From left to right: Chloe, Reed Krakoff, Tod’s, DVF, Boutique 9

I’m loving a color block shoe; neutral with a pop of color. Especially fond of the ‘pop’ being in a neon. Pair with a neutral shift dress, all white (flowy top and white skinny jeans), neutral top with colored denim, or floral dress. Fabulous.

One of my oh-so-fashionable + fabulous friends, Dallas, is less than 1 week away from the trip of a lifetime. She and 8 friends are sailing around the Greek Isles on this boat for 7 days. Pinch her now! Seriously. PINCH her.

What to pack?? Yacht Chic, of course…

1} Ikat print silk tank 2} White denim cut-off shorts 3} TKEES nude flip flops 4} Marcelina scarf (I could not resist: hair accessory, bandeau top, halter top, sarong, endless options wrapped-up in one little light-weight piece of fabulous-ness) 5} Striped tank (you HAVE to see the back) 6} Bubble rings 7} Love this book (not the movie so much; but the BOOK!). Perfect summer read, especially while in Greece! 8} White denim skinny flares 9} Fabulous summer tote 10} The most perfect easy, breezy sandals 11} Little silk dress 12} Chambray tunic (also doubles as a cover-up) 13} The coolest sunglasses (I have them and LOVE them) 14} Darling beach bag

Live in the Houston area and would love to have help packing? me. I can help! We’ll work with what you have and shop for the rest, if need be. It takes the stress off packing and puts the focus on the fun…

Linea Pelle Skinny Studded Belt in Vanilla- on sale!

White tee. White denim (skinnies or flared; no matter). White belt. So fresh for Spring! Just punch it up with some neutral accessories. Taupe wedges. Lightweight, oatmeal colored cardi. Gold jewelry, of course. White on white. Easy Breezy!

DKNY Slingback Sandals

These are super cute to wear with this season’s flares (and stripes)...

James Jeans Humphrey Flare

Spring has Sprung, right? As much as I love my skinny jeans (they’re not going anywhere, they’re a permanent wardrobe staple, even Women’s Wear Daily recently said so), it was so refreshing to live in something else today. I can’t tell you how comfy these high rise flares are. Yes, high rise. Still bellow the belly button, so not all sorts of crazy-ness. They aren’t for everyone, but they are everywhere. Are you on board this season?

What is the solution? There are a few, actually.
1. Edit, edit, edit out what you don’t truly LOVE
2. Now that you can see what you have, SHOP your closet!
3. Make a list of your wardrobe holes
4. Always bring that list with you when shopping. Stay focused!
5. Buy quality over quantity
6. Take your time. It’s not the end of the world if an item you are contemplating gets sold out. Walk away. If you are still obsessing a day (or preferably a week later), then it may be meant to be yours. You will love it and wear it. So, you will bring the cost per wear down.

When you are working on step #2. Look for your fabulous classic pieces and twist them a little. Wear them in an unexpected way. Need a little inspiration? My Cakewalk Style Shop partner, Gina, posted this on our Cakewalk blog. This video inspires me. Actually, I’m a little obsessed…

BHLDN

So, where was Anthropologie when some of us were getting married sixteen years ago (I got married young. Very, very, very young, in case you were wondering)? We soooo could have used your help. My dress? Still love. Bridesmaid dresses? Cool. At the time. Could have used a little Anthropologie. Sorry girls…

Look around. What DID happen to style?

Style is not made-up trend on top of trend, over-embellished, a thousand different details, overly mass produced (you know what I mean), and only goes with one thing (restraint is key). It isn’t jam packing our closets with impulsive buys (that just sit unworn). It isn’t about getting ‘stuck’ and buying the same concept, slightly different version again and again (often, it’s the same brand. I’ve seen it). It isn’t buying quantity over quality.

How about buying less, but focusing on quality? Buying basics (that you wear again and again and again) and embellishing with fabulous accessories (that you wear again and again and again)? And, I think this is so important: how about buying things that have some sort of a historical point of reference? Like ballet flats (hello, 16th century? Or, how about Audrey Hepburn?). Cropped skinny trousers and a crew neck t-shirt; done well of course (think Jackie-O). Wedges and bangles (and big floppy hat: 70’s?). Nautical inspired, striped tops (think Bridget Bardot, or even Picasso!). Chains and pearls; done tastefully, of course (à la Coco Chanel).

Feeling inspired? Need help? me! I can help you (Hourly rate: $40).

I say we should bring the glamour back.

Speaking of glamour, I so want one of those big, vintage cars…

Blue Life Oversize Crew Tee found here

When asked what I’m loving for Spring, my mind conjures up images of sophisticated 70’s. Big vintage convertibles, big floppy hats, anything from silk bow blouses to billowy tops. High-waisted flared jeans for sure. Lots of metallic, stacked bracelets (throw in some wooden ones, too). And, lots of tan. Tan wedges, flats, bags, belts. And, very importantly: throw in the nautical. Stripes are even bigger this year than last. I love the top pictured above. Our shop is getting this in next month. This is going to be an essential piece that can be worn a thousand different ways. High waisted flared jeans with tan wedges, boyfriend shorts, white cocktail shorts and wedges or metallic flat sandals, white linen pants (and again the tan wedges), white skinny jeans, the list goes on. I, for one, can’t wait to wear it!

Ripped from the pages of Lucky Magazine (circa several years ago). This hangs on my inspiration board. It still inspires. I haven’t worn them this year, but I still love these boots. They are hard to find, but these are cute (I like them in brown).

C’mon Houston. Get cold.

P.S. Please do mix your browns and blacks. So chic…