Minis and Menswear

After a whirlwind of a month, I am finally getting a chance to post again. My apologies to all of my dedicated readers - all five of you.

It's nearly mid-April and by now I'm sure you have all returned to the land of short dresses, short skirts, and short shorts. At least for a few days here and there. Of course, as the new season arrives, new trends make their debut. One of my favorites for the spring and summer is pairing mini silhouettes with menswear pieces. The contrast of ultra-femme and uber-masculine makes for a playful and unexpected style that is sure to get noticed.

Body conscious skirts are still going strong, which means they are here to stay for at least a few more seasons. Snatch one up in a vibrant color or fun stripes, and wear it with a fitted button-down tucked in for an inspiring fashion-forward look.

Pleasure Doing Business James Perse

$88 at revolveclothing.com $155 at jamesperse.com

BCBG power skirt J. Crew

$148 at bcbg.com $58 at jcrew.com

If shorts are more for you, then try a cuffed pair with a fitted tee and a cropped blazer. Top the look off with some ankle boots and long gold necklaces for rockstar style.

Try These...

Current/Elliott T by Alexander Wang

$178 $98

both at shopbop.com

With These:

Silence and Noise

$58 at urbanoutfitters.com

Kai-aaikmaann

$93 at revolveclothing.com

autumn cashmere

$114 at revolveclothing.com

So take a risk and try out the minis and mens style. It's a fun way to mix things up and do something different.

Dress on!

Lisa

Stroll into Spring with Fabulous Shoes

With the busy lives that we lead, sometimes walking in our own shoes is tough. Why not make the walk a little more pleasant with an updated shoe collection? I'm happy to find that platforms are still in which make heels more manageable, and that sandals are making their own statements with embellishments and details.

Flat Sandals

I love the snakeskin on this pair by BCBGeneration, and the neutral color makes them able to go with just about anything. But steer clear from mixing them with prints to avoid clashing.

BCBGeneration Uma sandal

$63 at www.zappos.com

These black and gold beauties are a little more on the dressier side and would be great with a black dress - short or long.

Matt Bernson The Flash sandal

$170 at www.piperlime.com

I love the coral color of these patent Vince Camutos. Just looking at them makes me happy and I want to be strolling along the boardwalk in a white flowy dress with a turquoise necklace.

Vince Camuto Basso

$70 at www.zappos.com

These Coachella-worthy gladiators have a zip up back to make them easy to get in and out of, and the stone detail will add a little something extra to any outfit.

Kensie Girl Della sandal

$55 at www.zappos.com

Closed Toe

If you've missed your recent pedicure and need to hide those toes, reach for these turquoise Steve Madden pumps to stay in season.

Steve Madden Ulltra Pump

$68.95 at www.nordstrom.com

I love closed toe flats for long days or when I know I will be on my feet. But they often don't have any cushioning and can feel even worse than a heel. These Me Too flats have extensive heel and sole cushioning that can keep you walking for miles. And again, the snakeskin print is super cute.

Me Too prissy flat

$88.95 at www.nordstrom.com

Guaranteed at some point you will need to put on something with a little more pizazz this spring, and these Jeffrey Campbells with ruffle detail and spiral heel are so unexpected yet still understated.

Jeffrey Campbell Michelle pump

$119.95 at www.nordstrom.com

Nude Heels

I'm really into the nude colored heels right now, and Seychelles offers us a classic silhouette and a slight platform in this pair. The chunky wooden heel makes them a little more casual - think daytime outing.

Seychelles Gypsy Heel

$95 www.piperlime.com

Here is a slightly more dressy option that would work for day or night. The cage straps are also right on trend for this season.

Nine West Hamish

$99 at www.piperlime.com

Spring Boot

It wouldn't be a shoe article by me if it didn't include a boot! These distressed booties would look great with spring dresses, shorts, or floral jumpers to give an outfit a little bit of an edge.

Jeffrey Campbell Brit Strap Bootie

$230 at www.shopbop.com

I often let the shoes make the outfit, and any of these picks will definitely speak for themselves. So even though we move pretty fast, try and enjoy the walk.

Dress on!

Lisa

It's Wedding Season!

"What do you like better, Christmas or wedding season?"

"Yes, um, the answer would be wedding season."

- Wedding Crashers, 2005

It's almost spring and many of you have probably received a few save the date cards or wedding invitations for the upcoming months. As with any event, one of the first things that us women think about is, "What should I wear?" Well, not to worry my pretties, I've scoured the web for some of the cutest and most fun styles that are wedding appropriate. Since every wedding is different in regards to the attire, I've broken these styles down into three categories to help guide you in the right direction.

