FASHION PAD.........Style, Life, and Faith

Okay, so I've decided to stick with a less pricey dress for now. However, I do promise to work on this fixation I have with wearing something new every time I attend an event or go out somewhere. I like to think that I have style so I'm sure I can wear the items in my closet in a variety of ways without anyone noticing......or truly caring. So I left work a little early today to hit up the mall to find what I'm looking for. Well yippie for me, I found two great options. I currently have them on hold until Saturday. How was I able to have them held so long you ask? Well I'm a frequent shopper, and most of the retailers recognize me and I've established a relationship with some so they call me when there's a sale and immediately tuck my size away. So sad! Anyhew check out the final two below. Only one can become my next top item. LOL!

I really like the above dress from Forever21. The color is really nice and I can envision it for Spring. However, the touches of black help to winterize the dress and make it appropriate for an evening event. The dress has an A-line cut but the sash adds a little more definition to the waist. The back is great and at $22.80, it's practically a steal!

To the Max Shirred Tube Dress
$50.65 www.dillards.com

This dress is so cute and simple. I could really incorporate some of the bold accessories that the Spring season has to offer to make this look pop for a night outing. And like the dress from Forever21, the price is right! I'm going to take a look in my closet and jewelry box and see which option I can really represent well.

I'm going to an event in 1 1/2 weeks and I need to find a cocktail dress that infuses a Winter/Spring look. Most of the dresses out in the stores are from the new Spring lines. However, I do not want to look like a ray of sunshine right now. Maybe in a month. LOL! I've been scouting online but I have to find a dress that's available right now because I don't want to depend on a timely arrival. You never know what may happen. I'm going to show you one dress that I've found but I'm not entirely sold yet. I may have to create an outfit with the accessories and shoes to convince myself. We'll see.

David Meister One Shoulder Sheath Dress

$306.00 www.nordstroms.com

This dress has a dark color, navy to be exact, and a classic cocktail look with an edgy style. The bare shoulders are just the right transition for Spring. It definitely infuses the Winter/Spring look. However, at $306 is it really a good investment? I mean, I always have events to go to but I usually don't spend a lot of money on clothing for the events because I usually don't like to wear the same thing twice. Oh well, I need to get over that childish notion and just accessorize differently each time.

Put away the thin bangles, skinny belts, and dainty earrings. Spring’s accessories are making a bold statement in 2008. Go big with corset belts, metallic cuffs, piles of necklaces, and vibrantly designed earrings. I always advise my friends to look in the mirror prior to going out and take off one piece of jewelry. With this trend, you’re only using one piece of jewelry, or other accessory, to make your ensemble pop. Just make sure the item you choose allows your outfit to still take center stage while adding a stylish touch. The World Wide Web has plenty of items to display. Check them out.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Round Face Watch
$250.00 http://www.shopbop.com/

This is a very bold watch. It has a large face but the design is still feminine. I tried on the watch at Neiman Marcus and it is an item that I am lusting over right now.

Stained Glass Leaflet Earrings
$6.80 http://www.forever21.com/





MetalCraft Cuff
$66.00 http://www.shop80spurple.com/



This cuff is so chic. It has a very modern design with cutouts for a punk rock edge.









Silver Bubble Ring
$69.00 http://www.laredoute.com/




Talk about bold. Who could miss this lovely bubble on your finger. It's sculpted style is tres bien.







Leather Corset Belt
$98.00 http://www.marciano.com/



Definitely a statement piece. If you have a short torso like myself, pair the belt with a dress to give the illusion of a long torso. Pairing it with a shirt and bottom will just make you look stumpy. Believe me, I know!



Circle Art Necklace
$248.00 http://www.anthropologie.com/



The image is a little fuzzy on the above necklace but please go to the site to see it clearly. It's quite lovely.

How do I make the schoolboy trend a look that everyone will covet? That's the question I had to ask myself as I thought about incorportating this trend into my wardrobe for the Spring. Now I don't have any problems acquiring trendy pieces, however, when I wear them I want to have a style all my own. So I decided to piece together an outfit using the items that reflect schoolboy charm. Take a look below.





