Mywalit is Making My Season of Color

It’s finally spring! As a New Yorker, I am often accused of wearing too much black. For my spring 2016 resolution, I am vowing to make it a season of color. I started with a cute leather good that I received from Mywalit, a brand founded in Italy in 2005.

Their collections of handbags and wallets are designed with a distinctive color block style. Each piece is stitched and cut by hand. The company sources super soft leathers from around the world for the best quality and feel of the product.

Every season, Mywalit collections celebrate different cities around the globe. The colors are inspired by the energy and people of that location. This season’s feature is Cape Town. My wallet’s colors of sunny orange, seafoam, violet and fuchsia find its muse in the South African city. South Africa can be characterized as a location where the sea meets the sun. Drummers, dancers and vibrant street art are also part of South African culture. 

My Hubby gave me an incredible painting over the holidays that echo the same spirit. It has rays of global colors shooting all around me as I stand in front of it. My jacket is a mix of traditional fabrics and textures that were sourced from around the world and embroidered with worry dolls that I thought would match the Mywalit shades. My nails are a darker violet than the one on the wallet, but accented with huge sparkles like the night sky.

Anchoring your outfit of the day around your favorite accessory can be a fun way to go. Starting with the wallet’s color palette, I chose my shoes, handbag, jewelry and ultimately clothing to complement the hues. I found this was a much more interesting way to build an #OOTD. Most days I start with a little black dress and inevitably keep adding more and more black.

Spring is for new beginnings, new colors, new ideas and new labels to shop. Mywalit has beautifully made pieces that are perfect to update your wardrobe for the new season. If you haven’t heard of them before, this is a lovely label to check out. They are not trendy, but design driven. The craftsmanship is meant to last through multiple seasons. As opposed to fast fashion, leather goods are worth investing in. Explore their other styles by connecting with them on Mywalit's Instagram for spring style inspiration.

Sponsored by Single Edition Media on behalf of Mywalit.

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Emerald Style - Green Spring Trends

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Caress® via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Caress®.   

The flowers are blooming, the grass is getting cut, and looks off spring’s runways are finally hitting the streets.  Crisp cottons, breezy silks replace the heavy wool of our dreary winter.  The biggest inspiration for spring style comes straight from the garden. 

Emerald Rush™ body wash from Caress® encompasses all of the trends for the season.  The cool green bottle has a sleek silhouette, the scent is a mix of gardenia and white tea echoing details straight off the catwalk.

Lush floral prints were popular across many of the fashion shows I photographed at NY Fashion Week.  Big flowers in a tribal pattern or in an engineered placement were an updated way to update a classic motif.  Sea green, deep teal, textured embroidery, accents or the main feature, the different hues of emerald found its way into many a designer’s palette this season.  Colors from nature works in evening wear, sportswear, jewelry and makeup. 

For the fresh from the garden, look, you can start from the inside out.  Begin with a nice healthy spring detox and a refreshing shower with  Caress® Emerald Rush™ Fresh Collection Body Wash .  Then, treat yourself to a great haircut and makeover with the season’s new colors and quick shopping trip for a flowing silk dress or great printed jacket. 

When the sun comes back out of hibernation, that’s the kick you need to rejuvenate yourself to enjoy the rest of the year!

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The Caress® Fresh collection wraps your skin in vibrant scents and hydrating lather, leaving it revitalized and delicately scented. Try the new Caress® Fresh Collection and revitalize your skin like never before.   

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Trendspotting: Stripes for Spring

It's the most classic pattern in spring fashion.  Stripes seem simple at first, a timeless look that retailers and designers bring out year after year when the snow melts away.  However, there are so many ways to design them to look fresh every season.

The striped top has its roots in sailors uniforms, chic French gamines or even (yikes) mimes.  However, change out the traditional navy and white for variegated widths of stripes with this years trendy colors and you have a bright fashion staple for the season.

You can use engineered stripes and color blocking stripes as a graphic illusion.  The wide sections of bright colors on the dress above from Mossimo uses the striped, color block effect to lengthen the silhouette making your legs look like they go on forever.  Placing different widths and colors of stripes at different places on the body help the perception of maximizing curves or minimizing bumps like the Xhilaration dress on the left.  The examples above are the antidote to all of the old-fashioned myths about horizontal or vertical stripes making you thinner or wider.

If you're still paranoid that stripes might make you look like a prison inmate, you have a full range of accessories at your disposal.  A striped carryall tote, nautical flats, graphic rainboots, a scarf or a pop of pattern on a ribbon instantly give your outfit a fresh sunny update.

