{H&M top; Aqua skirt; TopShop belt and earrings; Cutler & Gross sunnies; CC Skye cuff; VonRay pin; Valentino handbag; Carven for Robert Clergerie shoes}

In high hopes that this Memorial Day brings you out of your comfort zone {as if sipping lemon caipirinhas should only be left to the weekends} and brings you to the beach, the lake, or the BBQ pit {what’s cookin’?} I bring you the ultimate guide to checking your day old outfit at the door, and rolling deep next weekend in freshness so fly that it will make your neighbors extra, extra nosy!

The Beach:

Sheer chiffon has stolen the hearts of us fashionistas nationwide. Wear this trend in an age appropriate way with the oldest trick in the books… the classic cover up. A long sheer chiffon caftan {calling all Diane von Furstenberg fans} or a short airy white version {I smell an afternoon at Bloomingdale’s} will keep you fashionably first!

Stylist’s trick? Take a long caftan that hits below the knee and update it by tying the flowing fabrication in an effortless knot around the knee area. Instantly, your caftan goes from {a drag} to {a swag}!

The Lake:

Last time I checked your closet {yes, I’ve been inside your home}, I noticed you have been wearing the same flip flops both for your monthly pedicure and to your afternoon social swim. Gasp! Do you use the same towel for the pool and the shower?  Levels! Levels! All accessories have levels.

Your pedicure flip flops should be under $10. Your “to the lake!”, “to the ocean!” and beyond flip flop should be over $30. Fashionable favs are at Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Marc Jacobs. Don’t ever let your sun-kissed {lewk} smell of cheap plastic again!

The BBQ:

Cheeseburgers by way of 360 degree juice splattering is no home for white. Stay All American while churning the midnight {baked beans} and opt for a striped tee and jeans.  A straw hat would Lion Witch and Wardrobe you right onto the front pages of the J.Crew catalog. Trust me, it’s a good look!

Remember to pack light and live by “La Petite Valise”. The lighter your suitcase, the lighter the burdens in your life…

Sail away!

xoxo,

elshane

Red carpet trend: Dark vamp lips!

As seen on Sofia Vergara, Kate Bosworth, and Jessica Alba to name a few, the vamp lip can go from “man repelling” to *inviting* by simply applying it to the right situation!

Do: Add a vamp lip to an already sexy look, like a black sequin evening dress, or a crisp white cocktail dress. The deep vamp will play off the feminine notes of the rest of the look to balance out its severity!

Don’t: Add a vamp lip to a daytime look, like jeans and a tee...and be mistaken for a red wine-o!

Red carpet trend: Orange and purple!

As seen on Diane Kruger, Eva Mendez, Emma Stone, Beyonce and more, these colors are here to stay for fall!

Do: {Bring it bright} and make a statement. Wear a purple or orange solid dress with a matching heel, and keep the makeup light.

Don’t: Be shy! These colors work on all skin tones, as long as you find the right shade. Keep trying and don’t rule a color out of your wardrobe before trying it in every shade!

Red carpet trend: Red Hair!

As seen on Kate Bosworth, Jaime King and Florence Welsh… did their stylists catch the elshane makeover bug from last month?

Switching up your hair color is as easy as {cutting an onion}. Learn from the best and give it a whirl! I’ve had so much fun being a red head…and in one months time, it’s all faded back to blonde. Memories!

xoxo,

elshane

Heareth all naysayers: thy, too, wear shorts.

It was merely three years ago when I coined the expression, “the B.C.”…

“Back in the B.C. days, I could wear those shorts…”

“I used to dress like that…in the B.C. ages…”

The B.C. days are long gone, my sympathetic amigas. Those B.C. {Before Cellulite} days are now just photos in the journal… unreachable memories. But allow that NOT to defeat us and our ability to wear shorts! We can jump into these A.D. {Appropriately Demure} times with confidence and conviction.

