Lauren Richman
Art Deco Inspired Jewelry
A style created by the French (why are we not surprised?) at the turn of the century, Art Deco is all about bold colors, strong lines, patterns and geometrics. When wearing these pieces, you will feel as though you have just stepped out of Coco Chanel's very own design studio, the smell of her famous No. 5 fragrance following you. This season, designers such as 3.1 Phillip Lim, Armani Prive and Marc Jacobs have been showing jewelry and embellishments that channel this visually stimulating trend. And if you're feeling really inspired, the architecturally compelling Frist Center for the Visual Arts is the perfect place to relish in the old fashioned Art Deco elegance of the 1920s and '30s.
Gladiator Sandals
Again and again, fashion is built around history - and what better way to release your inner Roman-fiend than with gladiator sandals this season? Although these sandals make a bold statement, with so many styles ranging from high to low, leather to patent leather, masculine to feminine, there is a variation for everyone. If you are looking for an adventurous look that will have everyone around you standing at attention, Alice Roi's spring 2008 sandal will fit your desires. On the other hand, if you are more of a subtle warrior, Emilio Pucci's barely-there sandal will be sure to please you. For more affordable finds, check out Dolce Vita and Steve Madden.
Sheer Layering
Although Mother Nature seems to be in no hurry, the summer months are quickly approaching. For some of us, however, switching from layers and layers to total skin exposure is not an effortless feat. Luckily for those who prefer to seduce with subtlety, designers such as Chloe, Alexander McQueen and Louis Vuitton have been presenting great ways to make the leap into summer with sheer layers and understated peek-a-boo cutouts. Although some of you may be cringing, thinking that sheer layering is a revamped version of the heinous "underwear as outerwear" trend of the 1990s, this style is not so transparent. When used sparingly, sheer layering can be a great way to make a tasteful transition into the warmer months.
