If you could go anywhere this Spring, you know it would be Paris. Walking arm in arm with someone special in the City of Lights is just about the most romantic place to be. The ancient streets, the decadent shops full of everything from croissants to chocolate mousse, the outdoor cafes and tiny flower shops that crowd the cobbled streets, the wine, the music, the sparkling Eiffel Tower all beckon us to Paris.

A trip to Paris has the mesmerizing way of making all that is chic seem utterly important.  The Grand Old City makes us instantly yearn for a knotted scarf or a felt beret. This is a place where décor and decoration all come together put the finishing touches on everything from a cheese shop to an outfit. Those delicious black booties will go oh-so-nicely with that velvet trimmed blazer. The silk top is just the right touch with those amazing skinny jeans. Those bangles and drop earrings are to-die-for with that gown.  The occasional sprinkle makes a trench coat a necessity. Even an umbrella, a must if you are there in the Spring, trust Miami Olivia, takes on a whole new element of chic.

It is all so much more when you’re in Paris in the Springtime.

@MiamiOlivia

 

Bending the rules of the traditional seasonal winter color palate which includes the signature shades of black, gray, and brown, these muted tones don't always need to be enforced when it comes to finalizing your winter ensemble this season.

Bold hues such as poppy pink and rich cobalt blues from Spring 2011s color chamber can quickly enhance your look if done with the right ease and fluidity when incorporated correctly.

Accent pieces such as scarves can automatically shift a monochromatic schemed look, a sliver of neon against a camel base can add that extra jolt of energy, or a peek of a brightly toned dress such as a Marc New York Cowl Rib Sweater dress can be muted down with a cropped moto-jacket or chocolate buttery leather coat.

However you decide to play with shades this season, just remember to keep it to a minimum; allow that key color of choice to be the statement that sets the pace of your look this spring. 
 
by Daniella Nicole
@levulgar

Winter may just be getting started but Fashion Spring is just around the corner. One of Miami Olivia’s favorite Fashion Trends for Spring starts with COLOR-Blocking! Spring always rocks color but this year designers have spiced things up a bit with patterned color blocking. Shirts and blouses have rich paisley prints in large blocks paired with swishy loose pants and bohemian maxi skirts. Patterns and graphics have crept into the Color Blocking Spring scene as bold and brash as any lush and lusty gypsy camp. Even shoes and handbags in not-so-subtle color blocking are making a statement as must have accessories.

   

So how does one put this look together like the rich and fabulous? Start with one piece that you love, like the multi-tiered maxi skirt of outrageous paisleys. Pair with a long, loose, printed color-blocked collared shirt that has at least one of the major colors of the skirt. Leave the last bottom buttons loose and tie the shirt at the waist. Remember accessories pull a trend and look together so for added statement, add coin necklace, hoop earrings and ankle lace up sandals. Another way to wear this trend is to wear a silk contrast color shirt with a graphic color-blocked top and pants for an all-over color statement. Add color-blocked neon sandal or handbag to complete the fantastic look. If all you want is a tease of the trend, tie a wide long paisley scarf as a swashbuckling statement at your hips and leave the ends flowing loose. Many designers went with the traditional color-blocked look and an oversized one button color–blocked jacket paired with a floral color-blocked top and single color pant brings this trend to the top of the fashion chain. Watch for more about color this Spring at MiamiOlivia.com .

   

Now when you think of exotic…what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Animal skin. The real thing requires a lot of care and upkeep. So if you’re like me and don’t want the pressure, opt for a mock croc handbag. You get the look and feel of animal print, but minus the hefty price tag and maintenance. Animal skin looking handbags add flair to your outfit. It kicks whatever you’re wearing up a notch because it adds texture and sheen. It works best if you’re not wearing something glittery, sequined, or shiny. You don’t want too many textures and shines competing with your arm candy. But it does work well with leather, so you don’t have to hang that back up. Olivia + Joy has a fabulous “Big Spender” handbag that is in the shape of a doctor’s bag that adds glamour. KDNY designed two great mock croc handbags in a crossbody and satchel to fit your style in two neutral colors. Nude and dark gray are wardrobe palette staples. Prefer a tote? STEVEN has you faux croc covered with the gray tote bag.

Just not feeling extra exotic? No problem. Pick a leather handbag in a nice bold color with eye-catching hardware.  Cynthia Rowley “Helena” clutch gives you a hot red leather clutch that’s also perfect for the nightlife, and is embellished with gold hardware to get the question, ‘where did you get that bag?’ Don’t tame the handbag beast, feed it a piece of exotic arm candy.

