When jackets and coats become a necessity its important to make sure you’re keeping everything fresh. A great way to add interest to a basic blazer or jacket is to layer complimentary colors with luxe or basic fabrics.  For instance, a pretty lime colored velveteen jacket would get a zip worn with a pretty silk top in Tiffany blue.  OR try a basic black fitted blazer with a pewter/metallic toned top embellished with ruffles or lace worn under a hum-drum hoodie.  Don’t forget some pretty chandelier earrings too and hair worn in a cute high pony with volume at the crown.  Read on for where to shop…

All looks courtesy of Jcrew.com. 

LODEN BLAZER: $148.00

BLUE TANK: $295.00

TUXEDO BLAZER: $228.00

METALLIC TOP: $98.00

HOODIE: $59.50

I read recently, that a stylish gal opted to wear the same dress for ONE full year but switched things up a bit by layering jackets, sweaters, turtlenecks, belts, and other accessories to change the look up COMPLETELY!  I must say, after viewing her “diary” of looks it was hard to recognize her LBD as the same in most of the pics!  While I am certainly not insinuating to wear the same exact dress every single day, I do want to share some different ways of styling up a basic so that you can get extra mileage out of it during the work week when that dreaded “I have nothing to wear” hits you square in the face.

I have selected a very plain but full of style black tunic dress that would work on just about every body type but can be changed up easily with the swapping of a flat to a heel and a slouchy sweater to a fuzzy faux fur vest.  All items featured can be found at www.revolveclothing.com

I talk a lot about what all you fashionable ladies should wear, but what about the style saavy gentlemen in your life.  This fall reverting back to the old classics is the way to go.  Perhaps the male muse of the season is prepped up Brad from The Rachel Zoe Project on Bravo TV.  Like his stylish sidekick Taylor, Brad should be watched for the terrific way he puts ultra-conservative pieces together to create a fresh new look. 

What are the key pieces?  For those who know Brad, we must start with the bowtie.  While previously these neck adornments were nerdy and nutty professor-ish these days a bowtie looks fresh when paired with a leather bomber or a cotton twill sport coat with a hoodie worn beneath.  Which brings me to the next must have – a layered sport coat worn as outerwear.  I am seeing a lot of these jackets – designer and non – cropping up and they look terrific with jeans or more classic trousers.  If you’re truly a fashiond dare devil finish you look with this season’s other trend donning fake black rimmed eyeglasses – think classic Ray-Bans without the dark lenses.

At work all day and have a hot date afterward, but no time to sneak home to get gussied up?  Then plan ahead my friends, and stash some nighttime stuff in your desk drawer or trunk of your car for a quick switcheroo.  Let’s start with a simple black sheath dress for your daytime look.  For work day appropriateness layer this season’s hottest outwear on top – the Boyfriend jacket.  Since its rather warm, push the sleeves up to the elbows and pop the collar.  Accessorize with simple chic pearls and gold studs in your ears.  How to turn your day into night?  Fling the jacket in the corner swap the pearls for something a little more sparkly ooh, la la!  Some big earrings like the feather shoulder sweepers below would be an awesome choice,  a huge in-your-face cocktail ring, and a sleek and colorful clutch will definitely create the evening look you desire.  If you have time, change shoes too – a strappy sandal instead of a classic pump or flat ballet style shoe would definitely spruce you up a tinge!

Why not add a bit of zip to your look this weekend with a little fringe?!  It’s all the rage at the moment to don a western/cowboy influenced tank or tunic embellished with some whispy details or to add a little spice to a sandal or boot.  Just remember ladies as with everything, don’t go head to toe fringe.  The goal is to look chic and sophisticated not to resemble a boot scootin’ cowgirl.  Woo hoo!

Dreary wet days like today beg for a jolt of happy color!  Stash away your head to toe gray and black when the weather turns dismal and try the season’s hottest new neon shades that will definitely get you a second glance or two.  I love mixing spring/summer’s popular colors with basics like white, khaki, and charcoal to tone down the overall effect and create an eye appealing look.

Look #1: Pink and black is always a good combo and made even better when it’s bright, bright, bright!  I love the look of a sweetly tiered pencil skirt with a flowy whisper thin cotton tank tucked in and subtly bloused.  Finish off your look with an ultra-fem stilletto pump.  I like these from Bebe (on sale ladies!) since they are sky high and have added prettiness with an oversized bow!

Look #2: Orange is a great in-your-face color too and not worn very much.  Juxtapose the second-skin dress with a bubble jacket (worn open with the collar popped) in a neutral shade to create a pseudo sporty look (also very IN right now!)  Stick to a flesh-toned neutral shoe so as not to introduce any other colors, and show off mile long legs in a platform-slingback style like shown.

Look #3: Neon green is a fresh way to introduce bright into your reportoire!  This more casual look is is subtly neon while remaining current.  I would pair this positively perfectly polka-dotted sweater with black cigarrette pants, and a flat sandal – OR – with your favorite torn up denim rolled up, and a statement black gladiator sturdy sandal.

