Product Reviews: Zara Spring collection

On my way home from a work conference the other day, I popped into Zara in the Westfield Center. I didn't have a ton of time, but I did a quick run around the store to see if anything caught my eye that maybe I can order online when I have more time. These are the things that caught my eye:

This dress was a beautiful washed silk-like maxi. There was a wide hidden elastic band at the waist that was gave definition but was substantial enough much more than most dresses with a thin elastic waist. You could wear it with or without a belt which gives options. The u-heck in the front and back was also the perfect cut, not too low nor high. Also, the colors were all gorgeous. I highly recommend this dress! I think I may get it in black.

This fit and flare was truly adorable. It was too short for me, but if you are shorter or looking for a shorter hem, I imagine this dress would be perfect for a spring/summer wedding or similar fete! The yellow was bright and sunny, not too harsh.

This dress is much prettier in person. The color is a beautiful coral and the material doesn't look as cheap as it comes off in this photo. Definitely a thumbs up.

These black suede flatforms were adorable and I think a bargain at $50. Get a little heel lift without suffering the pain of a traditional heel.

Another bargain. A silver flat gladiator for only $35. Definitely buy it and wear your metallics during the day!

To continue with my yellow theme, this yellow jacquard top with the cutaway shoulders was also a winner. Imagine how cute this top will be, dressing up a pair of distressed jeans.

As always, Zara doesn't disappoint.

Fashion Inspiration: Nautical Navy

I spent my Sunday cleaning out my closet, checking to see if a bat took roost in there (don't ask). I had already made sure my closet was spring ready but it was quite a mess so it wasn't so bad that I was forced to organized it. I realized I have invested in a lot of navy over the past few years and I love every last piece. However, I am lacking on shoes. In browsing, there are many navy items, both shoes and clothes, that caught my eye.

I am dying over these Kors navy suede sandals. I think they might end up being a birthday treat to myself.

Nothing says prep like Navy and Kate Spade is a perfectly pretty prep master. This floral navy floral fit and flare dress will be great for summer.

How can I refuse a dress that meets my obsession with maxi dresses, my love of anchors and my inspiration of navy? I can't.

A perfect work look for summer is a navy seer sucker pencil skirt. This one is accented with a neon pink accent at the waist.

If you have a wedding to go to this summer, how about a navy lace dress. Sexy yet wedding appropriate.

The ultimate prep sandal made famous by Jackie O. The Jack Rogers Navajo in navy.

I am still on the fence about jumpsuits but this navy Trina Turk may push me over.

I will start with the sandals and work through the rest of the list!

The Basics: The Little Black Dress

I have never been a huge fan of wearing black and had always thought the LBD was a bit overrated. As I have gotten older, I appreciate the simplicity of it all. I particularly like a simple black dress in the summer with a brown flat sandal. I would wear all these dresses:

Trina Turk ponte dress with cutaway shoulders

You can just imagine how soft and comfortable this Fruit of the Loom maxi dress must feel.

I love Theory for really classic cuts, this black linen blend fits right in with that vibe.

Figure flattering with an interesting drape. I wouldn't like this dressed up, something a little tacky about it. But with brown leather gladiator sandals for running around during the day, that works for me.

Black eyelet with a very 60's vibe, can't you imagine this on Twiggy?

Kate Spade is always good for a couple of perfectly sweet LBDs every season.

And last but not least, a scoop neckline with sheer overlay and three quarter sleeves, very Audrey-worthy.

The Wit and Wisdom of Kate Spade

I just received the booty from my Friends and Family foray with Kate Spade. I love the purse and the iPhone case I bought and kind of admire my restraint in not ordering more. See all the things I was eyeing:

One of my favorite quotes from Dorothy Parker. I would have loved this on a tote bag, but my choices were iPhone cover or an iPad sleeve. I don't like the style of sleeve, I need a padded one that opens easily, like those further down. I ordered the iPhone cover and love the color and the saying makes me smile, so I swapped out the cute cover with my husband and dog for the new one. Does that make me a bad wife and mother?

The Waverly Street Drew purse is a great size and I bought it in a summer mint color. This matches the tote bag I bought last year at the Kate Spade Outlet.

