Whenever I see an amazing outfit online I immediately put it in my inspiration folder (or my Pinterest). I’ve noticed lately that my fashion boards are filling with destroyed denim. Oversized sweaters with boyfriend jeans, blazers with flares, tight tanks with bootcuts. I’ve been ditching my sleek denim for a more distressed pair. I love that the look is much more relaxed, comfortable, and a bit edgier than any other denim look. Here are a few of my tips of the trend:

1. Find the best fit: whether flared, straight leg, or boyfriend it’s important not to have your denim too tight. The look is revealing enough so steer clear from skin tight styles.

2. Keep your distressing to a minimum. No large patches of skin should be showing. The more destroyed, the looser the fit should be to balance the look.

3. To polish the look, pair them with a sleek blazer. Basic black, bold colors, or chic white will look amazing.

4. Shoe wear. Casual: sandals. Feminine: espadrilles. Sleek: pointy toe pumps. Depending on your style, you can pair the jeans with any shoe. Go for a darker denim with the pumps to elevate your look.

Top row: J Brand, Delias, True Religion, rag & bone. Bottom row: True Religion, H&M, Hollister.

None of the above your style? Take a razor and sand paper and DIY them! I know I’ll be wearing my distressed denim all summer long. Will you?

I have a crazy week coming up with two big work events, friend’s birthdays and unfortunately a forecast full of rain. Luckily I spent the entire weekend with my closest of friends, the first blue sunny skies we’ve had in awhile, and the freshest of Spring produce. Here are a few other things currently making me happy…

Picnics in Central Park.

Aside from my love of Mad Men, this ridiculously amazing ‘Ask a Grown Man’ series has me re-loving Jon Hamm.

A bold maxi dress for the first warm day of the season.

On repeat. From the Friday Night Lights finale + recent Voice contestant.

My summer go-to: MAC’s Stereo Rose cheek color.

What are you currently wearing, watching, or listening to? I’ll never turn down a fun link!

Previous Spring style posts have involved bright pastels, florals, or the sport chic look,  but today’s feature is for the sophisticated, daring girl. “Tribal” style, which in my own personal definition, is made up of deep earthy tones, eye catching textures, and animal print. These looks were spotted all over the Spring ’12 runway, and lucky for you it’s easy to transition from catwalk to sidewalk…

Top: Oscar de la Renta, J. Mendel, Donna Karan. Bottom: Michael Kors, LAMB, Proenza Schouler.

Tips of the Trend:

1. To tone down a bold print, pair it with a tan trench, brown belt, or black blazer.

2. Keep your accessories simple. The prints are bold enough, stay grounded with neutral shoes, purses and jewelry.

3. To avoid a one-season wonder, pick classic shapes like sheath dresses, full skirts, or a pant/top combo that can later be worn apart.

4. To try this trend with accessories look for leopard shoes, raffia purses, feathers, “bone” or wooden pieces.

Here are a few tribal items to add to your closet…

 

Now that the tights are (hopefully) gone for the season, it’s time to warm up those pasty, pale legs. I refuse to wear a dress or skirt without a bit of bronze, and until it’s beach time, I defer to my beauty must: Mario Badescu’s self tanning oil. 

This $12 lotion is a godsend for any beauty girl. It’s easy to apply, because it’s an oil so it goes on light and smooth. After a few uses, I’ve learned if you apply in circles, you will avoid any streaks. And after making one too many mistake in the spray tanning booth, I’m happy to report there is not even the slightest tinge of orange once developed. This lotion won’t transfer onto clothing, and will last for a few days. I’ve tried drugstore to high end products, and I’ve never been happier with a product. Luckily this won’t break the bank. My bottle has lasted me for almost six months, and I can’t wait to use it all summer long. If you buy one new product for the summer, this should be it!

Each season I stay in New York, I realize my style gets a little bit preppier: a shoulder scarf here, a pair of pearls there, and now it’s official, I’m wearing boat shoes. I think East Coast prep is a style one has to master. The gingham, the layers, the lobster-print pants (eep!) but here’s my little step into the style and for now, I’m enjoying it.

I always had a rule against spending money on pre-distressed items. But these, this pair of Bed Stü Aunt Bettie boat shoes had to be mine. It took me all of 2 hours from the time I saw them online, till I went straight to the SoHo Madewell, tried them on, and swapped my espadrilles for these loafers. Since then, I’ve had these on my feet constantly, sporting them as easily with boyfriend jeans and a white tee, to my eyelet dress and clutch. I can’t wait to wear these all summer long. Here’s my way to wear these shoes three ways:

Outfit 1: JCrew blouse, Gap jeans, Kate Spade purse, Bauble Bar earrings

Outfit 2: JCrew dress, Modcloth purse, Bauble Bar earrings + bracelets

Outfit 3: Sandro sweater, Paige Denim shorts, Bauble bar necklace

And head over to Madewell here to buy the Aunt Bettie boat shoes!