Spring/Summer Trends for the Working Woman

Although shopping for spring and summer clothes to wear outside of work allows you to express more of your fashion sense, it is important to still bring style to the office while maintaining the business, professional dress code. While working in a corporate office, I’ve seen first-hand the lack of fashion that is expressed by women in the office. No matter what your age or where you work, update your work wardrobe with some of spring and summer's 2010 trends for the workplace.

Start off with the most key piece: a basic black pencil skirt that hits you slightly above, or slightly below the knee. This length is what is in style right now and most “appropriate” for the workplace. (Take this into consideration when you purchase dresses as well.) The black pencil skirt is timeless and looks great with almost any blouse, which brings me to number 2 . . . PLEASE update your blouses!!! I cannot tell you how many typical, boring blouses I see every day. Step out of the norm and go for a blouse with ruffles or gathers and pleats. Also, look for neutral colors that go with your basics.

Next, try looking for fun jackets. And I’m not talking about jackets with shoulder pads from the 80's and early 90’s. Some of the hottest trends in jackets right now are the black blazer, either fitted or boyfriend style. You can find a great blazer with cuffs that are turned up and feature a fun print on the inside. Also, anything utility inspired featuring hardware and zippers is big for this season. Pair these jackets up with a great necklace and tee and wear with pants or skirts.

Let's not forget to take inventory of your shoes. Shoes tend to get a little boring as people shoot for comfort instead of style. However, there are a lot of great wedges out there right now and heels that stray away from your typical pointed pump. While style in shoes may not suit your wardrobe every day, mix it up now and then and go for fun colors and styles.

Finally, do not be afraid of patterns and color. Spice up your basics and remember that you can still be office appropriate and sophisticated while incorporating a few trendy pieces. Not only will other’s be impressed with your new style, but you will feel more confident in yourself.

Has Easter Lost It's Luster?

I remember Easter Sunday very fondly as a child. Besides the fact that I received an Easter basket filled with all sorts of goodies, it was the day that I could wear bangs and the most "foo foo" of outfits. Frilly dresses, matching spring coats, lace trimmed socks, and white patent leather shoes were topped off with barrettes, ribbons, hats, purses, and white gloves. (You "Generation Xers" like myself remember a well-dressed "lady" never went any where without her gloves!) My mother made sure I looked like the girliest of girls on that day, and I loved every single minute of it.

Over the years I have noticed that people just don't dress their children the way they used to for Easter. Now don't get me wrong -- I don't buy into the commercialization that now dominates the day nor do I dismiss the real reason why we Christians celebrate Easter at all. However, I couldn't help but be reminded in church once again this year that we have become such a casual society that the next generation has no concept of the respect we demonstrated by dressing in our "Sunday best" when we entered a sanctuary, particularly on Easter Sunday. Going to church didn't mean looking like you were about to hit the playground, the movies, or the dance club, for that matter. (I can't begin to tell you the number of young ladies I saw yesterday with jeans that appeared to be painted on their bodies to match their tattoos.) Although I strongly denounce the idea that those who desire to attend church should be denied access because they can't afford to "dress the part," I am completely appalled by those who choose to spend their money to dress themselves and their children in attire completely inappropriate for the occasion.

I remember the days when church clothes were just that . . . "Church Clothes." They were the children's equivalent of adult work clothes:  you wore them for that purpose and immediately took them off when you arrived home. (God forbid you tried to keep them on and not change into your "play clothes"!) This was how parents initially began to teach their children, at an elementary stage, what it meant to dress appropriately for the many things they did. Ever wonder today why young adults today can't grasp the concept of proper work attire?

Although I don't think we will ever return to the days I remember so fondly that taught us to have pride in our appearance even as youngsters, I commend those parents who continue to pass down the teachings of our generation to their little ones. Thank you Najah, Samantha, and Tolori for showing your little girls what it means to dress in honor of something special. I enjoyed seeing their pictures on Facebook yesterday. Above all, thank you Mommy for teaching me to have pride in myself and my physical appearance, and to respect the fact that there is a time and a place for everything.

Buyers Beware! Major Retailers Caught Re-Selling Lingerie

In most retail stores, it is a given that underwear is not returnable, right? Wrong! It seems like every major retailer selling lingerie gives their customers a clear warning at check out that the items are non-returnable, and consumers just agree knowing that, of course, that rule makes sense: no one wants to buy used underwear. Unfortunately, a few major retail establishments are facing headlines that they have been caught on tape accepting underwear returns, some of which were clearly worn. The horror to this is that they retag the merchandise and place it back on the floor to purchase again, without even hesitating! What’s even more disgusting is that the reasoning from retailers caught in the act was that it comes down to money for them: they don’t want to lose money so they retag and re-shelf them.

