Sunny Side Up

In anticipation of the upcoming warm weather, start getting prepared for sunshine. This season, anything goes for sunglasses ("sunnies"). Make sure you have a classic tortoiseshell or black pair. But also feel free to buy an inexpensive pair with charm. I have my eye on the tie dye pair from Victoria's Secret.

Sunglasses by Asos at ShopStyle




ASOS Floral Sunglasses- $17

Sunglasses by Victoria's Secret at ShopStyle











Victoria's Secret- $22

Sunglasses by Fred Flare at ShopStyle











Fred Flare Sweetheart Sunnies- $11

Wrap it Up

Designers have given draping a new, more modern look. "Wrapping" acts like Spanx to tighten and hide bad areas. The effect is very flattering. With a skirt, wear a looser top to provide a contrast.

Shop with Style

Whenever I need a specific item, I go to shopstyle.com. I just type in a search term, and the site pulls up options from all over the web. You can type something in as simple as "red" and pull up any item with the color red in it. Or you can get more detailed like "white patterned tights." You can even narrow down the results by brand, store, price, and color. I have added a search box on the side to make your fashion hunt easier. Enjoy!

Coocoo for Coco

I love everything Chanel!

The line can do no wrong (except for the misstep known as the "puffy bag" - see below).

Lily Allen For Chanel

Now they have come out with tattoos. At first glance, they may seem unwearable, but I beg to differ. At $75, they are not in my budget, but they would make such a cute statement. I would love to wear the Cs on my upper arm, like this model.

Accessories LES TROMPE-L'OEIL DE CHANEL Les Trompe L'Oeil de Chanel

Fashion Lingo

Fashion trends can be hard to keep up; fashion lingo even more so. Here I define terms you need to know to follow fashion.

Snood (AKA infinity scarf, circle scarf, loop scarf)
-noun
A scarf that has no beginning or end, and can be worn in multiple ways.
I am partial to the scarves at ashanddans.com. I went to school with these girls and they were both beautiful and stylish so it is only natural that they would design amazing scarves.


Coatigan
coat-i-gan
-noun
A cardigan and coat combination.
This is in response to a reader's comment. I had never heard the word before, but I have worn them. They are perfect for cold, rainy days.


Floods
-noun
A cropped pant that are in between capris and ankle-length pants.
I love these 7 for all Mankind jeans ($179) that would look great with flats or heels.

Skinny Denim by 7 For All Mankind at ShopStyle


Push the Envelope


030409_CB2_closet.jpg


Fashion rut.

Though those words give me the chills, I can't deny that I have had them. As have most people. Does it feel like everything in your closet looks the same? Have you been wearing the same clothes since the year 2000? Are you completely bored by your outfits? Is everything the same color? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are in a fashion rut.

The first step to getting out of this rut? Try something out-of-the-box, something you normally would never wear. It could be a new color, a new accessory, a new style, etc. Then wait for feedback. If your friends hate it, move on to the next one. If they love it, then add it to your wardrobe. If they don't comment at all, you didn't push the envelope far enough.

For example, I am going to try adding hats into my repertoire, specifically a bowler hat. It will look great with a vest and tee on the right person, but I am not sure that "right" person is me. But we'll see.

So what have you been wanting to try but are a little scared to??? Take a deep breath and go for it. I double-dog dare you.

Can't Get You Out of my Head- Top 10 Countdown

This is my first top 10 countdown, and I have devoted it to the most memorable dresses. No matter how much time passes, I cannot forget these. I would DIE to wear any of them.


10.

carriepinkdressav8.jpg

Sarah Jessica Parker in Oscar de la Renta on Sex and the City. This is my favorite dress from the whole show.


9.

Marc Jacobs : Blair Waldorf in Marc by Marc Jacobs

Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf in Marc by Marc Jacobs.


8.

Kerry Washington looking angelic in Jean Paul Gaultier at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.


7.

gwen3-thumb.jpg

Gwen Stefani at her 2002 wedding in John Galliano. Some of you may disagree with this pick, but you certainly can't deny it's uniqueness.


6.

THE VENETIAN photo | Lindsay Lohan

The "old" Lindsay Lohan in 2006 at the Venice Film Festival in Marchesa.


5.

Nicole Richie in Miu Miu at a movie screening in 2008.


4.

Zoe Saldana always looks amazing, but she definitely stands out in this red Prabal Gurung at a Star Trek premiere.


3.

Ahhhh Friedo Pinto, what a dream! She looks stunning in this Zac Posen at the 2009 Director's Guild Awards. I want this dress!


2.

Kate Hudson at the 2003 Golden Globes in a bohemian Valentino gown.


1.

Who can forget ever forget this look? Julia Roberts glowed at the 2001 Oscars because of her best actress win and vintage Valentino gown.


What dresses do you think I am missing?




Cause You're Hot and You're Cold

This time of year can be frustrating. You are sick of your winter clothes and ready to pull out the summer gear. To get you through these last stretches of winter, I recommend a fun hat and glove combination. Bright colors and patterns will cheer you up on a cold, snowy day. Glittens (mittens that old into gloves) are great for texting.

But so you have something to look forward to, I also provided some swimwear suggestions. A classic black one-piece is always in style and a Burberry check bikini is an investment you'll wear forever. Plus, Spanx has started making swimwear! Sure to make you feel sexy at any beach or pool.

Asos at ShopStyle

Burberry at ShopStyle

Hallelujah Hallelujah

Shopbop (my addiction) now has FREE RETURN SHIPPING! Nothing can stop me now.

Check Yourself Before you Wreck Yourself

Readers, you may not know this, but will soon learn, that I love everything Alexander Wang. His T by Alexander Wang collection and Diego Bucket Bag are on my wish list. Yet even from the fashion-forward designer, I have yet to see this: chic condoms.

