High/Low

There are some fabulous fall fashion items on our wish list this year.   Trying to put a wardrobe together within a budget, check out Zara and add some key pieces to make your outfits pop this fall.

Number one on our fall wish list is a great pair of Biker boots.  They toughen up any feminine dress or skirt, or look great with a pair of skinny jean, sweater, and scarf combo.  Splurge on this wardrobe staple with these Jimmy Choo Biker boots at $895.00.  Or save on these affordable doppelgangers by Zara. At $99.90 they are a steal.

The Tuxedo Blazer comes in and out of style all the time.  This fall I’m loving the look with a tank, skinny jeans and some kitten heels.  Splurge on this Burberry London topper at $850.00 or save on this cool navy blazer with the black tuxedo lapel  from Zara.  It’s $99.90.

The Waxed Jean look is hot this fall.  They look great paired with a chunky wool sweater, sheer long blouse, or a blazer.  These JBrand waxed jeans are great and are $184.76.  Not sure about the longevity of this trend?  Try these Zara waxed motorcycle style skinny jeans.  At $79.90 dare to be bold.

The Sequined Pencil Skirt is a fun and flirty trend this fall.  I love it with the unexpected pairing of a casual flannel shirt or loose chunky sweater, ankle boots and socks.  Or take it out for night with a dressier top and heels.  The Calvin Klein version is pricey at $595.00.  At Zara it is only $99.90.

Another great new trend for fall is a Coat with Leather Sleeves. This DKNY version is stunning and at $795.00 it is an investment.  This Zara coat is affordable at $199.00.

Snakeskin is very “on-trend” right now.  Splurge on this Lanvin evening clutch for $895.00.  Or save on this day or night clutch from Zara.  It’s so affordable at only $79.90.

Fall is here and one of my favourite trends that never goes out of style is the leather motorcycle jacket.  Pair it with skinnies, and a great pair of boots, or over a dress to add a tough edge to a feminine look.   The motorcycle jacket is an essential wardrobe piece.  Black leather is a great basic to have, but dare to be bold in this of the moment colour “red.”  Nicole Richie wears her Simone jacket to perfection with a plain black long-sleeved tee, worn in skinnies, platform pumps and an oversized bag.  At $1295.00 this is a splurge but will add pop to a basic black and denim wardrobe.  If you’re not sure about the longevity of the “red” trend, try the low version from Bebe.  It’s so affordable at only $98.00.

Spring weather is just around the corner and soon it will be time to break out the White Shorts.  They have always been a wardrobe staple but now the new white short has many incarnations.  High-waisted, short-shorts, knee length and tight, baggy, crochet, Bermudas, anything goes.  They can be casual with a loose t-shirt, a boho-chic blouse or dressed up with a blazer and a pair of high heels.  The monochromatic look is hot right now.  White t-shirts, blazers, or a blouse with your white shorts is stylish, trendy and chic.  Either way, white shorts are a good addition to any spring and summer wardrobe.  Here are some high, low and mid-range versions of the white short.

These mid length Elizabeth and James shorts are $175.00.  Pair this with a longer blousy top and add a high-heeled wedge to elongate the legs. 

The cut-off vixen short by JBrand is $143.00.  These are tight and short and must be worn with something loose on top like a blouse, or a flowy tee.

The AG Malibu Khaki Shorts have made a comback again this year.  They look great with a pair of high-heeled wedges, or pumps for night.  This pair is $118.00

The low version and my personal favourite is the Banana Republic Roll-up short at $39.50.  They have a higher waist and can handle a blouse, t-shirt or tank tucked in for a dressier look. 

The Monrow mini-crochet shorts are available at shopbop.com for $98.00 and are fabulous with a fitted mid-length black blazer.

Here’s how Kristin Cavallari, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Aniston and Whitney Port wear their white shorts.

Personal style isn’t necessarily about dressing in the of the moment looks and trends.  It’s about the way you put yourself together.  No matter how high or low your budget is, you can be fashionable.  The key to building a strong wardrobe foundation is to invest in classic timeless pieces like a great leather jacket, a Chanel purse, a Trench, a Pea Coat, a well fitted blazer etc., and save by buying trendier items at more affordable stores.  My favourite place to shop for trendier less expensive pieces, is Zara.  Not only are they stylish and extremely wearable, but well priced and look like they cost a million bucks.  This Spring Zara has some great pieces that could pass as a doppelganger to their designer counterparts.

1. The tulip dress is all the range this season.  Victoria Beckham makes a stunning version at $2200.00.  Zara’s is only $179.90.

