Celebrate Mother's Day with CardStore.com

With Mother's Day just around the corner, you're probably freaking out about what to get your mom. In addition to finding your mom that perfect present, you still need to choose the ultimate Mother's Day card. Though most people opt for the one dollar card at CVS, fashion's elite aren't most people. As dramatic as it sounds, your greeting card sets the stage for the rest of your present.  Instead of settling for an average card, think of that little piece of paper as a standout ensemble-- it should be extraordinary. Thanks to CardStore.com, finding that perfect card is much easier than you'd think.

This website allows you to personalize standard greeting cards with fun photos and thoughtful text. Cardstore.com can also print, stamp and send your card. Um, can we say major? 

My mom is the ultimate partner-in-crime. She's a style icon, a momager, a confidant and one of my best friends. While her love and support means everything to me, I must admit that she never fails to offer some amazing advice.  Since I can't pick one standout moment from 20 years of "Mommy and Me memories," here are some of my top "momisms" that I will always cherish:

• Polyester is a synthetic disaster.
• Always take the higher road.
• A red lip can brighten up any ensemble.
• You can get anything done if you stay organized.
• A Louis Vuitton Speedy bag never  goes out of style. 
• Enjoy every moment. 

As cliche as it may seem, my mom is my role model because she is always there for me. From driving me to school when I was younger to being my date for NYFW, she's the perfect balance of a mom and a best friend.  

Want to show your mom how much she means to you? Score a personalized Mother's Day card for $1.99 when you enter CSF3199. Personally, I couldn't resist this special offer. But hurry, fashionistas and fashionistos-- this offer only lasts until May 6th, 2013.

Are you still looking for the perfect Mother's Day present? Stay tuned...

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: Mixed Media

As every style savant knows, fashion is all about choices. Unfortunately, our daily struggle to craft the perfect ensemble is more complicated than "the little Gucci dress or the little Gucci dress." For starters, tastemakers are forced to choose a standout print...or are they? Finally, designers have answered our prayers and started to incorporate a bevy of different patterns into one piece. But before you write this trend off as kitschy, take a look at some of spring's hottest looks: the super sleek silhouettes perfectly juxtapose the patchwork effect. The result?  Pieces that belong in our wardrobes, like, A.S.A.P.

Rodarte

Preen

Mary Katrantzou

Alexander McQueen

As expected, the collage look is not for the sartorial wallflower. In order to sport this trend, you must own it. When you let your statement piece wear you, the whole ensemble will look frumpy. And frumpy is never chic. Not quite sure if you have what it takes to rock this trend? Start off slow with a patchwork heel or bag. If you're ready to take this phenomenon by storm, keep your look polished with neutral accessories. Trying to match one hue is a good idea in theory; however, it will only cheapen your originally tasteful attire. But what's a fashion groupie to do if she (or he) can't find an affordable, too-good-for-words slice of mixed media? Lucky for you, a little DIY never hurt anyone. Instead of finding one piece with multiple prints, style a zany top with a patterned bottom. But before you throw on any mismatched prints and call it stylish, make sure you keep a general color palette in mind-- pairing pastels with neons is a recipe for disaster. To avoid a major faux pas, play around with different proportions and fabrics. Pairing a small print with yet another small print is boring and unflattering.

Proenza Schouler printed blouse / Topshop polka dot top, £20 / By Malene Birger neon pink shirt, £210 / MSGM printed jacket / By Malene Birger paisley pants, £285 / Tory Burch toiletry bag, £51

Now that you know the rules, will you wear clashing prints? Sound off below!

xx

The 2013 MTV Movie Awards

 From the hilarious Rebel Wilson's hosting gig to the highly anticipated Catching Fire trailer, this year's show was more than a reminder that summer is just around the corner. As always, the looks that paraded down the red carpet boasted the good and bad (scratch that, mostly bad) of spring fashion.  So let's take a quick break from recounting the latest spring trends and check out the best and worst looks from last week's red carpet.

The Worst.

