Orange Julius

                          

One of the biggest spring trends for 2011 is the blatant, vibrant use of color.  Bright tones are stemming from a more disco-like era of the 70's, with many designers embracing bold palettes created by color blocking ensembles and looks styled with one solid shade, flattered with touches of rainbow hues.

Currently, I am loving anything tangerine toned.  I think this is a complimentary color on most skin tones and it's a cheery addition to your spring wardrobe from an accessories standpoint. 

Styling Trick:  When wearing orangy tops and bottoms, try balancing the brightness with a white opposite, as seen at Jill Sander above.  Or, if you're up to challenge the trend, wear the carroty color from head to toe with compliments of neon yellows, greens and pinks, similar to what was styled at Christopher Kane.  

Beauty Trick:  I am especially loving orange nails.  I recently bought Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in "Sun Kissed" which is a really good shade.  Also, I am on the look out for OPI's "Ya'll Come Back Ya Hear?" which looks like it will be a cheery tone as well.

                        

 

Top and Skirt, both TOPSHOP

Skirt, Marc By Marc Jacobs

               

Melbourne Chelsea Satchel, Brahmin;  Small Crossbody, Forever21

Platforms, Jeffery Campbell;  Bangle, Lilly Pulitzer

And if you want to add a touch of citrine love to your home, this bedding from Urban Outfitters is adorbs:

love love love

DANNIJO is a brand that I have been OBSESSED WITH for quite a while now.  The eclectic mix of stones, metals and styles is just fantastic... and each piece is unique to itself.  From their spring collection, here are some of my wishlist goodies for you to drool over.  Note: They do have necklaces, rings and bracelets as well, I'm just on a serious earring kick these days so hence, my selections.

Jelani, $395

Rex, $370

Thordia, $295

You can see the rest of the spring collection here :)

FallWinter2011 Favorties, Part 1

With the FW11 shows officially underway, I'm going to post my favorites every couple days for your viewing convenience.  I usually don't like to post too much until each city is finished (because yesterday's favorites are frequently replaced with something more interesting), but to keep up with the pace, I'll post a little more frequently.

First up, Vena Cava...

Vena Cava's FW11 collection continued to embrace a high waisted, wide leg pant that is gaining momentum this season.  In addition, the brand featured frequent splashes of color and color blocking which I love for fall.  Here are a few other favorites:

I love the nineties vibe to this one!  Plus, a crop top with super high waisted pants is much more flattering than a low rise pair.  

Here's that off the shoulder look again, as mentioned in my Rachel Zoe post (can be found here)

Christian Siriano

I debated posting on this designer.  As the majority of you know, Christian Siriano is a Project Runway winner.  Of all of the winners (and for that matter, contestants), I think he is the most creative designer to ever walk the Project Runway ramp, which is why I like him.  On the contrary, the season four winner seems to have problems with gaining respect amongst fashion week designers, so it seems.  When reviewing his collections season to season, they all look the same and don't have much of an unexpected wow factor, which I think is the problem.  Despite this, I still think he is extremely talented when it comes to making gowns and avant garde pieces, as you can see here from his recent collection:

And finally, he did do a good tulip skirt that had a good presence.  It reminds me of a more dramatic, evening version of the Fendi skirt done for this spring, also posted below.  I think this is a good shape to invest in for future seasons; it's a good alternative to the pencil skirt.

(Christian Siriano FW11)

A smaller, springier version from the SS11 Fendi collection.

Finally, here are two looks from Luca Luca that are carrying on an intriguing color combination, and a more neutral color palette from Richard Chai Love.  To keep this post from getting any longer than it already is, I'm just going to say I love everything about all three looks.

BANANAS!

On day three of New York Fashion Week, the creative wheels are definitely turning, and on a roll.  The week premiered with smaller presentations from St. John, Z Spoke for Zac Posen and new designer, Rachel Zoe.

Oh, Rachel Zoe, where do I even begin to express my obsession with your talent and style.  My sister and I were discussing "celebrities" the other day after sitting a foot away from Joe Zee (I almost pee'd a little - I was that excited), and of course Ms. Zoe came up in conversation.  Our discussion ended with this:  If I could meet any fashion idol, past or present, it would be RZ.  There is just something about her taste level and passion for the industry that is so addicting.  She is just on a whole other level than anyone else.  Anyways though, on to the point of this post...

When I reviewed her FW11 collection on style.com, it didn't come as much of a surprise to see a 70's inspired collection.  I mean, 1) the 70's is the biggest influence in our wardrobes right now and 2) if you have watched any of The Rachel Zoe Project, you know that Rachel is head over heels obsessed with anything vintage and inspired by the decade.  

