Everyone that knows me, knows I always have some sort of “B” insignia on – I don’t like it to REALLY stand out or be too “matchy-matchy” (aka the Vera Bradley nameplates….) – but I really fell in love with this Live Indian Alpha Necklace, as it was a piece that we don’t see every day. The necklace is definitely different than your average engraved accessory, and purchasing items that give portions to amazing causes is all the better.

Summer is all about experimenting with new trends: ones that make you feel sexy, fresh, young, and even a little bit innocent. Right now I am flocking to lace for summer! Lace has been a modern staple since way before the 1950′s when budding fashionistas only had lace as their main staple for creating and designing clothing.  Now lace has taken on a new meaning and is redefining “vintage” in modern day style. People often resort to it as only a backup way to add an older approach to an outfit, but designers and brands have made lace become extremely modern and sophisticated.

Almost every season we see designers try and reinvent lace into new forms and in different varieties. Colors, shapes, patterns, and even the lace textile! People are even putting lace prints on their nails for a new way to amp up your summer mani! My favorite ways to wear lace are in small doses, like in pastel frocks or a lace headband. It doesn’t take a lot to make lace be your new summer staple, and on a budget, lace can be found everywhere from Forever 21 to Bloomingdales with lines like DVF and Stella McCartney.

Lace – yay or nay?

When you think of work, what comes to mind? For me, it is professional suits, business blazer, a pair of black stilettos, and a structured bag. But once the weather begins to warm up and the grass starts to get even greener, how is it possible to incorporate summer into your average business wardrobe?

That is where the business meeting power jacket comes in. A mix between a blazer and regular tuxedo jacket, this blazer is bound to keep you fashionable, chic and extremely professional (even your boss will be surprised!) We saw this trend on the runway in Louis Vuitton, with geometric and stunning prints that work well with heels and a dress or a classic pair of trousers. This trend has also been seen in prints like florals and loud colors, along with more subtle versions and even glitter and sparkles. If there could be one piece I would recommend to you for spring, it’s this spring jacket.

As seen in the above picture, you can rock this jacket with lace skirts and your favorite bag for a sexy, feminine and adventurous summer look. Perfect for a Sunday brunch or for a late night work meeting, grab this staple the next time you go out shopping.

Xo, Brittney

DVF top

The best part about summer: pastels during brunch, wedges for a girls night out, bright colors for work.. one of the latest spring trends on the fashion radar is ruffles. From brands like Charlotte Russe and higher end brands like DVF and Theory, ruffles are taking the fashion scene by storm. Anyone with any body shape can rock this look in very versatile forms and ways depending on the top of look you are seeking. Feminine and minimal ruffles on shirts and sweaters to wear to work, along with large ruffle patterns and frills on dresses and even shoes!

We saw ruffles on the runway in small amounts during Fashion Week, and designers are finally taking couture looks and making them ready to wear and affordable at easily accessible stores. Look for bright colors for spring and summer, along with ruffles on bikinis with outgoing prints for a unique new look. How will you were your frill?

Xo, Brittney

You may have heard of them when talking about how to rock the “nerd” look, but clear glasses are becoming quite the phenomenon lately. As seen on Kelly Rutherford and Bensimon, celebs of all ages are taking this piece and making it a wardrobe staple. Rock them with everything from combat boots and leather leggings and a white v-neck to flirty summer dresses with gladiator sandals for an effortless and easy vibe, and they won’t break the bank!.

Clear glasses are a great addition to any wardrobe because of the versatility of the glasses as well as the different colors you can find them in. Neutrals, darks, pastels, and bright colors are in the long list of examples for what to look out for with these glasses. The BEST part is look for them at places like Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters for a shockingly low price (expect around $10-$30 but not much more) or if in the market for a sturdier pair, places like Warby Parker or Nordstrom would be an ideal bet. They come in prescription too, so the option to wear them as real glasses with your own prescription or strictly as fashion glasses is available!

What do you think about this clear frame trend?

En vogue, dominatrix and provocateur — to me, these three words embody everything that is Gladiator Sandals for spring. The longer ones that go up the leg may not be the most practical for everyday wear, but with the right outfit: a short skirt or a dress with a slit on the side, they go perfectly. If you’re afraid to take a risk (or can’t imagine spending money on shoes you’ll only wear a few times in a season)  there are “mini” gladiator options. Brian Atwood and Tory Burch make GORGEOUS ones that would pair fabulously with cigarette pants or a peplum skirt. I love these blue ones here and these bedazzled ones here. Both under $100 and the perfect summer buy that won’t break the bank and will last for a few seasons! Look for ones with special stones or exciting prints that are different from the average tan sandal for a fun way to vamp up your wardrobe. For the more classic girl, opt for versatile colors like nudes, tans, whites, and blacks, that match just about anything and are more on the safe side, so you can rock them with confidence.

Are you guys loving Gladiators this season? XO, Brittney

 Whether you’re in attendance of the big event or hosting your very own soiree, Style & Trend Expert, Brittney Levine, cites the Must-Have “HAT”-ASTIC Derby Day hats for every woman’s personality.

]]> http://brittneyhlevine.com/in-her-shoes/hat-astic-for-derby-day-2013/feed/ 0 http://brittneyhlevine.com/in-her-shoes/trend-obsession-black-white/ http://brittneyhlevine.com/in-her-shoes/trend-obsession-black-white/#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:32:09 +0000 bradmin http://brittneyhlevine.com/?p=1341  ]]>

Just about as much as I love a black and white milkshake (A LOT!), pretty much describes how much I enjoy the fact that Black and White color schemes are so on point this season.

