North America vs Italy

Do Italian really dress better than North Americans? When I was in Rome, I noticed how well dressed everyone was regardless of age. Yes, It is easy to spot the American Tourists. This may be a stereotype, American tourists do tend to prefer white sneakers, logo tee shirts and khaki pants/shorts.

Italy is synonymous with fashion and Italians take appearances very seriously. However, what makes Italians stylish is not that they are particularly trendy, but they tend to favor a classic look. In fact, their wardrobe is surprisingly simple-not much of the Carrie Bradshawish looking clothes. Black seems to be their color of choice and they wear clothes that are of good quality, well cut and made to fit. They tend to wear jackets even when it's warm. An accessory that Italian can't live without - sunglasses!

Italian women can wear stilettos and walk down the cobblestoned walkway without breaking a stride. There are so many different styles of footwear, so a flat heeled boots or shoes won't necessarily look out of place, in fact it would be better suited on the cobblestones, as long as they're good quality.

Italians are also always well groomed. Women tend to have sleek, blowdryed coif. They wear makeup with emphasis on the eyes, but it's never overdone.

These are a few of my favourite things!

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may have been Maria's favourite things in Sound of Music, but I have my own list to get me through the tough days.

Beads on Manolos and monograms on bags.

Bright colored trench coats and designer skinny jeans

Blue Tiffany boxes tied up with white ribbons.

Dark colored sun glasses and patent leather pumps

Bangles and saris and earrings with diamonds.

Chiffon skirts that sway when you strut down the street.

Girls in black dresses with thin Gucci belts

Dark black mascara that plumps up my lashes, lunch breaks that turn into hour long pedicures.

Spring 2008 Trends

It's almost that time of the year. You will wake up one morning and realize that it is indeed spring and you don't have a thing to wear. You haven't yet put away your winter clothes and haven't yet unpacked your spring/summer clothes. What's a girl to do when she finds herself in this predicament? Why, shopping of course.

If the Spring/Summer 2008 fashion shows were any indication, there's lots to choose from this season. From pastel pallets to bold colors, floor sweeping lengths of maxis to thigh grazing minis, soft romantic details to ethnic inspired prints. Yes, there's something for everyone. Many eclectic designs will be found on the racks of your favourite retailers.


Let's take a look at some of the runway favorites that are sure to be seen in the streets this spring/summer.



THE HIPPIE

The 70's inspired maxi is back. What's old is new again. These floor sweeping, flowy dresses are ultra feminine. These dresses paired with long hair and chunky sandals evoke a sense of effortless beauty. Don't be afraid that you're going back in time and that you might look dated. The revived 70's styles look fresh and young. Zara's Spring/Summer 2008 collections include the 70's inspired hippie looks. Browsing through the racks of long dresses in various colors and prints will bring out the gypsy in you.

Navy Knit Gypsy Dress available at http://www.bluefly.com/

THE PARTY GIRL

A night out in town with the girls? A hot date? or Just want to make your ex have regrets? Try a short frock in one of the season's brightest colors. You're sure to make a bold statement and turn heads.

Yoana Barachi Silk Dress available at Neiman Marcus

THE EXHIBITIONIST

After spending the winter wrapped in heavy sweaters and winter coats, women will be ready to shed them this spring to reveal sheer gauzy fabrics. These dainty fabrics (worn with a slip underneath, of course) exude a sense soft femininity. What a relief it will be not to be weighed down by layers of winter wools and finally free in these light as air sheer fabrics.

THE ROMANTIC

Plenty of ruffles and flowers will dominate the fashion scene.
layered skirts, ruffled collars on an otherwise plain white shirt and flower prints are the type detailing that make up a girly look. For an unexpected flair, pair a romantic inspired item with something edgy. For example, a layered blouse with a pair of skinny jeans.

Floral Ashly Tube Dress by Torn
available at http://www.bluefly.com/



THE ETHNICIST

Be well travelled this summer. Go to an African Safari.
Or at least appear to a globe trotting diva wearing these ethnic
inspired prints. From the runways, there were African batiks and Indian sari fabrics and Japanese kimonos. It is indeed a global village!

THE ARTIST

Who said that you can't wear a masterpiece?

The artistic fabrics come in various styles. Splashes of colors and graphic prints will be popular not just with art students and artists, it will be worn by the art loving fashionistas as well.

THE TOM BOY
The antithesis to all the girly romantic styles. Men's inspired blazers, leather jackets, fitted shirts all look edgy. This look is perfect for work. However, never underestimate the boyish outfits. This season's variety is structured, streamlined and sexy. Balance the look by pairing a blazer with a ruffled skirt or loose flowy sheer top with skinny pants.

Linen blend suit jacket
& wide-leg pant by Banana Republic

LOOK OF THE MOMENT

This is my favorite example of mixing and matching to create an outfit that's cute and effortless. The romantic look of the pink bubble skirt is paired with an edgy leather biker jacket for balance and a sense of style.