FASHION

So we know Rhianna and Lady Gaga dualhandedly raised the sale of lingerie like a million percent, and this spring our recent investments will be well worth it since it’s, once again, time to flip our underwear to our outerwear. Fashion devotees watched in awe last spring as designers joined Dolce & Gabanna and Jean Paul Gaultier trending exposure. Models in loose tops and sheer shirts showed off their brassierers, and in our humblest of opinions, they looked quite fabulous.

Antonio Berardi paired a nude corset, covered on the bosoms, but sheer in the tummy with a cream neutral skirt suit. Christian Dior used the look for evening pairing a long red stain skirt with a maroon, sporty looking bra and a short sleeved, neck tied sheer red blouse. Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi used more feminine, lacey bras under sheer button up shirts paired with pants. The message: pair sheer tops with a more conservative bottom – long skirts, pants or knee length skirts to offset the reveal. The look takes an edgier tone when paired with black booties, thigh high stockings or leather and a softer look with neutral colors and girlish detail.

Some lingerie designers that make the transition easy – The Lake and Stars (pictured above), Agent Provocateur, and Biatta. Short on cash? Pick up styles with a little less detail at your neighborhood American Apparel or H&M.

Emma Dinzebach

Not just for strippers, your pole dancing class, your Jersey Shore party, platforms are the shoe for Spring. Now don’t be scared. Platforms are proven more comfortable than traditional stiletto styles, and this spring, you have your choices of styles alright. From open-toed booties to neon accents, there are enough platform styles to make your head spin.

Get used to that height because Spring’s platforms go from day to night. Light suede earth-tone booties look great with destructed skinny jeans and patent leather platforms add edge to colorful spring dresses as well as smartly compliment your go to little black dress. They buckle, they lace, they shimmer, they shine and as long as they’re a four or more inches, they’re the platformula to get you high all Spring.

  
Emma Dinzebach

Line averse shoppers need to get thee to the last day of the Hermes sample sale. The avenue-long lines have now disappeared along with their supply of H-logo enamel bracelets and heels but a few gems remain. I had a relatively short wait (no worse than a checkout line at Trader Joe’s) to get into the sale. Though the sales girls told me those much coveted H-logo bracelets had long gone, there was still a small supply of floral and ivy printed bangles ($267 small, $297 medium, $306 large). The small leather goods section was filled with lock and key diaries for $705 (a less expensive journal sits in the back for $35 though it sports a flimsy plastic cover stamped with a Hermes logo). The shoe section mainly consisted a table filled with unwanted boots ($800) covered at the calves with curly fur and bare shelves dotted with oxford heels and geometric cut out sandals. (Please someone with size 39 feet take these gorgeous brown oxfords marked down from $10000 to $400.) Though be sure to get there early. As I exited, those in line around 5pm were told by the staff that they might not get inside even though it officially closed at 6pm.

You might not remember the last time you stepped foot inside the Gap, but this Spring, you just might have a reason to visit one because khak is back. Before you sprint for your ten-year-old chinos, let us offer some pointers and guidelines. A) Under no circumstances are khakis to be worn together – khaki on khaki -unless you are actually on a safari. B) No camouflage. And avoid those faded greens and browns. Not only are they not true khaki, but they look frumpy and worn.

Runways are flooded with classic khaki trenches, military-inspired jackets and utilitarian blazers with feminine detail and sheen. Opt for styles with a little flare – large collars, cropped cuts, stylish sleeves and flattering fits. Theory and J.Crew are go to’s for this season’s khak attack, but trendier shops like Top Shop and Still on a budget, then go ahead and hit up the Gap for a khaki boyfriend blazer. Pair it with your floral print Top Shop shorts or your favorite pair of destroyed denim. For a more smooth look, try a shiner khaki like the BCBG blazer shown here. The collar detailing and gathered waist provides the traditionally masculine material a feminine touch. And by all means, make it your own.

Emma Dinzebach