The new uniform

I am so tired of wearing boots. I'm even tired of my leggings. And tights? Please. I just can't wear the same old stuff, especially with the first day of spring right around the corner. To get me by during that "awkward" time when it's too early to don a sundress but too late to be enveloped in a heavy sweater, I have turned to my skinny jeans. They look great with flats or wedges so I don't have to pull on boots anymore. I love my skinny jeans paired with any of spring's blousey tops, with one of our new Michael Stars vests, or with a long cardigan, worn open over a fitted tank, or buttoned up and belted. Free from boots and sweaters at last!

Shirt dressing

Am I the only one that finds shirt dresses sexy? They're very subtle and understated, but maybe that's it. They're sexy because they don't try to be. Plus the menswear influence on a feminine dress gives it a sexy vibe. And how can I resist a dress that I can wear to work, brunch, or dinner? It's simple and easy to dress up or down. No, it's not a cocktail dress, but throw on some dangly earrings, a scarf and a pair of heels and just watch the heads turn. Sometimes not trying too hard is the ticket to success, in fashion and in life.

Like so many things in life, fashion is about balance. Balance becomes more important when silhouettes start to change, as they have been for the past year or so. Tops are becoming more relaxed, and bottoms more streamlined. This is a continuation of the 80s trend that features a lot of baggy tops or jackets over leggings or skinny jeans. On the other hand, we are still seeing pleated, wide leg pants (Theory and Alice+Olivia show many for spring) which calls for a more fitted top. Basically you don't want to go head-to-toe tight or baggy. Balance is required to keep you looking sleek and sophisticated.

Tibi origami dress

This is truly the dress of my dreams. Yes, I know I've said it before but this is the ONE! It is spectacular and yet so wearable. I can see myself having lunch in the city in this dress, but I would also wear it to a black tie affair. The slightly square shoulders are a great update. The back is low, giving it just the right dose of sex appeal. It's no wonder that Amy Smilovic, the designer and founder of Tibi, wore this at the Tibi runway show. Imagine having a whole collection to choose from, but this is the dress she picked. It's really no wonder.

My new favorite dress

I want to throw a party just so I have somewhere to wear this dress. Sweet but not too sweet, sexy but not too sexy, Sine has somehow managed to balance all of the elements of a perfect party dress. This is the new and improved LBD!

Wild about animal print

This is the time of year when I hate my wardrobe. Seriously. I'm sick of the heavy winter sweaters that felt so cozy in the fall, the long sleeve tees are boring me to tears, and I just can't face putting on a dress right now. This is when I crave a good knit top, jeans and a scarf. And not just any scarf. I need fun! I need excitement! I need spots! Tolani's animal print scarf are just the cure for what's ailing my winter wardrobe. They're 50% silk, 50% pashmina, so they're super soft, not too heavy, not too light. Just right for throwing over a knit top and jeans. Or, when I can coax myself into a little black dress, well va va voom is all I can say. Just add sunglasses and I feel like a movie star!

Our Follis bag in InStyle!

I have to admit that I've never been much of a bag person. I admire other peoples' bags, but I don't get breathless over bags. Clothes, yes. Shoes, yes. Bags, not so much. Until I met Julia. The Julia bag by Follis, that is. It is bound to make a bag lover out of anyone. This sumptuous leather purse has the most gorgeous, intricate details that I could spend an hour simply admiring it. It is simply stunning. And the carmel color is not too beige, not too brown. It will pair with virtually anything, and make you look like a million bucks in the process. No wonder it was featured in the January isssue of InStyle!
Julia bag, $362 while supplies last!