Lollie Shopping

One of my favorite places to shop (and save) is Bluefly. And their resident stylist,Tanesha Smith, continually cranks out editorial looks for Women’s and Menswear shoots – a position she describes as "A total dream job – very chill and fun; we're always trying something new." I had the opportunity to ask Tanesha questions about hot trends for this Spring. Here's what she had to say. (PS – How cute is Tanesha? Love her!)

LS: What is your favorite trend-setting color for Spring and what are your style tips for wearing it? 
TS: In a word: khaki. I know this doesn’t exactly knock your socks off, but nothing is more versatile at the moment. It pairs nicely with Spring’s most popular color palettes of pastels and neutrals.

LS: For those of us who like to get the most bang for our buck, what are the Spring trends that you think will continue through the Fall?
TS: Leather everything, from skirts to pants and anything else you can wiggle yourself into. Boyfriend touches in the form of slouchy pants and flyaway tops will also continue to be strong.

Doma stone white leather pleated collar cropped jacket
$395.00 by Doma at Bluefly

Helmut Lang grey lamb leather
skinny pants
$613.00 by Helmut Lang at
Bluefly

LS: We always talk about fashion as it pertains to women, but what about the men? What are the hot Spring trends for men?
TS: Men are taking more risks than ever before. Shorts are getting a little shorter and they are experimenting with pairing those shorts with their blazers. The neutrals and military trends have not escaped them as well.

Marc Jacobs sunny tan cotton twill shorts
$88.80$75.99 by Marc Jacobs at Bluefly

John Varvatos white striped cotton
3-button sport coat
$657.00 by John Varvatos at Bluefly

LS: I adore the military trend. Is this something limited to daytime casual wear only, or can you think of ways a career woman can rock this trend at work or a socialite can wear it to an evening event?
TS: The thing about military looks is that its history is steeped in formality so they can easily translate to dressier occasions. In fact, the epaulets featured on many pieces accent the also popular bold-shoulder detail that has popped up on everything from blazers to dresses. McQueen was a master at blending the two ideas, as is Ralph Lauren.

Tocca taupe pinstripe 'Valentina' jacket
$219.00$119.99 by Tocca at Bluefly

LS: What do you think about women over 40 sporting some of these hot Spring trends?
TS: By taking some special care in regards to hem lengths and toning down the volume on certain trends like ruffles, I don’t see any reason we can’t all partake in everything spring has to offer.

Marc by Marc Jacobs skyway cotton ruffle detail v-neck top
$95.00 by Marc by Marc Jacobs at Bluefly

Turquoise: A Love (Hate) Story

I'm obsessed with turquoise right now, not because I love it, and not because it's Pantone's color of the year for 2010. To be honest, I actually think it's kind of naff. While perusing my picks for this very post, I swear I developed a headache based solely on the fact that it's an obnoxious assault on the eyes, especially in large doses. To me it isn't the restful color of the Caribbean, rather a startling flashback to my 80's middle school days, when you couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting a bubbly Madonna-wanna-be in turquoise leggings and a matching, over sized, Minnie Mouse bow nestled in her perm. The twist? I'm into it for the very same reasons.

Naff-ness aside, since turquoise hasn't been key in fashion for a while it looks new to my eye, and I'm slowly but surely assimilating into it's garish world. Head to toe? Not so much, but I find it modern and refreshing in small doses. To ease your way in start with accessories, an area where you don't have to spend a lot to figure out if you want to go bigger. It's also an amazing swimsuit color, and the beach is an arena that can handle it; avoid combining it with corny florals, lest you end up looking like your Old Navy-clad two year old, a Hawaiian tourist, or both. Choosing pieces with turquoise accents is another option, and for those of you not in love with the blinding version, opt for a more muted interpretation. Whether you choose to wear it or not, it bugs me - but I dig it. Maybe I'm just a masochist. Are you...?

[Click image below to view its Polyvore page including items in this set.]

