Every new season is punctuated with a fresh new color palate, and this year is no different—except that the frontrunner for Spring is technically a non-color. Startling, sparkling white was the favorite pet of almost every designer and whisks us into warmer weather by brightening up tops, lightweight dresses, handbags, and swimsuits—even denim. With the racks awash in this crisp hue, we’re diving into the many ways to lead the way in this white hot revolution. First though, this often overlooked shade has garnered a bad reputation, based on falsities and myths—so let’s clear the air and start with some great white tips that mustn’t be overlooked:
Lightweight. There is no truth to the idea that wearing white adds pounds—in fact, white can be perfectly slimming if one rule is followed: the right fit. Worn too big—white looks unnecessarily voluminous, slip into to something too snug and white will highlight your every bump or lump. Make finding the middle ground a priority.
Sheer genius. White fabric is notorious for being unexpectedly sheer in the right light. Do your homework and check yourself from all angles, in daylight or under substantial lighting, to make sure when you’re sitting, standing, kneeling—that you’re adequately covering everything you intended to cover.
Under there. White is remarkably decisive when it comes to undergarments—only nude or flesh tones will do. The closer you can match them to your natural skin tone, the better—no exceptions.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move on to the heart of the matter—let’s get white washed:
Like Dolce to your Gabbana –white is, to any other bright, the perfect match. This spring is fast becoming a tribute to all things vibrant—from coral, to hot pink, to lemony yellow—make any color pop against a white partner. Polish the look with neutral toned shoes and metallic accessories. We found a great white blazer at Express in Lakewood Center ($98) and can’t wait to wear it against a tangerine top.

Can you wear too much white this year? (The right answer is no). Go head-to-toe for a monochromatic salute to high style. Or, for a slightly more subtle take on this same look, pepper your whites with blush, off-white, cream and slight shades of tan for instant chic. We adore the eyelet skirt from Francesca’s Collection at The Oaks ($38).

Do a daring new denim; choose white and dip into the breezy 70s by pairing them with sheer, floaty tunics and blouses. Choose a handful of wooden bangles, and your cork-heeled wedges to complete this 2011-style groovy look. The trouser cut jeans from Banana Republic at Westside Pavilion ($89.50) say all the right things.
The red carpet’s been rolled up for yet another year, and you can almost hear the entire city take a deep breath and relax. As the celebrity pomp and circumstance make an exit from stage right – what’s left is the “OMG, did you see what she was wearing” and the “how can I get that look”. Just as much a tradition as “thanking the Academy” on award’s night is dissecting the styles and looks from the Oscars and making them your own. While you may not go all out J-Lo for your next date night – even a touch of new trend can update your look and keep you in the here and now. Here’s the cliff notes version from this year’s big event…
Take one look at the styles on the runways this year, and you might think you’ve stumbled upon a Victoria’s Secret fashion show by accident. Right alongside the season’s newest take on spring tops, dresses and shoes, is an overwhelming amount of…lingerie? It may make you do a double take, but this style revelation is more than minty – it’s a fresh version of the eighties bustier and lace looks our teen idols Madonna and Cindi Lauper rocked so fierce, and it’s back with a vintage 2010 twist. Underwear as outwear is a hot key trend of the upcoming season, and, as you might guess, it’s not as simple as just wearing your Valentine’s Day purchases to the grocery store; wearing lingerie out-‘n-about can easily say “I’d like to go all the way” if care is not exercised. So study up before venturing out….
It’s middle of the winter, the holidays are behind us, and spring is still out of reach—all which begs the question—what to wear? Before you go back to your basic boots and standard sweater– give your look a little va-voom and slip into a sexy men’s inspired suit. In a sea of cocktail dresses, Jennifer Anniston wowed in her Dolce & Gabbana anything-but-androgynous two piece ensemble at the People’s Choice Awards last week—and the world took note. So whether you’re walking the red carpet, cozying up at a romantic dinner, or hitting the dance floor with your besties—before you grab that same old, same old—suit yourself in something fabulous and new. We hit the aisles and searched high and low for our top three picks—check ‘em out:
Bite off a little something fierce when you suit up in white. Tame the blinding effect by anchoring your seperates with a pop of a print, or a hint of color. This sateen version is from Ann Taylor at Westside Pavilion ($169).
[/caption] Choose shapes that define you. Suit jackets and pants can be square and slouchy—or fitted and ride your curves. Choose body skimming pieces that quietly cover you up, yet still scream siren. This cropped and tailored suit jacket is from BCBG at Westside Pavilion ($198).

