Holiday Pops

It's a gray, cold day here in Kansas City, despite all the bustle I'm sure abounds out on the streets and in the shops. And, yet, with a few more Christmas parties on my social schedule, I've got my holiday look on my mind.

'Tis certainly the season to sparkle, yes, and neutral minimalism has ruled the runways as well as of late. But for the holidays, I think it's just as appropriate to look forward to spring and celebrate by being, well, both cheery and bright.

Neons and bright solids are a hot trend for spring, both in beauty and apparel and even if you're somewhat color shy, a pop of color can be easily added to your go-to little black dress. Personally, as I'm always erring on the side of preppy, there's nothing I love more than to mix together brights. Here's how:

Coral's one of the hot colors, as seen in the Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2011 show (above). Take a cue from this monochromatic look by adding some coral color to your holiday look with a mix of bangles, and some bright lips. Coral looks brilliant when paired with blue, but would look especially fresh with a winter white. Or try coral on your nails; a good polish to try is Essie's Vermillionaire.

The lips at Diane von Furstenberg's Spring 2011 RTW show were neon pink, as the makeup drew inspiration from Andy Warhol's silkscreens of the designer. Try neon pink with graphic black and/or white, a bare face, and simple hair. This look would especially pop with the bare shoulders of a strapless black dress, and perhaps a simple stud earring (turquoise, diamond, or pearl) and a tiny bangle on the wrist for jewelry.

Feeling braver? Try mixing two or three or four. I myself am quite fond of a watermelon-pink blouse with a skinny neon orange belt, which I balance with a navy mini and navy tights. I've a new pair of turqouise studs that I could add, and still keep things subtle (of sorts).  But if I'm going for a bolder look, I might try for more, as seen on the Gucci Spring 2011 runways, above.

Bonne chance! And may your holidays sparkle and pop!

Freelancing Fun: A Styling Job Comes My Way!

Sometimes, you have to give up shopping in order to save up to make your dreams happen. But, sometimes, the stars smile on you, and you actually get to shop...for a job! Sure, the clothes are for models, not you, but never mind that, it's still clothes and fashion and prettiness! Not to mention, fiscally responsible.

Really, if someone had said to me when I was 8 and "styling" my Barbies, you know, you can grow up and play dress up with real-life dolls and it's considered work, I would have said, you shut your mouth (probably, especially, given the odd outfits I'm sure Barbie was dressed in. Neon roller skates with princess dresses anyone?). It's always such a fun treat that I still get to do this from time to time.

It's been quite awhile since I've done any styling, but I'm really excited to get back into the game with a very talented photographer out of New York , Sara Forrest. We got together and did a shoot with a trio of dancers from the Kansas City Ballet and it turned out really lovely - not to mention, it was such a treat to be able to watch ballerinas twinkle their toes up close!

This time around, she's contacted me for a sunset/sunrise shoot outside of Lawrence, and the look is going to be pulled from the safari / global trend a bit, bohemian, light and airy - khakis, pale blues, oranges, and browns. I'm also thinking a little sun-bleached. And, since I've been really loving the neutral/khaki look, I might be pulling a few pieces from my own closet. The test is Saturday, so I've got to really get on my lookbook! Here's a little of what I'm thinking in these preliminary stages:

Leaning heavily on that Philip Lim blouse with Current/Elliot trousers in Look #4, in this collection of looks from local boutique, Standard Style.

From J.Crew, a perennial favorite.

Also, from J.Crew. Softness plus military styling.

Love the DVF ensemble in photo #1, in this collection of looks, also from Standard Style. Of course, always, always, always love DVF.