L.A. Stylist Mom has worked as a wardrobe stylist for celebrities, recording artists, television, and editorial for over 10 years. She currently lives and works in Los Angeles, and is available for consultation either in person, or on line. You can contact her at contact@lastylistmom.com.

A few weeks ago I saw the Cirque du Soleil show Mystère with a group of Las Vegas bloggers and social media enthusiasts, and I was completely mesmerized and inspired by the costumes and makeup. And the first thing the colors and prints reminded me of was the painterly print trend for Spring 2010. It's such a beautiful, artistic trend that I can't wait to play with it. I'm not much of an artist, but if wearing pretty, painterly prints can help me nurture my creative side, I'm going for it.

Here are a few images from Mystère to help inspire you. And below are a few of my favorite painterly picks. Enjoy!

To purchase tickets to Mystère, CLICK HERE.

Interested in purchasing some artsy Cirque du Soleil apparel? CLICK HERE.

PAINTERLY PRINTS PICKS

Belted Painterly A-Line Skirt

$24.99 at Charlotte Russe

Diane von Furstenberg Painterly-Print Tee

$135.00 by Diane von Furstenberg at Bergdorf Goodman

Selected Femme Colour Splash Dress

$53.25 at Asos

Me, the hubby and some of the cast from Mystère.

This blog post is sponsored by Cirque du Soleil.

The holidays just ended. And, it's still cold outside. But all fashionistas are busy thinking the same thing at this very moment – "What will I wear for Spring?" Now is the time to start planning for your 2010 Spring wardrobe. There are hot trends and colors to be discovered, but the first area I want to explore is, of course, shoes!

I got a hold of Tanesha Smith, Bluefly's Resident Stylist, who generously shared her insights and opinions on what's hot and what's not for this Spring.

Since I like to make my dollar stretch, the first thing I wanted to know was which Fall shoe trends I can continue to wear this Spring. "I would definitely hold onto any sky high platforms," said Tanesha. "I think the aggressiveness (spikes, buckles, etc.) will loosen up, but the drama of the height will remain," she said.

Giuseppe Zanotti white print leather cork platform pumps
$556.00 by Giuseppe Zanotti at Bluefly

And Tanesha's pick for the number one, mega-hot Spring shoe trend? "My eyes are peeled for a sneaker wedge!" she exclaimed. A sneaker wedge? Sounds risky, but also exciting. I remember when my mother went through her sneaker wedge phase in the 70s. Maybe it's time for me to go through mine. But how do I wear it? "Perhaps with a t-shirt dress a la Alexander Wang," advised Tanesha. Alexander Wang-inspired? That's it. I'm sold on the sneaker wedge!

I also asked Tanesha what shoe trends I should put away. "I'm a big cheerleader of personal style so I don't like to rule anything totally out," she answered. "But cowboy boots? Not a fan," she finished. I'm keeping my slouchy, prairie-inspired boots available for this Spring, which were featured in a past Outfit of the Week, but I agree with Tanesha and am boxing up my western cowboy boots. For now, anyway.

A special thanks goes to Bluefly and Tanesha for all the great info. Now that you're ready for Spring, happy shoe shopping!

I'm not sure what did it or why, but my new obsession is with bows. I LOVE Tiffany's bow jewelry. Okay, I love anything Tiffany, but seriously, their new bow pieces are so delicate and delightful. See for yourself and you'll agree.

Bow earrings, $125.00 at Tiffany & Co.

But my favorite bows are found on t-shirts. There's just something so nonplussed about seeing a pretty, feminine bow on a casual t-shirt. T-shirts are rebellious. Bows are dainty. I love that contradicting combo. My favorite bow t-shirt is by Red Valentino.

Red Valentino Embroidered-Bow Tee
$195.00 by RED Valentino at Saks Fifth Avenue

I recently purchased this bow graphic print tee at New York & Company during their 50% off sale.

City Style Flocked Ribbon Graphic Tee, $19.95$9.97 at New York & Co.

If you're sold on bows, too, check out the selection of bow t-shirts and accessories I found for you. Enjoy!

