Casual Khaki: The Boyfriend Chino

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A great alternative to jeans is the slouchy boyfriend chino. This versatile style pant lives in a casual environment but with a few fancy basics can also be spruced up.

I love these pants ‘banged-up’ a bit. With some distress, worn spots and/or small holes – they look ‘lived-in’ and not as stiff/starchy.

Casual pairings are a cinch, as you can wear with anything – similar to denim. Dress-up your boyfriend chinos with fancy basics: beaded top, black blazer, sky-high pump.

Available in all colors and prints (camo!), here are a few favorites:

AG Adriano Goldschmied ~ Cropped Boyfriend Khaki Pants: $205.00

Vince ~ Boyfriend Trousers: $195.00

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Buddy’ Print Twill Trousers: $238.00

Rag and Bone ~ Portobello Pants: $176.00

Old Navy ~ Boyfriend Skinny Khakis: $29.94

Wardrobe Staple: Denim Jacket

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The denim jacket is an easy piece to grab on your way out the door. Versatile and basic, the denim jacket will transition from season to season with effortless style.

The denim jacket is no longer limited to different washes of blue denim. The trend has evolved into prints, colors, proportions and textures. Available in cropped, leather, tweed and jersey detailing, fur, moto style, western style, stud and spike embellishments, floral and leopard print the design elements are endless.

Pair your denim topper with everything from maxi dresses to leather pants. Or wear as a layering piece under a blazer or over a hooded sweatshirt. Whatever style you choose from the basic blue to fancy floral, the denim jacket will always be a wardrobe staple.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Snap’ Stretch Denim Jacket: $274.00

Haute Hippie ~ Washed Floral Denim Jacket: $285.00

Rag and Bone ~ Leather Sleeve Jean Jacket: $495.00

Urban Outfitters ~ Silence & Noise Cropped Denim Moto Jacket: $79.00

By Zoe ~ Mickey Jacket: $172.00 (sale)

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)

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

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A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

Confirmed: Marchesa Contemporary Line

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The rumors are true, Georgina Chapman and Keren Kraig of Marchesa will bring-out a lower-priced contemporary line sometime next year. The new line does not have a name at this point, but will be priced from $150-$750 and feature much of the brand’s signature embroidery and prints.

Chapman describes the line as “under the Marchesa umbrella, but with a slightly different feel. We envision versatile silk blouses, embroidered and beaded jackets and printed trousers.” Chapman says it will launch around pre-fall 2013 and will likely be the tip of the iceberg in terms of the brand’s expansion into new categories.

About Marchesa:

Marchesa is named after socialite Marchesa Luisa Casati. An heiress, a muse and  fashion legend, Marchesa Luisa Casati dazzled everyone she met in turn-of-the-century Europe. Wherever she went, she set trends, inspired genius and shocked the world by wearing live snakes as accessories and parading around with cheetahs on diamond-studded leads.

Georgina Chapman began her career as a costume designer while Karen Kraig focused on print and embroidery design. Georgina’s draping and design paired with Keren’s textile creations resulted in the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. In 2006, the label was named one of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund’s top ten finalists.

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/

5 under $50: Wedges

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A warm-weather staple, wedges are comfortable, stylish and wonderfully chunky. Available in multiple textures, colors and prints at these prices you can have them all. Live on the ‘wedge’ with 5 under $50.00:

Charlotte Russe ~ Cross-Front Strappy Cork Wedge: $35.50

Charlotte Russe ~ 2-Band Wooden Wedge Sandal: $36.50

Piperlime ~ Qupid – Katrina:  $49.00

ALDO ~ Ellingwood: $35.00

Piperlime ~ Michael Antonio – Goldy: $49.00

Mix-n-Match: Spring Suits

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Mix and match your favorite coordinates to create the perfect Spring suit. The blazer and short combo is a refreshing way to transition into Spring. From statement making florals and prints to original color combinations, discover new outfit ideas for the warm season ahead. Here are a few pieces that will mix-n-match effortlessly to ‘suit’ anyone.

Net-A-Porter ~ Rag and Bone 42nd Street: $450

Topshop ~ Structured Blazer: $130.00

Net-A-Porter ~ Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral Print Silk Jacket: $395

Shopbop ~ Elizabeth & James Colby Shorts: $235

Forever 21 ~ Sweet Polka Dot Romper: Out of stock

J.Crew ~ Scalloped Short: $118

Fall Transition: 3.1 Phillip Lim Fishtail Sweater

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Summer is quickly coming to an end. Transition into fall style facilely with one simple piece. A comfy knit sweater can pair with any of your summer-basics: maxi dress, maxi skirt, flirty skirt or cut-off jean shorts. Inevitably already in your closet, a heather gray sweater coordinates impeccably with many color palettes and prints.

This fine-knit fishtail sweater by 3.1 Phillip Lim adds a nice twist to the run-of-the-mill sweater. The fishtail detail provides a modern edge and complimentary shape. Pair this piece with Fall’s snakeskin pant or leather shorts for an effortlessly casual style.

Items Pictured:

Tbags Los Angeles – Maxi Dress ~ $185.00

Alice + Olivia – Shannon Pleated Long Skirt ~ $396.00

3.1 Phillip Lim – Fine-Knit Fishtail Sweater ~ $245.oo