Flowers, Stripes and Bold Pops of Color

Flowers, stripes and bold pops of colors - just a little something to snazz up your summer months. Use the combination in a flouncy hippie look or step it up in a an uptown fashion. Instant Outfit shows it off in style.

Instant Outfit: Faryl Robin Boots

I received this request recently from a Society Girl in San Francisco, she wrote "I bought these shoes and fell in love. But when I got home to my closet, my mind blanked about what to wear with them. I live in San Francisco so there's a good chance I'll be wearing them year-round so I'd love to see what you would do with our all-over-the-map weather. Can you help?"

Of course I would love to help! I know what it is to fall in love with a pair of shoes... they have some sort of power over you.. you dream of them at night.. and design whole outfits around them (at least that is what I do).

This Society Girl's purchase was a beautiful pair of FarylRobin Ankle Boots. The color makes them versatile for any season and any mix of style. Instant Outfit gives them four different dressed up and down looks.

(CIICK ON IMAGE TO FIND WHERE ITEMS ARE FROM)

If there are other Society Girls out there who find they have purchased something and would like to see where Instant Outfit can take it.. just send me a note.

Instant Outfit: Blazers

There is nothing I have leaned on more this season than blazers - a black blazer, military inspired blazer, navy blazer - it has been my go-to item.

The blazer can be layered over any look and give it a new twist. Something as casual and cool as a t-shirt and jeans shorts all of a sudden receives a spin when the blazer is thrown on top. There is nothing more surprising than a maxi evening dress paired with the sophisticated blazer.

It is not just for the office anymore - make it work with anything.

Instant Oufit: Weekend Holiday

I am packing my bags in preparation for a holiday weekend away from the grit and grime.. away to luxury and pampering.

Weekend getaways are like the cherry on top of an ice cream sunday! There is nothing strenuous to ponder when packing - everything should be light, comfortable and fabulous.

As travelers (and Society Girls) we should take inspiration from the women of era's gone by. Explorations were a luxury and that meant they stepped out in their best "traveling suit". With panache they strolled down the train platform or boarded the plane, and now it's our turn to make a SPLASH!

Instant Outfit: Memorial Day

Memorial Day is just around the corner and that means weekend getaways to sunny spots and backyard pool parties. Whatever your plans, it's a great excuse to pull out your new bathing suit and celebrate.

No bathing suit would be complete without a fabulous cover up. If you are hitting up a family gathering, spending the day on a sailboat or just laying out with friends - pull an outfit together that will make you memorable on Memorial Day!

Instant Outfit: Fitted Button-Down Tank

It's not just a fitted tank, its a little more tailored.. a little more sophisticated. It can be worn alone, layered over and under, tucked in or out - it's the Gray Fitted Button-Down Tank.

I have come to be a huge fan of gray, not gray days or gray moods.. just gray shades of clothing. It is versatile and can be mixed with so many different colors creating multiple looks. Just think - gray & yellow, gray & black, gray & graphic multi colored prints - each one individual, sparking ideas of moods, scenes surrounding, and the girl wearing them.

Instant Outfit explores how to make gray not so grim.

Instant Outfit: Gladiator Sandals

"My name is Gladiator."

"My name is Gladiator, commander of the Fashion World, General of the Society Girls, loyal servant to the true creative spirits."

Take charge this spring and summer in the squelching heat, let your feet breathe and step down out of those high heels. Embrace the freedom of the Gladiator Sandal.

Be Gladitor Hippie or Gladitor Preppy... just be conquerors!

Instant Outfit: Converse

During the two weeks of pain and time spent on my back.. when I did surface.. I wasn't able to turn to my favored and loved platform heels. It was flats and comfortable shoes for me. For me.. this can cause style cramps!

So I turned to the black sneaks - my converse sneaks.

Converse has innumerable styles and can be the perfect fashion fix when the heels have to take a time out.

Wear 'em high and wear 'em low!

Instant Outfit: The Perfect White Dress

Before my feverish coma took over the weekend... I almost went into a "greatest find coma". There are different varieties of great finds - there are vintage finds, thrift finds, and coveted designer (for a great price) finds. It was the third that I stumbled upon early in my weekend.

If you happen to live in a town with a buy-sell-trade store like Buffalo Exchange and Crossroads Trading Co. then you have probably experienced what I am about to tell you...

I exchanged a load of clothes that I hardly ever wear and found myself with a $70 credit to spend as I wish. While perusing the racks, I happened to look up and there in front of my eyes was the most beautiful, perfect, spring-like white CHLOE dress.

That's right a CHLOE dress - one I never thought I would be able to afford, but with my store credit it was at my fingertips!

There was no decision to make, I walked out a happy woman.. now Instant Outfit explores ways to style this perfect dress...or any spring white dress that you have hanging in your closet!

Instant Outfit: Ruffled Skirt

What is it about fashion that cycles around and around? Each era, no matter how bad or how good, seems to spin around the cycle. I should swear off saying "this look will never return", because the moment the words have been uttered it pops back up. I find myself desiring a skirt, pants or shoes that I swore I would never dig out again.

This season has revived an era I once thought void of style - the 90's. Tiny print florals, combat boots - girly-grunge has spoken.

Instant Outfit explores the girly-grunge ruffled skirt.

Instant Outfit: Studs

Back in the day there was a strong line between the punk kids and the non-punk kids. There wasn't much being swapped between the two groups - until now - we have combined what makes the punk kids great with what makes the non-punk kids great.

A perfect example is the studded black belt. In the past, the belt was left to those that were tough... Instant Outfit shows a softer side.

Instant Outfit: Happy Travels

Society Girls are not just fabulously fashionable - they are go-getters, creative, adventurous women. Society Girls don't just want to take a city by storm.. they want to take the whole country side by storm....and still look darn HOT!

