Design Bitch

Designers like Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and a Tory Burch went a little dotty this season with fun polka dot prints punctuated on blouses, tops and skirts and I totally love them right now. This playful pattern showed up all over the runways in different sizes and shapes from tiny pinpoint dots to oversized and textured spots. They can surely get you spotted this spring! Here are some of my favorite ways to sport polka dots right now.

Small Polka Dots

Pair a fun top like this neon Nanette Lepore polka dot top with denim high waisted shorts for a modern retro flair.

Abstract Polka Dots

A dress with a polka dot print that shifts shapes keeps you from looking like Minnie Mouse. Try this chic shirtdress by Ann Taylor to keep it sophisticated.

Polka Dot Accessories

Wearing accessories is an easy way to work in some of this season’s hottest trends. This polka dot enamel bracelet from Kate Spade is subtle yet makes a bold statement.



Genetic Denim is hot this season and no wonder it is a favorite of stylists and celebrities. This premium denim brand prides itself on quality, fit and style.  Wear with a relaxed tee and your favorite heels for a sexy look that’s understated and hip.

Genetic Denim Riley Recessive Bootcut Jean in Ripper

Genetic Denim Riley Recessive Bootcut Jean in Ripper

If you’re like me, you’re wearing your nautical wear constantly before it goes up for fall.  A basic tee with a modern cut, like this Splendid Mini Stripe Loose Knit tee, $83.00, is perfect. It’s classic navy/white stripe print is nautical without being too obvious so it can transition beyond the trend!

This cute Sea Charm necklace from Urban Outfitters, $24.00, is a sweet detail to make you look right on board with the nautical trend.

Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a cute bikini, especially if it’s sailor-inspired. This simply adorable Milly bikini, $85.00, will have you feeling like a vintage pin-up queen.

> more from Milly

There are so many ways to interpret the nautical trend; it’s so classic and versatile. So have fun with it and don’t be afraid to set sail and go nautical!

Utility Jackets are a huge trend this fall and could be the season’s must-have jacket.  This casual, military-style look is everywhere and can easily be worn by all.  The great thing about utility jackets are their versatility.  An excellent transitional piece, you can wear this jacket year-round when the weather calls. Currently, the hottest colors are army green, gray or black.  I’m deciding between these two:

Vince Utility Jacket

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Utility Jacket

Which would you choose?

Over the past few seasons, t-shirts have gotten a makeover in the form of artfully designed graphics, cool details, and fashion-forward silhouettes. If you’re still wearing tiny tees emblazoned with cutesy quotes, rhinestones or tattoo prints, then it’s time for an update! Here are three t-shirt options to try now that make this wardrobe staple look fresh again.

1. Art-Inspired Graphic Tees
 The handcrafted artwork and asymmetrical hem on this Love Tail Swing Tee by Lauren Moshi turns a basic top into a stand out piece. It’s so easy to just throw it on with jeans and a cute shoe.

Lauren Moshi Love Tail Swing Tee $75

2. T-shirts with Attitude
The wardrobe essential goes edgy with coquettish deep v-necks, zipper details, mesh cutouts and deconstruction. An alluring ¾ sleeve deep-v shirt by LnA makes a statement either worn alone or layered under a blazer with multiple necklaces.

LnA Deep V Shirts

3. The New Shapes
A modern breed of tees in an array of exciting contemporary silhouettes ranging from draped off-the-shoulder tee shirt looks to navel-grazing crop tops have emerged on the fashion radar. An abbreviated bowie pocket tee by Soft Joie feels so of-the-moment paired with a pant or mini skirt with a high waist.

Soft Joie Bowie Pocket Tee, $58

Right now the cowgirl clothing look is very popular, and what’s great about this look is that it’s sexy and understated!  I love being stylish, but I have a really hard time sacrificing comfort for style, so I am always thrilled when a trend comes around that allows you to do both!

Here are some essential pieces you can use to put together a great plus size country style look:

1. Women’s Denim Shirts:

2. Women’s Western Boots:

3. Cowgirl Hats:

Bold graphic prints, warm tones, geometric shapes, global inspiration.

MARC by Marc Jacobs Dashiki Striped Jumpsuit, $368.00 at Neiman Marcus

MARC by Marc Jacobs Dashiki Striped Jumpsuit

Forever21 Tribal Foil Tank, $12.90 at Forever21

Forever21 Tribal Foil Tank

Donald J Pliner Beaded Thong Sandal

Donald J Pliner Beaded Thong Sandal

We all know cargos are hot this season, but the J Brand Houlihan Cargos are scorching! Let’s do a simple comparison: the J Brand cargos are to pants what iphones are to cellphones. I’m not sure which is the better seller….you get the picture. Everyone is sporting these sexy, skinny cargos, even celebs such as Khloe Kardashian & Rhianna. If you don’t have a pair already, I suggest you get some now! Wear with a pair of leopard print pumps or a peep toe bootie and you’ll be super stylish!

JBrand Houlihan Skinny Cargo Pants as seen on Khloe Kardashian

J Brand Houlihan Cargo Twill Pants in Vintage Navy

Dreaming of Paris? This season, your dream is a reality as fashion designers mimic the masterpieces of artists such as Monet and Renoir. The French Impressionist movement has inspired beautifully designed watercolor printed garments. I am really drawn to this trend (maybe it’s the painter in me). A perfect summertime look, watercolor prints are feminine, elegant and can be worn for many different occasions. Absolument magnifique!

Tibi Cap Sleeve Dress in Calla Lilly, $378.00 at Pink Mascara

Tibi Cap Sleeve Dress in Calla Lilly

Banana Republic Petite Silk Bouquet Pleated Ruffle Top, $69.50 at Banana Republic

Banana Republic Petite Silk Bouquet Pleated Ruffle Top

Fendi ‘Forever – Small’ Zip Top Bag, $460.00 at Nordstrom

Fendi 'Forever - Small' Zip Top Bag

Think in black & white this summer with bold prints and stripes. Black & white is always a classic, but this season it’s definitely hot! From shorts to shoes, we’re spotting this trend all over the place. This color combo is one of my absolute favorites because it’s so chic and sophisticated and almost impossible to get wrong. To add a splash of color, I like to add a few colored bangle bracelets or a red, bright plum or aqua handbag.

A.L.C. Jersey Stripe Twisty Dress, $310.00 at Intermix

A.L.C. Jersey Stripe Twisty Dress

Tory Burch Justine Twill Printed Shorts

Tory Burch Justine Twill Printed Shorts

Emilio Pucci Zigzag Peep-Toe Pump, $398.00 at Neiman Marcus

Emilio Pucci Zigzag Peep-Toe Pump