Jump(suit) into Spring!

I have a confession to make: I used to hate jumpsuits! But just like how I used to loathe gladiators, I have eventually warmed up to this rather risky trend. Jumpsuits come in so many various styles, prints and colors that a girl is bound to find the perfect one for her body type. I must admit I am not a fan of the wide-leg jumpsuit (first two images below). There is something about it that is off-putting to me. Perhaps that it is too 70s/retro? Or even that jersey knit material? I opt for the more modern approach of the jumpsuit instead. Mary Kate Olsen and Kim Kardashian's short jumpsuits below exhibit a twist to the classic jumpsuit. What I like the most is that they don't show too much skin. I am a firm believer in showing off one thing at a time: if you are exposing your legs, then cover up the arms! Mary Kate does it right by accessorizing her jumpsuit with a hot pink belt (see "How to Wear Neon" post) to add some color. I am also crazy about the Helmut Lang and Stella McCartney black jumpsuits (see 3rd row below, respectively). They both have the cropped leg look, which happens to be a current trend, and I especially love the Stella McCartney design because it screams YSL and looks so sophisticated!

The Perfect Sunglasses For Your Face

Sunglasses not only protect our eyes from those harmful UV rays, but they are also a great fashion accessory! Although they come in various colors and styles, finding the perfect pair to flatter your face shape can be quite tricky. First, you must determine your face shape. If you are confused as what shape you are, then click here to find out! Below are examples of common face shapes, and the best type of sunglasses to enhance them. All tips are courtesy of InStyle: Secrets of Style.

OVAL

Characteristics: it your face's length is equal to one and a half times the width. characterized by a strong, prominent jaw line, square chin and broad, deep forehead.

Tip: This face shape is the most versatile and easiest to work with, since the proportions are balanced. You can wear almost any style. Generally, however, the frames should be as wide or slightly wider than the broadest part of your face.


Jennifer Aniston

OBLONG/LONG


Characteristics: This shape is also known as a long face. This generally means that the face is longer than it is wide.

Tip: Try Oval or other shaped frames that have a strong horizontal line help to shorten the face and soften its angles.


Sarah Jessica Parker

ROUND

Characteristics: you have a narrow jaw with wide cheekbones and/or forehead

Tip: Try to avoid round frames, since they will only make your face rounder and fuller. Your goal is to make your face appear longer and thinner. I suggest rectangular frames to make the face more angular.

Drew Barrymore

SQUARE

Characteristics: face is as long as it is wide. They are characterized by a strong, prominent jaw line, square chin and broad, deep forehead.

Tip: A square face is really angular and strong, so your goal is to soften those angles. Try either oval or round frames.

Paris Hilton

HEART SHAPED

Characteristics: you have a narrow jaw with wide cheekbones and/or forehead.

Tip: Oval or slightly rounded sunglasses help soften these faces.


Jennifer Love Hewitt

How to Wear Neon

If you haven't been paying attention to the Marc Jacobs or Michael Kors show for Fall 2009 (see archived blogs for February to check it out), let me fill you in: Neon is back! So, how do you work the trend without looking like an eighties disaster? The key is to pair the vibrant colors with neutral pieces. Kate Beckinsale, for example, keeps her attire simple with a black and gray ensemble and adds that extra punch of color with her bright yellow Marc Jacobs quilted bag. The same concept works for accessories as well. Pair a neon yellow scarf with a black coat or try bright purple tights with a gray shift dress. If you're wearing a dress like the hot pink one below, and you have reservations about looking "too neon", you can break up the color by adding a black belt, black tights (if it's cold), and black pumps. Just remember, don't over do it, and keep it simple!

Word of the Day: Huarache

hua·ra·che n. A flat-heeled sandal with an upper of woven leather strips.

Although traditionally flat-heeled, Huarache's don't have to be anymore! I was recently at a department store and saw many Huarache inspired shoes ranging from wedges to heels on display, which means that they're a trend for Spring! You can wear them with virtually anything--dresses, pants, shorts, or capris. They're a nice departure from the typical boring flip flop and will definitely make your outfit more stylish.

Spring/Summer 2009 Color Trends

Now that Spring has arrived, we can ditch our coats and boots and take out our summer dresses and strappy sandals! I must say, walking around the stores has given me an optimistic attitude, with the aisles covered in yellows, corals, and greens. But what colors are "in" this season? I decided to help some of you out and list the colors that have been forecasted since 2008 to be popular this 2009 Spring/Summer season. To read about the breakdown of each color, you can read the Pantone Fashion Color Report here.

Super Lemon


Lucite Green


Palace Blue


Salmon Rose


Fuchsia Red


Vibrant Green


Slate Gray


Rose Dust


Dark Citron


Lavender

Expressing Personal Style in the Workplace

Business suits can be chic, but usually they're so stuffy and definitely not for me. I'm a short girl, and I don't think suits do me any justice. I had the privilege to wear whatever I wanted at my last job, but that is not always the case with corporate America! Most companies encompass a business casual attire; however, many people may find themselves lost in the dress code and unable to express their own personal style. Although the attire must be kept professional and work-appropriate, there are several ways to add pizazz to that work outfit. Here are some suggestions:

1. Colors and Prints

Do not be afraid of color. Especially with Spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to add color to your work outfit. If you're wearing a black skirt/pant with a white button down, add a brightly colored cardigan in canary yellow or coral. Also, with floral prints as a trend this season, you can wear a plain top with a brightly colored floral skirt. Tired of pants? Dresses (especially shift dresses) are a great option because they come in various colors/prints and styles. If you are not into bright colors and want to stick to basics such as gray and black, then wear something with ruffles, pleats, or ruching details to add that extra touch.

2. Accessories

Adding accessories is the easiest way to enhance your work outfit. From headbands, bracelets, earrings, necklaces, rings, and belts, there are endless options to show off your personal style! For example, add a belt to that boxy dress to instantly create shape or layer necklaces to add drama to your ensemble. If you're having a bad hair day, throw on a headband to instantly polish your look. Remember to not over-do the accessories. If you're going to layer necklaces, don't put on the large earrings and bangles all at once. Not only are you piling on too many trends, but you're going to distract your co-workers as you will appear to be a walking Christmas tree!

3. Shoes

Who says you need to stick to black and brown shoes in the work place? Shoes are a great way to make a statement. If you are wearing black, add a touch of color with red heels. Of course, this doesn't mean that you can wear every color under the rainbow. Veer away from neon's or anything that screams "stripper." If you are striving for style, yet comfort, flats are another option. Flats have come a long way and come in so many styles and colors. My favorite pair are my Tory Burch suede flats in royal purple because you can wear them with anything! If you don't prefer to wear flats with pants, then pair them with skirts or dresses!

Fab Trend: Tulip Skirts

Looking for a way to play up your average boring skirt? Try investing in a tulip skirt! They come in many lengths, volume, and shapes and are flattering on all body types. I love the structure of these skirts and how it offers a beautiful, yet different silhouette. Again, like most skirts, they are versatile. For the office, you can wear them with tights and pumps for the Fall or Winter or with peep toe shoes for the Spring and Summer. However, if you want to go for something edgier, you can wear them with booties or gladiator heels. No matter what, you are guaranteed to look fashion forward!