A wedding is definitely about the bride, but that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy your outfit, as well. After all, since I met my bf at a wedding, I am living proof that you never know who you might meet! As long as your chest isn't out for the world to see and you can sit comfortably without yanking your dress down to make it longer, then you should be ok. However, if you find yourself wondering if a certain dress is acceptable, then I would advise to err on the side of caution and pick a more conservative one.

When looking at the photos, please keep in mind that the models are usually upwards of 5'10" so they will look shorter than they would on someone who is 5'4". Here we go!

Backyard Wedding:

This is an event that is intended to be more casual and less traditional, so you have a lot of leeway when it comes to attire. Since you will likely be outside and on grass, I would definitely recommend wearing flat shoes to avoid getting your heels stuck. Long flowy frocks and pretty prints and colors lead the way in this pack.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Bra Cup Slip Dress in Sweet Pea

$259 at www.revolveclothing.com

Rory Beca Doris fold dress in amethyst

$217 at www.revolveclothing.com

Geren Ford Rope Gown

$398 at www.shopbop.com

J. Crew Watercolor Potpourri Ames Dress

$148 at www.jcrew.com

ella moss teacup solid ruffle dress

$186 at www.ellamoss.com

Beyond Vintage silk CDC slip dress

$286 at www.revolveclothing.com

Black Tie:

If a wedding invitation suggests Black Tie, then the bride and groom want to create a more formal and more traditional atmosphere for their big day. However, in my opinion, Black Tie doesn't necessarily mean long; it means tasteful and sophisticated. Here are a few great options:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Elise Crochet Dress

SALE $233 at www.revolveclothing.com

Charlotte Ronson One-shoulder Beaded Dress

SALE $116 at www.revolveclothing.com

BCBG halter gown w/layered panel detail in taupe

$268 at www.bcbg.com

Rory Beca bloom bow dress

SALE $162 at www.bloomingdales.com

Calvin Klein one-shoulder solid dress

$129 at www.bloomingdales.com

Non-Specific:

If an invitation does not specify what type of attire is desired, then I would go with something in between backyard and black tie. Stay away from cotton or jersey fabrics and choose silks or chiffons instead. Color is fine, but NEVER wear white or cream - Rule #1.

Walter tiered dress in gunmetal

$167 at www.revolveclothing.com

Nanette Lepore Passion Blowout dress

$279 at www.revolveclothing.com

LA Made Rita Ruffle Dress in Plum

$110 at www.revolveclothing.com

Elizabeth and James Luna dress

$375 at www.shopbop.com

Elizabeth and James dress in orange

$223 at www.revolveclothing.com

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

One-Shoulder Lace Dress in orange

$350 at www.shopbop.com

Yana K maxi dress

$303 at www.revolveclothing.com

Now that you have some ideas it's time to book the plane tickets and hotel! These things tend to sneak up on us even when they seem months away... so act now before the prices go up. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes and have a great time! Oh, and don't forget the wedding gift.

Cheers!

Dress on,

Lisa

Winter White - How to Get it Right

There is nothing more classy and refreshing than donning white in the winter and standing out amongst the sea of dark colors. However, as with all things fashion, winter white has to be done right. Not all shades of white are suitable and not all styles are created equal.

With this in mind, I have to comment on Miss Carrie Underwood's Super Bowl outfit she wore to sing the National Anthem. Since the Super Bowl broadcast is kind of a big deal, and over 106 million viewers tuned in this year for the big game, you would think that Carrie and Team Underwood might put a little more thought into what she wears.

Head to toe stark white with silver chains? I'm sorry but I just cannot get into it. I was really surprised seeing as she usually looks great. I don't know who was responsible for this getup but they must be trying to sabotage her.

When it comes to pulling off winter white, it is all about finding the right piece. Here are a few that I've come across:

Free People "ebb and flow" striped jacket

$108 at bloomingdales.com

This super cute zip up jacket by Free People will keep you warm in those in between months and can be worn with a simple top and jeans for a casual look.

Another lightweight option is this cardigan by Banana Republic. I practically live in my long cardis since I can pair them with leggings and a scarf for those "cold in the morning warm in the afternoon" days that L.A. is so fond of.

Banana Republic

heritage mesh trim cardigan $59.50

This white blazer by Plastic Island is perfect for an office day or going out to play. I love how crisp it looks when paired with all black.

Plastic Island Leighton Blazer

$198 at revolveclothing.com

For those colder days these Joe's taupe leggings are awesome and would look great with any type of boot. You also can't go wrong with a classic wool coat in winter white like this one from BCBG. If you're feeling really into it, you can even pair them together since the colors are distinct enough.

The Legging by Joe's with side zipper

$88 at bloomingdales.com

Wool coat with waist tie by BCBG

on sale for $249 at bcbg.com

So since Punksatony Phil saw his shadow, go ahead and bring some white into these last weeks of winter. It'll put you in the mood for the warm days that are slowly approaching.

Dress on!

Lisa