Black and White for Spring

This spring, I am loving graphic black and white color combinations, particularly those I've seen from Zara. It's a crisp, fresh take on the season, with a whole bunch of versatility built in. This color combo provides a seamless transition from winter to spring (especially if you live somewhere where spring hasn't really happened yet.) If you're afraid of being so monochromatic, add in a punch of color in your accessories or makeup. Or balance out a patterned bottom with a colorful top with a simple silhouette, and vice versa. 

Below are a few of my current favorites. (Oh that I could buy them all...) 

Combined dress // Combination print top // Contrasting sleeves top // Cotton top // Combination coat //Striped skirt // Striped pants

Finding the (almost) flat

Let me preface this post by saying that I love a good five-inch heel. Preferably in a stiletto or sculptural wedge format. But this spring, we're seeing a shift from the highest of platform heels to the lowest heel heights. So low, they're pretty much flat. While I find that having a few pairs of flats are vital to chasing around a one year old, I can't imagine completely eschewing my heels. 

What about you? Will you "find the flat" this spring? 

If so, here are a few of my current faves:

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him

Hello lovelies... I am sorry for the hiatus. Between moving and the holidays, things got a little bit crazy. However, I am back with some Valentine's Day ideas for your favorite man. Personally, I think this holiday allows for the incorporation of a bit of fun and/or whimsy, be it through a tie with a tiny hint of pink, some of his favorite products, or a box of semi-inappropriate conversation hearts. Don't be afraid to think outside the box, or put a spin on a Valentine's Day classic.

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Tune in tomorrow for some ideas for the ladies. 

Holiday Gift Guide for Her: Under $50

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Holiday Gift Guide for Him: The Under $50 Edition

'Tis the season for holiday shopping. (Unless you were really good and got it all done on Black Friday/Thursday night and/or Cyber Monday.) Today, I'm starting off my 2012 Holiday Gift Guide series with a few ideas for men, all $50 and below. 

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Fashion do or don't: animal-themed sweaters

Last winter in the sweater world, we saw the return of chunky cables and throwback snowflake patterns. While it's true that the silhouettes were a bit more tailored, the patterns and textures a little more sophisticated (though still colorful and fun), the spirit and the whimsy were the same as their predecessors. 

This year, retailers are imbuing a new trend, which ties in nicely to last year's style: the animal-themed sweater. Personally, I'm a bit torn. (Though, I'll admit that I wouldn't mind owning #2 below.) There's a fine line between whimsy and kitsch, which begs the question...

Are animal-themed sweaters a fashion do 

or a fashion don't? 

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Sound off below! 

Fresh lip color for Fall/Winter

This season we've seen a shift toward a dark, bold lip. Much like the red lip trend, finding the right shade can be a little intimidating. My advice is to look for shades in the bordeaux family. Those purple-red hues are simply stunning, and work with various hair and skin tones.

Application can be intimidating, but if you follow the steps I outlined in this post, you should  be good to go. Remember to keep the rest of your makeup fairly neutral, and have fun! 

1. NARS lipstick in Afghan Red  | 2. Topshop lipstick in Mischief | 3. Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Plum Perfect | 4. Chanel Rouge Allure lipstick in 109 Rogue Noir | 5. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture in 31: Rose Fusain

Winter florals

I have always loved a great floral print. Thus, I was incredibly excited last winter when the floral denim trend began to permeate my favorite retail stores. I own this pair, and have been reticent to hang them up for the impending winter season. 

So I decided to search for a floral look that could transition well into colder weather, while still preserving the bold impact that a great print can provide. When I stumbled upon these beauties, I just had to create a look around them, incorporating a few of my other favorite trends (capped-toes, peplum and a linear clutch). This is a great option for the office, or, with a great pair of booties or a high stiletto, a fun date night look. The neutral basis of the color palette allows for various iterations of the ensemble. Since the pant is bold, and meant to be the focal point of the outfit, I opted for a monochromatic top, but I think the lace fabric and peplum detail make it special and a bit unexpected.  

A penchant for Peter Pan

I love a great Peter Pan collar. Perhaps partially because it evokes memories of childhood (or because I really like alliteration?), while at the same time being supremely chic. Statement necklaces also tend to get me weak in the knees, which is why the Peter Pan collar necklace is a win-win for me. Not only can you adopt this trend and add some texture, but you can make any old top just a little bit fancier. And in my mind, fancy is always fabulous.

Charlotte Russe beaded jewelry
charlotterusse.com

Mi Lajki metal collar necklace
$22 - nelly.com

Beaded jewelry
allyfashion.com

Long necklace
metroparkusa.com

Kate spade necklace
katespade.com

Collar jewelry
topshop.com

Asos Embellished Stone Floral Collar
asos.com

Capped-toe craving

One of the current trends I am obsessed with is the capped-toe shoe. Be it in the form of a pump, stiletto, wedge or flat, I simply can't get enough. Plus, this trend is possible to emulate at any price point. Just in case you're not sure if you'll love the look. (But I promise, you will LOVE this look.)

Steven cap toe pumps
shopbop.com

Leather shoes
gojane.com

J.Crew chunky heels
jcrew.com

J.Crew ballerina shoes
jcrew.com

Seychelles red wedge
dsw.com