SUMMER PRINTS

A couple months ago I was introduced to Joules - a British clothing company that loves to make the "ordinary extraordinary." They are now making their clothes available in the U.S., and I couldn't be more excited about it. Here's why...

Joules is best known for their bright colorful prints, and my wardrobe could use a cheery facelift. I am wearing their tops from their summer collection on repeat lately. They really make my boring jeans look so much more fun. Plus, they are all machine washable. Plus, I'm feeling a bit uninspired by regular haunts of GAP, J.Crew, Target, ZARA. Sometimes you need a change, and I know I can always count on our friends from across the pond to breathe some life into American fashion.

They make one crisp, tailored button down shirt too. If you know me at all, you know that my favorite outfit is a button down shirt, skinny jeans and blazer. Without fail it's a chic outfit that's flattering on every woman. But this shirt isn't boring at all with neon stitches in it. I think it might be my favorite shirt of all time.

The quality of their clothes is top notch. It has all of the style and spunk of a J. Crew with the quality of a Brooks Brothers. They make one hell of a cute dress. Be sure to check them out if you're looking for a classic, bright update to your wardrobe. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

How to Choose the Right Floral Pattern

Many of my personal styling clients have told me that they are scared of prints, so most of their closets are made up of solid colors (predominantly black, gray and white) with a sprinkle of polka dots and stripes. But did you know most people respond favorably to bright, cheerful colors and prints when they meet someone for the first time? I think our fear of judgement makes us choose the "safe and easy" route of solid colors. However, color blocking your body with a solid color top, bottom (usually denim) and shoes actually draws more attention to areas women feel self-conscious of such as their chest, waist and thighs.

But I also know that shopping for a print can be quite difficult, especially in the spring when the floral patterns are plentiful and you don't know which one to choose. Instead, we end up with several options in our dressing room and feeling frustrated because they all seem to look as if they are wearing us and not the other way around.

1. Eliminate your choices by sticking to colors you like on yourself. If you're not sure what you think looks best on you, ask your spouse, best friend or mom. With my olive complexion, I have found that purples, corals and teals look great. This royal blue floral dress is one of my favorites. The purple tones are very complimentary.

2. After you have found some clothes in the color palette you prefer; you can further narrow your options based on the shape and construction. For me, halter tops are very flattering because I have a fuller chest. I'm also very tall so maxi dresses are easy for me to wear without appearing pregnant.

3. Now it's time to choose your print...If you have a fuller figure and you are nervous about feeling like a walking floral bouquet, don't! Prints often disguise a lot of extra curves, but stick to smaller prints like the one I'm wearing.

Photos by Kym Ventola; dress from Macy's

Menswear - Pattern Mix Up

For the first time, I really feel like menswear is coming alive. I'm seeing more accessories, more color risks and much more mixing and matching of patterns. The winter is the perfect time to mix herringbone, hounds-tooth, plaid, tartan and striped patterns. This goes for women's clothing too!

And, if you want to go a step further, mix textures as well...A striped knit tie, mixed with a wool herringbone jacket and a silk hounds-tooth pocket square.

 I'm SO inspired by this trend, I already have something in the works to incorporate it in a photo shoot. I'm looking forward to sharing it soon. =) In the mean time, start getting creative and shopping for patterns!

Photos: Unknown, Gant, The Fashionisto, So Much Light,  G The Gentelman

Solid

This past year has been a fury of prints with stripe, chevron and ikat graphics leading the pack. We've also seen a lot of hard and soft texture combinations, as well as the color blocking craze showing up on runways everywhere.

So, naturally, my eyes are pleasantly relaxed when gazing upon solid colored AND solid textured clothing.

I wouldn't say I'm tired of prints or color blocking by any means, and I'm definitely a sucker for leather and chiffon combinations, but I'm finding comfort in solid statements right now.

Anyone else feel the same?

Dresses by ASOS, Marc Jacobs, Monique Lhuillier