A New Accessories Tory Book

When we mention Tory Burch, you probably start thinking about flats. Suffice it to say that the preppy princess is more or less synonymous with amazing shoes, bags, and scarves, which is exactly why we’re excited that the line has just launched an accessories lookbook online. In typical Tory fashion, the designs don’t shy away from color. The pieces ranged from cheery yellow-and-blue kitten heels and driving shoes to a trendy tangerine crossbody bag and iPad case, which are two things that we’re especially excited about: The rope detailing that was such a smash on last season’s espadrilles was translated into adorable totes and flat sandals. We can’t wait to slip our feet into the menswear-inspired printed loafer, which can be paired perfectly with a flirty, feminine sundress.

In case you can’t envision these accessories in your spring and summer wardrobe, the folks at Tory Burch provided an eye-catching style guide to tempt you to try the new trends. (As if you needed convincing.) That statement shoe you’re not sure you can pull off? Tory has got you covered. Besides, what girl wouldn’t want to get dressed by Tory Burch?

Text Kara Solarz
Image Tory Burch

Candy-Coated Accessories

A few bold and bright statement pieces are perfect for the ambiance of spring. A mixture of pink, orange, and yellow make a spring palette very reminiscent of candy, because it's sweet and a little bit tart at the same time! The colors vary, of course, but they coordinate very well. 

With the addition of just a few items, you can add sparkle and glam to the simplest one-piece garments, such as maxi dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers. That’s not too difficult, right? Going for a neutral colored one-piece would be chic and ultra-charming. It would provide a great amount of balance to these bright accessories. Wondering what neutral colors would fit best? Go for a tan or a nice, crispy white.

Check out the statement pieces behind the jump...

Ab-Tastic Trend

This look may take some courage and a fair amount of self confidence to pull off, but so far this season, the exposed midriff is everywhere. This trend originated in the nineties, but it has recently come back into style. 

Major designers like Nina Ricci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Roland Mouret have sent models down the runway in this look. The key to pulling this off is to keep the belly button covered, which means that the focus is all on your abs. To make that happen, you may have to wear your pants and skirts slightly higher than you normally would.

There is no better way to welcome the warm weather than by showing off some skin. Try bright colors or bold patterns to really make this look stand out.

Text Caitlin Beck

Image Trendzystreet.com

Punk Chic Essential

 

Style icons like Agyness Deyn have made punk rock chic again. From utilitarian boots to grungy jackets, we're getting gritty this season — and whether you're the type to go all out, or if you've got girly girl style, there are pieces you can incorporate into your outfit to perfectly exemplify the trend. 

The denim vest is surprisingly versatile: Throw it on over your vintage band tee and skinny jeans to roughen the look, or layer it over a floral dress to add a bit of an edge to your feminine style. You'll get to stay up to date with current trends without forgoing your personal taste.

Text Alice Chen

Image DenimBlog

Contrast in Antonio Azzuolo's SS'12 Collection

Antonio Azzuolo’s spring 2012 collection is all about contrast — mixing tailored suit jackets with baggy, low-crotch shorts and adding splashes of colors like bright red and yellow.

Azzuolo has reinvented something quite dated in a modern radiance. The collection has a geeky school boy vibe — socks are pulled up past the calves and shorts stop below the knee. Azzuolo also includes stripes in his collection, which remain a popular style choice for men because they widen the body frame and tend to add a young (yet smart) feel to any outfit.

Antonio’s collection is very trendy and will surely be the subject of inspiration for many retailers come springtime. So, keep your eyes peeled for tailored suit jackets, bright-colored sweater vests, and oversized formal wear.

More looks from the collection after the jump...

Alexander Wang...Spring's Fashion Golden Boy

For the past few seasons the jewel of the ball has been clear; Alexander Wang. The designer debuted a street style collection this season that definitely drew inspiration from BMX and Motocross along with an incredible array of motifs. In seamless transitions, the show moved from bright meshes to floral cargo jumpsuits and then onto botanical prints in race car silhouettes. Accessorizing the pieces, were retro white and grey pointy-toed pumps as well as cross body bags.

Next up on the phenom's schedule? A beauty collaboration of course. A limited-edition line will be featured with Sally Hansen nail-polish that can be purchased this spring. The colors will stick with the grunge affect that has become Wang's signature: Parchment (the nude featured on the runway), Petrol, and Oxblood.

The only one who could out do him in the spot light this week? His nearly two year old niece, decked out in full Wang gear. Speculation about a kid's line from the designer are flying about, which he all but confirmed previous to the show. Check out the trendy toddler below and then the rest of Wang's collections. What will be on your must have list?

