Summer Sandal Alert! The Best of Nine West

Aren't we all just looking for cute, affordable summer sandals? I thought so! Nine West has always been a brand I thought of as what I shopped in high school (yes, I know I am dating myself!). However, in the last few years I have come to realize that they are again the best fashion shoes for the money.

I believe in value. Is the style current but not so current that you'll only be able to wear the shoe for one season? Is the shoe comfortable enough that you'll wear it often? Are they a high enough quality to withstand wear and tear and not look like you were trying to knock-off a more expensive pair?

Nine West is a good value for your money, and as my clients know, I love saving them money! Here are some of my favorite Nine West sandals this season.

Has anyone else noticed the snake motif running through fashion this year? I love it and I love these snake sandals!

Benvolio gold snake sandal $130

The Wedge is THE LOOK this season. This flax colored pair will go perfectly with this season's brightly colored skirts and dresses. If these are comfy, they'll be my go to this season!

Larysa beige wedge $79

Want a more subtle wedge? The ankle strap and multi-colored snakeskin make this sandal oh so current. I see them as a powerful pop of texture and color with your favorite all-white look.

Precisely turquoise multicolored sandal $89

Going for the Americana look this season? Rock this fringe sandal with your best denim or red, white and blue look.

Flyme natural suede heel $99

Is minimal more your style? Tall enough to go without heels? These black and gold thong sandals could not be more chic.

Wewantit black/gold sandal $79

Do you like the Sea Change trend I've been talking about? These would work just as well at the pool as they would for an evening out. Do you wear flip flops to work (I loathe this habit!)? Why not wear gorgeous ones with Starfish on them?

Nancita blue starfish sandal $49

How cool are they in all white? Wear them with a minimal, all white look for day, mix them with bright colors, or create a black and white look for a night out on the town.

Nancita white starfish sandal $49

Who says evening shoes have to be metallic? This light pink leather is the ultimate sophisticated but TOTALLY HOT evening shoe this summer.

Cannonball light pink leather heel $79

Is anyone else DYING to go summer shoe shopping now????!!!!

Spring Trend Preview

Today I'd like to highlight some more of my favorite Spring/Summer 2012 trends. The last few seasons I've struggled to find newness as I've put together my Trend Talks. Thankfully, this season it was not difficult! Yes, there are still florals but they are brighter and more whimsical than ever. Check out Dolce & Gabbana's vegetable prints for proof of this. What seems like a regular floral print from a distance is actually a tomato or eggplant print upon further inspection!

Looking for more newness? How about the dreamy pastel/nude/white story, the sparkle of the deco trend or clothing and accessories awash in colors and themes of the sea? See below for a few of my favorite "inspirations" this season. I'm not suggesting you spend $3000.00 on a jacket when I show you one on this blog or in a Trend Talk, rather I'm showing you the original version of the trend so that you can be inspired to recreate it at your own budget's comfort level. Or splurge a little! Did I say that?....J

Like what you see? Contact me to have me give a Trend Talk in your home with your closest friends, cocktails and maybe even some cupcakes! Everyone goes home with their very own trend book and the answers to their personal style questions.


Mixing It All Up:

Dolce & Gabbana eggplant print skirt $815
See by Chloé printed top $295
Michael Kors platform sandals $745

Beyond the Pale:

Dolce & Gabbana motorcycle jacket $3,045
Paul & Joe Sister maxi skirt $300
Vince silk tank $185
Ralph Lauren Collection wedge sandals $595

Deco Delight:

Gucci metallic-striped fringed dress $5,900
 Badgley Mischka crystal drop earrings $100
Valentino suede platform sandals $1,175

Sea Change:

Faith Connexion skinny jeans $250
Mary Katrantzou underwater sweater $960
Miu Miu starfish sandals $750

The New Accessory: Nails

It seems as though the hottest trend people are talking about isn't a particular clothing item or shoe, rather it's the newest fashion accessory to hit this year: nails. Crazy and vibrant color are making their way into fashion now more than ever. This is not to say that the classic "ballet slipper" or nude nail is leaving us any time soon, but it's time to put a little spin on the typical pink or red nail. Even celebrities are getting involved in the nail polish industry and teaming up with top brands like O.P.I. For example, Katy Perry launched a line containing a sparkly blue polish along with a "Black Shatter" polish that gives your nails a crackle effect. Justin Bieber even came out with a line which includes vibrant purples and a glitter polish titled, "Step 2 the Beat of My Heart." You may want to go one step further and try the new "caviar nails"or cheetah print nail strips by Sally Hansen. With these catchy names and cool designs, maybe you should consider changing it up this season and adding this funky new accessory to your wardrobe.

