when i first spotted this top (j.crew’s laporte drape blouse, $110), i loved the draping, but wondered whether it would flatter.  i really didn’t see the wisdom of it all until i saw the styling potential.

before:

nice enough, right?  perfect for those days when you’re looking to hide an extra cupcake or two.  but now check it out with styling…after:

fabulous, right?  the destroyed denim and the flat gladiator keep the silk-and-pearls look from being too dainty, and i love seeing those pearls worn cross-body.  i’d never have come up with it, but i have no doubt i’ll be using this trick all spring.  personally, i’d try this with any number of anonymous silk shells we all have in our closets…if you can, add a scarf to the mix to give the same texture and flow this top has, but i think it’ll be genius either way.

sometimes j.crew annoys me (please, please stop changing your denim cuts and shoe sizing!)…but then they show up with styling this good and utterly redeem themselves.

(oh, and by the way…nab 20% off j.crew purchases of $175+ through saturday! use code SHHH at checkout!)

i’ve actually never been the biggest fan of scott schuman’s incredibly popular blog, the sartorialist.  me, i like a little more text in my daily reads (shocking, i know).  and if i’m honest, i’m often bored by the ’street looks’ thing.  especially in this case, there just seemed to be too many looks i couldn’t wrap my mind around, or just plain hated.  which then made me feel fashion-challenged and inferior, and really, i’m not looking to get a complex from a blog.

the point (yes, there is one) is that i actually love his new book.  love it.  picked it up, leafed through every single one of its 512 pages, and have revisited it several times.  it’s a pared down version of the best and most interesting looks from his site – along with a little bit of text to explain just a few of the looks (true to form, schuman’s words are few, but well-placed).

after going through the book, i realized two things.  first, i shouldn’t have been letting his blog make me feel bad (duh).  every look is there because it’s unique and striking, not necessarily perfect (and definitely not perfect for me).  and second, i know i’m going to be turning to this book on a regular basis…in fact, i even got out my mini post-it flags to mark some of my favorites.  it’s a great place to look for ideas to update looks you’re already wearing, and to be reminded of old rules.  pairing a floral dress with a bright belt and black ankle boot is great.  but pale gold flats and a bicycle work equally well.  mixing patterns?  be bold!  tights can be transformative.  classic is always, always in style.  and, oh yes, never forget the potential of a rolled sleeve or pant cuff.

i’m probably still a little too fashion-challenged and inferior for that last one, but you never know…schuman may convince me yet!

i’ve been meaning to show you all this dress since i fell for it a month or so ago at anthropologie.  this might just be the most flattering, most versatile summer dress i’ve come across this season – though the photos on the website just don’t do it justice.  well worth your $98 for the accessorizing options alone, but the fact that this manages to simultaneously enhance the decollette, hide tummy troubles, provide a miniscule waist (even if you don’t normally have one) and be ultra-comfy makes this a definite must-do for summer.

if you stop by the store, they also have the dress in a stunning, universally-flattering shade of cobalt – my personal favorite.  but the gold and periwinkle are really lovely too.

sadly, i actually ended up returning mine…it’s best on ladies 5′7″ or shorter, unless you either have a super-long torso or are riskier with your hemlines than i am.  but if the growth chart fits, you absolutely can’t go wrong.

i loved it paired with that fab leafy necklace i showed you recently and some studded gladiators, but i was also planning to pair with…

a loose, unstructured vest (left open, please) and the biggest, baddest chain necklace i can find, and perhaps even…

a boyfriend blazer and booties, come fall.  ooh, or a leather moto jacket (as long as the length worked…keep it at least a couple of inches below the waistband on this one!).

of course, most of these styling ideas will work with whatever your favorite summer dress is this year…after all, it’s nearly time to start thinking about those summer-to-fall styling options.

ed. note: if you haven’t entered our fab contest this week, now’s your last chance.  entries close at midnight tonight…click here to enter!

i was all set to rave about the cutest skirt i saw at anthropologie on my coffee/retail therapy run this morning.  but online, it’s looking a bit like a lampshade, so now i’m thinking perhaps not.

