Ever wonder how Nicole Richie continuously rocks her bohemian-chic look, despite being pregnant twice in the last three years? You’re not alone.

Style expert Amy Tara Koch was dwelling on the same problem, and with a toss of her maternity “fat pants,” decided to refocus her fashion-forward eye on clothing and accessory options for baby-bearers everywhere. With the release of her new book Bump it Up: Transform your Pregnancy into the Ultimate Style Statement, Koch is making what could be the frumpiest nine months of a woman’s life, totally fabulous!

As a trend reporter for NBC, Koch has also contributed to various publications such as Vogue, Town & Country, The New York Times, The Huffington Post and The New York Observer. Currently available in bookstores everywhere, Bump it Up gives rounding readers a new way to view what they already have in their closet. Instead of forcing pregnant women to revamp their wardrobes by going out and buying maternity wear, Koch advices focusing on accessories and layers that can be put together with clothing options one might not normally consider for their ever changing silhouette. She suggests having a basic uniform made of comfortable material such as jersey or stretchy Lycra, and using scarves and other flowy materials to layer on top, such as scarves or even old pool-side cover ups.

Giving advice for each trimester, Koch draws inspiration from celebrity mamas, such as the consistantly fashionable Heidi Klum and Gwen Stefani. Though she admits that not all expectant mothers are built like super models, with the right proportions any belly bearing woman can elongate and transform her silhouette. The first trimester is all about hiding the pre-bump developing baby weight with draping and layers, while a third trimester mommy should utilize her robust, ready-to-pop figures to empower herself by stepping out of her comfort zone, as if she isn’t already! Koch suggests glamming up one’s standard maternity-wear uniform with eye-catching statement accessories such as chunky belts or long necklaces.

In addition to giving clothing advice, Koch acknowledges the constant hormonal changes going on in each expectant mother and gives specific face-care tips to hide whatever dullness, dryness or blotchiness that may accompany these out-of-whack preggo-hormones. With such a big gift at the end of this nine-month journey, Koch wants every woman to feel glamorous and fresh, despite the tremendous physical changes. And with the help of Bump it Up, instead of feeling like a million pounds, expectant mothers can feel like a million bucks.

I confess. I have a serious crush on spring. A minute past midnight December 21, when the long dark nights begin to shrink, I start getting tingles. And when the first daffodils begin to bloom and I can fill all the vases I can put my hands on with their cheerful sunny color, spring fever hits in full force.

And of course, best of all, is shedding the heavy layers of winter clothing. When I slip into that first spring dress and sling on a pair of heeled sandals, I immediately feel transformed within and without and my spirits soar. As I said, I have a very serious crush on spring!

I’m happy to report that April is shaping up in the stores with many fresh-looking spring and summer collections and they’re all about color and femininity.

Now You See It, Now You Don’t
Almost weightless, transparent fabrics are being worn in layers with visible lingerie underneath. It is a misconception to believe that layers are only applicable during the fall and winter months. On the contrary, fashion has given us many ways to overlay our apparel at any time of the year. How often do we complain of freezing from the air conditioning blowing on our shoulders inside only to be hit by a blast of warm air and bright sunshine when we go outside? Isn’t this then the perfect time to layer ourselves with lightweight scarves, vests and cropped jackets?

Just as designers turned their spring/summer shows into playful fairytales we should do the same with our wardrobes. Spring is a time to be lighthearted and have fun! I urge you to play with the many hues of blue, tribal fabrics, bangles and bracelets and heeled sandals.
Blue, inspired by sky and water is this season’s most important color. Just a single item will suffice to update previous seasons’ outfits.

In the Nude
Pastels are all on this spring’s color chart as well. Barely-there tones were very present on the red carpets and runways. Be warned though–those light shades are not for everyone as they may not enhance your skin tone. If that is the case for you, avoid the washed-out look by choosing to wear nude accessories instead. Nude shoes in particular are fantastic, as they help elongate the leg beautifully.

Surfing Safari
In Paris, one color that invaded the ‘festival’ collections was khaki. This new trend was presented more like the new ‘black’ as seen in this Celine dress that is so urban and chic at the same time.

