Bling Fest

It's been a while since I have done a daily bling post - been busy, busy, busy with my day job this winter and just exhausted at night. Such is life I suppose, and no real excuse, but for my loyal BBB readers craving some bling - this post's for you!

I thought I'd break down some of my favorite pieces for Spring - so check it!

These Hexagon Hoops are the perfect compliment to any 70s inspired, wide legged denim look. Good job, Kim Kardashian, we are loving your Belle Noel jewelry line including these gorgeous simple hoops for only $20 at Singer22.com

The original "celeb-socialite-jewelry designer", Nicole Richie, never disappoints with House of Harlow. Her aztec pieces for Spring/Summer 2011 feature a lot of turquoise and black - I'd wear this pendent on a fresh all white look.

Two things I love? Bright colors and wrap bracelets you can pile up your wrist. This Tory Burch piece embodies both with a girly flair. Perfect for the office, Sunday brunch , a tennis match - whatever!

Did I mention I love neons? Tory Burch is certainly bringing the fun with this other lust-worthy piece from her Spring line. Bright pink, yellow and turqouise beading and rubber knot "charms" makes this necklace unique, fresh and a perfect bathing suit compliment!

Fashionably Yours,

H

Spring Shoe Trend: Espadrilles

It's no surprise with the resurgence of the 1970s trends for Spring, that Espadrilles are making a huge comeback. These perfect compliments to your wide leg jeans and draped maxi-dresses are a Spring/Summer 2011 must-have. A beachy, hippie compliment to any look.

DVF is making some of my favorite "drilles" (as I like to call them) for the season in variations of nudes and brights. Wear a bright pair of drilles with a neutral look or contrasting color and compliment a nude pair with an all white look. Check out all my favorite picks of the season below:

(From Left to Right Clockwise: Pour La Victoire, DVF, Rosegold, Madison Harding - all at ShopBop)

Fashionably Yours,

H

Scarf Lust

Girls, I have scarf lust. I often stop at the DKNY next to my office for lunch. And by lunch I mean actually picking up lunch. A little know midtown Manhattan fact is that the Madison Avenue DKNY store has an awesome salad and sandwich counter on the 2nd floor! Everything is healthy, fresh and yummy. The downside? The wait! Sometimes you have to wait up to 20 minutes for your lunch since its so crowded and everything is made fresh. While waiting they stream the Spring 2011 Fashion Show video behind the counter and a shop-a-holic like me is inevitably tempted. I think the real secret of their salads is the subliminal shopping message that they are feeding you!

Anyway, this LONG story is because I am officially obsessed with the scarfs as seen (over and over again as I wait) on the Spring 11 Spring runway and all through the store. I am specifically obsessed with their floral print scarf that comes in a rainbow of chic Spring variations - black, nude, turquoise and orange. There are about a billion ways you can wear it but my fave way is tied around the neck like a chocker - as seen on the runway of course.

I also love it around the neck hankerchef style. See below in parachute (the variation I think I need) ...

So with so many variations to wear (not to mention as a head wrap - totally would rock it on the beach that way) why wouldn't I scoop it right up? Its $95. For a scarf. Less than Hermes or Pucci for sure, but still seems pricey for DKNY. I feel my obsession will end up getting the best of me (esp. since the store is so conveniently located next to my work place) but my question for you is, is $100 too much for a trendy, one-season scarf?

Fashionably Yours,

H

Daily Bling - March 15, 2011

Seventies style is all the rage for Spring/Summer 2011 and I couldn't be more excited for this fresh (re)take on fashion. With so many seasons of neutrals, darks, and skinny 80s inspired jeans, I am excited for a brighter, more tailored take on Spring. That said, I can't shake my "rock chic" favorite look thats been such a staple the last few seasons which is why I love this "rock' take on a 70s classic style!

