PLS Picks

Here's a round up of some of my favorite blog posts and articles from the web this week. Enjoy!

This March Madness bracket with a fashion twist over at Fashionista is amazing!

Shoes, shoes and more shoes! Fashion Bomb Daily provides a comprehensive look at spring shoe styles.

Fabsugar's DIY video "How to Make a Checker-Print Bag" is so on trend!

The Style and Beauty Doctor gives an in depth look at MAC's new spring color collections.

Hair can be one of your best accessories. The Cut by New York Magazine highlights some of the best ponytails of all time.

I'm drooling over the Chanel fall collection preview at Purseblog.

The Jet Set Girls showcase some of the best spring cocktails...because spring is coming, we promise!

Shop the Trend: Ear Cuffs under $25

I’m dating myself by saying this, but I remember going to Claire’s Accessory Store in middle and high school and buying ear cuffs regularly. So I’m excited to see that they are back in a big way.  Get ready, because those summer ponytails and top buns are the perfect way to show off your stylish ear cuff(s)!  

Gold Feather, Long Spike, Running Men, Zig Zag, Striped Feather, Crystal Cross, Cuff w/ Hair Comb,  Stone Feather,  Cuff with Hoop,  Fan , Silver Leaf, Crystal Teardrop, Turquoise Teardrop

Check them out on Rihanna, Alicia Keys and Jordin Sparks.

Show your jewelry some TLC!

Recently, I’ve gotten a few questions (and have my own questions) about the proper care of your fashion/costume jewelry. So here are a some suggestions!

What’s the best way to store my jewelry?

• It may sound cliché but store your jewelry in a cool, dry place. Heat and dampness can cause tarnishing and in some cases warping
• If you can, store each piece separately. Jewelry organizers, like the one seen here, and jewelry pouches are great for this. Storing separately also prevents scratching

What’s the best way to care for my jewelry?

• Try to avoid any type of contact with water, oils, creams or other chemicals
• If you jewelry does get wet, make sure to dry it as soon as possible
• If you want to clean the jewelry, depending on the metal, use a gentle jewelry cleaner and a soft toothbrush. My recommendation is to use a baby toothbrush.
• Another good item to use is a soft jewelry buffing cloth
• Find tons of jewelry cleaning items here

How do I get that metal smell out of my jewelry?

• Depending on the metal you can soak it in hot water with vinegar or baking soda, this method should not be used for jewelry that has any type of coating like enamel or paint
• You can use your jewelry cleaning cloth for this as well

While these tips generally work, most costume jewelry will tarnish regardless and sometimes the natural wear and tear will can enhance the look of the jewelry.  Also keep in mind that less expensive jewelry may wear faster. Hopefully this post will help you to keep your jewelry looking fabulous!

Thanks Fashion Bomb Daily!

I am thrilled that I made it on one of my favorite blogs, fashionbombdaily.com,  

as the Fashion Bombshell of the Day! Thanks Claire and Crew!

Spring Picks from Anthropologie

Yesterday, I attended Anthropologie's Spring Fashion Show in Short Hills Mall. It really got me in the mood for spring with flirty florals and bright pops of color. I always love Anthropologie's accessories because they definitely stand out. Here are a few from the spring line, available now. 

Primary Spheres Bib Necklace $48.00

Wear this with a thin off-white t-shirt and your lightest blue jeans or a deep blue sheath dress. 

Twinkle Bloom Earrings $108.00

These will instantly brighten up any outfit. Pair them with a floral dress. 

Hammer Split Brass Cuff $128.00

Wear this with everything, literally.

Glossed D'Orsay Skimmers $118.00

Perfect with rolled up jeans and a sheer blouse.

Korin d'Orsays $148.00

Fun, comfy and neutral = great combo!

Shop the Trend: Ankle Strap Sandals under $100

Believe it or not, summer is right around the corner, which means its time to add to that sandal wardrobe. Start by adding a great pair of ankle strap sandals; one of the hottest trends for spring and summer.  They go with everything from your ripped jeans to your favorite dress. 

Row 1: Mint, Black & White, Purple, Black & Yellow

Row 2: Tan & Cream, Multi-color, Black & Gold, Orange, Tan & Gold

Row 3: Black & White, Red, Metallic, Neon Yellow

Go Green for St. Patrick's Day

I couldn't let St. Patrick's Day pass without posting about some type of green. So I figured green manicures were the way to go! Whether you celebrate the holiday or not, green polish will totally get you through the holiday and beyond. Here are a few of my picks for your mani! Try mixing a darker green with a bright green accent nail to mix it up. 

