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:

Weekly Roundup 2/3 - 2/10

Gemma Ward

• M.I.A mugs for Marc.
• Denim Don'ts...
• Hate staring at sandals in the shoe department when it's 30 degrees outside? These chic round-toe pumps will hold you over until the temperatures rise.
• Moment in fashion history: Audrey's Hepburn's Little Pink Dress.
  
• Speaking of spring... jump on the black and white trend today.
  
• And add a shot of color to your wardrobe with Tory Burch's bright, nautical-inspired spring offerings.
  
• Love the girl, hate the hair... Katherine Heigl needs a new stylist.
  
• Steal Ali Larter's style... and shoes.
  

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.

Denim Guide: Definitely A Don't

Due to an influx of fabulous frocks the past season or two, the upscale denim market has seen a slight downturn. So this season, instead of barraging us with more jeans, designers have taken America's favorite fabric and turned it into dresses, tops and even shoes... Some of which are suprisingly cute. Not so cute? The denim handbag trend. If you can even call it a trend. Starting out with Louis Vuitton's hideous logo-ed denim handbags and ending in this:

Marc by Marc Jacobs newest slouchy handbag looks like a DIY project I tried in 1992. You know... The one where you took your old jeans and made a purse? Yeah, I did that... And I am permanently scarred, just by the mental image of it. I know the 90's are back, but I didn't think my worst fashion mistakes of the past would truly come back and haunt me. So message to Marc: I know the 90's are your thing... grunge really did rock. But cool it on the denim handbags. You're creeping me out.

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...

Eh... Excuse me, but...

Now I love Katherine Heigl as much as the next girl. Loved her on Grey's (pre-4th season, of course), loved her in Knocked Up (sooo funny) and even went to go see that fairly unexciting rom-com, 27 Dresses. She's not one of those PYTs that seems untouchable or better than thou. She stuck up for George when he came out of the closet. She laughs a lot in interviews. Seems pretty down to earth. And she has really cute clothes. She's like a regular ol' girl friend you have coffee with, but just happens to be a movie star. So, as her friend (come on... just pretend for a minute), I feel like I need to tell her that the '90's Country-star Hair' needs to go. It's like she went to one of those photo studios in the mall and let them go crazy with a curling iron. Please sweetie. You are adorable. And totally poised to be the next Julia Roberts. Why ruin your chances with 90's mall hair?

Source

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...

The Price of Pink

Random fashion factoid: Last spring, Audrey Hepburn's famous pink dress in Breakfast at Tiffany's sold for a staggering $192,000. Think that's a lot for a dress? It's nothing compared to the price of Holly Golightly's iconic LBD, which sold for more than $800,000 at auction. More proof that true style has no price tags.

Source

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...)

M.I.A. for Marc

Posh may be getting all the attention for her 'Posh in a Bag' Spring Marc Jacobs Ad Campaign. (Which I have to admit, is pretty amazing... Posh in a bag? Photographer Juergen Teller, who always shoots Marc's campaigns, scores again.) But the fabulous photographer also shot the tarty M.I.A. for the new Marc by Marc Jacobs ad campaign. So start thinking warm weather, bright colors and hope that the ever talented M.I.A. comes out with another album soon.

Belated New Years Resolutions

Now... I may not subscribe to the belief that the change in the calendar year will change your life, but cold dreary January days are good for nothing if not hours of introspection and new year/new you self-improvement fantasies. So instead of vowing to eat more veggies or balancing my checkbook, I have decided (a few weeks late) that instead, I pledge to stop slacking and start posting! More fashion news, more favorite finds, more fab pictures and best of all, more advice and insight from yours truly...
And if there's anything else you think I'm missing, let me know!!! Although some may assume otherwise, I am not here on some vain ego trip... I am here to help you.... After years of watching customers and clients struggle to find the right clothes for their looks, their life and their budget, I decided to put all my advice in one place (and hope that I get fewer Saturday evening emergency "What should I wear?" phone calls.) So for all my paying clients and those who just read the site for free, thanks for sticking with me this far. This year will bring big changes for Fashion Dogma... So I hope you enjoy them :)