Rings of Fire
For centuries, in many cultures, bangles have been worn to define the wearer’s social status. In our society, bangles are a fun fashion accessory only. However, they can add stylish pizazz to your look. Wrap your wrist with a dazzling cuff, or go for the eclectic and arm your forearms with colorful bangles and bracelets. Mix them all together, from skinny to wide.

Forever in Blue Jeans
I love/hate them. It saddens me that they are worn all the time and at every occasion by young and not-so-young people alike–with tears and holes, discolorations in the wrong spots and details in the wrong areas. And what’s up with the back pockets? They’re now placed so low on the butt that no matter how great one’s butt is, it looks as if it’s sagging! Worst of all for me, is the denim-on-denim look. However, I must be fair and tell you that an allover denim look is in this spring, but I still hate it. There! I’ve said it.
I much prefer Stella McCartney’s overall dress that can be worn with colorful heels or gladiator sandals, with or without a tee underneath. (Layers again.)

Treasure Chest
It must be worn plongeant (plunging), preferably in a V shape that elongates all silhouettes. Beware of a décolleté plongeant with a mini-skirt, as it could easily look vulgar! Please avoid!

Down Under
Lingerie – ah yes, this is sure to please our Monsieur friends! Lingerie is no longer worn as undergarments only. I strongly discourage creating a total lingerie look. This very feminine tendance should be worn in a sensual manner, just enough to wake up the opposite sex’s attention, and not be a spectacle. Think more of pairing opposites such as a bustier under a boyfriend double-breast blazer, a jupon (slip or petticoat) with an army style jacket.

Perfect pieces have infinite possibilities. A common misconception in figuring out one’s outfit is to think that we have to look like the model on a magazine cover. Wrong! Don’t forget that trends can be used to inspire your style. They’re not intended to be mimicked.

I wish you all a joyous, lighthearted spring!

A la prochaine!

Michèle

[Photo from Flickr by Mickael Casol]

When it comes to style most people often think of clothes, shoes and bags, but one of the most important parts of getting ready for a black tie event begs the question “what am I going to do with my hair?” As with fashion, hair styles and trends change every season and can become true statements (we all remember the “Rachel” from Friends). To find out the hottest looks in hair and what will go perfect with your designer duds, I turned to my favorite hair guru David Tolls at Cowboys and Angels for advice and tips.

The overall trend for spring hair this year is “less aggressively structured and more natural, nothing that is trying to hard.” David was quick to tell me. Of course this doesn’t mean that you can throw it in an after the gym pony and call it a night. Even when it comes to the most “natural” looks a lot goes into it! David has also been working a lot with styles that are “more off the face yet are still anti volume. Gone are the days of huge hair that involve backcombing and tons of spray.” David laughs.

David identified three main trends that he has noticed and is using on his clients and for editorial photo shoots.

_- A bit off center (upper left). This includes looks like a high tight but that isn’t exactly centered on the head. It can include a side braid or ponytail. “This trend is not only stylish but also something most women can do at home” Tolls said.

-Embellishments. Call it the Lady GaGa craze but more and more you are seeing bows, headbands, clips and pins added into hair to give it an interesting element. “Lady GaGa has given women permission to be a bit more adventurous and over the top, this is especially true with the younger crowd but has trickled into evening looks as well.” David reminds us. As a style expert I have always loved the trick of a hat pin or brooch worked into the hair for a little added bling!

- Braids. “I love the fish tale braid right now, It is a bit of style and super easy. Can be polished or more rough.” David says. David recently styled a shoot where he constructed a low side braid and then wrapped it up around the head and secured with pins. “This style is also one that most women can do at home.” David points out.

When I asked David about rules of hair for spring he almost burst out laughing. “I don’t believe in rules when it comes to hair. I think people look most interesting when they go a different way and wear something they love that maybe not everyone would try” David says.

I have trusted David with my locks for years and he has a lot of magic, I know he is always suggesting what women can do at home but I think, don’t we have enough to do? I treasure my days at the hair salon when I can get a great wash (by wash I mean head massage) and I know my style will be flawless! No more looking in the mirror or asking my guy, “Does this look okay in the back, are their any bumps?”

David Tolls, Cowboys and Angels,  207 Powell Street, Suite 400, 415.362.8516.

For the hottest trends and style substance, visit Keylee’s Style Studio blog.