The collection seems to be pretty well rounded, with bell bottomed, wide legged denim to suiting options to evening wear, all of which included: a gorgeous sequin, batwing top; a long, a bit oversized petal tiered white gown, and multiple fur pieces.  Despite the well roundness and a good sense of wearability to the collection, to be honest I was a little disappointed because it is exactly what I would have expected from her.  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all of these pieces, but I'd like to see something a little more unexpected from the stylist/designer.  Hopefully her 2012 collections will step outside the box a little, because there's nothing I'd like more than to see Rachel Zoe succeed as a ready-to-wear designer.

I love the off the shoulder aspect to this maxi.  This is a style that you definitely need to keep your eye out for.  Not only is it a bit different than your spaghetti strap or haltered dress, it also has the same sexiness as a strapless, but in a fall appropriate shape.

I don't care if people say head to toe camel is out, I still love this!  An instant classic.

A fur vest, not a surprise.

I NEED THIS!!!

There's nothing better than a good sequin.  True in the Seventies, true in 2010, true now.

Can you say power suit?

This isn't a very new shape, but I still think it's a pretty silhouette and I love the idea of white for fall.

 * All images from style.com

Trash Bag

I was cleaning up my laptop tonight and came across a bunch of images I've been meaning to post for months now.  Although the thought has passed on why I picked this particular image, I thought it was still worthy of posting.  Apologies to whoever I borrowed this from for lack of credit.  Great picture, definitely one of my favorites <3

Big Brims and Floor Gliding Frocks

To carry on with the 70's inspiration I mentioned in my previous post, this post is dedicated to my two favorite items of the moment: Maxi Dresses paired with Large Brimmed Fedoras(or, for a simpler term, hats!).

The maxi dress is one of your smartest (and best!) spring buys because essentially, it is a lifesaver for your wardrobe. I don't think there is any other piece that can give you an effortless chic in the same way that a long dress can. All you need is some good wrist candy, a rustic statement ring and some good wedges and you're out the door... and, if you're more daring, a big brimmed hat is just the ticket to pull together the 70's look. Here are some of my favorite long frocks of the moment, and some accessories that will go with all that follows. Enjoy!

Topshop, $160

All Saints, $545

Winter Kate, $410

Alice + Olivia, $396

Halston Heritage, $995

Then pick your hat...

Free People, $98

Topshop, $50

Urban Outfitters, $34

Then pick your wedges...

Franco Sarto, $99.95

Sam Edelman, $149

All Saints, $250

And finally, add a rustic piece of jewelry or two. Look at my post below (can be found here) for inspiration :)

Ring, YSL, $195

Cuff, All Saints, $75

*Runway shots from Marc Jacobs SS11 Collection, via Style.com

Animal Instincts

Last spring we started to see animal prints reacquaint with the fashion palette, followed by creepy crawly infused jewels (spiders, snakes... insects of many sorts) and furry outterwear in fall.

Moving onto a new season, our biggest fashion influence for this spring is coming from the 70's and the harmonious theme that comes with the decade. Based on this inspiration, it comes as no surprise to me that our creepy crawly and furry, feathery adorned friends continue to be huge trend for the dainty and gaughty pieces that go on our hands, ears and neck this season. Personally, I love these pieces because they add a sort of boho swagger to your look, especially if you embrace the maxi dresses and romantic bohemian vibes we are seeing throughout all our favorite magazines and department catalogues. Not only that though, but quite frankly these pieces are just straight up cool and a conversation starter at any gathering (I guarantee you will get compliments every time you wear a piece like the ones posted below).

When shopping for these pieces, my advice is to look for rings or earrings that have a pop of color in addition to the animal influence that really make a statement, like the Rachel Rachel Roy Humming Bird Ring featured below. At the same time, solid gold or silver bracelets with animal shapes are perfect because they are easy to mix, match and stack with your season to season favorites. Note: When finding a good piece it's important to remember to not buy anything that looks cheap or boring. When you find a piece that literally gives you a "wow" reaction, chances are you've found a piece worthy of purchasing.

Which ever way you go, whether you pick a piece with bedazzled aquas or a solid statement cuff, adding some animal influence to your palette of jewels is a fresh, fashion forward way to let your inner lion roar.

Kissing Koi Bracelet, $238, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry

Turquoise Snake Ring, $48, Rachel Rachel Roy

Seahorse Earrings, Price Available Upon Request, Chopard Animal World Collection

Hummingbird and Drusy Ring, $55, Rachel Rachel Roy

Lator Gater Cuff, $58, Brighton

Jungle Cat Ring, $48, Spring Street Design Group

Babar Neckalce, $295, DANNIJO

Beetle Pendant, $55, Rachel Rachel Roy

Feather Zoe Earrings, $82, Alvina Abramova