{Versace for H&M top, Marni at H&M necklace and bangles; shorts from Tokyo, Japan; Neives smile ring; CC Skye pink bracelet and earrings; Cutler & Gross sunnies; DVF clutch; Christian Louboutin heels}

The Short Report:

THE DENIM {JORT} JEAN-SHORT:

The last time I saw Grammy slangin’ cut of jean shorts was… well, yesterday. ‘Age appropriate’ is the key term, defined by length and the finish of the short.

*A frayed/fringed short should be left for those under 40… unless you’re Demi Moore. We forgive you~You inspire us~Never stop!

*Over 40 and have a frayed/fringed short that you can’t give up? With a tiny double roll cuff at the bottom hem, you add an instant polished, age appropriate look!

*A Bermuda-length Jort works well with a finished hem. Take your favorite old pair of jeans and have your local tailor re-attach the bottom hem to hit two inches above the knee.

T{WILL} YOU STOCK UP ON ME:

The most classic short in the books is made of twill. Think: Khakis in all colors shapes and sizes {J.Crew, we’re looking right at you}.

*Twill is forgiving for all leg shapes because it’s meant to sit low on the hips and create an over-sized, non-thigh hugging appeal. {The wider the short, the skinnier your legs look}.

*Pick solid colors that pair well back to a printed top or classic white tank in your wardrobe.

*Darker skin tones do well with bold, jewel-tone brights, while porcelain skin tones work best with pastels. BOTH hues are so-right-now.

THE FINE PRINT{ED}:

A fresh take on a classic color short, printed shorts are a MUST in a trendy wardrobe.

*This style works best in shorter silhouettes; lengths that hit over six inches above the knee. Why? You don’t need your shorts to be mistaken with the next annual Quicksilver Surf Competition uniform {Board Shorts gone BAD}.

*Printed shorts can be dressed for evening with an espadrille wedge or patent round-toe pump. Add a solid silk blazer to richen the look.

Fear not the short!

xoxo,

elshane

“One part kale, two parts celery, a pinch of cayenne pepper…”

Someone I know is talking bikini season. Scared yet?

With cheeseburgers juicier than ever, and french fry topping reaching new {truffling} heights, getting loose with the juice isn’t that easy.

70′s inspired swimwear takes front and center in this great weight debate. Higher waisted bottoms debut as a well-seasoned trend in swimwear. It’s like having your cake and eating it, too!

{Diane von Furstenberg “Bonnie” bikini, Selima sunnies; vintage hat}

*****

Coveted swimwear brands like Shoshanna, Diane von Furstenberg, Mara Hoffman, and D&G have called to action, and produced some of the most print-friendly, belly-bestie options for the summer. With the bikini bottom hitting above the belly button, all of last night’s dinner is left to a beach-goers imagination! And, chiffon ruffle details like this Diane von Fursenberg “Bonnie” style, leaves the skin looking as soft and smooth as a Victoria’s Secret model’s be….hive hairdo.

And for those juice-heads out there? I admit, I am one… we still have kale to lean on.

Confused?

Companies like BluePrint Cleanse, Pressed Juicery, and Cooler Cleanse, have paved the way for the 21st century juicehead. In about 1,600 calories per day, “indulge” in a liquid based diet consisting of everyone’s favorite vegetables: beets, carrots, celery and kale… oh, and some fruits as well, like apple, grapefruit, lemon, and pineapple, to satisfy the ultimate bikini-friendly bod.

I know what you’re thinking… well, stop judging! Listen up!

“A short cleanse or detox program is not a luxury or indulgence. It’s routine maintenance, something you do to help your body run better, feel cleaner, and look brighter and younger. During a juice cleanse, you ease the digestive process by replacing regular meals with delicious, fresh-pressed vegetable and fruit juices, raw coconut water elixirs, and silky smooth nut milk blends. Consuming only liquids for a few days frees energy in the body, which can then return to the essential jobs of deep inner cleansing and healing.” – Cooler Cleanse statement.

Now who’s juicing with me next week?

xoxo,

elshane

Sound the sirens, the denim patrol has infiltrated your {cedar-tiled, naturally lit, lavender infused walk-in} closet.