Text Corinna Fabre

Source: Alexander Wang

Trend Alert: Printed Trousers

While many staple trends from the 70's are dominating the spring market this season there is another popular trend, from a different era, that is perfect for the warm weather. Introducing the totally awesome and totally wearable printed trousers. Printed trousers are being worn everywhere. Vivienne Tam, Chris Benz, and Karen Walker all spiced up their RTW collections by including these bad boys on the catwalk. Celebrity trend setters like Rihanna, Whitney Port, and Leighton Meester have been sporting this look, bringing it to the streets. The 80's inspired trend is easy and comfortable and makes an instant statement without trying too hard. Paired with some killer wedges and a simple top, printed trousers are the perfect go-to piece this spring. You can basically roam the streets in your pajamas and still look fashion-forward; whats not love?

Text Lauryn Stone

Image Courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

Trending: Max Out for Spring

Seventies hippie and nineties grunge collide this spring as a flurry of maxi skirts and dresses will surely pop up on the sunshine-paved streets. You no longer have to pick between sundresses, shorts and mini-skirts to celebrate the season. If you're like me, who doesn't plan on emptying my local drugstore's supply of shaving cream, lightweight ankle-length skirts and dresses are just what you need to add comfortably breezy options to your wardrobe that will last through summer.

Wear maxi dresses with tough accessories, cropped tops and open-toed booties with long skirts. Shorties (because not all of us are supermodels) can opt for sheer alternatives to show glimmers of skin. With these babies added to the game, getting dressed in the morning just got a little more interesting. Oh and don't worry, these picks won't make you look like a pilgrim lost in time.

Sophomore T-Shirt Maxi Dress (pictured above), Bona Drag; Sca Ulven Criss Cross Dress, Pixie Market; Motel Bleach Black Long Skirt, Pixie Market; Cheap Monday Kendra Wrap Dress, Nasty Gal; Cheap Monday Adriana Skirt, Urban Outfitters; RVCA Vanilla Queen Maxi Skirt, Need Supply; Arrows Pocahontas Dress, Wildfox Couture; Chiffon Double-Layered Full Length Skirt, American Apparel. Pictures after the jump!

Text Kristina Bravo

Biker style for spring? Yup.

GAP has started to surprise me, they seem to be taking a bit of a detour from their basic t-shirts and jeans and adding a bit of edge up in the mix. If you thought you'd be saying "sayonara" to your leather biker jacket for the spring/summer, I have a nice replacement for you. I really haven't been a fan of shopping at Gap, since; well I think high school when I use to stop in for their body collection. Anyway, I might have to make a little pit stop there soon to pick up this jacket. Not only is this jacket cute and fashionable, but it's crazy cheap too. Get this, you can swoop this one up for only $29, it's on sale at the moment. Seriously, I kid you not, go get it!

Chanel and Her Tattoos

Chanel's temporary tattoos, an emblematic ode to their most classic designs, is the must-have accessory for spring. They will be available March 15th at Chanel boutiques and counters across Canada and the US.

The tattoos will sell for $75 for a pack of 55 tattoos but is it really worth it? It's a pretty cool idea but they only last two or three days at best.

The Chanel tattoos feature various Gothic designs with the traditional Chanel logo on them. They are definitely a great substitute for jewelry. But unless you have a disposal income it's not a very practical look.

You be the judge, are Chanel tattoos on the top of your Spring wardrobe list?

- Erin Jones

Has your outfit gone country?

Cowboy boots are the perfect fashionable footwear. You can dress up jeans and a t-shirt or dress down a skirt and blouse, therefore being the shoes you can wear on any occasion. There’s always that pair of shoes that you bought because they are gorgeous but then you struggle to put together outfits to with them, not these boots, you can wear them with almost everything.

Cowboy boots come in so many colors, some knee high, some ankle, and they are darling. Not only that but they are comfortable, yes that’s right… heels that you wear all night and you won't have throbbing feet by the time the fun and dancing comes to an end. You can find cowboy boots anywhere and the prices range so even someone on a budget can look fab in a pair of these. I'd opt for going vintage shopping and picking up a used pair with some added character, happy hunting. :)

-Jennifer Nikolevski

Bringing Back Wide Legs

After a few years with the skinny jean, it seems fashion is restoring to the 1970's by bringing back the wide leg jean. It seems that this spring season more and more of us will turn to wide-leg jeans, not as a substitute for skinnies, but as an addition to our denim collection.

If worn probably and with the correct upper half pairings wide-leg jeans can be both figure flattering and fashionable. Wide-leg jeans can be very easy to wear you just need to remember a few tricks.

First in order to counteract the bottom-heavy pant legs try pairing them with a fitted, tucked in blouse. And second since most wide-leg jeans are made with a higher waist becareful of the style and fit you choose because the wrong fit can result in a long bum appearance, and lets face it who really wants that? To avoid the long bum syndrome untuck your top and belt it up.

Spring is shaping up to be a great season, keep checking back here for more Spring fashion must haves.

-Erin Jones

Bust Out the Corsage: Prom Style is In

Of course, most people have probably suppressed their memories of Jessica McClintock gowns and make-out sessions with braces but while Spring may be tax season and allergy season, it's also prom time. Now, you probably aren't attending one of these crepe paper decorated and parent chaperoned functions this year but I must say, the prom look is definitely in for Spring.