Top: Orly Glam Monster, China Glaze Running in Circles

Middle: L'Oreal New Money

Bottom: Revlon Posh, Nicole by OPI Mer-maid for Each Other

Pastel Pairing

Spring is (hopefully) right around the corner! Pastel accessories are really hot for the spring, but you don't have to wait until then to start wearing your pieces. Partner them with transitional items like a lightweight leather jacket or blazer and use your current winter colors. Lets get spring going already!

Here are a few suggestions: 

Lilac looks great with grey (Blazer, Cambridge Satchel)

Sky blue is awesome with chocolate brown (Leather Vest, Shoulder Bag)

Petal pink pops with olive (Anorak, Crossbody)

Mint pairs wonderfully with camel (Suede Jacket, Satchel)

Nude vs. Blush: The Great Debate

Lately, when I've been looking at some of my favorite magazines I've noticed that the words "nude" and "blush" are used interchangeably. In my opinion they are different. Yes they can both serve as neutrals and it's definitely possible that blush is a nude tone for some complexions. However, I think everyone should have a pair of nude shoes that match their skin tone. It's a fabulous way to make your legs look endless and they'll go with everything. I also love blush because it puts a feminine, flirty finish on an ensemble. Of course, these are my personal thoughts but take a look and see what you think!

My Shoe Picks from Paris Fashion Week

The shoes on the Paris Fall 2013 Fashion Week runways ranged from everything to lug soles to flatforms to thigh high boots.  But I was able to narrow it down to a few favorites.

Row 1: John Galliano, Emanuel Ungaro, Balmain

Row 2: Paul & Joe, Louis Vuitton, Dries van Noten

Curb Appeal

Last night, I met a lovely lady by the name of Courtney. I loved the way she put her accessories together so I decided to give her a shout out on the blog. Her J. Crew bracelets and drop earrings added the perfect amount of flirty sparkle to her black and taupe dress. And that bow ring she found at a flea market is too cute! I also should mention she owned her mini photoshoot! Thanks Courtney!

Shop the Trend: Minty Fresh

Pastel colors are definitely going to be a big hit this spring. 

But there's one color that stands out from the rest: Mint Green! 

Take a look at how you can incorporate this gorgeous color into your wardrobe. 

Stretch Bracelet, Clutch, Polish, Post Earrings, Sunglasses, Chandelier Earrings, Peep Toe Heels, Flats, Crossbody, Earrings, Ring, Necklace, Satchel

I bought my Little Black Dress...now what?

A Little Black Dress (LBD) is on every designer and stylist's wardrobe essential list, but accessories for them are rarely mentioned. My personal thought is that you should have more than one style of this dress, so here are three takes on the LBD and how to accessorize them. 

 

1) Flirty: Take an A-line, bustier style dress and add a collar necklace with some peep-toe pumps. Finish it with some fun stackable rings, bangles and an oversized bright clutch. (Bonus: A cropped leather jacket pumps up the edginess of this ensemble.)

2) Classic: A sheath dress is definitely a solid investment. It can go from work to happy hour in one simple step. Accessorize with fashionable yet timeless accessories like these leopard pumps, a colorblocked clutch, and a bracelet watch.  Put your blazer on for the office and take it off when you get to that after work event!

3) Sexy: A fitted black dress with appropriately placed cut-outs is an instant winner. Stay with all black accessories with hints of gold or silver and you will definitely turn heads. Just be careful not to go too short, too fitted or have your cut-outs in the wrong places!

Doro Olowu for JcPenney is here!

Nigerian-born, London-based designer Duro Olowu launched his much anticipated collection for JcPenney today. It features plenty of pattern mixing (or "cross patterns" as I like to call them) and tribal prints. Simply beautiful. Here are a few of my favorite accessories.

1) Tapestry Crossbody $30: Such a cute shape!
2) Notebooks (set of 4) $10: I'm addicted to notebooks so this is a no-brainer
3) Enamel clutch $30: I love the mix of snakeskin and enamel on this
4) Cuff $15: It's a stack of bangles without the fuss!
5) Ram pendant $25: Talk about a statement piece!