Spring Fashion Report Concluded: Marching Orders

This Spring command attention in a confident military inspired look. Lead by Balmain designer Christophe Decarnin, designers have taken the current deconstructed model off duty look and redesigned it for the American fashionista. The key to styling this look is playing up the glam factor. Simply add a great Manolo or Louboutin pump or wedge and an evening clutch or over-sized "it" bag. What you have to pay attention to when attempting this look is the tailoring and fit. Make sure that you choose a piece of higher quality and design. There are many ill fitting attempts by lesser designers. Here are a few Austin pick's. (Inset, top: corseted tiered dress by Laila Azhar, $385; silk jumper by Joie, $258; minidress by Dolce Vita, $200 all available at Girl Next Door. Military dress by Theory, $295; military jacket by Juicy Couture, $198 both available at Neiman Marcus.)

Spring Fashion Report: Pastoral Interlude

Everyone loves a great weekend getaway on those warm sunny summer weekends- the heat from the sun bearing down on your skin and the warm breeze calming you to the point of slumber. Sounds great, but as we all know, we cannot always get away, and fashion certainly never tires, so why not at least look the part. Rustic elegance defines this season with neutral hues and natural fibers. This spring, soften your look with romantic floral prints and rustling ruffles on tiered dresses. Style yourself whimsically, remembering to keep it fashionable by adding a great Michael Kors espadrille wedge or Yves Saint Laurent platform sandal. Here are a few lovely pieces from Austin's top shops. (Inset, Top: chiffon floral print dress by Chanel, $5190 @ Neiman Marcus; floral print tunic by Elizabeth & James, $265 @ Neiman Marcus; asymmetrical tiered ruffled caftan by Rebecca Taylor, $316 @ Missbehave; floral tank dress by Lucca Couture, $68 @ Peyton's Place; cotton and lace pleated blouse by Rebecca Taylor, $345@ Missbave.)

Spring Fashion Report: Pattern Play

Spring/Summer 2010 is all about the print. You will find prints in all of the top shops this season from exotic animal prints and florals to urban tribal, spring is about making a statement. In the season where more is more, designers are choosing to mix and match prints creating clusters of color and confusion. Designers like Donatella Versace and Dries Van Noten are choosing to create head to toe print laden runways looks for the most daring fashionistas. Here are a few selections from Austin's top shops. (Inset, Top: floral print blouse by Diane Von Furstenberg, $198 @ Neiman Marcus; floral asymmetrical dress by Ali Ro, $265 @ Estilo; heart print baby doll dress by Marc by Mac Jacobs, $228 @ Blue Elephant; tribal print jumper by Mara Hofman, $323 @ Girl Next Door; tribal print dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $298 @ Neiman Marcus.)

MUST HAVE Shoe of the Season.....

Check out this amazing ombre leather hidden double platform pump by Yves Saint Laurent. This spring shoes have reached new heights with Versace's triple platform and Alexander McQueens 10-inch heels, by comparison this YSL is almost reasonable. The nude platform pump has been a red carpet favorite over the past few seasons and it is a must have for the spring season. With designers like Fendi, Louboutin, and Prada leading the way, this ombred YSL is a great way to add twist to a seasonal favorite. Platform by Yves Saint Laurent available at Neiman Marcus for $798. Style carefully!!!

Spring Fashion Report: Game Theory

The Olympics have long concluded but that does not mean that the fun is over! This spring designers are looking to stylishly reinvent some game time classics. Ralph Lauren, Proenza Schouler, and Alexander Wang are leading the fashion pack in this game. From hoodies to cargo pants don't think about styling these runway looks with sneakers. It's all about adding a touch of glamour to an otherwise offensive look. Think Manolo's and a vintage or novelty tee with those Ralph Lauren cargo pants. Here are a few stylish picks from Austin's most fashionable!(Inset, Top: perforated leather hoodie by Elie Tahari, $698 @ Neiman Marcus; silk cargo pants by Ralph Lauren, $698 @ Neiman Marcus; cropped khaki pants by Dolce&Gabbana, $925 @ Neiman Marcus; nylon pancho by Diesel, $135 @ Missbehave; nylon jumper by Moon Collection, $80 @ Luxe Apothetique.)

Doucette Duvall at Gallery D.....

Be sure to stop by chic 2nd street boutique Gallery D this Saturday, March 20, for New York City-based clothing line Doucette Duvall's trunk show and social. Featured in the Sex and the City movie and worn by celebrities like Liv Tyler and Ashley Green, you won't want to miss this!!!

www.doucetteduvall.com

Spring Fashion Report: Denim Dressing.....

