Stripes.  Everyone loves a good stripe.   After years in the industry, I know that designing stripes isn’t hard, but designing great ones is.  Thankfully, two ex-Vogue editors, Meredith Melling and Valerie Boster, and former Rag & Bone alumna, Molly Howard, had the brilliant idea to make stripes the focus of their new business with the launch of La Ligne.  Whether it is an overt stripe layout on a french inspired marinière tee or a subtle ringer around the neck of a sweater, it is clear that these are stripes you will want to wear.

This new direct-to-consumer brand (in the same vein as Everlane), which launched yesterday, has two product line offerings: The Essentials and Edition.  The Essentials, available year round, are made up of those perfect wardrobe basics that you always need and constantly reach for in your closet.  But, even these essentials are total standouts.  The Edition pieces are the more fashion-forward items, released twice a year.

I love knowing that now I can always find that perfect stripe sweater or tee on La Ligne’s site (p.s. the site is beautifully designed and has interactive elements).  With it’s cool yet classic sensibility, Ligne is taking the guess work out of finding which brand hit the nail on the head for the perfect stripe pieces each season.

As if we didn’t already know it, stripes are clearly here to stay.

All photos via lalignenyc.com.

Big earrings have always been my “thing”, so I couldn’t be more excited that statement earrings are trending for spring and summer.  When I came across Les Bonbons by Rebecca de Ravenel, it was love at first sight.  There are literally a million different ways to wear them: causal with cropped jeans, a white tee shirt, fun sandals, hair pulled back, with a long, airy island dress, or dressed up for a black tie occasion.  Multiply these looks by the stunning color option available and you won’t need another earring option for the next six months.

Here, I’ve paired Les Bonbons with pieces from my other fashion crush, Johanna Ortis’s, Spring/Summer 16 collection.  Ortiz’s signature ruffles and off-the shoulder styles paired with Les Bonbons?  It’s a match made in heaven.

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After turning 30, getting married, getting pregnant, and becoming a mom, a big challenge for me has been figuring out what I am going to wear – or not wear.  It may sound silly or trite, but having worked in the apparel industry for over ten years and being confident in every outfit I wore, I suddenly felt like most of my closet no longer represented who I was.   It was a bit of an identity crisis.  Who was I?  I needed a fashion rebirth.

As a new(ish) mom who is trying to find her new path, I want to show a modern sense of style that can go from a meeting to the playground, all while being comfortable.  Practicality is now a must.  I’m a little older now and don’t want to dress like a 25 year old.  I also want to invest in fewer, higher quality pieces that will last for a few seasons.  It was time to find some new looks, flush out and streamline my closet, and focus on adding in some new essentials.

It turns out I love a little bit of a uniform.  I cycle in a few different looks with some variations on the pants, shoes, accessories, which makes the look feel new or transition it from day to night.  This focus gets me out the door faster and allows me to quickly layer or add on when I want.  These looks aren’t earth-shattering, but the honest truth is that they look good on just about anyone (that’s why they are photographed!) and fit in perfectly to fashion right now.  Looking put-together doesn’t have to be so difficult.

Look 1:

Photo: Fashiion-Gone-Rouge, Coat: Rag & Bone, Boot: No. 6, Bag: Mansur Gavriel, Scarf: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew, Sneaker: Common Projects, Pants: Nili Lotan

A major key to getting these looks down is basically cutting out prints (not include stripes…).  Prints are tricky.  Tricky to coordinate into a look, tricky to wear well, and, a little secret, it’s tricky for most retailers to even design!   If in question, it’s a probably not.  Leave your printed loves for days where you have more time to think about your look.

Look 2:

Photo: Lucy Williams, Hat: J.Crew, Sweater: Iro, Scarf: J.Crew, Boots: Acne, Bag: J.Crew, Coat: Woolrich Bros Literary Parka.

Also, cut down on the color.  Neutrals play best – but of course a pop is always fun.  Proportions are always key.  Cropped or ankle length pants are so flattering with flat shoe and always look good with a heel (more on that soon). I am a huge fan of all looks pared back with a sneaker.  It looks modern and leaves my feet so happy.  Take advantage of this beautiful time in fashion!

Look 3:

Photo: Pinterest, Sneaker: Adidas, Coat: J.Crew Stadium Coat, Sunglasses: Valentino, Hat: Steven Alan, Sweater: Nili Lotan, Pants: Nili Lotan