Blossoming Spring 2011 Trends

Submitted by on March 28, 2011 - 10:37 pm

Spring is the eternal season of new beginnings and excitement for the future, so it’s no wonder that designers are consistently influenced by this sense of rebirth each year. However, with the economy these last few years, we saw trends that weren’t exactly novel. This year, we’re finally seeing a bit of newness and excitement in Fashion for Spring 2011. Even just this last Fall 2010 we still saw styling and colors that were minimal and sedated.

A few key trends for Spring 2011 …

70′s Influence
In color and styling we’re seeing 70′s influence big time. Marc Jacob’s show was all about the 70′s. In fact, the bright colors and easy, breezy styling carry over into our other big trends. I’m really loving that this is about easy to wear, flowing pieces, but NOT oversize. A great influence is the maxi length we’re still seeing … as well as the midi-maxi – a skirt that hits above the ankles but below the knees. Instead of heavy jersey, we’re seeing lightweight flowing knits and beautiful silks.

Bold Prints
Instead of pretty florals, we’re seeing statement florals and bold graphic prints. Again, there is definitely the 70′s influence in the graphics AND the colors. And we’re not just seeing prints on dresses and tops … we’re seeing prints on jackets, skirts AND pants! Talk about some fun mixing and matching! The beauty of the majority of these prints is that they have staying power in your wardrobe – both because of the color and the prints – especially on dresses and tops. If you’re feeling a bit more visionary in your style, then definitely opt for the prints in jackets, pants and skirts. Have FUN!

Bright Colors
Color is everywhere! Even in shows that were otherwise sparse or neutral, we saw a burst of color … and often in NEON! And I mean NEON! Yellow, orange and green, oh my! To temper the Spring 2011 color palette for those who aren’t quite into neon, we have luxurious purples, reds, greens, oranges and yellows. To be honest, this is much more my style.

If you want to stand out this Spring, choose one, or three of these colors. Yes, I said three and, yes, I meant at once! We’re seeing color blocking again this season. Color blocking can be as simple as two unexpected, yet complimentary colors or as many as four colors. Many designers were showing colorblocked prints and dresses, but just as many were also showing color blocked through outfits – a top, bottom, belt and accessory in 2-4 colors. Yes, exciting!

Easy, Breezy
Let it flow! A major fan of comfortable Fashion myself, this trend really makes it easy and effortless. Think flowing dresses, loose yet tailored lines, jersey dresses, flowing silk, silk jackets, maxi skirts. Layer these easy pieces or juxtapose them with something structured. Either way, it’s gorgeous and easy to wear. The key here is to keep the volume in check. Thankfully, most designers are aware of the female form this year and instead of hiding our bodies, they’re gracefully skimming them for a subtle allure.

Neutral Accessories
From golds, to animal prints and skins to classic nude patent leather we’re seeing a slew of accessories that can go the extra mile in your wardrobe. I’ve long since loved all of these accessories for their ability to both pull together an outfit and go with everything. You can never go wrong if you add an accessory that is gold, animal or nude. If you don’t have any of this in your wardrobe, now is the time to invest. This is a trend with staying power in your wardrobe!

So, now I ask you: What is the one trend you will embrace this season that is outside of your comfort zone? And which trend do you already have in your closet? Finally, which trend are you excited to try???

Making it to Hollywood

Submitted by on March 19, 2011 - 2:56 am

For the 10 years I’ve lived in LA, I’ve always been mesmerized by the Hollywood sign. I remember the first time I saw it when I was a Freshman at USC driving with my good friends who happened to be from SoCal … so it was no big deal to them.

There is something so powerful about the sign and what it symbolizes. It’s iconic and holds so much history. It also represents so much hope.

One of the first classes I took at USC was called LA and the American Dream. It was really an interesting class … for instance, learning about the LA River. Coming from the Midwest, it baffled me that a river was made out of concrete and also pretty much dry! But also, really what LA represents for so many people. We literally live in the land of opportunity, growth and inspiration.

The Hollywood sign holds all of that and reminds us of what’s possible.