Kylie Minouge Paco Rabanne: Compared to other award shows, the MTV Movie Awards are more youthful. In addition to the young audience, the show has a heavy emphasis on young Hollywood. While this must've been inconvenient for Minogue, wearing a sultry dress is not the way to combat the age gap. Though the pop sensation never shies away from an attention-grabbing ensemble, this officially cross the line. Cover up!

Amanda Seyfried in Three Floor: The color palette and hypnotic graphic are refreshing; however, the lackluster styling puts this look on the worst dress list. Though Seyfried's hair and makeup are very pretty, the lack of accessories and a bold lip enables the dress to wear the actress. A bright red lip and a dark, chunky sandal would easily turn this miss into a hit.

Chloe Grace Moretz in Louis Vuitton: Though I love the denim-on-denim trend as much (if not more) than the average fashion girl, this look is too casual for the red carpet. In short, this ensemble makes no sense. The patchwork denim plus the girly T-strap heel equals trailer park chic. Also, the minimal makeup washes Moretz out! This dress would be great for a casual lunch, but not for the red carpet!

Kerry Washington in Michael Kors:  Though Washington consistently nailed each red carpet look during awards season, nothing last forever. Not only is this high-low skirt too high, the overall concept is just too much for the MTV Movie Awards. If I were to style Washington, I would've put her in this Jason Wu number: the dainty texture and edgy leather accents define Washington's classic, yet though-provoking, aesthetic. 

Ke$ha: It seems as if Ke$ha is trying to be Rachel Zoe's latest minion, but she failed...miserably. Overall, this ensemble is just confusing. The sheer Gypsy Junkies pants clash with the casual top-- the floral undertone on each piece is not enough to creative a cohesive ensemble. And what's with that fringe vest and the wide brim hat? This isn't Coachella, sweetie.  To make matters even worse, the deep lip is scary. I want to forget this ever happened, but I can't.

Selena Gomez in Julien Macdonald: Usually a red carpet darling,  the songstress looks more like a Vegas showgirl.  The defiant hairdo and glitzy dress are too much. Though the Spring Breakers star rightfully paired the dramatic ensemble with nude shoes and simple makeup, I still think she went a little overboard.

Macklemore: Instead of spending his 20 dollars at a thrift shop, Macklemore apparently buys his threads at a costume store. Seriously, what is this? If he forwent the extravagant cape, the electric blue suit would've been enough to make a semi-respectable fashion statement (especially with those super cool smoking loafers).

Hana Mae Lee in Marco Marco: I can only imagine that this Pitch Perfect star sported the cigarette headpiece for comedic purposes; however, the rest of the ensemble is dreadful. If you can look past that atrocious hat, which I barely can, the strappy pumps do not work with the dress's dominatrix-inspired neckline. Instead of creating a cohesive ensemble,  she just looks sloppy. This dress would look a million times better with a nude platform heel and sleek ponytail.

The Best.

Emma Watson in Maxime Simoens: Always dressed to impress, Watson continues to shine in this blue crush dress. The geometric neckline and chunky pair of heels balance the otherwise dainty silhouette. Together, the natural makeup and polished hair create the ultimate blank canvas. Though the actress experiments with different shapes and fabrics, Watson always dresses to please both mass media outlets and fashion snobs.  

Beau Mirchoff: Though I'm more of a Jake Rosati type of girl,  this Awkward  star can make any girl swoon. Matty McKibben, Mirchoff's onscreen persona, dress like your average jock; however, the actor brought his sartorial A-game to the red carpet. Not only does the blue jacket offer a casual take on the traditional suit, the fetching hue makes his eyes pop. The grid button-down adds a thoughtful amount of detail to this ensemble. Between his good looks and impressive style, I can't wait to see him on the red carpet more! 

Skylar Astin: The Pitch Perfect star won our hearts with his  soulful voice; luckily, he continues  to wow us on the red carpet. Though a standard suit is too formal for this occasion,  nixing the tie instantly relaxes this look. That boyish smile and subtle stubble are the perfect finishing touches. 

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy:  To be perfectly honest, I love most of Saldana's outfits. Thankfully, this Givenchy number is no exception. Though this attire  isn't a standard MTV Movie Award outfit, Saldana is never one to stick to the sartorial status quo. In my opinion, this look is all about balance. With voluminous curls, a poppy lip and strappy heels, Saldana made this potentially drab uniform a red carpet hit. Additionally, the floral skirt gives this gothic silhouette a necessary dash of energy. Brava. 

Kylie Jenner: Youthful and sophisticated, Jenner is perhaps the most stylish member of the Kardashian Klan.  The essentially monochromatic ensemble and light pink lip makes this ensemble feminine without being too girly. To give this number a youthful twist, the shred of skin injects a dash of sex appeal. Can all teenagers dress like this?

Photos from Elle UK and The Huffington Post

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: Structured Bags

Though micro purses dominated the spring shows, a slew of sartorially superior (try saying that five times fast) bags are a game changer for any accessories report. With ample space, modern shapes and a range of different price points, this phenomenon is a must-have for any trendsetter. But when it comes to the actual silhouette, several on-the-pulse brands declare it's fair game. While I'm so smitten with winged totes, the simplified shopper is always a classic. Inspired by this trend, I culled the best picks from the market. Check out my favorite structured bags that would make Mary Poppins jealous.

Saffiano Leather Tote (Prada, $1,960): Goodbye power suit, hello power purse!  Though this find costs a small fortune, you have to admit that Miuccia knows best. Inject this traditional piece into a super whimsy ensemble-- try a poppy sheath or a pair of floral trousers. Businesswoman chic never looked so cool.

Alyson Mini Tote (Chloé, $1,159): Not only is the cream and black color combination to die for, the bag's feminine figure is everything. Can we say, "Parisian chic?"  Let the cream base stand out with an entirely black ensemble: black skinnies, black top and black wedges. C'est magnifique! 

Tartine Satchel (J.Crew, $325): If anyone can create a zesty bag that's still undeniably versatile, it's J.Crew. Though most fashion groupies will make this bright bag their ensemble's necessary pop of color, why not put your brave face on and pair this piece with a loud ensemble? Take your springtime style to the next level with a printed maxi. Not too crazy about this rambunctious hue? This bag also comes in black and navy. 

Winged Lady Tote (Topshop, $170): Similar to the Tartine Satchel, Topshop's remedition features a delightful fabric duo. With suede panels, this leather tote is perfect for a style maven who needs to give her classic pieces a dash of pizzazz.  Whether you pair it with a denim playsuit or chunky knit, you will be sporting this tote season after season.

Large Shopper (Zara, $80): If you're a structured bag novice, it doesn't get much better than this. The cutting-edge silhouette is perfectly paired with a classic color palette and minimal hardware. The result? The ultimate everyday bag. For a downtown chic look, pair this top with a funky chambray, shorts, and a fun pair of flats.

Are you loving these bags? Sound off below!

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: Daring Denim

All biases aside, the Canadian Tuxedo is the ultimate way to score an effortlessly chic look: throw your hair into a topknot, smear an orange-red hue on your lips and voilà, you have a blogger-worthy ensemble. If the spring collections taught us anything, it's that denim is here to stay. When Karl Lagerfeld deems a trend relevant, everyone should at least try it, right? However, this concept has evolved into something much more than matching a chambray with your favorite pair of skinnies. Designers are mixing this classic fabric with unconventional shapes. A little bit country, a little bit rock'n'roll, entirely fabulous.

BCBG Max Azria

Tibi

Jean Paul Gaultier

Chanel

When sporting something denim or chambray, the cardinal rule is to usually wear different shades on the top and bottom--Justin and Britney, you should've known better. This season, the sartorial tables have turned...gasp. Above all things, don't make denim and/or chambray boring.Whether you jazz up this trend with a cutting-edge silhouette or opt for two-toned piece, don't be intimidated by the fabric. If you would rather stick to your basic chambray shirt (and miss out on all the amazing picks below...for shame), please inject some life into your ensemble with a eye-catching makeup or funky accessories. But--back to Britney and Justin, naturally--please don't top off this look with a cowboy hat. 

