CallaStyle is Taking a (Spring) Break

Be back on April 30th!

Today’s Outfit: Bring the Spring (but keep the black)

It’s a certifiable combination of seasons today. Temperature check: 65 degrees.  Not warm enough to wear a dress with bare legs, not cold enough to justify long sleeves and tights. What to do? Mash’em up.  Try cropped pants like these lightweight ones that make a terrific partner for nude pumps.  Then, there’s my bright, ‘barbie’ pink top with a deep V-neck accessorized with an array of flourescent bracelets.  You can see that the pop of pink livens up my black pants and black knit vest. Bring on the spring!

Top by Ella Moss  |  Vest by Sweet Pea  |  Pants from JCrew  |  Pumps from Nine West

Bracelets by Amrita Sing and jelly bracelets by, well, I can’t remember the other designer!

Most comfortable pumps ever.

Fashion Essentials: Spring Jacket Round-up

Springtime is an in-between time where a woman needs certain wardrobe essentials, but very specific ones for the very unique weather. The nip of cold is still in the air, but heavy coats are no longer needed. What does one wear? To sort out confusion, here is a quick round up of perfectly pretty, versatile and fresh-looking spring jackets. Throw one of these jackets or blazers over your go-to pants, a pretty skirt and t-shirt, or a just jeans and a simple blouse to feel your own spring awakening.

Chambray Blazer, Anthropologie ($88)

Ruffled Belted Trench, Banana Republic ($198)

DSquared Leather Biker Jacket ($1,560)

 

Aqua Cape Coat, Bloomingdale's ($98)

 

 

(the wild card) Sass & Bide Long, Tie-Waist ($145)

 

 

Milly Multi Check in Marigold ($464)

 

 

BB Dakota Clifton Coat ($80, on sale)

 

Today’s Outfit: Pink Patent Pumps

Do I really need to say anymore? I mean, c’mon.  So the rest of the outfit is simple: black skinny pants, a drapy sleeveless blouse and of course, knock out shoes that do the talking for me.  There is a little more to say about the outfit, though. When wearing skinny pants, your best bet is to make your leg look as long as possible. The easiest way to do that is with super high heels. Boots are a great look, but when a woman wears pumps or strappy stilettos with skinny pants, her gams are transformed into the legs she’s always wanted. Try it and I dare you to tell me differently.

 Pants from Gap  |  Top by Madison Marcus  |  Pumps from Nine West

 

All this and they’re comfortable too (even at 3 1/2″).

Shoe Necessities: The Pump

There’s no question that pumps are a woman’s standby shoe for all occasions. Low heel, high heel, in-between heel, straps, round toe, pointed toe….you name it, there is a version of the pump for any and every woman. The pump that I am about to wholeheartedly endorse is moderately priced, mid-height, and comes in a variety of colors. No, the pump isn’t by Louboutin, Dolce & Gabbana, or Ferragamo. While those pumps are exquisite works of art, I’m talking about a shoe that a woman can actually wear, walk, work and play in.  (Let’s face it, Loubis are made for looking pretty and very little movement.)  No, the pump I’m over the moon about is the Ambitious pump from Nine West.

1.  It’s comfortable: a 4″ heel is barely noticeable thanks to the rounded toe and perfectly placed heel

2.  It has a slender heel: no, it’s not a thick, clunky heel as one might expect. The heel is actually slender, borderline stiletto

3.  It comes in several colors, including the standards – black and nude (among patterns and turquoise)

4.  It’s under $100 (and even on sale right now!)

Buy this pump, take care of it the way you would a designer shoe (get it resoled, change out the plastic heel) and I promise it will last you. I leave the shopping to you.

Today’s Outfit: We don’t need no stinkin’ jeans

To heck with casual Friday;  jeans mean nothing to me.  I’d much rather wear wide leg trousers with a paperbag waist and an animal print blouse.  Wouldn’t you? Well, that’s what I did. And these pants are just as comfortable as jeans  but look way more interesting than your average Citizens or pair of Sevens.  Short and sweet today, here’s my outfit.

Pants by The Limited  |  Top by Kenneth Cole  |  Pumps from Nine West  | spectacular office view behind me by Time Inc.

Fashion Trends: Mini, Midi, MAXI Skirts

The final in our trio of skirts this week is the maxi, named for its “maximum” length.  Below is a fun version of a maxi, ready for spring, fresh and fun. Try a skirt like this with a simple black sleeveless top, gladiator sandals and a bib necklace. Or, take it to the office on a casual Friday with silk T-shirt and a cropped vest. Last and easiest, roll it up and pack it into your long weekend bag simply swapping simple cotton v-necks for a three days of easy outfits.

 

Rachel Pally ($198)

Fashion Trends: Mini, MIDI, Maxi Skirts

Love this skirt.  You should love it too.  The bright electric blue, pintuck waist band, and A-line silhouette turn what could be a matronly skirt into a modern, yet feminine piece.  Try a skirt like this with a simple white T-shirt and black pumps. Or, combine it with a polka dot blouse and neutral wedges.  You could even toughen it up with peep-toe booties and a long-sleeve back shirt.  A skirt like this is so versatile and a tremendous staple in your closet.  Colors like this are filling up stores this spring, so let’s get them filling your closet.

Asos Skirt ($53)

Today’s Outfit: Ruby Red Shoes

Today’s outfit was inspired by Taxi TV during a cab ride last night. I watched a quick spot on the best way to incorporate brights into an outfit (yes, they do fashion in the back of cabs). While I’m a firm believer that there is no wrong way to wear bright colors, I paid attention to the tips none the less.  In the 30 seconds that I watched the screen (before getting motion sick), I was reminded how cool red shoes look with navy blue.  And today, I actually used that information and came up with my outfit. Add in a silk scarf given to me as a gift from a friend’s travels and a long necklace and bada-bing, today’s ensemble.

 Top by Chelsea Flower  |  Pants from The Gap  |  Scarf from Cambodia  |  Necklace from Banana Republic

 

Shoes from Ann Taylor Loft (2004).  There’s no place like home, right?  Except maybe Bloomingdale’s.

 

 

Today’s Outfit: Tuesday’s Mod

This tunic is quintessential mod-style and that’s why I love it. Details like the bold, black and white contrasting print, A-line silhouette, and short length plant it firmly in the 60′s mod category.  I’m also endeared to this for its simplicity, pockets, and it’s A-symmetrical collar and side bow.  Careful though. One has to proceed with caution when wearing an item so indicative of a time period or defined fashion style.  There’s a fine line between integrating the spirit of a certain decade into an outfit and looking like a costume.  Definitely experiment with definitive styles from other times and places, but do so with discretion.

Tunic by 2b Rych  |  Leggings by Zobha  

 

Gray, suede booties by Report

Bracelets from Young Designers Market NYC (right) and a gift from a friend from her trip to Africa (left)