How To Wear It
Spring/Summer Trends 2008

The 'Statement Shoe'

The statement shoe is all about making the shoe the focus of attention. While the shoe doesn't have to scream 'look at me', it should be bold in some way - whether in color or style. The beauty of this trend is that your outfit can be very basic whether it's casual or dressy, because it's all about the shoe. You can take a plain t-shirt and jeans and set them off with a knock out pair of pumps in a bold color. You can do the same with a classic, professional look, but instead of using color to make the statement, use a dramatic cut to the shoe to create the look.

Figure concerns - well, there aren't many. When selecting a flattering shoe keep in mind that a pointy toed pump will elongate your figure while a shoe with thick straps around the ankles can make your legs look shorter.

Budget - There is a statement shoe out there for you regardless of your budget. It's just a matter of selecting a pair that matches your personality.

SONIK YELLOW PATENT

Turn up the heat in these glossy open toe pumps. Yellow is such a hot color for the season, you'll find yourself reaching for these hot peep-toes over and over! Easily paired with a pair of jeans or a sweet summer dress. 4 inch heel Patent upper Synthetic sole. $89.95

'BLOSOMMM' BLACK SATIN

A delicate satin rose adorns these satin sandals that can be worn day or night. Trade in your strappy high heels for this stylish, comfortable alternative. Satin upper Adjustable heel strap Leather sole Steven by Steve Madden. $79.95

French Sole FS/NY Women's Royal Pump

Dress yourself like the gorgeous style queen you are with this Royal pump from French Sole FS/NY. It has a stunning patent leather upper with a grosgrain trimmed collar, faux-horn vamp accent and low chunky heel, and a durable rubber outsole for sure footing and balance. This pump will deliver that special kind of treatment you demand and deserve. $215.95

Nine West Women's Nuncio3 Pump

The Nuncio Pump by Nine West features a giraffe-print haircalf upper with a fashionable, pointed-toe style. The slender, medium-height heel gives the shoe an elegant lift while still being comfortable for all-day wear. This chic shoe can provide stylish flair to office attire, yet has enough panache to be worn with a glamorous dress or fun evening wear. $67.96

A Feminine Touch

There is a feminine flair in the air for Spring/Summer 2008. We're seeing flirty tops and dresses embellished with ruffles, lace, ruching, silk, lace and other romantic touches. The trend isn't limited to the sexy silhouettes, it's also surfacing on the more demure looks. As a result, whether for work or play; whatever your comfort level or body type, the perfect addition to soften your summer wardrobe is out there for you.

Figure concerns - Reserve these lovely details for the more slender areas of your body. Triangle shapes should wear basic bottoms and romance the upper body with frills and shiny fabrics. Inverted Triangles will do the reverse, keeping the basics on top and embellishments on the slimmer lower body. If your shape is closer to a Rectangle, you may want to opt for soft, romantic tops loosely tucked into your skirts and trousers. The softness of the blouse will camouflage an undefined waist. Round, curvier figures should use ruching, flowing fabrics and v-necklines to elongate the body and camouflage a generous stomach. Hourglass shapes should keep embellishments simple. If you overdo it on top or bottom, you'll bring your figure out of balance.

Budget - If you are a 'Frugal Fashionista', make sure you buy as much quality as you can afford. Skimping on quality will be more pronounced with flourishes such as lace, satin, ruffles, etc. One good washing or trip to the dry cleaners and you may suffer with tears and other casualties of poor quality. My advice is to shop for the good stuff on sale or visit a reputalbe vintage or consignment shop for a feminine throwback from the past.

Women: Ruffled eyelet cami - off white

A fit everyone will love - loose, relaxed, and comfy. Looks pretty cute, too. - Lightweight cotton, lined. Elasticized ruffled scoopneck, drawstring-styling, ties at notched center. Allover eyelet embroidery, scalloped edges at hem. Hits just below hip. $49.50

Trovata Marisa Crochet Top White

Demure yet seductive, this lovely little sweater will capture the heart of you warm weather wardrobe. It has a belts which drapes gently across your waist to emphasize your figure. 100% Cotton. $150

Zoa Ruffle Tunic

Over the past few seasons, Zoa Ltd has become a staple name for chic apparel with a modern spunky twist. The Ruffle Tunic is a sexy chiffon tunic with a racer back and tuxedo style ruffling around the neckline. The bubble dress has chiffon ruffling at the hemline. Perfect for a night out on the town, this dress will be sure to make heads turn! Fabric Content: 100% polyester Fit: fitted bodice Color: black, eclipse $179

Rails Anika Top

Rails International has given the casual world something to lounge about! The philosophy is to give the wearer a casual wardrobe that covers all the basics. The Anika Top does that and more! Complete with button detailing on the sleeves and a wrinkled finish at the collar, this top adds a flirty, feminine touch to an everyday blouse. Fabric Content: 50% cotton 50% modal Fit: comfortable Color: White, Grey Hardware: Buttons at shoulders $114

Who said full coverage couldn't be sexy?

