A Summer Lawn Party

Nothing usher’s in the longing for the warmer months of summer than a spring soiree. At this time of year, we wish for a weekend getaway or a long awaited holiday. So when I received an invitation to attend a summer spring fling, I was simply delighted.

 

I was even more excited when the invitation’s theme called for sundresses and seersucker. With my dear friend Stephanie in tow, we headed for my go to boutique - Rebel. Located on Biscayne Boulevard, Rebel carries head turning dresses, wear any day pieces that are anything but every day and stand out numbers that make a woman look bold and beautiful.



While the ladies looked lovely and fully embraced the spirit of the dress code, I couldn’t help but applaud the gentlemen in attendance who looked dashing in linen and light-weight wool suits. And, one stand out trend sitter who took a walk on the wild side with a plaid kilt.

The event hosted by Omega Psi Phi was bursting with old fashion sophistication and brought back the summer party in a big way.

 

 

The Signs Are All Around Us

This time of the year everyone is looking for the first signs of spring. But while they listen for the sounds of baby birds in the trees or to sneak a peek at the first blades of grass, we look to the world's fashion capital and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

As we create our personal fashion story boards and curate mini spring and summer fashion stories, remember to take a cue from your own closet, and the beauty that surrounds you to make fashion moments that are uniquely you.

 

 

 

Geometrically Speaking...

Geometry.

I hear you asking, 'just what in the world does that have to do with fashion, or style?'

(Or anything else of relevance, for that matter.)

Oh, but it does. And here's why:

Anyone slightly enamored with fashion and the industry knows that New York Fashion Week, Fall 2014 is here, and in full swing.

Me, a true-to-life Fashionphile, I love getting a sneak peek at what's to come for the next season. As the shows are presented, I'm there (virtually speaking).

Fall 2014 trends are beginning to evolve, with shapes/prints being a major one.

Mara Hoffman's Fall 2014 line is a definite standout for shapes. Strangely enough, when I first saw it, I thought of geometry. 

Have a look, and you'll see what I mean:

 (triangles)

 (triangles)

(and yet, more triangles)

Pretty, right?

So NYFW Fall '14 is proving to be another reason to pay close attention in that advanced math class. Mastering geometry just may help you later to cut and create the perfect little something that'll make someone's Fall dreams come true.

I'd say things are shaping up perfectly.

Lots of Love, Light, & Style,

Carla

Photos: via style.com

Leather or Not?

Leather at work can be tricky. More creative environments and industries such as design and advertising might welcome the trend that crept from runway to what I call “real-way.” But before test driving this trend, think about your work culture and environment. If you work in a more conservative environment, avoid full leather pieces and select subtle leather touches on a collar or sleeve. To make this look appropriate for real-way, choose leather pieces in classic lines like a simple blazer or pencil skirt. Let the leather take the lead by pairing it with a cute cardigan, basic blazer and classic pumps. Now it’s your turn to try the trend. #Zara faux leather skirt, #Brooks Brothers button-down, #Zara Basics blazer, #Aeropostale #cardigan

Get Washed Away in Winter White

Before I travel to a new city, I do a search and make a list of all the consignment and vintage stores. The best finds are hidden in small towns far, far away from the world's fashion capitals. It's here that I inevitably find buried treasures. On my latest hunt with my mother in Naples, I ran across this vision in winter white. The perfect piece for Florida's flirt with cooler temps. Before winter ends let yourself get washed away. #Joie Jeans #Miha

Our Endless Love, Lupita

Lupita Nyong takes our breath away. The Kenyan born actress is a Yale graduate with a body that rivals that of any supermodel and an incredible sense of style and substance to match. She wowed the world in 12 Years A Slave and continues to show the world that couture comes in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Each time she steps on the red carpet the fashion gurus shout a collective, "BRAVO!" And we all wait with baited breath knowing that her best is yet to come.

Khloe Kardashian: Closet Envy

How pretty is she here?! Love her entire look.

Well apparently her closet's just as beautiful as she is. I found these pics on elle.

{more shoes}

I know, I know.

It's okay. A little swooning never hurt anyone.

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via elle)

Mesmerized by...

Alexander McQueen Fall 2011.

{Soooooo sorry for the bombardment of pictures, but c'mon!...}

Because fashion is supposed to do that sometimes - you know, invoke stopping & staring - my commentary about this collection is in two words:

Fashion Love.

L.P.S.,

Carla

{Images via elle & here}

Know Your A,B,Cs

...And colors, and shapes, too...

Kinda lovin' these looks from D&G Fall 2011.

They always seem to have such fun themed shows. This one, as expected, didn't disappoint in that area. With the letters of the alphabet splashed all over, not only the clothes, but the runway itself, it turned out to be quite "child's play"...

...And I'm having a ball!

*{Also loooovin' the platform Converse. When I do wear "sneakers", Converse are usually my choice du jour.}

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via style)

Rachel Roy Fall 2011

The early morning backstage scene was certainly a bit of a frenzied one, with Bobbi Brown herself putting the finishing touches on makeup while being interviewed for The Today Show, Ted Gibson checking hair, and the models rapidly lining up for the collection's photos prior to the presentation. For Fall 2011 Rachel Roy once again continued with her capsule collection of trench coats, this time done in denim instead of khaki fabric, and so meticulously draped, cut, and worked, that one had to do a double-take to realize that the material at hand really was the traditional workman's fabric of denim. Found in eight different styles, some of the descriptions for the fabrication used fanciful words such as "Japenese denim," "laquered denim" and "raw cut pleated denim."

Rachel talked about the hustle and bustle of life, and how as she has become increasingly busy, how effortless chic, i.e. trench coats and this collection, just felt right, for the woman on the go. Intarsia knits, ruffled cardigans, charmeuse dresses, and peplum jackets are certainly strong pieces to live on their own, and work other basics, existing in the wardrobe already, into the look. Kudos to Rachel Roy, for understanding her customer, and instead of catering to the season's trends, listening to what she really needs.

{Backstage via Fashion Pulse Daily}

-Julia DiNardo, Fashion Pulse Daily

*(Images via style & Fashion Pulse Daily}

Fall 2011 Wrap-Up...

I love this time of year when the shows debut their pics for the next season. With spring on the horizon, everyone's looking forward to something fresh & new. A futuristic look ahead to fall is no exception. {After all, it'll be here before you know it.}

As far as Fall 2011 goes, here's what I'm seeing that's popping up so far as major trends:

Shades of Grey

Fur Trim & Collars

Blush Tones

Electric Blue

Plaid & Printed Pants

So there it is. What do you think? Which trend are you really diggin' so far?...

L.P.S.,

Carla

*(Images via elle & style - styled by Moi!)