Necklace - http://www.modcloth.com/
Earrings - http://www.instyle.com/
Ring - http://www.claires.com/
Shoes - http://www.smartgirl.no/
Shirt - http://www.aeropostale.com/
Blazer - http://www.ralphlauren.com/
Jeans - http://www.frontlineshop.com/
Handbag - http://www.style.it/
Watch - http://www.raffoella-network.com/

I could not leave out these square-toe loafers from my schoolboy trend. These are classics that definitely contribute to the effortlessly casual glam look that is synonymous with this trend. You can get them for $29.99 at http://www.bakersshoes.com/.

This Spring trend infuses sporty and ladylike pieces together for an effortlessly glam appearance. The key to this look is combining preppy articles like polo shirts and simple patterns like stripes with tailored pieces such as blazers. I would suggest simple bold jewelry with a vintage luxury appeal. Let's take a look at some schoolboy clothing and accessories.


















Michael Kors Leather and Link Timepiece
$140.00 http://www.michaelkors.com/
What a lovely watch. The leather and links work well together for a glamorous and unique look.
























Bermuda Shorts
$32.00 http://www.yoox.com/

























Channing Three-Button Polo
$39.00 http://www.macys.com/



























Women's Suede-Trim Bowler

$29.50 http://www.oldnavy.com/





























Oxford Dress

$14.98 http://www.francescacollections.com/































Pinstripe Blazer Jacket

$27.80 http://www.forever21.com/

This shoe screams FIERCE. It's bold straps and funky heel make you want to assume a "take charge" attitude. It's patent leather and gold studs reveal a punk rock chica. Definitely not for the conservative female but hey, life's short.....take a chance.












Aiden High Heel Platforms
$220.00 http://www.marciano.com/


You know, these are pretty pricey so if you're a thrifty diva, check out a more affordable platform below. I believe it's still fierce and the right bold accessories will still give you the same punk rock chic appearance as above.



















Black High Heel Platform by Steve Madden
$29.99 http://www.cutseygirl.com/

Wearing bright neon colors can be very difficult to pull off. I don't care if your body is in great shape or if you're attractive, if your complete look consists of bright colors you will look like the neon signs on the Vegas strip. I'm sorry, but that's my personal opinion. You need balance. To provide an example of what I'm saying, please see the picture of Victoria Beckham below (curtesy of JustJared).

Pops of bright neon colors were prominent on the Spring 2008 runways. I love bright colors but I tend to incorporate vivid colors in moderation where my wardrobe is concerned. However, the fashion diva who wants to make a bold statement can look quite vibrant with this look. The key is to pair a bright neon color like a dress, pants, or shirt with a neutral element. Let's take a glance at what's out in the stores.


Lana Silk Shortall
$148.00 www.marciano.com
Yarborough Bright Merino Bangles
$42.00 www.lagarconne.com

Back Cut-Out Top

$58.00 www.victoriassecret.com

This blouse is very sexy and the color works well with varied skin tones. It reveals just enough skin to add interest while keeping your overall look classy. Marvelous!

Briefcase Style Tote

$59.00 www.aboutattitude.com

BDG Brights Skinny Pants
$49.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com

I guess bright colored jeans are still "in" a little longer. Go figure.

Chiffon Halter Dress

$138.00 www.ardenb.com

Patent Slides

$14.50 www.oldnavy.com

The accessories can be used to add a bold statement to an otherwise ordinary outfit. Tomorrow I'll show you examples of how to use the bright color trend in your wardrobe. TTFN!

As I've been browsing the web I've noticed more dresses that feature the one shoulder style. I've always been on the fence with this style because usually it isolates all my divas with a larger bustline. Unfortunately, I do not have that problem. Anyhew, I couldn't resisit the call of the little number below but I started thinking....I want this blog to feature items that any one of my fashionistas can wear or covet whether they are petite, curvy, or slim. So on that note, I searched for a one shoulder style that would provide adequate support to the woman with an ample bust. Check 'em out.


