JCrew Spring 2011 - A Tomboy All Dolled Up

Who doesn't adore what Jenna Lyons and JCrew have managed to accomplish over the past two years? Their efforts to expand their business and heighten their image through their revamped menswear, bridal collection, and upscale women's collection - have really put them on the contemporary map. This season, we see JCrew unsurprisingly have an itch for color. JCrew has always been known to offer an array of caridgans, shorts, dresses, and tees in 8-10 different bright colors year after year. This is what the business has thrived on and continues to thrive on...However, we also notice a few key trends to watch.

I have specifically grown to love the style that Jenna has created for the brand simply because its "stylish tomboy" attributes. The girls' hair is never perfectly groomed, its always in messy waves or an unkept "sports bun." There are always "highs and lows" in the outfits that she puts together - like pairing a beautiful sequin skirt with a chambray or a dress with an wingtip oxford shoe. We still see this idea speak through this spring collection.

Of course, the outfits I chose to discuss are the ones with the most clean lines and bold colors. I specifically enjoyed the different ways in which shorts can be worn: high waisted shorts, shorts with ruffles, plain shorts, sequined shorts, shorts with bows, and shorts with ruffles. Not many high-end designers talk about or use shorts in their shows often, but what's more comfortable and wearable than a crisp pair of shorts? Here are different and fun ways to wear them this season:

The "short-suit," as I mentioned before, is something I am looking forward to in the spring. Women who love a good tailored suit, should retire their charcoals and blacks and bust out their whites and stones. You don't have to wear ALL white, you can also play around with colorful collared shirts.

For minimal girls such as myself, nothing is more chic and beautiful than a perfect fitting wide-legged trouser.

I just think this outfit is so fun. Despite the fact that I hardly ever wear color anymore, I can see myself wearing this while on vacation at the beach. This "red-orange" looks great on most skin tones and really stands out with a hint of a tan. I also like the casual gladiator sandal because it tones down the "girly."

Pretty in pink? While I do not like the use of pink - I do like idea of simply wearing a high-waisted short with a crisp shirt.

This is sure to be a crowd pleaser simply because it shows great use of layering. The khaki vest is the standout piece in this look. I especially love it paired with the moss green cardigan underneath.

This is so "cutesy." The play on the different textures of silk-satin and beaded sequin is the critical component of this outfit.

If color isn't your thing, here is a great option for you! Hellllo earth tones! Olive green shorts paired with a khaki short topped off grey lace crop-jacket is a super cute look. I really like the skinny orange belt with this outfit. A subtle hint of color is sure to pull the outfit together and make it less boring.

Blue is a great color to play around with for spring. I know JCrew recently pulled together a slideshow of different ways to wear blue on their website. The four different blue hues somehow work for this girl. PS. loving the shoes!!

Ralph Lauren Spring 2011 - Western Chick Hits the City

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Ralph Lauren's Purple Label Collection holds true to my heart every season. I find myself anxiously counting down the days of NYFW to catch my first glimpse of his show. His past two collections have proven to be my personal favorites. Admittedly, the streak ended when I saw what is to come for fall 2011 - but I'll save that for later post.

Bringing out the wild, wild, west is a trend that is not necessarily new to Ralph Lauren, yet he managed to recreate it by idealizing the romanticism and sophistication. The color or "uncolor", as we have been hearing throughout all of the spring collection, remained a constant here through the crisp whites, warm creams, rustic browns, pastel blues, and even soft pinks. Accessories continue to be a key factor for the completion of these looks through its distressed brown leathers, vintage silver hardware, and eclectic artisan influences.

A superfluous amount of fringe was repeatedly shown during the first third of the show. The buttercream leather fringe was paired with simple white bottoms and crisp blouses. Brown suede jackets, spats, and dresses were also paired against the basic whites. During the middle of the show, the we see transition into variations of monochromatic white suits
(somewhat similar to last year's spring collection). This year, attention to detail is an incredible focus here. Having seen the collection up close and personal during a trunk show, I was in awe of the elaborate lace embellishments of the blouses and victorian style jackets. Each and every piece was tediously constructed. The hints of baby blues and pinks were tactfully used to add softness to the collection as well. I can't forget to mention how impressive the texture and sparkle the beaded dresses and metallic skirts/shorts added to the show.


