TREND TRACKING: Spring into the Season's Top Trends

Although it may not feel like spring here in New York City just yet, as of last week - it has officially sprung.  And with each new season, comes a bevy of new styles to stock your closet.  To get the scoop on the most important trends to look out for - I decided to consult an expert.  Meet Jenn Redd, an Associate Buyer at Saks Fifth Ave with a keen eye for what's hot, and what's not.  This industry insider helps us navigate the current retail market by outlining some of the season's best, and let's us in on her personal Lust List.

Name: Jenn Redd
Home Grown In: South Glastonbury, Connecticut
Currently Living it Up in: Manhattan, NYWhistles While She Works As: Associate Buyer, Saks Fifth Ave

TOP TRENDS FOR SPRING

READY-TO-WEAR

ACCESSORIES

Natty: Are there any specific pieces that you are currently coveting?

Jenn Redd: Yes, of course! I really love the Parlour hobo bag from Jcrew. This soft leather bag takes you from work to the weekend and has an adjustable long strap. It is roomy enough to carry an extra pair of shoes too!

JR: These nude Christian Louboutin sandals really update the skinny jean look. Pastels and neutrals are always so important in spring, this is a great option for an aggressive shoe in a feminine color.

JR: A trench is a staple for spring. I love this sporty option from Juicy Couture. It has a slight military inspiration and the statement collar is fun too! 

N: If you had to choose 3 items for the season to update any wardrobe, what would they be?

JR: Floral mini dress – It’s been a long winter and we are all looking for a little color and excitement in our lives! This mini dress from Nanette Lepore will do the trick!

JR: Sandal bootie. This is a key piece to updating your spring wardrobe. They can be worn back to pieces you most likely already own… (think ripped skinny jeans, mini dress, shorts etc) but will really transform your look!

JR: Lucite bangle or statement necklace – This crystal clear bauble necklace from Michael Kors looks fresh for spring.

N: Any other tips for my readers?

JR: Start thinking about the key pieces you need to update your wardrobe pre-season. Don’t wait to purchase if you find a piece you really love! Retailers are trimming down their inventory - shop early before your size is gone!

- Natty

NATTY NEWS: Like a Virgin - Madonna for Dolce & Gabbana

Dolce & Gabbana advertisements have long been notorious for shock value.  This season's campaign shares that value in a way, but instead of half naked models posing in questionable and sometimes disturbing scenarios - we get Madonna washing dishes and eating spaghetti with her fingers.  Shot by Steven Klein in a Manhattan convent (Who knew we had one of those in NYC?) the images portray an authentic, old world Italian ambiance.  Madonna herself being an Italian-American as well as a close personal friend to Stephano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce - she was natural choice for the project, which showcases spring's romantic and Italy inspired collection.  

I, for one, appreciate Dolce & Gabbana's AND Madonna's return to their more traditional, Italian roots. And find the (though likely temporary) replacement of "in your face" sex appeal with something more cinematic and picturesque is every bit as sexy as previous campaigns.  Plus, when is the last time we saw a woman EATING in a fashion ad?  Now that's hot.

-Natty

STYLE-O-PHILE: Ashley Harris

Where fashion is determined by designers, editors and industry - style is what someone makes of it all...

Style - O - Phile highlights individuals who's style is unique and inspirational. This edition is dedicated to a well-heeled LA transplant recently settled into the bustling New York scene: Ashley Harris.

Name: Ashley Harris
Home Grown In: a mish-mash of Chicago, Napa Valley, Hawaii and southern CA
Currently Living it Up in: Manhattan, NY
Whistles While She Works As: Part time model, part time PR, all the time fabulous...

NATTY: How would you describe your personal style?

ASHLEY HARRIS: A cool and classic chameleon...or something of the sort.

N: Who/what is your fashion inspiration?

AH: I am very much inspired by the people and life existing around me as well as all things classic that tend to stand the test of time.

Though, I am often intrigued with all the fashion trends, major publications, and a few designers ranging from YSL to Tom Ford, and even a little Wang...my more every day realistic favorite is that California casual James Perse. Being causal,comfortable and confident tends to be what I aim to exude every time I step out the door.

N: Do you have a rule of thumb when shopping and/or getting dressed?