Yes, you! Why are you still wearing those jeans?

Cue: “those jeans” = * saggy * over-washed * slouchy * ugly blue *

Let’s talk dirty denim: wash, cut, details, hardware. It’s all important. Most important? Fit. Least important? Price. Stay current in denim that fits your shape!

{Marni at H&M jacket; DVF sweater, sunnies, and hat; CeCe Toppings faux collar; Current/Elliot shorts; vintage handbag; Christian Louboutin shoes}

*****

SPLURGE: on {newness} in the form of color, silhouettes, and luxe twills like Japanese denim. Like butta.

SHOP:

Full Hips and Thighs: Rock what the incline 7 treadmill gave you! Flared denim with no detailing on the front thigh (like seams, pleats, or whiskers) #elongates. A wider leg pant will balance you out to create a lean, mean, denim machine! Try this {must} in a dark wash that skims the floor.

Hour Glass Figure: How lucky are you? Queen of the {high-waisted jeans never looked so good} swagger-fied prance. Take that never-fading trend and go with it. Try high-waisted denim in all shapes and sizes. Skinny jeans, wide-leg trousers, shorts, and cropped. Keep the colors dark to #elongate. Lucky thang!

Stick Straight: Cigarette legs weren’t named for nothin’, sista’ sledge. Grab the skinny jeans trend by the zipper and don’t look back. Try printed denim to add some hydro curvature.

Mirrorless Fashionista: {me, me!} You call us ladies “dressing for girls, not boys”. We don’t look in the mirror to see how our assets look, we look to see if it’s a {lewk} destined to end up on Chanel Iman in next month’s Glamour magazine. For us fearless fashionistas, it’s all about printed denim. Floral, plaid, painted. My latest pair from TopShop is black with the solar system (and killer rockets) shooting all over. Yeah, I went there…

STORE: pairs that you’ve worn lately that resulted in a sass in your step. Those that you put on and feel like, “bam! I hope someone spots me at the supermarket this morning!”

SURRENDER: pairs that you put on when you hope you won’t bump into anyone. Period.

SEAT BELT: and put the car in drive and head to your local department store, like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus for the best selection.

xoxo,

elshane

Bloggers these days… they think they know everything! Creating trends, dictating fashion, who are these girls? {say me! say me!}

Arm Candy has become so popular amongst fashion bloggers, it has overridden the classic “who wore it best” category with “who wore the most“. How high can you go? How colorful can you merchandise? How blingy can you bling? Fashion blogger Leandra Medine of The Man Repeller, took it far enough as to trademark her own name for the trend, “Arm Party”.

Who said daytime partying was {low brow}? A colorful arm can instantly add a self-imposed shimmy down at every corner turned.

{From left: DVF, Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, Robert Rose, Lia Sophia x 7}

*****

How to? Simple!

Start using basic {math}! Yes, math! Ok, not math. Numbers. Well, inches. Go a-hunting for a variety of stackable bracelets (all unique, of course) of the same width. When stacking on your wrist, don’t think, just do. Stack away mindlessly, become an everyday Picasso.

Level two gets tricky. Extra {math}. Ok, not math. More like a good eye. Use varied width bangles to create an artistic affect. Follow simple rules of mindless order, mindless asymmetry.

{From left: Lia Sophia x 3, Robert Rose x 2, gifted by Shawn Warren, vintage}

*****

Where to? Simple!

Mix highs and lows. These bangles are forever to remain in your {costume jewelry vault}, so splurge on Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Alexis Bittar, and CC Skye; save on H&M, Macy’s, and Forever 21.

So, us fashion bloggers have created trends, dictated fashion, and trademarked terms. Pretty impressive for self-starters?