Do you have the best stylist in your city when it comes to event day glamour? Tell us who in the comment field below!

We are always looking for great vacations and getaway opportunities. And there are always exciting destinations for us to travel to, especially here in California. Destinations abound, and you have to consider not only where you’re staying, but how to get there. Driving is great because you have no need to worry about a stern faced TSA agent taking that tube of $75 hand cream that we forgot was in the bottom of our handbag. Flying is a totally different monster and it starts with what to wear on the plane. Unless you are going to Alaska, chances are that you are traveling to a warmer climate than SFO; but regardless, it will be more frigid in the cabin of the plane – so you must have a plan when dressing for your travels.

Number one rule for any flight is comfort! That equals leggings, dress or jeans with a bit of stretch. On the top, remember to layer, tank top or t-shirt first then pick a starched button-up (Brooks Brothers non-iron or Anne Fontaine are my picks) a fun jacket, or a sweater (cotton is always the best choice for flying – keeps the static cling at a minimum). A reminder, though, that while passing through the security gate, you may have to remove some of those layers, so try not to be too overdressed…at least until you get to your gate.

For shoes, remember tennis shoes allow you to avoid catching a planter’s wart while navigating through security, and the extra bonus is your toes will stay warm during the flight and save precious room in the suitcase. On quick flights I opt for flip-flops, sandals or flats (Chanel, Tory B or Lanvin are my picks). Sometimes you just want to be able to slip them on and off quickly when going through multiple layovers or security check points. And don’t forget to take a pair of socks in your carry on so you can slip them on during the flight if needed.

In case you are flying to a cooler destination or during the middle of the night, a cashmere scarf or pashmina, might do the trick to warm you up a bit. My favorite is from Banana Republic and can also be found at Edition (the new BR concept in the Westfield mall). Constructed of lightweight cashmere that is perfect to use around your neck or as a blanket on the plane and works double duty for breeze nights while you are on holiday.

If a coat is in order, a classic trench is the perfect solution then sunglasses and a fabulous bag are all you need to top off your Viva Chic travel look.

Oh, but don’t forget your lip gloss and travel size of eye cream to ensure you look refreshed while making your grand exit from the plane!

[Photos from caribb, Chad Fust and alexajaye via Flickr]

Written by Joanne Horning

When it comes to defining a French woman’s personal style, Ines del La Fressange, who modeled for the House of Chanel during the ’80s says, “French women feel comfortable wearing clothes from past seasons or mixing styles from different designers. That is what makes her look special and distinguishes her from what is conventional and trendy.”

I think one of the reasons so many women are wearing ‘Vintage’ is that they want a unique look. They want to wear clothing that has quality and reflects unusual examples of an era’s fashions. A Vintage purist will tell you that Vintage is anything produced from the ’20s to the mid-’70s. Antique clothing is anything made before 1920 and Retro is clothing from the ’80s and ’90s.

I have explored some of the chicest Vintage and Consignment stores in New York and Paris where you can find clothing and accessories that are beautifully made, certainly not conventional and which allows for self-expression.

PARIS

• Gabrielle Geppert-Vintagte has an extensive collection of jewelry, clothes, handbags and shoes. She has a large selection of Chanel jewelry.

• Reciproque carries new and used couture from such designers as YSL, Chanel, Givenchy, Lanvin and Vuitton.

• Scarlett is where the Olson twins and other celebrities buy their vintage couture. Chanel, Givenchy, Schiaparelli, Dior and a large selection of Chanel jewelry, suits and handbags.

NEW YORK

• Michael’s Consignment is where the ladies from the Upper East Side send their barely used designer couture clothing. Beautiful collections of Chanel and Valentino suits. Also, evening wear and accessories.

• Roundabout carries couture, vintage and recent runway castoffs many with their original tags still on.

• Resurrection carries Pucci, Courreges, Gucci, Halston and vintage pieces from the ’60s and ’70s. This store was discovered by the model, Kate Moss, who purchased several Pucci pieces.

