When it rains it pours

Trench coats are one of the top ten wardrobe staples that a woman should always have on hand.  Trench coats are great basics that are also season-less and super chic.  As I was styling these looks, I was here really feeling Burberry's SS 09 dusty color palette.  Here are a few trench coats worn in different ways.  

Image #1, 2 & 3. Burberry SS 09 Runway Show

Image #4. Junya Watanabe SS 09 Runway Show

Image #5. black trench - Norma Kamali for Walmart (what a steal at $30!!!), beige silk dress - Zara, long mesh necklace - Assad Mounser, various shorter crystal necklaces - Vintage, peep toe booties - We Who See from Urban Outfitters

Image #6. short deconstructed trench - Moschino, romper (another steal at $48) from Urban Outfitters, cross necklace - Assad Mounser, belt - Vera Wang for Kohls

Image #7. turquoise trench - Moschino Cheap and Chic, long bead/chain necklace - Assad Mounser, water color blouse - Vera Wang for Kohls, kahki pleated skirt - Moschino Cheap and Chic

Image #8. kahki trench - Norma Kamali for Walmart ($30), denim western shirt - Vintage, white buble dress - Octopi, tie dyed scarf - American Apparel, flower broach - Dolce & Gabbana, round broach - Vintage, rose gold oxfords - Sergio Rossi for Narcisso Rodriguez

Need It: the American Apparel catch all tote

This American Apparel tote the perfect season-less catch all, and its only $65. It's weight tolerance is unbelievably heavy, as I am able to carry my lap top, handbag, a change of shoes, and 3 notebooks in it at the same time. This tote is also nice, because unlike a lot of bags that are out there now a days, its extremely light weight to start before putting anything inside. The metallic finish gives it a hint of fashion while staying basic enough to be used everyday. AmericanApparel.net

Sargent Pepper

Everyone is obsessed with Balmain - it is an editorial frenzy!  I have never seen so much press on any one brand in my life.  It is however justified, as Balmain is simply cool.  Sigh.  I am glad the rock and roll look is sticking around, everyone needs a little bit of an edge.

Image #1. A look from Balmain's SS 09 runway show

Image #2. vest - GO International for Target, sequined tank - Vintage, cross necklaces Assad Mounser, jeans - DIY Forever 21, shoes - Alejandro Ingelmo

Jewels

Statement jewelry is a trend that is here to stay. Bodacious baubles went down the runway in every size, shape and form. My favorite jewelry designer is Tom Binns. I adore him - everything he makes is absolutely brilliant. This season, Forever 21 is doing all of this great Tom Binns-esque jewlery. Get the look of precious gems for less!

All images from Forever21.com priced $7.80 - $22.80

Need It: Norma Kamali for Walmart all-in-one top

This is one of the best purchases of the season in my opinion.  For $20, this Norma Kamali for Walmart top that can be converted from an oversized batwing sleeved blouse, to an asymmetrical one shouldered top, to a halter, to a strapless minidress, and to really whatever you can imagine. Some convertible products can look a bit contrived, but the black jersey fabric and clever cut of this top ensures the look to be simply stunning no matter what transformation it takes on!  

Image #1. all-in-one top - Norma Kamali for Walmart, silver and yellow crystal necklace - Forever 21, long multi-strand necklace - Assad Mounser, watercolor skirt - GO International for Target, suede shoes - Manolo Blahnik

Image #2. all-in-one top - Norma Kamali for Walmart, cross necklace - Assad Mounser, crystal bracelet - Vintage, harem pants - Zara, silver woven platforms - Alejandro Ingelmo

Image #3. all-in-one top - Norma Kamali for Walmart, reinstone collar necklace - Forever 21,  multi strand necklace - Assad Mounser, rose gold leggings - American Apparel, black oxfords - Topshop

Image #4 and #5. all-in-one top worn as a dress - Norma Kamali for Walmart, reinstone collar necklace - Forever 21, cross necklace - Assad Mounser, lace tights - Forever 21, boots - Emma Cook for Topshop

Space Odyssey

I think we are about to see a "space age" moment in fashion. We got a taste from Balenciaga's SS 09 runway collection, and Topshop took the concept to a whole new level with their FW 09 Unique offering. They gave us a sci-fi, Star Wars meets Mad Max look which quite frankly had the potential to be a recipe for disaster. Somehow though, no matter how outrageous the trend, those brits ALWAYS seem to get it right!

Image #1. A look from the SS 09 Balenciaga runway show

Image #2. heather cardigan worn underneath dress - Forever 21, dress - GO International for Target, necklace - Assad Mounser, silver bracelet - Forever 21, silver clutch - Vintage, open toe socks - Forever 21, purple satin zip shoes - Moschino

Image #3 and #4. Looks from the FW 09 Topshop Unique runway show

Miami Vice

The hot pink blazer definitely has an 80's / 90's vibe but at the same time feels so fresh and new this season.  I loved Alexander Wang's SS 09 silk version.  The one I am wearing is a double breasted knit from Topshop.  Paired back to a black transparent chiffon top, the look is saturated with spring color while still maintaining a great edge.

Image #1. A look from Alexander Wang's SS 09 show

Image#2. hot pink blazer - Topshop, black ruffle top - Zara, crystal collar necklace - Vintage, long multi strand necklace - Assad Mounser, bleached and distressed denim shorts - Vintage Levis, open toe socks - Forever 21, peep toe booties with bullet detail - Alejandro Ingelmo

Need It: the acid wash bandeau

So, I have discovered a summer staple...the acid wash bandeau top.  Its the perfect thing to wear under all of the super slinky scooped out tanks this season.  Additionally, if you are not into the whole mid riff trend (which most of us aren't) pair the bandeau back to a low v neck cardigan buttoned up - that way you show a bit while leaving the rest to the imagination!

blue and fuschia acid wash bandeau tops - American Apparel, $14.00 each

black, yellow and pink acid wash bandeau tops - Forever 21, $4.80 each

Skeletal

I love the x-ray print of this Alexander McQueen mini dress in the first image.  It's very mathematical and symmetrical.  I was able to create a similar look by pairing a Topshop shoulder-less tee over a watercolor print tunic.

Image #1. A look from Alexander Wang's SS 09 show

Image #2. necklace - Forever 21, broaches - Vintage, beetle x ray t - Topshop, watercolor print dress - GO International for Target, creeper boots - Emma Cook for Topshop

THAKOON for Target - You bought it then...it's time to wear it now!

I don't know about you, but when THAKOON for Target came out way back in December, I was up on Christmas morning at 8:30 AM buying the entire collection online.  (Sigh, yes, I am obsessed with THAKOON.)  I have been dying to wear my purchases ever since. Although it is still quite cold in New York, I have hit my patience threshold and can no longer wait.  This is my take on wearing THAKOON for Target now...

blue and white tie dye cardigan, teal and blue color block dress, blue and grey striped t, and blue full skirt - all THAKOON for Target

As you can see, I took each piece and looked at it with layering in mind which opened up a world of possibilities.  In some cases, shirts were work backward as short sleeved coats, and one of the dresses also became outerwear.  

multi colored floral top, black and grey tie dyed dress (worn aas coat), multi colored floral dress, blue and white tie dyed top (worn backward), and purple floral blouse (worn backward) - all THAKOON for Target

I even used some of the dress sashes as headbands!