The five pieces you need for spring and summer

A blogger for fashion retailer Bluefly.com, Nana breaks down the biggest trends on the curb, the catwalk & the red carpet.

The trends for spring/summer are a mish-mosh of ‘80s rock and ‘70s boho with “luxe,” “relaxed” and “edgy” pieces that fit into each category – so I asked Bluefly’s buyers (who have to shop wisely for a living) to break down ONLY the things the fashionista-on-a-budget absolutely needs. Here’s what they had to say:

1. A FLIRTY, FLOWY DRESS

You can interpret this trend a few different ways, according to our dress buyer, Sandy. Long or short, one-shouldered or sleeveless, a bold floral print or solid bright color, the goal is to have a dress that can easily translate from day to night with some statement-making detail. If you’re big on weekend trips, go with a jersey dress that packs well.

2. A CLASSIC TRENCHCOAT WITH A TWIST

The trenchcoat is a timeless spring classic and a great way to buy into the season’s biggest trends. For example, instead of the traditional khaki, go for a bold-color or a double-breasted style, or a belt with a wide buckle or oversized buttons – some detail that updates the trench so it feels timely.

3. AN “AGGRESSIVE” ACCESSORY

Whether it’s a pair of shoes or a new bag, it’s all about the over-the-top statement piece. Shoes: sky-scraping platforms heavy on the straps, studs, cutouts, fringe or perforations. The bolder the better, which means flats – unless they’re gladiators or timeless Cole Haan – are out. Jewelry too. Chandelier earrings, stacks of bangles, Grecian cuffs and ethnic pieces are the bling for spring. For bags think bright-colored or exotic-skin leathers, hardware like studs and grommets, and less obvious shapes like the clutch. If you can’t afford a designer bag right now, hot indie labels like Rebecca Minkoff (a celebrity fave) and Treesje have amazing wallet-friendly pieces that are totally on-trend.

4. “BOYFRIEND” BASICS

We got a preview of this trend when Katie Holmes was spotted wearing a pair of pegged jeans around town last summer and now “boyfriend” jeans are back. Our denim buyer, Jessica says worn, torn and “distressed” wash jeans are an important trend this spring mainly because people want to look good without looking they tried to look good. Our tees and cardigans buyer, Kate concurs, “It’s very, ‘I just threw it on,’” as she explains why some of spring’s hottest tees are made from “slub” – a cotton fabric looks deliberately broken-in and the trend in cardigans is cozy, oversized comfort with luxe nautical details.

5. A “BOHO GLAM” SWIMSUIT

Think graphic tribal prints, hardware details, embroidery and embellishments, our swimwear buyer, Joanna advises. If you want more bang for your bathing suit, go with a one-piece that can transform into a super-glam top over a flirty skirt or jeans.

Posted March 31, 2009 in News

Sandals, Sandals, Everywhere.

With her photographer's eye for detail, Brie is always scoping out jewelry, handbags and shoes that perfectly complete an ensemble.

Yes, it is still unseasonably cold, but as I wander the Internet I am seeing sandals everywhere.

It points to the arrival of spring, hopefully, just around the corner. So many different styles of sandals and I just have to share some of the styles I am seeing with all the StyleFeeder fashionistas.

There is a huge amount of “gladiator on steroids” style sandals out this spring. Like this pair by Dolce Vita:

I love buckles on sandals and the more the better. 

I am seeing a lot of braiding in sandals as well. Sometimes combined with interesting colours and buckles like these by Modern Vintage Shoes:

The purple leather and the braiding just catch the eye. They would look great on the foot.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted March 23, 2009 in News

Are you bold enough for these heels?

Dina is StyleFeeder's resident marketing goddess and shopping addict, who will keep you up to date on what's new and hot with the StyleFeeder community.

I’m loving two current trends: brightly-colored heels (think demure, ladylike peep toes or pumps in orange, yellow or lime green patent leather) and crazy booties and sandals with sky-high heels or creative cutouts. I love a good pop of color on the foot, and I admire an out-there heel…but I don’t know if I’m ballsy enough to combine the two trends.

Lately, I’ve been seen lots of fuchsia and purple-colored confections show up on my Watchlist, so obviously someone out there is loving the combo. But are they actually wearing them? I want to hear from you fashion-forward ladies….would you sport these stunners? And if so, what are you pairing them with?

Posted March 16, 2009 in Fashion, News

Tattoos for your walls

Viil has an uncanny ability to find that crazy chair, secret bookcase or floating bed that you didn’t know you needed and can’t find anywhere else.

The quickest, easiest, and cheapest way to give your room a new and bold look is adding decals to your walls. They have been around for a while, and you can find them in ever-increasing variations of shapes and colors.

Below are some ideas for your next quick and easy redecoration. :)

Wall decals work best on smooth surfaces, and are very easy to use and apply. They are virtually foolproof. If you mess up, they are easily removed and reapplied.

Wall decals do not harm your walls when you take them off, so they are great for people who are renting and want to be able to remove decoration easily with no damages.


If you would like a customized wall decal in a particular shape, size, or color there are several Etsy stores that are willing to help you with making your wall decal idea come through. Check out Singlestonestudios and Shanon1972.

Posted March 9, 2009 in Home

Oh, kimono!

Dina is StyleFeeder's resident marketing goddess and shopping addict, who will keep you up to date on what's new and hot with the StyleFeeder community.

I’ve always loved the kimono silhouette. It’s hard to go wrong with comfortable, dramatic sleeves, a nipped-in waist, and a universally flattering length…kimonos look good on just about everyone. Flutter-sleeved tops are a subtle interpretation of the kimono sleeve, and I’ve been a fan of that trend as well, but I’m glad to see more dramatic kimono silhouettes coming back for spring.

There’s a variety of ways to wear the kimono, depending on your body type. The top and dress below are more traditional interpretations, and would be flattering on almost anyone.

I particularly love the silk top by Single on the left. The color/pattern combo is a little out there, but I think I would wear this throughout the summer with jeans, wedges and a set of bangles. It puts me in a Saturday-afternoon-shopping-with-the-girls state of mind.

Get the whole scoop »

Posted March 2, 2009 in News