Jumpsuit Joy: Revisiting an Old Friend

Derek Lam Jacket, Sandro Jumpsuit, Worth New York Belt, Gianvito Rossi Sandals (also available at Savannah Santa Monica), Chanel Clutch. 

  I love a good jumpsuit. It takes me back to the 80’s, when I owned many jumpsuits, as my photo albums will attest.  Lucky for me, thirty years later, the jumpsuit continues to trend for spring and summer. This one, by Sandro, is comfortable and chic with the silver details at the shoulder. I added the silver belt to give my waist some definition. On the day that we shot, there was a nip in the air and I was grateful to have this tried and true little jacket by Derek Lam. I must admit that when I bought it years ago, I was really on the fence about it. Happily, I have worn it time and time again with both dresses as well as jeans. Don't limit yourself by wearing only dressy with dressy; instead, pair dressy with casual and you will have much more fashion fun!

  I believe that the platform shoe, which originated in the 70’s, carried over to the early 80’s; therefore, to complete my ode to this decade, I chose these chic and comfortable navy suede platform sandals, by Gianvito Rossi. Now I really “Rock the Casbah!”*

*Rock The Casbah was a hit song in the early 80’s by the English band The Clash…..remember? If not, click here for a trip down memory lane.

Suede Patchwork

Skirt and tank by Worth New York, Bloomingdales Sweater, Louis Vuitton Heels, Chloe Handbag- available in stores at Scoop Brentwood. Ray Ban Sunglasses, Vintage Necklace and Cuff. 

  The first time I laid eyes on this skirt, by Worth New York, I was immediately attracted to it. The combination of its unique design and use of the gorgeous autumnal palette, make this skirt a winner. Given the fact that autumn in LA means the temperatures during the day, fall between 68-72, I figured I could get away with Worth’s matching tank and just throw a cardigan over my shoulders for a bit of warmth. Years ago, on a whim and SAKS triple point day, I purchased these LV shoes, and have worn them repeatedly ever since. They are extremely comfortable, and although I try to shy away from screaming logos, I thought that these were quiet enough to be seen but not heard. Suede is everywhere this fall and continues through the Spring and Summer of 2016. Start investing in yours now, when the sales begin! 

POP Goes the Color

Mason Sweater similar for less here, Rag and Bone Jeans, similar here, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Caroline De Marchi Handbag,  Spinelli-Kilcollin Ring, [all three also available at Savannah Santa Monica].  Cartier Watch, Vintage Necklace, NARS Heat Wave Lipstick. 

No matter what the weather is like in your part of the Northern Hemisphere right now, I promise you that Spring 2015 is right around the corner. Even though you are still looking at snow and “not feeling it,” it truly is the right time to think about adding a little color to your wardrobe so that it is ready to pull out when the temperatures rise. Here in Los Angeles, we are spoiled by the warmer temperatures. The disadvantage of that is that we do not have four definitive seasons. Sometimes I feel as if we get summer before we get spring, as the temperatures here are traditionally higher in March and April, than they are in May and June, so that sweaters and even booties do not get put away until the end of June.

The colors for spring this year, run the gamut from pale pastels to pops of color. Since I tend to look washed out in pastels, I always feel better in a little color. If you are not the type of person to wear bright colors, adding them as accessories is a great option. I like the look of a muted outfit with a pop of color, such as this one.

Don’t be afraid to wear a black dress with a colorful shoe, or to add a colorful handbag to a  white pantsuit. Traditionally, spring is associated with a time of rebirth, and what better time to give your wardrobe a new life than right now.

Another way of adding color is with a bright lipstick. If you are not bold enough to wear full on color on your lips, there are many new sheer options that look great, as I have featured in the article HERE.

No matter how you choose to use it, a pop of color goes a long way!  

Worth Wearing Red

Scarf, Sweater, Pants, Clutch all Worth NY Spring 2015 Collection. Necklace and earring John Hardy, Oliver People's Shades, Sergio Rossi Heels.

I don’t usually dress head to toe in one specific designer, but I was in a “je ne sais quoi” mood and feeling a little “Française.” The red white and blue of this outfit by Worth New York seemed to fit the bill perfectly. It is also apt since this is the American Heart Association’s ”Go Red For Women,” which highlights the very pervasive health issue of women and heart disease.  

The red sweater and the black cotton pants had me at "bonjour," but this gorgeous scarf tied, (pun very much intended!), the ensemble together. The adorable little zippered clutch is as easy to handle as it is to look at.

When an outfit such as this works so well, there isn’t much else to say except…"c’est magnifique!"

Dressy Sweatpants

Vince Sweatpants, Jason Wu Blouse and Leather Jacket, Banana Republic Heels.

At first glance these two words, paradoxically joined are counterintuitive. Why would one dress up a sweatpant, you might ask? Well when you do it in a drapey material and add a touch of faux leather down the side, the result is undeniably fabulous.  Here is Vince’s version, to which I added a Jason Wu beautiful blouse and leather jacket. The outfit is modern, chic and oh so comfortable. One feels dressed up yet casually stylish. I must now take a moment and introduce you to one of the most comfortable and affordable shoes out there. When my friend, Sigal,  sported these the other day, I asked her who made them. Expecting her to say Manolo, Jimmy, or Sergio, I was shocked when she told me they were by Banana Republic. She slipped one off to let me give it a test drive. Not only are they chic and inexpensive, but they are incredibly comfortable, as if there is a pillow inside to cushion the balls of your feet! “And if you get then today you might still be able to save 30% off the original ridiculously low price of $128.00!” Needless to say, I fled to the mall, parked myself in the Banana Republic shoe department, and proceeded to try on 4 different pairs of adorable shoes. Because it was Wednesday, I received an extra 10% off at the register, marking them down to 40% off or $75.00 a pair. For a shoe fanatic like me, this day should have been declared a national holiday. “Victory,” I said to myself, score one for the home team. 

Black on White, White on Black

Celine Skirt, Worth New York Blouse and Clutch, Gianvito Rossi Heels, Oliver Peoples Glasses, Robin Terman Necklace, Earrings and Bracelets. 

Black On White/White On Black

There is nothing sharper, crisper or cleaner than the color black, and its counterpart, white. I pair these two colors often and almost always travel with them. Easy to wear, they are the classic fashion duo. For some reason, even though it has become acceptable and even on trend to wear white in winter, I hardly ever wear it on the bottom during the months of November–March. This is somewhat silly, I know, but old habits die hard. Come the spring and summer, I don white on bottom as much as possible, and pray not to eat sloppily—although I never leave the house without my Tide stick!

In these two looks I have paired 2 trendy mid length skirts with opposite colored tops and I think the result is chic and lady like.

 In the first outfit, I have paired this fabulous Black Celine skirt that my friend Carrie found for me at Savannah. I love the retro (1970’s) look of this A-line skirt. My mother, whose fashion sense is impeccable, used to wear these skirts all the time when I was growing up and so I was attracted to this beauty immediately.

This is an all year round skirt and a great investment piece. Since we are officially in summer, I decided to pair it with this crisp white sleeveless blouse by Worth and my comfy black strappy sandals by Gianvanito Rossi (also seen HERE). I love this sleek white clutch by Worth, with its side compartments, as it keeps my essentials in tow and is the perfect lightweight alternative to my larger handbags.

Worth New York Top, Manolo Blahnik Heels, Balenciaga Clutch, Nicholas Skirt.