burnt summer

As the last days of summer are approaching, I pay homage to one of my favorite hues of the season. A beautiful meld of red-ish corals and amber tints... classic but fresh.

linen ballet flat with jute covered heel

cat's eye silhouette

gradient shades

burst of orange

bohemian coral colored stones

jeg what?

Jeggings. Jeans plus leggings. I went back and forth quite a few times on accepting this stretchy denim concoction to be a member of my wardrobe before I finally gave in sometime, say over a year ago. Now the question was "are jeggings still IN?" Well, they officially are here to stay. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary just added the new fashion invented word to it's vocabulary today. Here are a few celebs (Mena Suvari, Elizabeth Hurley, Rachel Bilson) flaunting the look. What are your thoughts... keep or kick?

photo credit: people.com

photo credit: people.com

photo credit: people.com

rock n' rawr

Not too long ago I was invited to a birthday soiree for one of the most adorable gals I know. As if that wasn't enough reason for me to attend... it was also a girls night out plus a ferocious feline dress code! I was so there. Each one of the ladies meowed an animal print from their wardrobes to encompass one of the following three looks:

1. The dress. Wearing a leopard print dress embodies confidence and style. Tone it down with some neutral layering like a bolero or shrug and simple footwear or unleash your wild side by adding some additional color! Key is to be tasteful. Not tacky.

2. The scarf. A statement piece such as a scarf adds instant drama. The closer the print is to your face, the less you'll have to add more accessories to your look. This may be one of the easiest ways to wear a fun and daring print without over committing.

3. The blouse + denim. Simply trendy. Stay modern with the style of your top or blouse to avoid looking like you just stepped out of a safari. Seriously. Dark denim (especially a skinny jean) pairs well with a printed top.

rock n' rawr created by fashionparadegirl featuring animal print 

baby chic

The other day I was walking past the Kate Spade store at the mall, and I noticed a dress in the display window that had me take a second glance. No, it wasn't a dress that I had seen on a celebrity. Nor was it a dress I recognized from a magazine fashion spread. But, it was a dress that resembled so very closely to one in my 4 month old daughter’s wardrobe.

Kate Spade floral wynne dress

Gone are the days when all little girls wore were frocks that mimicked Minnie Mouse or rompers that were plastered with images of either princesses, hearts, rubber ducks, frogs, or even worse- all of them together (yes, I’ve experienced it!).  Through the years, baby clothing has transformed into baby fashion. From labels like Burberry, Ralph Lauren, Juicy Couture, and True Religion to fast fashion chains like H&M, it’s hard not to dress your little doll (or even little guy) in something you would even wear today.  Key is not to go overboard or too adult-like, however. Below are some guidelines for your mini-me.

stuart weitzman: puffystuff

Cheers to my first shoe of the month post! Look out for my fave footwear feature each month highlighting various ways to strut your shoe style. Indulge.

Stuart Weitzman puffystuff pump in color Hummus Aniline

flawless flap-over

When I came across these photos of Jennifer Aniston and her new beau, the Tom Ford Flap Over Bag, I became instantly enamored. Perhaps it triggered the memory of my long gone daily companion, a leather Coach messenger bag (R.I.P). Perhaps the chunky gold hardware resembled the majority of what my handbags wear today.  Or just perhaps- it was that perfect combination of the two. Nonetheless, I am in love.  Take a look…what are your thoughts?

photo credit: People.com

photo credit: People.com

photo credit: People.com

scarf it up, fashionably

One of my all time favorite accessories is the scarf. While endlessly organizing and reorganizing my closet, I have finally managed to store all my scarves and shawls together, in one bin (all 37 of them!). 

In the midst of organizing my scarves/shawls...

Many of you may stash away your scarves for the fall or winter seasons, but I believe they are a year round accessory. Here’s a list of some of my favorite type of scarves/shawls and how to wear them through out the year:

Infinity- The easiest scarf to wear. You don’t have to worry about tying it the right way or it sliding off. I like to pair it with almost everything! Layering with an infinity scarf gives any outfit it’s own personal style (kind of like a statement necklace). A knit for cooler temperatures and a crinkly cotton for warmer climates.  Oh, and it also covers any inappropriate cleavage if need be.

Pashmina- Every girl needs a good solid pashmina shawl.  Great for draping over bare shoulders and arms when you need that extra cover.  Or tie it up like a scarf with a cotton maxi dress. I like using mine as a layering  tool when traveling on an airplane. Beats those recycled blankets (if you’re lucky enough to even get one nowadays).

Animal print- Update a solid top or dress with a fun animal print scarf. These safari prints are a consistent trend in fashion. The key is to wear it minimally with neutral colors.

Silk- The smooth and lightweight texture of silk scarves are perfect for that finishing touch to your professional look any time of the year. Yet, it’s also flirty enough to add onto a summer dress or just let it hang with a simple tank and distressed jeans. Use a colorful or printed one as a headband.