RLS Update!

This week I thought I would let you know what exciting things we have been working on here at Real Life Style. I'm almost done catching up after taking 2 weeks off for a Thailand adventure. Didn't you wonder why I was strangely silent during the Oscars? For the record, my favorite outfit was Jessica Chastain in Giorgio Armani.

This spring I will start giving a new Personal Style Workshop, beginning with my fave Cleveland Park Moms & Babies group. The babies will be staying home for this one. I designed the workshop after I met a pediatrician/mother of two-year old twins on an airplane who told me that she didn't have time to have personal style. That broke my little fashion/mommy heart! So if you or your friends need help finding your personal style, contact me! 

Last week I gave a presentation on Aging Gracefully with Style for a fabulous group of women in support of the Brandeis National Committee. Women over 50 have specific fashion needs and questions which I was thrilled to address. Thanks again for having me ladies! 

Exciting news for those of you who are having trouble getting onto my schedule in DC or New York. Real Life Style is expanding by taking on two new fabulous stylists, one in each city! But don't worry if you don't live in NYC or DC, we all travel! I will be officially introducing these wonderful women to you in the next few weeks. I will also be freshening up my website, which has been pretty neglected since I had my son 14 months ago. He has just started walking which means I have neglected it long enough! 

Looking forward to sharing more spring fashion with you soon!

 

The Reality – Spring Shoe Trends

Last week we looked at The Fantasy, the top designer versions of the latest footwear for spring. However, while it’s fun to spend afternoons fantasizing about the latest fashion trends, creating an imaginary wardrobe of your favorite items, sometimes you want to do more than just dream and actually OWN the pieces you’re lusting after. That’s why I’m showing you some less expensive versions of the hottest spring shoes. All of my picks are less than $200, so feel free to break out of your comfort zone and try something new this season! 

The Espadrille Wedge 

Steve Madden “Marrvil,” $59.99 

The Flat Skimmer 

J.Crew “Viv Patent Flats,” $188 

The Block Heel Pump 

 J.Crew “Janey Flats,” $178  

The Classic Pump 

BCBGeneration “Cielo Pump,” $88.95 

The Smoking Slipper 

DV by Dolce Vita “Gilly Flat,” $64.95 

The Cage Heel 

Vince Camuto “Jiris Pump,” $117.95 

 The Ankle Strap 

 Jeffrey Campbell “Hough Pump,” $120  

The Gladiator 

Gentle Souls “Break-My-Heart Gladiator Sandals,” $195  

The Printed Pump 

Charles by Charles David “Pact Pump,” $98.95  

The Transparent

Jeffrey Campbell “Raze Light Platform,” $142

The Clear Heel

Aldo “Darelbeida,” $100  

The Wedge Sneaker 

 Ash “Bowie Wedge Sneaker,” $195  

The Exotic 

BCBGeneration “Madria Sandal,” $128.95 

The Fantasy- Spring Shoe Trends

This spring, it's all about trying new things and breaking out of your comfort zone. However, if you're looking for a way to freshen up your outfits without replacing your entire wardrobe, the easiest way to do so is to start with one or two new pairs of shoes. This season on the runways and in the magazines, we saw so many cute new styles of shoes, from sexy ankle strapped heels to laid-back smoking slippers. You may decide to go bold by trying the clear heel trend, or you may play it safe by spicing up your classic pump with hot pink or floral prints. Either way, make sure you take advantage of spring's bright colors and upbeat patterns. When you add more fun and interesting pieces to your wardrobe, you notice that your personal style stands out even more than before. While you may not have enough room in your budget for the designer versions of this spring's styles, my picks will give you a great idea of what to look for while shopping in your price range.

But don't worry; I won't leave you hanging, wondering where to buy affordable versions of the season's trends. This week- The Fantasy, Next week- The Reality! Enjoy!

The Espadrille Wedge

Tabitha Simmons "Alice," $575

The Flat Skimmer

Lanvin "Pointy Toe Grosgrain Flat," $692

The Block Heel Pump

Nicholas Kirkwood "Zig Zag Pump," $695

The Classic Pump

Prada "Pointed Toe Pump" in Pink, $650

The Smoking Slipper

Valentino "Lace Art," $695

The Cage Sandal

Oscar de la Renta "Gladia," $895

The Ankle Strap

Sergio Rossi "Ankle Strap Sandal," $1,295

The Gladiator

Tabitha Simmons "Felicity," $695

The Printed Pump

Manolo Blahnik "BB," $645

The Clear Heel

Stuart Weitzman "The One," $398

Be Transparent

Jason Wu "Dovima," $695

The Wedge Sneaker

Giuseppe Zanotti "Wedge Sneaker," $895

The Exotic

Manolo Blahnik "Arpegen," $865

How to Avoid a "Who Wore it Best" Scenario

Celebrity or not, we all like to feel we have an original style. Have you ever gone to a party only to discover that another girl there is wearing the same exact dress as you? Or perhaps you’re fruitlessly searching for a truly unique gift for the person who has everything? In today’s mass-produced society, both of these scenarios are bound to happen. Finding something with a personal or unique touch that’s still well-made (and adorable!) isn’t always easy, especially if you are pressed for time. However, with the website Of A Kind, your search just got a lot easier.

Claire Mazur and Erica Cerulo, best friends who met as undergrads at University of Chicago, created Of A Kind to showcase and support independent and less-known artists and designers. Each week, the website features one designer, his/her story, and the behind the scenes blog posts. Then, they release one limited edition item from that artist. The catch is that there are only a limited amount of items for sale, which is where the website gets its name. However, if you do manage to snag the item before it’s sold out, I think you’ll be proud to say that there are only 15 of your new clutch or 50 of your new scarf in existence. Here is a sampling of my favorite items from Of a Kind.

I'm OBSESSED with these pink stud earrings!

Pink Double Crystal Studs by Better Late Than Never, $177, 60 of a kind

A unique wallet for either gender, look no further.

Hawkeye Wallet by Canoe, $65, 60 of a kind 

Wear this tee with a blazer and jeans for a look that is too cool.

Dyed Julie tee by Creatures of Comfort, $135, 30 of a kind 

Look fashionable while at the store by using these cute totes as reusable bags.

Catch All Tote by Lina Rennell, $98, 40 of a kind 

This clutch is the perfect size for all of your essentials.

Mini Western Clutch by Annie Williams, $105, 90 of a kind 

This lightweight scarf makes a great addition to a spring outfit, either in your hair or around your neck.

Spots and Stripes Scarf by Rawaan Alkhatib, $112, 40 of a kind 

The perfect tote bag is finally here!

Landscape Tote by Louise Goods, $175, 22 of a kind

This pouch is too cute! Keep your makeup in here and then toss it in your tote or use it as a clutch with jeans and a tee.

Cotton Candy Clutch by Kindah Khalidy, $85, 50 of a kind 



This beautiful statement ring is sure to draw attention!

Rose Furies Ring by Unearthen, $160, 65 of a kind 

Wooden jewelry is always effortlessly chic!

Fringe Necklace by Sophie Monet, $130, 35 of a kind 

This handmade strap will make you want to keep your camera around you all day

Metallic Paisley Camera Strap by SFK, $88, 50 of a kind

Two-toned jackets such as this Garde Jacket is perfect over dresses for spring.

Garde Jackets by Veda, $350, 32 of a kind