Alexander Wang and designers Brian Reyes (also a fave), Jeremy Scott, Keith Haring, Opening Ceremony, and Yigal Azrouel have partnered with Proper Attire to create a line of fashionable condoms. All proceeds go towards Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

I always encourage protection. As Proper Attire says: "Insist on a dress code; it is required for entry." : ) Buy at properattirecondoms.com.



Shop for Haiti

I just received a comment about how I should not blog about $1000 shoes when we have a situation like the one in Haiti. First of all, I am not advocating that anyone should purchase the $1000 shoes. I personally receive joy just from admiring them. Secondly, I realize about .1% of the population can afford such items, but I want my readers to look at them and be inspired to find a look for less.

It is extremely important to support those in need and should really be a priority. That is not to say, however, that we should neglect the beautiful things in life. It is also important to appreciate things that make you happy.

However, if you have the money and can afford to shop, please do so! We need people to stimulate the economy.

To counteract my expensive posts, I would like to also recommend these purchases, all of which donate a percentage to charity.

Haitian relief b-side RIGHTS necklace
Haitian Relief B-side Rights Necklace- $125 ($30 towards the Red Cross)

THE LOVE SCARF
Tucker "The Love Scarf"- $48 (10% towards the American Red Cross Haiti Relief Fund)

THE LOVE TIE
Tucker "The Love Tie"- $52 (10% towards the American Red Cross Haiti Fund)

HELP HAITI TEE - WOMENHELP HAITI TEE - MEN

Kid Dangerous Haiti Tee- $35 (all proceeds donated to One Dome at a Time Emergency Fund)


Wedding Belles

One of my favorite style icons, Nicole Richie, just got engaged. I can't wait to see what she wears for the wedding, but until then, this is what I imagine she will wear.

Azzaro Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear
Azzaro

Halston Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear
Halston

Ask Coco

Q: Coco, I recently bought a pair of oxfords, but I don't know what to wear with them. Help!

A: Though oxfords should not be worn in the snow, they are still wearable most of the year. Pair them with dark thick or patterned tights to winterize a dress. Or you can pair them with ankle-length leggings or jeans. Just make sure to wear an edgier look to stay in tune with the shoes.


Hey There, Short Stuff

At 5' 10'' (like Cindy Crawford), I am not able to wear high heels. So I must live vicariously through others, especially when there are so many gorgeous heels right now. I know these are a bit pricey, but just use them for your own inspiration.
Clockwise, starting top left:
Missoni (on sale)- $435
Jimmy Choo (my favorite pair)- $876
Robert Clergerie (on sale)- $359

Not for the Faint of Heart

Yesterday I sang the praises of carrying a pink clutch. But today I must urge you to take the trend even further towards a hot pink dress. Check out the always stylish Camilla Belle in a gorgeous Marchesa:

CAMILLA BELLE photo | Camilla Belle

You can mimic the look in this Shoshanna dress on Shopbop.com. Readers, you MUST get this
dress. It will take you to another level. Add gold shoes for the finishing touch.

Shoshanna Banded Strapless DressShoshanna Banded Strapless DressShoshanna Banded Strapless Dress

I can just picture a tanned, brunette beauty dancing with an Italian man in Miami.

Sienna Miller Must be Crazy

Have you ever seen the movie, "The Gods Must be Crazy?" This is my reaction towards Sienna Miller when I saw new pieces from Twenty8Twelve on Shopbop. These clothes are beautiful, but who can wear them, other than Sienna Miller herself? They are so short and so tight that only a prepubescent child can wear them! I do not advocate starving yourself to fit this type of body. Curves are beautiful.

Twenty8Twelve Venetia DressTwenty8Twelve Alexis Dress
Twenty8Twelve Aneya DressTwenty8Twelve Morgan Skirt
(This is a 13" skirt!)
Rating:

Quite the Crowd Pleaser

If you're struggling for a present or hostess gift, read on:
I know this isn't clothing, but gift giving is always in style (haha, cheesy, I know). I really must encourage you readers to buy Edible Arrangements. I don't work for them, I swear! Everyone really does enjoy them, from my food-loving, Lou Malnati's addict father, to my gluten-free, dairy-free gal pal. The chocolate-covered fruit is a must.

Britain's Best Kept Secret


I should keep this a secret, but I'm willing to share with you, dear Readers. Many of you are familiar with shopbop, revolve clothing, nordstroms, etc. But I have a feeling many of you aren't shopping ASOS.com. It's a British-based company, but they ship to the U.S. for a flate rate of $6. It has great, inexpensive versions of the trends. I recently bought pyramid studded rings in gold and silver, a denim dress (denim is HUGE for spring), a sequin tunic, and a white shirtdress. But I am still eyeing so much more. They have great sales too! Use coupon code ASOSINSTYLE for 20% off! One word of warning: make sure to convert the sizes correctly. I imagine return shipping could be pricey.



Chanel Pearl of Wisdom

**No need to stick to the basic black and brown accessories! Every girl should own a red or pink purse. It brightens up any outfit and cheers you up on a dreary day. All the better if it's a Chanel!


red chanel handbag

Leopard Look

I was reading my version of the Bible (Lucky Magazine- never miss an issue) and stopped at this picture of one of their editors. It is the perfect outfit for the weekend or a night out at a bar. I recreated it below. Sorry for the terrible photo quality, but my camera stinks. (Though my bf just mentioned that I should have scanned it. Whoops!)


Long cardigan- $49.90 at candccalifornia.com
Kashmere leopard scarf- $150 at Bluefly.com
T by Alexander Wang pocket tee- $75 at Nordstroms
Denim boyfriend shirt- $58 at Victoriassecret.com
Black studded skinny jeans- $29.80 at Forever21.com