Classic Combo

Celine

I popped into J.Crew today to check out the new fall merch, and was instantly attracted to all the orange and camel. The bright and the neutral are such classic shades -- and look especially chic when paired up. Maybe this means I'll give my last fall/winter's all-gray, all-the-time look at rest. That would be refreshing (and about time).

Ralph Lauren sweater and 3.1 Phillip Lim skirt

Miu Miu sweater and Stella McCartney skirt

Stella McCartney sweater and The Row skirt

I really love the casual polish of these sweater-and-skirt combos too.  Perhaps not totally appropriate for everyday mom-mode, but definitely perfect for more dressed-up-day occasions.

Chic Cover-Ups

3.1 Phillip Lim

Now that I have my swimwear situation somewhat sorted out, I need chic cover-ups to complete my poolside/beachy look. My stance is that the sarong/caftan/tunic has to be in the same spirit of the suit, whether that is sporty, sleek, basic or boho. 

J.Crew

I usually end up stealing my husband's shirts and throwing them on over my bathing suits! You can't go wrong there...

J.Crew

Pretty Purple

It may not be the first pair of shoes or bag you reach for off the shelf, but you have to admit there is something pretty and elegant  (and maybe even sexy?) about purple ... 

3.1 Phillip Lim

Marc Jacobs

Lanvin

Miu Miu

Yves Saint Laurent

J.Crew

I actually buy a lot of purple -- dresses, tops, bags, shoes -- for my three-year-old daughter. It is her absolute favorite color. Perhaps it's time to start adding a little to my wardrobe?

Sarah Jessica Parker

Read all about bringing purple passion into your life on my post on the Well Appointed House blog.

Pink Cocktails

Photos: Style.com/Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

The scene at Lanvin Fall 2011. The parade of pinks look so sweet against the goth and gloomy backdrop. Could it be time to swap the basic LBD for a hot pink cocktail frock?

Maybe a candy color is just what one needs to turn the staid chic...

3.1 Phillip Lim

 

Lela Rose

Giambattista Valli

Marchesa

Neon Now

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Grammys

Did anyone notice Gwyneth's neon feather earrings (and matching pink nails) at the Grammys the other night?  I loved the color burst with her all-black outfit.  While, I probably wouldn't wear feather earrings myself, I thought they looked great and were perfect for the occasion.  

Wilfredo Rosado Fine Jewelry

The earrings -- which have added diamond and pink tourmaline bling -- are by Wilfredo Rosado, an incredibly talented and supernice person.

Beyonce and Gwyneth

I am really into the neon trend. I walked into the J.Crew store near my house the other day and was instantly attracted to the loud fluorescent colors mixed into the racks throughout the store. While, I've been going on and on about adding color to my mostly gray wardrobe, the neon thing surprised me. The next thing I knew, I had an armful of electric pink and yellow pieces and was heading to the dressing room.

Jil Sander

3.1 Phillip Lim

Did I make any purchases? No.  I realized that trying on neon in the dead of winter was not the best way to convince myself... but I will definitely be back to buy because I think neon will be a fun wardrobe boost for summer. On my list are pink and yellow neon V-neck tee shirts and a pair of khaki shorts with a neon pink stripe on the sides. I can handle the ultrabright hues when they are in simple cuts and paired basics.  Maybe I'll add a florescent shoe or bag to my must-haves...  

J.Crew

J.Crew

Jimmy Choo

Lanvin

**  What did you think of Gwyneth's "Futura" Louboutins?

Christian Louboutin

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!