By Michelle A Heath, on 11.14.11 | I was reading the November edition of InStyle and came across a great article called Color Crash Course – Hot Pink. I was hooked. Funny, when I read the article, I realized that I have several hot pink pieces in my wardrobe. Some cute tops, tees, a sweater, a dress or two with a mix of grey or black and hot pink. Not to mention some super-hot stilettos I bought in the Spring.
 H&M Ladies Homepage The misnomer about hot pink is that it doesn’t work for everyone. I hear that all the time and it makes me bananas! Hot pink can work on everyone – even you redheads out there. It’s all about the shade and the amount of pink versus blue or purple. Blondes and darker-skinned lovelies can really wear just about any shade of hot pink. Brunettes, red-heads and fair-skinned ladies should look for a deeper and darker undertone to balance hair and skin. You might need to try on several shades before you get it right. I love hot pink because it makes a statement while being ultra feminine and as the article says…”done right, it’s cool, not cute.”
Otherwise known as fuschia, this gorgeous color is a great way to really add a hot pop of color to your closet. My clients are always looking for ways to add color to their wardrobes and I love helping them experiment with bold colors like hot pink.
As for how to wear it, today – for inspiration – I paired a gorgeous silk ruffled blouse in hot pink with a slim black skirt and black patent-leather belt. Wolford tights (of course) and my Tory Burch leopard print wedges (my fave purchase from last season). The color makes me feel alive and is perfect for a Monday when staying in bed when the alarm rang at 5:30am was a much better option:) And I just happened to check out the H&M site today and there it was on the homepage…great timing and H&M is always on the trend.
So, my fashionistas…have you experimented with the power of hot pink? Do tell.
By Michelle A Heath, on 09.19.11 | I’ve had several clients and a bunch of friend of Facebook ask for a recommendation of a great every-day boot – one that can do double duty day to night. Here are my top picks. I decided to feature tall boots as they can be worn over and under your jeans and are super-versatile.
1. Wedge
Wedge-heeled boots were all the rage last Fall and are still hip again and everywhere as we go into this Fall. The wedge is a comfortable way to wear a heel and transforms day to night. I’m a fan of the suede but it is limited in the New England winters so you might want to go for leather to get a fuller season out of the boot.
2. Riding
Riding boots also hit the scene last Fall and it’s great to see so many more choices this Fall. I love the two-tone brown and black styles – more of a true riding boot, but also love that designers are integrating riding-style features into a simple flat boot. You want this boots to ride tall – hitting you just below your kneecap. If they are too short, they will cut your leg off and make you look shorter. Its an optical illusion – keep that in mind.
3. Cowboy
I love a good cowboy boot! Now, there are a few options here. You can go all out cowboy (or cowgirl) with a Justin, Durango or other true cowboy boot. I love the look and they are super comfy if you get the right fit. The only challenge with this boot is that it looks great with certain outfits but is not as versatile for day-to-night as the wedge or riding boot. So, I came cross these Frye boots, which give the look and feel of a cowboy boot, but have the more ‘tailored’ appeal of a riding boot and can be worn with jeans, dresses or just about anything. The price tag is a bit steep but I wouldn’t showcase them if they were a trendy shoe that will last one season. Frye boots tend to be more expensive but will be a boot that can be re-soled or re-heeled and last you 20 years. No joke. There are plenty of knock-offs too so keep those Stylish Eyes focused when you shop and see if you can get a steal!
4. Stacked heel
The stacked heel is a big trend for Fall. I’m loving it because it gives you height but is much easier to walk in than a stiletto or skinnier heel. It is a more substantial boot and can be easily worn day to night.
5. Over the knee
The over the knee trend is still hot this Fall! I have two rules: 1) Over the knee is different than over the thigh. If you’re short, be careful as you don’t want to look like you’re hitting the pole after work:) 2) The boot has to fit snug. Too much leather around the top of the knee and you’ll look like you’re wearing waders. I have a few over the knee boots – one a dressy stiletto. Suede pull on and very tight so it almost blends into my jeans. The other is a day boot with a stacked heel and it hits about 1″ above my knee. Fit is key here – they are super cute but the line between hip and hooker is a fine one!
By Michelle A Heath, on 01.10.11 | I talked about leopard print as one of my 2010 Fall Fab Five. This purrfect print also made it into my 2009 Fall Fab Five, so I ask you..
