Edit by Lauren » Spring 2010 trends

The Messenger Bag

lauren — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 02:03:49 +0000

The messenger is the ideal weekend, traveling bag, so it’s super convenient that it just happens to be such an in-style bag this season! Worn cross-body or over just one shoulder, you are going to love the comfort and practicality of this bag.

For $29, this faux snakeskin bag by Nine West has serious style. It is featured in this month’s In Style Magazine and comes in four pretty shades.

The Double-Pocket Cross Body Bag at Urban Outfitters, $89, is compact, versatile and made from a beautiful rich leather.

The UO Studded Foldover, $38, is a feminine fold-over clutch turned cross-body bag. This bag is a great clutch-substitute for a night out on the town.

Coach’s Kristin Crossbody Bag, $198, is a classy, functional bag that comes in white and black.

I love the statement buckle on this Charlton Crossbody Bag by MICHAEL Michael Kors, $128.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Straw Totes…not just for the beach!

lauren — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 13:25:15 +0000

This summer, consider carrying a woven straw tote bag off the beach…and to a lunch date or shopping trip. Straw totes are certainly a bag trend this season, and an easy one to pull off effortlessly! Large or small, this year’s straw handbags come in virtually every price-point, color and by most every major bag designer. The trick is to find a bag, that while it may double as a beach bag, looks more like a true handbag than just a throw-your-beach-towels-in-it tote!

Tory Burch’s Slouchy Synthetic Straw Tote, $350, is the perfect everyday tote with two handle options. Though the bright-orange contrast color is fun, this bag also comes in a more neutral silver and gold.

The artsy-flower on this Cole Haan Straw Tote, $198, is so cute! I purchased this bag for a client recently and loved it!

If you’re looking for a cost-consious straw summer bag, this hobo style at Target by the Merona Collection is super cute inside and out. The inside has a fun black and white geometric pattern.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Cynthia Vincent for Target

lauren — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 15:54:33 +0000

Designer Cynthia Vincent for Target’s shoe collection has {finally} arrived at Target. As of today, there is a reported limited selection in stores, but the full collection is available online. This is collection is extremely fashion-forward and includes colorful african prints, funky leather wedges and studded gladiator sandals. Oh, and did I mention that this collection is literally priced hundreds of dollars lower that CV’s full-priced collections?! If you are interested in these shoes, don’t make the mistake of waiting around. Pop into your nearest Target store ASAP or place your order on Target.com today…because in this case, good things won’t come to those who wait!

My top three picks in this collection::

The Gladiator Wedge in Cognac, $29.99. These are a pretty exact replica of CV’s popular buckled wedges…and cost about $300 less! Those who know me and shop with me know this is my favorite color leather…because, well, it goes with everything!

The Multicolor Printed Wedge Sandals, $29.99, will add a colorful dimension to any outfit.

The White Studded Thong Sandals , $24.99, are the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

All about Asymmetrical

lauren — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 14:06:22 +0000

It’s all about asymmetrical sleeves on shirt and dresses this Spring. I love this unexpected look for going out at night or a dressy affair. If you try this look (which I think you should!), please promise me that you will wear a strapless bra and will not allow a gaudy bra-strap to show on the sleeveless side!

I like how the Ella Moss Duchess Asymmetrical Top contrasts a angular sleeveless arm on one side with a soft, flutter sleeve on the other side. This basic black top goes with anything from white pants to black pants to blue jeans.

The Bailey 44 Ruffled Knit Dress is such a fun little party dress!

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Sold on Stripes!

lauren — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 19:04:24 +0000

Adding a striped top to your Spring Wardrobe is an absolute “must!” Stripes happen to one of the most popular patterns this season and are also one of the most classic warm weather looks a girl can wear. If you purchase just one striped shirt this season, I recommend navy/white or black/white stripes for the most current yet timeless look. I love the look of a nautical striped top with a bright colored scarf and either white jeans or blue jeans.

Bouquet of Stripes Tee, $68.

Eight Sixty Zip Back Stripe Top, $48.

J.Crew’s Vintage bateau top, $28.80.

The Gap’s Printed Slub Tank, $16.50.

Monteau Striped Tunic Top, $29.00.

Gilligan and O’Malley Navy Stripe Tissue Tank, $7.99.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Spring Shoe Trends #4:: Caged

lauren — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:38:03 +0000

By now you’ve probably noticed the Caged Shoe trend in shoe stores and fashion magazines. Defined, a caged shoe has a trellis-design that literally cages the foot. It differs from a gladiator shoe in that a gladiator usually involves a center strap and a caged shoe does not.

