jacket takes Altuzarra’s famous florals to a whole different realm. How will you be wearing the sporty chic trend?

This series will continue over the next couple of weeks so sign up to subscribe, follow my tweets  and “Like” me on Facebook  and Follow me on Instagram to see my Outfit of the Day. Trust me, you don’t miss a single post in this series.  It is vital to your Spring shopping plans.

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Spring Trend Must Have #4: Cool Collars

Equipment Daddy Blouse

 What to Buy:

The look of the classic white collared shirt is back, but this time around, designers have added a twist; taking the classic  to another level and I love it.  It’s one thing to wear a gorgeous shirt, but when there is the added splash of a beautiful collar, it’s hard to resist trying. The floral trend for Spring is certainly not shocking, in fact, it is quite expected. What is fresh this season is how and where the floral is used. 

Equipment is the go-to line for beautiful silk and crepe de chine button up shirts for women. Their amazing fits, use of color and now the addition of floral collars makes them even more swoonworthy.  This bright pink button up will be amazing right now with some high waisted red pants , but come this Spring, a white pencil skirt will add a level of sophistication. If you are interested in more of Equipment basics, check here for a great selection.

The Embellished Collar is another way to add a cool collar look to your new Spring purchase list.  Tibi did an amazing black collar with classic white shirt look that is jaw dropping. The details are not only a gorgeous addition to the shirt, but also add some sparkle an jewels to every look – no need for lots of accessories with an embellished collar. Available at Net-a-Porter.

There are alternatives if you are looking to spend a little less or want more opportunities. Two of my absolute favorite ways to wear a cool collar is to add it myself. Detachable  collars are a great way to add some edge to a more feminine crew neck tee or a manderin collar shirt or dress. Whether you like a sweet, peter pan collar, a metallic silver pointed tip collar or a black leather collar, you have to give this option a try. 

And jewelry as a collar is just one more reason to add some spectacular designers to your  collection. DANNIJO is a must have jewelry line and their collar versions are beautiful and worth the money.

The Runway for Spring 2012 was abound with options from designers ranging from Proenza Schouler, Rachel Roy and Karen Walker and many more.  I can’t decide which one I like best!

This series will continue over the next couple of weeks so sign up to subscribe, follow my tweets  and “Like” me on Facebook  and Follow me on Instagram to see my Outfit of the Day. Trust me, you don’t miss a single post in this series.  It is vital to your Spring shopping plans.

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Spring 2012 Must Have #3: Head to Toe Prints

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Spring 2012 Must Have #2: The Peplum

The Spring 2012 Runway was abundant with peplum looks including feminine styles from Jason Wu (keep in mind, his Target Collaboration is out February 5), and from Cushnie et Ochs, with their more edgier take.

Asos Peplum Skirt

 The peplum is a classic in my view. I have pieces ranging from dresses to leather t-shirt styles and I love how they accent the waist. They are always a great style to belt and I love the tops paired with skinny trousers.

What to Buy and What to Wear.

Whether you decide to wear a Peplum top like this adorable Alice + Oliva top , a Peplum Skirt like this Asos version or a full on Peplum dress (I love the leather details on this Cynthia Steffe), I encourage you to bring at least one peplum element into your Spring closet.

Even a jacket or blazer with a Peplum detail is a simple way to way the trend at work over a dress or with trousers. I love this Printed Peplum Blazer from Suno with it’s small print pattern – great for wearing with other prints and colors of the season.

This series will continue over the next couple of weeks so sign up to subscribe, follow my tweets  and “Like” me on Facebook  and Follow me on Instagram to see my Outfit of the Day. Trust me, you don’t miss a single post in this series.  It is vital to your Spring shopping plans.

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This is part one of an ongoing series to get you thinking about buying some pieces now that will surely be hot trends for Spring.  Enjoy and be sure to comment and let me know if there is a trend you’d like to hear more about. This series will continue over the next couple of weeks so sign up to subscribe, follow my tweets  and “Like” me on Facebook  and Follow me on Instagram to see my Outfit of the Day. Trust me, you don’t miss a single post in this series.  It is vital to your Spring shopping plans.

Spring 2012 Must Have #1:  A Touch of Tangerine

3.1 Phillip Lim

I’ve been pushing orange on your for at least 6 months so, if you are a regular reader you most certainly have purchased something in the citrus range by now. And , if so, good for you because you are already ahead of the Spring trend.  Now you just need to style it right and wear it. Here are some looks to try and some suggested pieces to buy.

What to Wear and What to Buy:

If you haven’t picked up some of these juiced-hues, now is the time. I’m a lover of all accessories and encourage you to incorporate this trend with the addition of colorful bracelets, belts and shoes. If you are daring enough, I would suggest these a gorgeous pair of tangerine colored trousers- wide leg and high waisted like this style from Jenni Kayne. Pair with some neutral shoes and a beautiful printed floral top for a complete Spring look. Or reverse the look and wear Leopard loafers and an equally bright top from Equipment.

Or why not try an orange blouse? Paired with some leopard jacquared pencil pants; this combination from 3.1 Phillip Lim defines chic. I love the orange belt too- it adds some preppiness to the look.

The beauty of oranges and tangerine tones is how gorgeous they look with both neutrals such as camel, biege, grey and even winter white.  They also work  well with other bold colors such as hot pink - proven by Marc Jacobs, cobalt and navy blues and greens that are prevalent all over the Runway.

Shoes:

The Boutique 9 Piraya Sandals are the perfect way to subtly wear orange and be able to pair it with other colors or neutrals. I’d suggest a white skinny crop denim with a striped top for Spring.

I also love these  classic Agnes Pumps from Jimmy Choo, this great pop of color with a winter white pencil skirt for now and in the Spring with the season’s new florals for a sophisticated, on trend look ala Jason Wu.

Gorjana Leather Studded Wrap

Accessories:

Jewelry is a more simple wear to wear the citrus colors and it is a so much fun to layer on- especially when it comes to bracelets.  Whether you go big with some chunky cuffs or small with a wrap or lots of bangles, this is a look anyone can wear to capture the trend.

Of course, a ring can add a powerful style punch when it is this beautiful 22 kt Gold and Orange Resin ring from Kenneth Jay Lane. I just love the shiny gold metal when mixed with Orange – it just screams “warmer weather” to me.

 Handbags:

And let us not forget, the option of adding color with a handbag.  There are many versions that I love for Spring that use orange in a colorblock style- and work beautifully. 

If you haven’t seen the Bag Snob for DKNY collaboration, now is the time to get one of these bags while you can.  I adore this Treasure bag with it’s ladylike top handle. It is perfect for work and on the weekends.

Diane Von Furstenberg

 My second is the Diane Von Furstenberg Harper Laurel Colorblock Leather Tote. The punch of citrus paired with creamy white leather and black would be perfection as a Spring bag – especially if you like to keep the option of wearing black close by all year long.

However you decide to bring these juice-color into your closet now and into the Spring, remember to wear it your way and embrace the fun in styling with accessories.

xo

c.

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