Are you ready to run your lines? Go forward and stripe out!

It’s Time for Springtime.
Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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How to Wear Sheer to the Office

One of the biggest spring trends is to wear sheer.  While light, transparent fabrics are pretty to look at on the runway, how do you translate that to an appropriate outfit for work?  I'm talking about a proper office, outfits that don't get the raised eyebrow or a whisper behind your back.

Sheer doesn't have to mean a head-to-toe look.  An implied translucent part of the garment works just as well and counts as being on-trend.

You can pile on the layers.  A skirt with several layers of transparent fabric eventually becomes opaque.  You can have the full coverage you're comfortable with, but when you move, you will see a faint hint of sheer when your skirt swings.

Sheer can act as a trim instead of the main part of the garment.  A dress with an organza hem or mesh sleeves gives a sexy impression, but everything is covered and safe.  You can always add a blazer on top and a co-worker will still see maybe an inch or two of your trendy sheer neckline.

Do you remember the first season of HBO's "Girls"?  Jessa wears a flimsy voile nightgown to her job as a nanny.  You know you don't want to be that girl.  A sheer blouse can always be paired with a solid tank or camisole.  A flowing, easy silhouette looks great with a second fashionable top underneath.  You can keep the colors tonal, or choose an under-piece with a completely contrasting color to shake things up.

Did you think about putting sheers into accessories?  That is always the easiest way to incorporate any runway trend into your work wardrobe.  Silk chiffon scarves are lovely.  How about the lace sheer bootie?  

No matter how strict the dress code is at your office, there are plenty of ways to stay on top this season!  Now how about that promotion?

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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Uncomplicate Your Spring! J. Jill Giveaway

For my fourth post for a week of budget-friendly spring shopping, I figured what is more budget-friendly than a big giveaway?  I'm giving away a $100 gift card to J. Jill for you to add some relaxed spring style to your wardrobe.

As the sun finally peeks out from winter clouds, we can't wait to hit the stores for lighter clothes, ditching the heavy tights and letting our toes peep out.  J. Jill wants you to uncomplicate your wardrobe with easy choices to put together your looks for the season.  Their site has great guides for fitting denim and videos on everything you could want to do with a scarf                                                                    

To win the $100 Gift Card, leave a comment telling me what fashion item you most look forward to wearing this spring! We'll choose a winner on March 31, 2013.

If you don't win my giveaway, go for the BIG prizes on J. Jill's Facebook page.  Nominate a woman whose life YOU think needs to uncomplicate and try for a closet redesign, head to toe makeover, shopping spree or catered dinner party.

  Campaign Launch and Sweepstakes
 This Spring, J.Jill is making the promise to their customers to uncomplicate. by providing an easy-to-put-together approach to dressing and offering guiding, helpful service. The brand’s uncomplicate. campaign will undoubtedly show women everywhere that it’s never been so easy to look this good! In addition, J.Jill will be partnering with More, Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple to give three lucky customers the opportunity to give the gift of uncomplicate. to a deserving woman in their lives. Beginning March 14 through April 25, fans can nominate a woman whose life they would like to make less complicated, by entering the sweeps through the brand’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/JJillStyle) – prizes will include one of the following: a catered dinner party, a special closet redesign or a complete style makeover; each prize will include a shopping spree at J.Jill.

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Spring Shoe Trends

Oh yay! With the weather thawing out, boots open up and toes come out for spring shoes.  I can’t wait to shop for my favorite footwear trends for spring.

One of the biggest spring trends all over the runways was the mix of artistic prints.  Abstract floral, brushstrokes and kaleidoscope patterns have made every fashion item a canvas.  Spring shoes are no exception.  Many designers on spring 2013 catwalks crafted shoes to coordinate to the patterns of the clothes.  For my budget-friendly designer picks, you can’t go wrong with Prabal Garung’s pumps and laced up sandal in a “Nolita”print for Target (only $40).  If you want something more romantic, go for Xhilaration’s dark floral Sae pumps for only $30. 

The wedge was a big hit for fall and reconstructed in more spring friendly trims for the upcoming season.  I love wedges because they are safer (for clumsy me) to walk in than your typical stiletto.  Spring materials like cork, rattan, rope wood give it a bit of a warm rustic edge, while still keep styles sophisticated.  You can mix up all sorts of colors, contrast trims and configurations with a pump.  Stripes give you a nautical look, bows are ladylike and solid colors are bold enough for any spring dress.  All these fun styles come from Merona, Xhilaration and Target’s shoe collection, starting at $17 and topping out at $75.

Are you ready to step out of your boots and into the sunshine? I am.

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.

