A Time to Jump.

Jumpsuits were a hot buy last year and will be equally smokin' for spring and summer. So many jumpsuits are fun and scandalous for a night out at the club, but what about one to wear for the day, dare I say, at the office? This Theory number fits that description and is precisely my style. It's so ladylike and refined. The sleek and tailored lines leave you looking sexy, yet elegant. This garment has plenty of coverage, making it suitable for a professional woman. I imagine pairing this with a tuxedo jacket and colorful pumps, for a hint of color. 

(credit: bloomingdales.com)

Bangles-Spring Trend

Bangles are showing up on many runways this spring. The idea is to really pile on the bracelets. It pairs especially well with classic, tailored outfits. Here is a look you can create using what you already own-mix and match chunky bangles in different colors, materials, or widths-your wrist is your artist's canvas. 

   1. Emilio Pucci-I love the mixing of wood, metal, and enamel.

   2. Phillip Lim-uses same design, but different widths and colors.

   3. Louis Vuitton-my favorite-mixes very different shapes but all in the same tones-gold and orange.

   4. Marc Jacobs-very organic, tribal feel.

   5.   Alberta Ferretti-multiples of the same bracelet-it really pops.

   6. Christian Lacroix-fabulous use of color.

(photos courtesy of style.com)

What's New in Jewels

J. Crew's new jewelry collection consists of some very pretty pieces. I like to think of it as a nice preview of more to come in spring and summer. I'm especially digging the chain necklaces (very big trend right now). The jeweled cuff is even lovelier in person and I think the cluster ring is very interesting. It's not often you see a ring like that! What I appreciate about J. Crew jewelry is how unique it is in design. For the woman who craves elegance, but is current on trends, these pieces fit the bill. 

(credit: jcrew.com)

Lay Off of My Pink Suede Shoes

Could these Christian Louboutin Suede Fringe Pumps be any more beautiful? Wear them with anything-everyone will be looking at your feet anyway. Gorgeous!

(photos courtesy of Neiman Marcus)

Domino Magazine Funeral Blues

Those of us who love interior design were saddened by the news that my favorite magazine will cease publication after the March issue. Their excellent web site will apparently also be removed. Hold on to your old issues and buy their book. Domino was a magazine that valued style, not price tags. Job well done, but you were with us too short a time. Here is a lovely poem to honor the passing of an outstanding magazine.

Funeral Blues

W.H. Auden

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,

Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,

Silence the pianos and with muffled drum

Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.

Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead

Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead,

Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves,

Let the traffic policeman wear black cotton gloves.

He was my North, my South, my East and West,

My working week and my Sunday rest,

My noon, my midnight, my talk, my song;

I thought that love would last for ever: I was wrong.

The stars are not wanted now; put out every one;

Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;

Pour away the ocean and sweep up the wood.

For nothing now can ever come to any good.

Runway Chair

This is a great chair. Available from Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams, they describe the Too Sexy Sadie as a "pull-up chair featuring a sleek oval back with lean saber legs that are runway ready." This would make a great dining chair, but I could see it many places in the home:

1. In a foyer with a pair flanking a great chest or table.
2. As a side chair in a living room
3. As a desk chair
4. In a dressing room
5. In a bathroom
6. In a bedroom

It is available in a wide selection of fabrics, but I love this black and white stripe-very Hollywood Regency. This is a chair that works in many settings and will add a real punch to any room.

Quintessential Chanel-Spotlight on Trends

This spring's 2009 Chanel Collection is at first glance old school Chanel-prim, proper and ladylike. But this is not your mother's Chanel-it is slightly wild, messy, sexy, undone, and undeniably amazing. Note the following trends:

1. Black and white

2. Ruffles and bows

3. Ankle boots

4. Hats

I so hope hats might catch on at last. I adore hats and look forward to occasions to wear one. D.C. has always been a great hat city, especially in the African American community. I am optimistic that our elegant First Lady might wear a hat or two and bring hats back into vogue. I love the hats in this Chanel collection-high, whimsical, and slightly funereal. Be on the lookout on eBay and in vintage stores for a great black hat reminiscent of one of these. Vintage Dior and Schiaparelli hats are especially lovely. Use black and white pieces already in your wardrobe and top it off with a great hat. Don't be afraid to make a statement!

(photos courtesy of style.com)

Charlotte Olympia Reaches New Heights

I absolutely believe that style is in the details. These to die for shoes, by up and coming London shoe designer and it girl Charlotte Olympia Dellal show exquisite attention to detail. Her signature gold spider appears on the sole of her shoes, after the spider in a favorite childhood book Charlotte's Web. Note the shoes below with a different fur print on each shoe, one tiger, one hyena. Others have ruffles, velvet ribbons, leather scallops, horse whips, piano keys, fans, and silk buttons. With heels of 5 to 6 inches, they will have you in the clouds. 

Her label was launched in 2006 in London, where it is sold at such stores as Dover Street Market, Browns, and Harvey Nichols. They have jumped the pond though, and are starting to be sold in the U.S. You can also find them online at Net-a-Porter. I love their old Hollywood sensibility, if sensibility can be applied to 6 inch heels. But what an elegant architectural silhouette they have. Gorgeous! Inspired by the glamour of the 40's and 50's, Olympia loves red lips, red nails, and Rita Hayworth. Maybe Cupid will bring me a pair for Valentine's Day.

Black and White All Over

The Chanel spring 2009 ready-to-wear collection is absolutely stunning. The black and white ensembles were all so beautiful, made even more perfect with details such as bows (which I love). Black is no doubt classic on its own, but when paired with white--a fresh new look is created. There's something about the balance of these two colors that looks just right. I'm drawn by how modern the designs are in this collection. I appreciate the way Karl Lagerfield has updated the classic Chanel suit with the addition of fingerless gloves and chains. The mixing of the old with the new translates well on the runway. 

(photos courtesy of style.com) 

Patent Leather

Do you love patent leather shoes and handbags? Then why not consider a patent leather chair, ottoman or love seat for your home. Let your home feel like it is wearing that great pair of Manolo patent stilettos.

(photos courtesy of 1stdibs.com)