All-American

With it being Memorial Day I felt it was only appropriate to highlight a patriotic spirit in this morning's blog.  With the cookouts and sales going on (don't forget about ours) it's easy to look past the real meaning of today.  So why not show your support through your style!

All-American style is incredibly easy to pull off with just red, white, and blue, but to avoid looking like a walking flag I wouldn't recommend pairing all three together at once. Stripes and star patterns are also acceptable and maybe even throw in a little black for contrast.

Fashion Rx: Your Weekly dose of what to wear!

Well it's Memorial Day Weekend, which means picnics, barbecues, and pool parties.  Outdoor activities do not require dressing to the nines, instead you want to stay cool, comfortable, and chic as you battle the summer heat.

The Cure: Pleasant Picnic Picks

Easy, breezy, loose fitting silk is the way to go.  The lightweight, flowy material will keep you cool, choosing a spirited print will keep you in the fashionista spotlight.  Pair the tank with tailored shorts and flat leather sandals and you are picnic perfection.

SALE!

Memorial Weekend Sale Buy one pair, get a second pair  50% OFF! From Thursday through Monday in both stores,  buy one pair of shoes and receive HALF OFF THE 2ND PAIR!* Sale includes reduced price and clearance shoes!  *Second pair must be equal or lesser value. Sorry, no price adjustments Pick up one of this summer's styles.... Get a  summer staple HALF OFF!      Be sure to also visit our fabulous Fell's Point neighbors Babe  &   Cupcake  Both stores are having awesome deals  this weekend as well!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Sometimes a modern spin on an old classic is just the thing to liven up your wardrobe, which is why I'm loving Rochas take on a peep-toe clog. The suede platform with criss-cross bands and gold tone buckle at the vamp is chic and contemporary. It's the perfect fit and is only $945, ok maybe it's not so perfect.

Rochas, $945

On the other hand Gentle Souls spin on a classic is also pretty cutting edge. With similar styling this chunky heeled wonder will keep your look fresh and fashion forward. At just $209 these may be a perfect fit after all.

Gentle Souls, $209

Classically Cool

Perhaps you're one of those girls who would rather stick to the tried and true than venture out on a ledge with new trends. If so the next few pieces are just what you need to build the perfect summer wardrobe.

1. Striped sweater to quickly throw on for a brisk evening walk on the beach

2. White shorts, what's not to love, they go with everything!

3. Ballet flats, whether neutral or colorful, a go to shoe for everything summer

4. Chambray shirt, pure americana

5. Maxi dress, dressed up or down, ready for any occasion

5. Polo shirt, for a little bit of prepster

6. Hat, great with jeans or a dress

7. White jeans, for the days when shorts just won't work

8. Peasant dress, keep covered from sunrise to sunset

9. Polka dot bikini, it doesn't have to be itsy bitsy to be hot

10. Crochet dress, the open weave keeps you cool and chic

11. White one-piece, the versatility is limitless

12. Striped tank, for when it's not so cool on the beach

13. Embroidered tunic, as a cover-up or on it's own it gives off a laid back vibe of summer!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Sometimes I get so caught up in the sundresses and maxi's of spring and summer that I forget about another super fun and flirty piece, the skirt!  This versatile piece can be mixed and matched to take you from super casual to glam and from the office to a night on the town. Today I'll give you something tame to start with and see where your imagination takes you.

The Cure: Skirt Smarts

This simple paper-bag skirt is paired with a striped sequined cami, neutral blazer, envelope clutch and pumps, perfect for the office.  When you're ready to hit up happy hour, lose the blazer and trade out the pumps for something strappy and sexy, maybe pile on a few accessories to glam it up and you're good to go!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Are you looking for something fun and funky to add to your summer wardrobe? A statement sandal perhaps?  Opening Ceremony has a pair of platforms that are sure to turn some heads.  This suede, peep-toe sandal with cut-out details, adjustable slingback, and two toned platform prove to be more than just fun and funky and unfortunately they may prove to be too much for your budget.  A pair of these will run you $615.