instead, let’s talk strapless dresses.  i’ve never been a huge fan – being relatively well endowed in the (ahem) bosom area, i always seem to spend all of my time frantically yanking on the top of the dress, fearing (however irrationally) the inevitable.  and i tend to think of strapless frocks as either swim-coverup-casual, a la juicy couture, or exceedingly formal (my wedding gown).  it just seems to be too much skin exposure for an average day.  but lately, i’ve been seeing strapless looks done in such a perfectly modest, tailored and stylish way that i’m beginning to reconsider.

it all began with a post from superstar french style icon garance doré extolling the manner in which lovely italian women put together the strapless dress and the flat sandal.  and truly, the look is lovely, don’t you agree?  sophisticated, simple, and undeniably stylish, without being overly dressy.  oh, and did i mention it’s also incredibly easy to duplicate?   any black strapless will do – i’m actually a fan of this version at target.  add something like these chic braided sandals from modern vintage (check out that detachable strap…and on sale, no less!), a black belt you almost certainly already own, and some of that perfectly tousled hair, and presto: chic and so very simple.

shortly after spying this look, i was browsing anthropologie’s latest catalog, and saw the most clever styling of a strapless dress ever!  i love the jersey v-neck tee beneath – the neckline gives such interest, and it looks like an entirely different dress!  i never think of layering things underneath a strapless, but i just love this look.  definitely office-appropriate, and again, so simple!  i’m guessing you already have the tee in your closet, and the dress is just a click away.  i’d love to see this with a patterned tee and a solid dress, perhaps layered with a cropped denim jacket…the possibilities are, if not endless, definitely varied.

so, what do you think? are you ready to reconsider going strapless?

in case you haven’t noticed, i’ve toned down the exorbitantly expensive features of late.  not that we shouldn’t all be supporting the economy, but well, i know i’ve been spending more time at gap than nordstrom lately, so i assume the same is true of most of you.

that said, i’m always a fan of the occasional, well-placed splurge.  but how do you decide whether something really is a “worthy splurge”?  today, i’m going to share my cardinal splurge rules with you (exciting, i know).  

at $246, this bold “lollipop skirt” from tibi certainly qualifies as a potential splurge.  plus it’s bold, colorful, and definitely unique.  i spied it over at chick downtown, and decided it was the perfect test case.    

before you even start, make sure you love it.  really and truly.  not just that it’s “fun” or “pretty” or “useful.”  if it’s truly worthy, it makes you smile when you wear it – plain and simple.  once that’s decided, i use a pretty straightforward “3-2-1″ formula to weigh a splurge, as i find that pure logic sometimes helps in the face of unrelenting temptation:

wearability:  can i think of at least 3 completely different ways to wear the item?  

longevity:  can i envision it being worn in at least 2 different decades (other than this one)? 

uniqueness:  is it unique?  or, put another way, do i have even 1 other item in my closet that could do what this item does?  

in the case of this lovely tibi:  wearability options seem pretty endless.  make it classic with a sleeveless white shell and sandals, turn it tomboy with a ribbed tank and boyfriend blazer or leather jacket, or add a cardigan and a scarf to wear it to the office.  as for longevity, i can definitely see this in the 60s and the 80s, and even the early 90s – can’t you see your mom wearing something like this when she was in high school?  and as for being unique, i certainly don’t have anything like it in my closet.

on my 3-2-1 scale, the tibi skirt measures up pretty perfectly.  of course, all of this hinges on fit:  the one rule that trumps all of the others.  a splurge simply has to make you look and feel amazing…or really, what’s the point?

so, what do you think?  is this tibi a worthy splurge to you?

just goes to show, you can find style anywhere.  before i go too far, let me just say that (a) yes, i realize garnet hill is for old people, and (b) therefore, i may now be old.  but i was bored enough to flip through their latest catalog, and there were some pretty do-able pieces to be found, most of which were pretty darn cheap to boot!

this knit dress ($68) is such a perfect summer staple.  i hate having to think about what i’m wearing when it’s hotter than hades out.  yes, it’s basic, but the ruching at the neckline and the bow give it enough detail to keep it stylish, and the washed-out grey makes it look lived-in, which i love on dresses like these.  