When I covet something cute, stylish and shiny, I don't merely want it. I MUST HAVE IT! Thankfully the savvy folks at Conde Nast are aware of the fashion lusts of every woman and put together a new website at MustHaveIts.com.

Calling itself "a piece-by-piece guide to wearing the season's hottest trend, " you can learn tips on how to showcase the hot one-shoulder look, or, learn more about looking tough and tender all at MustHaveIts.com. They even post recommended pieces from inexpensive, to moderately affordable to indulgent, so you can shop while you learn more about their featured trend. Shop, watch and learn how to wear it.

MustHaveIts.com even features their favorite beauty products, because in order to truly sport any trend, you need to have radiant skin. Bookmark this fun, fabulous website and check back for more lessons on trends.

Avon calling! Check out these key Fall fashion pieces from Avon. Worn together, they make a smashing statement. The best part? They're totally affordable!

You don't need to break the bank to make a statement. Experiment with a larger jeweled necklace inspired by the colors of the season like the new Avon Topaz Color Statement Necklace. $14.99

Handbags are to women what cars are to men - they show off your style. This season, try the new Studded Buckle Bag. With the buttery faux-leather body and side pockets, this will become your new "it" bag!  $29.99

It's been a recent topic of conversation amongst my friends – biting one's style. If you're not familiar with the term, it basically means to copy the style, be it fashion, decor or any other materialistic element, of another person. CLICK HERE to see Urban Dictionary's definition.

There are those in the world who complain about others biting their style and it can be blown up into a big issue, depending on how petty the person is. However, in a day and age when originality is seemingly obscure, aren't we all essentially biting each other's style? With mass production in effect and the Internet making the world a smaller place, isn't it more likely than ever that we all own the same furniture, the same cars, the same fashion? 

I've received emails, tweets on Twitter and face-to-face confessions from many women who feel the need to reveal to me that they bought something I blogged about or tweeted, as though they are guilty of some sort of social faux pas.

The fact is that I do what I do because I want to share my finds, discoveries and bargains with anyone interested. You're SUPPOSED to buy the things I blog and tweet about. I want you to benefit from my knowledge and expertise. 

I am flattered to be of such influence and inspiration to other women like myself who have a genuine appreciation for impressive fashion, sensible style and savvy shopping. One of my best girlfriends recently emailed this kind compliment to me: "You have never made any of your friends feel bad or horrible for 'biting' your style because you knew that you would make it your own and it would be different and incredibly fabulously looking on you."

So if you are an influential fashionista finding yourself with petty notions of others biting your style, remember that you are probably not as original as you believe yourself to be, and you should instead take comfort in knowing that you are admired to the point where others find inspiration in your style.

I began this blog for my friends and I maintain it for the many readers I have discovered who enjoy reading my thoughts on trends, sales, products and more. I'm happy to inform and possibly inspire, and I am honored that you are here right now reading this blog post.

So please, go ahead. Bite my style. 

When the boyfriend jean first hit the scene and Katie Holmes and Reese Witherspoon were sporting the look around L.A., I just wasn't digging it. Sure I loved the idea of a loose-fitting jean, but this new trend was coming off as just plain sloppy, as far as I was concerned. Maybe skinny girls who wear a size 2 can get away with sloppy, but we everyday women with hips and curves can't get away with sloppy. On us, sloppy looks frumpy. 

That's why I'm so grateful for the new evolution of the boyfriend jean, still relaxed but with a more tailored fit and narrower legs. I like to call this version Boyfriend 2.0. And while I first discovered it at Shopbop in the form of Genetic Denim's Davis Slouchy Cigarette Jean, I also found a similar style at Express called Boyfriend Jean - Hail Destroyed. Either jean is bound to give you a more refined look while maintaining a chic edge. 

Genetic Denim Davis Slouchy Cigarette Jeans

$209.00 by Genetic Denim at shopbop.com

Boyfriend Jean - Hail Destroyed

$59.50 at Express