These Kate Spade iPad covers are awesome. I throw mine around, stuff in my briefcase, cram in my purse and it protects my iPad through it all. There are lots of cute patterns and colors.

I have an old school straw handbag from Kate Spade that I bought a few years ago. It was limited edition at the time but there are multiple versions available now. I get a ton of compliments whenever I carry it. Mine has gold leather accents but this one with orange is just as cute.

Don't even start me with how cute this is. Who could say no to a picnic wine tote in wicker?

Keeping with the cute factor, how about a cute lizard flat sandal in metallic? Great way to loosen up an outfit of basics.

I could go on and on with my Kate Spade accessory wish list, but go ahead and click through and browse yourself. I don't think I can be trusted spending any more time without placing an order!

Style Spotlight: Maxi Dresses

I ventured into Maxi dresses last year, and am loving them even more this year. I scored an awesome deal on a Stella McCartney maxi dress at Nordstrom Rack recently and would wear it every day if I could. Here are some other Maxi options I am eyeing:

This is the Stella dress that I scored for $75 at Nordstrom Rack.

This beautiful Kenzo knit maxi skirt would look casual chic with a tshirt, denim jacket and casual wedge. It would also look stunning for a night out with a stappy camisole and a higher metallic heel.

I bought this DVF maxi dress for a cruise I went on in early 2012. I wore it with sky high black DVF sandals and felt sexy all night.

Tibi makes gorgeous maxi dresses every year, a favorite of Blair from Atlantic Pacific. This year, this purple and coral strikes the right color cord with me.

I kept seeing this Rachel Pally maxi on Pinterest and it would catch my eye because of the stunning color. I like the Grecian drapey look about it as well.

Any of the dresses can be dressed down for day with a flat sandal or even a chunky wedge and dressed up with some standout accessories and a dressier heel for date night. Are you into maxi dresses?

Crap! It's Bathing Suit Season!

The time of the year most women fear; whether they have a great body or not. Bathing suit shopping is about as fun for people as filing taxes. Thank goodness for online shopping, we can now try on bathing suits in the comfort of our own home. My struggles with swim suits is that they are normally too short in the torso. I solved that while younger by wearing bikinis. Now I don't feel comfortable in a bikini and I hate tankinis so I look for places like J Crew who carry long torso suits. Here are some of the others that I am loving:

This Trina Turk suit is so gorgeous, I ordered it knowing it probably would be too short. I was right and its going back. If you don't have a long torso, I highly recommend it. It is adorable in person!

Nothing beats nautical stripes like these on a Tommy Bahama one piece to get you in the mood for summer. I will order this one, hope its long enough.

Also on my wish list is this J Crew Pop Art tank. J Crew makes long torso suits, but they normally run pretty long so I may try this one.

This Marc Jacobs suit has detailing that will help to camouflage trouble spots.

I love the ruffles on this Magicsuit. Adds an interesting detail to basic maillot.

What are you doing for swimsuit season?

Stop it Zara! or ask I like to say, Get in my closet now!

Zara is such a great place to find fresh looks throughout the season. Whether I am browsing for ideas to freshen up my wardrobe or looking for something specific, I head to Zara.com.

I can't seem to find a casual leather skirt that is long enough but I think this Tan leather Aline Skirt might just do the trick!

While looking at the skirt, I saw it paired with these adorable Blush Gold Ankle Strap Sandals. The chunky heel makes it good for day or night. And yes, metallics can work in the daytime, think of them as a neutral! 

Add a little bling to a basic flat with these Flat Neutral Chain Sandals.

I love that Zara makes cute sandals like these green suede in a 3" heel. Most other companies have been creating sandals only 4" or higher which is tough for the workplace and more casual wearing.

The white open toe ankle strap sandal is a cute way to welcome in Spring. White shoes are always difficult to not look like a nurse but these do the trick.

Love the hidden panel on this skirt, gives a little bit of interest to the black and white trend that is everywhere.

This tunic dress gives off a cool vibe in this sienna color. I would belt it to add more shape.

A perfect little black dress for the spring.

A great linen blazer to thrown on for cooler nights or early spring.

I am ending my wishlist with this great Kimono jacket. What a great pairing for light washed jeans.

Gotta run and finish up my purchase on Zara!