I think this look is so well put together. It embodies how one can transition "Ralph Lauren styled tailoring into spring and summer. I think the cream jacket and belt look so great with the simple white pants and blouse. The silver bag and scarf add appeal as well.


I love this look because of the linen jacket and the added accessories built around it. The choker adds focus and the blanket bag adds uniqueness to this casual look.


The best part of this outfit is the belt. This belt alone (even though is is $4500!), can make the most average outfit pop.

This buttercream fringe jacket is the icing on the cake for this outfit...Its like butta!

Another one of my absolute favorite looks of this collection. Ralph tends to include maxi skirts in his Blue Label collections from time to time...which creates a more "free spirit" vibe.

Who doesn't love a great pair of brown suede pants? The blouse is amazing too - with its intricate hand stitching and detail.

A clean look...great for the summer.


The hand-knit blouse is the stand out piece in this outfit. I also love the drama that the shoulder sleeves and peplum add.

I love the idea of long lace cardigans for spring. They are very feminine, yet breathable.

This look's masculine inspirations makes this outfit amazing. The length of the coat is unusual. I also love the incorporated a vest...which is often used in many of his past season's styles.

This coat is something truly special. Although you can't see the back of it, it has an old-fashioned victorian tail.

This is my favorite editorial look of the colletion. It may appear to "costume-y" for ready-to-wear but I think everything from the duster jacket to the reading glasses to the suspenders to the top hat - is very appealing to the eye.

Detail in lace is the key component to this look. The intricacies of the hand-knit lace that have been incorporated into the darts of the jacket is so appealing to me. The lace scarf adds a nice touch as well.

For the past few seasons, both fall and spring, Ralph tends to play with evening wear and casual wear. I always love this contradiction and surprise to an outfit. Only Ralph can pull off pairing a linen jacket with a evening gown. I think it is so vital for everyone to incorporate "a little bit of themselves" when getting dresses every morning.

This look reminds me of "Little House of the Praire." Nonetheless, I believe the leather spats create more of an edge to this girly look.

Again, I love how Ralph plays around with both dressy and casual pieces...Its such an unusual way of dressing up. Its almost as if this girl forgot the top to go with this beautiful skirt and just made it work with what she had.

Jackets paired with mini shorts and heels create a well put together transition look for spring.

I think this dress is just adorable. It is really "youthful looking" so not a lot of people can pull it off in my opinion. However, I obviously am an avid lover of lace...AND long sleeve mini dresses.

Calvin Klein Spring 2011 - Sexy Minimalism

It is a well known fact that Francisco Costa's Calvin Klein collections have continued to popularize the minimalism trend. Its pure. Its simple. Its beautiful. Style.com's Executive Editor Nicole Phelps refers to this collection as, "architectural minimalism." Well, that it is...and at its best. When it comes to dressing for the warmer months, "less is more."

The collection is predominately white and black light-weight silk dresses with sexy cutouts, unusual hemlines, and flowing movements. While the fit of the garments were not body conscious, much attention was given to accentuating the female shape. I thought each look was thoroughly meant to show off a different aspect of a woman's body: a razorback dress to accentuate the back, a drop v-neck to show-off the collarbone and ribcage, or a sleeveless dress made to hug every curve. These clothes are perfect for the type of woman who appreciates classic style and natural beauty. Carefree make-up and casual low ponytails accompanied the vibe of the show. The theme is in in the "ease itself," as Costa so eloquently puts it.

The first look to walk the runway, I was immediately drawn to the whole shape of this dress. The deep razorback detail is so sexy and such a great feature to this dress.


This look is definitely my favorite look of the show and appeared in Tonne Goodman's February spread of Vogue. The neckline and silhouette of this suit is so sexy, yet classy.

