Ankles: so hott right now

Apparently the Victorian era is back. While people have been getting bolder and bolder the last few decades with how much skin they are willing to bear to catch others attention it turns out they have been missing the mark. Turns out all you need to bare is a little bit of leg, well ankle anyway. Take a lesson from the ladies of yesteryear who dared to show a bit of their leg from under layers of taffeta and hoopskirt, but modernize the silhouette. I like this look best when its simple and to the pin-tuck-point: squeeze into your ultra skinnies and do two tiny rolls (only about 3/4 of an inch wide) and then throw on some light tennies with no socks. However to spice up your (night) life and draw some attention to this seasons sexiest body part put on some snazzy socks- they can pull from another color in your outfit or add a new texture or pattern. I love pairing a neutral ribbed sock or a bright polka dot. Two of the most coveted avant garde indie ladies have been strutting around town like this for months- keep your eyes on the ankles of Ms. Deyn and Ms. Sevigny. At night slip your cozy socks on and slide them into gladiator heels, or for a dressier day look follow in Jenny Humphry's footsteps and wear socks over your tights and top it off with a patent leather flat.

Rock the Brights Right

This guy gets it. I've been wondering how to wear my bold and brights without looking like a candy wrapper and after stumbling onto this image from TheSartorialist I've been inspired by this man's funky fun take on spring color. He works it by pairing two contrasting yet complimentary brights in modern shapes and muting them with an older, ethnic seeming woven scarf. The scarf picks up on some of the bright shades with the electric blue that weaves throughout but the darker maroon adds necessary depth and sophistication. And just when you think he's only about vivid pops of candy color the abstract animal pattern of his vintage frames creates character and pushes the outfit from preppy to fresh.

Headgear: Not Just for the Ortho-Challenged

Unfortunately I let my love of Aggy take over one afternoon when I was feeling rather bored and restless and thus no longer have long messy locks that can be tamed by the addition of a girly headpiece. Every time I happen upon someone rocking a head band that perfectly combines funky elements of 70's surfer chic with an elegant prohibition era vibe I immediately resolve to grow my hair out and tie on ribbons, feathers and rhinestone encrusted bands. I have months to wait, but while I bide my time and let my hair grow I will be searching for the perfect hair wrap. The key is not to let your inner flower child take over...try to look less like your mom at Woodstock and more like you fancied upon vintage feathers hidden away in a Parisian attic. (Sad how simply the word Parisian can make even an attic seem romantic and edgy). Do this by avoiding a strong center part and placing your head gear of choice on top of bangs, (any will do- side swept or centered/ thick or whispy) and by choosing a funky sparkley material like metallics, chain link or satin. Make the rest of your look modern or mix in an 80's throwback, and save your hippy-granola high-waisted light washed jeans for another day. One exception to this rule is the daisy chain. At first glance it may seem like boho overkill but is so cute and DIY that the decade drama is overshadowed by visions of warm summer days and green grassy fields.

Rain Rain come my way

Having recently moved to Seattle, a city known for three things: latte art, Kurt Cobain's famous plaid flannel and most abundantly- rain I have had to reevaluate my inner winter weather warrior. Coming from the east coast, I have grown accustomed to throwing a belt over a floor length down jacket to give it shape, donning a vintage fur hat to keep out the cold and have more embellished knit mittens than one should rightly own. These tactics are no longer suitable though, as the fur just gets wet and the down does not fly in a downpour. I was not discouraged however and decided that I would need to embrace this new weather pattern and go out splashing with the best (dressed) of them. First and foremost is footwear- I immediately went out and bought a pair of wellingtons. I chose the classic Hunter brand for style, comfort and warmth and must advise to go with a neutral solid color! Do not fall prey to the kitschy- campy patterns of yesteryear and as cute as the polka dots may seem in the store they will look tacky and unpolished I promise. If you're dying to let your inner child out hit shopbop for this amazing metallic silver pair- a tres modern take on the country farmhouse classic. Don't be discouraged by the price of the wellies because they can and should be worn rain or shine- ideal for muddy music festivals ala Kate and Gweneth at Glastonbury. They pair perfectly with dresses, skirts and tights, short shorts and you can tuck your skinnies right in. Now that your feet are dry (and Moss approved) throw on an anorak or a trench that will cinch at the waist AND be waterproof. Since your feet are in solids you can spice up your outerwear with a chic take on the traditional seafarer yellow- this girl is working the rainy day in sunshine patent leather with an over-sized collar to keep out the cold. As for head gear- keep it functional with a hood or kick it up a notch by adding a fedora or other hat with a wide brim and then find a puddle and jump on in.

Laid Back

Inspired by Hot Chip's mantra and the slow but sure arrival of Spring I've decided to embrace the lazy, lacy, whimsical look. Let grassy fields and picnics dance in your thoughts when you pull your summer skirts and dresses out from the back of your closet and throw your hair into a messy bun on top of your head. Keep your makeup simple, perhaps a pop of bubble gum pink or lilac polish and some super shiny gloss. The key is to channel summer sunshine while remaining wintery warm. Balance the frothy pastels with waterproof boots, tights (or the handy and tres trendy over the knee socks) and maybe even by throwing a thin sweater under your dress. Otherwise accessorize with unfussy slip on sneakers and a bag to tote easter eggs and dandelion chains in bright white or a sherbet-esque shade.

I'm going to throw on a fresh cotton sun dress and cozy into a oversize winter sweater and count down to the summer solstice as I plan my easter morning brunch with hot cross buns and ruby red grapefruit mimosas.

MisShapes MisSplaced?

While the weekly Saturday night dance parties may be over the MisShapes have clearly left their mark. Was Geordon Nicol watching the YSL runway show or walking in it? His heavy hanging look was dually noted by Stefano Pilati who threw Geo-esque wigs on all his models for the Paris Fall 2008 shows. Looks like you don't have to go to the library to check out the MisShapes photo journal to catch their mugs. Wonder if Stefano listens to The Horrors when he's designing?

Gossip Guy

Now I'm not normally into the preppy look, one might actually say that I abhor madras and can't stand the sight of ties with whales splashed across them. I'm not even going to start on pastels and polka dots or full length pants with puppies frolicking over every inch. I do however have one belief regarding all forms of style, whatever it is. If you're going to do it you need to do it big. While stalking the fashions of the characters from Gossip Girl, everyone's latest guilty pleasure, I nod obvious approval at Serena's sparkly boho chic style and appreciate the frilly perfection and seemless details that make Blair Queen B. I have spent hours noting how the Prada turban headband has been made into B's calling card and private school appropriate tiara. These upper east side royalty lovelies make my stylista heart race and my credit card quiver. But nothing is more deeply satisfying than Chuck Bass's knowing smirk paired with his luxurious over-the-top take on preppy. He's not simply on holiday in the Hamptons he lives there. And he owns every estate with a view. His family started the Club your little brother caddies at and he golf's wearing Ferragamo and Etro. Chuck combines patterns and colors like a pro- he's always wearing more than one plaid, combining rich jewel tones with the perfect pastel and rocks a paisley bow tie like he means it. Who knew a pink houndstooth cardigan could look so masculine and edgy? Have you ever seen a plaid full length coat with a fur-lined hoodie bundled up so effortlessly on a guy? While I have to wait until the end of April for more style notes to pass on to my future ex boyfriend, I'm going to have to be content wondering what Spring choices Chuck will make, and if this guy from The Sartorialist is what he will grow into. This man clearly masters color, cut and texture with a sporty European elegance but I have a feeling our young Mr. Bass has it in him.