Fall Looks That Will Take You Into Spring

Dahlings, the weather has been so unbearable lately. And it seems that we've had enough cold, sunless rainy days. My 16-year old niece recently posted on her Facebook status that she forgot what the sun feels like. Well, so do I. And worst off, I've lost interest in my winter clothing, which means it's time for a change in season. Already the internet has been buzzing with the top trends for Spring and you might have already seen the first signs of Spring in the stores. But I'm glad to see that some trends from last season are staying put.

One trend that I'm thrilled to see carry over into the next season is the boyfriend blazer. This wardrobe staple is a major key layering piece that can take you through all seasons. Push up the sleeves and pair it with everything from skinny pants to skirts and dresses. If you've read my very first post, you know I love me blazer.

 The  necklace continues to make a statement for Spring. And thankfully, jewelry returns as an important accessory for Spring. More importantly it's the cheapest, easiest way to update your look.

The military influence was big this Fall and if you were among the many that succumbed to purchasing a cute military jacket, you can keep wearing it throughout the Spring. I still have the military jacket I brought five years ago. But it's more reminiscent of Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation and I love it. Word on the street is that this Spring, the military jacket might replace the motorcycle jacket chicks have been rocking all last season. I'm not sure about that; two different looks entirely. For a new twist try the military anorak, a more relaxed, less structured look.

 Garden glamour aka floral motifs and patterns are another look that will carry over for Spring. I really love this look. It's demure, sophisticated and statement making all at once. This Spring, designers are big on blooms of all different sizes, from simple, cherry-blossom details to oversized, eye-catching rosettes. Many of the dresses would not be out of place at a '50s garden party. Love.

Stripes were everywhere last Fall. And this Spring the classic stripes are back big time. Blue and white seem to be a new combo folks are raving about but you can pull off the Breton-inspired trend with any color combo. I have a red /white combo and just recently realized that I own two gray/black combos. Not sure why that happened. I know there's a lot talk about  horizontal stripes widening the waistline but there's just something about stripes that I love; simple and no fuss but visually stimulating.  It's a classic look worth having in your clothing rotation.

More to come on my favorite looks for Spring.

Helping Haiti Thru Fashion

Hi Lovelies.Apologies for the lull in posting. But the recent earthquake in Haiti has been devastating to watch. As many of you know I have family in Haiti and just two weeks ago my husband Tim was there helping set-up a computer lab at a neighborhood library near the capital of Haiti.

Needless to say it's been a long week waiting to hear from my loved ones. Most of them are fine, have sustained injuries, and collapsed homes. They are the lucky ones. But I worry for their safety, I worry about whether they will have enough food to eat and water to drink. Those of us in the states are helpless. We can't send them money as we are used to doing. We can't talk to them at all or for long periods of time. So we wait and hope they are fending for themselves the best way they can.  And then there are the ones that are still missing; an uncle and a dear close family friend who was like a mom to me when I lived in Haiti. We are keeping them in our prayers and hoping for the best.

 I know many of you have already donated to one or more of the charities or organizations helping with relief in Haiti. Several shop owners in Oakland are also reaching out to their clientele. Tootsie's, a women's shoe store on college avenue is asking you to find and give the most appropriate footwear to help the victims of the quake, and to do it quickly. They will collect them in a bin and send them off to Souls4Souls as they receive them. Mcmullen, a woman's boutique on Piedmont from January 18-22 will donate 10% of sales to Doctors Without Borders , a humanitarian organization providing health assistance to victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Other big retailers are finding ways to support as well.

Lowe's has announced that it will donate $1 million to support the American Red Cross International Response Fund. All of the chain’s 1,700 stores will serve as donation centers for the American Red Cross. Take your old clothes to your local Lowes.

Walmart operations around the world and the Walmart Foundation have announced a $500,000 monetary donation to the Red Cross emergency relief efforts in Haiti. The company is also sending pre-packaged food kits valued at $100,000 to Haiti at the request of the Red Cross. I am glad to see Walmart helping since some products in Walmart stores come from Haiti. Margaret McKenna, the president of the Walmart Foundation, stated that Walmart has a responsibility to reach out to the victims in Haiti.

Target will donate $500,000 to the American Red Cross, also. In addition, Target Volunteers are working in partnership with students from The Fair School in Minneapolis and ImpactLives, a local nonprofit, to prepare more than 1 million meals to send to Haiti.

TOMS Shoes- According to their website, "For the next 48 hours, TOMS will donate $5 of every One for One purchase to disaster relief in Haiti through Partners in Health."

Earlier this month, Timberland released a line of boots designed by Wyclef Jean to benefit his Yele Haiti organization. Originally, $2 from the sale of each pair of boots was going toward reforestation in Haiti, but efforts have been redirected since Tuesday to help earthquake victims.

Fashion brands like Louis Vuitton and Calvin Klein have made charitable donations too.  I'm  certain there are and will be more retailers doing similar work. And it goes without saying that I have been tremendously moved by the outpouring of help to the Haitian people. I hope this helps extends way into the future after the dust settles.