Design Bitch

Yes, mint is a sherbet flavor, but it is also one of spring’s hottest colors! We’re seeing the mint color pop up all over the runways on just about everything from dress to shoes to handbags. I’ve even see some very pretty mint lingerie! Mint may not be a color you’ve ever considered, but you should certainly give it a try. It actually looks great with all types of skin tones- pale to dark and everything in between. Have a look at some really fabulous mint colored products, cool huh?

Shoshanna Pleated One Shoulder Dress

Shoshanna Pleated One Shoulder Dress

UGG Australia Women’s Bailey Button Boots in Frosty Mint

UGG Australia Women's Bailey Button Boots in Frosty Mint

Women’s Mara Hoffman Embroidered Brazilian Bikini

Women's Mara Hoffman Embroidered Brazilian Bikini

Spring maxi dresses are hot this season! They make the perfect dress to wear to an outdoor party and are a must-have for any spring vacation. Wear with a pair of pretty earrings and wedge sandals and you’re all set. This is also a great dress to wear with your favorite cropped denim jacket. The maxi dress is extremely versatile, you can get so many different looks with it.

Diane von Furstenberg Shannah silk-chiffon strapless maxi dress

Diane von Furstenberg Shannah silk-chiffon strapless maxi dress

Issa Printed silk maxi dress

Issa Printed silk maxi dress

By Malene Birger Gema striped cotton-blend maxi dress

By Malene Birger Gema striped cotton-blend maxi dress

One of the most elegant trends in dresses this season is the halterneck dress. I adore this style, so chic and simple. Pair the dress with mega-high heels and a statement clutch. For jewelry, don’t go overboard. Skip the necklace and opt for a pair of long earrings or a bracelet or two. This stylish look is fabulous for a night out or a special occasion. Have a look at my picks of the best halterneck dresses. Don’t you love the rich colors?

Rick Owens Lilies Jersey halterneck dress

Rick Owens Lilies Jersey halterneck dress

Halston Heritage

Halston Heritage

Lilly Pulitzer Clare Dress

The Lilly Pulitzer Clare dress is an easy breezy staple for work and weekend casual looks.  We love the bright blue shades, flutter sleeves and ruffled neckline.  Wear the Clare dress with gold gladiators and a denim jacket in warmer climates or nude pumps and a trench coat if there is more of a chill in the air.

While shopping at beso.com, I came across some pretty fabulous Elizabeth and James shirt dresses. I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth and James, the garments are always super stylish and incredibly current! I guess  it’s no surprise that I love their take on the shirt dress. A versatile piece, the shirt dress can be worn in warmer weather with sandals, or in the cooler weather with boots and leggings. Here are a couple of my finds:

Elizabeth and James Striped Laurent Dress

Elizabeth and James Striped Laurent Dress

Elizabeth and James “Safari” Dress – Blue

Elizabeth and James "Safari" Dress - Blue

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

I’m generally not a pink or pastel kind of gal. Usually, I flock to bold colors, but this season I am really drawn to petal pink! Just yesterday, I found some really great pieces at Ann Taylor Loft. I paired a petal pink top with a black animal print skirt and it looks fantastic. I also bought a super cute petal pink silk dress with black piping at the neck. For shoes, I’m going with a pair of tall wedges.

If you want to pair the pink with a color besides black, try gray, navy or olive. I would however, stay away from a double dose of pink.

Here are my fab outfits. What do you think?

Ann Taylor Loft Women’s Petal Pink Flutter Sleeve Woven Top, $36.50

Petal Pink Flutter Sleeve Woven Top

Ann Taylor Loft Women’s Fresh Navy Animal Spots Pencil Skirt, $69.50

Fresh Navy Animal Spots Pencil Skirt

Ann Taylor Loft Women’s Petal Pink Petite Piped Silk Dress, $89.50

Petal Pink Petite Piped Silk Dress

Summertime is here, so get your floral dresses ASAP! Even if you’re not going on an exotic summer vacation to some fantastic tropical location, you can still look the part in a flirty floral dress. These are great for stylish daytime look or even a late afternoon party. I love these dresses with a great pair of wedges and an over-sized tote.

TIBI NY 19820052 MULTI CREAM SILK

Acne Free Flower Printed Dress

If you want a fresh summer look, try a kimono inspired dress. You can find these fun dresses in most shops right now in an assortment of great prints and fabrics. The best thing about this type of dress is they can be worn to a variety of occasions, and easily transform from daytime to evening. I love this look with a great clutch, strappy sandals and earrings (less is more with this look- don’t overdo the jewelry).

Diane von Furstenberg Silky Seersucker Kimono Wrap Dress

BCBG MAXAZRIA Kimono-Sleeve Printed Dress

Missoni Ecuador Kimono Mini Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg is one of my absolute favorite designers. If you haven’t tried on any of her dresses, do so, you’ll fall in love! Her garments are made from exquisite fabrics and she always has such interesting prints. This season is no exception with her wide range of animal printed dresses. There are so many fantastic ones that it was hard to choose only a few to showcase in this blog. I definitely have to have the Snow Pony one- Gorgeous!

Diane von Furstenberg Animal-Print Stretch Silk Dress - Snow Pony

Diane Von Furstenberg Layly Tiger Dress

Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard-Print Satin Safi Shirtdress