Braided One Shoulder Dress
$39.50 www.styleviolet.com




Rachel Pally Short Twist Dress
$160.30 www.pinkmascara.com

Hope the above dress helps. It's not only a good deal (the original price was $229.00) but it also provides great versatility. You can dress it up or wear the dress casually, which makes it a great investment in my book.

So the next trend up for review is Safari. Now this look is pretty much a classic every Spring, but this time around khaki is not the focus. Jungle and desert shades, chunky natural jewelry, and billowy pieces help to complete this 2008 trend. Think fine, linen knits and ethnic accessories to help achieve the right Safari style. Take a look at some of the items available.



Beaded Leather thong sandals
$59.95 http://www.stevemadden.com/




Canopy Tee
$98.00 http://www.anthropologie.com/



T-Bags Halter Necklace Dress
$251.00 http://www.shopbop.com/

This dress is so sexy. I love the beaded detail around the neck and how it contrasts lovely with the zebra prints of the dress. Nice color combo!



Cuff Bracelet by Ermanno Scervino
$114.00 http://www.yoox.com/

This cuff is made of leather and metal and has a very unique hook closure.



Wide Leg Linen Pant
$24.80 http://www.forever21.com/



Giraffe Print Madrid Tote
$50.00 http://www.baghaus.com/

I don't know about all you fashionistas out there but I'm digging this Safari look and I don't know how I'm going to contain myself! It's like a double whammy. I can shop at the actual store or I can shop online. No more trying to handicap myself by leaving the debit cards at home, that's just as dangerous......... if not more so. Oh have mercy on me!

Wow! I am really feeling these gladiator sandals from Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. The leather features a cool texture and the gold buckles provide a great contrast. This is a trend that returns for it's second season. As a native Floridian, I can tell you that this "trend" is actually a staple in our wardrobes and I'm certainly not concerned whether or not it remains "in" next season or not. They provide an excellent alternative to the thong sandal, the slide, and casual flip-flop. It' s available for pre-order at http://www.pinkmascara.com/ for $207.00.









If the above sandal is a little too steep for your purse, Lulu's Fashion Lounge has a similar version at a more affordable price.








Black Snake Gladiator Sandal
$65.00 http://www.lulus.com/

This Spring trend has a touch of whimsy. When I hear the description "ballet-inspired" I immediately invision soft fabrics like chiffon and romantic details such as ruffles. Well low and behold my vision wasn't too far off from reality. Let's take a peek.

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Ballet clothes are meant to be moved in comfortably, so the comfort factor makes this trend very appealing to the working fashionista who's always on the go but hates the restrictions blazers and button down shirts place on movement and the pain pumps place on walking. The tiered top by Myne Kelly would go great with my new black wide leg slacks to yield a conservative yet feminine look for the workplace. Oh yeah, I'm definitely going to purchase those flats by Kenneth Cole as a special gift for my feet. They deserve it.

You can find the looks here:

1. Kenneth Cole Reaction Ballet Flat
$39.00 http://www.planetshoes.com/

2. Lauren by Ralph Lauren V-Neck Paisley Top
$129.00 http://www.macys.com/

3. Myne Kelly Tiered Top
$209.00 http://www.revolveclothing.com/

4. Beaded Chiffon Babydoll Dress
$51.00 http://www.lulus.com/

The trends for Spring have definitely rolled on to the fashion scene and you know I've been on the lookout for what's in store. From Bohemian florals, ballet inspired pieces, and safari to bright neon colors, schoolboy looks, and bold acessories the trend for Spring is very diverse. Over the next few days I will be highlighting the top trends for Spring 2008. Let's get started with Bohemian florals.


Floral Crochet Tunic
$22.80 www.forever21.com

Kimchi and Blue Scarf Print Pull-on Skirt

$58.00 www.urbanoutfitters.com

Floral Print Bag by Roberto Cavalli Freedom

$78.00 www.yoox.com

Sofia Floral Top in Cream

$40.00 www.lulus.com

Floral Platform Heel

$18.99 www.gojane.com

My favorites are the crochet tunic from trend city (Forever 21) and the floral print bag by Roberto Cavalli, what a steal! I have to admit, I'm definitely not excited about this trend but these pieces make me want to at least give the Roberto Cavalli purse a try. LOL!