Show a Flash of Flesh This Spring and Embrace the Sheer Trend

Ladies, prepare to bare.  The body is in fashion.  This spring, feel the cool breeze on your skin and refresh your go-to staples with a twist of sheer perfection.

In a sheer panic over this season’s transparent trend? Don’t be, a brief flash of flesh is all it requires.  For those who don't dare to bare a new school of see through dressing chiffon blouses, thinly veiled sheaths and tulle paneled skirts offer a glimpse of skin more tantalizing than tawdry.  Thin layers of organza and chiffon transform preppy collared dresses into something slightly risque, whilst the same fabrics also give a soft, sensual touch to stark minimalist lines.

The key, as it so often is, is subtlety. Spring 2013’s trend for sheer fabrics allows us to celebrate our curves in a sophisticated manner. A big feature on the catwalks was the curve-revealing paneled skirts and jumpsuits in featherweight fabrics that brought a discreetly daring flash of flesh.  Check out the looks from the Christopher Kane and Marc Jacobs below.

We know sheer frocks are beautiful if your DNA made you a blueprint for the catwalk, but switch to real life and regular bodies-  wafting around in sheer fabrics with it all on show can feel a more intimidating. Luckily for us, stylishly exposing yourself is more forgiving than it seems.

Now that the sunshine is making its return, its time to show some skin! 



Blumarine

Christopher Kane














Marc Jacobs



Forever 21

Forever  21


 

When paired with solid black, barely-there fabrics and mesh details are a sheer thing.

Louis Vuitton

Forever 21

Forever 21

Pour La Victoire

Walter Steiger



Emilio Pucci

Cute Couple: Blazers and Shorts

It's difficult to imagine a modern woman’s wardrobe without a blazer.  It's worn with jeans, business trousers, straight and flared skirts, dresses- and now shorts! Tailored blazers pair up with shorts instead of trousers for a hot mix up for Spring '13.  I love this warm weather update to a classic look, but finding the right combination when it comes to pairing these uber-popular style items can be a real challenge- even for true fashionistas.  Fortunately, by following my basic style tips you can create a look that is both unique and dapper. Spy on these dapper looks for some inspiration.

For a glam approach go with leather shorts and neon blazer or a sleek black blazer, black silk shell and metallic gold shorts.

Express

H&M

Alice + Olivia

Alice + Olivia

For a more uptown chic look wear with a beige blazer, blush pink blouse and tan leather shorts.

 

Denim Short and Blazer

To match these two fabulous pieces into a single flawless outfit choose basic pieces, like denim shorts and a black blazer, that can be combined in a stylish manner.  Choose a simple t-shirt or button down to match with your shorts and a cropped or boyfriend style blazer.  Complete your look with smashing footwear. For the "glam rock" effect opt for ankle boots or stylish platforms. Or for a more Boho style choose flats or cute sandals to complete your looks.

Pleated and Cuffed Shorts and Blazer

 Spot the shorts style that best flatters your body shape and makes you feel confident. The leg-length as well as width will play a crucial role in your selection.  After finding the best design, make sure you choose a fitted t-shirt or top to even out the bulky effect of the shorts and steal some inches from your waist area.  The great fashion gurus recommend pairing this look with wedges or cute sandals for a Springy flair to your.

Mango

Mango

Mango

BCBG

Latico

High-Waist Shorts

One of the hottest and most feminine style trends this season is the blazer and high-waist shorts match. This recipe is best suited for stepping into the spotlight and accentuating your worth-admiring figure. Use your best assets, in this case your legs, to add dimension to your silhouette. Match with a cropped blazer in order to let your shorts pop out from under your cover-up.  For a balance between the ultra-feminine and figure-flattering, sandals and pumps are must have accessories for these looks .

Bluefly.com

Alice + Olivia

H&M

Jimmy Choo

Wear Shorts with a Blazer to Work? Why not?!?

Pairing shorts with blazers is a way to create stylish and polished office appropriate outfits.  These days shorts can really replace a skirt in the workplace. What's the difference between shorts and a skirt - even if they're the same length? It's that shorts are perceived as casual by nature ... something we wear only on weekends.  That perception is now changing, but choose your ensemble carefully to make sure your look isn't too casual.

I recommend heading into the office wearing knee-length shorts that are either slim and tapered or wider with a cuff, made of cotton or wool. Linen will keep you cool, but might end up wrinkled.  Pair shorts with a crisp button-down shirt and a cropped blazer. The strappy sandal is a popular accessory, too, and a chunky platform version in a neutral color will elongate the appearance of the leg. Flip-flops, however are never appropriate for the office.  Finish off your look with a neutral satchel bag large enough to carry all your essentials for the day.

Haute Hippie

Halogen

Tory Burch

DV by Dolce Vita

Dress Code 101

     Like most girly girls, I love wearing dresses. In fact, I probably have more dresses in my wardrobe than any other article of clothing.  As far as I'm concerned the best part about being a girl is looking like a damsel in a dress.  Dresses are fun, sexy, and the epitome of femininity.  Now I understand that not every woman is a fan of dresses, but let's face it-  there is at least one occasion in every woman's life where wearing one is required.  Don't stress the dress code because I'm about to decode your invites from best friend's birthday bash to opening night at the opera.  Welcome to today's rules that address the dress.

Office & After

Invites: client dinner and coworker happy hour.
Casual fabrics, like ponte and jersey knit, transition well from office to night out. Stick to structured shapes and embrace the season's graphic prints and color blocking.

Baily 44 $196
Bloomingdales

ABS $260
Bloomingdales






Cynthia Steffe $198
Bloomingdales

Ronny Kobo $348
Bloomingdales







Adrianna Pepell $120
Bloomingdales

Tadashi Shoji $304
Bloomingdales

Cocktail Party
Invites: art gallery opening, sister's engagement party, class reunion.

Items above the knee are key. Sheer textures, strapless and one shoulder styles lend just the right reveal.



ABS $128
Bloomingdales

Erin Fetherston $365
Bloomingdales




Erin Fetherston $595
Bloomingdales

Monique Lhuillier $398
Bloomingdales

Girls Night Out
Invites: Bachelorette party, BFFs birthday and any Friday night out.

Minis are always major and metallics always shine. Flaunt a flared skirt and fitted bodice or go full on body con with a bandage dress. The new look I'm obsessed with- leather dresses!

Bailey 44 $242
Bloomingdales

Bailey 44 $196
Bloomingdales



Ali RO $298
Bloomingdales

BCBG $338
Bloomingdales

Black Tie
Invites: Wedding, charity gala, and opening night at the opera.

Keep it long, sleek, and sophisticated. It's the perfect time for shimmering sequins, beading and intricate prints.



Bagdley Mischka $750

Bloomingdales

Bagdley Mischka $530
Bloomingdales













Bagdley Mischka $695
Bloomingdales

Aidan Mattox $375
Bloomingdales

 






BCBG Max Azria $568
Bloomingdales