Neon Green with Envy

There are so many great trends this season that it’s hard to choose a favorite, but black and white is definitely at the top of the list. Here are three of the best black and white looks from the Spring 2013 runways:

Photos: Style.com

The Alexander Wang look (left) is very androgynous, but nonetheless fabulous. I am obsessed with the Chanel (center.) It’s so grandma-chic and instantly conjures images of the brand. One of my favorite things about Chanel is how true they stay to their style. A trained eye can usually tell if something is Chanel within the first few seconds of looking at it, which is exactly how it should be if your fashion house has been around since 1909. My favorite of the three is the Marc Jacobs sequin maxi dress (right.) It brings three trends, sheer, mixed prints and black and white, together to create an ultra chic gown. (Sidenote: I love that Marc Jacobs used flats on the runway…a man after my own heart.)

Although I love the simplicity of a completely black and white look, I fell in love with this Antonio Berardi neon blazer and it just fit perfectly. Black and White + Neon + Ombré = Sleek & Chic. I love the clean lines of this outfit. Although there is a clear grunge influence, thanks to the moto jeans and the graphic t-shirt, the jacket and accessories pull it together into a streamlined, grown-up grunge ensemble.

ANTONIO BERARDI jacket / PIERRE BALMAIN jeans / CÉLINE t-shirt / ALEXANDER WANG heels / MULBERRY bag / GEORG JENSEN cuff / ACNE sunglasses

Non-platform, ankle strap sandals have been hot for a while now and can dress up a casual look without making it look like you’re trying too hard. The cuff is so fabulous and when I wear a statement piece like this one, I try to keep the rest of the jewelry to a minimum. I think it lets both the outfit and that one piece really sing.

Faux Fur in Luxury

If you ask me fur will always be in. It’s luxe, sexy, adds a level of texture that no other material can and covers a plethora of flaws. But there is one thing about fur that I’m not a fan of. That little detail about killing animals so that we can parade around in their pelts…not so sexy. So what’s a fashionista to do, not wear fur? How absurd. But you should try to go faux.

I’ve used fur in some outfits before [Alexander Wang puffer jacket, powder blue fur by The Row, Gucci fur booties] and faux fur has been featured on Crave as recently as yesterday. So why wear fur sometimes and others wear faux? There is no definite answer and it really depends on your personal beliefs. My belief is that sometimes a fur coat is just so amazing that you must have it on your body, but it’s important to try to substitute with faux as much as possible. That doesn’t mean it has to look cheap. There are many high quality faux furs out right now. Like this one by Meadham Kirchhoff:

MEADHAM KIRCHHOFF faux fur / NSF shirt / TOPSHOP jeans / GIVENCHY bag / ASOS booties / GIVENCHY earrings / RAY-BAN Sunglasses

The colors and pattern are so playful and work perfectly with the striped denim. (Another example of mixing prints.)  On the runway though, they styled the faux furs a little…eccentrically for my taste:

These are some patterns that I personally would never pair together, but the coats are still amazing and can stand all on their own:

Check back soon for how to wear faux fur on a budget.

Leather Leggings with a Peplum on Top + Mixing Prints

Pantone, the “world-renowned authority on color,” has recently named emerald the color of 2013. I’m not quite sure I buy into the idea of there being an authority on color, but I do know that the color of this Prabal Gurung peplum top is gorgeous. I would call it more of a forest, but it definitely falls into the emerald category. I paired it with oxblood leather leggings to stay on trend, and a vintage tweed Chanel jacket to stay classy and timeless. The Casio watch, Ray-Ban wayfarers and Alexander Wang leopard print bag add a modern edge to keep the ensemble looking chic. Finish the look with winter white point-toe wedges and you are ready for a warmish winter day.

PRABAL GURUNG top / PAIGE DENIM leggings / VINTAGE CHANEL jacket / H&M heels / ALEXANDER WANG bag / SVPPLY earrings / CASIO watch / RAY-BAN sunglasses

Mixing patterns, like tweed and leopard print, is also very trendy right now. It’s being done from the red carpet to the runway, and even on the street:

Kerry Washington (one of my style crushes) wore this amazing Peter Pilotto dress to a Django Unchained premier and actually won best-dressed on E!’s Fashion Police.

Philip Oh of StreetPeeper.com took the middle shot of a casual, yet wonderful, mixing of patterns in New York City. (Note the leopard print: some say this is the neutral of patterns.)

Erdem‘s Spring 2013 RTW collection featured the mixing of many colors and patterns, and though this wasn’t my favorite look from the collection, it definitely makes a statement. I love how he chopped up the anatomical parts of a woman’s body with the mixing of patterns. But if you want to see my favorite look from the collection, here it is:

On trend and unwearable by almost every woman everywhere, but oh so stunning. The beadwork and transparency are so hot right now. I love the contrast of such a bland color as grey with the bright pink beadwork. Just amazing.

Alexander Wang Fur Puffer Jacket

Fur is the word this season.  And not just regular fur…I’m talkin’ BIG fur, just like the lovely Alexander Wang below.  Though this shape may not be the most flattering on any body, it’s fierce enough to make up for it.  (Just saying, these jackets will always remind me of Rachel Zoe, and that’s one fierce bitch.)

Despite the fact that I paired these two colors (burgundy and mustard) again, this is a completely different look.  The Balmain ink-stained jeans add a different style to the color pairing.  It makes it less classic and more bad-ass chic.  I’m also really feeling loafers right now.  They’re comfy and can add an androgynous element to any outfit.

A dainty necklace and classic watch work well with the jacket.  Anything too big or flashy would be overwhelming…unless you’re on a Vogue photo shoot.  Then it would obviously be fabulous.  Remember…it’s all about balance!

Jacket ALEXANDER WANG

Shirt EQUIPMENT

Jeans BALMAIN

Shoes TOP SHOP

Bag MARC BY JACOBS

Watch SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Necklace GOGO PHILLIP

Black & White Button Down Two Ways

Sea NY silk blouse
$389

EQUIPMENT
$188

3.1 Phillip Lim
$569

Chloé
$675

Dolce & Gabbana
$543

Christian Louboutin
$895

Christian Louboutin
$1,495

Jewelry
$15,000

Urban Outfitters
$14

Michael Kors
$85

Alexander wang sunglasses
$369

I saw Lauren Conrad sporting this Equipment shirt…it seems she forgot her pants, but I think the shirt almost makes up for it…

I think adding black to a white shirt makes it more fun, but still sleek and sophisticated.  Lauren showed us how to dress this look down.  It’s a versatile item to add to your closet.  I suggest investing in one that will last you a while because this is a classic item.  Love it!