Weekend Getaway

If you need some inspiration on how to pack for a weekend getaway, here it is! This travel capsule will get you from day to night - sightseeing to museums, dinner to a night out on the town. I'm still loving the floral influences and coral pastels of the 2012 spring trends...the bright colors just brighten my mood after a long winter!

{image via Polyvore}

Spring in Bloom

It's almost March and spring is right around the corner. I'm already dreaming of shedding these winter layers and springing (pun intended!) into shorts and blooms! Here's some inspiration with the color palette du jour: seafoam and coral.

{image via Polyvore}

Cheers,
Amy

From Red Carpet to Real Life

Spring Trends 2012

Spring is just around the corner! Here are a few of the top Spring 2012 trends seen on the runway at New York Fashion Week and how to wear it.

{all images via Polyvore}

XO, Amy

Friday Gallery: The Different Looks of Lace

I started a tradition on my personal blog La Belle Melange where I post a gallery of beautiful pictures every Friday to uplift and inspire. I think it would also be a good idea to feature here as well in order to provide pictures to inspire and give you ideas for "looks" and outfits. Today's feature: The Different Looks of Lace

{all images via Pinterest}

Lace cuff  made from vintage lace dipped in gold

I hope you got some insight on how to style and wear lace from these beautiful pictures. Happy Friday!

XO, Amy

One Outfit, Different Accessories

One of the easiest ways to transform the style of an outfit is with accessories. Just a simple scarf, a hat or different shoes can completely change the look of an outfit. Accessories are your friends! This is especially true when you are packing light for travel - you may only have several outfits, but with a few clever accessory changes, you can multiply your looks exponentially. Here is an example:

{Image via Polyvore}

Valentino 3 ways

The trick of making a capsule wardrobe work is to be able to re-imagine a single item of clothing in a myriad of different ways. Here is an example of a single Valentino top styled three different ways: ladylike, edgy and casual.

{Image via Polyvore}

Valentino 3 ways by amy-chow featuring balenciaga bag

Simple Capsule How-To

Here is a simple capsule and all the possibilities it has to offer!

{all images via Polyvore}

Simple Capsule

Mix and Match for Work

Mix and Match for Weekend

Mix and Match for Evening

What is a Capsule Wardrobe?

What is a "Capsule Wardrobe" and what does it contain? A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential items in your closet that can mix and match to form dozens of different outfits and "looks". It can also be considered the skeleton of your wardrobe upon which you build the rest of your clothing collection. A capsule can contain as little as six items up to 24 or more! The idea is to edit down your closet in order to streamline and define your style. If you are keeping clothes that you have not worn in several years, THEY MUST GO! However, if there is a classic piece that you have owned for years and continue to wear and adore, it is a staple and will become part of your capsule.

The capsule wardrobe is for everyone: the budget conscious who doesn't want to sacrifice money for style; the city dweller who is pressed for closet space; the traveler who would like a complete look right out of their suitcase; the professional who wants a capsule of tried and true work outfits; anyone who wants to look put together without having to put in too much thought...with the capsule wardrobe, your outfits are at the tip of your fingers and they all mix and match together, so there will be no more worrying about mismatched outfits.

Here are the basics of what a typical capsule wardrobe should contain:

• A classic cut suit which includes matching blazer, pants and skirt - these can be worn together or separately
• A classic white shirt
• A pair of well fit dark wash jeans
• A "Little Black Dress"
• 5-10 tops which include sweaters, blouses and camisoles
• A classic trenchcoat
• A winter coat
• A pairs of boots
• A pair of heels
• A pair of sandals
• A pair of ballerina flats
• 2 belts
• An "every day" bag
• An evening purse
• Unlimited accessories including scarves

This is obviously just a starting point - the core of your closet upon which you can build. Or perhaps for the minimalist, this is where you want to stay. This list is obviously not set in stone and can easily be adapted according to your needs and lifestyle. It just gives you an idea on how to start.

According to Harper's Bazaar's book "Great Style: Best Ways to Update Your Look" this is what the basics of your wardrobe should include:

• 4 sweaters - 2 work worthy and 2 for weekends
• 7 tees which include sort and long sleeves, tanks and turtlenecks
• 4 coats and jackets - 1 elegant coat, 1 sporty outwear jacket, 1 classic trench, and 1 day-to-night jacket
• 2 tops for every skirt and pant
• 4 pants - 2 for office/evening, 2 casual
• 4 skirs - 2 for office/evening, 2 casual
• 1 suit - for every season, that can be worn together or apart
• 5 dresses - 2 for day, 1 cocktail, 1 long formal, and 1 special one
• 4 jeans - 1 slim cut, 1 relaxed fit, 1 ankle length/cropped, l longer pair for wearing with heels

And there you have it. So give it a try!