Top Style Makers for Spring/Summer 2010:

1. The statement ring: something big, bold, and beautiful.   Choose from  impressive designer looks, exotic antique looks, earthy-tribal rings, and bold traditional styles for less than $50.
2. Pearls and more pearls:. All of the global design houses show and use lots of pearls. Chanel made them a signature of simple sophistication and understated elegance. Try something new and different—like wearing them with a white tee shirt and good looking jeans.
3. Chunky necklaces: Long, short, layered or single really doesn’t matter. Just make it chunky. 
4. Studs: On everything from shoes to bangles.  Buy at least one studded item for your wardrobe collection.
5. Lace: My absolute personal favorite is a lace pump that I have. These turn a simple white shirt and jeans into a subtly sexy outfit. Also perfect for a little black dress. Dig into your closet and your drawers and pull out your retired lace things. Bring them in and we will show you how to wear them in a fresh updated way.
6. Sequins: Just when you thought bling was out. This trend is one of spring’s best. If you jump on this one now, you won’t be sorry. It is fashion forward for now and very strong this fall and winter. Mix it with everything from denim to silk! Come by and we’ll show you how.
7. Skinny leg pants and leggings: There is a version that will be age and body type appropriate for everyone. Be selective. Proportion is everything. A narrow leg ankle pant flatters most all ages and most all body types. Just remember: full on top, narrow on the bottom. Full on the bottom and narrow on top.
8. Boyfriend jackets: This is really a 1980’s style blazer without the huge shoulder pads. It is longer than the jackets of the past decade, nipped in at the waist a bit with distinctive menswear tailoring. Longer ones look best on those 5’5” and over. This style looks best with a short skirt, shorts, or narrow jeans or slacks. It also looks great with harem pants.
9. Neutrals:  Think of the shades of sands on the beaches of the world—everything from bright white to tan. Mix several shades of white, beige, and off white for a truly rich look.
10. Scarves: They are not a winter only accessory. Pick something to wear right now that will perk up and transition your wardrobe into spring. Be sure to select super light weight and breathable ones for those dog days of summer.
11. Platforms:  Get longer, leaner legs instantly. You have got to try a pair. Most are unbelievably comfortable.

Trend & Style Updates

Shoes:

My absolute favorite thing! This is the number one accessory for high impact. Shoes are the barometer of your outfit. Get the shoes wrong and even your best outfit loses its impact. There are 2 key words to remember: sexy and comfort. These do not have to be mutually exclusive. For the sexiest and most modern look, go for platforms. You add an inch or more overall height (yes,  you will look slimmer). With a platform, what looks like a 3 inch heel feels like a 2 inch heel.  For those of you who love clogs, they now come in high heels. This is a sexy version of an otherwise clunker. If you have bird legs like me, stay away from all clogs. I look ridiculous in them.

Name your shoe:

Seductive high heels-peep-toe pumps, sling backs, platforms, and the traditional stiletto, flats, and sandals all come in exciting new artfully done versions. Texture, color,  and details are your friends when updating your style in 2010. “Reptile”, suede (yes even for summer-the Parisians do it all), lace, satin, metallic, “ animal skin”, patent, jeweled, roped, chained, straps, ties, and studded versions of all types of shoes are available this season.

Name your style: Select a black style maker and make an “alter-ego” choice in a color or texture that makes your heart race! Use the same strategy in selecting your casual shoes as you do for work and dress up shoes. See what a difference just one style maker selection has on your style quotient and your happiness quotient!

***We have Yellow Box, Madeline, Honey Bee, & Helen’s Heart .***
Brighton Flip-Flops will be arriving soon!