Next up for us?… investing our time and creative energy in a lucrative career! To buy more bangles?

xoxo,

elshane

As if we couldn’t have called this one in December…

Colored pants have continued to stride forward this spring as the {hautest} ticket in town. Lucky for denim manufacturers, it seems that the bright blues and reds that we purchased last fall won’t seem to quite cut it this spring… brands like JBrand, Joe’s, Seven for all Mankind and Theory have introduced sorbet colors for spring that, if gone un-purchased by us avid fashionistas, will leave us drowning in the backwash of our neighbors refreshing creamsicle. Yes, I went there.

And so should you. There, being that ol’ denim store that you so fancy, to pick up this spring’s sorbet look. I dropped by my local favorite, Diane von Furstenberg, for an elshane take on the classic denim– a sorbet silk harem pant. Giving off the same {too cool to not go to school} effect, a sherbet harem pant is an ace in Betty Crocker’s book of sweets.

{Missoni knit halter; DVF pants, belt, and clutch; Lenora Dame necklace; Selima sunnies; Marni at H&M bangles and scarf; Ippolita ring; watch from Tokyo, Japan; Christian Louboutin boots}

*****

The Who’s, Why’s and Wear’s:

Sorbet Denim:

-Your classic black blazer never felt so fresh than when paired above a minty green denim situation.

-Your pastel top purchase {cued from last month’s article, “Green with Envy”} has been waiting for an Easter-infused mate.

-You follow the style of celebrities like Jessica Alba, Kate Bosworth, and Sarah Jessica Parker {who doesn’t}?

-You have been waiting to break out your gold gladiator flats. The perfect accoutrement!

Sherbet Harems:

-Sorbet denim was so.last.month.

-You had your cake at ate it too, last night. And the night before.

-Your fitted tank pairs so effortlessly with a contrasted silhouette bottom. You dreamed of JLo last night in your sleep.

-You’ve morphed into a true elshane protegee.

Whichever list you relate to more… power to that sherbet sister. Go out and score your favorite hue!

xoxo,

elshane

{DVF gown; Sparkly Soul headband; Versace for H&M necklace; CC Skye earrings; Nicky Hilton ring; Kate Spade clutch; Christian Louboutin shoes}

*****

A black tie affair with nothing to wear!

That’s nearly how I felt this past weekend when I ventured to the good ol’ hometown of NYC for a wedding so fancy and fabulous, it repeated the aisle two step of “that Jonas brother” who got married at the very same venue mere moments (ok, years) earlier. If it’s good enough for a Jonas… it’s good enough for elshane. 

So in my closet I peaked…. I rummaged… I ravaged… I sulked. I found tons and tons of {ain’t fly enough for this fashionista} gorgipants gowns that just didn’t hit the mark. I needed inspiration to recreate these closet woes. And then, shimmering like the popular gal she was, hanging so peacefully, was this long sleeve sequin Diane von Furstenberg snoozefest (turned bombshell) of a gown. Yes! The identical gown that was seen on Giuliana Rancic on Fashion Police’s post-Oscar one-hour special, of course! OK, fine. If it’s good enough for a Rancic…it’s good enough for elshane.

With a few safety pins {Angelina leg alert!} and a strategic loose wrap tie situation, this conservative wrap gown went Rihanna Grammy edition in five minutes flat. Added some Lioness details like jewels, a fony {faux-pony}, and it.all.happened. Would you look at that?

Lesson learned: Something hanging in your closet can be salvaged with an inspiration. With the lingering image of Princess Ri-Ri Rihanna in my head from that unforgettable Grammys night, her “Scarface” Michelle Pfeiffer rendition of music royalty transpired into a Jonas Brothers PG rated hit.

Halloween in March? You can do it, too.

xoxo,

elshane

Sometimes all roads lead back to black.

From the most classic combo in the books, has emerged a new twist…make that Windsor knot… bow tie… collar dude…

So fresh that it’s seen nightly on the likes of {insert mega-scale age odometer here} Halle Berry, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Emma Watson, Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, the {so} black {so} white menswear trend can be pulled off at any age!