Today's Daily Bling, brought to you by Alice & Olivia, is the Sequin Hobo bag. And whats more 70s than a hobo and glitter? I'm picturing this oversized, extra long hobo with a flared pair of high-waisted jeans, and a bright pink silk blouse. Layer on some silver bangles and add some platform open toe-pumps and you've got your self the perfect Spring-to-Winter transition look!

You can scoop up the Alice & Olivia Sequin Hobo on Shopbop! Its currently on-sale for just under $350.

Fashionably Yours,
H

Get Shoes like Kim Kardashian

Truth be told, I am sorta a sucker for Kim Kardashian. Make it the whole Kardashian clan actually. I just like them okay, don't judge! Anyway, needless to say I decided to join ShoeDazzle, the shoe society Kim backs which is basically a shoe of the month club. I trust Kim's style and decided to use my blog as an excuse of why I had to join and "test" the shoes. I am pleasantly surprised to say my whim was a good one because I got my first pair of shoe's today and they are super, super cute!

ShoeDazzle is really easy to join and a great concept if you ask me. You simply go to their website, answer a few questions about your personal style (a touch I must say I both appreciated and thought was fun), and get a selection of about 4 -5 shoe styles to choose from a month. It's only $39 dollars a month to join and you can skip a month and not pay the charge if you don't feel inclined to choose a shoe or cancel at any time. So, I thought why not right?

The shoe I picked this month are called the Stevie, above. They are described as a gladiator/thong and although the leather is faux they are surprisingly super soft and comfortable! I love the little wooden wedge and zipper back detailing - they look surprising high end. I needed a new pair of gold gladiators anyway and for less than $40 I figured I couldn't go wrong!

And for some reason (and I don't know if they do this every month or just your first) they also sent me a free graphic scarf! They came packaged in a really nice high-end shoe box that even included a shoe bag.

So, in conclusion so far so good with ShoeDazzle! I'lll let you know my thoughts on next month's purchase and if I decide to continue my membership upon rocking my new cute Stevie's around town! Thanks Kim K - I just KNEW I could trust your style :)

Shoe Trends from High to Low

There are so many cool, new trends for Spring shoes. From clogs to wedges, studded gladiators to open toe booties and much more - Spring's shoes trends are a little tougher then what we have seen in the past few seasons, but super fun and very unique. Furthermore, we are seeing these hot trends come right off the runway and hit our local malls faster than we ever thought possible!

Below, we breakdown some of our fav. shoes of the season and the equally chic "deal" version because let's face it these trends are sure not to last many seasons more then this one.

Trend 1: Glam Jellies

All the top designers did a jelly this season from Stuart Weitzman to DVF to Tory Burch. But guess who else did? Aldo!

• "Low" Version on Left: Aldo Poduska Flat/ $40
• "High" Version on Right: Stuart Weitzman Blingy Two Piece Jelly Flats/$158

Trend 2: Studs are showing up everywhere for Spring - our fav way? In gladiator style atop of a sky high wedge!

• "Low" Version on Left: Ann Taylor Loft Studded Wedge/ $89
• "High" Version on Right: Tory Burch Studded Wedge Sandal/ $325

Trend 3: One of the most "out there" trends for Spring is the utilitarian-inspired open toe bootie. Its partially grunge, partially function but has the most staying power of all three - lace up booties were all over the runways for Fall!

• "Low" Version on Right: Nine West "Buren"/ $139
• "High" Version on Left: Giuseppe Zanotti Lace Up Open Toe Booties/ $875

All styles can be found on their individual brand's e-commerce sites, with the exception of the "high" versions which all can be found on Shopbop.

Are you ready for this Jelly?

I couldn't resist borrowing from the classic Destiny's Child song for this post's title. Spring has sprung and brought back a bunch of lovely trends for us to choose from - the floral look, the military look, even the modified boho look. But jelly shoes? Cute like they were in elementary school or cute like we actually want to rock them now?

