Design Bitch

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?

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Moxley Satchel

The MICHAEL Michael Kors Moxley Satchel can be carried as a cross-body (with a long detachable strap) or satchel with the double zipper-embellished short straps. The vanilla shade is perfect for summer and is accented beautifully by its gold hardware. A great size for carrying all of your daily essentials in style (13″ x 6.75″ x 6.25″), it isn’t so large that it is uncomfortable on your hip as a cross-body bag.

MICHAEL by Michael Kors Moxley Clutch

The Moxley clutch has the same zipper embellishments as the Moxley satchel but the small form-factor makes it perfect for evening. The python-print and patent leather adds some shine while the basic black will still go with everything in your closet. The gold hardware looks bright and festive for evening. The inside of the clutch is lined with a rich gold metallic fabric.

Michael Kors Skorpios Tote

The soft over-sized Skorpios tote is a delight for those of us who love to carry our lives in our handbags.  A detachable shoulder strap and braided double handles let you choose how to carry your bag. The gathers look relaxed and the gold-toned hardware makes this camel tote an instant classic.

After watching my favorite fashionistas on the big screen in the opening of Sex & the City 2, I’ve become enthralled with their middle eastern clothing inspirations. Vibrant colors, silks and jewel embellishments – oh so pretty! In the film, most of the looks are a bit over-the-top, and not so practical for most of us to wear. So, for those who like the style but aren’t as daring as Carrie Bradshaw, I’ve chosen a few pieces that anyone could pull off.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Scarf Washed-silk Blouse

Otrera Hamsa Printed Silk-chiffon Scarf

KORS Michael Kors "Twinkle" Embellished Sandals

Left, Hudson Jeans Collin Jeggings and right, Paige Denim Verdugo Jeggings

Denim leggings are the new comfortable, yet sexy item that will take you stylishly from winter into spring.  With all the comfort of stretchy leggings, jeggings (as this jeans-leggings hybrid is also called) offer the classic, versatile styling of skinny jeans.  The first step to pulling off this trend is picking the right denim legging for you.  Dark styles that slim and lengthen are my favorite.  The Hudson Jeans jeggings, top left, and Paige Denim jeggings, top right, are a great pick for all body types.

Once you’ve found your perfect pair of jeggings, how will you wear them?  Here are three ways to incorporate denim leggings into your wardrobe.

The Sophisticate
The sophisticated look is all about dressing up the jeggings, like you would dress up jeans.
Add a pair of sleek pumps and a tailored blazer over a long top.  Platform heels are a great choice.

Vince Roll Sleeve Shrunken Blazer, $445

Jessica Simpson Michaela Platform Pump, starting at $53.76

The Casual Classic
The casual classic look is very Audrey Hepburn or Jackie O, swapping in denim leggings for their black cigarette pants.  Add a long striped top (nautical stripes are hot right now) and a pair of cute ballet flats, like Tory Burch’s Reva or Steve Madden’s Heavenly Flat.

BCBGMAXAZRIA Long Strip Tee, $68

Madden Girl Heavenly Patent Flat, $39.95

The Girl Out on the Town

For a night out, add to the sexiness of the sleek silhouette of denim leggings with a sparkly top and our favorite hot shoe, the OTK boot.  On a tight budget?  Check out this sequined tunic from a.n.a., it’s just $19.99!  If you want less shimmer, try the Zoa Sequin Panel Tunic.  The sequin design is limited to one shoulder/sleeve.  It would look great with some silver bangles or a cuff bracelet on the other arm.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Sequined Tunic, $89.99

Colin Stuart Over The Knee Boot, on sale for $149

What’s not to love about all-American designer Michael Kors? His footwear lines are consistently beautiful and chic, but not too fussy. Season after season, I’m delighted with the simplicity and elegance of this brand. Even when other designers may miss the mark, I can always rely on finding fabulous shoes from Michael Kors! This spring I’m having trouble deciding on my favorite sandals, because there are too many truly special pairs. Here are a few pairs that are really hot. Let me know what you think!

MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Artisan’ Gladiator Sandal, $149.95 at Nordstrom

MICHAEL Michael Kors ‘Juniper’ Espadrille Sandal, $139.95 at Nordstrom

Michael Michael Kors Women’s Gansevoort Platform Sandal, $165.00 at Endless.com

Dita Von Teese looks good in just about anything she wears, but we’re especially digging the wrap dress and espadrille ensemble she sported at Coachella. Shop at beso to steal her style!

1. Diane von Furstenberg ‘Julian’ Wrap Minidress $298

2. Tom Ford Nicole Sunglasses $230

3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Charlton Crossbody bag $148

4. Spiegel Women’s Two-Tone Espadrille $34 $24 (29% off)

As any good Project Runway fan knows, Michael Kors is a top American designer. He’s been designing gorgeous, classic clothing for women since the early 1980’s.  What many plus size women don’t realize is that Michael Kors also designs plus size women’s clothes under his MICHAEL Michael Kors label.

The line of clothes, sold at Macys and Bloomingdales, is a similar aesthetic to what you see in his straight sized women’s line.  The current pieces you can shop for online include jeans, dresses and blouses.  Current trends like animal print, polka dots and asymmetrical necklines appear in the line and prices are moderate, on average under $50-100 per piece.

Jil Sander, grey leather sandals, JilSander

Catherine Malandrino, multicolored leather sandals, Malandrino

Michael Kors, chic strappy flat sandals, Michael Kors