A trip to the beach with my family included a requisite stroll down the boardwalk, and along the way I stopped to admire all of the women sporting a more tailored version of the army-green jacket. Perfect as a coverup to a maxi summer dress or a mini-length summer frock, these military-inspired toppers add edge to any feminine look. And the multi-purpose zipper pockets stow a tube of tinted sunscreen and a coral-colored lip gloss for a perfect after-sun glow.
Get instep with military time with a complementary WW1-inspired Camper watch (T41711). The fabric strap and simple utilitarian dial make this watch a must-have for surviving summer.
Of course no trip to the coast is complete without a beach tote, and there are many great options beyond the classic woven raffia. A camouflage print tote bag can guard all of your beach essentials (your Kindle and iPod for seaside entertainment) and serve as great arm candy come fall. I also like the new army-plucked rucksacks for trips to the beach this summer. Just remember, don’t wear all of your army-influenced gear at once!
July 23rd, 2010
On a recent trip to our nation’s capital I witnessed lots of red, white and blue in action. I suggest refining this color scheme one step further, in focusing on a bright blue for a fashionable and patriotic nod this month. You’ll find this hue in chic bikinis, cotton twill dresses and embellished tops this season. The key is to tune to a shade that’s right for you, so the younger the woman, the brighter the blue.
An easy way to wear the trend is with blue detailing on a watch, from the top ring to the face or the strap. [T Series Women’s Chronograph, blue strap]. Think blue when it comes to other accessories too. I love all of the bejeweled flat sandals in store this season. Why not find a bright blue barely-there sandal to turn up the heat on your summer shoe repertoire?
July 21st, 2010
In with the new this season…as in the new shapes of fashion. This can be in the form of an asymmetrical top with a bandeau bodice and one sleeve or a jacket with strong shoulders. Discover ruffles in unexpected places and playful pleats in dresses and skirts. Definitely use this summer to play with interesting clothing cuts and statement accessories, including a watch in a bold color.
A simple addition for a summer splash that can be either old or new is a big, shiny cocktail ring. Consider a gold bauble and let it shine in the sun, keeping other accessories to a minimum for a casual, yet winning look.
June 4th, 2010
In winter we sang endlessly the blues, but no longer. This May is all about green. We’re talking eye-popping verde in shades of a rain forest and the multi-dimensional vert of a shamrock. You’ll see this on everything from shoes to leather handbags to double-breasted blazers and bangles. Can you wear this color? Given the above listing, of course you can. Grab a green bag or slip on a green sandal. Balance out the look with a neutral-colored watch. No need to go head-to-toe green like a gecko, unless you’re really channeling the hills of Ireland.
An ensemble that pairs perfectly with green accessories is the belted shirtdress, which offers crisp freshness and a tailored silhouette. It’s a great look for many because belted at the waist, it gives you chic definition right where you need it.
June 4th, 2010
May Day! This has to be one of my favorite months because most of the country gets a taste of warm weather and the air smells differently as the garden shoots start to peek out.
This means it’s time to bring out some summer classics, as so many designers did on the runways. This look includes updated versions of the classic white shirt. Sure you can don a button-down favorite, but consider one with body-hugging shirring, pleated sleeves and a belt or a sophisticated ruffle bib. All these fancy suggestions needn’t cost a fortune and will add loads of style to an every day staple.
Similarly in watch trends we’re seeing a return to the traditional and for many it’s a welcome treat. Try leather banded watches with classic, cream-colored faces and with easy to read numerals.
Jackets can either be as breezy as a May wind or buckled down with a trim silhouette and a belted waist. Try a metallic belt to add a bit of spring to your coated step and mimic that feel with a shiny-heeled sandal shoe.
May 6th, 2010
With the release of “Alice in Wonderland,” I’m sure we all fantasize a trip down Tim Burton’s whimsical rabbit hole. In reality, it’s easier to draw inspiration from the film’s fashion since costume designer Colleen Atwood drew upon “authentic references” for costuming the cast of characters (WWD, March 4, 2010).
For your own turn as Alice, consider a full skirt with a white or pale blue top. To mimic Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, an all-white dress in lace or another fluttery fabrication perfectly fits the bill. To channel Helena Bonham Carter as the red queen, stick to a color scheme of red and black perhaps in the form of a bold floral print — while skipping the austere pale white makeup and electric blue eye shadow that renders her so starkly unapproachable.
Now if only the white rabbit had a reliable wristwatch…perhaps he would be more timely!
April 21st, 2010
If Taylor Swift’s Grammy winning Album of the Year has anything to do with it, we’re all going to sway a little bit country…with fresh fashion options, that is. Countrified dresses in colorful hues with panels of small floral prints look sweet with cowboy boots and bare legs.
Go for a short hem to show off your legs or a super long skirt to get your bohemian going. Accessorize with a straw hat, a blue watch and a picnic basket because this ensemble screams to be unleashed outdoors in a big grassy field.
April 5th, 2010
If ever fashion were a grab bag, this is the season for surprising plays on texture. It’s time to mix it up! Tops, dresses and jackets with beads, sequins, strings, buttons and tassels…it’s like designers opened their drawers and couldn’t stop sewing.
Add to this, experimentation with knitwear alongside delicate ribbons, cutouts, lace and fabrics of different colors and you’ve got a look of high-styled patchwork.
With so much visual stimulation, keep things simple with the extras. A solid colored shoe, a classic watch, a clean necklace of a single strand—these will all serve to accompany this seasonal trend rather than compete with it.
March 16th, 2010
The record snow that fell in D.C. and in other parts of the country last month left many stuck at home, hibernating in a sea of white. Even as those flakes start to melt, keep things icy hot with all-white accessories. Embrace a soft white leather top-handle bag, slim white coin purse or white-banded watch. White platform heels are also en vogue— just avoid the ice!
Another way to make the smooth transition from winter to spring is to keep wearing woven knitwear. We love a big sweater to keep us warm in the coldest of months — paring it down to shells, tank tops and blouses just as things outside start to warm up.
No better way to stay truly warm then head indoors and watch the 82nd Annual Academy Awards on March 7th. Let’s see if long gowns, asymmetric bodices and statement jewels continue to wow the red carpet.
March 3rd, 2010
The five golden rings are in formation and not on our fingers: it’s time for the Winter Olympics.
We can win some gold of our own this winter. Prodigious gold earrings in circle and oblong shapes, over-sized gold watches and gold pendants that drape luxuriously from necklaces will make you feel a part of the action, even if you watch the Vancouver games curled up on your sofa at home.
For all the athletes donning snow boots in subzero Canada, you’ll also see lots of fancy winter boots clacking along your city streets. This season you’ll find them faux fur lined with fun pom poms, laced up to the knee, in sturdy black patent or in wild and fun prints. Whatever stylish option you choose go for a boot that is also ergonomically correct and comfortable. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous try a clog. They were a hit on the Paris runways for spring. Watch your step for ice– and let the games begin!
February 16th, 2010
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