Stella for spring and summer

Fashion is certainly something I love to talk about, think about, look at, pet....  But something that is even closer to my heart is the environment.  It's not always easy to blend eco-friendly with fashion-forward, so those who can impress me beyond words.
Stella McCartney's collaborations with companies like Adidas, H&M and Target have helped bring eco friendly fashion into the public eye (and to the athlete's foot - I'm completely dedicated to her line of Adidas Response trainers!).

While we're all huddling indoors cranking the heat and I'm sleeping with a full length fur coat as an extra bed spread, one of the quickest ways we can kick the seasonal blues is to start planning our spring and summer wardrobes.  Stella's Spring '12 line is architectural, unusual and (as always) eco friendly, to boot.
Here are my top picks from her Spring line, followed by those from her summer.
These spring looks are avante-garde yet ultra wearable.  I love her use of bold colors and chunky stripes; most collections have leaned towards the pastels and floral appliques this year - she livens everything up a bit!  .... yes, most of these picks are black and white - I just can't help myself!

  

While I adore the spring line and its edge, I can honestly say I am obsessed with her summer looks.  Summer collections don't usually entice me all that much - they generally seem either scandalous or standard.  Stella takes her appreciation for comfort and whisks it up with a touch of bold this year.  I love the use of sheer screens in the form fitting dresses and am head over heels for the billowy, sexy feel of many of the pieces. Color blocking is very hot right now and will continue to be - I love how she balances the trend with subtle patterns and lace. While her spring collection may be a little more difficult for shorty's like me to pull off, these summer pieces are bound to be flattering, comfortable and guaranteed show stoppers:

Let's check out my top picks for the big Barney's sale

Everyone loves a good sale and who doesn't love Barney's?  Here is a very (boringly formatted) list of the pieces that get my vote for those everlasting sale finds your wardrobe can't live without (okay, maybe I'm talking about my own wardrobe).  These pieces are generally classic - they'll come up again and again - or I promise you'll at least wear them out by next year.  Pulling these sorts of pieces together during a big sale can not only liven up your closet in the now, it will help you round your collection for the future.

Marc Jacobs Chain Strap Wedges - Drooling over these for ages is an understatement. I love hardware on shoes, but feel it's sometimes hard to pull off in the business world.  These wedges are absolutely amazing and, whatd'ya know - the only size left would fit me ;)

 L'Wren Scott Tropical Python Cutout Bootie - I would wear these to the grocery store.

Marni Wooden Platform Mary Janes  - Perfect with jeans or tights, these aren't your average mary jane's.  I love the autumnal color palette - it can give those people who prefer darks the pop of color they need to pull them through a dreary winter.

Loeffler Randall Irina Pumps - I never justify shoes. These take that boring old nude platform pump and update it to work with Spring '12 and Pre-Fall '12's ladylike silhouettes.

Carven Cutout Dress (black) - Hot mamma!  I love the balance in this piece!  Carven's pieces are generally pretty sexy, yet tend to always leave enough to the imagination.  The puffed shoulders and conservative silhouette of this piece makes the half moon cutouts in the bust work perfectly.  Pair this one with sheer black stockings, as it's styled on Barney's.com, or go bare and wear some bright knockout pumps to make it a little more playful.

The Row Gabston leather skirt - One piece no 20-something should be without is the perfect black leather skirt.  This is a tricky one, however, as length, leather texture and cut are infinitely important and can take you from rocker-chic to trash-heap in a matter of stitches.  The Row always uses the softest leather that will fall nicely and move with you. The above the knee length is balanced with it's peek-a-boo slit, giving a bit of an edge to an otherwise pencil-esque look.  Wear this one a few times to rough up the shininess and break it in - no leather should be worn seriously when it's brand new.

Jil Sander Twill Cropped Slim Pant - I've been looking for a classic pant that I could fall for for what feels like eons.  These pants give a little more room in the hip area, which any girl can be grateful for, as they won't make you look like you're wrapped up in cheap tight pants.  The length is perfect for a peplum top and cute pumps, which are going to be hot for spring, but I think they'd be great with moccasins or ballet flats and a cute fair aisle sweater (with a boat neck).