When you have thought that there are no options for finding that Vintage outfit, know that there are many stores out there that may and will have what you are looking for, and also what you are not looking for!
Paris

Gabrielle Geppert-Vintage, Jardins du Palais Royal, 31-34 Galerie Montpensier, 1st Arrondisement, 011-33-01-42-61-53-52
Reciproque, 88-123 Rue de la Pompe, 16th Arrondisement, 011-33-0-47-82-24
Scarlett, 10, rue Clement Marot, 8th Arrondisement, 011-33-01-56-89-03-00

New York

Michael’s Consignment , 1041 Madison Ave. at 79th , No. 2, 212-737-7273
Roundabout, 31 East 72nd St.
Resurrection, 217 Mott St., 212-625-1374

These are just a few of my favorite places to shop.  To read more, you can purchase Joanne’s book, Paris Style, An Insider’s Guide to Shopping and Dining on LuLu.com.

[Photo from iStockphoto]

Dear Gigi,

I put a table of 10 together for the upcoming Ballet Opening Night Gala dinner. I was so excited when I saw a gorgeous gown at Saks Fifth Avenue, that was on the cover of Vogue last month, that I just had to have it for the occasion. Saks graciously pulled all the remaining sizes off the selling floor until after Opening Night. When I mentioned my prized new purchase to the wife of one of the couples at my table, she divulged that she bought a fabulous Vera Wang gown at the Beverly Hills Saks store. It’s the EXACT same gown, except she’s two sizes smaller than me, with larger breasts! She laughed it off as a great photo-op, but I don’t think so; I’m the hostess of my table and I should stand alone in what I am wearing. Plus, I can’t take it back since they’ve already done two fittings. Since I put the table together can I ask her to wear something else?

Gigi:

Unless you’re a fashion designer’s of-the-moment muse you’ll be hard-pressed to corner the market on the latest style. You have two options: wear the dress proudly with your own adornments, or put it in your closet and select something else. I suggest for future galas you may want to consider working with a stylist or, better yet, create your own unique style rather than grabbing what’s on the current magazine cover – it may announce what you can afford, but shows little originality.

[Photo from Michael Oh via Flickr]

It is said that young people don’t know how to dress because they do not have good role models. Prove the naysayers wrong!

As we all know, we are attracted to people with whom we can identify and who have qualities we admire that we aspire to have ourselves. Subconsciously, these people serve as our role models. No matter our age. And as we see everyday, the young look to the superstars of sport, film and TV as their role models and idolize them in ways that can make our hair stand on end. But never underestimate the subliminal impact we have on our children. As mothers, sisters, aunts or just good friends, we have a profound influence on the young people around us in spite of all appearances to the contrary—especially during those crucial transition years from puberty to the teens right onto that sometimes perilous path to adulthood.

I call these crucial years the ‘seeding’ time. Every single seed we sow will grow sooner or later even though at times that is really hard to believe. Just think that each scattered seed is like a boost and eventually those young people around us will reflect on what they have witnessed and learned and more likely than not, we will reap the harvest of our efforts.

I say this with confidence as my children, now young adults in their early twenties, are finding their fashion legs and creating their own style. I am constantly delighted and surprised as I witness the sprouting of the seeds I sowed all those years ago. How proud I was when two years ago my son Nicholas, 21 at the time, asked for an Armani suit as a Christmas present. I was the happiest of Moms!

It is essential therefore, that we look at ourselves and ensure that as we pass on to our children our ethics and modes of behavior, we also pass on good grooming habits and a sense of style and appropriate dress. Even while our kids are idolizing super stars, they still look to their Moms and Dads to set the bar for them. We are after all their first teachers and role models and as a rule, children are more affected by what we do than what we say!
Think about it, we are the ones who buy the food they eat and the clothes they wear. As tough a battle as it was I never had food or drinks in the house that I didn’t want my children to consume. Needless to say I was not always the most popular mom on the block and, I had to put up with constant complaints that our fridge only contained healthy food and that it lacked sodas!

It was the same when it came to clothes. I never bought clothes for them that I considered inappropriate. I recall a morning when I was driving my younger son, Greg, to school and saw a girl dressed so down that my eyes just about popped out of my head. I mentioned this to Greg and to my amazement, he said, “Mom it’s ‘Pajama Day.’ I would never come to school in pj’s. I think it’s degrading.” That was an “Aha” moment for me as I realized a style seed had taken root.