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Trendspotting: Pastels with Pop

When the snow begins to thaw, stores inevitably bring the pale to your wardrobe.  Pastels may be a spring fashion staple, but that doesn't mean you have to look like an Easter egg!

The designers who showed at NY Fashion Week for Spring 2013 understood that.  Like me, the Gotham style crowd likes to live in our dark colors.  So how did they bring pastels to the runway?  How do YOU bring it to your life (in an affordable way?)

One trend I saw was to keep our beloved dramatic black and accent it with pastels.  Today’s pastels are less powdery and sweet.  Actually, many of them read like a softer version of last season’s neon fad.  Labworks has terrific, edgy basics like this dramatic black peplum jacket and asymmetrical pink skirt.  You can layer multiple shades of soft Mossimo scarves and accent with jewelry of citrus colored stones.  Prabal Gurung for Target made these great pumps with a pastel splattered print.

The other runway trend from spring was to see modern pastels worked into artistic prints. Tops were paired with sleek leather basics or served as a canvas for a bold look all around.  An accessible way to get this trend is to grab one of the fantastic kaleidoscope print tops with liquid black leggings.  Prabal Gurung again takes credit for the top and the lemon yellow shoes.  Continue the drama with multi-color chevron earrings duo and a solid coral bag.  The pale coral phone case has a terrific crocodile texture (without the cruelty or price tag).

I'm loving the color options this spring has to offer.  My dark-centric wardrobe can welcome these new shades without feeling like Morticia in The Addams Family Values.

Remember the quote?  "You have gone too far. You have married Fester, you have destroyed his spirit, you have taken him from us. All that I could forgive. But Debbie... pastels?"

It’s Time for Springtime.

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Target via Glam Media. The opinions
expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or
positions of Target.

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How to Rock Denim Shorts

Spring temperatures have risen, so hemlines should follow suit.  It's all about the chic denim short to celebrate the sunny days.  All of the big spring trends of embellishments, colors and fitted silhouettes look even sexier in mini lengths.  

Pre-1970's, jean cutoffs were a casual, even sloppy clothing item.  Then came a character named Daisy Duke on the hit TV show, The Dukes of Hazard.  Most Fashionistas have likely never even seen the show, yet they can all picture what this now iconic fashion item looks like.

What goes around comes around, as a fitted shirt tied to expose fit abs are just as relevant now as it was then.  A nicely cut top to show off ripped arms or a more dressy blouse can take the look from super casual to a night out.  Dress it up further with a chunky bracelet or long chain necklace.

Ready to get leggy?  It's an American tradition!

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock and Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos courtesy of Kohls.com and CBS 

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Exotics for the Uninitiated

Animal lover, but not not an animal-print lover?  Afraid of being the cougar on the block?  Exotics are a big trend for spring, but leopard spots and tiger stripes never made their way in my closet.  So what do you do to show off this trend?

For my look, I grabbed a printed silk shift dress in tonal grey colors.  The graphics were more of a collage of animal photos than skin print.  The monochromatic palette, as well as the soft fabric is one way to make the look more subtle.  

Still need ways to tone down the  beast?  Try small scale versions of animal prints.  Minuscule leopard prints can look like a dainty dot or texture when they are small enough.

Use exotics as an accent.  A belt, a scarf or bold handbag is the easiest way to show your stripes if you are not comfortable wrapping your body in it.  The great thing about this trend is that it can be dressed up with great jewelry or dressed down with fitted jeans.

It's warming up outside...Get ready to ROAR! 

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How to Rock Colored Denim for Spring

It’s all about color this spring.  If you’re looking for upscale or laid back looks, bright hues are the quickest way to update your closet.  If you’re looking for an edgier look, skinny, cropped jeans in a bold color pairs well with a lot of options.

I’m wearing Rock & Republic’s vivid blue skinny denim with their stud embellished tank top.  I added a red raincoat for  seasonal showers.  I mirrored the tiny studs on the top with an over-sized gun metal cluster necklace.  I topped my look with my Hubby's Italian wool hat and studded platform pumps.

Other ways to rock out this spring is to pair a lightweight knit tunic or bold print tank with white or red Hamburg Skinny Crop Jeans.  Add a motorcycle jacket or trench for chillier days.  Accessories like Bohemian headbands, fedora hat, dangling earrings or a statement necklace help to elevate the look from casual to high fashion.

Kohl's provided compensation to me as an incentive to blog about the Rock & Republic launch event.  The opinions expressed herein are those of this author, and they have not been reviewed or approved by Kohl's in advance.

Photos by Adam Weinstein and Robert McConnell

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