What have you done to incorporate some leopard into your wardrobe this season?
 via Globe Magazine I saw the Purrfection article in Sunday’s Globe Magazine and thought to myself: “Why is this new news?” I’ve been talking about animal prints – most specifically leopard – for a good 2 years now. The amazing thing about leopard is that it seems to weather the fashion-trend storm. Never really going out of style. Sure, the lines or the fabric or the details may change slightly but not enough to make last winter’s leopard beauty obsolete this winter. The Globe article made a great point about the benefit of leopard for all skin tones – that is something hard to find with a print. Leopard flatters just about every skin tone and I’ve seen all shades from the bold “looks-just-like-a-leopard” print, to more subtle or muted tones, which give you lots of choices to find one that looks great on you.
I’ve heard some of you say that leopard is “too much”. To that I say…try it before your judge. I have a leopard scarf and every time I wear it I feel stylish and like a wildcat (okay, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration:). Leopard can go bold – like a coat or some hot stiletto boots, or be more of an accessory – like a great clutch or a drapey scarf.
In my closet, I have the following leopard goodies:
1. J. Crew cardigan – about 10 years old. Still wear it and it’s gorgeous.
2. Tory Burch flats – my first pair of TB flats. They are a staple in my wardrobe and, three years later, still look like a million bucks with everything.
3. Ella Moss halter top – Hot leopard print bandeau top with halter strap. Cute with jeans, pencil skirt, vinyl pants…
4. Pashmina – $25 purchase in Soho. Dresses up any fall/winter/spring coat.
5. Cuff – Needs a new clasp but the leopard print cuff I bought last year is still rockin this year.
I don’t know why, but there is something exhilarating about leopard. It’s luxurious and unique and can make anything ordinary look saucy and purrfect. So, I ask you, my style maven, how will you incorporate leopard into your wardrobe this season?
By Michelle A Heath, on 10.07.10 | It’s that time again, my stylish darlings. The leaves are turning, the temperature is dropping here in the East and fall fashion is on the menu. I went back and looked at my Fab Five from last Fall:
1. Leopard-print anything
2. Ankle booties
3. Colorful, textured scarves
4. Skinny jeans
5. Long, layered necklaces
What’s interesting is that everything from last Fall is in this Fall – some stuff has evolved a bit into new fashion trends. Here’s a few simple ways to update what you bought last Fall with my Fab Five.
1. Lace
 MM Couture by Miss Me Lace Top in Black $70.00 I’m not talking about your grandmother’s lace doilies. I’m talking feminine but sexy lace. I’ve seen it in everything from trim on a skirt to a layered blouse to hosiery. When buying lace, fit is really important because there’s typically no give, unless it’s a blend with spandex or another stretchy material. Lace skirts are beautiful for the holidays and parties when paired with a simple white blouse or sexied up with a tank or camisole. Lace blouses are all the rage. I eyed this gorgeous black lace top on Revolve Clothing. Very rocker chick. Wolford’s has done it again with a lacey racey addition to their Fall line. Must have. Lace takes what’s usually reserved for under your clothes or behind closed doors and brings it to the center of your wardrobe. Take caution as lace on lace is too much and the lace piece of your outfit should be the standout – everything else should be minimal and streamlined. I love this trend and encourage you to add a little lace to spice up your Fall wardrobe.
2. Over-the-knee boots
Over-the-knee boots came on the scene last Fall but didn’t make my list. Why? Well, unfortunately, they missed the list. It was really more about the ankle bootie until Nov/Dec and the over-the-knees started appearing on models in fashion mags. I bought a pair last year and will tell you that I got quite the looks when I wore them. Here’s the deal with this trend. You’ve gotta get it right.
 Cole Haan Air Zelo Boot $328 @ Zappos The good news is now more people are wearing them so you probably will not get the scorn I received last Fall.  The thing you’ve gotta get right is the height which requires trying on alot of this style boot to figure out what’s going to fit the best. What you want to achieve is the boot hitting right above your kneecap – we’re not talking hooker boots here people – and you want them to be fitted not slouchy or you’ll be tugging at them all day. The shaft of the boot is always tricky and my clients often complain that boots aren’t made for girls with larger calves. It’s true that most boot shafts are slimmer in style but I have found that certain brands like Aerosole make a wide-width calf. They have a handy double zip on some of their boots that can be extended for a larger calf or zipped up for a slimmer calf. The other decision with over-the-knee boots is heel height. I am a fan of the flat heel – very versatile with jeans and great for lots of walking. The flat heel can also dress up a dress or skirt. If you decide high heel is the way to go, keep in mind my caution about shaft height and don’t go too far over your knee, unless there’s a pole near-by:) I love these Cole Haan boots. Definitely an investment but the leather is goreous and they are versatile in that you can wear them over-the-knee or cuffed and under-the-knee. Two boots for one price. Always thinking, my stylistas. And investing in a top quality leather boot is an investment that pays off for years.
