It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas: Evergreen Polish

Today, I’m seeing emerald… on my nails.  Evergreen by Icing is such a festive polish for the holidays and a welcomed breath of fresh pine-filled air.  Different from the regular reds often seen at this time of year, this sparkly emerald also happens to be Pantone’s 2013 Color of the Year.  What do you think of this holiday look?

Slightly Obsessed?

So apparently I’m slightly obsessed with non-blue jeans…  Do you remember life before colored jeans?  The choices in casual pants were so boring!  Blue jeans, jeans with holes, skinny jeans, more jeans and the occasional pair of khakis… the options were limited.  But a couple years ago, jeans in red, cobalt, green and other colors of the rainbow burst onto the fashion scene.  I first acquired pairs in coral and purple last December.  I debated investing in more colors because I wasn’t sure if this was a passing fad or if they were here to stay.  That spring the options flourished and today, colored jeans are still going strong.  Nearly every store carries multiple colors and they’re continually featured in fashion magazines.  But I'm sure I don’t have to tell YOU that!

So now that colored jeans have joined the arsenal of casual pants, I may have developed a small obsession.  They’re just so fun and such a refreshing change of pace!  My latest pairs are in pale rose and, my first patterned jeans, a floral print on mint from Charlotte Russe.  See below for tips on how to wear non-blue jeans and how I plan to wear mine!



How to wear colored jeans:

• Pair them with neutrals or very pale shades of coordinating colors


• Play with textures - soft knits, sequins, suede...


• Accessorize with a coordinating color


• Wear the right shoe.  Flats, pumps and booties work best.

1. Sequin Striped V-Neck Top from New York and Company $39.95
2. Refuge Colored Skin Tight Legging from Charlotte Russe, $29.99
3. Neon Stone Multi Chain Necklace from Express, $44.90
4. Sunshine Laced Clutch from lovecortnie on Etsy.com, $50
5. Gaunt Boot from Aldo, $110

1. Zipper Pouch from The Limited $29.90
2. Hot Kiss Floral Skinny Jean from Charlotte Russe $32.99
3. Winter Kate Pushpa Blouse $299
4. Michael Antonio Love Me suede Pump $29.95

I Prefer "Bordeaux"

After spotting it on numerous runways and subsequent street style blogs, the fashion authorities have dubbed “oxblood” the color of the season.  This deep shade of red, along with its several variations, is perfect for this time of year!

As a wine lover (not connoisseur –  I usually enjoy anything as long as it’s made of fermented fruits), I prefer to call it “Bordeaux.”  Making a statement with red is nothing new, but this season bordeaux is rich and infused with romance, royalty and rock.  Thankfully, this dramatic color is super easy to wear with neutrals you might already have in your closet and leopard print.  To add a little more drama, select Bordeaux pieces in leather, velvet or other luxe textures.

When I paint the town... bordeaux, I pair my velvet-like burgundy skinny pants with a sleeve-less black top, camel faux leather jacket, leopard print heels and gold jewelry.  While I'm keeping it casual I wear the same pants with an ivory 3/4 length sleeve sweater, a beige sweater vest with fur trim and leopard print smoking slippers.

Here's some more Bordeaux Fashionspiration



1. Blake Lively in Gucci, photo courtesy of Getty Images
2. The Duchess Kate Middleton in Paula Ka, photo courtesy of Styleite.com
3. Olivia Palermo carrying a Miss Dior bag, photo source unknown
4. Rosie Huntington Whitely, photo courtesy of INFdaily.com
5. Street style, photo courtesy of jemaigrirai.tumblr.com
6. Aminta Iriarte in H&M jacket, photo courtesy of her blog clothesandfashion.net and Beto Ramos
7. Kate Bosworth, photo courtesy of Getty Images

Here's where to Shop Bordeaux



1. The Limited Faux Leather Drop Waist Sheath, $98
2. Banana Republic Leather Bow Bracelet, $25
3. Krisp Strapless Peplum Dress with Studded Bust from USTrendy $40.30
4. Express Stella Colored Jean Legging, $79.90
5. Banana Republic Quilted Faux Leather Bag $59.50
6. H&M Leather Skirt, $129
7. Evie WP Platform Bootie from Bakers, $120
8. The Limited Faux Leather Blazer, $118
9. Hailey by Adrianna Papell Lace Back-Zip Dress from Dillard’s, $130
10. Estee Lauder Forbidden Apple, $25; Essie Leading Lady, $8; Burgundy & Pink Reverse French Tip by Jamberry Nails, $15; MAC Hang-Up, $15

Polished, Perfect and Pretty, Grâce à Dior and BAZAAR

Polished, perfect and pretty.  That's the idea behind Dior's new "Dressy Nudes" look.  As a newly minted Style Ambassador for Harper's Bazaar I was invited to try the look at Macy's Dior counter.  The results?  Flawless and flirty without appearing too made up.  I especially liked the light feeling, yet full coverage of the Airfinish foundation and the flirty eye makeup.  I would love to own Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Dune and Charnelle and Rouge Dior Nude in Trompe loeil.

While I enjoyed the friendly company of the Dior makeup artist and fellow animal lover, I wish I learned more about the "Dressy Nudes" look.  I brought home the useful pamphlet and took the fun quiz to see if my personality should try the Feminine, Sensuous, Elegant or Divine look.  I was a little of all...

As a BAZAAR Style Ambassador, I have joined "a niche nationwide network of the most influential, well-connected and chic readers chosen to represent the BAZAAR brand." Simply put, this means I get the opportunity to try new products, attend exclusive events and win fabulous prizes! All in the name of fashion.

Follow the category BAZAAR Style Ambassador to stay up to date on my stylish adventures!

