in fashion, expect the unexpected

While walking down Fifth Avenue, you notice a confident, well-dressed woman. She's wearing a leather biker vest with a feminine, floaty dress. The pairing is odd, you might think. Yet she looks fabulous. This idea of juxtaposition is at the core of many fashion-forward wardrobes. In an outfit, it gives the people around you something interesting to look at—whether it is at work, at dinner, or at a company outing. Mastering this trend may not come naturally for you, so I have gathered some ideas to get you started.

--Hermy

1. Pair a bright pink trouser with a menswear-inspired outerwear piece
This idea was inspired by Yigal Azrouel's Fall 2011 RTW collection. Above, I chose to pair a Proenza Schouler tuxedo jacket ($2,575) with a pair of H&M bright pink trousers ($40).

2. A feminine lace dress paired with leather boots
Robert Sanderson leather boots ($995) may not be the first think you may think to pair with a DVF ivory lace dress ($470), but this look can create such an edgy feel that it may be your go-to outfit for dinner or an evening out.

3. A simple dress with a bold necklace
Try pairing a striped H&M dress ($12) with a bold Fiona Paxton statement necklace ($350). Accessories often make the outfit, so focusing on them can create a big fashion success at your next party.

4. Go straight for a leather dress or bow-tie blouse
This idea is the simplest, because you do not have to worry about pairing items. The next time you go shopping, go straight for a camel ($225) or black ($99) Oasis leather dress. The idea of a dress is classy and elegant, but a leather dress creates an innovative feel. The bow-tie blouse picks are inspired by Jason Wu's bow-tie tops, which create a feminine characteristic to the idea of a tie by replacing it with a bow tie. My picks include the navy blue sleeveless French Connection top ($118) and the Gap classic white blouse with a black bow tie ($39).

new york fashion week: spring 2012

While fall began blanketing the nation, it was spring for the NY fashion world as designers unveiled their spring 2012 collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Here are looks from some of my favorite collections.

--Nat

Jill Stuart expertly mixed sweet pastels with brighter tones. 

Ralph Lauren channeled The Great Gatsby in a 1920s-inspired collection. 

Prabal Gurung created a unique and eye-catching floral motif. 

Jason Wu showcased peplums and short-in-the-front, long-in-the-back skirts aka "the mullet skirt." 

ombre nails: yay or nay?

I say yay!

Ombre nails can give a conservative look some needed punch!

--C

packing 101

August means the end of summer, which also means squeezing in final vacations before the whirlwind that is fall begins. Packing for a trip can be a daunting task, and I admit that I used to be a notorious over-packer. However, many vacations later, I have learned the art of efficiently packing.

I recently took a weeklong trip to the beautiful Prince Edward Island and fit everything I needed into a a carry-on bag—with plenty of room to spare for souvenirs!

--Nat

Here's how it's done:

1. Start with shoes. For a week, I recommend packing no more than three pairs. In this instance, I packed two pairs of comfortable flats for day and a pair of versatile black pumps for evenings. 

 2. Pick bottoms that can be paired with multiple tops. I chose a basic black skirt and 2 pairs of jeans (one skinny leg and one straight leg). 

3. Choose versatile layering pieces. PEI tends to get chilly, so I opted to bring 1 blazer and 2 lightweight cardigans that can be easily paired with all of my bottoms and a variety of tops. 

4. Maximize style with thin tops and accessories. Thin blouses and sweaters take up very little space and can easily be dressed up or down. And accessories help showcase your style (without taking up suitcase space). For day, I wore my tops alone or layered with a cardigan and jeans/skirt and flats. For evening, I threw on my blazer and heels to create a nicer look for smart-casual dinners. 

5. Pack 1 wrinkle-resistant, versatile dress. You never want to be underprepared, so throw in a drew that takes up minimal space, can be paired with a pair of shoes you already packed, and would be appropriate for almost any dressier occasion. 

accessorize your august!

With August already here, why not brighten up the rest of the summer with the perfect accessories? Here are a few of my latest obsessions. Enjoy!

--Alyssa 

Chan Luu Beaded Necklaces

On a recent trip to Henri Bendel, Natalie and Casey picked up the cutest Chan Luu beaded necklace for a client, and I just had to check out the brand for myself. My favorite piece in the collection is the Coral Rose Seed Beat Mix Necklace. This is the perfect necklace to brighten up a simple dress or shirt, and it has a tribal feel, which is great for summer. 

The Row Handbags

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen recently launched their lizard and ostrich handbag collection for their line, The Row, which hits Barney's in mid-August. I can't stop looking at the collection, which ranges in price from $2,350 to $39,000. Can Christmas PLEASE come early this year? All I want is the Turquoise Croc Envelope Clutch!

Jagger Edge—The Montana Studded iPhone Cover

I've been "living on the edge" without a cover for my iPhone for quite some time, but this studded cover gives me the perfect excuse to finally buy one. The case comes in gray, orange, taupe, silver, and my favorite color, pink. The cover isn't too bulky, and it's a chic way to protect my beloved iPhone. 

red carpet weekly roundup

 Blake Lively stunned crowds at the BAFTA Brits to Watch event held in LA on July 9 wearing a Marchesa dress, Lorraine Schwartz jewels, and Christian Louboutin heels. So chic!

Kate Middleton looked elegant, as usual, wearing a lilac chiffon Alexander McQueen gown to the BAFTA event paired with Jimmy Choo heels and a clutch by the same designer. 

Emma Watson wore a deep-gold and copper Bottega Veneta gown to the NY premier of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 on July 11. Watson has undergone such a fashion transformation from her early days at Hogwarts!

Who do you think wore it best this week? 

crazy for kate: royal tour fashion

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge began their royal tour of North America in style on Thursday, June 30. As predicted, it caused quite a fashion frenzy—for Kate Middleton, of course! Her classic style makes it easy for women of all ages to drool over (and relate to) her choice of dresses, accessories, and head wear. Here are a few of my favorite royal looks.

--Alyssa

It isn't like a royal to repeat an outfit, which makes Kate Middleton that much more lovable. She wore her white Reiss engagement dress paired with a red leaf fascinator by Sylvia Fletcher on day 2 of the Royal Tour. 

Kate rocked this purple Issa dress (her favorite designer) on Canada Day.

For the Dragon Boat Races, Kate changed into a more comfortable look pairing a Nike Anorak jacket with skinny jeans and the Sebago Ladies Taupe Bala Deck Shoe. 

showdown in chinatown

Casey and I were lucky ladies yesterday as we styled NBA and MLS players Indochino suits as part of the Steve Nash Foundation Showdown. Among the players in attendance were Steve Nash, Tony Paker, Raja Bell, and Marcin Gortat.

The men all looked sleek and dapper in their new Indochino digs, and we were happy to be part of the day.

--Nat