3. Jeggings
In August, I wrote WTF Are Jeggings and Why Do I Care? Well, jeggings are huge for Fall. I recently helped convince a friend to try them out. She thought she could never wear them and that they would never look good. She bought a pair from Lucky.com and tried them on for me. They were super flattering and she loved the stretch and comfort. One word of advice is to order one size down. I know, they will look like they are made for little kids but I promise they stretch and no one wants a baggy jean (saggy = bad). Jeggings I love are from Citizens, Hudson and J Brand. They are also great with this seasons tall boots as you get no jean hang-over (like a muffin-top around your knee-cap = bad).
4. Hats
If you know me, you know I love hats. I always have and look forward to the rain and winter so I can break them out. Hats are huge this Fall.
 Betmar Fedora $54 Everythingfrom the Justin Timberlake style Fedora to the page-boy cap or raspberry beret (sorry I had to). I know most of you are thinking – I look terrible in a hat. Really? When’s the last time you tried one on? I bought a really hip tweed hat at a local boutique here in the North End called Bobbles & Lace (they have other locations on the North Shore). $25 and every time I wear it I get compliments and feel like I walked into a 1950′s movie. Betmar is one of my fave hat brands. Very stylish and not too pricy. Love this red beauty for just $54. Try out a fun hat and see how it makes you feel.
5. Faux leather & fur
No Fall wardrobe is complete without a little faux. I’m excited that faux is big this season for a few reasons. First off, designers have been trying to perfect the faux look for a few seasons now and are finally getting it right.
 Vena Cava for Aqua Faux Fur Vest @ Bloomies $188 I bought a faux leather jackets a few years ago and it looked more like pleather than leather. Designers are working to get better materials that more closely resemble leather or fur and are paying better attention to the details to make the coats and vests look more realistic. Second, faux is the way to go especially when it comes to a trendy accessory like a fur vest or a leather blazer. Might not live to see another season so why spend $300+ for it to hit the consignment shop next season? And last, but certainly not least, it’s friendly. Lots of people don’t like to buy leather coats or real fur so the faux route gives you the stylish look without the sad face. Ideeli recently had some hip faux leather bomber jackets for under $50. What a steal! A good friend recently bought a faux fur vest and was disappointed last week when it was too warm to sport for a local fashion event (bummer, Chris!). I spotted this faux fur beauty at Bloomies. A little pricy for a trendy piece but it looks very real.
So, my stylish friends, I ask you…what’s on your Fab Five for Fall? Would love to hear what you think about my picks and what you think you’ll add to your wardrobe this Fall. Go forth and be stylish.
By Michelle A Heath, on 03.04.10 | Okay, my style vixens, you’ve been waiting. You’ve asked me when it’s coming. What’s on it. You need to know. Your poor little toes are cramped up in wool socks and snowboots as you dream of pedicures, sandals and sand between your toes. As we say good-bye to February, the signs of Spring are here (okay, I’m trying to pe positive here) and we New Englanders are counting the days. So, what better way to turn on Spring than with a taste of the style I’ve been seeing on the runways, on the blogs and in the stores. Let me tell you, the theme for Spring is Hot Hot Hot (cue Buster Poindexter.) Here goes…
 Eight Sixty 'Body Con' Cutout Knit Dress $78 @Nordstrom 1. Peek-a-boo, I see you. I love this term for fashion (thanks, to The Thread). Spring runways were spiced up with dresses, skirts, tops and shoes that show some skin. Some serious skin. Slits, lace, mesh, cutouts, rips – you name it and it’s hot for Spring. When I first saw this look it was on a tee-shirt and reminded me of circa 1982 and a “Like a Virgin” concert tee that I had. Yes, some of it feels a bit too rock concert for a day in the office or school drop-off but I also saw some amazing dresses along with my new shoe must-have – the caged shoe – which totally rocks the peek-a-boo look. Keep in mind too much peek-a-boo can lead to innocent by-standers throwing dollah bills your way, so don’t over-do it. Keep it to one piece. A simple, fitted black cutout dress like this one with some peep-toes. Or a lace skirt with a silk blouse. It’s hot. It’s sexy. It’s Spring. It’s time to show some skin, ladies.
