I'm in the Mood for Spring

It's Monday and glorious outside and I'm officially in the mood for Spring. Sun filled afternoons, flowers in full bloom, enchanted gardens, birds chirping, bold colorful glassware, lounging around and soft pale feminine clothing à la Sophia Loren.

{click collage to view it larger}

       {images via House Beautiful and Pottery Barn}

You Can Do Floral Prints

{hibiscus photo taken by me}

Floral prints are fun, flirty and simply perfect for Spring. They add a gorgeous feminine touch to any ensemble. Whimsical dresses, blouses, shorts, skirts and rompers are just a few of the garments that are adorned by garden blooms.

Rihanna and Sarah Jessica Parker offer two different looks while sporting the floral print. Rihanna exudes an edgier aura with her retro shades and dark hobo, while SJP looks romantic in her metallic pumps and soft waves.

Asos flirty frock

Anna Sui floral dress

                       Anthropologie has wonderful floral finds that are bold and bright

Romantic Camisole

Hydrangea dress

Garden bloom tank

Floral romper

     

             

Dolce & Gabbana's Spring 2011 runway is whimsical and free-spirited

Floral prints are a statement, so it is best paired with simple items. It looks great with dark denim, brown or black leather accessories or neutral heels. The print is versatile and can be worn for any occasion. Whether it is a short and flirty frock or an elegant maxi dress, this print will surely brighten your wardrobe this Spring. 

Stripes, Wide Leg Trousers and Loose Waves

I must say, I've really been adoring stripes lately. Pair it with classic skinny pants and ballet flats and you'll have the perfect outfit for gallivanting around town, lunch with the ladies or running errands. To vamp up your look for the evening add a fitted black blazer, a flouncy skirt and ankle booties.

Audrey Hepburn looking lovely as always

Coco Chanel set the pavement for sailor chic

Kate Moss and Rachel Bilson add a pop of color instantly adding panache to their look

   J Crew has a sailor tee that is comfortable enough to sleep in

                                                       

Jeans by Madewell

Sam Edelman wedge booties

I am also loving the wide leg trouser. Whether denim or traditional pant, this sophisticated look pays homage to the seventies. I know that I have practically worn holes in my skinny jeans, though the wide leg is stylish, sexy and elongating.

 

No one rocks the wide leg trouser better than fashion icons 

Diane Keaton and Bianca Jagger  

 

                                 

                                         

Here are some modern takes on the classic style

   Katie Holmes, Chloe and Derek Lam runway

Lastly, nothing says sexy more than loose waves. Sultry, voluminous waves are coveted and you can have it too! It is like icing on the cake. I like looks from Blake Lively, Demi Moore, Heidi Klum and Sarah Jessica Parker. It truly adds va va voom without looking too overdone.

Illuminate Your Nightstand

How gorgeous is this lamp? Pottery Barn's hand blown glass with an ivory cotton-linen drum shade for $99. It has subtle bubbles and striations which give it such a beautiful organic quality. This lamp will surely brighten your nightstand this Spring. 

Monday Blues

Phillip Lim creamy silk shirttail tank, Rag & Bone flared jeans, Seychelles nude wedge, Trina 'Lady Catherine' flap leather shoulder bag, Kiehl's lip gloss in Golden Berry, Michael Kors Silver watch, New Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Sunflower photo taken by myself

Currently, I have the Monday Blues and to top it off it is pouring rain here in Los Angeles. However, this outfit is boosting my spirits in preparation for the dreariness to subside and the sun to emerge. It is the perfect outfit to gallivant around town while looking chic and cool. Have a beautiful week and Happy Spring!

A Pop of Red

Spruce up your wardrobe this S/S '11 with a pop of red. This color is invigorating, carefree and adds a touch of va va voom without being over the top. It is best worn interspersed into your wardrobe rather than a full-blown ensemble.

Audrey Hepburn adds a splash of fun in a red cardigan

Red pairs great with dark denim

Gucci's advertisement offers punches of red color

Cherry tomato, scarlet, crimson, fire engine, wine and candy apple are just some of the gorgeous hues that red offers. I think red looks amazing with dark denim, brown leather accessories, white, black or silver. Or color block like Gucci's ad with other bold colors like a bright royal purple or cool teal blue.