i’d pair it with flip-flops (2 for $70, and they look exactly like my $60 j.crew flips) and a chunky necklace. or, even better, this great euro/indian scarf ($52), which is exactly what i’ve been looking for to get me through the summer:  lightweight, neutral, and effortless.

so, what do you think – have i lost my mind completely, or are you on board?

this skirt from brooklyn industries manages the impossible – it’s as frilly as can be, but work the look the right way, and this is the ultimate hip spring floral.  and it’s on sale for $58.

no question, florals are tricky – and in the spring, you risk looking more laura ashley than kate moss if you play them wrong.  but, done right, they’re ideal for the season, and end up looking oh-so-stylish, with that “i just threw this on and look amazing” perfection we’re all seeking.

so, the how to:  first, drop the girly quotient from the rest of the ensemble.  instead of pearls, think heavy chains.  bare legs will work with a bold shoe, but black tights are even better (with the blue, that is – stay bare with the black skirt).  for footwear, my choice is an edgy heel, but heel or flat, stick to black or a bold, bright and non-matching color.  red or hot pink with these cool floral skirts, for example, would be fantastic.  layer a couple of tanks or tees, and pair the whole thing with a blazer or a menswear vest (not a cardigan, unless it’s very oversized and a neutral shade) – maybe even a plaid or striped scarf to top things off.  let your inner tomboy/rocker chick come out to play when you don flowers, and the end result will be stunning.

check out this fantastic piece from whowhatwear with even more ideas for updating a floral.  incidentally, these ideas are also a great way to do the old “shop your closet” bit – you should be able to unearth a floral skirt or two from the ’90s, no?

* editor’s note:  last day to enter that amazing mother’s day giveaway!  don’t miss this one…i’m so loving hearing your mom stories (though i promise not to tell if you keep the prize for yourself!).

i’m tiptoeing through my bookmarks this morning, and lo and behold, i came up with a bargain-full ensemble that i’m pretty excited about.  

i’ve been searching high and low for a blazer i liked that (a) wasn’t too expensive, (b) was a little bit unexpected, and (c) was the right cut for my body type.  the reality is most boyfriend blazers are just not that flattering unless you’re very petite.  they eliminate any hint of a waist or hips, and bulk up your shoulders considerably – resulting in a look popular with linebackers the world over. but this three-button twill blazer from old navy is just $25, and i think it might be perfect.  the buttons are high enough that the lapel won’t bulge if you’re well-endowed up top.  the waist is nipped in, and the length is great for layering.  plus, it’s $25.  roll up the sleeves and leave it unbuttoned to get the boyfriend blazer look without the disfiguring side effects.

i’d pair it with a classic, liberty-style floral print top – this topshop version is a great option for $50.  the floral is a great balance against the more structured jacket, and the colors blend without being sickeningly matchy.  you could also try this top from forever 21, though i’d probably go with a floral that doesn’t include yellow if you pick the yellow blazer (the seersucker would be fun, though).  

pair it with one of these beautiful floral tin necklaces from the little black rabbit, which i’ve been coveting something fierce. the dogwood (right) is perfect if you’re nervous about the mix-and-match, but i love mixing florals, and this is a great, safe way to give it a try!

add all of this to your favorite denim, or an a-line or pencil skirt (royal blue would be great, as would black or white), or even a slouchy cuffed short that’s already in your closet, and you have a pretty fantastic outfit for right around $100.  not a bad shopping trip at all, i’d say!

there’s a possibility i’ve been living in the land of fleece and birkenstocks too long, but i have to confess:  the fashion world wants me wearing blazers and shoulder pads, but all i want is a cozy, easy-to-wear fleece to throw on when an evening chill sets in.

now, before you get all worried that i’ve lost my mind, and remove me from your reading list, i’m not talking your standard zip hoodie…i’m guessing none of us need much advice on those (although this one is pretty damn cute).  i’m talking about a fleece that manages to stay at least moderately stylish, and maybe even completely hip.

