Jailhouse Frock

Tibi Skirt and Top, Stuart Weitzman Sandals, Cushnie et Ochs Clutch, Earrings and Choker by Robin Terman available at Boca, Spinelli Kilcollin Ring, available at Savannah, Celine Sunglasses.

  When I first saw this skirt in December at Bloomingdales, I admired it, but was not in the mood to shop for anymore formal attire. In other words, as difficult as this may be to believe, I was burned out! Fast forward to February, when I was visiting one of my favorite fashion blogs, Atlantic Pacific. Thirty something blogger, Blair Eadie, was sporting that same skirt with a hot pink J Crew cashmere pullover and orange red jacket. On her, it looked fabulous…on me I suspected not.

  This past April I found the skirt on sale (seriously reduced from $650 to $230), and decided to give it a try. I paired it with its matching silk sleeveless cropped top (also on Friends and Family sale), and the outfit came to life. This is a perfect outfit to wear to a summer or early fall wedding.  

Marsala Moment

Sandro Dress, Valentino Heels, similar for less here, Lanvin Bag, similar for less here, Celine Sunglasses, Calypso St. Barth Bracelets, Ippolita Ring. 

When Pantone, announced its spring 2015 colors, I sat up took note. When the color, Marsala, was one of the top choices, I was puzzled. I typically associate this color with autumn; the changing leaves and the chill in the air seem to signal a need for warmth and comfort, and that is where the color of wine comes into play. However, as the red family is one of my favorites, I nudged myself to embrace this wine color for spring. I had to look no further than to this beautiful dress by one of my favorite French labels, “Sandro.”

What makes Sandro a stand out design house for me, aside from their mid price, is their feminine, chic and stylized dresses, shoes, jackets and pants. I first discovered them in Bloomingdales where they have a “leased” boutique. This means that Bloomingdales sells the line, but the design house, in this case Sandro, controls the inventory, price, staff and selection. Sandro will be opening its own boutique on Beverly Drive, in Beverly Hills this summer.

Owned and operated by the Jewish Moroccan born Parisian, Evelyne Chetrite, the company was founded by both Evelyne and her husband, Didier, in 1984. She currently designs with her son Ilan.

Back to the dress; as you can see from the photos, the color is rich, warm and classic. The fabric is very comfortable, no tugging required. These unbelievably gorgeous Valentino shoes, go so perfectly with this dress that nothing more needs to be said… and thankfully they were found on sale at Neiman Marcus at the end of the winter season. I could not believe no one had snapped them up!

Marsala is apparently trending this spring, and although I have not seen much of it on the racks, I am satisfied with this purchase which will take me through the summer and into the fall. 

Lots-A-Dots

I am a sucker for polka dots…always have been and I expect that I always will be. I put this little ensemble together because it is bright, cheerful and easy to wear. All of the clothes are by none other than Worth New York. What can I say? Their clothes and designs speak for themselves; stylish, flattering and well made. I paired this adorable polka dot skirt, which I shortened into a mini, with this oh-so-easy to wear sleeveless knit top. My red suede flats seem to give it the perfect ease for a daytime run-around look, and my tried and true red handbag by Myriam Schaefer seemed to complete the look with a chic and edgy bend.

Top and Skirt Worth New York, Prada Flats, Sarah Pacini Bracelet, Myriam Schaefer Handbag, Chanel Shades.

Adding heels, switching out the bag for a clutch, a swipe of red lipstick, and this cotton jacket (from their Spring 2014 collection), transitions the outfit from day to night. Wearer beware…adding heels to a mini skirt, shortens it considerably, so either commit or quit!

Top, Skirt, Jacket and Clutch Worth New York. Sergio Rossi Pumps (also seen here). Sarah Pacini Necklace, MAC Ruby Woo Lipliner and Lipstick. 

As you can see, I am committing to Worth…we are enjoying a major love affair!!

A Sheer Winner

Ramy Brook Top, Sandro Skirt, Lanvin Belt, Christian Dior Heels, also seen here, Badgley Mischka Handbag, Calypso Earrings, Ray Ban Sunglasses, "Cinnamon Sweet" OPI Nail Polish.

Tonight marks the start of awards season here in Los Angeles, beginning with The Golden Globes. The city is abuzz with glitz and glamour and everyone has film and television on their minds. Soon the Oscar nominations will be announced, followed by the race to see all the movies in time for the biggest award show in Hollywood. All the department stores are stocked with award season gowns, and the stylists have rolled out racks and racks of spectacular clothes to be worn to the “before,” “during” and “after” parties. Jeff and I will be attending a few parties and I have begun to tear through my closet to put together some winners of my own!

This sheer skirt by Sandro is a perfect example of a one of a kind piece that is so French, it just screams “oo la la!” I found this multi-tasking top by Ramy Brook that can be tied in various ways. I chose to wear it tied over one shoulder to enhance the glamour of the outfit. I was immediately attracted to its dark eggplant hue. I love matching navy (or in this case deep egglplant) with black. Many women I know always ask “can I wear black and navy together? ” Yes you can; in fact, you must. It is trés elegante et chic! This silk and dressy black belt by Lanvin, defines the waistline and pulls the ensemble together. My tried and true sparkly heels by Dior, have seen me through many a dressy affair, and this little silk evening bag with the rhinestone snap closure by Badgley Mishka, that I have owned forever, completes the look. Don’t be afraid to mix and match items that already exist in your closet. If you are creative and imaginative, you too will come up with a sheer winner!