1. This Chloe Accordian skirt is pricey at $2504.28.  This Zara version is only $79.90 and looks great.

1. This D&G floral short dress is very “on trend” right now.  It is $583.25.  Zara’s is $49.90.

1. It’s all about the white dress this spring. Giambattista Vali makes this first version at $1953.52.  I love this Zara white dress with it’s minimalist feel and casual appeal and it’s $99.90.

1.  Ballerina flats are a great alternative to the wedge and look fabulous with the new cropped jean.  The dsquared flats with the bow is $509.42. The nude Zara flats are a steal at $79.90.

1. The Proenza Schouler PSI medium satchel is hot right now.  It is one of the new “it” items for spring. At $1985.00 this is an investment piece.  If you love the look but don’t want to spend a lot of money on this trend, buy the Zara shoulder bag with the double buckle.  It is $99.90.

1.  The trench is a wardrobe staple and if you have the money to invest, this is a good piece to spend it on.  This Space version is $660.00.  I really like the Zara trench and it’s only $19.90.

Winter Kate Kimono Jackets-$279-$379

The cardi, a wardrobe staple, a classic, is something every girl has in her closet.  It comes in many shapes, colours and sizes.  You have the boyfriend cardi, the shrunken cardi, which is great over a dress, or a rocker tee,  the big unstructured no button cardi worn over a tank and skinny jeans, and some tall boots or pretty much with anything.  It is the perfect accessory, stylish, and dependable.  It has stood the test of time and weathered many fashion incarnations.  Now it is time again for the rebirth of the cardi.  

Enter, the Kimono Jacket/Cardi.  It’s boho chic vibe, it’s satin fabric and flowy ease makes it the newest item on my fashion radar.   

Nobody wears a Kimono like Nicole Richie.  Designer of House of Harlow, Winter Kate and House of Harlow 1960, Nicole Richie’a name has become synonymous with style.   Do you remember “The Real Life” with Nicole and Paris Hilton?  She has come a long way from the ripped up daisy duke shorts and cleavage baring tops.  Thank god for Rachel Zoe.  She is one of the young tastemakers in fashion and has proven herself as a fan favourite designer.   

The Winter Kate collection is full of fabulous unique items with a distinctive hippievibe.  My favourite of her spring collection is the Kimono.  The vintage inspired prints and draped body make the Kimono Jacket/Cardi a unique and fresh take on the classic button up version.  

If you love the look but don’t want to spend a lot of money, try these less expensive versions from Topshop and Zara.  The first one, the feather print Kimono is $78.00.  The cream silk Kimono is $76.00.  The Paisley print one is $100.00 and my personal favourite of all the lower priced ones is the Zara Kimono which comes in Nude and  Black floral.   Pair these with shorts and a tank, dresses, jeans or pretty much anything that needs a layer.  This is an easy way to look chic effortlessly.

High/Chloe-Spring 2011

Med/Patterson J. Kincaid's Cerise Maxi Dress

Low/BCGBGeneration Double Tank Dress

Are you tired of wearing black, and grey 24/7?  Well, this spring, it’s all about the LWD (Little White Dress).  It’s fresh, chic, and screams spring.  These dresses come in a plethora of styles and lengths.  From modern minimalism, romantic tunics, multilayered interpretations, to the simplicity of a white tank dress.   Pretty much anything goes this season with the white dress.  The high version is a Chloe sheer body hugging mid-length dress.  It’s elegant and modern.  I adore the white clutch and the unexpected flat red shoe.    Patterson J. Kincaid makes this mid range version.  It is a racerback white linen sleeveless maxi dress.  Add a belt in any colour to give it more form and structure.   This dress is well priced at $168.00 and can be ordered online at Nordstroms, Bergdorf’s or shopbop.com.  And finally,  BCBG Generation makes the low version-the double tank dress.  It is $88.00.  It’s so affordable.  So store all your black dresses, and jump into spring with both feet, a new outlook, and a white dress.  Instead of asking, “What to wear ?”you’ll be saying “White to wear.”

One of the major trends coming up for the spring 2011 season is the lace dress. Seen on the runways of Stella McCartney, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren, this dress is proving to be one of the strongest warm weather looks. Look for the dress in mini or knee length versions in either white or cream. If spending upwards of $1500.00 on this trend seems over the top for your budget, check out the versions Hush Couture has found available at retailers throughout Canada or online.

Forever 21- $28.00   Topshop-$80.00   Urban Outfitters $49.00