In Spades

When I first started covering New York Fashion Week I discovered a line from Norway that immediately caught my attention. Aùma presented clean lines, precise tailoring and a beautiful blurring of masculine and feminine silhouettes. I was hooked from the very first look.

In the seasons since, I have only grown more enamored with Aùma. With a propensity for structured volume and texture, they achieve what every fashionista hopes to attain – a signature look that is anything but boxed in. As someone who veers away from being categorized, I appreciate the freedom of expression Aùma grants the wearer. They create clothing with a clear, but experimental vision. One that harmonizes with the life and spirit of the wearer.

This printed skirt with delicate overlay has become a spring staple. I’ve paired it with a chambray button-up for a more casual look, a men’s oversized dress shirt when I’m feeling edgy, and a sharp shouldered wrap blazer when I want to command attention. It works with everything. Harmonious. And that’s what intelligent fashion is all about.

By now you know my love for volume and texture runs deep.  Thankfully culottes, flares and other wide leg pants have been making a serious comeback for the past couple of seasons.  While skinny jeans still have a place in my wardrobe, there’s something very eclectic about a pair of pants that make most people do a double take.

I know these pants are a big stretch for most.  But their 70s vibe of Farrah Fawcett on a skateboard really make me smile.  They remind me of summer days as a kid where my only objective was to “have a Coke and a smile.”  I love their old school vibe and the fact that they can be worn with just about any type of shoe or top.  Personal style should be about dressing for yourself and what makes you feel good, not someone else.

So, I encourage you to find your “crazy pants” equivalent and go for it.  Do you.  Not what you think someone else would do.

I always giggle at the line from The Devil Wears Prada, “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” While a floral motif certainly isn’t new, there’s nothing more ‘spring’ than the light, whimsical feeling of flowers. This past weekend I was in San Francisco and visited the Oscar de la Renta exhibit at the de Young museum. It was utterly stunning, and perhaps my favorite room was the one dedicated to his floral print dresses. Beautiful, classic and oh-so-Audrey, they brought forth the feeling of fresh starts and airy moods. No one epitomized femininity better than de la Renta.

I picked up this midi skirt from Zara (bonus points for the pockets!) and love that it can be a little cocktail with a cropped top and bangles, or perfect for day with a crisp white button-up. Versatile and comfortable, it will definitely see heavy rotation for me this spring.

By now you should know I’m a jumpsuit girl. I love the ease of wearing one piece. Unlike a dress, jumpsuits offer more versatility in both comfort and style. Denim and chambray are great fabrics for both spring and summer, so when I saw this piece at Bloomingdale’s, I knew it would get lots of rotation. Paired with a statement ring and a simple necklace, it’s the perfect look for cocktails or dinner al fresco.

Coachella starts next week and just about every blog and social media channel is talking about getting your wardrobe ‘festival ready’.  A lovely sentiment if the style fits your aesthetic, but flower crowns and denim cutoffs that resemble underwear are not my cup of tea.  I do, however, love two elements typically found in festival attire: volume and texture.  I’m less desert, more Dolce.

When I saw this white lace dress I knew it could give off desert vibes with it’s bell sleeves and all over textured lace.  Inspired by one of my favorite Dolce & Gabbana ad campaigns, I put my own personal touch on it by donning massive sunglasses, a signature Italian red lip and statement shoes and earrings.  A touch of sass sans sand.

This dress is a great representation of the power of personal style.  On a hanger it fits multiple aesthetics.  On a woman, it completely transforms.

How would you style it?