stepping into spring

It’s the end of January and, as you've seen, spring fashion is all across store windows. I finally took this time to step back into to my blog. Being involved in the world of start-ups and literally getting organized fashionably, has kept me busier than the usual.  But, ta-da! My now virtual closet has me just as excited (as the malls are) about spring being around the corner—with some pink shoe love craving for the sun.

Three of my fave pink flats I recently rediscovered:

Top: Tory Burch Enamel Logo Flip Flop

Middle: Sperry Top Sider 'Pearlfish' Boat Shoe

Bottom: BP. 'Mansion' Flat

ombre to dye for

It tends to happen to most of us as spring and summer approach... we start feeling a bit blah about our hairstyles. Rather than doing something drastic like chopping off inches (again), I am entertaining the thought of playing with color. Not just a color, but the gradient shades of colors- the dip-dye effect of ombre hair. A few celebrity inspirations:

Rachel Bilson

Whitney Port

Giuliana Rancic

Until I get myself (and my wallet) to commit to this hair trend, I am fine with flaunting my ombre fashion. A few fashion parade inspirations:

ombre looks by fashionparadegirl (via polyvore)

Discover ombre fashion!

winter white

winter white created by fashionparadegirl featuring ivory coats

Let's face it. We, Californians, don't really know what winter is all about. Sunny and 70 degree weather in the end of January? More reason to celebrate white! All the outdated rules of "no white before memorial day or after labor day" remain unfashionable this season, even if you're really in the cold.

1. Knitted Dove
2. Burberry
3. Michael Kors
4. J. Crew
5. Theory

I may not have my ivory coat lined up for the season, but my little daughter is all set to rock her style.

Janie and Jack (via one of her most stylish aunts)

forever 21 and over

How many times have you blurted out one of the following replies when a stranger or not-so-close friend inquired about where an article of clothing you were wearing was purchased?

"I can't remember. I got it a long time ago."
"It's actually not mine...just borrowing it."
"It was a gift."

That's code for Forever 21. If you are reading this post, chances are you are probably over twenty-one. I sure am. So when is it a little too over 21 for a girl to shop at Forever 21? Never, really. It's what you choose that makes a difference (age appropriate, please).  Here's a roundup of three of my favorite categories to shop for at my local store:

1. bold solids
Solids are great for layering. Bold hues bring out the personality in any outfit. And who isn't into color blocking right now anyway?

Pair with: Navy linen blazer, camel wedges, stacked bangles, tote.

2. jewelry
Low investment trend add-ons. 

Add a touch of bohemian, victorian, or goth to any outfit.

3. stripes
Always in style, and never age discriminates.

Pair with indigo skinnies, gold belt, white tank, and sandals

Stay young, my friends.

splash of bordeaux

Last weekend, some friends and I had dinner at a super chic French-American restaurant, RN74. Appropriately named after Route Nationale 74 (the main highway that runs through the Burgundy wine region of France) and appropriately decorated with dark urban hues combined with a splash of burgundy and bordeaux. I couldn't help but get mesmerized by the rich colors reminiscent of the 30s and 40s, that have also made a fashion statement this season. How would you fashion parade this shade?

1. Opening Ceremony fur vest
2. Tom Ford nail lacquer
3. SANDRO skinny pants
4. Tory Burch flats
5. Prada sunglasses
6. Acne Vale leather cuff
7. Alexander McQueen silk scarf
8. J.Crew hobo

magenta menswear

A deep purplish-red with dark pink undertones; Meet the hottest color around in contemporary menswear. The last several months, I have seen more dark magenta neckties at formal events, on magazine spreads and on television than any other obvious menswear trend. I would call it the most versatile tie shade since it brightens any suit ensemble- black, gray, brown, or navy. What would you wear in this fun bold color?

bright to be

Wedding season, ahem year, continues for me. I recently attended a bridal shower that was all about vibrant color. A breathtaking venue with turquoise and tangerine decor (think garden tea party), desserts to absolutely die for, my favorite girlfriends, and of course... a show stopping bride to be!

Dressed in a bright canary yellow with a perfectly complimented crimson lip (including a true red mani/pedi), understated classic jewelry, and subtle-yet-sexy snakeskin stilletos. Just divine.

I've always thought yellow to be a tricky color to wear. So I gathered a few quick tips on being miss sunshine, fashionably: