Some people like to figure out some sort of wardrobe plan or regimen that makes getting dressed simple and hassle-free.  Many of these people turn to neutrals to create the basic building blocks for a fully functional and fabulous wardrobe.  And don’t worry- neutrals aren’t going to make your sartorial creations a snooze- you can stil be very creative, original, AND look put together- all in about half the time of a less well-planned clothing collection.

The key with keeping neutrals interesting is not being afraid to mix textures and small patterns.  Textures for spring include woven linen, lightweight tweed, sheer fabrics, and leather, plastic, and metal accents.  Also remember that small patterns such as a stripe, mini flower print, or polk a dot can act as ‘textured neutrals,’ and you can mix and match as you would any solid piece.

Let’s take the basic white top as an example.  The perfect white drapey tee shirt is a must-have, of course, but I also keep on hand a slightly sheer one for layering to add dimension or play a bit of lingerie peek-a-boo (my favorite fabric for this is a linen knit), and a boxy tee in soft cotton/silk is perfect for layering with shorts or cropped pants.  A white safari shirt in either cotton or linen is another great layering piece, as is the classic white button-down in a loose boyfriend fit.

If white isn’t your thing, you can apply these same guidelines in any of your favorite neutral colors- khaki, navy, beige, gray…the list is endless!!  And of course, don’t forget to punch up your neutrals with fabulous accessories!

Depending on what part of the world you’re in, maybe you’ve caught glimpses of warm weather to come or maybe you haven’t- but I know that I for one am itching for those long summer days and a balmy breeze!  Sounds like the perfect time to plan a little warm weather getaway!  As we all know, sometimes half of the fun is in the anticipation…follow our tips for a hassle free packing experience and we’ll send you jetting on your way!

Firstly, find one frock that can take you from beach to cocktails with some change in accessories- think gauzy fabrics that are easy to care for- like a lightweight cotton voile or silk cotton blend. With your sunhat, bikini, and flip flops, it is the perfect cover up for the beach.  Add some wedge sandals and a bold necklace for an easy way to dress up for sunset libations.

Bring tops that are easy to mix and match- like neutral colored tank tops and easy boyfriend shirts in simple prints. You’ll be happy that you won’t have to think too hard about what to wear while on your relaxing getaway.

Having a lightweight denim jacket on hand is a really easy way to dress for cooler nights or a little day trip into town or the fish market.  And as always, light, bright colors pave the way for getaway dressing!  However, remember to be true to yourself when choosing fun prints and bright colors- you don’t want to look like a tourist who is trying to ‘prove’ she is on holiday through her dress!

Flowy fabrics, light colors, and a carefree heart will be be sure to make your escape sweet. Enjoy!

With Banana Republic’s second launch of their ever-popular Mad Men collection, the spring runways abound with ladylike inspiration, vintage glamour is making a big comeback.  How better to express this trend than with a quick switch in your choice of eyewear?

Cat eye frames always bring to mind that old-school vintage-inspired glamour.  Makers in all price ranges- from classic standbys like Tom Ford, Dior, and D&G; to the new-wave classic like Ray-Ban, Super, and Karen Walker; to our favorite bang for the buck brands like Asos- are all making fierce cat-eyes this season.

Pair them with your urban basics for a little twist on your everyday black skinny denim and grey tee shirts, make your leather jacket a bit more feminine glamour and a bit less rocker-chic, or go all out and pair with a flared halter neck dress and be a true fifties siren.  Even better if that dress is in red!

Glam up that spring trench with a dark pair of bold shades, like Tom Ford’s dramatic cat-eye style. Wear short black shorts and a white tank under your trench (messily tied, never belted!).  Pair with some killer heels and you’re pretty much ready for a day of walking about the city with friends or hitting up that new wine bar come dusk.

For a modern look, pair with a slim power skirt and pussy bow blouse plus a tough topper- like a mortorcycle jacket or rugged denim.  Don’t go too girly with the shoes- something spiky or studded, and then add your cat-eyes.  The fun is all in the juxtaposition of different inspirations, to make a look that is both not too saccharine and that is uniquely yours!

Colored denim has been a strong trend for the past few seasons.  From candy colored hues to printed and coated styles, the options have been endless.  To incorporate this trend in a new way this season, consider adding pastel colored denim to your sartorial arsenal.  Come warmer weather, switch out your trusty white denim for shades of dusty pink, soft lemon yellow, or pale cornflower blue to continue with colored denim!

