Trends: Asymmetry, Yes or No?

I already have my answer...yes! I love anything different when it comes to my clothes. I am loving the current trend of asymmetrical hems on skirts, tunics and dresses. Throwing on one of these high low tunics is an easy way to be chic without putting forth much effort. As a busy mom of two, sometimes I just have to throw on anything so I can get out of the house quickly. I definitely love this trend. What are your thoughts?

ASOS Midi Summer Dress: $50.13
Sheer Trim Tunic: $40
Hi Low Color Block Dress: $148

Retro Swimwear

Retro-inspired swimsuits are back...and none too soon! Swimsuits have gotten increasingly smaller and smaller over the past couple of years. I've seen enough skin hanging out of bikini tops and bottoms to last me a lifetime, thank you very much. It is so nice to see these cute, retro-inspired swimsuits!

Swimwear from left:

Bathing Beauty One Piece in Cherry Pie - ModCloth, $89.99

Wide-Stripe Bandeau Swing Top - J.Crew, $65.00

Merona Womens One Shoulder Shirred One Piece - $34.99

Fun Fact: My mom's first barbie doll sported a strapless one piece just like the one in the center! 

Jason Wu for Target

In case you haven't heard, Jason Wu for Target will debut on February 5, 2012. The collection is full of classic silhouettes, prints and bold stripes. These are pieces that you can keep in your wardrobe for years to come. Definitely nothing too trendy or 'out there.' Prices range from $20 to $60 making it quite affordable.

If you recall, the collection by Missoni that made its debut in September, sold out in most stores and online in only one day. So if you are interested in getting your hands on any of the items in Wu's collection, better do it quickly!

Jason Wu for Target
Image: nymag.com

Jason Wu for Target
Image: nymag.com

Click any of the above links to view the entire collection!

A Splash of Color

It isn't too early to start thinking about your spring wardrobe. It is actually 70 degrees today as I write this! No wonder I am excited about spring!

Maybe you have seen the numerous color inspired pieces in shops and aren't quite sure how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. A really easy way to start is by using white as your canvas. Take a white button up shirt and white skinny jeans and add color (more or less depending on how brave you are) to jazz it up. You don't need everything to match! Wear electric blue heels, a yellow belt and red jewelry. Or if you want to keep it low key, wear just a belt and maybe some bright nail polish. The possibilities are endless.

Sunglasses - Tobi, $12
Indigo Blazer - Piperlime, $79
Red Blazer - Piperlime, $89
Essie Polish - Ulta, $8
Yellow Suede Pump - ASOS, $98.48
Two Tone Flats - ASOS, $98.48
Blue Suede Pump - ASOS, $98.48
Yellow Suede Wedge - Tobi, $48
Pink Skinny Belt - ASOS, $10.74
Yellow Skinny Belt - ASOS, $10.74
Orange Skinny Belt - ASOS, $10.74
Suede Envelope Clutch - ASOS, $62.67
Fringe Suede Bag - Tobi, $58
Orange Dome Bangle - Topshop, $10
White Blouse - Tobi, $37
White Skinny Jean - Banana Republic, $89.50

Winter Vacation...Beach Bound!

It's January and we still have a few winter months ahead of us. Maybe you have a beach trip planned to escape the cold. Of course if you live in Louisiana as I do, you don't really experience a true winter. Forget that Louisiana has crazy weather. Everyone is ALWAYS in need of a little trip away from home. Here is a beach cover up look that I put together:

I like the idea of mixing the charm bracelet with the bangles. It adds a little something to otherwise ordinary bangle bracelets. Also, use the scarf in a creative way. Tie it around your head like a turban. It will help keep  hair in place on a windy day at the beach. Here is a link that will show you several different ways to tie a scarf around your head.


Ring - Target, $6.98
Cover Up - Marc by Marc Jacobs, $186.00
Hoop Earrings - Target, $19.99
Double Rope Necklace - Gorjana, $50.00
Lovebird Charm Bracelet - Gorjana, $35.00
Delicate Bangles - Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $68.00
Archer Sandal - DV by Dolce Vita, $69.00
Scarf - Target, $14.99
Farmer's Market Tote - J. Crew, $45.00

Wristlets

I am liking wristlets more and more as an alternative to a handbag when I am going out. When my husband and I go to dinner, I seldom bring a handbag anymore because I really don't need to bring that much with me. All you really need is your I.D. and some lip gloss. These wristlets are perfect for date nights! (Or if you want to simplify for any occasion). 

Clockwise from top:

Small Logo Wristlet - MICHAEL by Michael Kors - $68.00

Poppy Liquid Gloss Small Wristlet - Coach - $48.00

Glitzy Wristlet - Betsey Johnson - $60.99 (regularly $68.00)

Continental Color Block Wristlet - Juicy Couture - $118.00

Portofino Large Slim Wristlet - Dooney & Bourke - $85.00

Chain Envelope Wristlet - Express - $29.90

Gotta love some studs!

Who doesn't love a stud or two? Oh, you thought I meant STUDS?! Nope, just the earrings! Stud earrings are a great way to accessorize if you want something simple. They are perfect for those of you with kids (trust me, wearing hoops or anything else hanging from the ears with children is just not a good idea). Stud earrings are also great for the gym. You can work out without worrying about your jewelry getting in the way.
Left to right from top:

ASOS Stud Earring with Enamel - $7.27 (regularly $14.54)

Modern Violet Faceted Stud Earring - $18.99 (regularly $24.00)

Hematite Pave Fireball Stud Earring - $18.00

Chloe Stud Earring - $35.00

ASOS Triangle Stud Earrings - $14.54

Swirl Stud Earrings - $15.00

Triangle Stud Earrings - $8.00

Wavy Plate Studs - $20.00

ASOS Square Enamel Post Earrings - $10.91

Anchors Away Mini Stud Earrings - $48.00

Miss Marc Stud Earrings - $38.00

Skull Stud Earrings - $15.00

Sequins!!!

Who doesn't love sequins? Especially in black. I know I sure do! (See previous post for my New Year's Eve outfit). Sequins can dress up your look without putting forth much effort. Sequins are so popular that they have even made their way into home decor!

Blazer - The Buckle, $59.50

Wrap dress - ASOS, $99.99

Michael Kors bag in gunmetal - $398.00

Bow tie - Target, $17.99 (regularly $19.99)

Mini skirt - ASOS, $45.45

Pillow - Target, $19.99

Curtain - Target, $20.99

New Year's Eve

My New Year's Eve outfit. I wasn't in the mood for a dress last night so I decided on these sequin shorts. I kept the jewelry minimal. When wearing sequins, you don't want too many other 'bling' items to compete with the sequins. I honestly wanted to wear my hair up but was just too lazy to put it up!