5 Favorites: Maxi Dress

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The best item to have in your closet for a “what to wear” moment – the maxi dress. This versatile item is an all-in-one ensemble that works for almost any occasion. From bright colors and bold prints to strong slits and cinched waists – there is a maxi out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite finds:

Monrow ~ T Back Racer V Tank Dress: $76.00

Rebecca Taylor ~ Paisley Gown: $395.00

BCBGeneration ~ Slit Maxi Dress: $101.99

Raquel Allegra ~ Tie-Dye Silk Maxi: $680.00

Splendid ~ Always Hi Lo Maxi Dress: $118.00

In The Know: Kate Spade Saturday

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This Spring, Kate Spade will launch a budget-friendly line, appropriately titled Kate Spade Saturday. The collection is meant to “capture the spirit of Saturday, every day of the week.”

Featuring everything from dresses and jackets to handbags, jewelry, home decor and eyewear  – all bright and bold in true Kate Spade fashion. The new lifestyle brand is targeted towards the younger fashionista – and priced 50% lower than the brand’s current offerings ($30 to $130).

While no stand-alone U.S. stores are planned as of now, you will be able to nab all the Kate Spade Saturday line at www.saturday.com – launching early next year.

5 under $50: Summer Dress

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Take the guess-work out of summer outfits. With the simple summer dress, one can quickly and casually throw it on all summer long.

Look for universal prints and colors. If you choose a more trendy version, i.e neons and/or bold prints, it will be more recognizable and you will not get as much wear out of it. Let the summer dress be the base of any ensemble and change it up with different pairings: jackets, scarves, layers (crop-tops/slouchy tees) and accessories. These dresses will be in your closet for numerous summers to come. Here are five favorites all under $50.00.

Volcom ~ Festivus: $45.00

Element ~ Robin Striped Dress: $44.50

BB Dakota ~ Dora Stripe Dress: $49.00 (sale)

Hive & Honey ~ Floral Blousant Dress: $39.99 (sale)

Forever 21 ~ Casual Chambray Dress: $15.50

Statement Sandals: Graphics

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From abstract florals to eye-catching ikat, summer sandals are getting graphic. Found in an overwhelming array of colors, styles, prints and patterns, complete any outfit with a bold statement sandal.

Keeping it neutral. Make these statement shoes the focal point of the ensemble by keeping the rest of the pieces neutral and/or monochromatic.

Mixing prints. Sometimes the best combinations are the ones that do not seem suitable. There are no rules here, only to look for prints and textures in complementary color families. The pieces do not have to coordinate exactly, but there should be a common theme.

Spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant graphics. Here are few of my favorite stand-out sandals.

Zara ~ Fabric Sandal: $99.90

Theodora & Callum ~ Hippie Heel: 229.99 (sale)

Loeffler Randall ~ Dita Platform Pump: $425.00

BCBGeneration ~ Hosanna: $87.99 (sale)

Alice + Olivia ~ Juliet Platform Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Cynthia Vincent ~ Naomi Aztec-Printed Platform Wedge Sandal: $197.00 (sale)

Pucker Up! H&M Fashion Against Aids 2012

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H&M Fashion Against Aids (FAA) collection launches today in 300 stores and online. This is the company’s fifth collection raising funds and creating youth awareness about HIV and AIDS.

Just like all of H&M’s collaborated collections, the store went for on-trend bold prints in both clothing and accessories. H&M commissioned prints from artists and illustrators all over the world – Inuit designs from Greenland, tribal prints from Africa, and Maori graphics from New Zealand – and worked them into 50 pieces, ranging from leggings and dresses to jewelry and ponchos.

Twenty-five percent of the proceeds from all sales will benefit youth AIDS/HIV programs, including the United Nations Population Fund, YouthAIDS, and the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

Kiss For A Cause: For every kiss uploaded, H&M will donate $1.00 to HIV/AIDS prevention. Pucker Up!

Upload kisses here: http://campaign.hm.com/faa2012/

Spring Forecast: Fashion Trends

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From electric neons to practical pastels, Spring 2012 Fashion Week hosted colorful and wearable fashion trends. From New York to Milan, there were many noticeable patterns and trends from the designers collections.

Shocking Neons and Electric Brights were glowing at Nanette Lepore. Though we have seen this trend before, Spring 2012 viewed a more feminine nature rather than an 80’s interpretation.

Animal Prints and Tribal Patterns were let loose at Michael Kors. A trend that re-invents itself every spring, this season it looks like a lot more texture has been added. A wealth of beading, metal and wood embellish the prints.

Bold Floral Prints sprouted up at J.Crew. Floral prints in Spring…Shocking! However, this season the prints are stronger/bolder and less “pretty.” Bright colors and loud patterns engulf entire outfits, i.e pant suits and jumpers.

Pretty Pastels speckled the runway at 3.1 Phillip Lim. This was the most obvious trend for the season. Washes of lavender, spearmint and blush flooded the runways. A pastel palette in Spring is a charming bouquet of chic and feminine style.