It’s so hard to come up with a really cool weekend outfit at times… Especially when you feel like you’ve worn everything in your closet to death.  The following are some ideas for putting a stellar and stylish look together for Friday night, Saturday night, and a day outing on Sunday. 

Friday- Grabbing drinks with friends and don’t feel like donning black?  Choose gray instead and mix with a brightening agent like snow white.  I love this subtly sequins top with it’s romantic rose graphic and would throw it on with some ultra-skinny gray denim. If you don’t have gray, don’t fret.. Basic blue or black will do.  Keep all your accessories white (yes it’s ok to wear white now – forget about all the past rules)… I am in love with the fringed ankle boots that will also boost up your mini dresses and skirts this summer, and would hold on tight to this awesome woven white clutch that will look fab swinging from your wrist.

Saturday – Perhaps your hitting the town and hoping dinner will parlay into an evening of dancing… try a flirty dress or skirt.  I love this peplum skirt and would keep it a highlight.  Zip into your skirt and pair it with a plain black top.  I think this net-like top is the perfect match for this girly bottom.  Cinch the waist with a belt and dance the night away in a statement shoe. Oh, how I love these camo beauts! 

Sunday – Running errands?  Checking out a flick?  Dress down and be comfortable.  Skinny cropped jeans are a good option paired with an oversize graphic tee and layered under a brighter than bright anorak.  Don’t forget your ankle boots – instead of ultra-flat try a cowboy slouchy style like shown.

Jeans are a staple in most men’s wardrobes, and the number one go-item guys seem to always want to throw on.  I am partial to simple denim styles – nothing too baggy or tight, but rather a classic style and color with a slight bootcut bottom to give an elongated effect.  What’s cool with denim?  Just about anything really.  Since spring-time weather can be a bit unpredictable I selected three different jacket options with accessories to make some classic stand-bys look a little more current.

Look #1: Every man should own a nice sport coat.  I love the slim fit of the one featured above found at J.Crew.  Instead of the same old white, blue, or striped shirt though, try a more fitted plaid shirt (TUCKED IN), a studded belt, and a cool loafer in either suede or distressed leather.

Look #2: Another must-have for men is the trench or raincoat.  I love the ease and casual-ness of the khaki mac above.  Add a little life to bland neutrals and denim by injecting a shocking pink sweater worn beneath, a subtly striped shirt (shown), and finish with a cool shoe like the oxford style above (That would also look fabulous with look #1).

Look #3: Not everyday is “dress-up” day.  Since most men prefer to be comfy-casual on the weekends try keeping the elements away in a nylon fitted bomber jacket.  Layer up with your favorite graphic tee or just a brightly hued number as shown above.  Skip the everyday boring black or brown belt and instead try a perforated white one instead – Shoes?  Trainers of course!  Bring your whole look together with some non-athletic tennies that have a bit of style.  I like the dash on green on the pair shown – perfect for spring!

You don’t have to have oodles and oodles of different items in your closet in order to have a different look everyday.  If you have one great base piece, and lots of different accessories you can go from boho on Monday to preppy on Friday.  Today, our base piece is this cute little blue dress. 

Look #1 is my favorite way to mix girly with edgy.  Swap out the bow belt for a wide studded number, swath your neck in oodles of pearls, and finish with some rock ‘n roll peep toe boots with some metallic embellishments.

Look #2 is a bit more casual.  Wrap up in a woven earth toned belt, slide into some flat sandals, try a unique neutral colored or beaded drapey necklace, and don’t forget the slouchy bag.

Look #3 is a fun mix of daytime pieces and night time must-haves.  Stick with the black bow belt for this look and throw on your favorite fitted denim jacket (a MUST for the season by the way).  Add some interest to the look by donning flirty fishnets, spunky red booties, and tie it all together with a red bauble necklace.

It’s no secret that trends re-emerge from time to time.  Recently we’ve seen a lot of ’80’s influence – small waists and structured shoulders, bright neons, and punk-inspired accessories.  SO why all this retro talk?  The latest shoe trend that is back on the scene in a BIG way – Doc Martens.  Yes, the chunky, clunky boots and shoes are on the radar again – and unfortunately I have Goodwill’ed all of mine – Oh! and what a collection I had!!! Arggg. 

Would I still rock out my Docs, if I still had them in the depths of my closet?  Probably not.  While I dig following trends, this stand-out shoe is a little out of my current comfort zone.  Yes, I love big thick platforms and wedges, but the masculinity of the Marten doesn’t goose me anymore…

Interested in dusting off your Docs?  If you’re more on the adventurous side and want to give these kicks a revival don them with pretty floral dresses – long or short and cover up with a shrunken leather doozie.  Florals leave you feelin’ flat?  Match your military boots with black leggings, loose creamy tunic (with bell sleeves), distressed denim jacket, and skinny headband across the forehead. A perfectly pumped up punky-hippie look.