Formaldehyde-Free Polish from Clinique

As someone who's in the throes of allergy season, I can attest to the fact that just about anything makes me sneeze and rub my eyes. The minds at Clinique seem to have gotten the memo and made a new line of nail polishes, the first for the brand, that caters to these sensitivities. With 12 colors in their permanent collection, it's made for those will especially reactive skin--and it's void of formaldehyde, which I think is the best part.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionista)

Updated Casual For Summer

I've gotten pretty good at wearing dark denim all day every day pretty much any chance I get. And I just realized maybe it's time I lightened things up a bit for summer. But I'm not quite ready to part with my superbly slimming black jeans and deep navy washes. So apart from a complete closet overhaul, I'm going to take a cue from the pic below and match by my favorite dark skinnies with a supremely casual and comfy white tee, preferably a slightly oversized one that's borrowed from the boys. Paired with short booties for days--or even a heel with a pop of color for night--it's an unfussy look that's sure to stay classic.

(photo: courtesy of Refinery29)

Peplums + Cropped Jackets

If you're craving another peplum but can't figure out quite how to wear it properly, here's an endorsement and a great way to pair yours with outwear. Opt for a shorter or cropped jacket as the ideal topper for your peplum so that it still showcases what you've got going on but gives the peplum and ruffle a bit of room to breathe. I frankly love that this gives new life to all of the shorter jackets I'd have a hard time otherwise wearing but looks like it was made for this top silhouette.

(photo: courtesy of Mr. Newton)

What To Wear: Walking Shorts

So you'd be hard pressed to ever find me in shorts, but there's something so refreshing about this street style shot. I think it's the way that it seems to anachronistic. This could have taken place twenty years ago with its '80s leanings or snapped a few days ago as it appears to have been. The simplicity of the outfit, with its espadrilles and plain grey tee, give it a durability that lets it withstand trends and lets it look just as cool as it does.

(photo: courtesy of The Sartorialist)

SPOTTED: Noteworthy Designs from GAP

Everyone is talking about Gap lately. And if these designs are any indication, the company is in the midst of some major changes. Sure they're still putting rainbow denim on buses and billboards but these designs are decidedly more grown-up and may just make me actually venture into their store. They've got a European appeal to them and I'm really into the way they take their casual appeal and give them a luxe update. Very designer drive but still accessible, something Gap wants to do very well.

(photos: courtesy of Fashionista)

One On Every Finger

This certainly isn't the most groundbreaking look to come out of Fashion Week Australia but I love the way this unwitting model has a ring on every single finger. Not only that, they're all identical. Just look at her left hand. I'd never go and buy 4 of the same ring, but maybe that's where I went wrong. I've been so busy thinking about stacking my rings that I never figured I should maybe try wearing them across my hand like that. It's definitely a different look but one worth trying--and one that makes an impact.

(photo: courtesy of Style.com)

The Floral Fix

If you're anything like me, being inundated with floral prints this time of year can be a bit much. I can manage one or two here or there, but donning them head to toe just isn't me. I am however really into other, non-conventional ways I can incorporate florals into my look this spring. I'd opt for a big bold floral earrings if I had my way. This oversized gemstone version takes up a good amount of real estate but would instantly add a warm weather flourish to my favorite sweaters, tees and basic silhouettes I've already got.

(photo: courtesy of Shopbop)

How To: Collect Like a Pro

I've spent a massive amount of time lately trying to clear through my things and sift through what I don't "need." But then I see a picture like this and I'm reminded that amassing a collection of designer, vintage and antique finds over the years can be quite appealing. So how can someone as clutter-phobe as me do it? By designating a single space for the collection. Place a mirrored tray atop an otherwise stark vanity and pile your bracelets and assorted gems all within its confines. That way it's still somewhat organized but you have an allotted space for the "chaos."

(photo: courtesy of The Coveteur)

The Coachella Look Revisited

Every time I went to Coachella, I stressed out. You never quite know what to wear, how to look cool, stay cool and still stay somewhat true to yourself. If I had to go again, I think this would probably be as close as I'd get to going hipster. The sunglasses are pretty easy to pull off, they're about as Warby Parker as I already get. The bandana is where it'd get interesting. But it would keep me from pulling my hair into a topknot and add a bit of extra style to my 'do while still keeping me cool, figuratively and literally. A great inspirational shot for summer regardless.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

The Latest: Saturday From Kate Spade

So Kate Spade's been killing it lately with a really well done mix of femme staples and punchy pops of color that have become their signature. Problem is, it's a bit too girly for me. Best news? They've just launched a sportswear companion brand in Kate Spade Saturday. As the pictures can attest, it's got clean lines, really nice tailoring and more of a sophisticated appeal that's not too precious. Entirely excited by what I've seen.

