APPAREL

MIRELA: I live in an apartment in Manhattan, which means I have to be something of a Houdini when it comes to organizing my closet. Now that we are finally seeing the first signs that spring is about to make a reappearance in our lives, I have to think about taking my clothes out for the season. As I have taken advantage of a lot of the great sample sales we publish every day, I have a lot of new stuff as well. How can I use what I have in my closet, plus the new clothes I have bought, to create a look book for myself? Where should I start? What are the key factors – my age, body type, profession, lifestyle?

TRINITY ROSE: This is a great question, and this is exactly why people hire me. Of course it’s really a question I could answer best when working with you in person, by coming in to work with you, by going through your closet and having you fill out my questionnaire and intake form. The way I work is very visual and personally tailored to the individual and is not about following trends per say. This is why people get such good results when working with me.

What I can tell you without working with you in person is that when you pack up your winter wardrobe it’s really important to donate any items that are worn out or that don’t fit right; it’s important to cleanse! Also, Wearable Collections has a great, super-easy and free clothing pick-up program that I highly recommend. Secondly, when organizing your spring wardrobe make sure you pick a color palate and that each piece coincides with and compliments the others – each piece purchased should be able to go with at least four or five other items. Get the idea? Also, use basics as your staples and then use key style pieces and accessories to add that extra punch and flair.

When going for trend pieces make sure that they are actually flattering to your body type. Never wear a piece just because it is in trend! Always choose pieces that are right for what you want to express and that are flattering to your body type. For example, the maxi dress is one of my favorite spring trends. However this can be tricky for someone who is really petite. Also any one who is on the curvy side should choose a maxi dress that has small even patterns nothing with big, bold, wide or sporadic prints. Also, if you are wearing more than one trend item make sure that they blend. There’s nothing more saddening to me than a girl walking around wearing a bunch of unflattering trends that don’t go together. This happens quite often and screams that you are trying too hard. Straw accessories however are a spring trend that will work on pretty much everyone. It’s just a matter of choosing the pieces that are right for you and then rocking them!

By Mirela Gluck

It’s time to say buh-bye to Winter and hello to Spring! The best thing about Spring’s arrival is all the fabulous shopping. Before you go on your Spring shopping excursion make sure to read this list of our five Spring must haves.

A Burberry Trench Coat Spring is a very fickle time of the year and you can never predict when the next Spring shower will come. So it’s important to be prepared while staying stylish and a perfectly fitting Burberry Trench coat will do the trick. You can wear a Burberry trench coat with everything from your favorite skinny jeans to your cocktail dress. It’s one of those fashion staples you’ll always have in your closet. Don’t forget to top it off with a cute umbrella.

Nude Patent Pumps Nothing kills an outfit more than the wrong pair of shoes. This season’s clothes come in a wide array of nudes, pinks and girly lilacs. It would be a fashion no-no to pair these delicate colors with harsh black shoes so make sure to invest in a great pair of nude heels which will go with all colors of the rainbow. You can’t go wrong with a great pair of patent nude pumps, Michael Kors makes a great pair and they look extremely chic while being extremely affordable!

Bright Handbag A bright Handbag in a punchy Hue will brighten up your whole look. Go for a color you wear often. For instance, if you like pink like we do, opt for a cute pink patent leather handbag to add a splash of color. Bright colors are definitely a hot trend for Spring and adding a bright colored handbag is the easiest way to get in on the trend. We like this one from Kate Spade‘s Spring collection.

New Shades Every fashionista needs a great pair of sunglasses. Designer sunglasses come in all shapes and sizes and it’s important to find a pair that looks best with your bone structure and face shape. The sales reps at the glasses stores are trained to help you find the best fit for your face shape so don’t be shy to ask them for help. You can also just try on pairs until you find your match! We suggest a great pair of oversize Chanel sunglasses, they never go out of style!

A Little White Dress White is the color of the season and there is no better way to show off your tan than in a little white dress. Look for a sheath style dress that is versatile and can take you format he office to a poolside party. You can dress up your little white dress with your bright handbag and bright heels! It’s the perfect blank canvas for color!