that fleece biker jacket, for example – i love it so much more than the leather versions that are resurfacing (i clearly remember a frightening denim version i had in the ’80s…yikes).  it’s fitted, streamlined, light as a feather…all qualities that sound pretty fantastic when i remember the bulk and sheer weight of the real version.  whether you use it for your weekend lounging or get bold and mix it with a graphic tee and trousers for day (which, by the way, i think would be fantastic – i might even add a small silk scarf at the neck), i’m convinced this would be your go-to all spring.  grab it from adidas, of all places, for $160…steep for fleece, but it’s such a great update on a classic that i’m willing to consider it.

for a more relaxed look, this short-sleeved pullover from brooklyn industries is marked down to $35, but i have even more reasons to love it.  those big, pleated sleeves are almost dolman in their slouch, and are sure to result in a flattering silhouette – as does anything with wider shoulders that narrows at the waist.  the high pocket placement just emphasizes that look – it’s pretty perfect, actually.  the side drawstrings give it interest, and make it easy to style it your own way.  plus, they’ll be perfect to turn it into a swim coverup later this summer.

in both cases, i thought it was worth showing you the final, styled look…it just goes to show that even fleece can be hip if you spend a little time making the style work (and because the photos of the pieces alone were just not good).  these definitely fall under the category of higher maintenance, as you’ll have to work to show these are more style than slouch.  but i know you’re up to the task!

i’ve been struggling with how to approach spring trends this year.  as regular readers know, i try to devote some time every season to the major trends, and how best to incorporate them.  but this spring, frankly, most of the “trends” are heinous…not to mention hard to pull off, unless you happen to be an anorexic teenager.  and the more i thought about how to spread the word about what’s hot this spring, the more annoyed i got about the idea of telling you all to wear things i find ridiculous.

it all came to a head when i picked up the march issue of harper’s bazaar, in which i was told that the flattering drape of a flared pant simply “must” be replaced by a baggy-hipped, tapered leg trouser.  are you all familiar with this trend?  the one in which the trousers are pleated and hugely baggy in the hips, then taper to the ankle, at which point you may actually roll them up to cuff them even higher?  like the boyfriend jean concept, only with trousers.  pleated trousers.  

now, if you happen to be built like a 13-year-old boy, straight and thin as a rail, then dear reader…please, carry on.  in fact, embrace it.  you’ll be the envy of everyone around.  for the rest of us – please, ignore pant trends this spring.  i can think of few better ways than pleats to instantly add 20 lbs to your hips.  tack on the baggy factor and the taper, and you’re basically creating a big pear shape on your bottom half…whether it was there to start with or not.

i suggest instead embracing the spirit of the trend.  the boyfriend jean can be done well, without looking sloppy…and often without shopping at all.  on a whim, i grabbed my ancient faded wash j.crew jeans out of the tippy top of my closet (where they’d been relegated to the “yardwork wear” pile).  sure enough, i rolled up the cuffs, and presto – scarlett johannsen in “he’s just not that into you”.  okay, not quite…but you get the idea.  please, no pegging or forced tapering in any way, and don’t go too baggy – a clean, straight line is universally more flattering than a curved line on your bottom half.  these levis would work splendidly.  oh, and if you’re over 25, “destroyed” (ie, torn) jeans are not okay.

you can try the very same thing with a pair of menswear-inspired trousers that you already own – this version from banana republic would be ideal.  just make sure it’s a straight leg, not a flare, or it won’t work.  add a belt to cinch, up the menswear quotient with a button-down shirt and possibly a vest, and add a piece of chunky jewelry to remind people you are, actually, a very chic woman.  done.

at the end of the day, i think the biggest mistake any of us can make is exchanging fit for trend.  if it doesn’t look good on you, it doesn’t matter how hip it is.  there’s a reason i have drawers full of boot cut jeans, and not a skinny jean in sight:  they’re horrid on me, and i know it.  learn what works on you, be honest with yourself about it, and you’ll look fabulous every day, whether you’re wearing the new “trendy” pant or not.  think katharine hepburn, who looks as chic and stylish today as she did 50 years ago.  now that’s a lesson in following trends if ever there was one.

okay, now that that’s out of my system, i’m curious – what do you all think about the spring pant trends?  am i the only one that can hardly wait for fall?