Wilen Los Angeles Open Front Sweater

The designs created by Wilen Los Angeles are the perfect mix of style and comfort. The Open Front Sweater is perfectly sheer for the summer months ahead. This turtle neck sweater has a fashionable slit and two pockets on the front, and a solid back. The sheer fabric makes it comfortable and great for layering on warm or cool days. Fabric Content: 47% Alpaca, 40% Nylon, 13% Merino Wool Fit: comfortable Color: ivory, black, mocha $170

For curvier figures...

Sensational Silky Top

This silk top is cool with a 3/4 kimono sleeve, boat neck top and solid knit waist. Solid satin trim on sleeve. Size 1x - 3x $18.99

Never Ever Eyelet Dress

Get eyed in eyelet in this adjustable strap tiered sundress. Mini pleats on first tier, last tier has scallop edge and eyelet. Surplice bodice with tulle trim. Eyelet set into waist. Lined, smocked back. Size 1x-3x $44

Night on the Town Dress

The "red carpet" comes to your house with this Hollywood starlet style dress. Sleeveless shirred waist dress with hanky hem and beaded surplice style straps. Size 14 - 24 $178

Spring Has Sprung Dress

Spring is in the air with this bold red poppy Stretch Cotton Donna Ricco dress! This silhouette is sleeveless with a flattering wrap front and the hem hits just above the knee. The perfect dress for work or play! Bodice lined. Size 14 - 24 $128

Emma Embroidered Top

Look cute and flirty in this sleeveless top with solid satin adjustable spaghetti straps. Solid satin around armhole and down front placket. 11 pearl button with loop front, smocking on each side at waist. Bodice with orange embroidery design as well as down placket. Fabric is somewhat sheer. Size 1x -3x $24

Feminine options for work

Hope & Glorie Ruffle Sweater

Sisters, Chrissy and Nicole Azzaro have successfully cornered the market for comfy chic fashion with their line Hope and Glorie. The Ruffle Sweater is the perfect addition to your wardrobe this season. This top features an off centered button front with a ruffle around the neckline. This Hope and Glorie creation couldnt get anymore stylish! Fabric Content: 100% Acrylic Fit: comfortable Color: Navy, Black $132

Plenty by Tracy Reese Ruffled Shell Top in Soft White

The line, Plenty by Tracy Reese creates a chic hippie style for the contemporary woman. The Ruffled Shell Top in Soft White is a stretch tank top with feminine details. The front has a double ruffle down the center with a solid band that holds them in place. This traditional tank becomes unique with the ruffle details and is perfect when paired with a pair of high waist pants. Fabric Content: 92% cotton, 8% spandex Fit: fitted Color: soft white $99

Russian Ruffle Top

Rock the ruffle in this cute polka dotted knit top with short puff sleeve. Ruffled stand up collar. Double ruffle runs down 7 button placket. Size 0x - 4x $28

Sporty and Sexy

Ella Moss Palisades Sleeveless Hoodie in Coconut

Ella Moss creates unique apparel for women fusing comfortable fabric with feminine details. The Palisades Sleeveless Hoodie in Coconut is a breezy summer hoodie with a low cut neckline and front zipper. Slash front pockets and a blue bottom hemline add flirtatious touches to this nautical must have hoodie. Fabric content: 49% polyester, 46% rayon, 5% spandex Fit: comfortable Color: coconut $106

High Waists

Higher waistlines are in this season. Pants, skirts, dresses and tops are sporting the trend. Sailor styled pants are popular as are the higher waist pencil skirts. As an alternate option to low rise jeans, designers are now offering high waist jeans - halelujah!

Figure concerns - The higher waistline can be slenderizing, elongating the upper body and pulling in the waist. If you have any pudge in the stomach area, stay away from styles that include a tie around the waist - this will draw the attention to the stomach. Also, if you have a long torso, avoid this trend. On the other hand, it's a dream for someone with a short torso.

Budget - No worries - you'll find this trend at every price point.

Parameter High Waist Mini Skirt in Black

Parameters gorgeous vintage designs exude elegance. The High Waist Mini Skirt in Black is a sophisticated design that begs to be worn with a silk blouse and heels this winter. This classy mini has a high waist fit with tailored pleats for a figure flattering look. The hem is banded, giving the skirt a sassy edge. The shiny patent leather belt at the waist is detachable and gives the mini modern glamour. Fabric Content: 57% cotton 45% polyester, 100% acetate lining Fit: tailored, high waist Details: back zip, patent leather belt included Color: black $215

High Waisted Pencil Skirt

Perfect for a professional look, this High Waisted Pencil Skirt features two front faux flap pockets, 7 1/2" back slit, belt with tab and double button details, wide 5 1/2" waistband, triple button and zipper closure. Machine washable. $22.99

Serfontaine Kayan Jean in Black

Serfontaine is known for their innovating and chic styles sure to accentuate your body in all the right places. The Kayan Pants in Black are a sexy high waist jean with a four button yoke and slash front pockets with button closures. The back pockets with button closures accentuate you curves in all the right places. Fit for any occasion, these jeans are a fashionistas must have! Rise: 12 1/2 inches Inseam: 34 inches Fit: rigid Wash: black Hardware: front four button closure with zip fly $264

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