Get Your Motor Runnin’

The reconstructed biker jackets for Fall 2013 that were just featured in the Paris fashion shows are the perfect Easter 2013 accessory for the chilly northeastern United States.  A little leather, a little flannel, long sleeves and zippered pockets to stuff your icy hands into.  What could be more appropriate for a late-arriving spring?

Novel Graphics

One of the hottest trends for spring 2013 is the classic pairing of black and white.  This high impact look is always right, day or night.  This ain’t a delicate floral print or dainty dotted swiss--the trend is a sophisticated, graphically bold statement.  This is style in high definition featuring broad stripes and crisp blocks of contrast. Many of the styles are mod 60s inspired motifs that remind me of Op Art--geometry, positive and negative space given equal prominence, clean lines and shapes.

Keep your accessories minimal but strong if you plan to rock this style.  Consider a structured yellow bag. Go for Vampira-red lip and nails or a retro-inspired geometric bob for the finishing touch.

You can find this look everywhere: H&M and Topshop dresses, Rag and Bone jeans, White House Black Market everything. Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and others marched these looks down the runway, and you can march them right into your closet.

Hot Lips

Jennifer Hudson

“Hot” is THE shade of pink for lip color this spring.  It’s seen on the most photographed pouts.  It’s a shade that flatters many skin tones and gives tribute to the fabulous Elsa Schiaparelli.  Keep in mind that if you’re wearing one hot color on your face, you can prevent the circus look by going neutral on eyes and cheeks. Check out these fabulous colors and get hot:  Manic Panic Hot Hot Pink; Sephora Rouge Cream Lipstick Love Test 11; L’Oreal Colour Riche Pink Cashmere; MAC Perpetual Flame; and NARS Shiap Lipstick.

Flamingos, Peacocks, and Bluebirds

The runways and racks are vibrant with color this season.  Crayola enthusiasts--the year is yours again.  Designers haven’t gotten tired of rainbows! 

Brilliant blues, riotous reds and gorgeous greens are amazing mood lifters and entirely appropriate after winter’s slushy grey and black mood.  Walking into a store this season is like diving headfirst into a kaleidoscope, but, oh what a trip it is!  Oscar de la Renta, Tracy Reese, and Proenza Schouler were inspired by the hues found in handmade quilts, lush forests, Eastern culture, photography, and pop culture.  And yeah, Pantone’s website is ultra cool.  Dusk blue, emerald, lemon zest, poppy red and African violet are some of their favorite hues this season.

Go ahead and jump into the jade pencil skirt, or punch up your attitude with purple patent pumps. Think a minute--would daffodils be as beautiful if they were grey?  Is a monochrome sunset breathtaking? Which bird would you prefer looking at--a pigeon or a cardinal?

So, here’s what I want you to do--color yourself glamorous and slip into that lemon zest jacket.  It’ll put spring into your step.

Highs and Lows--the Shoes of Spring

Jimmy Choo

Ladylike pointy toe pumps are smokin’ hot this spring, and so are sporty, menswear inspired oxfords.  Here’s why you want them both:

Pointy toe pumps have an amazing leg lengthening ability, and will make your limbs look sleeker and sexier.  They lend a classic glamour to everything and you’ll feel elegant when you stride into the board room or ball room.  My favorites this season include the elegant Coach “Ellin” pump, which comes in a multitude of colors and finishes, including a Coach signature fabric in black or khaki.  It’ll add about $168 to your credit card balance.  I also love Calvin Klein’s “Dolly” leopard print pumps.  They’ll set you back $89, but you can choose from sumptuous suede, sizzling snake print, or a metallic finish.  J. Renee has a simply irresistible sky blue patent leather pump for $99, and GoJane.com is featuring a $19 orange faux patent leather pump that will glam up any look.

At the other end of the spectrum are super cute oxfords.  I‘m delighted to see these fabulous lace ups in the spring 2013 lineup.  These are my weekend go-to shoes--they‘re perfect for errands, gallery hopping, or hanging with your besties.  This year’s models combine comfort with sassy styling and unexpected punches of color.  Here’s what I like at DSW.com: the $34.95 "Not Rated Lulu" oxford flat which comes in a pretty paisley print with a shot of neon color at the heel; and the $39.95 "Envy Waltz" oxford in metallic leather. The steal of the day is at Eddiebauer.com--the Bass "Ramona" oxford which is clearance priced at $49.99.  The Ramona features a 3” heel and the trademark Bass red rubber sole. At Lulus.com I fell for the adorable Michael Antonio Peter "Rhinestone" wingtips for $48.

Bass's Ramona Oxford

These luscious treats are healthier and less fattening for you than candy, so indulge!  You know you want to!  I know I want to!!