An Emmy-Inspired Fashion Forecast

Who doesn't enjoy gaping at the fashion on the red carpet?  After watching every award show, I look forward to the next day when I click through all the pictures I can find from the event.  But unfortunately, while I try to keep a little glam in my life, there is no red carpet in my near future.  So why do I so spend too much time researching the evening gowns, glittering jewels, teeny clutches and high heels?  To dream!  To be prepared just in case my next red carpet moment arrives!  And to find hints of trends to come that I can adapt to my lifestyle.  Celebrities and their stylists are ahead of the trend curve, like psychic fashion tellers.  So I take cues from them to see what exciting direction fashion is headed and, if I like it, how I can incorporate it into my wardrobe.  So what's the prediction from the 2012 Emmy Awards?

Winter White

The "greige" dress Brook Burke Charvet wore from Tony Ward Couture hints at the variations of white to wear after Labor Day.  Yes, it's OK to wear white after the end of summer.  In fact, wear it from top to bottom and don't be afraid to pair it with black shoes.

Brooke's mermaid-cut, tulle evening gown is embroidered with Swarovski crystals.  The curved lines of Macramé enhance her hourglass shape, similar to the body-conscious dresses made revered by Stella McCartney.
Photo courtesy of Getty

Take inspiration from:

Derek Lam, Cushnie et Ochs, Reed Krakoff

Dennis Basso, J. Mendel, Valentino

Black & White



The combination of black & white is always chic and classic and here, Jessica Pare is too.  I adore this entire look, from her white Jason Wu dress and black accessories to her short, dark hair and red lips.  Lately, B&W has graced several runways.  Lucky for you, your wardrobe probably already includes pieces to create this combo.  Instead of the basic white top and black bottom pairing, try all white with black accessories like Jessica or black & white stripes, which appeared in many spring collections.
Photo courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image

Take inspiration from:

Marc Jacobs, Christian Siriano, St. John

Orange



Orange, from burnt orange to bright orange to red-orange, is one of The Colors of the season!  Padma Lakshmi and Ginnifer Goodwin both glow in Monique Lhuillier numbers.  The normally neglected color that's hot for fall is easy to wear because it looks great with jeans and brown leather, plus it warms most skintones.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:



Preen, Stella McCartney, Rebecca MinkoffCarolina Herrera, Zac Posen, 10 Crosby Derek Lam

Chartreuse

Julie Bowen and Julianne Moore, who were absolutely radiant at the Emmy Awards, introduces the other color of the season - chartreuse.  Julie is wearing Monique Lhuillier and Julianne is in Christian Dior.  This color is a little trickier then the all-flattering orange.  If it makes you look off, try a hue that's more yellow or green, brighter or duller.  With the right chartreuse for your coloring, as you can see above, it can look brilliant.  I'd also like to note Julianne's full circle skirt, which, long or short, is still the dress silhouette of the latest trends.
Photos courtesy of Jason Merritt/Wire Image and  Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Lanvin, Vera Wang, Nanette Lepore

Yellow

Now that we have fall's "It" colors, what about spring?  Say "Hello" to yellow!  Hannah Simone in Emilio Pucci and Kelli Garner in Rafael Cennamo both chose yellow dresses for the Emmy Awards, as did many designers for their spring 2013 collections.  Like orange, yellow can be fabulous, but the trick is finding the right shade for your coloring.  When in doubt, ask a friend or trusted salesperson.  You can also try patterns with yellow or yellow accessories, like patent leather pumps or a satchel bag.
Photos courtesy of Getty and Frazer Harrison/Getty

Take inspiration from:

Erin Fetherston, Fendi, Gucci, Michael Kors

Boho



Boho is a type of style, and even lifestyle, that effortlessly outlasts the ever-changing trends.  It may wax and wane, but there will always be girls with natural, wavy hair; long, flowy skirts, macramé and turquoise jewelry.  At the Emmy Awards, that girl was Leslie Mann in Naeem Khan.  This fall, look for distressed skinny jeans to tuck into tall brown suede boots, a (faux) fur vest and exotic patterns.
Photo courtesy of Jon Kopaloff/Film Magic

Take inspiration from:

Versace, Band of Outsiders, Burbery Prorsum, Emilio Pucci

Turquoise/Aqua/Sea Foam



Photos courtesy of Getty and Matt Sayles/Invision/AP

Turquoise, aqua, seafoam, whatever you call it - I LOVE this color.  My mantle is still decorated in shades of teal.  I know, time for fall colors, but it's just so pretty.  This widely beloved color is perfect for spring and will finally be available in a variety of options as the weather warms.  Wear it with neutrals or other pastels.  At the Emmys, Heidi Klum wore an aqua Alexandre Vauthier dress and Julianne Hough was in Georges Hobeika Couture.

Take inspiration from:

Christian Siriano, Oscar de la Renta, Diane von Furstenberg, Kate Spade

Baroque



Tina Fey, Emilia Clarke and Shannon Woodward brought the high drama of Baroque to the Emmys in Vivienne Westwood, Chanel and Gabriela Cadena, respectively.  According to Fashionising.com, one of my favorite fashion resources, Baroque garments mirror the "lavishness of artworks, architecture and plush interior decorations" and are characterized by gilded filagree, embroidery, plush appliques, velvet, leather, heavy brocades and gold. The website's editors suggest wearing Baroque fashion in one of two ways, like a royal or a rock star, and be cautious of the quality of cheaper versions.  Look for more information about this lavish trend in a future post.
Photos courtesy of Kevork Djansezian/Getty, Getty and Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

Take inspiration from:

Marchesa, Dolce & Gabbana, Aquilano Rimondi, Balmain