Ashley Vamps it Up

Ashley in animal print, denim & hot pops of red - (Sweater: Forever 21; Sunglasses: ALDO Accessories; Jeans: H&M; Pumps: Spring; Wristlet: Coach)

As the weather teeters between spring and summer try an animal-print pointy-toed pump with black pants, a trench coat and a great red bag or do as Ashley did by teaming denim with a printed sweater and red pumps.  Va va voom!  Thanks Miss Ashley Shutterbug for all your help at Lou Lou Mag's 'Shop 'Til You Drop' at Gap the other night.  You totally saved my life and helped make the night super fun. Ashley's pics from the night (she's a budding photographer, too) up on RLR next week!

xo

Found: Lovely Lace

Photo courtesy RW & CO.

When Kate the Great embarked on her post-wedding tour last summer, the newly-minted royal stepped out in lace dress after sexy lace dress, giving the old-fashioned fabric a decidedly modern spin.  Ever since, lace has become the go-to fabric for women looking for something sophisticated yet just a little cheeky, revealing but still appropriate - and this pretty dress totally fits the bill.  The thing I love about lace?  Its endless versatility.

Work:  Try a black belt and black pointy-toed pumps

Weekend:  Try a denim jacket, aviator sunglasses, a little leather satchel and flats to keep it super laid-back

Night Out:  Try a black leather bomber, edgy black booties and smouldering smoky eyes.

Formal: Try a pair of patent nude heels, a cool crochet belt (pictured) and sunkissed makeup.  Oh, and obv. never break out this dress for a wedding, unless you want to turn the bride's blush into an angry flush.  Yikes!

The Lace Dress (only $78) is waiting for you at RW&CO.

A Too Pretty Two-Piece

This floral number is like a hot trip to the tropics all tied up in one pretty 'kini.  Love!

Pick it up now ($24.94 per piece..though I would highly suggest you buy both) at Old Navy

Bright Pants: 3 Ways

 

Originally posted in The CLOSET

Once upon a time, pants came in black, grey or khaki.  Colour was reserved for t-shirts, blouses and sometimes shoes, but pants?  Never!  Old school of thought taught us that hips were meant to be hidden, not highlighted; that the party should stay on top while bottoms had to stay super serious.   Lately, a seismic shift has rocked the style scene and bright pants now swing happily from the racks, providing some colour competition to tops everywhere.

While some of us have fully embraced the change, others are still hesitant.  Black is more forgiving and dark wash denim much more practical, but if you find yourself stuck in a style rut, nothing will get you out of it faster than bright bottoms.  

Take a deep breath, pick your favourite colour, then follow these helpful little tips:

• Start Slow - Find a pant in a forgiving cut and let that be your standout piece by keeping everything else neutral.  Pair your bright bottoms with a crisp white blouse, striped bateau tee or chambray shirt, plus tan or black accents to let your pants steal the spotlight. (See 'Neutral Territory')
• Add in More Colours - Head-to-toe brights are daring but easy, as long as you stick with solids in the same intensity.  An oversized statement necklace in a bright colour will draw eyes upwards, a great trick if you're self-conscious about your hips or thighs (See ' Colour Block')
• Throw in Pattern - Once you've gotten comfortable with bright pants, add a fun patterned blouse to the mix.  Make sure that your pants match part of your shirt for a beautifully coordinated look, then pick a diffferent colour out of your blouse for accessories. (See 'Matchy Matchy')
• Know Your Body - Skinny jeans are most flattering on lean and lanky girls while bootcut or straight-legged jeans flatter more curvy figures.  Similarly, darker brights like cobalt blues and greens are more forgiving than light brights like neon yellow or pink.  Luckily, bright pants are now available in loads of colours AND cuts for every body.

Are you loving the new bright pant trend? 

Paris in the Springtime

Isabel Marant Etoile's Spring Campaign - photos via isabelmarant.fr

Le Roller Girl.  La Bicyclette.  Le Boom Box.  Ahhh...Paris in black & white.  Is there anything better?