Some of our fav. designers are showing jellies in their Spring collections and we actually think that they are very fun and very wearable! Our only caution? We would save them for when the heat kicks in poolside with a cute summer sundress or jersey jumper. We just dont think the jellies cut it for a night out on the town or at a corporate office. We breakdown our fav. Spring jellies below:

Clockwise from top left:

• Diane Von Furstenberg Jaya Jellie Sandals/ $ 75 at Net-a-Porter.com
• Melissa Campana Jelly Ballet Flats/ $80 at SaksfifthAvenue.com
• Chinese Laundry Sweet Caroline Jelly Flats/ $39 at Piperlime.com
• Tory Burch Jelly Reva Flats (Center)/ $95 at ShopBop.com
• Stuart Weitzman Blingy Two Piece Ballet Flats/ $158 at ShopBop.com

Fashionably Yours,

H

Spring's Global Trend Accessorized

If you have been in to a store or read a magazine this Spring then you definitely have come across some bright colors, ethnic prints and global inspired styles. We are definitly feeling this "global trend" for Spring and absolutely love the idea of incorporating some of the fun patterns and bright color and beaded jewelry we have been seeing into our current Spring looks. How do you incorporate this trend without buying a bunch of printed dresses that most likely will be out next year? Well, with accessories of course! Why not embrace the global look by pairing a great printed tote or layered bright bangles with some of the "brighter" colored looks we bought last spring or just your favorite simple white or black jersey dress? We break down some fun global accessories ideas to instantly update your look this spring.

Breakdown Clockwise from Upper Left:

• Forever 21 Beaded Necklaces - $7 and $13 each on Forever21.com
• Sonoma Bracelets for Kohl's Department Stores - About $14 each on Kohls.com
• Twelfth St. By Cynthia Vincent, $295 at Singer-22
• Kenneth Jay Lane Spiral Gold Beaded Necklace - $125 at IntermixOnline.com
• Nine West Warley Sandal - $69 at NineWest.com
• L.A.M.B Vail Birdcage Sandal - $300 at ShopBop.com
• Marc By Marc Jacobs Printed Nylon Little Tate Tote - $168 at Saks.com

Fashionably Yours,

H

Spring Formal Wear Reinvited! Pink and Red Inspiration

Remember that really pretty and unexpected look we loved that Audrey Tautou rocked at the BAFTA's? The gorg pink dress with all red accessories? We never thought we'd love the way red and pink would look together so much until we saw her rock it and were reminded of it again when we were doing some "online window shopping" the other night on ShopBop.com and came across this awesome Rebecca Minkoff Pink Studded Clutch.

We know alot of girls out there are starting to think about Spring weddings, formals, and Prom. Taking a cue from Audrey's BAFTA look and drawing inspiration from the Rebecca Minkoff Clutch we thought - wouldnt this clutch look awesome with a red cocktail dress for these sort of upcoming events? Here are ideas of how you can bring this look to life for Spring social events. How chic!

Here is the breakdown:

• Look #1: Rebecca Taylor Zip Front Dress
• Look #2: Juicy Couture Strapless Dress
• Look #3: Laila Azhar One Shoulder Cascade Dress
• Look #4: Alice and Oliva Andrea Bustier Dress

The dresses and clutch are all available at ShopBop. On a side note, we just had to note that the clutch would also work just as nice with jeans and more dressy top for a night out with friends.

What do you think of these red and pink looks? Would you rock a similar style for your Spring social events?

Fashionably Yours,

H

The Daily Bling - Monday, March 1

I thought we could all use something bright and cheery to start the work week off right! Today's Daily Bling is the Swarovski Nirvana Yellow Flash Ring. The Nirvana ring is an all time favorite of mine. A friend gifted me the clear crystal and silver version of this ring a few years back and I wore it almost every day until somehow, someway I lost it. Its been a few years and I am still mourning its loss but thinking with Swarovski's new colorful Nirvana collection I may just finally replace it this year.