Recently, one of our Society Girls sent me this email:

"I'm going on a backpacking trip for 5 weeks this summer, along with many other adventurers i'm sure, and i would love to know which essentials you would pick to bring with you on such a trip to keep it light, but still look fashionable! "

I myself have grand memories of trekking through numerous countries, surveying new landscapes, and meeting intriguing people.. but on a fashion note.. it can be tricky not look like a street urchin.

Instant Outfit scouts out some ways to "keep it light but still look fashionable".

It centers on the backpack, everything for 5, 6 or 7 weeks must be packed in this very limited space (not the usual 2, 3 and 4 bags..or maybe that is just me). To narrow your choices while packing I suggest a few things: darker colors (so the dirt don't show), juxtaposition of girl and boy (cause your tough but still a girl) and comfort (to keep you walking).

The core essentials: skinny jeans, black bandage skirt (thrown on with the boots you will be ready to hit the night life), a few vintage tees, tanks and plaid shirts, a warm tunic cardigan and full length coat, and finally a pair of comfortable but versitale boots (over the jeans, under the jeans and with the skirt).

The fillers: my philosophy for style in a limiting situation is accessories! Bring along a few funky hats and head wraps to mix it up everyday and toss in a brightly colored scarf to make it all pop. Something stylish but also practical is a belt with a bag attached (yes.. a fanny pack.. but not), this sucker can store your cash and essentials when you've left the backpack behind.

Happy travels and don't forget to spread Society Girl cheer to all you meet!

Instant Outfit: Mall Fix

Your plane touches down in City, USA.. you anticipate all the pre-wedding festivities of your high school buddy.. wonder who you will run into.. wonder if that boy will be there and if you might shimmy and shake with him on the dance floor. With excitement you head to the baggage claim - YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE OCCURS!

The bag holding all your "I-have-grown-up-to-be-fabulous" outfits missed the connection and will not arrive until the next day!

Not to worry, Instant Outfit shows you how any local mall will hold that outfit that says, "I am a bright lights and big city girl, and no baggage missap can say otherwise".

Stores that can solve your crisis- clockwise:

Anthropologie, Old Navy, , Forever 21, Top Shop (well, only if you live in the UK)

Instant Outfit: Madeline

Madeline has inspired a modern day twist.
Her look is so classic it continues to persist,
And I feel it will always exist.
Her look is one that the Instant Outfit could not resist....

Instant Outfit: Floral Dress

Like I’ve said, I am itching for the spring. Especially this season - with all the “floral-goodness” popping up in stores. This season's florals look as if the painter actually brushed on each petal with perfection. They are decorating skirts, shirts, shoes, dresses.. bascially any open canvas.

Florals are not for only the feminine creature. They can be worn in a million different ways, and you don't have to have a green thumb to pull it off.

Instant Outfit: STRIPES

"I pledge allegiance to the United States of America..." stars, stripes - red, white and blue!

Spring looks to be very patriotic with references to the big USA everywhere. Taking a hint from the grand 'ole flag, the collections were focused on those red and white STRIPES.

Stripes can be preppy, nautical, and even pirate themed.. so how do we decide which direction to take? Instant Outfit explores...

INSTANT OUTFIT: Wing Tip Shoes

Now I know that while in New York you should be shopping at all the hot-spots and hitting up the trail of boutiques that line the streets, but I was a girl on a budget. Besides, I was there to see clothes - not to buy clothes...

...But I couldn't resist the lure of a thrift store. Especially when that thrift store was right around the corner from my hotel. I went in with low expectations. In the past, I have journeyed into NYC thrift stores with high hopes, and then departed unsatisfied.

To my surprise, I found bundles! So much stuff that I had to make final cuts to stay within the boundaries of the wallet.

The #1 find of the day? Wing Tip Shoes!

Wing tip shoes seem to be popping up everywhere and they are great if you are into the androgynous look, but they can be very feminine as well. With this in mind, Instant Outfit explores...

Instant Oufit - Showin' the Love

A quick note about love - Valentine's Day Love.

Let's show some love for the V-day signature color with the help of FOREVER 21 (the best place to get cheap trends).

Whether your Valentine's Day is spent in the office, a night out with girlfriends or with your special someone - it's a great day to be dressed to flirt.

(All items can be found at Forever 21)

INSTANT OUTFIT: Red Eye

Along with my news comes the instant outfit inspired by the travels ahead. To reach New York in time to catch the Fashion Week rush - I will be heading out on a RED EYE non-stop flight.

Los Angeles to New York!

Flying overnight means comfort (second) and style (first). Comfort SECOND? I know it's ridiculous.. but come on.. when the destination is NYC.. style must always be FIRST.

Instant Outfit inspires two ideas - Bohemian Pilgrim and Urban Pioneer - both looks tied together by a large tote bag ready and available to carry the Society Girl essentials - Laptop and Camera.

INSTANT OUTFIT: The perfect shirt

If you don't own an American Apparel Deep-V Neck Shirt, I recommend heading over to a local shop or buying one online. The tri-blend grey is the perfect "wear it all the time" shirt. It can be dressed up and down and all around.

Instant Outfit takes on four looks for the perfect shirt...

Clockwise From Left to Right

Look 1 - be a hippy chick and channel your inner Jane Birkin. Sport the v-neck with high waisted jeans, floral bag and platforms.
Look 2 - be a preppy ivy league-r with khaki shorts and a old-man's cardigan. Keep it simple with basic flats and add spice with a tribal-inspired necklace.
Look 3 - be a working girl with attitude in structured pieces - cropped skinny pants, a military inspired vest, chic bag and platform booties.
Look 4 - be a downtown girl in a look that doesn't take anything to serious - an ice skating skirt, wide belt, chain necklaces and peep-toe booties.