As a personal stylist, my main goal is to help my client meet clothing and accessory needs based on his or her particular combination of age, body shape, lifestyle.

After making sure my client has the best self- esteem possible by helping him or her attain the perfect fit, it is time to throw in some of the current trend.  The addition of fashion-forward details to a correctly fitted outfit is what allows someone to stand out with extra “oomph” if worn correctly.

There are so many trends that have come into play in the last few years ranging from wedge and platforms shoes, color blocking, high waist pants and finally, sequins! Sequins were once thought to be reserved for evening wear and holiday dress.  When worn outside of those parameters, some may have considered them a tad gauche.  Not anymore. Designers everywhere have made it possible to wear sequins night and day and on virtually every part of the body, but please, not at the same time! 

Personally, sequins have become my obsession. I opened up a recent edition of Lucky Magazine to find the editor talking about how to wear a sequined top during the day. She mentioned knowing someone who had taken a simple sparkled blouse over a black turtleneck and wearing a pair of pants, jeans or a skirt with heels and you have a killer daytime outfit. In May of 2011 Anna Wintour, Vogue Editor, adorned the red carpet for the Met Gala in a full length sequined Chanel gown. For anyone who knows style, if Anna is wearing it, then it is IN! Other stars, celebrities and style icons have caught on to this trend by wearing anything from sequin shoes, shorts, blouses, tops, skirts and handbags.

Still apprehensive? Perhaps you feel that your profession requires that you dress conservatively and you are caught in the daily rut of wearing the basic suit or a bland skirt and blouse.  Not a problem.  Add a sequined handbag, cami, or shoes and your look will instantly be transformed from suburban blues to city chic.  Worried about your shape or size?  Many people believe they cannot wear a specific trend because it draws attention to their least favorite part of their body.  There is a simple solution.  Don’t wear the sequins there. Wear the sequins on the part of your body where you want the attention drawn or on a great handbag that allows you to show your more festive, dare I say cheery disposition.  It takes the edge off of edgy and adds some flare to the understated.

Sequins also offer the ability to transition your wardrobe from day to night.  The main thing to remember about sequins is that too much of a good thing is a very bad thing.  Pick your piece and stick with it.  Mixing multiple textures is great; multiple sequins, well, just all wrong!

The most important shopping standard to remember with regard to sequins, or any other trend for that matter, is to evaluate your personal budget. If you can’t afford to splurge for extras in your wardrobe, you can buy less expensive accessory pieces.  If you have the means, then spend more money to add sophistication to your look.  With sequins, spending more means they will have a better shine and are less likely to disassemble with use.  In my opinion, it basically comes down to lifestage.  A girl in her twenties can get away with the trendy stores that sell the less expensive sequins, but when you want to go all out in style and show that you truly embrace class and style, then you may want to upgrade your sequin purchases to a finer store like Loehmann’s.

From www.Loehmanns.com , you can find designers with just a touch of or full on flare of sequins such as Eli Tahari, BCBG, Romeo and Juliet, Rampage and even more.  These looks include everything from blouses, to skirts and dresses and even jackets.  Start searching online or visit a nearby store to take advantage of this fun trend by wearing a statement outfit or accessorizing with a statement piece. 

by Karen Poulin
@StyleAdvocate 

The asymmetrical look – which debuted a few seasons ago -- could have made a quick appearance, yet they’re now hotter than ever. For everything from cocktail attire to fun, flirty dresses and sequin-filled tops, asymmetrical looks are a Spring must have for women who love the subtly sexy vibe.

Here are a few of my favorite Loehmann’s looks that you’ll get mileage out long past the New Year.

Calvin Klein drape dress: Are you kidding me? Just $59.99 for this absolutely gorgeous yellow frock? Amazing. Wear this in the winter with chandelier earrings or an arm-full of bracelets to stand out amongst the sea of black cocktail dresses and then slip it back on in the summer for a pop of color with stacked espadrilles or fuchsia pumps. Gorgeous. 

Walter python print: Rawr! Another major bargain at just under $40 (reg. $158), check out the gorgeous detailing and flattering draping on this purple print dress. Consider putting your hair back like the model’s to show off… YOU! It makes your face (definitely do a dramatic eye!), shoulders and collarbone (a personal fave) shine.

Elie Tahari tank: Talk about a classic! Make this the new most versatile piece in your wardrobe. I’m always harping about considering multiple ways you can wear something and this is the perfect example. Pair it with a dramatic skirt and a glam necklace; add long, wide leg white pants for a classic black and white look (yes, you can wear white pants in the winter); or add a blazer, skinny jeans and boots or heels for a night out. The options are endless.