Denim is everywhere this spring season! From jewelry and accessories to shoes and handbags and ready-to-wear, denim is making a comeback. Styled high by Italian design duo, Dolce&Gabbana in the early 2000's, the same house is leading the way in it's revival. From crystal embellished pockets to prints and draping, denim has evolved for today's picky fashionista. Here are a few stylish selections from Austin's top stores and specialty boutiques. (Inset, Top: leopard print denim jacket by Dolce&Gabbana, $1650 @ Neiman Marcus; pleated denim skirt by Dolce&Gabbana, $725 @ Neiman Marcus; denim dress by Karlie, $86 @ Soigne; silk and denim jumper by Collective Concepts, $130 @ Luxe Apothetique; cotton and denim tank dress by Decapolis, $70 @ Blue Elephant.)

Spring Fashion Report: Nautical Themes.....

Spring/Summer 2010 is full of fabulous trends. One of the biggest for this season is Nautical themes. Following the lead of top fashion labels Louis Vuitton and Chanel, designers have delivered everything from stripes to Captain's Jackets fit for everyone from Joan Collins to Rihanna. So slip on your white Louis boat shoes and get ready to set sail. Here are a few selections from Austin's top stores and specialty boutiques.
(Inset, Top: Stripe dress by Marcus Lupfer, $350 @ Intermix; belted dress by Trina Turk, $298 @ Neiman Marcus; striped cotton tank dress by Paris, $58 @ Blue Elephant; linen Captain's jacket by Chanel, $3845 @ Neiman Marcus; Sailor dress by Jack BB Dakota, $60 @ Luxe Apothetique.)

Doucette Duvall at Gallery D.....

Be sure to stop by chic 2nd street boutique Gallery D this Saturday, March 20, for New York City-based clothing line Doucette Duvall's trunk show and social. Featured in the Sex and the City movie and worn by celebrities like Liv Tyler and Ashley Green, you won't want to miss this!!!

www.doucetteduvall.com

Hot Accessory Find.....

Check out this great embellished denim bracelet by Camilla James. Embellished denim was huge in the early 2000's and it making a comeback for S/S 2010. If you like to keep your wrist heavily ornamented, remember to keep the other accessories in the black or earth tone families. This particular shade of demin can be a bit tricky to style. You might end up looking a bit 80's or simply mismatched. Denim bracelet by Camilla James available at Intermix for $275.

Hot Runway Track: Dirty Beats - Various Artists

A great mix tape for the always amusing, Dsquared, by playful twins Dean and Dan Caten. Heard at the S/S 2010 Men's runway show in Milan, I am sure it kept the energy high and the models at pace.

Great Shoe Find.....

An essential for any closet, a fabulous nude patent pump like this Brian Atwood makes a subtle stylish statement that compliments almost any outfit. This pump is actually a hidden double platform which is right on trend for the Spring/Summer 2010 season. You can wear them with everything from colorful day looks that need a simple yet fashionable note at the root to casual evening and cocktail attire. Shoe by Brian Atwood available at Intermix for $575. Style carefully!!!

SCENE: AGLIFF Oscar party at the Driskill

The motion picture crew was out last night to celebrate the 82nd annual Academy Awards. Hosted by AGLIFF(Austin Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival) at the historic Driskill Hotel, attendees dined on tasty bites of beef fillet while watching the ceremony on projection screens. Performer Rebecca Havemeyer kept the crowd entertained during commercial breaks and with song and dance while they sipped on Tito's Vodka. The fashion worn was a mixture of red carpet ready looks, cocktail attire and looks from the costume closet and the Paramount. A fun event hosted by a great organization, I look forward to next year's.

Hot Accessory Find.....

Check out this amazing vintage inspired necklace by Cara. Style it high for a great evening look or casually for a fashionable day look. I recommend wearing it with a vintage shirt and a well tailored blazer. This is a fresh way of wearing an otherwise limited accessory. Necklace by Cara available at Intermix for $325. Style carefully!!!

SCENE: Last night at the W.....

Last night the W opened the 31st floor for a gathering featuring food from Sullivan's and treats from tasty hot spot Delish.

(Above: Wende Park in Black Halo, Stephanie Cultress-O'Neill, Anna Anami with Chanel handbag.)

Hot Accessory Find.....

Check out this gorgeous red lamb skin "Petale" bag by Valentino. This collection debuted last Spring along side the over-sized "Bow" collection and has become a fashion staple and Valentino signature since. A great addition to your closet, style this bag with everything from jeans to a high fashion runway look and you are sure to make an impression. Valentino "Petale" bag available at Neiman Marcus for $1895. Style carefully!!!