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

Pop Color Confession...

Doesn't Joan look beautiful?! 

I've always been drawn to a barely-there, fresh face with the ultimate 'pop' of lip color topping it all off.

My Confession; however: I usually look something like this (me, today)...

(Sans the camouflage cap, of course...it was a work thing, don't ask...)

...not exactly what I'd call a colorful 'pop' of anything, I know.

Fresh faced, yes. Colorful, not at all. 

My skin is a honey-colored brown and that's usually what I add to it in the form of cosmetics - brown with maybe a few rosy pinks.

Let's just say I'm a 'natural beauty'.

But given the truth that I admire a pretty, color-saturated lip, aaaannnd that we can still call this a 'new' year, I plan to try the look myself. Let's not call it a resolution though. More like an intention.

So with that intention set, I'll be on and poppin' before you know it. 

When I do, I'll be sure to post. For now, I'll leave you with a bit more inspiration for my experimental new look.

I'm goin' all in, so stay tuned Chicas!...

(GORGEOUS!!! - I think I'll try this one above...)

Lots of Love & Light,

Carla

Photos: Pinterest | Joan Smalls | Jessie-Leigh Photography | and ME!

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.