Fun, flirty and feminine; tiered ruffles are a must-wear for spring and summer. Whether silky or knitted, two tiers or more, these versatile flirty frocks provide a plethora of styling options. Pair with cut off or rolled denim shorts, a denim mini skirt or your best jeans. You can let the tiers float freely or tame them by belting the waist. Take a style que from Just Cavalli and go bare-legged or from Moschino and slide tights or leggings underneath. Keep it simple and let the ruffled layers be your accessory or add bold, chunky pieces like Maurizio Pecoraro. And everything from platforms to flats to chic booties will fashionably complete your look.
Slouched short cowboy boots add a western-chic touch to your ensemble. Try the microsuede upper of Connie's 'Dolly', the rounded square toe of Rampage's 'Lucky' or Forever 21's Brianda slouched boot. They look great paired with tucked in jeans, a mini skirt and especially denim shorts like Forever 21's 'Florelle' frayed denim short.
The center of attention and ahead of the fashion pack is where you'll be in this eye-catching avant-garde ensemble. Emilio Pucci's signature Madeira printed dress with it's complex tailoring paired with Giuseppe Zanotti's standout-and up-leather-edged vinyl strapped wedge with cut-out detail make for true boundary-pushing style. Accessorize with Marni's quirky yet chic wavy horn bracelet and Armani Exchange's fabric wrapped metal hoop earrings, but don't forget Santi's elegantly colorful sequined clutch-unexpectedly different which makes it oddly perfect.
A downsized modification to the wide open caged style shoe-think YSL and Givenchy-the perforated shoe is perfect for spring. Trendy yet practical this warmer weather-friendly shoe allows for spring's cool breezes and looks super chic too.
The flat sandal & boot hybrid-style silhouette is pretty popular; try Aldo's 'Lurey' fringed high-top sandal (in cognac or black suede) or the 'Hagans', a similar but higher calf-skimming version (in camel leather or black suede). Steve Madden also has a flat version, the tiered shaft 'Benza' (in taupe suede or black leather), and a high heeled option-the 'Evelina' with back tie-in black suede.
If you prefer less boot and more sandal Steve Madden's antiqued buckle adorned strappy 'Davin' is a stylish alternative in black leather, or try Pelle Moda's wide ankle strapped 'Caspian' in brown leather or black suede.
What do you think of this trend? Which, if any, are your favorites?
Edgy and stylish go hand in hand in this hard core ensemble with a touch of girly. Keep the trend of Sass & Bide's link chain jeans and add Juicy Couture's leather & chain hoop earrings and Lisa Stewart's chain cuff. Croc-embossed booties (Velvet Angels' 'Peepshow') and satchel (La Bagagerie's patent quilted/reptile print) add the extra edge while your girly side comes through in Tee and Cake's pale pink 'Queen' tee and AJ Morgan's Free press pink and gold sun shades.
The petite and always stylish Eva Longoria-Parker wore this simple yet effective ensemble over a month ago to this year's All-Star games and a reader recently inquired about her height-granting platforms. The black patent platform pumps are Yves Saint Laurent and Gianni Bini's 'Desiree' pumps are a practically identical style steal in black patent or fudge croc. The entire look is so simple yet chic, her dolman-sleeve off the shoulder knit top (try Forever 21's 3Q diamond knit top) and her J Brand 910 dark wash skinny jeans (try Arden B's 12" skinny jean in dark indigo) are pieces that will always look chic and modern when you wear them.
Sparkle and shine mix with sleek and sculpted in this futuristic ensemble. The smooth sculpted shapes of Fendi's silver jersey top & mini skirt and Banana Republic's barrel cuff are the perfect simple pieces to add the sparkle of Nadri's saddle ring and Converse's glitter Chuck Taylor sneaker.
Twinkle toes takes on a whole new meaning in Giuseppe Zanotti's crystal embellished toe ring sandals. Casual with just enough glam, get them in gold (at Net-A-Porter) or black patent (at Bluefly).
For those who have Zanotti taste but not the budget, Rampage offers the 'Reva', a more wallet-friendly version available in black, gold, red or silver.
A fashion forward look to the 2009 fall/winter season showcases a bevy of over the knee boot options: patent & leather mixtures with ruffle-like trims at Ohne Titel, super tight and thigh-high at Gucci, sueded & colour-rich at Marc Jacobs and laced up at Louis Vuitton.
While this trend may seem over-bearing it can be easily worked into your daily looks. Most over the knee boots can be folded down or cuffed to just below the knee for more casual wear, try Report Signature's 'Fairfax' for its convertible style.
If you can brave the fashion forward over the knee (and sometimes thigh-high) boot a skinny, leg skimming stretch version works best for wear under dresses and skirts without excess bulkiness. Mia's 'Midnight' is a perfect option for it's stretchable material and gathered detail that hugs the leg.
You'll enjoy spring's warm breezes in this relaxed and feminine dress with satin straps. Accessorize with the aged beauty of Anthropolgie's Ocean's Bounty earrings (a trio of weathered coins) and Anna Sheffield's copper & turquoise ring. Top off with Wet Seal's gold trimmed metal Aviator sun shades and Anthropologie's wide-brimmed shapeable hat. Grab Mystique's natural leather & crochet tote and complete the Bohemian chic look with Bo'em's pearl and wooden beaded Nova thong sandals.
style is so personal . . . it is a visual extension of thoughts, feelings and moods, which is why it can change ever so subtly or in the most grandeur fashion and, when it is genuine, can never truly be wrong.
~ terra black
noun, [stahyl - ol - uh - jee]
1. knowledge that enables a mode of expressing oneself by selecting and arranging apparel & accessories which become clearly and effectively complementary and or successful on the wearer
2. having knowledge of a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of dressing that references a group, period, person, personality, etc.
3. knowing what is, as well as how to execute, an elegant, fashionable, or luxurious mode of dressing