Opening Ceremony, $615

Not to worry, I have a pair to fill the fun and funky void in your closet without leaving a void in your wallet.  The "Twiggy" by Madeline is a similar sandal with peep-toe, adjustable slingback, and colorful platform guaranteed to get you noticed. At just $69 you will surely strut your stuff down the street!

Madeline, $69

Time to vote!

Please vote for Poppy and Stella in Baltimore Magazine's Best of Poll!

Flower Power

So maybe you aren't the type of girl who goes for the dainty, girly, floral print; you're more of a standout, you like bold pattern and color.  You might change your mind about florals once I fill you in on a hot spring trend!  Bold florals are storming the runway, according to InStyle,

These prints "are a far cry from romantic, these standout prints can punch up your most basic outfit.  They may be inspired by nature, but their graphic allure makes them city-friendly. Some are even nightclub-worthy"

Sound like this is more your speed? To effortlessly pull these prints off look for streamlined shapes and pair the print with something clean.  Make sure you keep the colors vibrant and add as little or as much floral to the look as you like!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

So the weather is getting warmer and you are looking to bear more skin, but that's not always work appropriate.  What's a girl to do?

The Cure: The short and short of it...

So I'm going to offer a suggestion and I just want you to keep an open mind.  Have you ever considered a work short? A bit longer than a short short and a bit shorter than a bermuda short and much more tailored than both, this item is totally office A-okay and incredibly versatile.  I've chosen a nautical like look with a scoop neck striped top and a fab pair of heeled sandals, but you could pair with a camisole and blazer, or a more tailored blouse, or...well the possibilities are endless. So go ahead a show some skin in a safe and stylish way!

Mother's Day Sale

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Spotted: Carrie Underwood wearing a fab pair of laser cut wedges with skinny jeans and sparkly top.  Now while I don't know what brand she's wearing, I'd hazard to guess they're pretty pricey, but good news for you, we have a pair that looks oh so similar.

This look can be yours with our Tamara from Miz Mooz! The peep toe wedge with patterned cut-outs and stitching is the perfect way to add a little edge to your ensemble.  Pick up a pair for only $124!

Miz Mooz, $124

Parisian Chic

It's hard to ignore the timeless je ne sais quoi of the self assured French woman.  Her look is consistently effortless and put together and yet seems so elusive. But, you too, can pull of Parisian Chic with ease.

Based on basic pieces from the perfect jean, the cashmere sweater, the trench, and of course the little black dress, parisians keep it simple. Accessorizing with flats, a black tote, and complimentary jackets the style evolves for each individual while still maintaining its uncomplicated conviction. It's springtime in Paris and who wouldn't want to emulate that?!?

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

What to wear, what to wear, well that's what I'm here for isn't it?  Do you ever have those days where you feel a little quirky and you want to bring that out through your style? Well that's how I'm feeling today and that's where my inspiration stems from.

The Cure: Off-beat Beautiful

So I decided to combine trends again this week with polka dots, chambray, and colored denim in a preppy meets kooky, whether or not you think it works all has to do with the confidence you carry yourself with. Most everything,  except the jeans, can be considered neutrals so why not add a pop of color!  Adding specific accessories will meld your look with a certain style, which is why I went for pearls and bows.  They up the prep factor.  Sweet and sassy all in one!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

Bold flower prints big this season so why not carry them from your clothes to your shoes! Manolo Blahnik's floral print, linen, peep toe sandal is a great way to incorporate a prominent print in a subtle way.  The only problem is the effect won't be as subtle on your budget, these will run you $775.

Manolo Bhlanik

But of course I have a fabulous alternative for you!  Sam Edelman's Odetta sandal incorporates a bold floral print and a fresh summer shade (yellow) for a pair of seasonally smashing sandals! The added bonus with this pair is a thicker heel allowing for more support and stability in line with style. At $132 these are a steal!

