Orange...

I rarely buy orange for the following reasons:

1.  I feel like a Cal Trans worker

2.  It was nowhere on my chart when I had my colors done

3.  The awkward association with Halloween.

So when I came across the shoes from Kenneth Cole for $22 (that you can barely see in this picture) with the orange patten toe strap, I just had to have them.  Now I had these orange strap shoes and no other orange in my closet to go with it.  My quest for anything orange to wear with them began.  Being the savvy and frequent shopper that I am, my quest did not last long.  I found this orange top at H&M, unfortunately I took off the tag and I can't find it so let's just say it was $25.  The pants are an olive green, denim trouser with a boot cut leg from Tory Burch and cost me $175.  I don't mind spending on well fitting pants.  

The outfit was cute, if I do say so myself, and I tried not to think about the three reasons listed above while I was in it.

The perfect pants.....

I walked into the GAP, www.gap.com.  I had some time to kill before my next appointment. As I walked in I noticed hanging on the wall were these red pants, something was drawing me to them.  It could have been the color but the cut on them was intriguing too.  I grabbed them in my size and headed straight to the dressing room.  Let me just tell you pants never do this to me.  I pulled them on and ahhhhhh...(insert heavenly music here) they fit like a dream.  They were a bit short but I ran out and got them in my size in the long version.  Because they fit so well I went back and bought a pair in white too.  I am thinking about the black as well.  I immediately told a girlfriend about them and she went the next day and had the same experience.  The pants are called the Modern Boot and they sit just below the waist, are slim through the leg (which since I have been doing squats are not so slim anymore, and my girlfriend has body builder thighs, so I am thinking it isn't that slim in the leg) and they have a boot leg opening.  The boot leg gives great proportion to the body and balances everything out.  I bought mine in long because I want to wear them with my high heeled platform wedges.  I will probably go back and get the black in the regular length to wear with more of my non-shoes but they also come in short for all the petite ladies out there.  They were priced at $59.50 but I used $90.00 in rewards points so I walked out of there with only $30 less in my purse and two awesome pairs of pants in a bag that I had to pay 10 cents forModern Boot Pant.  Good deal!  Try them out!http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=57240&pid=760950&mlink=57240,4372117,boot&clink=4372117

Bohemian Summer

I think we all need a break from the bling that has been happening on clothing for the past couple of years.  I do love a good sequin here and there but I am feeling the vibe out there in the stores and it is more about color than sparkle.  

The outfit I have here is inspired by the shorts.  I really wanted a good denim, slouchy, boyfriend short.  Last summer I purchased a pair of denim shorts at Levi's but they fit perfectly, so....not slouchy.  This summer I have "the boyfriend short" I was looking for from H&M for $24.95.  I even went up a size to make sure when I wash them they won't start fitting me (not sure it was the best idea).  Anyhow, they are perfect for the look I was going for and I am pairing them with my favorite floppy, Nicole Richie-esque, hat and simple brown sandals from Franco Sarto for $40.  

Imagine a music and wine festival in this outfit, the farmers market, kids sporting event or a backyard BBQ, so hip and easy to wear.  

In regards to the sandals you see in the picture.  The style I am seeing this summer are very simple, think salt water sandals from when you were 3 years old.  Bye, Bye Greek sandals, hello toddler!  I couldn't go all the way with this trend being that I am well past my 20's so this was as far as I went.  They reminded me of my old BASS sandals from junior high with an updated twist.  Crap the 80's are back.

If there is anything you ever see in my posts that you want as your own, shoot me an email and I will send it to you.  lookfab@coquettestyle.com

Summer Dresses, comfortable, classy and fun!

Many of my clients are shocked when I bring them day dresses and recommend they wear them when running errands, taking the kids to the park or just hanging out at home.  They think they are only to be worn to parties or out at night.  Let me highlight some of the reasons dresses during the day are a YES!

1.  Show some leg, many don't mind their calves and won't wear shorts.
2.  At the right length and given the right cut, they are so comfortable.
3.  The airflow can't be beat, so cool on a warm day.
4.  They are much more stylish than shorts.
5.  Given the right dress they are super flattering.  Everyone can find the right day dress.  I promise.
6.  Why not look better than that other woman wearing her knee length cargo shorts?

Here is a dress I just bought in April for $40 that I wore yesterday to the mall.  I had it with a cardigan sweater over the top and a pair of ballet flats.  (I actually left the house in heels and then when my dogs started barking I changed to my backup flats)  This dress works for me because it has at tight bodice, and pleats at my waist which give the illusion that I actually have one.

The dress is from Jessica Simpson and I know many of you have mixed feelings about her but let me tell you the woman has made millions from her line of clothing and accessories.  I would say 98% of it is cute, stylish and wearable for most women.  Also, you have to love that she isn't a size 2!

The shoes you see in the is picture I picked up for $25 on an end of season clearance.  I love the red.  www.francosarto.com

That finishes off my spending for April.  Now on to May and preparing for my trip to Miami.