So, when I ventured to finally hike right up to the Hollywood sign, I was pretty excited. It took me 10 years to get here! And, it really came from a moment of inspiration.

I hadn’t made the hike to find it because I didn’t want to get completely lost. I also didn’t know where to start. When I moved to the area I live now, I realized it was literally in my backyard.

Still, I didn’t go for it. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into – how long, how hard, etc.

Kind of like life. And when you take a risk you may have been avoiding for a while because you’re just not quite sure you’re ready for it. Even if you’ve been thinking about it for a while.

While I was hiking, I realized that this trek symbolized so much for me, especially culminating in the last few years.

For one, I had no idea where I was going. I just went for it. I had an idea this one trail might lead to the sign, but I didn’t know for sure. I was ready for an adventure and I was willing to take that risk.

As I started my ascent, I realized that I didn’t have a phone and I hadn’t told anyone where I was hiking. I was pretty much on my own. If something happened, I’d have to take care of myself.

Then, I started seeing groups of people hiking up the trail as well. It turns out, I wasn’t completely alone.

I also realized that while I didn’t know where I was going, I didn’t want to turn around. Because of how steep the hike was, it would be more treacherous to turn around and head back.

There was no turning back. I’d committed to the adventure and so I had to persist.

When I got to the top, I saw most of the people I’d encountered heading to a little picnic area. Pretty much a lookout point. While lovely, it wasn’t my goal. So I followed my instinct and turned right while they turned left.

Still, I didn’t really know where I was going. But, I was on top of the mountain and that was pretty cool. At least I did have a general idea.

So, I persisted.

Until I got to a point where it looked like the trail stopped. I was so disappointed. But I didn’t sit in that disappointment long. Soon, I realized that there was a trail, albeit you could hardly see it through the thick brush.

So, I carried on.

Now it really started to get a bit unnerving. There was some of the trail that was more than a bit precarious. While this whole time I’d simply been putting one foot in front of the other, taking it one step at a time, now I was taking smaller, more carefully placed steps.

I would get through that tough spot and find a flat, easy trail. So I could taker bigger steps and go more quickly. Then, I’d find another tough, precarious spot … followed by another easy part.

Hmmm … interesting.

More than a few times I felt unsure of if I was really going in the correct direction. If following my instincts was really going to work or if I was going to have to admit defeat and turn around.

Failure was not an option. So I kept going!

Finally, all of the sudden, there it was. The Hollywood sign. It simply took my breath away. I had a moment. Wow. I made it!!!

Then, I realized I needed to figure out how to get around the fence. Just one more small challenge before I reach my goal, right?! I saw I could go around the fence and so I did and walked up the path (that most people took to get there … the easy way!) and took in more of the sign.

Then, I realized I reached my goal, but now I had a new challenge in front of me. How do I get home??

I started down the paved path that would hopefully lead me to my new goal, finding my way back home. One wrong turn and I would end up in Bronson Canyon … NOT near my home!

Still, I continued to follow my instinct. A little nervous, wondering what I had gotten myself into and definitely getting tired.

And then I saw it! The neighborhood I knew. I’d done it! I succeeded in finding my way home. I still had a ways to go, but at last I knew that this was definitely the path I had to take to get home.

And then, finally, after 2 hours and 15 minutes, I was home. Success! Now the question is, what will my next adventure be?

I was inspired to share this story with you because in so many ways it parallels what I’ve experienced in starting, building and growing my business. Before I took the leap, I took a year and a half thinking about it. There has been plenty of treacherous terrain, but always the sense of knowing I was going in the right direction.

You may have your own business, thinking about starting a business, investigating your deepest desires and passions or working corporate, but wherever you are you are exactly where you need to be, doing exactly what you need to do and experiencing exactly what you need to experience.

That’s the beauty in life. We all have challenges, but by following our instincts we can get to our goal. And in realizing that goal or dream, we discover we actually have another goal that even surpasses the original.

You’re ever evolving. There is no ‘arriving.’ If there was, life would be so boring! Your experiences evolve, your career evolves, your life evolves and, of course, your style evolves.