Swarovski has taken their popular Nirvana prototype and candy-coated them for their Spring collection - there is the yellow one, a pink one, a blue one and even a red one! They remind me of a luxe, adult version of a ring pop, or maybe even the kind of plastic cocktail ring you would get out of a vending machine or as part of a board game as a child (pretty, pretty princess anyone?) These rings are so fun and cheerful I couldn't resist providing a group shot of the full collection so you can choose the color that best suits you!

Add a splash of color and a little bit of sunshine to your spring - you deserve it! The Swarovski Nirvana Flash Rings are $170 each and available to purchase on the brand's website.

Fashionably Yours,
H

Military Time: The Utilitarian Trend for Your Wrist

A lot of designers are showing a version of the utilitarian or military trend for spring. We are seeing the look in oversized anoraks and military jackets, cargo pants and boots. One of our favorite ways to incorporate this utility look into your wardrobe for spring is with a menswear watch in heavy duty materials such as rubber and stainless steel. We breakdown our two favorite utility watches below.

Our first choice is the original utility watch - The Timex Military Watch. J. Crew gives this watch a makeover this year, with a plethora of nylon watch bands to mix and match with in every color of the rainbow - yellow, blue, cream, neon orange and our pick - "moss" which is an army green. J. Crew describes it as a mix of modern and traditional. Its style was taken from the 1940s and features a strategically distressed face with modern hardware and a red dial. The nylon strap and oversized face def. makes this watch masculine, but we love how J. Crew is pairing it with pencil skirts and embellished tee-shirts in their catalog and online. The watch with black strap is $150 and the additional strap is an extra $20 and you can only get it at J. Crew

Our second pick is the Michael Kors Rubber Watch in Green, and although it still screams menswear, its less literal military and more fashionable. We love the oversized style of all the Michael Kors watches, and this one is no different. Rubber, especially in green, is so unexpected in an MK watch and gives his classic style an update you'll just be dying to get your hands on. We think this one is equal parts tough and chic and would complement a cute safari dress or jeans, a tee and a military jacket. Water resistant, the watch is also truly practical utilitarian. You can find it for $195 at ShopBop.

Fashionably Yours,

H

Spring Neutrals Decoded

We have been hearing a lot about the neutral, monochromatic trend for Spring. We are seeing the high-end and affordable stores showing a lot of blushes, khakis, lights grays and metallics layered together. As we divert from our basic winter black I thought I'd help decode how to wear these monochromatic looks without looking too matchy-matchy or too clashy-clashy. When done right, you will be looking nifty in neutral for Spring!

Look 1: Golds and Khakis

The key to complementing a simple khaki shift is with touches of white and gold. We've brought this simple Ann Taylor loft dress to life with gold embellishments and a feminine necklace that makes this outfit the perfect updated work look.

Dress: Ann Taylor Loft

Shoes: Miu Miu

Necklace: J. Crew

Bracelets: Kendra Scott

Bag: J. Crew

Look 2: Greys and Silvers

Grey is still an it color for Spring but instead of your winter charcoals it’s a lighter, airy version of itself. White contrasts beautifully against this light grey shade and silver gives the look a punch. Love this for birthday lunch with a group of girlfriends or at a more casual, creative work environment.

Blazer and Tee Shirt: BopBasics, ShopBop.com

Pants: Tibi

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Bag: Botkier

Shoes: Rachel Rachel Roy

Look 3: Blush and Nude

Blush is my absolute favorite color for Spring. It’s a cooler version of pink, feminine yet not girly, this dusty shade looks relaxed and pretty. I love the idea of matching this silk blush top with casual denim shorts and scarf and dressing it up with a pair of sexy pumps and small clutch to take the look into evening.

Top: J. Crew

Shorts: J. Crew

Scarf: J. Crew

Earrings (remember these?): J. Crew

Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Bag: Marc Jacobs

Fashionably Yours,

H