Try a pale pink pair with some leather accessories like cognac woven sandals, a thick men’s belt, or a perfectly worn-in and scuffed up brown bowler bag.

A soft yellow lends itself well to nautical themes- try pairing with your favorite marine striped sailor shirt and bright kitten heels, or a navy pullover and boat shoes for a take on preppy chic.

Try dressing up a pair of light blue skinnies with a crisp white blazer or a feminine peplum blouse.  Or, veer a bit vintage and pair with a gingham bustier top, cat-eye sunglasses, and bouncy hair- the perfect outfit for a summer picnic in the park!

A few words of advice for working the peplum this spring:

1// Pair a peplum blouse or jacket with a slim bottom like a cropped pant or a slender pencil skirt.  Keep volume to a minimum because you’re already adding volume with the peplum.

2// Play up the vintage-inspired silhouette by pairing a peplum dress with dainty point-toe heels.

3// Remember how to work the trend for your body:  a peplum can hide a midsection, enhance slim hips to balance out a broader upper half, emphasize a small waist, or play up that hourglass shape.  Focus on changing the length of the peplum to suit your body- for example, if you don’t want to add a lot of bulk to the hips, look for a peplum on a jacket that is short and sweet and ends right above your hips instead of going over them.

4// Most of all, have fun with it!  The peplum by nature is a fun and flirty silhouette- don’t take it too seriously, and don’t be afraid to add color and print to the mix!

The past few seasons, we’ve all been lucky for the great variety of hemlines that have been coming down the runway.  From the mini, maxi, and every type of asymmetrical / midi cut in between, we have such an array of choices!  Surely, there will be one for everyone.  Here are some of our favorite picks!

Here are some mini to midi length styles…look for a vintage inspired piece in a classic print like stripes or polka dots, then pair with of-the-day accessories.

Madewell long skirt, $118
TIBI long skirt, $400
Alexander McQueen high waisted skirt, $895
Marc by Marc Jacobs midi skirt, $270
Mason by Michelle Mason silk skirt, $230
Alexander Wang long jersey skirt, $395
Sonia Rykiel tutu skirt, $1,870
Donna Karan pencil skirt, $795
Jason Wu floral print skirt, $1,250

And, here are the maxis! Pair now with some booties and a layered jackets, and in the spring with a high woven wedge sandal and your favorite tee.

BB Dakota long top, $100
Alice Olivia striped maxi skirt, $484
Halston Heritage long maxi skirt, $425
Alice Olivia ankle length skirt, $396
Rick Owens Lilies elastic waist skirt, $580
Vince floor length skirt, $275
Ankle length skirt, $484
Floor length skirt, $80

Skirts styles always come and go, so be sure to invest in something you love that you won’t mind pulling out again a few years from now.  Happy shopping!

1 // COLOR

Color blocking has been big for a few seasons now, and it hasn’t let up for spring 2012.  Cue the season’s newest shades: neon pastels, electric pink, and of course, the color of the year- tangerine. Create a head-to-toe look in full color or mix in pops of color into your everyday neutrals.

2 // PRINT

Prints of every kind are huge for spring!  And not just run-of-the-mill florals- think a new wave of retro stripes, quirky fruit prints, marbled silk, digitally printed neoprene, and laser cut flower petals.  Not to mention the new crop of printed denim to add to our arsenal! Oh, and don’t forget- mixing multiple patterns into one look is of course part of the fun.

3 // GLITZ

Glitter, sequins, and statement jewelry have become de rigueur for daytime.  Sport the season’s chandelier earrings or stack multiples of bracelets, necklaces, or earrings (or all at once!) for an on-trend look.  Glitz is no longer relegated to brightening the night- but rather to celebrate every day, all day! Don’t be afraid to mix with ultra casual pieces like a plain white tee or even some elevated sweatpants.

If this still isn’t your thing, you can still be inspired by vintage lingerie.  Lingerie has been had a moment the past few seasons, with runways questioning the conventions with see through layers and using innerwear as outerwear.  High-waisted briefs and bralettes in either pastels or neons give a chic nod to the past while still being fresh and relevant.

Oh, and did we nearly forget the silk pajama trend?!  Seen on fashion editors worldwide, make your own statement by finding a unique vintage pair of real silk pajamas and then style with a sharp blazer and statement necklace.  If you’re brave enough, sport the full pajama set as outerwear- with some good heels and a killer attitude, you’ll be all set.