Sam Edelman

It's A Sunshine Day

Yellow is commonly associated with bright happy moods and sunny days and now it's joining the ranks of up and coming colors to wear this summer.  According to this month's InStyle,

"Yellow is a natural attention-getter, the first color that grabs the eye. 'As long as it's vibrant, lemon is great on any skin tone' says Cushnie et Ochs co-founder Carly Cushnie."

Obviously with a color this bright it's enough to be a statement on it's own.  Combine it with gray, blue, white, and violet, and to avoid the "bumblebee effect" add additional tones to black and yellow.  Don't be afraid to bring a little sunshine to everyone's day!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

Have you ever had a wedding to attend that's not quite in the afternoon, and not quite in the evening, and you're stuck with what to wear?  A sundress isn't formal enough but cocktail attire might be too much. So how do you dress for the occasion?

The Cure: Sheath it Simple

I have one of these weddings this weekend and here is my plan for dressing just right.  Start with a dress in a simple silhouette, a sheath is my go to cut.  Black will always work, but because the wedding starts well before dark consider choosing a bold color, just keep it solid.  A great way to dress up a simple look is to load on accessories, contrast colors, choose statement pieces, and of course choose a standout pair of shoes!  By keeping your base piece simple and adding on your bells and whistles you're sure to look just right!

Fantasy Fashion Becomes Reality

I don't know about you but I've got sandals on the brain, especially transitional sandals, which is why I fell in love with Fendi's perforated split band sandal.  The perforated leather and peep toe are the perfect way to introduce your tootsies to the sun's tantalizing rays! What's not perfect is the $815 price.

Fendi, $815

So let me introduce you to Restricted's Spumoni Wedge, the slide on wedge with laser cut perforated upper is the perfect compromise. I will take a wedge over a heel any day of the week during the spring/summer and at just $68 you can buy a pair in each color and not spend anywhere close to those other shoes.

Restricted, $68

Red on Red

Ever have a day where you feel like you want to set the world on fire in a classy, sophisticated way? Sure maybe that's not everyday, but on the days when your confidence is at an all time high consider wearing head to toe red.

Lucky magazine has a few tips for pulling this look of right:

" Stick with floaty pieces and softly tailored silhouettes, show some skin (pants should be worn with 3/4 length to sleeveless blouses) and mix it up, go ahead and wear orange reds with blue reds"

If you want to break up the red in your outfit, accessorize with a red bag or red shoes.  Neutrals and blacks also work well with the color, so go out and paint the town!

Fashion Rx: Your weekly dose of what to wear!

I'm back! Sorry for the slight hiatus, but even this girl needs a little r&r and time to unplug, which has wonderfully given me my inspiration for this column! How many of you are starting to assemble your summer wardrobe, planning for those many beach trips you plan to take? Do you ever get frustrated with all the time lost between changing in and out of your swimsuit? I want to give you a head start on you poolside to barside wear!

The Cure:

We all know that while on vacation just about anything goes (believe me I've just seen it), but that doesn't mean the oversized tee you throw on over your bathing suit looks cute or flattering, enter the tunic. Normally I might pair a tunic with a pair of skinny jeans and platform pumps, but they really are versatile pieces.  For vacation I'd go with either solid white with texture, or a bright patterned print, throw it on over your swimsuit and you'll find that it may be shorter than you might be comfortable with, but keep it's purpose in mind.  To make your legs look long and lean wear wedges instead of flip flops, the shortness of the tunic paired with the leg lengthening effect of the wedge will give you legs for days and you won't be paying for your drinks when you saunter up to the bar.

Peachy Keen

When women hear the color peach they normally cringe, but the soft concoction of pale orange and a light rose is really quite lovely.  According to InStyle magazine,

" Sweet, fresh, and perfectly ripened, the pretty pastel heralds spring and is far less predictable than classic pink".

Throw away those preconceptions about dreaded peach bridesmaids dresses and consider the following,

"Lovely peach is a natural match for light-as-air dresses and flowing skirts. But try it in structured separates to bring out the hue's sophisticated side."

Pair peach with corals, silvers, champagnes, or lavenders, wear a little or a lot, and enjoy the sweet discovery of a new found favorite.