CD That's Me

Frivolity is not fashion anymore and trendy is not necessarily in. It’s a new year, time to reinvent a new you.

I always love my trips to NYC for the scene, to keep me current and for the people aka fashion watching. I especially took note of a few things to help with my own style update on my trip last week to the city that never sleeps. Two women caught my eye (come on. . .we all check each other out).

The first lady was walking down 57th in mid-town. She was blond, tall and dressed to the nines as my Mom would say. Her hair was pulled back in a sleek ponytail, she wore a gorgeous black, fitted long coat with fur collar and maxi sleeves (large and turned up – not your typical grandma puffs), black round oversized sunglasses and a caramel Hermes birkin bag. She reeked of upper class, but her distressed denim and designer motor cycle boots mixed with all of the above made her cool as opposed to uptight.

The second woman was a true hippie hipster walking down B’way in Soho. She too wore her brown locks in a ponytail (a bit more undone) , a black pea coat with an oversized funnel scarf, a large black leather Prada bucket bag and super skinny dark jeans that were perfectly tucked into suede booties. Laid back cool but with the right pieces to polish her entire look.

Both women probably got dressed that morning in the same manner – they pulled out their staples and both knew they had it going on.

Getting dressed each morning is one of my favorite things to do. What I wear and how I feel defines my entire day. When I get dressed these days for an event or just every day, I no longer look for outfits or to fancy tops or frivolous pieces. This season I bought two new dresses for my various events and functions and depending on the tone of each, I would dress up or scale down the dress with accessories and heels. Other than that, I have been content and having fun with mixing, matching and layering my staples. These days they consist of a few great cardigans (Marni and Inhabit are my favorites), skinny or super straight jeans (Current Elliott studded, J Brand cigarette or leggings and AG dark wash Stilts), James Pearse tanks, Kain, Calypso and Alexander Wang tees, Steven Alan shirts, a killer pair of black skinny trousers, a few black jackets thrown in the mix and of course, boots – flats and heels.

Looking ahead into spring fashion, I was happy to learn that chunky wedge heels, statement necklaces (metals and chain especially), strappy heels, layering, belting, all kinds of dresses and muted palettes are still in style. The super trendy looks I will avoid and you will never see me sporting neon nails.

Play with proportions and layering, do not over accessorize and sport a great attitude. When all else fails, a great coat, bag or shoe will always carry you through. For a new look, try investing in a few good staples or shop your closet for the ones you already own. Get them back into rotation. Keep your make up simple and natural to match.

Effortless chic, investment basics and knowing what works on you is what works now and forever.