Looks To Lose For Spring 2012

Studded Jeans

As great as Shenae Grimes looks in this outfit, the edgy rocker moment has passed and more pulled together and classic looks are coming in this season (thank goodness, in my opinion). 

Torn/Distressed Tops

If you are going to buy a top, it might as well be in one piece and not akin to something that quite frankly makes you look homeless. No need to spend the money on a torn up Balmain top like when then you could just take a razor blade or a top you already have a tear it up. There are classier ways to show some skin.

Rubber Flip Flops

Yes, they are comfortable. Yes, they are easy to wear and match just about everything. But would it kill you to wear an actual shoe? I will admit, I am guilty of wearing rubber flip flops with an outfit, but these are only really appropriate for the beach, the shower, and summer camp. Sorry gals, but I promise there are comfortable sandals out there! 

Over-The-Top Platform Heels

Not only are these shoes bad for your feet (I'd like to keep my ankles well enough in tact that I can wear heels for the next 50 years instead of the next 20), but they are slightly stripper-ish. Can celebs work them on the red carpet like no other? You bet. Are they appropriate for anything you could be doing in your life, unless you are a certain kind of woman of the night? Definitely not. I am praying that this trend ends ASAP. 

Looks from "Looks To Lose" via People StyleWatch

How To Feel Put Together Every Day

 

Accessorize A Bun

This is an easy and inexpensive way to make a running-for-the-door hairstyle classier and more fun. Try these Water Lily Clips from Anthropologie for $15. 

Throw on a Blazer

This can instantly dress up a plain tank top and jeans, just like Kate Moss did above. Try one in a fun color like this Schoolboy Blazer in Wool Flannel from J.Crew for $188 (and the wool is perfect for winter weather!). 

Keep Up Your Manicure

This is by far one of the easiest things that you can do, plus the process is kind of fun. In order for your mani to last as long as it can, make sure to add a great top coat over your color. Check out my favorite brand, Essie, and their hundreds of colors. 

Splurge On Accessories

Think timeless, not trendy. Try to avoid large gaudy labels like the huge Chanel C's or flashy prints if you are going to splurge. Because wouldn't you rather pay $300 for a black leather everyday purse than a glitter clutch that you maybe take out once a year? Get your money's worth! If your feet can take it (and it's appropriate for your lifestyle) try and wear heels whenever you can, they are an instant outfit maker. 3 inches is the ideal heel height you should look for. Kate Spade makes great quality bags that are always classy like their Mott Street Fisher bag that goes for $345.

Pile On The Bracelets

Make sure that the bracelets are thin and in neutral colors so they can match with everything. These bangles from Chamak by Priya Kakkar are great, plus they are on sale for $35 from an original price of $80!

Keep Up Your Complexion 

Not only does it look good, but it makes you feel good too! Not sure what the right cleansing routine is for you? Take this quiz  by clicking on the Skincare Consultation Box on the left hand column on the skincare portion of the Sephora website to find the right routine for you! 

Glam Up Your Makeup Routine

This is another small thing that can just make you feel more put together. Something as simple as splurging on a fancy powder compact can make you want to show off that mirror whenever you take it out, like this Estee Lauder 'Prosperity' Powder Compact that retails for $75 at Nordstrom. 

Via. Instyle.com 

Oscar PR Girl

Tie it with a bow.

Belt it with a denim shirt and floral skirt.

Try a crop top for evening. 

White on white.

Ever heard to the Oscar PR Girl? She's the Public Relations girl for Oscar de la Renta and reports from inside the designers headquarters. One of my favorite parts of her twitter and blog are her style tips, which are shown above. Check out her blog, OscarPRGirl, follow Oscar de la Renta on Facebook, or follow her on twitter @OscarPRGirl

All images and style tips via Oscar de la Renta  

Wardrobe Challenge: 10 Days of Color

Elle's Interactive Designer, Stephanie Jones, takes on spring's bright trends for 10 straight days!