(photos: courtesy of Fashionista)

SPOTTED: New from Club Monaco

I always say this but Club Monaco is one of those standby's that always delivers and yet I never get in there enough. This look is enough to draw me in with a really light and subtle palette but still in the greys that I feel most comfortable in. The dusty pink car coat is really simple and yet wearable for spring and back into fall with darker colors and I love how unexpected those railroad stripes are on the slim fitting denim. Such a great--and complete--look.

(photo: courtesy of WWD)

The Perfect Spring Color Combo

If you're anything like me, you're having a hard time getting out of the rut of wearing denim, stripes and basic black. So how to come out of it now that spring has sprung? These colors are just jolt enough to get you in the mood to do a little spring cleaning and get your color palette in order. Whether you're lightening up the oxblood you OD'd on with some coral or bright pink tones or shortening the hem of your LBD and adding in some lighter leather accessories, it's quick fixes that make the biggest impact.

(photo: courtesy of Clare Vivier Tumblr)

How To: Match Your Pair to your Pedi

One of my all-time fave shoe designers Pierre Hardy has joined forces with Francois Nars to create a collection of companion nail polish shades to his line-up of lustworthy spring and summer soles. They're not too matchy matchy but instead complementary in a way that just looks, dare I say, polished. Plus the shades are super pigmented so they're perfect for this season and really vibrant enough to make a statement--which girls love to do with their sandals.

(photo: courtesy of Beauty Counter Blog)

How To: Winter to Spring Transition

If I looked this good during Winter, I wouldn't want the season to change quite yet. But being that she's dressed in a combo of oxblood and white shades, it's easier to make the transition. The easiest take away is the black opaque tights. You could get rid of those in a jiff. Then move onto swapping that jacket out for something like a jean jacket, or even a DIY jean vest for something a little more weather friendly. Pack away the heavier items for another day, it's time to set your sights on sunnier days.

(photo: courtesy of Style Scrapbook)

SPOTTED: Spring from Thakoon Addition

After the designer Thakoon just recently opened up a pop-up for his diffusion line right here in L.A., I got all excited once again to revisit his great versatile and striking prints. Each season he releases a new set that appear as though you've known them all along in a way that makes them really versatile and intent on layering. I particularly love how soft his new ones look for spring with a subtlety that will play well against against everything you already own.

(photo: courtesy of Fashionologie)

New Closet Organization Idea

So here's one for the shoe obsessive. I saw this picture and it just spoke to me. As someone who's constantly trying to figure out new ways to store all her shoes in a cramped closet quarter, this seemed brilliant. All of a sudden a bar cart or book shelf becomes multi-use. Display your shoes outside the closet doors like you'd do your books or best bottles. This way they're always on look and you can see exactly what you've got--and so can everyone else.

(photo: courtesy of Vogue.com)

The Chanel Biker Babe

Naturally it's another striped shirt. But this time it's getting a bit of a different treatment. The outfit here is all about the jacket. The combo of the quilting and the chains give it an overwhelmingly '80s feel which I would instantly pass by on the racks. But when you pare it down with more casual separates, like boyfriend jeans, sneakers and that favorite striped shirt, all of a sudden that precious treasure gets its wear. 

(photo: courtesy of Gal Meets Glam)

The Perfect Combo: Thick Knit + Candy Colored Leather

I saw this street style photo the other day and instantly saved it to my desktop (my own version of pinterest). I've been kicking myself for not buying a really thick fisherman-type sweater this winter and this was exactly what I was looking for. With a pop of pastel to signal the final arrival of spring, this look is the perfect go-to for those transitional days. The texture of the knit sits perfectly against the slick leather and together with a light wash denim that shows a hint of skin at the ankle, it's the perfect combo.

(photo: courtesy of Aportable Package)

The New Striped Shirt

I have a slew--yes, a slew--of striped shirts at this point. But never did I think I'd see a striped rash guard that makes taking a surf (or body board) chic once again. The range is made in L.A. and obviously meant for beach going days, but I think that since they're so stylized they'd work just as well off shore and into town. Paired with the perfect boyfriend jeans or skinnies and sandals, you'd never know the difference. 

(photos: courtesy of J. Crew Blog)

Vans x Kenxo

More and more people I've been seeing lately are wearing designer versions of the cult classic Vans. From a pony hair Celine version to a souped up version of Kate Spade for Keds, there seems to be ample opportunity to get into the sneaker game. I'm pretty fond of these Vans x Kenzo for summer. They've got an emboldened animal print in really bold hues that looks pretty fun paired with cuffed denim, white jeans or even an LBD. 

(photo: courtesy of Garance Dore)