Just a little bit wild…

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

There comes a time in a woman’s life when she gets a bit bored with the norm when it comes to fashion. She longs to be a bit daring and wear something that really stands out in a crowd. It can be a bit intimidating to take a risk and wear something that sets you out from everyone else; will you be laughed at or considered strange just for wearing an item of clothing or accessory that no one else is?

I am one of those fashion-loving women who adores taking risks and wearing things that others don’t dare to wear. I have learned that while wearing a strange bracelet or pair of shoes may draw comments like ‘That is SO weird”, I may start a fashion trend in my local area. You have to be a bit daring from time to time or else life is boring. At least I think so.

You don’t have to go overboard and dress like a runway model but you can take one item of clothing or accessory and make it a stand-out in your outfit. Be daring but not reach the “scary zone” of dressing different head to toe.

You can wear a funky necklace when wearing a very simple outfit:

Above: Knick Knacks Necklace at Francescas Collections

Or you can wear a really bold ring:

Above:Dannijo Andi Ring at shopbop.com

Wear a pair of eye-catching shoes:

Above: “Marina” black embossed leather wedges by Rock & Republic at Bluefly.com

Or wear a interesting blouse:

Above: “Jonas” cut-out shoulder tie blouse by Mike & Chris at Bluefly.com

You don’t have to go to overboard, just take a little bit of a chance. Sure, some people will call what you are wearing “weird” but, you may be the woman who starts a new trend. Don’t let the worry of negative comments by others stop you from having fun with fashion.

Posted September 29, 2009 in News

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