AH: While shopping I almost always feel as though it should be more about the experience and in stumbling upon wonderful pieces versus a pressured look or style. Some of the best pieces I have in my closet (still in my closet) are those that were unexpected versatile finds.

While getting dressed I almost always know what look I am going for, that is the first look I've been inspired to try on... mind you I do have to try on at least 45 others before going back to that initial first.

Its just the way it is. Unexplainable, like socks that go missing in the dryer.

N: What is your favorite look for spring?

AH: All things natural and bohemian, yet tailored and posh.

Channeling a bit of DVF on the boho note....but a crisp and comfy basic button down or light weight neutral blouse tucked into a killer pair of fitted, even high wasted khaki shorts/pants paired with a great wedge or espadrille topped with an over sized floppy bohemian hat....pure bliss.

N: Any fashion tips/secrets for my readers?

AH: As for tips... a bit cliche, but when you find something you adore, buy it in every color. As for style... fitted pieces are always best. find things that fit you well, that you don't have to adjust every 5 minutes, and that are

veristal with other pieces in your wardrobe.

N: Are there any specific pieces that you are you currently coveting?

AH: I am a bit enthralled with sky high over the knee boots, red lipstick and fur. Done in pure confidence and in effort to help bring back a little bit of decadence during this recession. Mind you, It is winter in New York city and who doesn't love a little Helmut Newton inspiration here and there

N: Do you have a look or a piece in your wardrobe that you find yourself wearing again and again?

AH: Black high waisted skinny jeans, with a bit of a tattered whole in the knee (this happened naturally while tumbling over cobble stone in those "sky high over the need boots") and James Perse fitted racer-back cotton tank top.... the perfect blank canvas for a any and every pair of heels, coat and accessory imaginable.

N: What items to do think are worth investing in, and what would you rather get on the cheap?

AH: I am a firm believer in quality over quantity.

Though I am a bargain shopping fanatic, I tend to focus solely on designer classic pieces. Anything that is able to stand the test of time (as noted before) through trends, fads, and hell through my mothers and grandmothers closet is well worth any investment.

If it something I think will make a great statement for the moment I don't splurge...I go rather cheap, but accentuate it with all those classic timeless pieces I have invested in thus far.

N: Anything else you want to add?

AH: My style is me. It changes consistently (thus my chameleon side note) due to my environment, mood, and inspiration. I will always hold true to things that are flattering and in a nutshell, though I love to be "cool", I am quite "classic" in every sense of the word.

-Natty

NATTY NEWS: The Little Gold Man & His Ladies

The film industry's biggest night of the year - the 2010 Academy Awards aired last night, wrapping up the season of red carpet fashion and as many awards for best and worst dressed as for industry related accolades.  The Oscars are traditionally the most conservative of all of the ceremonies in terms of fashion, though they're also a perfect showcase for classic beauty and old Hollywood glamour.  Here are my picks for the night's fashion favorites:

MAGGIE GYLLENHALL in Dries Van Noten

Props to Maggie for choosing DVN, and stepping out of the box with both print and bold color - in an effortlessly elegant design

AMANDA SEYFRIED in ARMANI PRIVE

Traditional yet fashion forward in this structured gown, thanks to a fierce crystal cuff bracelet and stunning earrings

CAREY MULLIGAN in PRADA

Fresh and modern, this dress was brilliant - and so were the show stopping earrings

CAMERON DIAZ in OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Every Acadamy Awards needs a little old Hollywood glamour

JENNIFER LOPEZ in ARMANI PRIVE

Floaty and feminine - JLo was less bootylicious than usual in a figure flattering gown and soft simple hair/makeup

SARAH JESSICA PARKER in CHANEL

A little gold statue in and of herself...SJP was dazzling in soft yellow

NICOLE RICHIE in REEM ACRA

Unique and stunning - Nicole Richie was hands down my overall favorite of the night...

MILEY CYRUS in JENNY PACKHAM

Don't love the girl, and hate the perpetual hunchback...but I did love the dress (though the detailed beading doesn't really register on camera)

KRISTEN STEWART in MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Same disclaimer as for Miley...(what's with the posture problems?) but I must give her kudos for this gorgeous goth chic gown

RACHEL MCADAMS in ELIE SAAB HAUTE COUTURE

A vision of watercolor romance...a perfect choice for Rachel's fair complexion and feminine features

-Natty