Last week’s rain had me ready to think about some tee shirts for Spring and a pair of booties to get my happy on for the final weeks of winter!  I have also started a new regimen of Pilates called Back Pilates.  Not only does my back feel a lot stronger but my jeans are literally falling off.  So, being that “Pants on the Ground” is a fashion “Don’t” for a woman in her mid-forties, it was time to downsize!  I know you want to see what I bought because I LOVE them ALL! 

First are the new booties.  I have always wanted a really high heel boot but never made the leap to platform boots…until now.  These Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan boots are so cute.  One of my muses wondered out loud if she’s wearing these on the court because Maria is not playing so well these days!  I could care less…I LOVE the boots.  I did put an arch support in them so that all the weight of my foot doesn’t slide to the ball of my foot and practiced walking in them to maintain my balance but other than that, they are really comfortable. 

Then, these cute tee shirts from New York and Company.  For about $20, I could get several of the hottest trends for Spring in a cute cotton tee shirt:  Order me up one in every color!  The shirts are tye dye, and they have little grommets, cutaway sleeves and a cute neckline!  And if I spill barbecue sauce on it at a summer party, it is no big deal! 

And finally, two pairs of jeans that fit just right.  For myself, I love J and Company jeans, available at Zappos.com.  They fit my body shape perfectly.  There are many different jeans for every body type so find the one that works for you.  I highly recommend that you spend some time trying on lots of different jeans and find the one that works for your style and shape.  I’m ready for spring!

Don’t get me wrong.  I love flowers.  Big ones!  But what I cringe to think of are those big Hawaiian Mumus like the ones they sell at Hilo Hattie’s, the “warehouse” hawaiian shirt store in all of the tourist towns in Hawaii!

So, how does this beautiful coat get it right?  First of all the print is exquisite.  It reminds me of Pucci.  The other thing that sets this coat apart is the tailoring.  It is made with the reality of body structure in mind.  The darts around the neckline neatly frame the face.  The shoulder pads are there for support but are not over the top in a linebacker way and the sleeve and hem length draw the eye down to just the right spot.  The finish details are extraordinary:  Bracelet length ruched sleeves, corded detail and a covered snap closure at the neck, slanted welt pockets at the front, and a stitched down pleat detail at back neckline.

Click here to learn more about the Charlotte coat at Doncaster.

As it generally goes with fashion, an edgy statement becomes a trend for the watchers before it is refined into a mainstream style that is generally accepted. Mixed prints has followed that history. Life was first breathed into this style by the urban street fashions. It moved its way into clubs and is now a sign of youth in the everyday establishment fashion. So, how do you wear this trend in the mainstream? Here are a few ideas that I believe make this trend successful.

Be intentional. Purchase mixed print pieces from the same collection that were intended to be worn together. Generally, I avoid matchy-matchy but this is one of those exceptions. This outfit looks put together because the fabrics relate to each other and create a symmetry. The fabrics also have a similar weight so that they belong together. And the colors work together. There are many shades of blue and red. This outfit would be a disaster if these pieces were not dye matched.

So what if you are like me? You love the idea of mixing prints but not quite ready to take the print on print leap? Consider adding a buttoned cardigan or jacket to break up the pieces. Or instead of the top, opt for a scarf and go with a solid top or blouse that is dye matched to the other pieces. Another option is to go with a statement accessory such as shoes or handbag. Follow the trend but stay true to who you are.

The beauty here is that these pieces are true separates that work together to make a distinctive look.  The top is Amagansett Camisole In Geometric Dot Print of Polyester/Spandex. Are you thinking that you would not be comfortable wearing this top without a jacket.  Consider the slight capped shoulder baring sleeve, the topstitching detail at hem, and the shelf bra detail which finish off the look and allow it to stand alone.  The Sag Harbor Skirt is a Geometric Dot Print  made of Stretch Cotton/Nylon. It also has great finishing touches which allow it to stand alone:  a straight waist with a concealed dyed-to-match side zipper closure prevents bulkiness, while front and back waist darts make the skirt comfortable to wear and a look that is finished.

 Click here to shop the look.  

Click here to see the entire Doncaster Spring collection.

I cannot believe it is already February!  Will Pauxatony Phil see his shadow on Groundhog Day? Do you have plans for Valentines Day?  We are going to a benefit for the victims of the Haiti Earthquake.  And, if you haven’t started yet, its time to start thinking about your new look for Spring!  Throughout the month of February, check in at GlamourByLBD.com for great practical advice, the best Presidents Day Sales, and wonderful Valentines Day promotions.

For the month of February, click on the Little Red Dress to save 10% off select red dresses and accessories. And eDressMe will donate 10% of the proceeds to the American Heart Association.

And for a great sale on an outstanding selection of jeans, click here or on the graphic below. 

In 1986, Sarah “Fergie” Ferguson married Prince Andrew in a dress with a bow on the back and set off a wedding dress rage.  That was the era when many of my friends got married, most of them wearing bows.  Where Fergie and Andrew are no more but the bows are back.  

Bows are everywhere on the runways for Spring.  Bows are across the board from chic to Stepford.  Bows on skirts.  Bows on tops.  Bows on dresses.  Bows on accessories.  And bows were prominent with many designers including Valentino, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Yves St. Laurent, Marc Jacobs, and Peter Som.

Doncaster has answered the relevant trend with a wearable alternative:  The Monica Skirt with self-bow detail at center front.  The skirt is constructed of stretch Cotton twill with just a little spandex to make it comfortable and smart. The straight waistband, concealed dyed-to-match side zipper closure, curved pockets at front, and back waist darts make it great for many body types. And the fact that the skirt is machine washable makes it very practical. 

Click here to shop for the Monica Skirt at Doncaster.