Grandma was White

My grandma has always had panache. Her big secret? Anything WHITE. She never turned her nose up to any item carrying this classic hue. Looking forward to the spring season, she may have had some insight.

White will be everywhere, but the loveliest of all destinations is the White Dress. This versatile piece is a throw-back to innocence. It's light, modern and virtually a blank canvas to style. Its very nature is feminine, whether you grace it grecian-style (Donna Karen New York), classic (Michael Kors), modern (Narciso Rodriguez) or edgy (Fendi). It's appropriate for any age, just be aware of the length and avoid pairing it with a tiara.

How to style it:

- Classic: pair with a chunky, white lucite necklace, a large cocktail ring in turquoise and a lady-like pump in nude.

- Modern: make this stand out with a ¾ length topper in a bright, floral print and pair with platform sandals in metallic or brown.

- Edgy: balance out the sweetness with tough accents. Opt for cage booties in black, a neutral snakeskin clutch and chunky, studded bangles.

- Grecian: support the airy look with pastels. Blush cheeks, pink lip gloss and lilac nails. Gladiator sandals and a rose-gold pendant are the finishing touch.

Take note of your spring palette. Grandma was absolutley White.

stylingstage suggests:

BCBG Runway Jersey T-shirt dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=457866&CategoryID=14946&PageID=14946*2*24*-1*-1*32

Chetta B Cutout Hem Nordstrom:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3079710/0~2376776~2374327~2374331~6014132?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=6014132&P=1

Marc by Marc Jacobs Two Tone dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=463216&CategoryID=14946&LinkLoc=2914&LinkType=SiteAd&AdID=16337&PageID=14946*1*24*-1*-1*17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
James Perse Dolmain Sleeve dress Nordstrom:
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3069791?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=predictivesearch&keyword=james+perse&origin=searchresults
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suzi Chin Rosette Hem dress Macys:
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=444015&PseudoCat=se-xx-xx-xx.esn_results
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See by Chloe Eyelet dress Bloomingdales:
http://www1.bloomingdales.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=451474&CategoryID=14946&PageID=14946*2*24*-1*-1*38
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Techy Cotton dress Nicole Miller:
http://www.nicolemiller.com/TECHY_COTTON_DRESS/pd/c/13/np/13/p/2281.html

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cowl-neck dress BCBG:
http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3960711&cp=2840697&view=all&parentPage=family
 
 

The Pink Ladies

I'm nuts about the hues for spring. Call ‘em the Pink Ladies: blush, mauve, peach and any shade of pastel-y pink.  These kids will definitely rule the school.

To appear modern, go to extremes: sweet via airy, ruffly tops and skirts or hard via leather vests and boots with zippers and studs. Wear them alone or with other complimentary neutrals (grey, army green and khaki are popular). Avoid adding too much “other” color; you want to be the cool kid, not the prom queen.

They can be tricky to wear, so seek balance in your styling:

- Reach for peach? Opt for a cherry red lip and clear baubles.
- Mojo is mauve? Try dark raisin nails and loads of graphite bangles.
- Rush for blush? Rock with pink gold hoops and a gorgeous bronzer.
- Think pink? Sport in a killer wedge and an oversized scarf in tan.

This time it's OK to follow the crowd, just no pink slips.

stylingstage suggests:

Marc by Marc Jacobs Bow Top Bluefly.com:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Pink Tassel Edge Scarf Topshop.com:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linea Paolo Frisco Flat Nordstrom:

Lucca Couture Dress Urban Outfitters:

Rose Dew Hinge Bracelet Banana Republic:

Lace Yoke Dolman Top Forever 21:

Silk Ruffle Wrap Dress Banana Republic:

Steve Madden Trop Sandal Endless.com:

Juicy Couture Strap Crossbody Nordstrom:

Gucci Square Shades w/ Vented Lenses Bloomies:

Short Can Can Skirt Topshop.com:

super-BASICS-bowl

Who are the “basics?” They’re the key players in a good wardrobe. They always make you look good, are fiercely loyal and set the stage to create a winning outfit. You can always expand with trendy additions and seasonal pieces, but make sure to have a killer starting lineup.

What’s the profile? Look for classic silhouettes that fit well and opt for natural fabrics like cotton, silk and wool. Neutral colors offer the most bang for your buck, although a cherry red pump can be a smart offensive play. Invest in well-made basics and get most out of their contract.

Where to recruit? The best places to for team-building are: Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Ann Taylor, Gap, and J.Crew. For shoes and handbags, cheer for Endless.com; for jewelry, root for Nordstrom. You will find well-made essentials with an updated, modern twist and the price can’t be beat!

The Basics starting lineup:
Feminine blouse
Tunic
White button down shirt
T-shirt
V-neck sweater
Structured blazer
Dark rinse denim (1 for pumps, 1 for flats)
Black trousers
Flat front chinos
Pencil skirt
LBD (little black dress)
Trench coat
Short leather jacket
Ballet flats
Black pumps (try patent)
Tall boots
Wrap dress
Large satchel
Clutch
Pashmina
Gold hoops
Diamond studs (faux is fine)
Cocktail ring

There’s no arguing the fundamentals. Consider it a win if someone calls you BASIC--at least one of you is super.

stylingstage suggests:

Ruffled Georgette blouse Ann Taylor:

Matty M printed tunic Nordstrom:

Slim stretch white shirt J.Crew:

Basic tee w/ ruffle Ann Taylor:

V-neck Cashmere sweater J.Crew:

Structured Perfect Blazer Gap:

Paige Premium Skyline Drive denim Nordstrom:

215 Martin classic black trousers Banana Republic:

Scout flat front chinos Gap:

Tropical Wool Perfect pencil skirt Ann Taylor:

LBD White House Black Market:

Calvin Klein belted trench coat Nordstrom:

Kenna-T leather moto jacket Nordstrom:

Corso Como Franco ballet flats Endless.com:

Joan and David classic black pumps Endless.com

Harrington tall boots Nine West:

Printed Contrast wrap dress BCBG:

Hype Janice satchel Endless.com:

Rampage Glazed Leather clutch Endless.com:

Tissue-Weight Cashmere pashmina Nordstrom:

 Lauren Large Hoops Nordstrom:

Nadri Square-cut diamond studs Nordstrom:

Sea Mist Cocktail ring Banana Republic: