MOTHER LOVER

Mothers do a lot so maybe it's time to hook her up with something she'll really love and really use. Pants she can move in. Shoes she can run in. Shirts she can breathe in. But better than anything else, just tell her you love her.

mother's day by sparkleinc featuring black wedges

3 1 Phillip Lim see through blouse, $450
Boden fitted t shirt, $44
Mint green jeans
Rebecca Minkoff black wedge, $275
Valextra envelope clutch, $1,320
FTD Floral Festival Flowers Bouquet at 1-800Florals Florists, $45

PANTING

A friend of mine gave me a pair of pants like these a few years back and they're still rocking. I'm drooling over this color but all the colors work. Pair with flats, wedge booties or pointy toe heels and you're set. JBrand makes some great versions in fantastic colors, so does Rag & Bone. Go fetch!
http://www.revolveclothing.com

CHARITY WORK

Feeling generous today? All I need is $700. I know, a bit steep, but trust me when I tell you, I really, really, really love it and will wear it every day. Pretty much. Like, most of the time. I have been looking for this jacket for a while and the one I swooned over a few months ago was around $7,000, so really, I'm giving you a huge break. All you have to do is click that little donate button to the left.. see it? Further down. There it is! So pretty isn't it? Every little bit helps... so don't be shy. And hey! If you live close by I promise to let you borrow it. Sometimes.
www.us.blkdnm.com

AWAY FROM THE PACK

I am a very efficient packer. So efficient in fact, that for a 2 week trip with my daughter, (London first, then Paris second) between the 2 of us, I have only filled half of one suitcase. All pieces interchange with each other, they can all go from day to night in the change of a shoe and a lipstick, and they all pack well. Very sensible. But ya know what? Sometimes sensible is overrated. At the last minute.. literally a minute ago, I swapped out that jersey black dress that folds easily and doesn't wrinkle for this sequin dress shown here. It was given to me as a very lovely present (thank you, Julie) and it needs to be worn! I also threw in a fabulous pair of heels for the dress and guess what? They go with absolutely nothing.
Au Revoir!

I'M CRUSHED

Gucci Python Clutch

This past week I had the flu, and while I got over it pretty quickly, my skin color remains that wallpaper paste shade of grey. So when I opened this weekend's style section of the WSJ, I wasn't overjoyed to find that orange is the color of the moment. Great. While I'm not always this grey hued, I'm never peaches and cream, and that's what it takes to wear the color orange properly. So for all you pink cheek challenged women out there who want to hop on the orange bandwagon, stick with accessories like shoes, bags or bracelets, just keep them far away from your face.

JUMP IN

H&M Jumpsuit

I couldn't help myself. I know this is one of those outfits men will think is ridiculous and women will love, but who are we dressing for anyway? Ourselves!! It comes in black and navy (I got the navy) and will be my
go-to outfit when the weather warms up.
www.hm.com

GO WITH THE FLOW

Lanvin 2011

I've often been known to sport pajama bottoms dropping my kids off at the bus stop. I may have also occasionally hit the grocery store in them too but who's counting? It's not that I'm lazy mind you, it's just that they're so damn comfortable. Wouldn't it be nice if couture could feel so good? It does now. This season's runways were overflowing with silky pantsuits, loose blouses, draped dresses and pajama-like trousers. Less structure and not as tight. Easy, breezy, fashion girl.

LINED UP

Chanel may have made it fashionable but it's undeniable, effortless charm has kept it around. Practically every designer has made one but L.L. Bean does just as good a job at a fraction of the cost.

www.llbean.com

CHASING FASHION

In a time where Tilda Swinton, Marion Cotillard and Jennifer Aniston are all considered "fashionable", it begs the question....what does "fashionable" really mean anymore?

Trends are so fast and furious, fashion so disposable, it's hard to keep up. Luckily you don't have to anymore. With fashion icons so polar opposite the message now is, everything goes as long as it's authentic and true to you, flatters your body type and lifestyle, and is never vulgar. Enjoy. Pressure's off.

LEFT, LEFT, LEFT RIGHT LEFT!

While I'm not entering into the army, I'd kinda like to look like I am. Khaki/army inspired shirts and jackets strike just the right note once the weather starts to warm (whenever that will be). You can feminize them with gold accessories or super feminine hair. Either way you'll be right in step for Spring.

INSPIRATION

If you're not visiting The Sartorialist blog on a daily basis yet, you should. It presents daily hits of street fashion from New York to Australia to Spain. Gorgeous snapshots of eccentrically glamorous women and men with serious fashion guts. It will open your mind to all the possibilities just waiting to be found in your very own closet.

www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com

CREATING A DYNASTY

Did you ever wear a dress to a party when Dynasty and Dallas were the top TV shows? If you did, it's time to get your long, pointy, hot pink, Carrington claws on it. It'll be perfect for that holiday party you just got invited to and you know no one else will have it. Just shorten it, subtract a few bows and make a scene...... Alexis-Krystle style.

NECK WARMER

I know you've seen scarves worn really long and really thin. They're a "look" and a layering tool but they definitely don't serve much purpose. They certainly don't keep you WARM. Now that winter is fast approaching, staying warm is key. Wrap it up close to your neck... even long wool wraps can be worn as a scarf. Warm and chic. I'm all choked up.

HERE I GO AGAIN

I thought this look would never return but everything in fashion makes a comeback so here it is. Acid wash jeans are everywhere and some are better than others. If you don't feel like looking like a leftover Whitesnake groupie you might want to err on the gentler version of acid wash. A more bleached out version rather than full out acid. Free People's bleached grey jeans are true to the 80's but styled for today.

"Is this love, that I'm feeling? Is this the love... that I've been looking for.. is this love, or am I dreaming.......?"

www.freepeople.com

DRESS ME, KATE

The holidays are around the corner which means holiday parties. It's the one time you can get away with wearing sequins and sparkles galore and not feel overdone. Topshop's Kate Moss Christmas Collection has to plenty to offer for a shin dig but this sequin mini dress is to die for. It hits mid-thigh and has a plunging neckline (although not quite as plunging as they've made it out to be in this picture) but has long sleeves and weighted fabric. It's the right combination of covered and uncovered. Sparkly but subdued in color. So pretty. Dress me, and kiss me, Kate.

www.topshop.com

MUFFIN TOPS ARE FOR EATING

You've heard it before but apparently you're not listening. Muffin tops are the best part of a muffin. Slightly crispy, sugared hopefully, just doughy enough. THAT is the breakfast version. The body version is horribly frightening and needs to be put to an end. When your pants are a) too tight and b) too low, it creates a muffin top. It's not pretty and it's not cute. Put down the muffins and eat an apple instead or at least get a bigger pair of pants.

FURRRRRIFIC!

Nothing says posh like a fur coat. Or a fur hat. Or a fur collar. Whatever fur you choose, even if it's faux-fur, it will drastically change your look. Even a pair of khakis can't look boring when paired with the luxury of fur. And unlike some winter coats, fur coats actually keep you warm, and isn't that the whole point? Thinking of wearing that old puffy jacket? Fur-get it.

MAN'S WORLD

If you're having a hard time locating a great cardigan sweater, try looking in the mens' department. I did just that at a recent fly-by at American Eagle. While the womens' sweaters were lightweight and flimsy and sometimes too brightly colored or with overly whimsical detailing, the mens' sweaters were heavier weighted, tailored and in great colors. I scooped this sweater right up in an extra small and it fits perfectly. Not too tight and not too short. Sometimes boys rule.

www.ae.com

DUCK DUCK BOOTS

Listen up boys and girls.... it's time to clear out your closet and find your old duck boots. The older the better, the more ragged the hotter. Yes they're preppy but they're a classic and fit in nicely with the ladylike and gentleman trends that are happening right now. And for those who have to muck around at soccer games or trek through nature walks with your kids, even better. They work and they're an original. The boots are it.

www.llbean.com

ZARA ONLINE!!!

I'm not sure much more needs to be said. Zara is going online. Their current website offers a lookbook but purchasing hasn't been an option. Come Autumn/Winter 2010 that will no longer be the case. Pinch me.

www.zara.com