Express at The Oaks ($59.90) sells our all time favorite dress pants—the Editor.
Make sure your look is bumpin’ from the waist down. A boot cut pant with a wide waistband, will make your legs look long and lean, while slimming the waistline. Pair them with heels to seal the deal. Express at The Oaks ($59.90) sells our all time favorite dress pants—the Editor.

This sequined tank is a worthy option—also from Express at The Oaks ($ 34.90).
Counts! Why do a simple tank or cami, when you don’t have to. Choose a little leopard, a lot of shine, or just rock a deep v-neck let the plunging neckline speak volumes—just don’t do basic. This sequined tank is a worthy option—also from Express at The Oaks ($ 34.90).
We’re in the home stretch people — and that’s when you-know-who comes out. The tomorrow-doers, last-minute miracle makers, dawdlers, and perpetual putter-offers, otherwise known as — the procrastinators. You know who you are and this is your week. The urgency of your timeframe may be motivation enough, but if not—we’ve put together a list of sprint-inspiring hot, last minute gifts that should do the trick. Take a peek– sometimes it really does pay to procrastinate. Oh, and in case you’re looking for a little extra help, we got wind of Macy’s new holiday “Gift Shop”—a mini store within the store, chock full of grab-on-the go gifts that we loved—all at great prices. Thank you very much, yes we will.
Who doesn’t like to have it all? Gift her with a cross body messenger bag that will keep her lap top, tablet, and personal items at her fingertips without compromising her smart style. This quilted keeper is from Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Stonewood Center ($16.99).

Likes-to-read will love to read on this stunning color screened Nook, new this year from Barnes & Noble. The latest titles at a touch, full color magazines the second they come out, and access to your email and internet—a fabulous find at a reasonable price. We got ours from the Barnes & Noble at Westside Pavilion ($249).

Flash back to the past with this brightly hued set of strappy watch love. Give the option to choose a band to fit the mood, a look, or at random—and take special joy in the scent—yes, scent—of each. White is reminiscent of sugar cookies, orange—a fruity beach-side drink, and pink is a ripe peach. Can they get any more fun? These are also from the Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($14.99 for the set of bands and the base watches).

Add a little ruffle to an eternity scarf and like becomes L-O-V-E. Pretty up her winter look by gifting her this piece in rich color and up her style quotient. We snagged this version from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($34.90).

It’s addictive and indulgent—where is that man with the striped hat? Coffee table approved, or a winner with the kids—pick a Where’s Waldo book for a gift that’s spot-on. Macy’s “Gift Shop” at Westside Pavilion ($20.99).

Where's Waldo The Complete Collection, a Macy's Exclusive Gift.
Gold is not only an excellent investment but it is also an excellent addition to your wardrobe. Step out for a night on the town in a full on gold dress or to the office with some accessory bling. Wherever you go, make sure to get in on the gold rush and incorporate this trend into your style. There are different shades of gold, including metallic, rose and vegas. And there are different ways to wear these varying shades. We have done the digging and discovered these fabulous fashion nuggets for you.
To avoid looking too busy in metallic, build an entire outfit around one solid metallic print. Brown-eyed redheads, brunettes and people with black hair who have a golden skin undertone stand out in metallic gold. We like this Maggy London Sleeveless Silk Dress from Nordstrom, Westside Pavilion, $148. The bateau-neck dress is classy and the bubble hem gives it a fun feel – a far cry from the metallic of the 80s.

We like this Michael Kors Runway Rose Gold Watch from Kitson, Santa Monica Place, $250.
Accessories like earrings, necklaces, belts and watches are popping up everywhere in rose gold. Rose gold compliments strawberry blondes or blonde with very white skin, skin with red or pink undertola 2daynes. We like this Michael Kors Runway Rose Gold Watch from Kitson, Santa Monica Place, $250. This watch is oversized, giving it a sporty feel while the rose gold allows you to wear it anytime, anywhere.

We like this rouched logo plate wristlet at Express, $22, The Oaks.
To really add some flash, go with bright shiny vegas gold. Stay away from looking like a gold digger and tone this style down. A bright wristlet keeps you on the money with fashion. We like this rouched logo plate wristlet at Express, $22, The Oaks.

