Blocked in color!!!

I think and have thought that color blocking in an outfit is the perfect silhoutte creator. Using colors in specific places can create a very flattering shape. I love the look of different colors side by side to create unique style lines.

 The best thing about color blocking is that it can add depth to an other wise simple outfit. For example a simple shift dress can be super cute when there are more than one color in it. I really love color as seen in my color of the week posts: Olive green and Lavender, Red and Pink, Black and Navy, and Mustard Yellow and Peach.

Also color blocks can serve as camoflage to certain areas of your body creating curves in what you are wearing that can make you appear to have curves. My tip is to find garments where the darker color is on the side panel because it will make you look skinnier. I also suggest to pick clothing with at least some solid color mixed with a print as opposed to multiple prints next to each other.

I encourage you to find garments with bright colors mixed with a neutral.

Piet Mondrian believed that the planes of color set against the orderly arrangement of lines evoked a sense of balance and simplicity to the viewer. If it worked for the 60s then it works for me. Now the colorblocking is less squared off and more rounded to emphasize the woman form.

If you’re going to get in on the trend, a good rule of thumb is to wear the most eye-catching colors on the body parts that you want to bring attention to. Color blocking is super easy to do because the designer did all the color coordinating for you. All you have to do is fine a cute dress or top that fits you.

Friday Color Combo of the WEEK!!!

This week I am feeling like the color combination I am loving is Olive Green and Lavender!!!! I just think that olive green is such a strong color but when it is paired with such a pastel and soft color. Olive green on its own can be quite masculine but when paired with something fragile it changes into such a strong base.

Go collarless

Ok I have been seeing a ton of collarless jackets and I love it!!! I see collarless jackets and see chic!!! One of these jackets can turn several outfits into a fit-for-work look. My favorite thing about not having a collar is that it wont hide a super cute neckline underneath.

Just think about your coat that you have and its traditional collar and if you wanted to wear a dress with a collar and big bow on the neckline. Now think of that same outfit with a super cute collarless jacket ala Chanel.... now that is a perfect example of why this is a perfect jacket.

You can always mirror the frame that the neckline provides with a collarless rounded dress or blouse.

Tip: If you want to be chic and glamorous wear a collarless jacket with a sheath dress to brunch. Nothing is classier than those three things... Just ask Chanel.

Most collarless jackets have a rounded neck and are a more square shape. If you already have a boyish figure then you should go for a more tailored jacket that either ends at the natural waist or has some curve in the side seam. If you have a bigger backside then don't do a cropped jacket... it will draw attention to your butt.

The best part of most collarless jackets is the trim on the edge to give a finished look. I have seen chains, lace, beads, rope and so many other trim on the edge. Also because this jacket is a more casual alternative to a traditional suit jacket it is able to be worn more often and anywhere.

Make sure and go out to get your stylish collarless jacket before it saturates the market and becomes out of style.

Mix and Match

Prints have been everywhere this season an in all sorts of sizes. I love to see just how far I can test the boundaries of mixing prints purposefully verses looking like a 5 year old who was allowed to dress herself. Prints can be tricky to work with but my rule of thumb is to pick some sort of motif and working around that. The motif can be anything from color, size of the print or the type of print it is.

I think almost anything in my closet can work with each other it just depends on how bold of a statement I am looking to make. My favorite combination is plaid with floral. The linear mixed with the organic is such a perfect combination. I suggest playing with sizes like a small gingham with a larger florals. The small regular print will balance out the large curves of the flowers.

This may sound difficult to do but I bet you mix patterns all the time like a pinstripe pant with a larger striped blouse or a striped long sleeved t-shirt with a polka dot cardi. I wore that today :). Many people try a little too hard to mix patterns by over thinking the entire outfit and trying a little too hard. Another idea that is perfect for this is using textured tights as a way to introduce a new print into your ensemble. With a few simple accessories you can get a really chic look that will be perfect for any occasion.

A perk of winter time is that there are several layers you can work with to incorporate prints into. If you aren't daring enough to mix and match prints in your wardrobe then I strongly suggest easing into this idea with some amazing bedding.

What are your favorite prints to mix and match?

Work It Out girlfriend!!!

I think it is only fitting that since it is a day of resolutions to be made then today's topic is workout clothing!!! I am not talking about the neon spandex and unitards ala Richard Simmons but rather chic and trendy clothing that also functions as athletic gear. I have no problem with neon colors for working out in... in act I totally encourage you to wear bright and cheerful colors when logging in miles on the elliptical. This year I am formally making a New Year's resolution to run 12 miles a week for the year of 2011.

I have all sorts of work out clothing for all weather. I think my favorite workout clothing I own has got to be Nike shorts in all colors. I am also really appreciating that athletic clothing companies are realizing that women want to look feminine whilst working out. A company has emerged over the past few years that caters to women as opposed to Nike and Adidas that focuses on men's workout needs.

Lululemon is based out of Canada and is getting a lot of attention for filling a much needed niche. Women, as we all know, spends about 3 times as much money and time as men on clothing, shoes, accessories and cosmetics. But men have been found to spend about 3 times as much money and time on workout clothing and working out. This reason is because all of the workout companies advertise to men. Not as much anymore though. Which is great for me. Women workout clothing is finally getting feminine style lines, trendy colors, and on top of that they don't look like workout clothing.

So this year get excited to make this your most fit year ever while looking super cute!!!!