The design and shape of this jacket is great in all its structured appeal.

There were only two blue dresses in the show so I picked my favorite of the two. I really love indigo for spring and summer.

Contrary to what most women think, I adore the mid-calf hemline of this dress. Not every dress a woman owns has to hit right above the knee. The shape of this dress is still ultimately flattering and would look great with a skinny high-waisted belt.

Although I think this dress would look more complete with a belt, it is beautifully simple and flirtatious.

Net-a-Porter Looks:


A simple white dress looks great with a stone blazer for spring.

Calvin Klein tapered trousers are to die for - so comfortable and fit for the figure of a woman.

The really love the asymmetrical drape on the side hip - creating more of an edge.

A simple look where accessories play a key role. These Pucci heels are to die for!

Another basic look that can be better appreciated up close and personal. The comfort and versatility of these two pieces are note-worthy as well.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2011 - Simple Colors, Unusual Shapes

Phillip Lim always seems to deliver the unexpected season after season. And by unexpected, I do not mean extravagant. An unstructured hemline here or an unusual cutout in the back of a blouse there. At Phillip Lim, you know you will be getting a classic neutral palette, but the question is, in what form? I love the way he creates clothing lines that are a little bit out of the ordinary. If a woman wants to experiment with something original yet classy, I would suggest shop for something at Phillip Lim.

Take the image in the top left for an example. Here we see the beauty of different textures. The shape and color of the dress is simple, yet the embroidered sequins and the sheer sleeves create something special and different. For the look on the top right, I love the use of camel with black. The black leather apron paired with a camel blazer is so chic and genius.

Nothing quite says spring and summer like a striped blazer - keeping every other piece simple of course. I really love the high-waisted belt as well - it tops the outfit off in a ultra-classy way.  With the outfit on the right, I am mostly in love with the structured bag the model is carrying. It is such a great day bag/feminine briefcase for a woman to carry around.

The two outfits shown here portrays another new shape that the designer showed for this collection: the apron (as previously discussed). The left look is always a popular look of mine because of the light grey blazer paired with a neutral dress. The black pocket square tops it off quite nicely.


These two looks shows how a woman can wear black in the spring. It is certainly hard to part with black, I know....I love the look on the left a lot because of the top's structured lines and light-weight material. The pants add a classic and simple aspect to the outfit.


This is an easy look for a spring work outfit. A simple grey dress paired with a summer jacket is super fun and great option for the breezy weather.

Again, I love the peplum of the top (similar to the DKNY top). Who says you can't wear black with navy? I love the combination here.


I adore the pink top here with its sexy and unexpected cut-out in the back. This top is sure to get many stares and compliments. The detail of the skirt is very nice as well. It kind of makes the model appear wider than she is though.


I am obsessed with this hot pink blazer. Yet another reason to get excited for spring. The leather short adds a special "rock n roll" kick as well. Keep the make-up simple with this look...Or at least keep the pink to a minimum.

It is hard to see the detail of this tunic dress....It is filled with beautiful sequins that cascade down the body and sleeves of the dress. What a great way to hype up a menswear inspired dress.

Again, an unexpected cutout on the lower back of the blouse makes for a more dynamic outfit. I like how the look is kept simple with a wide-leg pant - a pant that I think every woman needs a handfull of in her wardrobe.


I am really loving the navy and neutral blazer combination. The be-jeweled neckline offers the unexpected.


Yay! Its time to pull out our white trousers and skinny jeans again. They always look great with pops of color. But here is a wonderful way to wear a more subdued light grey color. So simple and classic...I LOVE the silver jewelry as well.

This jacket is a perfect investment for spring casual sportswear. When the weather continues to transition from cold to chilly, this is a perfect windbreaker to have in your closet.

Need I say more...The back of this dress is adorable...Not to mention the pretty floral detailing.


This whole outfit shows how amazing the right cuillo accessories really formulates this outfit....They really make the eye move in every right way.

photo credit: net-a-porter.com/ style.com