SHORTs Stop

What’s the home opener everyone is pumped about? Shorts. Yep, they’re back. And no fancy contract needed. There are many players on the scene, so if you have the talent to play this trend, batter’s up!

Look for denim cut-offs, tailored/structured, loosey goosey, walking, and (aghast!) culottes in the starting line-up.  As always, use discretion. Check from all angles before hitting the turf.  Opt for wedge sandals to elongate legs or western booties or oxfords for the cool-girl affect. Pair with a loose blouse, oversized t-shirt or blazer to give proper balance.  

Go shorty! Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

Batik Print Shorts, Forever21:

Leather Effect Pleated Shorts, ZARA:

Destroyed Denim Midi Shorts, American Eagle:

Geometric Clean Front Shorts, Gap:

ASTR High Waist Floral Jacquard Shorts, Nordstrom:

Conscious Shorts in Khaki Green, H&M:

4" Chino Shorts, J.Crew:

Baby Got Black

Conventional wisdom touts that a spring wardrobe = lighter colors.  But not so fast.  Black is making a big appearance in the most unanticipated season.  Don't get me wrong--pastels rock--but that's for another post.  Y'other brothers can't deny that it's in every decade this season:

‘60s Mod:

·      Bold prints on mini’s,  graphic prints on pants and horizontal stripes on dresses are super mod

‘70s Hippie:

·      Floral print or tie dye maxi’s, ruffles, and the skinny harem pant make this very haute

‘80s Colorblock:

·       Loose blouses, ponte knit shifts and the fresh look of the colorblock sandal are all dope

‘90s Grunge:

·      Ripped skinnies, cropped sweatshirts and spring-weight leather t-shirts and swing skirts are very now

‘00s Futurama:

·        Pant suits with updates like sharp lines and stripes down the side of the leg rock

Baby definitely got black…and I cannot lie.  Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

Striped Blazer, Zara:

Scratch Graffiti Midi, Topshop:

Racing Stripe Pant by Tinley Road, Piperlime.com:

Color block High-Low Blouse, Forever 21:

Bold Stripe Midi Skirt, ASOS.com:

Cropped Sweatshirt with Applique, H&M:

Tie Dye Maxi by Leola Couture, Nordstrom:

Perfect Form Geo Print Cigarette Pant, White House Black Market:

So Fresh: 5 New Looks

Happy 2013! The New Year is a perfect time to re-vamp your wardrobe. On a fiscal hold? No prob. Here are 5 fresh looks to try without breaking the bank. Go on and be fresh:

Fresh #1: Bootcut, baby.

Yep. Dust off (literally) your bootcut jeans.  The long and lean look is so now.  Dark rinse is a classic, but all washes are game. However, leave the distressed-vintage and stone-washes for your skinnies.  Pair with a ponte knit nautical blazer, a lacey, loose-fitting blouse, patent oxfords and a brightly-colored crossbody bag. Red lips too. 

Fresh #2: Floral, momma.

Seek out 1 floral piece: the blazer or the pant.  Pair with anything neutral and ta-da, magic! Blazers with a plain white or grey t-shirt, flared blue jeans and tan wedged booties. Pants look best in a skinny/slim leg with a white button-down, cropped sweater and a spiked necklace. 

Fresh #3: Black & White and Silver all over.

One of spring’s biggest trends is “black and white” graphics.  Try a striped shift dress with tights and flat riding boots or a white blazer with black skinnies and a black t-shirt underneath. White pants with a black stripe is another fun idea.  Silver belt, pumps or pointy flats a must.

Fresh #4: Cardigan and again.

Patterned cardigans are back. Instead of long, go cropped and boxy. Pair with a complimentary printed blouse, slim riding pants or boyfriend jeans and wedge heals.  This also works with a flared skirt or wrap dress. Add some arrow-inspired dangles or studs to top it off.

Fresh #5: Pastel party.

If you want just one trend, go "pastel" anything. Nails, tops, pants, scarves, bags, whatever. Lilac, peach, and mint are just a few new that rock.  Go further and pair these sweethearts with distressed, light-blue jeans for a modern take.

The above looks have a piece or two in your current wardrobe.  Just add small touches where needed. Feeling fresh already.  Style on.

STYLINGSTAGE suggests:

Printed Cardigan, Free People, Nordstrom:

Aryn K. Foil Print Pulloever, Piperlime.com:




Milly "Colette" Crossbody in Hot Pink, Nordstrom:




Stripes Dress, Zara:





Mia Alexis Silver Oxfords, DSW:



Tipped One-Button Blazer, Banana Republic:




Spike Mesh Necklace, Topshop:






1969 Stiletto Bootcut Jeans, Gap:



Tuxedo Striped Jeans, Forever 21:



Fringed Suede Booties, American Eagle:




Lace Panel Blouse, Topshop: