LV's Got It in the Bag

Louis Vuitton has always been known for their monogram bags and luggage, but for the Spring 2011 RTW collection, they've gone bold. In color that is. With bold shades of orange, magenta, maroon, and yellow, the bags do anything but blend in. They coordinate perfectly (as bags should in a collection!) with the clothes, but these are some of my favorite clothes & bag matches I've ever seen in a collection.

All images above are from www.style.com and are from Louis Vuitton's Spring 2011 RTW collection. These bags are not yet availible on louisvuitton.com, therefore the prices for the bags above are not listed in this post.

Flat Out Fabulous

One of fashion's classic staples is high heels. But this season, they're on the chopping block. Literally. The heels have been chopped off and replaced with flats! From Marc Jacobs to Hermes, models have traded in their show-stopping stilettos for practical flats. It's one of the easiest new trends to adapt to!

From top:

Lanvin, Marc Jacobs, Missoni, Hermes, Maloles, Christian Louboutin, Oscar de la Renta, Derek Lam, Balenciaga, Chanel, & Chloe.

All looks from Spring 2011 RTW collections.

All images from www.style.com

Into the Wild

Yes, it does seem that every season animal print comes into play in at least one collection. Spring 2011 example: Blumarine. Cheetah print is all over on this collection, and I love using wild animals as inspiration to spice up your outfit. Left & right: Cheetah print covered the looks at Blumarine's Spring 2011 show with brights serving as a backdrop.

However, you don't need to go all out for that wild statement. One of fashion's classics is animal jewelry. You know what I'm talking about: Cartier. Their iconic animal jewelry has been topping off outifts for decades. From rings to bracelets, the diamond covered statement pieces are more like pieces of art than pieces of jewelry. But savers be warned: these pretty pieces are worth a very pretty penny.

From left: Cartier Panthere Ring 18k white gold ring with paved diamonds, emerald eyes, onyx nose & black lacquer spots, $51,600. Cartier Panthere ring in 18k gold with diamonds, black onyx nose, black lacquer spots, tsavorite-garnet eyes, $22,300, cartier.com

But of course, with such beautiful jewelry, why stop at rings? The gorgeous Panthere jewelry doesn't end there. There are also bracelets, earrings, & necklaces! Below, from left: Panthere bracelet in 18k white gold, diamonds, onyx nose & spots, emerald eyes, price upon request, cartier.com. Panthere earrings in 18k gold with tsavorite-garnet eyes, onyx nose, & black lacquer spots, $31,900, cartier.com.

So you may think that it all ends there. With jewelry. However it is just the beginning. May I introduce you (or for the true fashionista, may I reacquaint you) to Judith Leiber bags. They are beautiful, stunning, and covered in crystals. When you're looking for that statement bag, Judith Leiber is who to go to. From dolphins & peacocks to turtles & cats, the novelty bags availible at judithleiber.com.

Check out these wildlife-themed bags below:

From left: Da Yun, $5,495, Botswana, $4,995, & Macau, $5,695. All availible @ judithleiber.com

Blinded by the [Bright]

As mentioned before in Jailhouse Rock, brights are in for the season! To express this idea even further, I added a few runway examples from the Spring's runways. If you don't feel daring enough to step out in bright pants, an "electric" blouse, and a "highlighter" blazer, try starting small, where every trend starts, accesories! Try Forever21 for stylish bright jewelry if you don't want to invest in something you might not wear! Once you pass the accesories "phase" move to shirts! Try PacSun (pacsun.com), they often have assorted pieces in brighter, "highlighter" hues.

Above Pictures:

First row, from left: Gucci, Lanvin, & Louis Vuitton

Second row, from left: Prada, Burberry Prorsum, & Jil Sander

Third row, from left: Christian Dior & Proenza Schouler

**All images from style.com**

Jailhouse Rock

No, Lagerfeld didn't order a giant jail for models to walk through during his Spring show. However, in a way we're taking a cue from old-fashioned jail uniforms with one of this season's newest trends: Stripes! From Prada to Marc by Marc Jacobs, stripes have hit the runways. If you don't want a head-to-toe all striped look, start off with a striped top. More daring fashionistas might try a striped dress. From left, a look at Prada, then, Marc by Marc Jacobs. Below, a picture of old-fashioned jail uniform.


So what else is "in" for Spring? Store away those tight-fitting mini skirts! Looser fitting garmets are more stylish this season, and get excited! Loose means more comfy! Also, lengthen the hem of your dresses & skirts, above-the-knee garmets are in for Spring as oppose to mini dresses & skirts. And, if you haven't noticed by the above pictures, brights are coming out! Get rid of the drab fall color pallette, and brighten it up with bags or accessories. What else is in? White! Try to encorparate this "color" into any of your ensembles this season! It screams Spring!

The loose-fitting designs hit runways this Spring season and can be seen at various shows including these, seen on your left. From left, a look from Christian Dior (pictured with another hot trend: big jewelry! Read more about this trend in my blog post, "The "Neck-lis"t), & Christopher Kane. Below left, pictured is a loose fitting dress from the boys at Proenza Schouler.

In addition to being loose-fitting, each of these looks displays another trend: Brights! The season's runways are covered with bright pieces like these!

Check out these other images from this Spring's shows, sporting the season's newest, of-the-moment trends. Top pictures, from right, bright colors and looser garmets at Prada, longer hems and white at Christopher Kane. Below pictures from left, beauty has trends too! Bright eyeshadow paired with coral/red lipstick at the Christian Dior show, and bright orange/coral nail polish paired with other trends of the season (Big Jewelry!) can also be seen at Christian Dior.

A similar effect on your nails can be created by using a
bright polish! For a fun, Spring/Summer orange, try O.P.I.'s "A Good Man-darin Is Hard to Find" from the Hong Kong Collection, these can be purchased at salons, various websites, and most ULTA locations

**All runway images from style.com**

Style Advice!

Are you always questioning yourself inside your closet?

• How do I add a vintage piece to my outfit without making it look like last season?
• What are some basic pieces I need to start my new wardrobe?
• Does this outfit work?

If you find yourself wondering about these, or any other questions, feel free to email or message me any style troubles you have! I will do my best to answer as soon as I can!

xo

The "Neck-lis(t)": Spring's Big Statements

One of my favorite indulgences is a statement piece of jewelry, particularly a big necklace. This season, both Christian Dior and Fenton have satisfied my love for these pieces with their gorgeous necklaces. Colorful, eye-catching jewelry is in for Spring, as you can see with these beautiful pieces.
From left: Purple & red Christian Dior necklace, a look from the Dior Show

All: Christian Dior Spring 2011 RTW

Though Dior's mix of color and texture is both brilliant and eye-catching, Fenton delivers a similar experience with the Spring 2011 collection of jewelry. However, Fenton's 2011 collection is a bit (to say the least!) more edgy than Mr. Galliano's collection. Incorperating a mix of spikes, chains, geoometric shapes and jewels along with combining a fierce black with pops of neon, these necklaces are perfect for adding edgy to your outfit.

Chain Gang:

From Left: Pink, Yellow, & Black Multi-Chain Necklace, Multi-Colored Chain Necklace with Gemstones & Crosses, and Pink & Black Necklace with Pink Spikes, A Tassel, Beads, & Various Geometric Shapes.

All: Fenton Spring 2011 Jewelry Collection

So, whether you choose to spice up your outfit with a piece from Mr. Galliano, or your vintage necklace collection, make a statement. However, if these necklaces are more than you are willing to spend, try similar styles for cheap. Try Forever21's Feather Chain Necklace in Gold/Black, $7.80, forever21.com, or their Turquoise Rock & Dangling Chain Necklace, $9.80, forever21.com.

Whatever you choose however, the Spring, one thing is for certain: When it comes to necklaces, go big, or go home!