Being consistent in setting examples is very important. If you tell your child to dress appropriately for his or her age and for the situation and then you go to the supermarket in pajama bottoms, your child will become confused by the mixed signals.

Being a role model for our children is one of the most important and rewarding things we can do for our children. As Mireille Guiliano wrote in her book, French Women for All Seasons, French women rarely give up on themselves and let themselves go. I feel fortunate to have these genes and that I am able to count myself among these women, but I must confess, it takes mindful self-discipline. The good thing though is that self-discipline eventually becomes a habit.

There is no doubt that being a role model to our children is a difficult path to follow, especially these days, but teaching my children how to be self-confident and decent human beings by respecting themselves and others is my legacy to them and the generations to come.

[Photo from Seattle Municipal Archives via Flickr]

The number one question I have been asked this season, by clients, blogette readers, women on the street and friends is hands down “Do you think I can wear over-the-knee boots?” My answer is always a resounding YES! The question that usually follows is “Really?, I don’t’ want to look like Pretty Woman.”

No need to enter hookerville ladies, you can trot around in your OTK (over-the-knee) boots with the same class and grace of your other – BUT, as usual, there are a few rules to follow. The great thing about the OTK boot trend is that you can find them at all price points, so spend a lot or spend a little but this is a serious must-have fun trend. Leather, suede, flat, platform, pull-on, lace up, or zip – you have lots of choices. You will also have the choice of boots that reach mid- thigh or styles that hit just over the knee. Many of the styles are convertible and can be worn with the top of the boot turned down and the height adjusted- these are my favorites.

First: the Don’ts of the OTK boot:
• Don’t buy them in huge platforms unless you are very well versed in the world of heels, there are a lot of flat choices out there!
• Don’t ever wear them with fishnet type hosiery, this will scream Pretty Woman.
• Don’t wear them with a mini skirt and plunging neckline. In other words don’t give it all away in one outfit!

The Do’s:
• Do remember there is a time and place for the OTK boot. Night on the town with your ladies, hot date with your man, fun party or opening, any fashion event- all great choices for this trend. Thanksgiving dinner? Not so much.
• Do remember that they can be hot- temperature hot. It is like wearing leather pants so keep that in mind, no one looks good with sweat rings and makeup running down their face.
• Do wear them with confidence or don’t wear them at all!

Ways to wear:
With a skirt; have the skirt cover the top of the boot, wear them with tights (colors or pattern can work great or just solid black), and remember if you go bare leg make sure they are hitting just over the knee cap.

With pants; you will need to choose a legging or super tight skinny jean. Pants bagging out the top of your boot will only make your thigh look bulky and that is not cute on anyone!
OTK boots are slimming to the leg and fun! Flat or heel they are fabulous.

In your new OTK boots, you can be pretty without being Pretty Woman. Because let’s face it, girls: these kicks are the bee’s knees.

Stuart Weitzman (Upper left)
HiLo Over the knee Black Suede Platform $675

Prada (Upper center)
Moro Brown leather OTK riding boot – $1300

Jimmy Choo (Upper right)
Flat suede OTK $1195

Christian Louboutin (Lower left)
Nutmeg suede platform thigh boot $2295

Prada (Lower center)
Thigh high shiny leather $1450

YSL (Lower right)
Platform OTK with Buckle in Slate $1855

Over the years I have witnessed many “crimes of fashion.” Example: watching a woman ruin a beautiful pair of Jimmy Choo strappy sandals by wearing flesh colored pantyhose so that her exposed toes look like they are being held in a sausage casing. It makes my skin crawl! But I truly shudder when I spy a beautiful woman at an event with a totally inappropriate handbag. Here are a few suggestions and rules for choosing your next handbag + ensemble combo. 

Never is it acceptable to carry your everyday handbag, no matter how expensive it is, to any event where an invitation was sent or a ticket was purchased.

Judith Leiber has been the Grande Dame of the red carpet handbag society since she started her company in 1963. Despite her selling the company that she started with her husband and retiring in 1998, her bags can be seen on red carpets around the world almost daily. I am a sucker for just about anything that sparkles but I think what I love most about Miss Leiber’s creations are their whimsical design and her use of color. From a blue frog to my favorite, the red heart bag, there is something for everyone in the Leiber handbag library. No matter what look you are pulling off from white tie and ball gowns to cocktail or causal elegance you can never go wrong with a crystal covered confection by JL.

