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.

Denim Shirts

A good denim shirt can do wonders for your style. It can transform an outfit from uptight to urban within seconds (if worn correctly.) It can send the message that you just don’t give a f*ck and looks a lot cooler than a cardigan. But most importantly, it’s versatile.  A button down denim shirt can last you years if treated kindly.

Free People is selling a vintage Wrangler denim shirt that would be a great addition to any wardrobe:

Here’s an example of how a denim shirt can elevate a look:

WILDFOX tank / SEVEN jeans / BOY. BY BAND OF OUTSIDERS chambray shirt / REPOTTO shoes / PRADA bag / EDDIE BORGO ring / RAY-BAN sunglasses

Although the outfit can stand on its own, it’s nice to have a little something to throw on if you get cold.  A cardigan would not fit with the rest of the ensemble and a jacket would be too heavy.  The denim shirt is light enough for this outfit to transition into summer.

Here’s a different take on the denim shirt look:

SEE BY CHLOÈ top / J BRAND shorts / JEFFREY CAMPBELL booties / FRENCH CONNECTION clutch / REED KRAKOFF cuff / MULBERRY bracelet / THE ROW sunglasses / KATE SPADE earrings

Subtract some buttons, add some ruffles and you end up with a completely different look with just as much of an edge.  The ruffles add a girly touch while the black, brass and heavy booties maintain a grungy vibe.  The wooden bag is unexpected and adds some softness to an otherwise hard outfit.

This outfit has more of a girly feel:

RALPH LAUREN top / AUSTIQUE shorts / MOTO denim shirt / MODERN VINTAGE booties / MIU MIU clutch / VAN DER STRAETEN earrings / WILDFOX rings

The silk tie-dye shorts are on trend and add some feminine flair to the menswear inspired denim shirt and booties.  The simple white top keeps the outfit looking clean rather than overdone.

Here is a cheaper version of the denim look for fashionistas on a budget:

OBEY tank $75/ MONKI shorts $31/ JEFFREY CAMPBELL booties $350/ URBAN EXPRESSIONS clutch $30/ HOT TOPIC bracelet $13/ SIDNEY MICHAELS earrings $24/ PAYLESS ring $10/ 80S PURPLE sunlgasses $12

I know…it’s just a different version of the same Jeffrey Campbell bootie…but I am a firm believer that one should invest in their shoes.  Cheap shoes are easy to spot and hurt your feet, so my advice would be to save up for a quality pair of shoes rather than a $200 pair of jeans.  And these shoes really do complete the look.  Thank you Jeffrey Campbell…we all love the Lita.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Studded Booties

I really love this color combination of red and burgundy.  It almost clashes, but I think the two look fabulous together.  It’s a slight play on the monochromatic trend without being too literal.  The John Lennon-esque sunglasses may be too much for some, but I’m literally OBSESSED with them.  They’re the first item on my Chrismukkah list for sure.  They’re retro yet slightly modern and, obviously, fabulous.I love this look because it’s almost like grungy, downtown girl meets trendy uptown girl.  (Maybe I’ll call this look midtown girl?)  The boots, sunglasses and graphic t-shirt next to the Mulberry jacket and Miu Miu bag are somewhat in contrast with each other, but they come together to form a beautiful, bad-ass outfit.

Shirt CONLEY’S

Jeans PAIGE

Jacket MULBERRY

Shoes MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Bag MIU MIU

Scarf ARTEMIS WRAGGE

Sunglasses RAY-BAN

Bracelet AVANESSI

Obsessed: Fendi Winter Tale Boot

Fendi is all about the fur this winter, as can be seen in their advertisement below.  One of my favorite items to help brave the cold to come are the Fendi Winter Tale boots.  Below are two outfit ideas to show just how versatile these amazing booties are! I’ve written about Gucci fur booties before, but the details on these Fendi’s are almost awe inducing.  From the side, the buckles are totally visible, but from the front, it’s all fur…and I’m not complaining!  This is one of the most beautiful winter booties I’ve come across in a while.

An almost identical style comes in black and is called the Fur Vamp Ankle Boot:

I can’t quite decide which color is my favorite.  I wouldn’t complain with either, but I think the black makes the gold pop a little bit more.  I’ve always loved black and gold, but the brown are also amazing!  What’s not to love?  It’s fur and Fendi!

Printed Top ETRO

Jeans RALPH LAUREN

Sweater ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Skirt MULBERRY

Metallic Mulberry Top

Metallic’s are hot right now and an unexpected way to work them into your wardrobe is through your tops.  A lot of people are wearing gold and silver jeans, but this pleated Mulberry shirt is a perfect example of how to put an unexpected twist on one of the latest trends.
Because the shirt is such a statement piece the rest of the outfit should be kept relatively simple in terms of shape and color.  The black Lanvin skirt compliments the shirt without overpowering it.  I wouldn’t describe the clutch as simple, but it’s a little pop of fun.

The booties are amazing, and while they do make a statement they don’t overwhelm the ensemble, simply add to it.  The jewelry ties the bright gold of the clutch in with the rest of the outfit and plays off of the metallic theme.

Sometimes when wearing metallics I think it’s fun to work in more than one shade, like gold and silver.  But I think this shirt needs a plain palate to play off of so I stuck to black.  I love this look, and the top is one of my favorite items right now!

Shirt MULBERRY

Skirt LANVIN

Clutch MARC BY MARC JACOBS

Booties CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA

Earrings KATE SPADE

Bracelet YVES SAINT LAURENT

Ring YVES SAINT LAURENT