What I love about a caged shoe is that it will instantly update a favorite dress or pants outfit that you’ve been wearing for years. If the steep-heels on many of the caged styles are a bit much for you, try a caged flat…perfect for sun-dresses and summer skirts! Another plus about caged shoes is that you will be able to wear them into fall by pairing with tights. Gotta love a shoe you can wear 8-9 months of the year!

Fergie ‘Lucy 2′ Sandal ($89.95).

We Who See Baroque Sandal ($48) is a flat version of the caged look.

The Star Ling ‘Pan’ Sandal ($79.95) in Mustard hits on another hot trend this spring…bright-hued shoes!

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Spring Shoe Trends #1:: Go Nude!

lauren — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:49:39 +0000

The next few posts will be dedicated to Spring Shoe Trends. Shoes are such a fun and easy way to spruce up your seasonal wardrobe. Never underestimate the power a great pair of shoes has to completely transform an outfit!

In the words of Bette Midler:: “Give girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”

This Spring, the must-have neutral pair of shoes is NUDE! There’s lots to love about nude heels and wedges…they flatter, lengthen and slim the leg and go with anything and everything! Really, if you invest in one shoe trend this season, this is the one!

Here are some of my favorites::

The Star Ling “Spiced” Cage Sandal ($78) has a lot of height and a ton of sass.

Seychelles ‘Card Shark’ Sandal ($89.95) has an all-day wearable heel and a touch of sparkle that can dress this shoe up and down.

J.Crew’s Cleo Platform Sandal ($165) is a wedge that combines comfort with great style.

The Restricted Ashlee Patent Pump ($49.95) is a steal for an office-appropriate look.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Men’s Style Monday:: Checks, please

lauren — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:18:27 +0000

Checkerd, gingham and plaid patterns continue as a trend for men’s shirts this Spring. Every guy needs a punch of pattern in his wardrobe, and this spring, checks, along with horizontal stripes, are the two “must-have” prints. Bloomingdales has several snazzy checkered shirts on sale online now.

I love the bold statement the Fairfax Check Shirt by Michael Kors makes…it screams summertime!

The Elie Tahari “Jeremy” Plaid Shirt comes in a variety of spring-y colors.

The Classic-Fit navy/cream Checkered Shirt by Ralph Lauren.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

A Must-Have:: The Grand Ruffle Shell

lauren — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:48:08 +0000

If you haven’t yet bought into the ruffle trends of the past year, it’s time to bite the bullet. I find myself telling my clients all the time how flattering a center-ruffle is down a shirt. A vertical ruffle lengthens and slims, drawing the eye away from figure flaws such as a large chest or waist. J.Crew’s Grand Ruffle Shell is a perfect example of such a shirt and an ideal tank for Spring that can be worn on its own or layered under a jacket or cardigan. Add some long layered necklaces to increase the figure-lengthening effect! (This shirt is so popular that it is already sold out in some colors onlie, so if you like it, buy it soon!)

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com

Crazy for Coral

lauren — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 13:19:50 +0000

What’s not to love about the color Coral? It’s bright and peppy, makes all skin tones appear tanner, and it’s been actually “proven” (don’t ask me by whom, but I have read it via several sources!) that the bright color can actually project energy and vitality onto those you encounter while wearing it. I’m so happy we’ll be seeing lots of punchy Coral in clothes, makeup and jewelry this Spring.

What a pretty dress! Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Ruched Matte Jersey Dress, $118.

Experiment with adding a coral glow to your look through your makeup. Lancome’s Chris & Tell Lipstick, $29, is one of the most anticipated cosmetic items of the Spring. Even Anne Hathaway cited this color to be her favorite lipstick in the March Issue of InStyle! (It’s already sold out online, but word has it that Saks will be receiving it soon…so hurry if you want it!)

This is a perfect Spring jacket. Gallery Diagonal Stitch Jacket, $98.

A versatile way of incorporating this vibrant color into you wardrobe is through a statement necklace. The Boca Necklace by Stella & Dot, $98, looks amazing worn with a plain white top or dress (as pictured). It’s truly a piece that on it’s own can turn any outfit into glamorous.

Stylishly yours, Lauren www.editbylauren.com