Red Hot, Orange Crush

The other day my colleague swung by my desk to show off her new lipstick.  It was bold, bright and a very happy shade of orangey-red.  I really liked it.  And in my excitement, which fed off of her excitement, I asked, "Where did you get it from?"  She said, "a little boutique called CVS."  Yea for funny girls!

If you look around orange and red are popping up everywhere: the fresh strawberries, the tart citrus, the tulips sprouting in the neighbor's flowerbeds, and the Spring 2011 runways.

LA Racked: Spring 2011 looks from (l-r): Prada, Vena Cava, Halston. Images via Style.com

For spring there are endless ways to this bright and vibrant hue; it speaks loudly and with confidence and requires an equally glowing smile. 

Red Hot, Orange Crush From L-R: Rouge Pur Couture by Yves St. Laurent; Acne Pearl Skirt at My Theresa; Tangerine Belted Paper Bag Skirt at Asos; Diane Von Furstenberg Gyls Dress at Bloomingdale's; Lenny Deep V Mailot at Barneys; 811 Mid Rise Skinny Jean at J Brand; Le Prairies le Paris Silk Crepe Blouse at La Garconne; Juicy Couture Fernanda at Zappos Couture; Kate Spade New York Straw Fedora at Zappos; Kenneth  Cole Reaction Slip Around at Zappos; Beaded Bracelet at Forever 21

So how to wear red/orange in real life...  

• Be confident in the shape of what you're wearing, the silhouette will make a huge difference. 
• Start with something small and work into larger statements.  In makeup maybe test nails before lipstick, in fashion shoes before a sheath
• Find the right shade for your shade, and find complimenting shades to pair it with
• Look to nature for inspiration, this is a color that if you're looking for it you'll find everywhere.
• Be happy - these are HAPPY colors!
  

Daily Batch Red Hot, Orange Crush Color Board

It Won't be Cold Forever, Spring Will Come

Say what you will about the traffic, the economy, the politics; Florida is a special kind of place, it is sunny, fresh, embraces rhinestones and diamonds for daytime, has a lot of love, and takes pride in its sunshiney-ness with streets named after flowers, fruits and tropical birds like Flamingo Road and Orange Drive.  

Hollywood Beach

As I mentioned I spent the weekend at home visiting my parents.  I flew in Friday evening and had dinner with my parents at home.  Saturday morning I went for a training run for my upcoming race (it's 3 days away!), and then I spent lunch with my dad's parents for lunch and a baking lesson, recipe coming soon.  

Lunch at Nanny and Poppy's

On Sunday I went to my mom's favorite place, the beach.

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach

I haven't been in 80+ degree weather in quite some time, and I haven't been to the beach since Thanksgiving.  It was a good reminder of what is to come.  So, my friends in cold locations, please know it won't be cold forever, the rain will stop, you'll be able to put your coats, scarves, and wellies away.

The sun will come out soon, and it will be beautiful.

And when it does, please don't forget your sunscreen.

Bright, Left: Bright Shoes Make a Statement in Spring

Carrie, Dorothy and Carly all have an affinity for bright colored shoes.  Carrie's pair went down the aisle, Dorothy's went down the yellow brick road and my pair went everywhere.

Yellow Slingbacks via J. Crew, Photo 1313blog.com

For spring I am seeing a variety of bold and bright colorblocked shoes, let's look at the favorites presented in order of boldness!

There are not for the faint of heart, they are wild, and will definitely turn heads.  Luckily, they are also under $100, so if you're ever in the mood for a wow statement making shoe, that will only be worn a few times, let me introduce you to Jessica Simpson.

Vadio by Jessica Simpson at Macy's

I spotted these yesterday and I was in love.  They have a tropical feel to them, a la Miami Vice, and I really appreciate the sturdiness of the heel.  If you're wearing shoes like these you need to be able to walk, dance and show them off without breaking an ankle.

Wide Heeled Satin Sandal at Zara

These shoes by Nine West caught my eye in an ad in Glamour while killing time in CVS - with all of that sensory overload they still stood out.  I again like the sturdy heel, thick straps and what looks like soft leather in sweet, fun colors.  Do these colors remind anyone else of a belini, mimosa or margarita?  No?  Just me?  Moving on...