Millissa Mathai

Fall 2011 catwalks were filled with fabulous fashion that simply wowed the crowds. New York designers have really stepped up their game and delivered the best fashion has to offer for Fall! Be prepared to indulge yourself in gorgeous furs, striking red coats and menswear inspired tuxedo blazers come fall. Here is your cheat-sheet to fall’s hottest trends.

Menswear Inspired Pieces Menswear was everywhere at New York Fashion Week, but the designer who takes the cake on this haute trend is Jason Wu. Wu’s perfectly tailored cigarette pants and tuxedo jackets stole the show. The young designer was able to seamlessly blend delicate femininity with classic men’s silhouettes. To get in on the trend try adding a luxe blazer to your wardrobe and also invest in a pair of black cigarette pants which you can wear with everything from a white button down shirt to a glamourous party top Editor’s Pick: Jason Wu Fall 2011

Mix ‘n’ match Mixing and matching prints is definitely one of fall 2011’s hottest trends. Preen’s Fall 2011 collection shows mixing and matching prints done to perfection. To do this look right, stick with the same color family and make sure each piece has a little bit of one color. Editor’s Pick: Preen Fall 2011

The Cloak The Cloak will be a must have fashion staple for Fall 2011 designers from Rag & Bone to Derek Lam had their own take on the trend. It’s a great way to stay warm while looking put together. Look for a cloak in a dark shade with embellishments for a luxurious look. Editor’s pick: Rag & Bone Cloak

A Touch of Fur Fur was shown on many New York runways and whether you choose to wear faux fur or real fur this trend will add a touch of glamour to your outfit. Carolina Herrera showcased fabulous cashmere sweaters with fur trimmings in her collection. You can also buy a fur collar and wear it with everything from a turtleneck sweater to a little black dress. For a more dramatic look try a full length fur coat like the many seen on the catwalks of Michael Kors and Chado Ralph Rucci. Editor’s Pick: Elie Tahari Fur Collar

Longer Hem-Lines You’ll probably be eager to put away all your mini skirts after you see the beautiful new long skirts form New York designers. Prabul Gurung’s collection showcased beautiful dresses, skirts and pants which swept the floor. The best way to incorporate this trend this trend into your wardrobe is to pair a top and a floor length skirt or wide-leg pants in the same color.This look works best on tall and slim physiques. Editor’s Pick: Prabal Gurang Pink Evening Dress FW11

Lady In Red Brighten up winter’s mellow tones with a splash of red! The bright color will be a great compliment to Fall 2011’s sea of neutrals. Try a red coat or a red dress paired with a camel coat. Other colors that were popular for fall include emerald green hues and honeysuckle pink. Editor’s Pick: Victoria Beckham Red Coat Fall 2011

Millissa Mathai

Already heard? Knitwear is the next big thing! Chunky knitted capes, cardigans and sweaters are the stars this spring. So say goodbye to in-between-season jackets and hello to the new knits! Hot tip: Go for casual styling with slim jeans, a plain top and flat boots to get this Cameron Diaz’ on-trend look!

Pure White Long Tank-Top By Malene Birger Stylish long top in white cotton, soft and comfortable quality. A classic combination basic, can be worn as tank top underneath or solo, with moderate broad straps, feminine crew neck in slim and figure hugging cut, waist fitted, mini dress length. Pair with tube jeans, leather leggings, pencil skirts. Was $75.00, Now $45.00

Tempted Skinny Leg Jeans by Citizens of Humanity Stylish jeans leggings in dark blue stretch denim. Classic 5-pocket cut. Tight tube cut, as comfy as tights. Style with a glamorous tunic, rocky biker jacket or elegant cashmere sweater Price $215.00

Burnt Brown Shannon Vent Boots by Belstaff Luxurious boots in cognac-colored antique leather, hip biker meets ridingboot look. Round toe, wide knee-high shaft, slim straps, typical Belstaff, flat heel.Comfortable, robust, stylish, ideal with tube jeans, jeans mini, shift dresses, tunic dresses. Price $725.00

Antique Oro Bow Wow Wow Anabella Necklace Gold necklace with coral heart pendants from the desired limited edition by Juicy Couture. Pendant with rhinestones and bow, small logo tags and robust closure. Girlish costume jewelry, works with blouses, V-neck sweaters and shirts, adjustable length. Price $125.00