Always a safe bet: the clutch. The clutch is my favorite style of bag and a great way to add a pop of color or personality to any look. It is rare an occasion that a clutch would not work with an outfit. I even enjoy the more recent oversized version that has become wildly popular the past few seasons (celebs like the Olsen twins, Siena Miller and Cameron Diaz all have been spotted with the style). This version is the more casual step-sister of the classic petite style and will not work in every situation. Example: you do not want to carry the oversized version is when your bag is bigger than you dress. Rocking a bandage dress from Herve Leger you don’t want to knock yourself off balance with a big bag..

The envelope bag is a great style that is usually found is an exotic skin or bright color and is interchangeable with the clutch in many occasions.

Don’t forget:

- White or black tie your bag should have sparkle or sheen, something that screams evening.

- You want your evening bags to be special but so outrageous that you feel you can only carry it once.

- Carry a bag that compliments your ensemble, yet doesn’t match or compete with your outfit.

Lanvin is great for adding an edge and great color.

Prada offers great shapes and perfect sizes.

Chanel is classic and will work in almost every situation!

Just remember, when you are thinking fashionable accessories for your look, clutch on to the style and elegance of your handbag.

[Photos from LipglossJunkie, Nathan Branch, NorCalOrange and coco+kelley via Flickr]

Written by: Joanne Horning

I arrived in New York with a specific purpose in mind: to find stores that sell vintage clothing and accessories. For several years, vintage clothing has been in vogue for women who want to be more original in the way they dress and who do not care to appear in the same designer outfit as everyone else. As Gore Vidal said, “Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.” Women who purchase vintage clothing appreciate the quality and detail that goes into the design and construction of vintage garments. And they enjoy creating their own style of mixing vintage items with contemporary pieces.

Fashion stylists and Hollywood stars frequent Resurrection in New York’s Greenwich Village as well as a second location in Los Angeles. Here you will find a collection of vintage handbags, shoes, jewelry and clothing. I found a navy blue Chanel coat for $1,600 and a short black fringed cocktail dress by Norma Kamali for $650. Other designers featured were Yves St. Laurent, Gucci, Hermes, Courreges, Pucci and Halston.

I then headed uptown to Catwalk Couture which carries vintage couture costume jewelry and handbags. All the pieces were created for fashion designers to be used in their runway shows or sold in their boutiques. Jewelry created by the great fashion houses like Lanvin, Dior, Chanel, YSL, Valentino and Gucci were on sale. There was a particularly beautiful Dior crystal necklace from the 1930s and a cuff bracelet in gold and silver tones from a Nina Ricci 1908s collection. Since these are all one-of-a-kind pieces, prices can range from $150 to $5,000.

Another great store is Encore, where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis used to sell her designer threads. Here, you will always find couture, vintage and recent runway castoffs many with their original tags still on.

Los Angeles has its share of vintage shops, and my favorites are Decades and Decades Two. Decades is where the Hollywood elite shop for unique vintage gowns when making their red carpet appearances. Here you can find items by Chanel, Halston, Dior and Lanvin. For more current designers such as Prada, Versace, Angel Sanchez, Chanel and Oscar de la Renta, visit Decades Two. I found a $12,000 Loris Azzaro white, ruched gown worn once for $800. I always come home with treasures from both of these shops.

One of my other favorite shops is the Paper Bag Princess. This store, also favored by the movie crowd, carries vintage clothes and accessories as far back as the 1920s. Designs by Chanel, Dior, Pucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Oscar de la Renta and many more can be found here.

New York:

Resurrection, 217 Mott Street, 212-625-1374

Catwalk Couture, 973 Lexington Avenue, 212-249-5066

Encore, 1132 Madison Avenue, 212-879-2850

Los Angeles:

Decades, 8214 ½ Melrose Avenue, 323-655-0223

Decades Two, 8214 Melrose Avenue, 323-655-1960

Paper Bag Princess. 8700 Santa Monica Blvd., 310-358-1985

Resurrection, 8006 Melrose Avenue, 323-651-5516

[Photos from bondidwhat via Flickr]