And it’s all a perfect reflection of YOU. Exactly where you are now and where you are going!

If you know that, then you’ve already ‘made it.’

Life is beautiful.

Fashion is in the Sky

Submitted by on March 18, 2011 - 11:09 pm

I used to live in a house that had a view of the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. I’d heard of Griffith Park, but I’d never known where it was or what it was. I didn’t realize how important it would become to me.

Fortunately, I had someone to show me the way. Once I discovered it and we explored it together that first time, I was hooked!

That hike became my safe haven. A year and a half before I left BCBG I would go for long hikes on my weekends off (when that happened!) and let myself get lost, explore and find my way. I’d also ponder what I wanted to do with my life. I felt like there was more to this existence than just working my butt off and trying to squeeze in time for myself and to spend with friends and family when I had the energy.

I knew there was more. It was just a matter of figuring out my WHY.

I had already recognized my skill for styling and shopping for others and this had been something I’d considered for a while. I kept coming back to that idea, but I felt like I needed more.

I needed to be more than just a stylist.

There is so much more to me than just enjoying clothes. I love the way they make you feel. How they make you stand up a bit straighter when you love what you’re wearing. How they can speak for you before you say anything yourself. I love to experiment and play with new combinations with what you already have. Seemingly creating something from nothing.

But I didn’t see all that then, so I kept brushing the thought away and not acting on it. Though, it continued to resurface against my will.

In the meantime, I was looking to move companies but not seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. What I did see was my boss rushing home at 6 (if she was lucky) to spend just an hour with her little daughter. And when she did, she’d often get slack for it.

I couldn’t see myself looking forward to that as I continued to move up the ladder. In fact, I wouldn’t. I really appreciate the fact that my mom was home for me as I was growing up and I know that has played a huge part in shaping who I am today.

How can we find balance in our busy lives?

The answer to this question is why I am here writing for you today. It’s all about balance and offering busy women a bit of reprieve from their responsibility of ‘doing it all.’ If I can take just one thing off your plate and make your life a bit easier with just a few tweaks, then I’ve served my purpose.

Though, again, I didn’t see this. I needed someone to show me. Give me a bit of inspiration for a way that I could take a bold leap and quit my job to serve this purpose. This friend happened to be the same person who showed me to Griffith.

Her inspiration and permission gave me the courage to take a big leap. It was perfect timing. I was ready to make a drastic change and she showed me the way I could do it.

Sometimes we simply need someone to show us the way. So simple!

Griffith has continued to serve as a great source of inspiration for me. I’ve since moved from that house, but wherever I go in LA I seem to find a new place to hike. And even though I enjoy those new hikes, like a great love affair, I always go back to Griffith.

Griffith literally changed my perspective about LA. For a long time I felt a little out of place. A little too nice and trusting for my own good sometimes, it’s easy to fall prey to the excitement of the city. Griffith was my coming home.

Seriously. I was ready to leave LA. I was so over it. And since discovering Griffith, I’ve been so much happier here and it really did make LA feel like home. Perhaps, a part of it has to do with the fact that my grandpa was raised just down the street (literally) on Vermont. It’s in my blood.

What I also realized through my hikes, whether at Griffith or elsewhere, is that my best ideas simply just come to me when I’m just enjoying nature in this way.

So far, I have them to thank for U*styled, many newsletter articles, defining my desires for a great relationship, 21 Days of Style and so much more!

It’s no wonder that top designers look to nature, cities, cultures, etc. for inspiration. Fashion isn’t about clothes, it’s about everything in our life … all the beauty around us.

For me, it turns out, my greatest inspiration comes from perspective and the juxtaposition of nature against urban.

I wonder, where does your greatest inspiration come from?

Red Carpet Ready

Submitted by on March 3, 2011 - 5:57 pm

Ahh, awards season. More importantly, awards season fashion! I don’t know about you, but that’s really the only reason I watch the shows. Except for, maybe, when the hosts are hilarious and entertaining … which was pretty much just the intro video montage.