Martin Grant Riding Coat - Coat gene overload!  I LOVE THIS.  It's unusual, yet chic.  Feminine, yet architectural.  This is perfect for weekend shopping, as it's not too bulky but will keep you warm moving from place to place. The length is nice, as it won't hinder your transportation hopping, but will keep your legs toasty warm.

Boy. By Band of Outsiders Single Button Blazer - Need I say anything about this? Not only is the line named for one of my favorite movies, but chic blazers are one of my daily go-to's.  The slim, feminine cut of this double breasted blazer adds instant class without making you look stuffy.  The gold buttons are a slightly nautical touch, keeping the look of this young and fresh.  You could definitely pair this with your favorite skinnies, or leave it open and go for some classic trouser jeans and killer pumps.  Be sure to layer on some vintage jewelry - feel free to mix metals - as few things are hotter than a flattering blazer and unusual statement accessories.

Red skinnies by James Jeans - I LOVE red denim.  James jeans are generally flattering, but a little skinnier in the thigh than J Brand.  I like the weight of these for a colored skinny jean though and could see these with an oversized grey sweater and some wedge booties or Sebago moc's. Red jeans are great, particularly in this more muted color, because they add a pop of color without overwhelming your outfit.

Isabel Marant Cream Fringe Dress - Normally I would steer clear of this sort of dress in the winter, but I'm loving the idea of this with some sweater tights and a pair of Sorel Cate the Greats for brunch (avoid fringe moccasins with this piece, double fringe is too festival and reminds me a lot of the past few springs).  Wear your hair half back or in a top knot and pair it with the Lanvin high collared coat below to dress it up a little.

Rag & Bone Napoli Dress  - This dress, in the fabulous plum color, is a great day dress.  Brushed jersey looks a bit dressier than traditional and the slightly scalloped hem with more length in back is a nod to one of Spring 12's hottest trends. You can pair it with black opaque tights and your favorite booties with hip skimming blazer at work and throw a sequined cardigan on to take it into dinner.  Try a top knot and some chunky gold jewelry to play up the edginess of the asymmetrically placed zipper.  I might also pair this with my favorite grey Elizabeth and James 3/4 sleeve menswear blazer if I was feeling a more comfy vibe.

Black High Collared Jacket by Lanvin - The coat gene is pulsing through my veins at this time of year and I can't stop gawking at every architectural and unusual piece of outerwear I come across.  This jacket by one of my favorites, Lanvin, is one of those pieces that will make you look effortlessly hot. Throw it on over just about anything, as the jacket is meant to be bigger (perfect for a freezing Chicago winter when you just want to pile on the layers without looking like a bag lady).

 

Today I can't live without:

J Brand's velvet skinnies, seen here at Bergdorf Goodman in black: J Brand Velvet 901's
These are absolutely to die for. Not only does J Brand make some of the most flattering skinnies on the market, but who wouldn't love to feel cuddly in the freezing cold Chicago weather while remaining absolutely chic?  While J Brand tends to stretch, I'd suggest sizing true to size or sizing up, instead of going down. While they may stretch, you don't want to have the velvet pulling across your thighs (okay, I don't want the velvet pulling across my thighs....).

You can pair these with classic pumps, like BG has done here, or go for something a little funkier.  I love the Lanvin pink wedge pumps and am obsessed with these suede Marc Jacobs wedges with the gold hardware.  These skinnies would also work famously with your coziest ankle booties (like these Pierre Hardy's) or, if you'll be out and about, my favorite Sorel Cate the Greats.  Channel some spring florals  to shake the snowy blues with this season appropriate top by Prabal Gurung (quickly becoming one of fashion's hottest darlings) Prabal Gurung floral top and you're set for work and/or play.

Lanvin pink wedge pumps, on sale at Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Wedge-Pump/501451183,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES

Mark Jacobs suede wedges, on sale at Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Chain-Strap-Wedge/501224628,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES

Pierre Hardy Fur Moccasin Wedge booties, Barney's: http://www.barneys.com/Fur-Moccasin-Wedge/501365564,default,pd.html?cgid=W_WEDGES