Top 5 Spring Fashion Trends--What's Coming

By Elma B.

I have been freezing in New York City, and we are more than ready for Spring! And there is no better time to clean out your wardrobe and purchase a few new fashion pieces than in Spring. So, before rushing into the store and making (yet another) careless purchase, you should consider not only what is trending but also what fashion pieces you will get the most milage out of. Thus, I wanted to keep you in the trend loop and give you some timeless style tips for the Spring season...

Everyday Spring 2015 Fashion Trends

1. Minimalism. Simple cuts and toned down colors are the aesthetic trend right now. Think Mary Kate's and Ashley Olsen's The Row. In another words, less is more.  

2. Straight cuts. The androgynous look has been dominating the fashion world. The cuts are straight and not meant to reveal your figure. I favor this look because of its comfort and laid back feel.

3. X-Large everything. X-large sweaters, coats, and t-shirts have taken over almost every fashionista's closet. The comfortable chic look is all about sporting your oversized wardrobe. Tips, slip into a men's sweater or a t-shirt to have better control of your purse strings.

4. Vintage. Vintage and authentic clothes are all the buzz this season. Thus, if something looks worn out and antique, it is sure to turn heads. 

5. Statement pieces. Wear a statement piece to spruce-up your toned down outfit. With all the minimalism, steer away from being a bore. Thus, I would suggest wearing an amazingly bright purse (e.g., red clutch) or shoes (e.g., see my red sparkly stilettos below).  

There you have it fashionistas, these are the top 5 Spring fashion trends that are not likely to go out of style anytime soon. What are your favorite Spring pieces and fabrics? Leave a comment below, I love hearing from you! Xo from New York! 

Pearls on Pearls

By Amra B. 

There is something about pearls that even a boho-style loving girl like me can’t ignore: they are timeless, elegant, and chic. They work well with almost anything in my wardrobe and have the power to make me feel effortlessly beautiful. My new Pure Pearls come in lovely assortment of colors and shapes, and I specially love the dramatic effect of layering them over each other. 

I am huge fan of combining unexpected pieces together, and so I paired up pearls with a sportier jumpsuit and sneakers. I love the idea of wearing dressy items with casual ones, and I like to use otherwise classic pieces to create a more downtown-street-style effect. I topped my outfit with a beaded pearl blazer and a classic black boho hat. 

Below are some of my tips on how to wear pearls: 

• Opt for solid colors: Pearls stand out best against solid clothing. I love wearing my white pearls against black pieces and vice versa. Busy patterns tend to make pearls disappear

• Layer pearls for a dramatic effect: More is more with pearls (just see some recent Chanel runway styles). For a night out or a cocktail party, I love layering pearls 2-3 pearl necklaces together of different pearl colors, shapes, and sizes

• Choose simple style for an office attire: Pairing a simple pearl necklace with a white shirt makes an outfit look instantly more polished. I also love wearing pearls under a simple black blazer or with a V neck sweater. 

Wishing you a wonderful day! 

Outfit : Pearls from Pure Pearls, jacket and jumpsuit Zara, sneakers Hogan, hat H&M, purse Chanel 

Details: Pure Pearls 

Yellow Coat

By Amra B. 

I am eagerly awaiting spring and have been taking photos without much thought for the cold outside. Often, I skip tights and wear dresses with bare legs; please note that I would not advise this for every day. However, for special events or shoots, I love to combine boots and dresses alone.  

In spring, I find myself gravitating towards brighter colors and I love to layer wool or trench coats over dresses instead of the bulky jackets. The effortless look and feel of a flat boot has been very appealing lately and I sometimes incorporate them into my outfit even for a night out. 

I have also been into minimal hair maintenance as I find it to be perfectly fit for the upcoming spring months. My suggestion for spring hair: air dry or blow dry your hair in the evening, braid it into a tight braid, sleep like this overnight, let the hair loose in the morning and use texturizing salt spray to add volume. 

Wishing you an amazing day! 

Outfit: Coat and dress-shirt Zara, belt Burberry, purse Louis Vuitton, rings vintage and H&M, boots Zara

Thick Sweaters and Skirts

By Amra B.

It has been very cold in New York City and my staple piece has become a thick sweater and an oversized coat. In an effort to maintain some chic in my wardrobe, I started combining thick sweaters with skirts and over the knee boots. I love the mixture of casual and dressy pieces, and I adore this skirt that reveals just a little bit of lace. 

Below are some tips on how to wear this combination: 

• Choose oversized sweaters: oversized sweaters are very flattering for almost any silhouette as they tend to give a slimming effect. I also find it that thick short (or tight sweaters) are rather unpractical; they don’t serve their purpose of keeping you warm as well as they should. 
• For a casual style: combine thick sweaters with above the knee skirts. This combination is easy to wear and is a great way to look a little more dressed up in winter. 
• For an office look: pair a thick sweater with a below the knee skirt and pumps or booties. I love the balance of a casual oversized sweater with a dressier pencil skirt or a midi.   