Don't believe me? Then why would Camilla and Marc decide to drape and carnation it up on their new collection? Why would Alexander McQueen go for the funky Greek goddess look? And Preen's power bandage dress looks like what that cool girl with the blue hair in art class would have worn to the big dance.

And when it comes to accessories, it's almost as if designer's were channelling their inner Molly Ringwald. Vivienne Westwood, by far, has the most playful and affordable designs of the season. Her teddy bear necklace looks like the glammed up version of jewelry you would have borrowed from your best friend down the street.

So don't be afraid of big style this season. And when you hear the prom, don't think David's Bridal or some tragic rack at Macy's that looks like it was attacked by raging teenage girls (because it probably was). Think big, bold, and colorful with some flair and don't be afraid to to try to incorporate some of these elements into your day time look as well.

Teva's Ugly Step-Child

Just as every season brings about some new soon-to-be forgotten clothing trend, lipstick shade, and handbag, shoes seem to be the one item that are getting more and more ridiculous every season. Sure, I'm all for going outside of the box--I mean, who wants to wear flip-flops all season?--but when shoes stop functioning as well, shoes, then we have a problem. Which brings me to the collar sandal.

First of all, what exactly do these even go with? If you were to wear a skirt or dress, then you run the risk of rocking the cankle look. If you wear them with jeans, then wouldn't it be unpleasant to have your pants leg bunching up over the already awkward top of the shoe?

And suede? Isn't suede the worst material possible to wear in hot weather? Who wants to have ankle sweat while your toes are exposed?

But all practicality aside, these gladiator sandals-meets-ankle boots are just plain ugly. But if you can somehow find a way to pull them off, then we'd love to see some pictures.

Spruce Up Your Abode

So we've all heard of Spring cleaning. But what about Spring decorating? If you want to get over that Winter hump, then the best thing could be re-assessing your walls and decor. This isn't a major overhaul we're talking about--just a few simple changes can make a world of difference and brighten your mood . A great place for prints is the antiqueprintstore.com. There, you can find lovely prints of landscapes, fruit, what strikes your fancy and it will usually cost you less than $100. Want some new throw pillows for your couch? Don't go out to Target and get them. Sew them yourself with fabric you design. At spoonflower.com, you can do just that. Just send them your fancy art and they will turn it into a print textile for you. Not an artist? No worries. They have some pretty cool designs on hand for you to choose from. Finally, a great way to re-invent your home's look is just to switch up the dinnerware. Of course, this can usually set you back quite a bit but not if you shop at overrun stores such as fishseddy.com. There, you can buy anything from Alice and Wonderland plates to retro cat and dog mugs. Just as you would invest in your wardrobe for Spring, don't forget to invest in your home. You can't be fabulous from head to toe without being chic floor to ceiling.

Dracula ... Again.

Most of us have read Twilight or have seen the various television shows that are a dime-a-dozen these days ... America, even the entire world, is ob-sessed with vampires! Yeah, yeah, we know the story - once you have gotten bit, you enter this extremely romanticized world of eternal life and beauty; that story's been around for centuries ... and it's showing NO signs of stopping! But nothing says living forever like sunglasses, right?

Designer Karen Walker, known to be somewhat of an extremist, is participating in a lookbook dedicated to the glorified creatures of the night; she literally is breaking out all of the stops - or in this case, fangs - for her Spring 2009 eyewear collection.

What's the lookbook's working title? Celebrate Sun. And I thought I've heard it all...

Baby, take me home? Okay.

You want to talk about sexual? Yes, you do. Check out these bad boys, the Mogil. Yup, that is what they're calling em. If sex was a shoe, it would be this one. Sorry Dior, but I think I might have found a new love, even if their faux croc, PETA I LOVE YOU... well, at least for the moment. The Mogil comes in black faux embossed croc leather. Heel has a triple exterior buckle strap and sexy open toe. The heel is 4” and a .5” platform, interior zipper, leather lined with a leather sole. If you get any knew shoe this Spring, I'm telling you this puts the regular gladiator sandal to shame. Hurry though because these will go fast, at least to the fashionistas who know what's up! ;) Mwah

Check out www.oaknyc.com

Spring, Bleached & Trashed? Yup!

I'm thinking My So-Called Life, just a little bit here, no? I think Jared Leto would agree! Heh. Well, whatever I'm down. These are hot! Mid slouch jean, ripped, torn and tattered then bleached white! Straight leg and zip fly with button closure. Made in American by Oak. Make sure to go up and size or two to get the look, you don't want these tight. Or, if you're looking for something a bit more original these babies are self made, anyone can edit their jeans to look like this, EASY! You just need scissors, sandpaper, bleach and a creative mind, go wild! It can be done to any beat-up jean you might own. Just please, make sure not to use your skinny's. This style does not look good  skin tight and with flesh popping out. Lets keep it classic, shall we? ;)