Going Wide

Derek Lam

I've been going skinny for a few years now... squeezing myself into the tightest jeans I possibly can -- even when I was very pregnant. Despite my husband telling me that even Kate Moss doesn't look good in skinny jeans (I beg to differ), I persisted. And since I've gone skinny, I'm not sure I can ever go back. 


I admit that I recently bought a pair of J.Brand bootcuts to wear over a pair of high Louboutin boots. I tried them on for my sister, who gasped and said, "What is this 1998?"! Back to Saks they went. I even tried the whole "boyfriend" jean thing -- and just felt sloppy. Sticking with my skinnies.


But maybe now is the time to go to the other extreme -- super wide-leg denim. There is something chic for spring about the flared jean -- seventies jet-set. They actually can be quite flattering, if worn right. Heel height is important -- unless you are supermodel tall, the higher the better when it comes to footwear. And I love a platform with wide-legs. I'm into the high-waisted style, too, with a blouse tucked in or even a basic tank or tee.

Notify jeans

MIH jeans

A look from the new Rachel Zoe collection

So, I'll give wide a try this spring -- but I am not giving up my skinnies! 

Simple Statements

Marni necklace

Marni

3.1 Phillip Lim necklace

3.1 Phillip Lim

I've never been a big accessorizer -- preferring always to keep my looks minimal (and easy). Lately, however, I've rediscovered my jewelry box and found that a bold necklace can be a total outfit transformer -- especially with the basic pieces I tend to always wear. Take a white button-up, plain tank, tee, sweater, or a simple shift dress and top it with a statement necklace -- pow! Instant fashion! It's amazing how one piece can have such an impact.

J.Crew

J.Crew

I love the necklaces at J.Crew. They are relatively inexpensive (and often on sale) so, it's not a big commitment and easier to experiment with.  I'm also a big fan of the ribbon necklace -- I can adjust where it hangs depending on the occasion and the neckline and length of my top. I also end up wearing necklaces as belts all the time!

Proenza Schouler

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta

Chanel

Chanel

The spring runways showed the variety of ways costume jewelry can amp up a look.  For those of you who are accessory-phobes like I once was, just give a necklace a try -- in different ways with different outfits. The key is to have fun with it!

Dreaming of Studs

In the mist of yet another snowstorm here in New England, snow piling on top of snow (with more blizzards in the forecast), I strangely can't stop thinking about studs. Studded sandals, that is.

A pair of Prada strappy flats studded with pointy spikes caught my eye the other day at Saks and I immediately imagined my jet-set-with-an-edge summer look. Maybe with my sailor top and white jeans, with khaki shorts and a basic tank, with a little black short shift -- adding a slightly hardcore twist to the classics. I'm obsessed.

Prada sandals at Saks

Now all I see are studs. I also love the Valentino gladiator style and think the brown or nude leather version might be more versatile for summer than the patent black.

Valentino sandals from saks.com and bergdorfgoodman.com

Oooh. But the Balenciagas are slightly more downtown -- I like that and love the creamy color. And the powder blue option is adorable if I had the budget for more than one pair.

Balenciaga sandals from Balenciaga.com

I definitely cannot picture myself in the dominatrix-y platform Louboutin that the celebs seem to be into (think Kardashian). Although, when styled with simple looks, the result is pretty cool. But the flat version is more my speed.

Louboutins on display at Saks

Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and Heidi Klum in studded Louboutins

Louboutins from Net-a-Porter.com

And I am kicking myself that I never bought the Alexander Wang bag with the studs subtly peaking out from the bottom when it came out a few seasons ago.

Mary-Kate Olsen with an Alexander Wang bag, also right.

Burberry showed trenchcoats bedazzled with studs in the spring 2011 collection. Doesn't quite jive with my mom-on-the-go look but the concept is cool nonetheless.

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2011 Ready-to-Wear from style.com

Emma Watson in studded Burberry from popsugar.com

While I wouldn't wear more than a single studded piece at a time, I am not sure I can buy just one. A girl can never have too many studs in her life, after all.

It's a Classic

In the midst of yet another icy/snowy winter day, all I can think about is spring, summer, beach, vacation -- just some shining sun! So I found myself searching online for resort destinations and the wardrobe to go with it. On my list is a new sailor top. This classic piece is a favorite of mine -- with dark or white denim jeans or shorts (and with cargos). Even with black leggings. It is also easily transitions from season to season. A must for every wardrobe. I love the way Net-a-Porter styled the above Rebecca Taylor sailor tee. Chic. And the bright bag provides the perfect contrast.

Some inspiration from the runways: Jason Wu (I like the idea of it under a blazer), Prada (a little extreme but I'm into the dark-and-bright combo) and Jil Sander (for summer entertaining maybe?).

The Saint James boatneck top is the original. Think Picasso. It's a little heavier than a basic tee -- nice for a cool beach afternoon.

J. Crew is probably where I will end up buying one. They have lots of casual, easy options.

On the J.Crew site, Lauren Hutton picked one as a favorite and she had an funny comment: "Wide stripes tend to make you look short and squat, so I always go for a skinny stripe." Makes sense! I usually go for a skinny stripe but never thought about why -- maybe this subconsciously was the reason! But the antiquated theory about stripes making you look fat seems off-base to me. In fact, a (skinny) striped top can actually do a nice job of camouflaging what's underneath (think post-baby belly).

This supercute Old Navy take on the classic is only $6. I love the yellow twist!

And of course, for my mini-me's... How completely cute! (From Crewcuts):