2. Neutrals rule. Keeping up with our flesh theme, Spring is all about neutrals. Everything from taupes and gauzy bronzes and creamy ivories, the neutral palette is a welcome trend for Spring. Neutrals are such a simple mix and match. Take a pencil skirt in a neutral, warm tan. Think of all the possibilities! Pair it with a white ruffled blouse and a wide black belt with black caged shoes. Or an ivory short-sleeved sweater with a sleek peep-toe. Or a black fitted v-neck tee with a wedge sandal. Or with a creamy scarf to dress up your trench coat. Neutrals also rule the Spring make-up palette. Not everyone can pull it off (I happen to look like the night of the walking dead in taupe lipgloss) but, if you happen to be of the right skin tone, this can be a great, natural look for Spring.
 Sequin scarves $7.95 on Amazon 3. Metallic-a-licious. A little Dance Fever anyone? Who can resist a little glitz and glam along with some sequins, sparkle and shimmer. Metallics are all over for Spring. Everything from what we saw last Fall with studs and grommet designs, to gold sequin skirts that are quite the eye-catcher. I also love that metallics are being shown in every shade possible. Bright candy pinks, platinum, greens and blues, golds – it’s all a-go-go for a metallic Spring. Sequin skirt a little too much for your wardrobe? I came across these adorable metallic scarves on Amazon for under $10! What a steal! Scoop ‘em up while they last.
4. The brightah the bettah. Neon, cobalt, keylime, raspberry, candy pink….take your pick for Spring. Everything from nail polish to tee-shirts to trench coats. Bright yellows continue to be a big trend this Spring. Yellow can be tough to wear. Often to yellowey (is that a word?) for olive complexions and to wash-outey (again) for pale complexions. Look for warmer yellow that compliments your skin tone or perhaps incorporate a pop of yellow with a handbag or bracelet. Blue and all shades of it are another big Spring color. Everything from cobalts and strong blues to turquoise and Caribbean blues. Blues are much easier to wear on the face but often harder to pair with other wardrobe items. I would look for the brighter blues and pair them with jeans for day and a cute black skirt or pants for night. If bright is a fright, just try a little bit. Accessories are a great way to infuse serious color in just a small dose. Don’t be afraid, my style maven, try the color…soon, you will be hooked!
 Betsy Johnson "Calandra" $138 @ Zappos.com 5. Retro is metro. Fedoras, Mary Janes, shirt dresses, dress shorts, oh my! They’re all back with a twist, baby. I am a huge hat fan (as you can see from my Facebook page – thanks to Bryan for letting me borrow it) and own a bunch of different hats to mix it up. The Fedora style is so in for Spring. I will tell you that it’s also a great alternative to an umbrella, especially for those of you who, like me, have to walk through the city and what is usually a wind tunnel, whereby your umbrella typically ends up inside and out and in the garbage. Another big retro trend is the Mary Jane. These school-girl inspired shoes are in with full-force and, this time, with a great platform twist. I bought a pair last Fall and am thrilled to see them on the runway again for Spring. I spied these adorable satin, peep-toe beauties with a bow on Zappos.com. These would be gorgeous with a straight cream-colored pencil skirt or even the black dress pictured above. Love them! Who could forget the shirt dress? Yes, it seems so 1980s but they are back for Spring and such a simple, classic addition to any wardrobe. Easy to pair with flats, sandals or a great wedge. Dressy shorts – yeah, I know what you’re thinking, but I was in NYC and everyone is wearing them. Well, not everyone, but you get my drift. Dressy shorts and tights were a big 70s look. They’ve cleaned it up and I’ve seen some great trouser-fabric shorts for summer. So, try incorporating one piece into your wardrobe. Maybe some funky Mary Janes or a Justin Timberlake-inspired Fedora. One of these pieces can take an outfit that was so last Spring and put some 2010 in its step.
So, there you have it. Oh, by the way, one trend I did not put in my Fab Five is the “Feathered Look”. No, I’m not talking hair. I’m talking feathers. Skirts, pins, blouses, hair pieces. Feathers, my lovely. As much as the models on the runway look fabulous strutting their feathery stuff, this is not a trend for the everyday kind of gal. I say if feathers are your look, use sparingly as not to appear that you are a) on the verge of jumping out your office window or b) stunt doubling for a Victoria’s Secret angel. Get my drift?
Now that we’ve flown that away, I leave you to think Spring and infuse these exciting trends into your wardrobe. Remember, you do not need to buy an entirely new Spring wardrobe! Now, if you want to, that is certainly your prerogative and I would be happy to help (shameless plug). For those of us looking for a way to update last Spring’s wardrobe in a stylish and efficient way, pick a few trends and look for good buys. Not much to spend? Accessories are a girls best friend. I’m curious to know what you pick to add to your Spring wardrobe, so do tell. What are your picks for Spring?
And with that I say…go forth and Be Stylish.
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