When I travel, comfort is EVERYTHING and this color combo makes for the ideal on-the-go outfit.  Black leggings, a white T, a hoodie and my leather jacket are hands down, my  typical airport staples.

On my shopping list for spring: perfectly fitted black and white striped leggings.  These definitely have a bit of an edge to them and will stand apart from the simple jean or colored pant.

What about you guys – black and white for colors this spring or do you just want to stick to the milkshakes?

XO, Brittney

From belts, spiritual bangles and beauty serums with snake venom, we featured several different products on the show that are accessible to YOU at home. Embrace your inner snake with these fabulous picks below.

BEAUTY:

1)  The Snakeskin Mani/Pedi CHEAP vs. GLAM?!:

-Get into the Year of the Snake SPIRIT and flaunt your reptilian beauty on your fingers and toes!

CHEAP OPTION:

-Sephora by OPI offers lacquer snakeskin nail strips that are no fuss and lots of flash

-Put on real lacquer strips that are made of a solid-film material with an adhesive back.

-Features include extended wear, zero dry time, and you can easily remove with standard polish remover.

-Each pack includes a set of 16 strips to fit all nails.

$12

www.sephora.com

GLAM OPTION:

-Recently had my nails done at Spa Martier in NYC where their fabulous specialist, Iori, treated me to their unique Snakeskin Manicure

-Thin sheets of ethically sourced (and sanitized) snakeskin are fitted to individual nails, which have been coated with the no-chip, flexible gel.

-Clear UV formula then seals the molten scales into place.

-170 possible hue-and-accent color combinations, (I love the midnight blue base with cappuccino latticework!)

-Can maintain authentic scaly ridges or be subdued by the addition of a smoothing top coat.

-You need time to get this done!  Takes 1 ½ hours to complete and for the skin to fully mature

 $100 for faux treatments and $250 for real snakeskin

spamartier.com

2)  SCALP RELIEF: Snake Oil Scalp Treatment:

-Dandruff, dry scalps and sore, irritated heads will soon be a thing of the past.

-If you’re suffering due to the change of seasons, give your scalp a good run down with Snake Oil.

-Available for a limited time at LUSH, users melt the bar into their fingertips and massage it right into their scalps.

-Lavender, tea tree and peppermint essential oils kill offensive dandruff-causing microbes and soothe burning and redness.

-Cocoa butter base softens and moisturizes the scalp to reduce that terrible itchy feeling.

-Leave the powerful essential oils to do their work for twenty minutes or so, and then wash it off with Soak and Float shampoo. Use it regularly until you’re fixed.

-LUSH Cosmetics uses fresh, natural & organic (where possible) ingredients in their products, but is NOT an all-natural or completely organic brand.

$8.95

www.lushusa.com

FASHION/ACCESSORIES:

3)  BuDhaGirl – For the Glam “OM” Embracing Set:

-These BuDhaGirl bracelets are covered with stingrayshagreen — material that’s been used for centuries to embellish everything from Japanese sword hilts to inlaid Parisian boxes.

-Each wrap features removable, interchangeable BuDhaGirl End Caps that serve as your daily Reminders.

-Three color ways and in pairs, Turquoise/Ivory, Hot Pink/Tangerine and Black/Taupe.

-Wear them singly or together, and feel free to pair them with other baubles from your jewel box.

-If “Mixing it up” was good enough for Coco Chanel, well then…..Finish them off with whichever end caps best suit your mood: I prefer the snake.

$395

www.budhagirl.com

4)  SIZZZZLING Cuffs:

-These alluring cuffs are by Anna Pellissari

-Inspired by travel and the rich landscapes of Brazil: lush jungles, tropical beaches and colorful gardens…

-Combines simple organic shapes with exotic textures and bold eye-catching color with the snake symbol emblazoned within

 $70 – $550

www.annapellissari.com

5)  Snakeskin Footwear for MEN & WOMEN!

-If you attended the Malan Breton show during Fashion Week, you might have noticed that all the male models were decked out in gorgeous snakeskin boots by Giorgio Brutini!

-Crafts contemporary shoes for confident men

-Tucson Snakeskin boots

$90

https://www.giorgiobrutini.com/news/new-york-fashion-week-ft-giorgio-brutini

-Cocobelle makes fabulous sandals that are so trend for the spring season

-Gladiator, leather soled caged sandals in various colors

-Designers of CocoBelle work very closely with Indonesian craftsman where their factory is located in Bali-

-Ready to wear and versatile for all outfits

Sandals ranging from $70 -$110

http://cocobelledesigns.com for stores

 6) Vintage Snakeskin Appeal:

-The vintage clutch: reclaimed, recaptured, released!

-Comes with Baggage was founded by Lori Levine and is a salvage mission to unearth incredible vintage bags that deserve to be seen and heard

-All items are One-of-a-Kind, passionately re-made in New York City. Support the local designers!

-In honor of the Year of the Snake, Levine created a one-off collection on her own snakeskin vintage treasures!

-All bags are one-of-a-kind silk screened by hand with extreme care to ensure originality and creativity. Um, can you get any better than that?

$239.00

www.comeswithbaggage.com

7)  Embrace your inner snake

-Always confused and conflicted with what to get friends for gifts or housewarming presents — I turn to coffee table books frequently

-Since the 1940s, with the creation of bracelet-watches in the form of a snake, the serpent has been one of Bvlgari’s most emblematic and eternal symbols.

-Representing everything from birth, rebirth, beauty, sex appeal, and wisdom in Greek mythology and Roman civilization, the snake motif also alludes to founder Sotirio Bvlgari’s Greek heritage and adopted home of Rome.

$120

www.assouline.com