Why We Love the Wrap Dress (And You Should Too!)

Banana Republic

There is no other dress that spans the spectrum of flattery for ALL body types.  The wrap dress is IT!  If you don't own a wrap dress, you need to go get one right NOW!

The wrap dress is one of the easiest wardrobe pieces to wear.  Think of it as "the gorgeous no-brainer".  Diane Von Furstenberg has been perfecting this dress for decades.  Forgiving of figure flaws, wrinkle free, and designed in every color under the rainbow, you will surely find one that speaks to you.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Perhaps you wish to channel your inner Audrey Hepburn?  Transition effortlessly from day to evening in this LBD... it's polished and sexy at the same time.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Perhaps you wish to walk a little bit more on the wild side?  A vibrant color and bold pattern will certainly make you stand apart from the crowd....

Diane Von Furstenberg

This cool breezy print conjures up a lunch date in West Palm Beach....or a spring fundraising meeting...

Diane Von Furstenberg

A transitional dress that works well for the office by day, and dashes off to cocktails and dinner by night.  Note: not a wrinkle to be found eight hours after slipping it on!

Diane Von Furstenberg

Looking for a little bit more formality as you breeze off to a luncheon or spring wedding?  The wrap dress will never fail to look polished and neat...

J. Crew

J. Crew

Note how two different colors so dramatically change a dress....This is a sweet and feminine option for a special occasion.

Donna Ricco

No matter what your body silhouette, the wrap dress is super feminine.  It flatters, it drapes well, it hugs us in all the right places. It is classic and sexy.  The knit fabrics travel well and holds up from day into evening.

 If you don't have one in your closet, we are wondering WHY? You simply must go get yourself a wrap dress right now!

You're Welcome!

Instant Polish : The Spring Trench Coat

Benoît Peverelli for Flammarion

Spring weather can be fickle. What can you effortlessly throw on to nip that chill while simultaneously adding instant polish to your ensemble?

The trench of course!

Getty Images 

It's a timeless look.

 This spring we suggest hip length or just below

Nordstrom

Unless your silhouette is more flattering in a three-quarter length. 

Nordstrom

 Play it safe in a neutral or be daring and standout from the rest. 

Photo credit: Patrick Demarchelier 

So many fun alternatives to the classic tan trench.

Nordstrom

Nordstrom

Most are available in lightweight fabrics just perfect for this time of year.

Shopbop

Shopbop

If you are one of the lucky ladies with a small waist, cinch away and put it on display.

If you are voluptuous with ample bosom be wary of the double breasted styles. Single breasted styles are preferable. 

Nordstrom

 

 Trenches are great for business looks, casual looks and even evening looks depending on the fabric.

Nordstrom




Keep it simple and be simply chic.

A Cardigan for all Style Types

When you think of a cardigan where does your mind roam? Do you have visions of the ultimate prepster in pink gingham?

Warner Bros. Pictures/ Photos by Melinda Sue Gordon

If so, time to realize the cardigan's full potential. It is right up there with the jean as being one of the most transitional pieces in your wardrobe. It can effortlessly breathe new life into a tired ensemble and is a must for every style type.

Be it Retro

Classic

Courtesy Vogue

Minimalist

J.Crew

Eclectic

Bohemian

y&kei

Rocker

Cavalli

As a stylish light layer and to add COLOR this spring,

remember the faithful cardigan

In the Nude....Spring Nails

Manicured nails....A must for social events.

It's the finishing touch, the icing on the cake.

So let us begin with a word about nail length and shape.

Rx:  Short, squared off ovals.

Follow this advice and you'll be in vogue this season and possibly forever.

Aaaaaah, the French Manicure

Versatile, classic, elongates the nail bed, long lasting, goes with everything.

There is the thick, pinkier version with shocking white tips often seen in the OC.

and the more natural version.

  

As much as we love the French manicure we can't say the same about the French pedicure.  No,no,no....just say no!

And when time has run out and you are about to dash out the door....

Just go nude.

  Sally Hansen's Insta Dry is a miracle in a bottle.

Sally Hansen

Musings on the Reverse French Manicure

Courtesy of The Nine Forty Nine

How to describe this trend?.....dramatic

Vogue

In Style

edgy

China Glaze

 and sometimes just plain tacky

Hipster Alert! : Shatter

A daring trend started by Katy Perry

*Footnote : Katy Perry is 26 years old and sometimes sports blue hair. 

OPI's shatter polish is applied over a polished dry nail.

OPI

In our world, definitely an evening look unless you are in the music industry.

Think Fergie

Closet Rapturism for today:

"Strive to be age appropriate except on Halloween. 

And never ever be boring."

Sleeveless in San Diego

There she was waiting for her prince atop the Empire State Building.  Backdrop, the NYC skyline.  Doesn't get any better for us hopeless romantics.   It was 1993 and Meg Ryan was America's sweetheart.   

That's her on the left displaying her fabulous arms.

Cut to 2011..........you've seen them around town.  Those shameless ladies baring their impossibly toned arms.    And yet, the Closet Rapture duo felt we needed to give them equal time after the previous blog.   And so, in deference to the deltoid divas.......

Nautical looks always seem to come back in style.  They certainly are all the rage now.  This dress is particularly slimming to the torso and hips with its clever navy panel along the sides.

Hello!  Yes, I've arrived.  Such a classic cut and the color is wow!  The floral flourish is just the right touch of the unexpected.  Plan on heads turning your way.

Nudes and soft pastels are very hot right now and why not?  There is a softness about them that whispers "Femininity rules". 

And so whichever you choose be it classic, nautical, or nude, go forth and be fabulous this spring.  

We'll be watching... 

Fall Forecast - Bringing Back the Classics

Ralph Lauren

Sophisticated and polished, classic clothes are always in season.  This season, however, they take center stage.  The runways were packed with gorgeous classic lines last spring, and now the stores are showcasing beautiful suiting, luxe fabrics, and refined accessories.  

If you are wondering what additions to make to your wardrobe this fall, consider an animal print....

banana republic

The English riding look makes a strong resurgence this season.  Leggings inspired by riding pants offer a modern twist to dressing.  Pair them with a cropped jacket and boot, and you are ready for a picnic or a day in the city.

Gap Riding Pant

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren

Men always look polished in the classics.  Here are a few fall samplings from some of our favorite shops:

Nordstrom

Classic Aviator Sunglasses:

Banana Republic

J Crew

Ladies and Gentleman, there is no better time to add some classic enduring pieces to your wardrobe.  Once a classic, always a classic.....never to go "out of style".