Crop Top

My dear friend (and Stepson's girlfriend), Miranda, stopped by the other day.  She walked through the door and I immediately complimented her adorable crop top and hi-lo skirt ensemble.  She was kind enough to pose for a few pictures, because I have been dying to do a blog post on crop tops, but couldn't pull the look off myself.  My first attempt at a crop top was this past fall and found that the combination of a high waist skirt and my least flattering body part produced a very uncomfortable evening.  Although I pulled it off, I couldn't breath all night!  Since that experience, I have decided that a bare midriff is a thing of the past (for me, at least).  I still love the look and unless you have rock hard abs (like Miranda), there are ways to wear a crop top without exposing your skin.  You can either pair a crop top with a high waist skirt or pant.  That way you eliminate the gap in between the two pieces.  You can also layer a sheer top under your crop top so that there's a peak of skin through the piece underneath, but your not fully exposed.  Either way you sport the look, crop tops are a huge trend this summer and you don't have to be a supermodel to pull it off.



Spring Cleaning

I know.  You're probably thinking, what does spring cleaning have to do with fashion?  Well, for those of us in the Northeast, it means spring is finally here (and my legs need to be shaved immediately)!  It was one long and brutal winter for every region, and I think we are all celebrating a lighter wardrobe.  I find a common problem is that people have way too much clutter in their closet.  It really can be overwhelming when your looking for the perfect outfit.  The solution?  Pack everything that is not seasonally appropriate away.  I use big Rubbermaid storage bins to pack anything I won't be wearing for the summer (and the vice versa for winter).  The best part about changing your clothes over every season is that you feel like you just scored a whole new wardrobe!  Take the time to pack away your unseasonable pieces and simplify your closet... and life.  Need help?  Call me.  I'm a pro at this stuff.

Distressed Boyfriends

 

No, I'm not talking about all those poor saps I broke up with in college.  Distressed boyfriends are what I call my new favorite style of jeans (pictured above).  They sit low on your hips and fit looser through your legs.  I've seen this look even baggier, but I prefer my jeans to be a bit tight on my butt.  Always avoid a dumpy butt!  One thing to keep in mind when rocking a pair of boyfriend jeans is to keep the rest of the look very feminine.  Go for ballet flats or heels for shoes and a lace or silk top will help balance your boyfriends.  The best part of this look is that anyone of any height or weight can wear these.  A little short?  No problem, because the look should be rolled at the bottom.  Have big hips?  Boyfriend jeans are great for hiding that!  Go ahead and give them a try.  I got my distressed boyfriends at American Eagle (they carry Extra Long) for $39.



Leggings & Tunics

You could call it my uniform.  Leggings and tunics.  I seriously wear leggings at least three days a week.  They are so comfortable and versatile that I actually own a pair in almost every color.  Two things to keep in mind when you are buying leggings are 1.) they should not be sheer (sheer leggings are really tights and are not to be worn as pants) and 2.) the wider the waistband, the better.  Without a nice wide elastic waistband, your leggings will constantly fall down.  Bright colors and bold prints are totally in style, so have fun with it.  Although the pair that I wear most are plain black.  All my favorite leggings came from Express. 
Tunics are the best accompaniment to leggings, because they follow the #1 leggings fashion rule: unless you have the most amazing butt in the world, keep it covered.  Of course fashion rules are made to be broke, but this one I stand firm on.  When you see this rule broken on someone that doesn't have that great butt, it's a disaster.  Trust me!  The tunic I'm wearing in the picture above was also purchased at Express. Call me a rebel, but the asymmetrical cut on this tunic does show off half of my right butt cheek.  You CAN wear leggings.  Follow my rules and I promise you'll love them as much as I do.

Baby Doll Dress

I couldn't be more excited to see baby doll dresses have made a comeback in the fashion world.  They're incredibly adorable, comfortable and flattering to most body types.  To keep this dress looking age appropriate (and not like you're three), focus on accessories.  Clear crystal beading at the top half of the dress gives it a sophisticated detail.  The shoes have large rhinestones covering the stacked heel which makes it a distinguished adult accessory.  Believe it or not, socks with heels and sandals are totally in for spring.  It's a great trend for those of us living in the cooler regions, because it allows our feet to stay warm, while still rocking a pair of open shoes.  I highly suggest you find the perfect baby doll dress this season.  I found mine at Forever21 for $29.

Tuck & Roll

Even though the grass is brown and the trees are still bare in Maine, we are finally outside without a jacket and boots!  After a brutally cold winter, I couldn't be more excited to pull out some bright skinnies and a light blouse.  A couple things that I did to update this classic look, are I tucked in the front of the top and I rolled the hem of the pants.  Tucking in the front of your top is something we used to do in the 90's (for those of you who remember this awesome trend) and am not surprised one bit that it's back in style.  It narrows your hips and leaving the back untucked gives you a bit of the hi-low look that's incredibly "in" for summer.  Rolling your skinnies says, "it's spring/summer and check out my fabulous shoes".  Whether they are flats or 6 inches high, a pair of statement sandals make this look complete.   

H&M to the Rescue

A couple weeks ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Miami Beach.  It was the most perfect day, with one exception.  I was wearing a silk, floral, baby doll dress that literally flew up over my head every time a gust of wind went by.  The first couple times I laughed, but after the third time, I realized I had a major wardrobe malfunction going on.  Luckily, shopping on Miami Beach is plentiful and I saw an H&M within minutes.  I instantly gravitated to the pink pleated skirt (pictured above), but was concerned it was going to fly up like my silk dress.  As soon as I touched it, I felt the material was heavy and knew it was perfect.  The top was hung right behind the skirt and the price ($50.00 for both pieces) couldn't be beat.  Bam! 
If you haven't had the pleasure of shopping at H&M, I highly suggest it.  Their sizes range from 0 to 16 (plus sizes are available online too) and their prices are unbelievable.  I have gotten thousands of compliments on a couple blazers ($20 a piece) I got there a few years back and don't even get me started on their bathing suits.  My biggest suggestion is always try on every piece you consider buying.  I find their sizes vary depending on color, fabric and style.  Thank you, H&M.  You made my day on Miami Beach extra fabulous!