This faintly pink tunic from Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($46) is a taste of the flirty match-made-in-heaven when lace and light colors come together.
One overarching trend that’s dominating this fall—looking like a lady. Not a lady in the stuffy, uncomfortable way that may come to mind when you hear the word, but lady in the true stylish sense of the word–decked out, timeless, couture, and undeniably feminine.
We’ll be exploring the finer elements of ladylike style throughout this season, but let’s start with a quintessential fabric of this haute look—lace.
In the last few years, lace has been reinvented by designers everywhere. It’s shed its outdated, frumpy past and been reallocated as fresh, girly trim on that lingerie inspired top—decadent overlay on a classic black trench—and even, a pretty print for a sexy pump. In other words—shed your past conceptions, and when you’re looking for style this season–look to lace.
Here are three examples of the new face of lace:
Look for luxe layers of ruffled lace, or vintage-inspired tops or even stretch Ts and soft sheath dresses—all in nudes, neutrals or blush tones of this lightweight fabric. The combination of the sheer lace in a tame hue—is positively ethereal. This faintly pink tunic from Macy’s at Lakewood Center ($46) is a taste of the flirty match-made-in-heaven when lace and light colors come together.

The asymmetrical lines of lace make this piece from Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($98 ) look modern, trend-forward, and dazzling.
Style outside the lines. Look for old favorites—a classic lace top—in new forms. The asymmetrical lines of lace make this piece from Ann Taylor at The Oaks ($98) look modern, trend-forward, and dazzling.

This long top from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($69) shows the richness of a contrasting shade.
Overlay always makes the delicateness of the lace, pop. Choose pieces with color on color lace to backing for a subtle touch of glamour, or be forward with your femininity and look for contrasting base layers to demand more attention. This long top from Express at Los Cerritos Center ($69) shows the richness of a contrasting shade.
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SSD Co Founder Crystal Fambrini with Man of The Night NFL Star Matt Reinhart at his 4th Annual Bowling For Charity Event. Photo Credit: Erin Reinhart.
Arizona Cardinals Foootball Star Matt Leinart made his NFL friends break out their check books at his 4th annual Bowling For Charity Event at Lucky Strike Lanes in Hollywood, California. No joke. He is so passionate about his charity, the Matt Leinart Foundation, that he got on a mic in the middle of the bowling lanes and started calling out names. He wanted his friends to support his Los Angeles based football league for kids in need. And immediately New Orleans Saints Player Reggie Bush is asking for a pen as he knows his good friend means business. Then, Tennesse Titans Quarterback Vince Young quickly donates $5,000.
Next, it’s 24 year old Tennessee Titans star Chris Johnson‘s turn to get called out. ”You’re gonna land a big contract,” Leinart yelled half jokingly. Johnson just won an ESPY Award the previous night for Breakthrough Athlete.

Chris Johnson getting called out by Leinart to break out his check book and write a check for "just $5,000." Photo credit: Crystal Fambrini.

I liked NFL and Reality Star Terrell Owens in a pop of lavender. Don't you? Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.
Leinhart thanked the packed house who came out to the bowling event and said that, “this year is the biggest yet.” Two tickets to Superbowl 2011 were auctioned off for $8,000 in between bowling time.

I challenged Giants Player Ramses Barden to a round of bowling (yes that’s right, just a round, I’m too ADD for anything more than that). And made him strike his best bowling pose…

Giants Player Ramses Baden. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.
And I learned an interesting fact, that I will for sure bring up next NFL season at a bar, maybe to start up in a conversation or something, I like fun facts. Ok here it is….
Fun Fact: Ranses Baden is the tallest wide receiver in the NFL standing at 6 Foot 6 Inches.
Did you know that? Yep, go ahead, you can take that and tweet it.
While superstar athletes and guests bowled, a silent auction was also happening to help raise money.

Just some of the items being auctioned off to support Matt's charity. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.

Also part of the silent auction, The God Father Sound Track Autographed By The Filmmakers and Stars. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.

Sex and The City Soundtrack Autographed By The Stars, also included in the silent auction. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.
Sponsors for the event included Samsung, Fiji Water, Express Clothing, to name a few.


Elizabeth Rosselle, of Rosselle Jewelry Line and CEO of musicwire.tv with Kristen Brockman with stylit.tv. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.

Diamond Importer Runal Shah, pictured here, designed this necklace for his Metal Noir Line. It's 160 carats of black diamonds worth at least $65,000. It's no secret that sport stars love the bling. Don't we all? (conflict free ofcourse) Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.
Live It Productions International put on the event for the foundation. Live It Productions Owner Charlie Venturi told me the event was a big success because Matt has such a big heart and that, ” I have gone to Matt’s camp and it’s amazing to see the smiles on these kids.” Charlie continues to say, “I can’t believe how excited they get when Matt gives them their own football. It’s simply amazing.”

Charlie Venturi, of Live It Productions International. Photo Credit: Crystal Fambrini.
100 percent of the money raised at the event goes towards the Matt Leinhart Foundation, click here for more information.