For the 2011 Oscars, the writing of the show was just like the Fashions of the night … safe.

Boring!!!

My favorite of the night: Cate Blanchett. While it’s not in everyone’s taste, that’s the point. It’s detailing is beautiful and it’s unique. Cate was the only person who really stood out. And she’s known for being a bit avant-garde in her style. She was true to herself, had some fun with the opportunity to dress up and made a style statement.

Whether you’re going to the Oscars or getting ready for a night out with the girls or your guy …what girl doesn’t enjoy the excuse to dress up?

Sure, it’s comfortable hanging around your house in your (cute, colorful) sweats. But it’s more FUN to get dressed up and go OUT!

U*styled gets you Red Carpet Ready for any Occasion:

Prep: Get the Adrenaline going!
If you have an event at night, get in a vigorous workout before you start getting ready. This literally gets your blood moving and brings color and vitality to your face and skin. Talk about inner glow! This could be a 20 minute run, 30 minute power walk or maybe even a dance session. The point is to get moving! And do something you enjoy so it gets you into a good mood. I promise this is much better than a cup of coffee to wake you up.

Hair & Makeup: Like a Pro
Depending on the event, it’s definitely worth it to invest in someone to help you with your hair and makeup. And don’t think this is just for the celebrities! Why not hire someone to come get the whole group ready? Split the charge and share the experience, how fun!

There is a new trend (at least in Los Angeles) of salons that only do blow drys. Wow. And for $35-50!! That’s a no-brainer. Otherwise, invest in the tools the pros use. My ionic hairdryer changed my life. It made both curly and straight easy and effortless for me. My ionic flat iron did as well. Oh my gosh. T3 is available at Sephora and Nordstrom (both have good return/exchange policies).

If you’re not great at doing your own make up and that’s your only option, set aside some time to venture to your local favorite department store. Head to the makeup section and walk around looking for someone whose makeup you would like for yourself. Ask them for help … these men and women are incredibly knowledgeable. Become the pro. Many lines have freelance professionals who visit their counters to help teach clients how to best use the line. Take notes and ask to try it yourself. Of course, there is an intention to sell, but don’t feel obligated. Like a perfect wardrobe – start with the foundation and build from there.

For your makeup, your focus should be flawless skin. For your hair, your focus should be polished … whatever that means for you, your hair cut and your hair type.

Wardrobe: Your Style Statement
Have fun! Considering what’s appropriate for the occasion (ie: Oscars = Black Tie) create an outfit that is truly you. Add color. Add details. Add accessories. Play with proportion. DON’T keep it simple. Simple and streamlined is for the office, not the red carpet. You want to make an impression, don’t you? Stand out with your Style Statement.

If you have a specific event, then shop well in advance. Even more than a month. You NEVER want to buy something last minute because you need it now. Those are the pieces you only wear once and regret buying. Huge Faux-Pas. Consider what you already have in your wardrobe that you’d want to wear and build around that.

Pull it all in with some control undergarments. Don’t worry. We all do it. Spanx was god’s gift to women on the red carpet. In fact, for it all to lay right, ALL of your undergarments are important. Lines are a huge No-No. Everything should fit well and lay flat. If you need, get a bra fitting. It will change your life. Nordstrom’s Lingerie department has fit specialists or there are numerous boutiques that specialize in finding you the perfect fit.

This is YOUR night! Don’t skimp anywhere. If you are a U*styled fan, then you’re getting plenty of mileage out of all of the pieces in your wardrobe … even special occasion outfits.

Step out: Confidence
More important than the dress or the shoes … this is what you absolutely need to wear to rock the red carpet. Confidence. If you’ve taken the time to have fun with your hair and makeup and play with your clothes, then you should be feeling pretty dang good by now!!!

YOU are wearing the dress, the dress is not wearing you. It could be the most stunning dress or outfit, but if you are in any way uncomfortable or not confident, no one will notice you at all.

This is about standing out and SHINING! Enjoy your moment in the spotlight – wherever that is!