Top 10 Fashion Picks

Spring/Summer 2011

• 1. A Versatile Dress.
  Choose a sleeveless style that can be paired with jackets, cardigan sweaters and a variety of shawls and wraps. While still a great choice, think beyond the LBD (a.k.a. the little black dress). White, red and coral offer a fresh twist on this perennial classic.

• 2. A Leather Jacket.
  Whether you are conservative or in need of connecting with your inner biker babe, there is a leather jacket for you this season. Coordinated correctly, they work as well with jeans as they do with a wide-range of dresses, skirts and traditional pants.
• 3. Pleated Trousers.
  Lighter weight fabrics make this traditional pant more comfortable, soft and chic. Many have wide, flowing legs meant to skim the ground — others have a slimmer cut, landing at the ankle with a cuff.
• 4. Shades of Yellow.
  A pop of color lightens up black and white, navy, brown and gray for warm weather. Yellow is the perfect accent for all your base neutrals this season.
• 5. A Printed Trench.
  If you already have your bases covered with a black and/or beige trench coat, consider adding a printed trench for extra style. We are partial to animal prints and florals this season.
• 6. Open-Toe Pumps and Flats.
  Whether for work or play, an open-toe can help lighten your look without being too over-exposing. Part sandal (you can see some of your toe) and part traditional shoe (they have a full backing around the heel), they are being shown on every heel height from stilettos to kitten heels to wedges to booties.
• 7. Ruffles.
  Whether cascading down the center of a simple sheath dress or creating soft, feminine details on tees, jackets, blouses and skirts, ruffles add style and can also camouflage a variety of figure challenges when strategically worn on your body. Skinny belts can create just enough of a horizontal balance to a long row of vertically placed ruffles.
• 8. Big, Bold Accessories.
  Items such as over-sized cocktail rings; weighted cuffs and watches; thick, woven belts; long, layered necklaces; and oversized sunglasses add an interesting contrast to spring’s lighter weight fabrics and can ground your look with serious style.
• 9. Top Handle Bags.
  Their signature “clutch” handle makes them more structured than last season’s hobo-inspired looks. Many also feature a longer strap so you can wear them messenger style across your body. Pick a hue you love and wear it with everything!
• 10. The Jumpsuit.
  Finally, our list would not be complete without mentioning this fresh trend. Many are sophisticated enough to go to formal events when you add the dressy extras!

To do your own style searches, go to your favorite retailer or search engine and type in the item you are trying to find (i.e. “print rain coats”). Men, you can do your own style searches too (i.e. “men’s dress suits”). Good luck!