White Hot

As temperatures heat up, my own fashion color palette is cooling down. All-white ensembles, though shockingly paler than the punches of color we've been seeing everywhere, are both impeccably chic and fool-proof in its minimalism. And though I'm a rule breaker when it comes to white before Memorial Day/after Labor Day, blanche pieces are early summer perfection.

Pure white pieces look polished in silky fabrics as seen on the Chanel, Michael Kors, and  Calvin Klein, the master of minimalism, runways. Another fresh take on the look are off-white pieces in ivory, eggshell, and cream, colors (or lack there of) for which can strike maximum appeal by adding ivory jewelry with a stack of gold bangles to add a gypset, exotic edge to an otherwise minimalist look. My inspiration for an all-white color palette is drawn from some of my favorite style icons, with the likes of Bianca Jagger, Lauren Hutton, and Brigitte Bardot (below).

Wardrobe essentials include a classic white blouse, wide leg trousers, linen shorts and, though I've sworn off skinnies for the moment, a slim pair of white denim pants. I believe all women should own a fabulous white bikini as well as a quality pair of crisp white espadrilles (I'm still fawning over a recent purchase of a Ralph Lauren Collection pair).

 

An old editorial of one of my favorite models, Hana Soukupova

I adore this photo of Park Ave/Palm Beach Princess C.Z. Guest, who perfects an all white look with her golden tan and platinum chignon... making me dream of a late-June Boca vacation...

"The most important thing is to enjoy yourself and have a good time." C.Z. Guest



FASHION FOR THE SOLE

Pamper yourself to a manicure and pedicure, and you'll walk out feeling perfectly polished [literally] from fingers to toes. During the spring/summer seasons, experiment with color, especially the jewel tones as shown by Gucci (below). Just make sure it matches [or strategically doesn't match] your warm weather ensemble.  The combination of sophisticated lady fingers with a dramatic bright toe is très chic, très sexy, & très élégant . Bright colors and beiges are forecasted as most on-trend for nail colors this season, so seal your style with a mani-pedi color-block, or choose a neutral shade to offset a brighter polish. 



 Bright coral, GUCCI. Ah, so chic.






Mani-cured muse:
Topless and Barefoot (essie)

 


Pedi-cured muse:
 Geranium (essie)





Who Wears the Pants?

We do! After a long reign, it's time to bid farewell to skinny jeans and embrace the much-welcomed comfort of soft, fluid trousers. Seen all over the S/S 11 runways from Jason Wu to Monique Lhuillier, tailored trousers in high-waisted cuts and silky fabrics look polished and chic as a warm-weather transitional piece. Forgo your skinny denim for a luxe chambray pant, as perfected by Celine (below).

Whether wide leg, slim fit or even palazzo (i'm loving the super wide leg trend) these somewhat pajama inspired pants ooze casual luxury that effortlessly transition from conference room to cocktail lounge. A cropped top that barely meets the waistline or a silk tucked blouse compliment the masculine tailoring of the pants. I love Monique Lhuillier's coral trousers (above) but for a more understated approach, you can't go wrong with a great neutral, black or white pair. 

The borrowed-from-the-boys slacks were pioneered by the queen of comfort, Chanel, whose jersey-knit collection revolutionized mid-20th century women's dressing. Call me cliché, but Coco did say it best...

CLOSE TO HOME, CLOSER TO THE HEART

Although I consider my mom to be one of my style icons (in past years I've become increasingly aware of her influence on me i.e. riding boots, signature red nails, tweed blazers for fall), her design aesthetic is her true talent. As an artist, she paints beautiful watercolors and is an excellent calligrapher. With an eye for creativity and love of traditional pieces, she is particularly passionate about home design. Sharing her passion is her long-time friend (and mother of my bestie) Alicia, so it's only natural that the two team up to put their creativity to work! Doing just that, the two opened up switch consign & design in March, with home goodies that are consigned and others they come across at estate sales and through friends. They also offer their expertise for home design and staging services.

The designing duo transformed the shop beautifully, with eclectic furniture, wall art, and high-end furnishings. Color is key, and flowers are ubiquitous in what has become their treasure chest of unique pieces that truly reflect their talents. Here are some of my favorite pieces:

I am so proud of both my mom and Alicia, and it's inspiring to see how much they put their heart and soul into the shop. They are truly artists and their passion for design is evident in their beautifully furnished Harrington Park store. 

Their blog, switchstuff, keeps me updated on what's happening at the shop, as I finish my last semester away at college, and Alicia's witty blogposts are very a.musing! Here is a link to a great article featuring switch from NorthJersey.com, posted last week, and a fab picture of my mom & Alicia.