H&M dress: Try these by Marc Jacobs, Lacoste, Milly, and Kate Spade

Michael Kors shoes: Try these by Badgley Mischka, Sam Edelman, Pierre Dumas, and Giuseppe Zanotti

Louis Vuitton bag, Gucci sunglasses, and Lia Sophia bangles

Elie Tahari blazer: Try these by White House Black Market, Vince, and J.Crew 

Equipment blouse: Try these by Alberta Ferretti and Kate Spade

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent lace shorts: Try these by Anna Sui, Alloy, Milly, and J.Crew

Zara purse: Try these by Botkier, BCBGMAXAZRIA, and Hobo International

Max Mara shoes: Try these by Circa Joan & David and Salvatore Ferragamo, 

Chanel jacket: Try these by Moschino, Bebe, and Rebecca Taylor

 Gap T-Shirt

Zara jeans: Try these by J.Brand and Current/Elliot

Christian Dior bag: Try these by Anthropologie and Nanette Lepore

Stella McCartney necklace: Try these by Betsey Johnson and Erickson Beamon

Guiseppe Zanotti shoes: Try these by Vince Camuto, Miz Mooz, Sam Edelman, Nine West, and Guess

 Zara jacket: Try these by YesStyle and Dolce & Gabbana, 

J. Crew tank: Try this by J.Crew

Helmut Lang leggings

Gucci shoes: Try these by Michael Antonio and Christian Louboutin, 

Stella McCartney clutch: Try these by Kate Spade, Alexander McQueen, and Les Pommettes

Lizzie Fortunato, H&M, and Ruby Kobo bracelets: Try these by Alexis Bittar and Rachel Leigh

Club Monaco trench coat: Try these by Jack Wills, Burberry, and Marc Jacobs

Yoanna Baraschi dress: Try these by Roberto Cavalli and Ralph Lauren, 

Burberry belt: Try these by Gap, 80's Neon Fancy Dress, and Burberry Prorsum

Prada bag

Walter Steiger shoes: Try these by Jimmy Choo and Chinese Laundry, 

YSL ring: Try these by Kate Spade and Max & Chloe

Her grandmother’s necklace and Rolex watch

Vintage shirt: Try these by Patterson J. Kincaid and Equipment

Diane Von Furstenberg skirt: Try these by Alice & Olivia and L.K. Bennett

YSL pumps and Fendi purse

Diane von Furstenberg dress: Try these by DVF, Reiss, and Oasis

Brian Atwood shoes: Try these by Charlotte Olympia and Tetra

Club Monaco clutch: Try this by Foley & Corinna

Ben-Amun bracelet and Rolex watch

Wren dress: Try these by Calypso St. Barth, AKIKO, and Halston Heritage

FEED bag by Lauren Bush, Givenchy sandals, and Rolex watch

J. Crew shirt: Try these by Kate Spade and Equipment

MiH jeans

Stella McCartney belt: Try these by Prada, Mulberry, and J. Crew

 Lemlem scarf: Try this by Lemlem

Chanel purse: Try this by Chanel

Haute Hippie shirt: Try these by T-Bags and Lauren Jeans Co.

H&M bustier: Try these by Cosabella and Target

 MaxMara pants: Try these by Alice + Olivia, J.Crew and ASOS

Club Monaco clutch: Try these by Miu Miu and Deben Hams, 

Ben-Amun necklace and Brian Atwood shoes

Style Icon - Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly; the epitome of elegance and class

Grace single-handedly brought about the popularity of the Hermes Birken bag, which she used to hide the beginnings of her pregnancy. The bags currently have a starting price of $7,500 and there is a startling wait list, only a handful of lucky ladies getting one of the bags every year. 

Grace on the set of one of her best films one of my personal favorites, To Catch A Thief in which she starred with Cary Grant. 

Grace's iconic wedding dress. Her marriage to Prince Rainier made her the Princess of Monaco.

From Rear Window with Jimmy Stewart

Tuxedo Lingerie

I have an unhealthy obsession with lingerie. When I found out that H&M had super cute bra's for around $15, I ended up with about 10 bras before I switched sizes (TMI? Mayhaps perchance). I was surfing around on the web the other day and found this gorgeous tuxedo inspired babydoll from Victoria's Secret distributed in 2009 (Sorry ladies, my heart broke as well). I never thought that you could put classy and lingerie in the same sentence until I saw this. It had stolen my heart.