A Few of My New Favorite Things For Spring: Candy Colors, Cage Sandals, Bags, Bangles , and Angles!

It's been a long time since I've done any blogging, and it's been an even longer time since I gave my $0.02 on fashion. After all, I've been forced into the world of business casual, where my sense of style is not really supposed to matter; indeed, after several weeks of long hours, I would just as soon come to work in sweats (or not go to work at all). However, I've really made a conscious decision during the last few weeks to not allow work to define or change me--I'm much better suited and prepared to define and change a work culture that has traditionally told women and minorities that they need to squash and hide their femininity, individuality, and/or culture in order to be successful. So, here we are with a few ways to kick off your spring wardrobes in ways that are work-appropriate--or not!


It's like Candy...

The New York Times recently did a piece on the re-emergence of bright cosmetics, right before fashion maven Rihanna blessed us with her psychedelic video (and face) for "Rude Boy" last week. Similarly, New York Fashion Week has, so far, also featured no shortage of dynamic hues. Emerging urban fashion lines Boxing Kitten, Ohema Ohene, and Kua have introduced colorful collections which pay homage to the Motherland, while established designers splash black, greys, and other neutrals with bright blues, corals and berries.

Particularly exciting to me, as a guinea pig in the corporate world, is the takeover of brightly colored accessories. You might not be able to wear a melon hued dress to the office, but you can definitely take advantage of jewelry, eyeshadow (not too much when you're meeting clients, though), and handbags in various hues too outlandish to be found on the primary-colored edition of the rainbow. And be sure to indulge your excesses on the weekends!

Bracelets and Baggies: Less is Not More

Nordstrom is currently carrying a lusty collection of jewel-toned bangle bracelets in various patterns and sizes, available for $28-58 each. Kate Spade, Marc Jacobs, Lucky, Juicy Couture and others also offer brilliant metallic and multicolored bracelets for the spring, at various price points.



From Sequin, available at Nordstrom.



Gold Filigree Fetchness from Nordstrom



Courtesy of Lucky Jeans





Loveliness from Kate Spade



The "Salimatu" clutch by up-and-coming Ghanaian designer Kua.



"Jaden" by Tory Burch




The "Howard" satchel by Botkier--love the Magenta...

Eyeshadows and Lipglosses: More is Not Necessarily Less!

Blues, purples and greens for the eyes. Pinks, reds, and purples for the lips. All of the above for your nails. Just do it. M.A.C. is a great place to start, but Christian Dior also hosts enviable palettes. Among them, I particularly fancy the 2 Coleurs High Contrast Palette in "Tropical Look" and "Watery Look". Bold colors can definitely be worn to work, as long as you're also applying common sense. For example, if you're going with a bright eye, pair it with a neutral lip--and a neutral ensemble. Conversely, don't come to work looking like you were cremated and buried: all charcoal grey all the time is not cute, unless you're arguing before the Supreme Court. And you're not, so... live a little! Tip: Blues are a big deal in 2010, according to an associate of my sister's who works for Dior. (It's true: blue is everywhere this year).

(work it, Rih!)

Best Foot Forward

It is no secret that I love a caged shoe: they perpetuate the beautiful legacy of two of the best shoe trends ever, IMHO...the gladiator sandal, and the ankle boot (or "shoot," as I like to call them). They are not particularly new, either, but I'm still extremely into them, and you should be, too. Worn properly, these can totally be office appropriate (unlike hyperextended lime eyeshadow), and can break up the monotony of whatever blouse and slack duo you've been forced into for the day. Even better, they can show off a (slightly) limit-pushing pedicure.



Sigerson Morrison




From Dolce Vita



Charles by Charles David. Definitely rock these in the office.



Miss Sixty...nom.





Thank you, Mr. Kors. Thank you.

Your Shoulders Are On The Guest List, So Bring Them To The Party!

I used to hate my broad shoulders, which have only become broader from boxing, but the return of the shoulder pad as of 2009 has given my self-esteem a real, well, boost. Shoulders are in, and real women wear them...and you don't necessarily need Balmain's help. Angular springtime looks for less (or not) below:


BCBG



Aqua, available at Bloomingdales



Torn, also at Bloomies



From Theory





Fabulosity from French Connection




Wear with caged shoes, blue satchel, bright makeup, and lots of bracelets and party like it's 1989 in 2010. Sexytime!