Seasonal Style Guide: Spring 2014

TGIF With Co-Workers

My Mama passed on her narrow shoulders and child bearing hips to me. I have a “triangle” shape, so I try to balance out my fuller, lower half with tops that broaden my shoulders and emphasize my natural, small waist. I’m not supposed to wear print on the bottom, but sometimes I can’t help but break the rules. I love to mix black & white patterns. At my creative workplace there is a broad definition of “business casual”. I heir on the dressier side, while staying true to my artistic-cool, personal style.

What I’m wearing: Chelsea Flower Striped Cropped Blouse, $208. River Island Floral Slouch Trousers, $55. Marc by Marc Dynamite Eye Studs, $55. Marni Necklace, $350. Sara Barner ‘Ford’ Bag, $520. A Detacher ‘Morris’ Ballet Clog at Una, $402.

The boss has a “rectangle” figure. She’s a marathon runner, lean and muscular. She is always fashionable and today is no exception. The print up top draws attention to her small bust, making it appear fuller. The slightly cropped top shows off her waistline (but no skin) at the narrowest part, and the pleats in the skirt make her derriere appear fuller. All creating the illusion of an hourglass figure. Framed with a long, blush-colored blazer, she’s perfectly on trend. She even rocks the heels! (But I noticed her throw on her D’orsay Flats before she scooted out on her walk to lunch… smart woman!).

What she’s wearing: Andrea Fohrman Black Diamond Rainbow Studs at Twist, $3,200. Malene Birger Oversize Coat, $790. Vince D’orsay Flats, $295. Tod’s D-Cube Medium Tote, $1,925. Kenzo Round-Frame Sunglasses, $275. Lela Rose Floral Print Shantung Top, $895. Kenzo Neoprene Miniskirt, $505. Jimmy Choo Suede Point-Toe Flats, $525.

Saturday Is For Lovers

After kicking off my weekend with my co-workers, it was definitely time to focus on the family. Saturday night marks date night with the Hubby and he’s taking me to Ox. Our date nights always get me excited knowing he’s dressed just for me! This Spring he’s introduced easy slip-on shoes and bold, graphic shirts adding plenty of longing for Summer. This floral button up packs a lot of style he says, so choosing the rest of his outfit was a breeze. I’m a lucky girl!

Here’s what he’s wearing: Zeal Optics ‘Memphis’ Sunglasses at Snowpeak PDX, $169. Lacoste Embossed Croc Belt, $50. Jil Sander Achilles Trouser, $660. Common Projects Leather Slip-Ons, $400. Topman Floral Shirt, $55. A.P.C. Bomber Jacket at Frances May, $460. Stitch & Hammer Folded Stud Wallet at Beam & Anchor, $115.I’m all about the tie-dye trend lately and the smokey, berry shades in this amazing Maxi dress pair perfectly with my all-season ankle boots. With an empire waist and a cropped Moto Jacket I’m still keeping focus on my small waist while adding volume to my dainty shoulders. And I’m excited about my new earrings! Mis-match and asymmetry are all the rage this season, so these different-but-the-same studs are sure to set me apart.

What I’m wearing: Upstate ‘Simone’ Gown, $360. Rachel Comey Mars Ankle Boots at Solestruck, $405. Olandia Necklace at Betsy & Iya, $59. Workhorse Jewelry ‘Hesper’ Earring, $240. Zara Cropped Jacket with Zips, $159. ManiaMania Gold Vixen Stacked Ring, $308. Primecut Taupe Clutch at Communion, $130.

3 Generations Out To Brunch

Mother’s Day is this weekend and I’m treating my Mom and Grandma to brunch at Broder! My Mom has an “apple” figure with a full bust, svelte legs, round tummy and flat bum. Her goal is always to create a waist and balance out her upper half so she doesn’t appear top heavy. With a belted blouse, a boot-cut leg, and pointy-toe heels she dresses her shape flawlessly. She’s rocking this season’s brights and pastels, while utilizing her asymmetrical Fall coat strategically. Go mom!

Here’s what she’s wearing: Danielle Weldmond Pink Jade Drop Earrings at Twist, $88. NYDJ Greta Trouser in Dark Enzyme, $110. Pyramidia Layered Necklace, $35. Manon Baptiste Wrap Effect Belted Blouse, $207. Nine West ‘Callen’ Pump, $89. Simply Be Biker Style Zip Coat, $138. Kate Spade Holly Street Ashton Bow Satchel, $378.My Grandma may be in her late 70’s but she’s not one to sacrifice style. She’s “petite” so she’s careful to keep the pattern on her cropped trousers in appropriate scale to her frame. She also compliments the detail in her pants by adding texture to her upper half by way of her amazing waxed coat. (Extra cool points for wax-coated, Grams!) And she knows how to bring everything together without getting too “matchy-matchy”. Drawing on the powder blue hues in her pants, she’s perfectly paired her bag and earrings to keep her right on point. Grandma really does know best.

What she’s wearing: Floreat Tasseled Necklace Scarf, $68. Eileen Fisher Ballet Neck Dolman-Sleeve Top, $188. Elevenses Mindaro Crops, $118. Silver Leafed Cylinder Earrings, $150 at Parallel. Eileen Fisher A-line Waxed Stretch Twill Coat, $398. Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote, $575. Laura Sandal, $170.My outfit this year is inspired by the music festival looks I see everywhere right now. I’ve taken a few fundamental pieces in simple silhouettes and easy-going neutrals and paired them just right. Classic hats are everywhere this Spring, so just in case it rains I’m wearing mine. And these ultra comfy sandals give just the right pop of color without being too much of a contrast. After all, wild orchid is the pantone color of the season!

Here’s what I’m wearing: H&M Silk Blouse, $20. BCBG Fit & Flare Skirt, $158. Everybody ‘Dre’ Sandal, $299. AK Vintage Horizon Necklace, $155. ASOS Catarzi Fedora, $66. Levis Jean Jacket, $135. Lizzie Fortunato Tokyo Safari Clutch, $350. Gap Crossbody Leather Tote, $100.

Back To The Grind – Mix & Match

After such a fun weekend you can probably guess Monday isn’t very happily welcomed. Good thing I’ve got plenty of fresh new pairings to play with. Grandma even let me borrow her coat! Here’s what I came up with: