As the Seasons Change: My favorite time of the year

Paris in spring time.

So,  I don't know about you, but as the sun stays out longer and the mountains of snow finally start to melt, I get antsy for warmer weather.  I've even bought a wardrobe of sunglasses in anticipation for the spring, and I rock a pair of shades every chance that I get; even if it is 30 degrees outside.  As long as the sun's out my shades are in tow.  I don't know if you can tell, but this is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I love putting my boots in the back of the closet and replacing them with flats and pumps.  It feels so liberating!  However, since I'm not in a warmer climate, I have to resist the urge to throw on a pair of sandals for a little while longer (unless I want frostbite).

Here are a few of my tips on making a chic transition from the bulky sweaters of winter to the flowy skirts of spring:

Embrace the in-between:  Try to incorporate some of spring's fashion trends with winter trends.  This way you will remain warm, but you can still look a little brighter than the duller days of winter.

Cardigans and Light Sweaters:  These are perfect to wear alone or under a coat.  They guarantee warmth without the bulkiness of a heavier sweater.



A sweater like this Foliate knit sweater from Forever21.com is perfect for the winter-spring months.



This nautical inspired sweater from Forever21.com has the cooler colors of winter that easily go into spring.

A dress like this Geometrical Shift dress from Forever21.com will take you from late winter to early spring. The 3/4 length sleeves and crisp coloring are perfect for the time period in between winter and spring.  Pair this dress with a pair of booties or cognac knee high boots, and you'll be ready to go!

When formulating outfits for the in between time, consider items with 3/4 length sleeves, items that can be layered and materials that offer warmth but are light enough for those 50 degree days.

Socks and Other Signs of a Well Dressed Man: Pinky Rings

As I was watching American Gangster this evening, I couldn't help but notice how impeccably dressed the characters in the movie were.  One thing that caught my eye was the jewelry that the men in the movie had on.  In this day in age, we often don't see men wearing any jewelry other than their watches, but I appreciate when a man has put in a little extra effort to find jewelry pieces that show his personality and heightened fashion sense.   Celebs like Jay-Z and Big Boi have been wearing the pinky ring to accentuate their ensembles for years.  I encourage men to take a chance and sport a pinky ring this season.

Image courtesy of theurbangentleman.com 

Jay -Z at the 2009 Grammy's awards show. 

Image courtesy of upscaleswagger.com 

Big Boi at a GQ red carpet event.  

"As If": The Cher Effect

In the past few seasons, what I like to call the Clueless influence has taken storm of the fashion world.  Basically, the fashions that were popular in the early to mid 1990s are resurfacing in shoes, clothing and accessories everywhere.

Image courtesy of Google Images

Remember the platform shoes that Cher and Dionne wore to class everyday?    A number of designers, including the European ASOS are releasing platformed sandals with thick straps and stacked heels, like the ones seen below.  

Image courtesy of fashionologie.com 

The good thing about the resurgence of this trend?  Stacked heels and thicker straps are more comfortable than the stiletto heels that have become popular in recent years.  Let's hope this trend sticks around for a while.  

Like Brittany Murphy's character, Ty, Rihanna and a host of other celebrities have been spotted pairing combat boots with a more feminine ensemble.  

Image courtesy of UpscaleHype.com 

Rihanna is seen below in leopard print knee over the knee socks by Wolford.  These socks are a nod to the knee-highs that Alicia Silverstone and Stacey Dash made popular in the mid-1990s. 

Image courtesy of UpscaleHype.com 

This Week in Fashion

This week marked a new year in fashion. Some of Hollywood's major stars were seen at various social events ringing in the new year.

Image Courtesy of Essence.com

Tyrese and Dahntay Jones at Dahntay's 30th birthday party.  Dahntay's striped bowtie and plaid shirt contrast each other perfectly.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com

Jessica White and Drake at a NYE party. Jessica's embellished cocktail dress stands out amongst the crowd of little black dresses that populate the New Year's Eve crowd.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Alex Rodriguez, Jay-Z and Beyonce at NYE Party.  Beyonce's wows in a studded black and white leather mini dress paired with bead bangles.  

Image courtesy of Essence.com 

Malinda Williams looks effortlessly chic at CIROC's New Year's Eve Party in her textured patterned tights paired with a black ruched mini dress and sleeveless fur shrug.  

Can Non Celebrities Dress like Celebs?

Image Courtesy of Google Images.

Today, while watching 106th and Park, I couldn't help but notice Rocsi's eclectic mix of patterns in her ensemble. She wore a loose fitting nautical striped shirt, a graffiti-floralesque ballet skirt, and a gold chain necklace. As I was watching the show, Rihanna's most recent video, "What's My Name" featuring Drake came on. And I had an epiphany, oh she's imitating Rihanna's look from the What's My Name Video where she sports a bright red wig, black corset top, black and white stripped blazer, black and white color block gym shorts, nude pantyhose, orange ankle socks and camel colored "granny oxfords". This is Rihanna's signature look, and it works on her because she is a celebrity with a certain branded image associated with her, but does it work for others?

Clothing in the City

Image Courtesy of oliviapalermo.blogspot.com

Today, Fashionista.com reported that Olivia Palermo, star of MTV's The City will be releasing a fashion line sometime in the near future. The fashion release will be documented through the filming of a reality show. There is no word yet on specific release dates, but I am curious as to what the young socialite will be marketing in her brand. If I had to predict, I would definitely say that Palermo's line would focus on accessories. After all, Joe Zee did hire her as an Accessories Editor at Elle. Rightfully so, too. Palermo has been known to grace the red carpets and white tents with some amazing cocktail rings, necklaces, handbags, shoes and a multitude of other outfit making pieces. I can't wait to see her collection premiere!

Luxe to Ring in the New Year

What better way to bring in the new year than lavishly?