Flower Power

Blossoms are big this spring. Crazy colored prints, feminine florals, and artistically painted blooms adorn everything from dresses to handbags. But my favorite take on the trend is something we saw a little of last season as well: artfully placed origami rosettes.

The subtle arts and crafts feel of this swingy 3.1 Phillip Lim A-Line dress is perfect for spring's laid back mood. And casually placed hidden pockets and a deep blue color keep things from looking overtly femme.










Supple black leather lends a serious air to floaty floral rosettes in this Prada Rosette Tote. Add the newest big bag must have: the detachable shoulder strap, and you have one fab spring staple.








Like your florals less serious and seriously more girly? Try Nine West's budget friendly Lovable Flat. In flashy fuschia, classic coral or bright bright blue, these fun satin flats pack a serious punch.






For more rosettes, (including a flat version of my favorite Marc by Marc shoes...) click below:

I Want...Ali Larter's Shoes

Ali Larter looks super-cute at the Gucci Benefit to support Madonna's Raising Malawi Foundation. And not just because she is wearing the most flattering color on the earth. (Don't believe me? Peach looks good on almost everyone. I promise. It's just about finding the right shade.) But because she has my at-this-moment favorite shoes gracing her feet... Gucci's Sevigny High Heel Sandal is the perfect mix of the severe gladiator style sandals that are oh-so-popular for spring and the uber-sexy stiletto. But be wary, even though these heels add height, the thick ankle strap is not the most flattering. So if you don't love your legs, you might want to take a pass on these hot heels.

Ebony and Ivory

Spring clothes are rolling off the trucks and onto the racks, but can you wear them yet? Some yes, some no... Sandals? Definitely not. Lightweight spring jackets? Also a no... But most tanks, tees and dresses can be layered up to look appropriate now. Especially combos of black and white. My pick for most versatile? Graphic black and white dresses. Paired with bright accessories and a tan, these dresses will be hot for spring. But until it gets warm out, go for a mod look by pairing them with black tights and a turtleneck or cardigan.
I just love this Vince Paintbrush Shift Dress. The classic cut of the dress paired with the innovative print makes this original idea a standout piece. And the black on top, white on bottom combo is really slimming on those who wish to downplay their bustier assets.








An avant-garde use of stripes makes this Karta Two-Tone Shift Dress suprisingly flattering, adding curves to those who want them, and hiding bulges for those who don't. And it's slightly psychedelic vibe calls to mind Pucci prints of yore.








A fun floral motif becomes abstract when paired with painterly brushstrokes in this Nanette Lepore Printed Silk Dress. And the cap sleeves keep this dress office-friendly.









A splash of yellow keeps this Robert Rodriguez V-Neck Printed Dress from being too somber. Wear it now with a cardigan and round toe pumps, but save it for sandals and wedding season, when silky dresses like this will be your standby.




For more fun b&w options, (including a super-affordable one from Banana Republic) click below...

Tory Takes New York

Get ready to see a lot more of Tory Burch's ubiquitous T stamp logo walking the streets this spring. Because after four years of pretty much appropriating simple designs and slapping a logo on them, Tory has taken it up a notch and come out with some really chic, well designed handbags, shoes and clothes. (Not to diminish her past accomplishments... That clever little logo made for an amazing branding tool. Check out the Wall Street Journal's appraisal of her business acumen in this article.) So while you will have to wait until fall 2008 for her newest looks, which were presented at fashion week yesterday, her spring stuff is just hitting the shelves. So check out my favorites below...
Easy breezy dresses are big again this season. So try a nautical look with this Noisetta Diagonal Stripe Dress. It's wide bateau neckline balances out wide hips and the diagonal stripes are super-flattering.











Although real tortoiseshell hasn't been made since the 70's, this sleek Resin Clutch is a real throwback, bringing to mind images of old school vacations in St. Tropez and Greece a la Jackie O. and her chic contemporaries. Looking for something a little less beachy and with a little more urban polish? Try it in black or red.