Wishing you an amazing day! 

Outfit: Sweater and skirt H&M, boots Zara, bag Stella McCartney

My Top Shopping Secrets

By Elma B.

Had you asked me a few years ago about my shopping habits, it probably would have been something like "shop until you drop." As I have grown older (I am in my late twenties), I would steer you into the direction of quality v. quantity. Basically, unless you will wear a piece over 100 times, do not purchase it. So, what would I advise you in terms of the best shopping "practices?" 

My Top Shopping Secrets

1. Quality over quantity. Recently, I cleaned out my closet and realized how much money I splurged on well...junk. These pieces were too trendy and the quality was mediocre, at best. Steer away from purchases that were made out of boredom and rather save to acquire quality items. Find brands that you trust and that are reasonably priced.

2. Back to basics. Basic and solid colored pieces are the ons that you will wear over and over again this year and for years to come. Basics are easy to pair with whatever items. Also, the clean simple cuts are often the most beautiful. 

3. Consignment. If you cringe every time you see someone else with your bag (or whatever fashion piece), find a cool consignment store with those one of a kind authetnic pieces. Here, I found a silver Salvatore Ferragamo tiny purse with a huge bow. Consignment store will assure your pieces are one of a kind and you will not burn a whole in your wallet. 

4. Recycle. Pick out pieces that you can wear a million times a million different ways that same season. If the item is too discerning, better think twice about purchasing it. Again, the solid colored basics usually do the trick. 

There you have it fashionistas, I hope my tips will steer you in the right directions and will give you guidance on how to make better shopping decisions in 2015. Below, you will see I am wearing solid colored and clean cut pieces that I will be able to wear (hopefully) all year long. Until next time, xoxo from the Big Apple! 

Valentine's Day Inspiration

By Amra B. 

With the Valentine's Day approaching, I have been busy trying to find a perfect gift (and a matching outfit to go along). It might sound cliché, but some of my most romantic moments occurred on Valentine's Day; this is when I had my first real “grown up” date as a teenager, received my first piece of real jewelry, and went on a first dinner date with my then boyfriend. Also, this is a holiday that celebrates love; no matter if you are single or not, we all need a little extra attention (love) once in a while. 

Below I have complied a list of my favorite Valentine's Day activities and gift ideas. If you are single, worry not - there are plenty of suggestions on how to perfectly enjoy this holiday SOLO! 

• Wear your most flattering ensemble: my foolproof date night outfit for Valentine's Day is an LBD, sexy stiletto heels, and a red lipstick. This look is timeless and with so many options to choose from, this eternal combination never goes out of style. 

• Seduce with the scent: you can never go wrong by choosing a great perfume or cologne as a Valentine's Day gift for your boyfriend/girlfriend. When picking out scents for other people, I consider their personalities; shy and conservative types usually prefer lighter scents that are fresh, flowery, or citrusy while outgoing personalities are more likely to enjoy stronger scents (woodsy and spicy notes) with hints of amber and/or musk. 

• Put on your dancing shoes: this Valentine's Day, go dancing with your boyfriend/girlfriend or friends and have a blast. I like to mix it up by choosing a place that I ordinarily don’t visit; tango and salsa bars are both sexy and fun. Burlesque show is also a fun alternative and a perfect place to show off your LBD and sexy stilettos. 

• Start cooking: if you are in a mood for a more intimate atmosphere this Valentine's Day, you can always throw a dinner party. This is a perfect way to have fun and get creative; it is also very inexpensive. I like to prepare light meals with cocktails or wine; alternatively, cheese, fruit, and cold meets are equally great and available from any supermarket.  For dessert, chocolate cake or molten dark chocolate with fruit for dipping is a great option. TIP** invest in nice dishes and get fancy with the presentation: this can make plain cheddar cheese seem like fancy Escargots Bourguignonne. 

Below is my winter-day-casual Valentines day ensemble! Wishing you a great day! 

Outfit: Pants Sandro, sweater H&M, stilettos Zara, scarf Dior, purse Salvatore Ferragamo

The Best Philosophy: Live and Let Live

By Elma B.

Last week I had the opportunity to get away from the city and visit the rolling countryside in the Midwest. I was in a much needed getaway to clear my mind and inhale that fresh perspective on my everyday life. One of the nuggets of wisdom I came across was the proverb "live and let live." It signified for me to let go of judgment, drown out the noise from others and confidently follow my own path. 

It was never my place to pass judgment but rather to enjoy life's pleasures and opportunities. Whatever path you chose, I suggest just that you listen to your inner voice and drown out the noise that surrounds you. In another words, focus on yourself, and do not spend your energy on passing judgment. Be tolerant. Recognize that each person has wisdom of their own to share.

  

In the process of following your own path, do not forget to take those much needed getaway vacations to clear your head and inhale some fresh air. Until next time, stay radiant and beautiful, xo from New York!

Me