Levi's denim dress, $130 / Topshop zipper dress / Madewell block top / Miss Selfridge floral print shirt / Topshop chambray blazer / A.P.C. wide leg jumpsuit, $365 / 3.1 Phillip Lim chambray pants

Love it? Hate it? Sound off below!

xx

Spring 2013 Trend Report: A Rush of Ruffles

Whether Mother Nature wants to admit it or not, spring is officially here.It's time to stow away unflattering winter parkas and pursue those sought-after spring looks. However, after looking at dozens of collections, it's difficult to nail down some of most prominent trends. Never to fear, ladies and gent, that's why I'm here. Okay, I didn't mean for that rhyme. Over the next few weeks, I will highlight one major trend each week and show you how to rock it off the runway.

Ruffles are making a comeback, and not in the traditional flamenco dancer way (except if you're looking at Balenciaga's collection). This season is all about placing the girlish frippery in unexpected areas. From Chloé's rippled collars, to Acne's funky jacket to Gareth Pugh's tousled shirt, this trend offers an edgy twist on feminine fashion. The rebirth of ruffles sends a message: traditional menswear is so out. On the contrary, the markets and public alike are demanding traditional silhouettes with a bit of pizazz.  So you're officially sold on the concept, but how do you master this trend? Just follow my easy rules and check out my favorite ruffled pieces! 

Peter Pilotto

Prabal Gurung

Alice + Olivia

If you're a ruffles novice, start off slow. Since spring is a long season, there's plenty of time to evolve the sartorial phenomenon. Nothing says effortless chic more than a subtly ruffled peplum. If that doesn't scream "springtime cool," what does? Or try your luck with some saucy accessories. In order to let your ruffled accessory stand out, keep the rest of the ensemble clean: no prints and not airy silhouettes. Speaking of silhouettes, pair your ruffles with crisp shapes. Ruffles on a structured jacket or fitted skirt is absolutely to die for and keeps the trend in check. If you're craving a more relaxed silhouette, try a ruffled blouse--the overall form is chill and polished at the same time.


No matter what ruffled piece you decide to wear, you must follow these two rules:

1. Sport a bright hue. As much as I to don black ensembles, it's spring! If you're afraid of color, simply sport a neutral shade.
2. Make your ruffled piece the focal point of your ensemble. Otherwise, it will just be too much! 

Sea, New York pink top, $350 / Prabal Gurung ruffle front blouse / Zara genuine leather jacket / Pringle of Scotland , $295 / Ruffle skirt / Balenciaga leather booties, $815 / LB2 navy handbag / Polka dot scarve

So what do you think of this trend? Sound off below!

xx

Bonjour, Paris!

Every girl remembers her first time-- in Paris, I mean. Especially fashion-oriented girls. How could any glamazon not fall madly in love with the city of Chanel, Dior, Laduree, Yves Saint Laurent, croissants... because fashion and food are the only things you need to survive. Such a stylish city demands equally stylish tourists. So naturally, I meticulously planned my outfits for my weekend in Paris.

Sunglasses: Prada. Scarf: Alexander McQueen. Boots: Cole Hann. Dress: Topshop. Coat: Calvin Klein. Bracelet: Topshop.

Bag: Ralph Lauren. Hat: Diane von Furstenberg. Sunglasses: Prada. Shirt: Zara. Jeans: Rag & Bone. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell. 

Through this time-consuming process, I discovered what I think is the secret to Parisian style: mixing neutral pieces with standout details and eye-catching accessories. Since the city of love is still quite chilly, I focused on wintry accessories-- girly and effortless at the same time. And because no good ensemble is complete without a pair of stellar sunnies, I thought my pick fit the sartorial bill.

Want to score a tres chic outfit of your own? Check out my top picks below.

Kain stripe shirt / Black skinny pants / Short heels, £53 / J.Crew genuine leather handbag, £215 / Square scarve / Norma Kamali square sunglasses, £65 / Clinique , £11

Topshop flower prom dress, £86 / Miu Miu platform heels, £480 / Nine West , £33 / Accessorize pearl bangle bracelet, £19 / Giorgio Armani lipstick, £21

Balmain / Golden Goose Deluxe Brand / Manolo Blahnik black pumps, £610 / GUESS by Marciano wide stretch belt, £45 / NARS Cosmetics , £17

A special thank you to my lovely friends for the street style photos!

xx