{Jill Stuart blazer; DVF feather headband; Zara lace top; Marni at H&M sequin collar; H&M shorts; vintage sunnies; Kardashian Kollection for Sears bralette; Nicky Hilton rings; black bow pin (on left sleeve) and fanny pack from Japan; Alaia boots}

****

On a canned soup budget…

Grab your go-to-man’s trusty white collared shirt {oversized tunic style}. Buy a long 1 inch wide black ribbon from a local craft store and tie it in a bow around the neck {dainty detail}. Celebrate the “no pants party” by adding matte black tights to complete the look. Extra artsy? Affix two matching gold rivets to the tails of your bow to polish the tie into a classic Vogue moment!

On this week’s lunch money…

Good thing menswear is so.hot.right.now; it’s available at all of your favorite street-style mall stores like H&M, Zara, GAP, Urban Outfitters, and Anthropology. Check out my {cheap (ha!) as a 1 lb. lobster} H&M shorts (see above) and try to tell me you prefer a warm baked chunk of tail dipped in butter… Well, with these prices, you can actually have both…

On, well… not really on a budget…

Fill that gas tank with “regular” and put the pedal to the splurging metal. Head to luxe-land…Barneys, Saks, Bloomies {Rachel Zoe Collection- check!} and get your splurge on. Best to invest in a classic black and white combo menswear top with a removable bow tie/tie/sash. Why? {two-fer alert, two-fer alert!} That little removable detail will take you a long way…you can pair it back to any other top in your closet!

Lesson learned? Playing around with menswear is almost as fun as men playing around in heels.

xoxo, elshane

Shape-shifters beware: Blazer is a good word…

{DVF blazer; Urban Outfitters lace top; Kate Spade necklace; Lizzie Fortunato Jewels turban; JBrand jeans; Lia Sophia bracelet; Christian Louboutin clutch; Sam Edelman shoes}

*****

In wake of winter slowly passing and spring inching forward, layering is left front and center on any fashion fabu’s to-do list. The problem? It’s hard to make chic head to toe blazer looks when you have been wearing the same abused piece of cloth for the last two seasons. {Suit up, wo-man up, stand up} for investing in key wardrobe items that will create your signature look.

For the budding fashionista, a double breasted blazer has victoriously made her mark as spring’s big ticket item. The look? Think… navy double breasted blazer paired with {mis}matching navy cropped shorts and a tucked casual tee. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Add a bib necklace, a bangle, and swagger-fied gold leather flats. Talk.to.the.hand!

For any body type, try an updated menswear blazer {cheers to Theory for always making the most reliable versions}. This type should sit right at the upper hip and be perfectly tailored to your shoulder shape. Pop that step, confidence in check: Pair with black skinny jeans and a bright chiffon top. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!}. Finish the look with a bold pump and killer-I mean studded- I mean killer handbag.

To all my curvy ladies, a blazer doesn’t have to be so structured! A more “blanketed” blazer resembling an airy, fitted poncho will do the trick and {slim-ify}. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Picture… On fiya LBD to the knee with a blanketed blazer hitting the top of the small of your waist, finishing with a leggy pump…{promotion alert!}

Lastly…for my secret spenders. You know who you are. Scenario: Approaching big city bright lights store straight ahead…“Let me peak through the window….oh, maybe I’ll pop in just to see if they changed their floor around…oh, that’s a new shoe…no, I’m not buying anything today! Oh, wow…that shoe is really cute. Ok, size 8.5 please….can you put these on hold…OK, I’LL TAKE THEM!!!” {Sorry…that was me retracing yesterday’s steps…} Casual Friday came early this week… with the luxe new fabrications of the ultimate casual spring blazer. Linen, silk, and plain ol’ cotton will do the trick, especially for a Sunday {faux -splurge} at street style stores like H&M, Gap, or Old Navy. {Re-occuring rule alert: Don’t dare button that blazer!} Have fun with color and pair back to basic blues or white denim to complete the fresh look.

So there you have it. Looks like we all know what you’ll be doing this weekend…

xoxo, elshane

p.s.- my favorite stores to shop for blazers are Zara, H&M, Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, Forever 21, Helmut Lang, and J. Crew. Happy shopping!