In the Nude

Since it's Fashion Week, I thought I would take a look at the fall 2010 highlights to see if any trends are making an early debut in stores this spring/summer.  It looks like neutral tones are in stock and will continue to make a statement through the fall.  Here are some of my favorites that are currently available. 

J.Crew Lilac Shower Shift Dress- $69.50

Banana Republic Crinkled Belted Sheath Dress- $98

Tory Burch 'Liv' Caged Leather Sandal- $325  Natural colored shoes create the illusion of longer legs.

Nine West 'Rocha'- $79.99

Lulu's Bloom Satin Skirt- $40

Find this versatile top in Hadley Emerson next month!

Update on Hadley Emerson

I have to admit that some of my delinquency in blogging is due to the fact that I have been working hard getting Hadley Emerson ready to open on March 1st!  Things are really starting to come together.  I have received requests to post some updated photos.  Below are a few photos from two weeks ago.  After a very productive weekend with the help of my father the woodworker and mother the painter (of course, not to leave out other laborers - my sister and husband), I now have moulding and distressed display tables that aren't shown in these pics.  Later this week I will add more photos to show those updates.    

Maximizing Utility

If you are getting ready to ditch those heavy winter coats and throw on something lighter for spring, utility jackets are the coats for the upcoming season. They are timeless and the neutral colors pair with almost anything which makes them a great piece to add to any wardrobe. I recommend wearing one with jeans and a tee or over a simple dress. A more feminine option would be to try a utility dress, which looks great paired with a leather belt. Here are some picks to keep you stylish as we launch into spring.

Ann Taylor Loft Casual Anorak-  $69.50

Gap Utility Shirt Dress- $54.50

Free People Brass Revival Cargo Jacket- $138 (check out shopbop for more sizes!)

Banana Republic Boyfriend Military Jacket- $98

American Eagle Moto Jacket- $59.50

 














 Guess Dress- $89

Old Navy Sateen Camp Shirtdress-  $29.50

Wanna Get Away?

And, for the first time, I truly realize why this season is called "resort" in the retail world.  I really wish I was headed for some lavish beach vacation instead of looking out the window in freezing NC and seeing 6 inches of snow.  So, I am going to pretend that I am about to be whisked away to a Caribbean resort to lounge in the sun and drink fruity beverages complete with mini umbrellas.  For this trip, I obviously need some resort wear.

Lily Pulitzer Hibiscus Skort - $128 (nothing says resort like a bright Lily skirt)

Trina Turk Vintage Print Triangle Top- $79 top $79 bottom (love the Trina Turk Patterns)

AE Party Dress- $59.50

Tory Burch "Reva" Leather Espadrille Flat-$165

Target Merona Solid Beach Tote- $12.99

J.Crew Scalloped Petal Top - $69.50 

Gladiators Conquer the Runway!

Gladiator shoes are still all the rage! If you recently watched the Golden Globes, you may have noticed the gladiator heels that celebrity trendsetters were wearing as they strutted down the red carpet. The great thing about these types of shoes are they can dress up or down any outfit. Most styles are comfortable and provide ankle support. Don't forget to pack your gladiators if you're heading anywhere tropical this Winter and prepare to show them off this Spring. Here are a few pairs that caught my eye.

Nine West Hamish - $99

Matt Bernson Isis Ankle Strap Sandal - $174

Steve Madden Saahara - $49.95

Nine West Grayson  - $170

Steve Madden Phoenyxx - $79.95

Steve Madden Kasidy - $79.95

2010 Style - Stripes/Nautical Inspired Looks

I am all over Spring's new stripe trend.  Stripes are a classic addition to any closet.  Don't listen to whoever started the horrible rumor that horizontal stripes are not flattering.  I would agree that there are some horizontal stripes that will not show off your best figure but some stripes can actually make you look thinner.  Vertical stripes are the ones to stay away from as they cause a widening effect.

Rag & Bone Stripe T-Shirt Dress - $115

Anthropologie College Ruled Tee - $48

Aqua Striped Mini Skirt - $68

Gap Rugby Preppy Crewneck - $39.50

Rubbish Racerback Tank - $20

See by Chloe Ruffle Stripe Jersey Dress - $240

Kate Spade Candy Stripe Bangle - $55

Hadley Emerson is also jumping on the stripe bandwagon.  Look for this item and many others in the store in March!

Denim Leggings

So after a little holiday hiatus, I am back.  I hope Santa treated you well this year.  I have to admit that I am all shopped out (I know, hard to believe).  But, with that being said, I am always on the lookout for the next great find to share. 

Denim leggings have been on my radar for a while now.  I already have a few pairs so I speak knowledgeably when I recommend adding some to your wardrobe.  They are comfy (think elastic waist) and so much easier to wear with boots than regular skinnies.  For a while, denim leggings were hard to find but now they are all over the stores.  Here are some of my picks. 

Juicy Couture Denim Leggings - $88

Jolt Stretch Denim Leggings - $39

Charlotte Russe Dark Super Stretch Skinny Jeans - $29.99 (I found these jeans during one of my many holiday shopping trips.  Charlotte Russe was advertising their denim leggings so I decided to try them out.  They are such a deal, I couldn't resist buying a pair.  They are very comfortable with the perfect amount of stretch.  Beware, they run very big. )

James Jeans Twiggy Legging Jeans - $114

Celebrity Pink Denim Leggings - $19.99