Summer nails

Essie Spring 2012 Collection

The "Caviar Manicure" by Ciaté

Katy Perry Collection by O.P.I

"Teenage Dream" crackle nail polish by Katy Perry for O.P.I

Justin Bieber Collection by Nicole by O.P.I

Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips 

China Glaze Ecetropop Spring 2012 Collection

Guest post by Jennifer Schwartz, Real Life Style Intern.

The New Neon

"Neon???!!!", you ask. "Didn't I wear that in the 80's?" Why yes, you did. And having been there myself, I wasn't sure I would be back for this round. Have you heard the old adage, if you wore it the first time around you shouldn't wear it the second time around? I'm here to show you how to do the "NEW" Neon so no one will think you just pulled your old neon out of the closet.

Still unsure? Start with an accessory, then go bigger if you dare. I started with neon yellow sunglasses and before I knew it, I was obsessing over a Marc by Marc Jacobs neon trimmed jacket at Barneys. Make sure you scroll all the way to the bottom of the blog for a special surprise!

Neon yellow is feeling the freshest of all the neon colors.

Hot pink is oh so pretty and stunning on blonds.

Orange is bold and beautiful on those with olive and darker skin tones.

Try mixing your neon shade with a subtle non color such as khaki or grey for a super sophisticated look.

Enjoy!

Bill ruched halterneck swimsuit $350

Brian Atwood Manic platform pumps $595

Target Xhilaration crossbody bag $13

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather belt $130

Roberto Cavalli neon leather trimmed tote $830

Kamikaze silk chiffon plunge bra $90

Bruce silk-crepe blazer $445

Michael Kors pink sheath dress $1,245

Proenza Schouler python bag $1,735

MCQ Alexander McQueen flats $410

Marc by Marc Jacobs Brice army-style coat $609

Marc by Marc Jacobs Esther Oxford crepe top $330

Klee leather and neon sandals $200

Jill Stuart oxford with neon sole $745

Brian Atwood Alima neon leather pumps $795

Portrait in Neon

Photography by Danielle Sara Photography at Mamas Link event

A Bag For Every Whim

Eye Candy this week! A super fun trend for Spring 2012 is the whimsical handbag. My favorite is the Kate Spade All Aboard Ship Clutch. Which is your favorite? 

Kate Spade All Aboard Ship Clutch $358

Charlotte Olympia Leaf Two-Tone Leather Clutch $545

Roger Vivier Purse

Lisa Perry Hoop Bag $200

Judith Lieber Conch Shell Clutch $6,195

Lulu Guinness Black Camera Emily Bag $295

Timmy Woods Cupcake Purse $183

Kate Spade 'Charm Travel Magazine' Clutch $298

Antik Batik Hida Embellished Cotton Clutch $115

Alexander McQueen Jaw Skull Sequined Box Clutch $2,240

Spotlight on Spring 2012: Shorts

One of the freshest trends for Spring 2012 is "the short", as we in fashion like to call shorts. Makes them sound more glamourous than something you wore when you were a kid, doesn't it? Not only have I highlighted some of the best options of the season for you, but I'm also here to tell you how to wear them! Dress them up, dress them down or find someplace in between: the three top and shoe options shown here will give you endless ways to make "the short" your own.

Markus Lupfer lace and poplin shorts $515

Dolce & Gabbana lace and crepe shorts $925

True Religion Jayde boyfriend shorts $150

J. Crew scalloped shorts $118 

H&M denim shorts $20

Burberry Brit cotton canvas shorts $260

Red Valentino lace shorts $367

Karl sabine sequined shorts $270

YSL cotton canvas shorts $750

Milly denim shorts $215

Alice by Temperley leather shorts $611

Citizens of Humanity floral shorts $170

The Wardrobe shorts $110

Halston Heritage sequin shorts $470

Pair your shorts with any of these three tops to take your look from casual to dressy and all places in between.

J. Crew faded chambray shirt $78

J. Crew Talitha blouse $110

Equipment black blouse $365

Notice the nude hue in all three of these shoe options? The nuder the shoe, the longer your legs look. And that, my dear readers, is the whole point of wearing "the short."

J. Crew Kira sandals $118

J. Crew Sydney patent sandals $228

J. Crew Savina studded sandals $265