So what retailers were caught in the act? You might be surprised to know that some of the most popular stores like Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Macy’s, Bloomingdales and Nordstrom were among those caught reselling used underwear. This issue made it’s debut on the Today Show where people went undercover to return and watch their used underwear be placed back on the sales floor. Watch the video link for more details and rest easy that retailers like J.Crew, Saks Fifth Avenue and Express did accept returns, but did NOT put them back on the sales floor. So choose retailers wisely and always look over garments before purchasing.

Check out the video clip here:

Payless Strikes Deal with Isabel Toledo

Retailer Payless, who recently launched a shoe line with project runway winner Christian Siriano, is now striking up a deal with designer Isabel Toledo, who gained press for creating the dress Michelle Obama wore on Inauguration day. Toledo has been in the industry for over 25 years and designs iconic one of a kind pieces worn by the most elite all across the globe.

This fall, you will see Toledo’s collection of shoes and handbags debut at Payless, which will feature around five styles. While there are no final sketches to reveal yet for the line, Payless has noted that materials for the shoes and handbags include patent, nylon and mesh and will be priced under $40. Big retailers are branching out to bring you designer goods at affordable prices, and most have been successful in their ventures. Look for this line of Toledo’s shoes to hit stores in September!

The Classic Trench Coat, a MUST Have for Spring 2010:

As we enter into the Spring season, be sure to welcome the cool rainy days ahead with a classic trench coat, one of the must have pieces of the season! Trench coats are a great staple to add to your wardrobe because they come in such a wide variety of colors, shapes and prices to fit your style and your budget. Style icons like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie O were notorious for making the trench look so chic and elegant, while ultimately serving the purpose of keeping dry in the damp weather. Today, trench coats have become timeless pieces and if you take the time to go out and look for the one that is right for you, I promise you won’t be disappointed with the investment. Dress it up or dress it down, and you will look great whether you are on your way to work or throwing it over jeans to run to the store or grab a bite to eat.

Here are a few trench coats that I love, and where you can find them in a variety of prices and styles.

DVF $465 at Neiman Marcus

Kenneth Cole $199.98

The Limited $76.80 (sale)

Burberry $595

Tulle $44 (sale)

There’s a trench to suit everyone’s personal style so don’t miss out on Spring’s number one must have item!

Get Inspired By The 2010 Academy Awards Red Carpet Glam

Whether you were able to tune into the 2010 Academy Awards or if you missed it, here’s a quick recap of some of the night’s hottest looks. As I highlight three of my favorite trends, see which looks inspire you to pull from the red carpet straight to your closet.

The first trend I noticed a lot of on the red carpet was shades of nude.

Right now most of us are in that transitional stage of buying a new wardrobe: out with the dark, in with the bright and bold colors to complement the warmer weather. As you’re making your way through the stores preparing your spring wardrobe this year, give the pastel palette a try, with blushing pinks and ivory nudes. It’s a sophisticated, chic way to glam up your wardrobe.

The second trend I loved is the texture found on some of these gowns. From these looks, you can get a sense of ways to add texture to your own wardrobes. Cascading ruffles, pin tucks and pleatings are just some of the things to spot on jackets and tops. These small details on a great jacket can spice up your ordinary basic tee and jeans when you are out on the town. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid of the metallics, sequins and beading! While sometimes beading can get too heavy and dramatic, look for pieces with small amounts of these details as accents. Accessories like handbags and shoes are a great way to fit them into your wardrobe without looking like a dancing queen in sparkling gems. So as you make your way out into stores to shop for spring, keep some of these trends in mind. You may not be out buying gowns like this, but you can easily pull inspiration from some of these looks to glam up your style.

A Special Welcome to My Intern, Lauren

Happy Monday to all of my blog followers! I want to introduce you to the newest member of my team, Lauren Baker. Lauren is a senior Fashion Industry Management major at Philadelphia University. She brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her internship, and I am ecstatic to have her on board. Lauren will officially be taking over most of the blogging on this site (although I may pop in every now and then), and she has a lot of great ideas to keep your fashion juices flowing. Please join me in welcoming Lauren!