Dressing up shorts

  

 Shorts: Forever21

Lace Bandaeu: Old  (Other options here, here and here)

Butterfly necklace: Spain (This is a pretty option)

Peep Toes: Calvin Klein 

Bag: Zara (Sold out, and, couldn't find anything similar for you guys! Will be on the lookout.)

It was a 100 degree Friday evening (that explains the shorts), and, the perfect time to get my favorite cocktail at Geisha a Go Go, a neighborhood Japanese pub which stirs up delicious (only!) sake infused cocktails. Alternatively (?), go for the fruit infused sake that is served in neon green test tubes. My obsession with everything Japanese, and, the lack of a Sanrio store in the vicinity makes me a regular here. 

© GeishAGoGo.com

...and, part of the proceeds from the (pink) cocktails go to a breast cancer foundation. Philanthropy infused indulgence never got better, did it?

Mint paradise

Shirt: Blanco

Jeans: Madewell

Shoes: Zara

Necklace: Forever21 (other pretty options here and here)

It's the color of the season, and, what better color to wear it with than white! Gold and pearls give mint (and, most pastel shades) a dressy look. Think gold bracelets, hoops and neckpieces.

Playing with orange

                                                                       Dress: Macy's (similar here and here)

               Sandals: Mexico street vendor (ALDO has these fun neon sandals on sale right now)

                 Scarf: Indian street market (other bright options here and here)

You don't need to hunt for a fuschia bag only because you finally bought those hot fuschia pumps. Accesorize your everyday bag to match your shoes. Try scarves, feathers or a ribbon the next time!

Check out these over the top Louis Vuitton bag charms for some food for thought.

Hello Summer!

White has always been my favorite color. I seldom need a reason to wear white, but, I had to kick start summer in this airy white dress. What better than white to beat the heat. Since, it was a graduation brunch (hence, a younger vibe) I wore this to, I choose these shoes to add some spunk to the otherwise feminine ensemble.

Dress: Charlotte Russe (other pretty sundresses here, here, here and here), Shoes: Zara

White comes with trouble and lots of it. It is difficult to maintain, not practical because of its transparecy, makes one look bigger and paler than they are. Right? Wrong.

White, like any other color has to be worn right. Versatility and splendour of a white outfit is hard to beat. Follow this simple guide to not only buy more whites, but also to put your best foot forward in them!

Checklist for white outfits

• Check the transparency of the outfit: Place your hand behind the fabric, wear it and check against light. That's the cardinal rule for buying any white clothing. If it comes with a lining, it is a hassle free pick.
• Buy the right inners: White on white doesn't work. Always go for inners closer to your skin tone. Investing in this and this will suffice for most of your white outfits. Check this out for more options.
• Try white for formal wear: This white blazer beats well-tailored navys and greys. While choosing white for formal wear, stick to a sharp cut and a heavy fabric.
• Choose the right fabric: Natural fabrics like linen and cotton have a better fall (especially in white) than clingy polyester or nylon.
• Choose YOUR white: Bright whites suit olive to dark skin tones, while cream and off-white suits pale skin tones. Try different whites until you figure out which shade suits you best. Pale skin toned women can also carry off white better by choosing outfits that have a different shade along the neckline and sleeves. Checkout this, this and this.
• Accessorize right: While you need to stick to just one or two pieces, pick bold pieces that stand out. An oversized gold watch or golden hoops will add character to the look without dominating the white canvas. For a more muted look choose pearls and pastels.
• Shoes:You will most likely have more than one pair that matches your white dress. Choose your shoes according to the occasion. Go for gold for more formal occasions, browns and earthy shades for a walking filled day, and, brighter colors for a fun evening out.  

Skirt troubles

I haven't worn a long skirt in over two decades! This long skirt made it home with me ONLY because it was a good deal, and, a 100 degree day forced me to make it work, one way or the other.

                                                            Skirt, worn as a dress: Divaz Boutique Sandals: Street market in India; Belt: Charlotte Russe (similar)

Floral adieu to Spring

For years, stripes competed with checks in my wardrobe with plain t-shirts providing the backdrop. The odd floral dress or top, that I got as a gift, would be tucked away safely into a quiet corner of my wardrobe. Those pretty little things would be remembered on rare occassions when I would be scrounging around for a creative gift wrap!

That has been my relationship with floral prints, and, still is. They are pretty and feminine - just not for me. So, when floral prints became the hot Spring trend, I ignored it hoping it would pass soon. The trend lasted and I gave in - to these adorable floral shoes. If you are like me (or not) add this trend to your wardrobe (subtly) with accessories.

Shoes: Forever21 Pants: GAP Top: Forever New (similar) Flower: Street vendor in Mexico

The stores, of course, are stocked with floral pants and blouses, but, these are the shoes, scarves and bags that are worth a look.

These flower clips offer a fun and simple way of playing with this trend without making you dive right in.

Want to take this trend to the next level? Check this out!

Have fun with flowers until next time!

Color blocking with a twist

Yes, it has been a while since this trend hit the ramp, but, color blocking is still going strong. If you are tired of the been there done that royal blue-black bandage dresses or the neons with pastels color blocked dresses with geometric patterns, read on!

Spring 2012 has welcomed this trend with open arms but stay with bright colors and mix the trend with a fit that is in. I love tulip skirts, and, when I saw this dress while I was travelling in Spain - I just had to have it! Some other color block dresses with a tulip cut - metallic, pink and purple and fuschia and silver.

Color blocking is hard to play with if you are looking to add more colors. Stay away from colors in your accesories (including shoes) and stick to a single tone - gold never fails!

                             Bag: Flea Market (similar one); Necklace: Forever21; Watch: Citizen

With the first wiff of Spring, I know we are happy to stow away our greys and blacks, but, we still pull out that little black dress for a night out in the city. Color block dresses in flowy textures and metallic accesories will easily see you through the night in shades that only the sun has seen in the past!

Happy color blocking until next time!