Stylin at Nine West

I have been admiring this pair for a little while now.  These are so simple.  A short heel, a black patent leather t-strap.  Oh, but what is that?  Peeking out in the back?  Hot PINK!  These are perfect with the season's maxi dresses and skirts and a fabulous pedicure.

Dacia by Dolce Vita at Bloomingdale's

Spring is looking fabulously bright!  Have a wonderful, fashionable weekend!

Denim Days in a Variety of Ways

Denim is perhaps the most ubiquitous part of the American wardrobe; Marilyn and Jackie both wore denim, and today the style that the president wears gets attention and critique.  Denim also played a major role on the Spring 2011 runways, with a heavy influence from the 1970's.

Elie Tahari Spring 2011 via Harper's Bazaar

While denim is truly seasonless I am excited by the crop of fun ways to wear it into Spring and Summer.  Here are my top picks.

Denim Tops From L - R: Asos Pleated Trim and Ruffle Blouse; A.P.C. Denim Shirt at Net-A-Porter; Levi's Jean Jacket at Macy's

Denim Bottom from L - R: Notify Opium High Rise at Net-A-Porter; J Brand Love Story at Bloomingdale's; Paige Denim Skyline Ankle Jean; Tibi Denim Skirt at ShopBop

Denim Dresses from L - R: River Island Print Dress at Asos; Marc by Marc Jacobs Denim Dress at Net-A-Porter; Ella Moss Prima Donna Dress

Denim Accessories L - R: Blu Bijoux Pyramid Earring at Max & Chloe; Christian Lounboutin Pigalle Studded Pump at Net-A-Porter; Matt & Nat Santogold Denim Purse at RevolveClothing; Viktor & Rolf Ballet Flats at Yoox; Kate Spade Nylon Maryann

Dress for Success (for Less)

You probably know by now that I looove spring/summer.  I love warm weather, flip flops, big hair and sunglasses (yes Summer means big hair for me).  But, then I stumble a little bit.  You see, I am not really, truly a dress girl...

I love looking at dresses; gowns, cocktail dresses and sweet sundresses, but, I don't really own too many.  I am a jeans girl.  In DC, and frankly in most places during the heat of summer, skinny jeans can be well stifling.  

So, here were the rules: fun dresses that could be worn to brunch, a game, dinner, or just out and about, nothing black and nothing over $100.  

Fashion tip: when exploring a fashion category or color you're less than confident about, start slow and inexpensive.

More ECI...

See Row 1 for work; row 2 for social hour; row 3 for running around.

Okay Spring, I'm ready - where are you?

Buttoned Up

Two rules I subscribe too: if you can wear shorts, wear them, and it's either legs or bust, but never both.  That second rule I actually borrowed from Victoria Beckham - thank you.

In any case for this spring, which I am desperately waiting for, in addition to wide leg and flare jeans and peasant tops, I like the pulled together sophisticated look of a tailored short (no rips, no fading) and a chiffon, silk, sheer button down blouse.

Here are the favorites du jour...

Clean, breathable, polished... Also a sign that I have lived in DC for a long time.  Please know that I will keep it real and not wear this ensemble with Tory Burch flats (though, they are great), but probably with a sky high wedge.  Thank you, very much!

Loving the Rockies

In any mountain town, or Disney gift shop, you'll be likely to find barrels of "gem stones".  My sister and I collected them, I think with the intention of using them for something really fabulous.

Now I wish I had them.  For early spring, I am really loving the look of rough cut, jagged stones on Jewelry.  

I have seen a few examples in boutiques around town, and for a celebrity comparison Cameron Diaz in 2007 really comes to mind. 

via FabSugar.com

 

More Ettinger UK...

As Ms. Diaz illustrates the bold, oversized and natural stones add a playful sensibility to even the most dramatic gown.  They have a unique and interesting sparkle that seems more unique and less fussy.  Besides, with a good tan these pieces are a stunner.  

Warm weather, where are you?