While those Reva flats are still popping up on the feet of fashionistas everywhere, I like the updated Cooper Flat. The logo is a little less ostentatious, the pointy toe a little more polished and the color is amazing, especially paired with tonal trapunto stitching.

Also supercute in the footwear department... The Sterling Ballerina Flat. Shiny patent and gold hardware keep the rope accents looking polished. And the vibrant tangelo color is perfect for this spring. Looking for something more neutral? It also comes in white and brown.


Check out more of Tory's fun resort-inspired offerings below...

The Great Shoe Debate

Although all the mags are proclaiming the end of the wedge and the return of the round toe pump, I refuse to resign my favorite Miu Miu wedges to the back of my closet... (And might even invest in a new pair of Marni's super-sturdy looking Nappa Leather Wedges. Yum.) But if you are one of the converted, check out these fabulous round toe pumps for spring. And besides, who says you can't have both and more? My closet should be proof enough.
Loeffler Randall's Gillian Snake Print Mod Pump is equal parts luxury and understated elegance. And I love the retro feel of the cut-a-way sides.







Simple, classic black pumps get an update by none other than the designer jean company, Seven for All Mankind. Pair these Elly Pumps with everything from jeans and pencil skirts to slouchy trousers and sheath dresses. This versatile item is certainly worth the investment.






Monochromatic color-blocking is big this spring. So jump on the trend with Seychelles suprisingly affordable 'With a Twist' Pump. I like the red and pink combo. But those scared of color can try the grey and blue combo, or black and purple.



Sweet mary janes become sexy when made in white patent leather with a sky-high 4.5 inch heel. DAVIS by Ruthie Davis Video Mary Jane Pumps are undeniably pin-up worthy. Pair them with a body-skimming simple black sheath for maximum impact.








For more of Dylan's favorite round-toe pumps, click below...

Spring for Sales

January is retail heaven for the sale shopper... But it's not just crazy old ladies stocking up on discount Christmas ornaments for next year. There are some real bargains out there... And the best kind are the ones that will carry into spring... So check out my favorite markdowns and start stocking up for warm weather.
A simple trench works well for transition weather... And this Pleated Trench Coat by Victor and Rolf is far from a boring classic. (Plus, it's 65% off...) Pair it with this spring's full florals to cut the sweetness factor or mix and match it with more masculine safari-inspired items.








If you've always been wary of prints and color, this spring is the time to step out of your comfort zone. To ease into the new look, try muted colors and abstract patterns, like this Rebecca Taylor Pleated Multi-Color V-Neck Blouse.










Simple and stylish, these Lanvin V Strap Sandals will last for seasons to come. So splurge while they are on sale, and save them for April, when a full-price version will surely be gracing the shelves at Barney's.


For more warm weather steals, click below... (Oh, and if you are as addicted to Splendid's comfy tees as I am, check out that Striped Henley below. It's only 19 dollars...)

Sequined Dreams

Nothing says New Years like a splash of sequins. And this year, designers have put sequins on everything and anything... Including many things they shouldn't have... (Sequined Converse All-Stars? No thanks.) To help you wade through this trend without looking like a disco ball, I've singled out some of my favorite pieces... Pick just one to avoid sparkle overload.
Sequined necklines are one of the easiest ways to add subtle sparkle that can be worn way past New Years. So go sexy with this Marc Bouwer Sequined Blouson Dress, or go simple with a more covered up Theory Sequined Top and jeans...








Looking for something that packs a little more punch? Go all out in this LaROK Sequin Blazer. Or try Elizabeth and James' shimmery Sequin Racer Back Dress. Paired with sexy 70's accents, both scream New Years debauchery.








Already have an outfit, but need a little extra something? Try a sequined headband or a glittery purse, like this Felix Rey Kitty Sequin Clutch.










For more shimmery sequins, click below....