Go Nude in the Colorful Spring

My favorite friend in fashion has got to be a nude stiletto heel.  When wearing as much color as I normally do with my vintage dresses, I always need accessories that will compliment but will not compete with the outfit.  Since color is a huge trend for Spring 2011--particularly in shades of pink and orange--I anticipate that many women will be faced with the challenge of how to coordinate a brightly colored ensemble.  In fact, if you've always been a fan of fashionable black, it may very well be the first time.  So when playing with your options this colorful Spring, may I suggest that you go nude.

Nude heels go with everything.  There's nothing in your wardrobe that won't go with nude heels, so know that they're a worthwhile investment. Beyond colorful dresses, they're a phenomenal accompaniment to basics you already have in black or white.  And though they're awfully good at dressing up an outfit, they also dress all the way down to denim just as well.  

Added bonus?  Nude heels elongate your legs.  We've all heard it before in the magazines and it's true true true.  They key is finding a shade or two (or three) of nude that suit your skin tone the best.  This includes metallics, too, which I consider a nude shoe for evening.  Another key is chosing the right shapes, and my favorites are a pointed pump, a peeptoe pump, or a strappy mule...all with stiletto heels.  I often go to Charles David (shown above and in outfits below) because they consistently offer classic, sophisticated, and sexy designs.  Just perfect for me and my GlamAmor.

1950s Shocking Pink Silk Shantung

1960s Orange Wool Knit Longsleeve Shift

1960s Icy Pink Minidress

Let There Be Light

After a two month absence, the sun finally reappeared--in the morning, no less--here in Santa Monica. I awoke to clear blue skies and gorgeous weather and could not have been more appreciative. I also got to spend much of my day on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica and all around Brentwood, so it's pretty hard to complain about the day. I optimistically chose white to celebrate the possibility that summer may indeed finally be beginning.  

A few changes and I'm all dressed and ready to go. I have to tell you how much I'm enjoying my hair growing out. I've found some really great hair products that I like, too, so I will blog about my version of the perfect blow out soon. I'll be sure to share lists of both high and low priced products because both are out there. The low priced ones are now truly salon competitive and worth trying...if you're not using them already.

Architects talk about and exhalt the special Southern California light, and I think you can see what they mean.  Afternoon in my kitchen, which always catches the most light. Charles David black snakeskin and leather strappy stiletto heels.  Shoes change below.

Summer white:  1950s white embossed cotton dress, 1960s black patent leather purse, Guess black patent leather platform peeptoes, jet and gold bead dangling earrings, single skinny gold bangle bracelet.

Revlon's Fuchsia Fever polish on toes.

Casual in Summer Trends

The other day I was out and about running errands and came home to find one of my fashion magazines waiting for me in the mailbox. I love it when that happens. I look forward to each and every one of their arrivals. Happily, I poured myself an Arnold Palmer, kicked my feet up to relax, and began to thumb through the pages of my latest Lucky.

Though I'm not necessarily someone who follows trends, I think it's still important to be aware of them and I'm always interested in catching the key looks of the season. Lucky pointed out two hot trends for summer--grey and wedge espadrilles. To my surprise and delight, I just happened to be wearing both in the outfit below as I was reading the magazine.

Hopefully the sun will come out soon in Los Angeles...the weather here has been as grey as my dress!

On trend for summer:  Simple grey knit sheath (found at a vintage store as a floor length dress), Banana Republic pebbled bone leather purse tipped in burgundy, Colin Stuart nude suede wedge espadrilles, fuchsia silk wrap (found at a vintage store), silver hoop earrings, silver Raymond Weil tank watch.  

Revlon's Fuchsia Fever polish on toes.

You can find these shoes at Victoria's Secret right now and I highly recommend them, especially since they're so budget-friendly and come in a wide selection of colors. The ones I'm wearing happen to hit three trends in shoes right now--nude, suede, and wedge espadrille. I'm a huge advocate of nude shoes in since they can go with so many things in your wardrobe.