Adorable tee from Madewell (I love stripes!)

Boden silk top (for under $70!)

Anthropologie red frock

BB Dakota red shorts

Red Rag & Bone Jeans

Red shoes add panache to any outfit

 Dior advertisement

  

I have a pair of these red Sam Edelman slingbacks

These Dolce Vita's are darling too

Stonewashed TOMS are on my Spring wish list

Accessorize in Anthropologie's red woven belt

Go ahead and sizzle in bold and beautiful reds!

How To: Spring Flower Bouquet

Flower arranging can be considered daunting to some. Here are a few helpful hints to arrange a gorgeous bouquet of flowers like a pro. I'm drawn to various flowers in the same color. I usually get inspired by whatever looks great at the flower market, farmer's market or grocery store.

Snapdragons, Alstroemerias and Wildflowers all for under $12

When you arrive home, be sure to cut the stems on an angle and then immediately place in water. Be sure to choose a vase that allows the flowers to "breathe." Build the arrangement in your hand while holding the stems and remove any excess leaves that would be below the water line. In this specific arrangement I used wildflowers, alstroemerias (one of my absolute faves) and snapdragons all in a pinkish hue (very Spring and sprung). I alternated each type of flower in a random pattern. Cut the stems to the same length while holding it all together. I typically will eyeball how tall the vase is and cut the stem 3/4 to one inch longer than the vase (depending on the mouth of the vase-here I chose an antique looking pitcher). Once you are happy with your arrangement you can tie it with raffia (or any other natural pliable fiber or florist tape) to keep it in place. As a result, a simply gorgeous bouquet of flowers!

Spring Forward

I hope everyone had a beautiful and restful weekend. Mine was fleeting as always, though still delightful. I'm adjusting to the hour of lost sleep, however, I do enjoy the hour of extra sunlight.

Here is a picture of croissants that I baked. They actually came frozen and you let them rise overnight and then pop them in the oven and the result is a delicious, flaky, golden brown piece of heaven. Starting the week off with these delectable croissants and a hot cup of coffee will surely set the pavement for a glorious week!

Simply Dreamy: Romantic Bedding

I have always had a deep love for bedding. Crisp white sheets, plush pillows and cozy comforters are key essentials in creating an inviting pleasant haven to rest your tired body. Right now I am simply loving romantic boudoirs that can easily be created at your very own home.

From the ultimate Shabby Chic Queen, Rachel Ashwell (she even has a line at Target!)

I'm in heaven with Pottery Barn's All-White Bed

I have always been drawn to lighter shades for bedding. Opt for an all white palette for an always classic look. To add texture, start with smooth sheets and then layer with other fabrics or detailing on your duvet cover or shams. Ruching, scalloped edges, embroidery, or ruffles are just some of the romantic components you can incorporate.

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris France

I also love a beautiful French Blue as shown in this photo from the Four Seasons, the color is heavenly. Don't be afraid to pile up the pillows, I love to have two shams, two sleeping pillows and then two throw pillows. These make for a luxurious and simply divine bed.

Warm up your bedside table with lamps, silver picture frames and a gorgeous bouquet of flowers (I love pink Peonies, Orchids or bushels of Lavender). Also, by adding a hanging mirror on your wall immediately opens up your space and reflects light. These personal touches add charm, style and freshens up your space. Go ahead and create a peaceful oasis for you to retreat to every night...you deserve it!

The Classic Trench Coat

As Spring is hastily approaching, days become longer, the air is getting warmer and I (more than ever) am prepared for this season to arrive. The trench coat is the perfect garment to throw on as you dash out the door on a beautiful March day or evening. It is lightweight, timeless, and versatile.

Kate Moss in a Burberry ad

Fashion icon Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's, 1961

The ever stylish Jackie Kennedy Onassis

Marion Cotillard is all smiles in her trench

Banana Republic $298

Gap $98

Wear the trench tied up over a breezy dress and heels for a sexy yet stylish look. For an everyday leisure approach, pair it with your favorite pants and ballet flats à la Jackie O. Regardless of how you wear the trench, you will be radiating an effortless style as the classic trench coat is forever chic.