GORGEOUS scarves

As you can tell from all my February posts, I am wishing for warmer weather.  I really am longing to lie on a beach with a coconut drink in my hand.  But alas, here I am in Denver and it is cold.  That won't stop me from preparing for warm weather, however!

These beautiful scarves from Theodora and Callum, with all their gorgeous color combinations, add a bit of sunshine to my day.  These scarves are LARGE, and so can be used so many different ways...as a skirt, miniskirt, halter dress, empire dress...you name it!  Not only can you browse their unique scarf collection at www.theodoraandcallum.com, but you can click on "Ways to Wear" to see their wardrobe versatility.  Be prepared to be inspired by these wearable works of art!  (all images from theodoraandcallum.com)

Perfect beach bag

It is so chic to carry a straw bag for your beach and pool outings.  Now I know you aren't going to be jumping in the pool anytime soon (hello 28 degrees!), but Spring Break is around the corner and perhaps you are going to a tropical location?

Raffia and straw bags always look easy and casual in the summer, and they look as modern today as they did in the 1950s.  I love the "Bahia" bag from JCrew for so many reasons.  It has a cool hobo shape and beautiful colored ribbons woven into the design (think orange, white, black, green and gold).  The honeyed leather strap makes this bag look much more expensive than $78.  This is a bag you'd pull out of your closet year after year.

Spring nail polish

As I mentioned in a previous post, coral is going to be a BIG color for spring...on lips and on nails.  My favorite coral for spring is from OPI and is called "Guy Meets Galveston".  It is a beautiful pinky-coral and will look just perfect with your summer bathing suit, or peeking out of your sandals at Easter!  This color  goes on very sheer, so I recommend 2-3 coats of the color to really make it pop.  Gorgeous!

Two other colors I like are by Essie and are called "Topless and Barefoot" (a lovely nude color...appropriate for the name, don't you think?) and "French Affair" (a sheer candy pink).  Both would be perfect on fingernails for a clean, fresh look.

All colors are available at amazon.com for approximately $5.

Funky little sneakers

If you want to go casual (think kid's soccer game, dance rehearsal, hockey practice, field day), I think Converse "Chuck Taylors" should be in your arsenal.  They are comfortable, look great with jeans and are just so hip.  This is a little shoe with a big personality!  There isn't a person alive who wouldn't look great in Chuck Taylors, from a 5th grader to an 80 year old grandma.

I love the variety of colors and designs you find in Chuck Taylors, but their crisp white color is wonderful too.  It just gets dirty a bit quicker than the colors.  You can find Converse Chuck Taylors online at converse.com (where they sell 1/2 sizes as well), or Nordstrom (they do NOT carry 1/2 sizes) from $39.95 - $49.95.

Do you need a good laugh?

I just love looking at catalogs, not quite sure why, but I do!  Maybe I want my home to look as clean and organized.  Maybe I want to see attractive men pretending to throw a football.  Whatever the reason, I have lots of catalogs in my house.  My friend, Sheliah, told me to check out a blog called Catalog Living and I have to tell you it is HYSTERICAL!  If you want a good laugh, go to www.catalogliving.net.  It is written by a comedian and her deadpan observations of catalog pictures will crack you up!  Think of her as the Seinfeld of catalogs.  Enjoy!

Sweet little french bakery

This post is about food not fashion, but this little French Bakery is so good, I wanted to share it with you all!  If you are ever in Highlands Ranch, take the time to check out Pierre Michel bakery.  It is located at the corner of Fairview and Highlands Ranch Parkway, in the Rubios parking lot.

I am a francophile, and therefore love all things french.  The owners, who moved to Colorado from France a few years ago (and have lovely french accents!) make their pastries fresh every morning.  My favorite is the almond croissant, which is the most heavenly thing I have ever tasted.  They sell out of these QUICKLY...so quickly, that I thought this "almond croissant" might be an urban legend!  They do exist...you just have to go early, or order them in advance.  The chocolate croissant is also a delight.  Or, you can go for lunch and order the delicious ham and brie sandwich.  Enjoy!

Perfect trench coat

Every fashion book I read sings the praises of the trench coat.  Why?  Because it is chic, yet durable and functional.  Few items in your wardrobe will work three out of the four seasons!  I like my coats to be slightly fitted, with room enough for a sweater to fit comfortably underneath, and this Calvin Klein trench fits the bill.

This trench hits just below the bum and ties nicely at the waist for a "cinching" effect.  I've worn many things underneath and have never had that bothersome "bunching" you can get with a too-fitted coat.  I have tried on $400+ trench coats, and I think this one by Calvin Klein is superior to many pricier versions.  It comes in khaki, black and a denim color & is $128.

Disclaimer:  The Burberry Trench is the creme de la creme of trench coats.  They cost over $800, but hey, if you can afford it, this will be an investment piece you wear throughout your life.  Otherwise, this CK trench will do just fine!

photo from Nordstrom.com, Calvin Klein trench $128