Trending: Graphic Stripes

Commonly associated with nautical themes, graphic stripes are breaking the mold and are a timeless edition to any wardrobe. Because of their contrast, they provide dynamic looks when combined with solids, colors, and even patterns. Tilting the stripes in various directions provide yet another appealing design element.


Love the mix of pattern and translucent look of this dress by Tracy Reese. Would look great belted with a cardigan also.


Geometry in Motion Skirt Anthropologie


Throw on a blazer with this for work, remove it and add a chunky necklace for happy hour cocktails. Robert Rodriguez shopbop.com


Simple Chic, and I love the contrast of color. BCBG Maxazria Striped Contrast Hem Power Skirt


Keep in simple with your favorite boyfriend jeans or even try a striped cardigan. Forever 21 Classic Stripe Sweater

Fast Forward:



Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2011

Chic Reads: Happy Chic Colors

95% chic + 5% happy = the decorative nirvana that is Happy chic.



I find interior design just a fascinating as fashion design. I include interior design books in my home library, as they are a source of inspiration. I had to share Jonathan Adler's new book Happy Chic Colors. From the moment I began to read it my mood was instantly lifted! Jonathan's energy seems to bolt from the pages weaving design tips with his common sense musings.




Complete with paint colors and inspirational muses, Jonathan guides you through choosing color paired with your personal touches and contemporary design elements to create a happy place. From moody blues, vibrant reds, eye popping yellow, even nuetrals, (Jonathan affectionately calls "Chambeige"); this book covers them all. If you've ever been afraid to use color or was wondering if you are on the right track this is a must read.





Read Jonathan's manifesto and musings www.jonathanadler.com/manifesto.php


{images: Jonathan Adler Happy Chic Colors, Modcloth.com}

Nicole Richie House Of Harlow 1960

Nicole Richie graces the cover of Lucky Magazine February 2011. She looks stunning! Gone is the grunge girl we first saw on The Simple Life alongside Paris Hilton. She has remarkably demostrated both personal and fashion transformation and growth. Among her many accomplisments; Nicole is the designer of an accessory (House of Harlow 1960) and clothing line (Winter Kate), both named after her daughter.



I love the bold, ethnic, vintage antique vibe of the House of Harlow. Nicole's design influence comes from the fashions of the 60's and 70's.


14k Gold Filled "Sun" Cocktail Ring


Nicole wears Gold Smoky Double Diamond Hand Piece and Tasseled Coin Necklace




There's something about an oversize pair of sunglasses that scream chic! House of Harlow sunglasses.


Five Stack Ring in multi


Gun Metal Stargazer earrings

House of Harlow 1960 and Winter Kate Spring 2011 collections are available at http://shopthetrendboutique.com and other select retailers.



{images: James White, Shop The Trend Boutique}

Inspiration Board- The Power of Glamour

The January 2011 issue of Vogue Italia features an amazing fashion story titled The Power of Glamour. Featuring a diverse cast of models, including Arizona Muse, Fei Fei Sun, Seesilee Lopez and Freja Beha Erickson. I adore the location, vintage styling and photography. Enjoy some of my favorite shots from this shoot as well as a backstage video.














{images Steven Miesel for Vogue Italia via Vain & Vapid}

Trending: City Shorts

Well winter is just about half way over! Want to keep warm, and still show some leg without being limited to skirts and leggings? Try shorts, ranging from tailored, tap styles to leather! For daytime, try a pair layered with tights, boots, your favorite leather jacket and a warm comfy scarf. Instant chic!


Sanctuary Tweed Short now 60% off Nordstrom.com

Choose a longer length tailored city short for work with a blazer.


Tailored City Short Asos.com

Go glam at night with satin, lace, sequins, or tuxedo inspired versions.


Leifsdottir Techno Tuxedo shorts Nordstrom.com


Valentino Leather Trim Lace Shorts Bergdorf Goodman

Shorts will serve triple duty as they transition into spring, summer, and back into fall. Fast forward; some Spring 2011 runway looks:


Victoria Bartlett


Tracy Reese


Marc Jacobs

Extending the Runway: Tatiana Sorokko Style

During the holiday season I had the pleasure of attending the Extending the Runway exhibit in its final days at the Phoenix Art Museum. From Moscow to Phoenix the exhibit made its United States debut consisting of more than 80 couture pieces and accessories.


photo: Michael Schennum the Arizona Republic

Tatiana Sorokko is a Russian born international supermodel, style correspondant , contributing editor to Harper's Bazaar and collector. Her amazing collection spans the 20th century and includes the works of designers such as Cristobal Balenciaga, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Ralph Rucci, and Madame Gres to name a few.

At the entrance of the exhibit was this floor to ceiling image. Tatiana wears a custom made Ralph Rucci, Haute Couture gown from the 2005 collection made of hand dyed silk chiffon with ostrich feathers.


photo: Sandi Fellman



photo: Ken Howie

Of the many stunning pieces this Vivienne Westwood gown titled "Storm in a Teacup", was my favorite. From the fall/winter 1996/7 collection made of Silk Chiffon and Silk Taffeta.

To see this amazing collection a book by the same title is available at Amazon.com

Inspiration Board: Honeysuckle, Pantone's 2011 Color of the year

"In times of stress, we need something to lift our spirits. Honeysuckle is an captivating, stimulating color that gets the adrenaline going-perfect to ward of the blues," describes Leatrice Eisman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. "Honeysuckle derives its positive qualities from a powerful bond to its mother color red, the most physical,viscerally alive hue in the spectrum."

Reminiscent of the sweet smell of the honeysuckle flower; this color is a perfect introduction to the spring and summer seasons. Flirty, feminine, playful ranging in color from coral to reddish pink.



An avid fan of fashion sketches and illustration, here are a few designer interpretations:





From the runway:



Marc Jacobs, Spring 2011



Christian Dior Spring 2011