Left to right: nitro:licious blogger Wendy Lam; Forever 21's necklace; Wendy's rings (top); stylist Amy Nicole Bernstein

After a long, arduous winter, there’s nothing like the warmth of summer… and while we love that the warmer temperatures call for less articles of clothing, it does mean you need to get creative when it comes to adding flare to your get-ups. The easiest way to do so: accessories! But Summer ’11′s add-ons aren’t subtle, ladies. We’re not talking simple silver chains with one or two charms (although timeless, we can’t knock ‘em) – we’re discussing bold, statement pieces… and lots of them!

OK, we know that it’s a general rule to add one statement piece to an outfit and let it stand out. But rules were made to be broken, and we all know this. Take, for example, one of our fave lady bloggers out there – Wendy Lam of nitro:licious. We love Wendy’s urban chic style but we especially love the fact that she shamelessly piles on tons of rings – genius! Normally, we’d think this look was overkill but paired with her boho hat and red leather pants (drool!), Wendy’s outfit calls attention without being tacky.

Left to right: Shots from Luv Aj's new lookbook; Pamela Love cuffs (bottom right)

Refinery29 recently sat down with LA-based stylist Amy Nicole Bernstein to discuss – what else? – her own fashion and style. In the very first segment of the interview, Berstein gushes that she’s loving “heavy metal jewelry” from Luv Aj – a brand she counts as one of her faves. We have to admit, we’re loving the chunky, hippie-esque pieces from Luv Aj too! The brand’s chain-link bracelet is totally lustworthy. You can check out the entire Luv Aj Spring 2011 look book online.

What’s great about bold, statement jewelry is that you don’t need to invest a ton of your paycheck to amass some fab pieces. You can easily hit up Forever 21, Topshop and Target to grab some pieces you’re sure to use throughout the summer. Consider Forever 21′s Chain Statement Necklace ($10.80) or Topshop’s Crocodile Double Finger Ring ($30). If you’ve got the funds to spend, consider Brooklyn-based It-girl designer Pamela Love‘s jewelry line. Love’s animal-inspired pieces have earned her a global following, and it’s not hard to see why. Her jewelry is unlike anything many of us have seen before, and even fewer of us would have thought to turn a claw into a bracelet. Either way, we love this fresh take on a jewelry line.

The possibilities are literally endless on this one, and our favorite part is that this trend allows for a lot of freedom and for each individual to mix in an element of her personality.

Images via nitro:licious, Refinery29, Luv Aj

Graphic layout: Feesh

Left to right: Amber Heard; Tyra Banks; Elisabeth Moss

Spring is normally associated with bright pops of colors and fun floral prints, but let’s face it: these can get boring, even redundant? We’re not knocking rainbow-hued gear – in fact we embrace it – but sometimes change it necessary. Consider Spring 2011 your time to evolve – no, you don’t have to toss your floral-printed docs, but consider for a moment taking a cue from Hollywood’s starlets and incorporate muted hues into your wardrobe. Celebs like Amber Heard, Elisabeth Moss and Tyra Banks have recently been spotted sporting beige, which is becoming an it-color for A-listers.

The great thing about beige (and variations of the color) is that it can be dressed up and dressed down… And unlike black, it’s a color for all seasons. Actress Amber Heard was spotted at a dinner party in Paris wearing a long Michael Kors dress – and she was anything but boring. Red lips and a snakeskin clutch added a ‘pop’ to her outfit without overkill on makeup or accessories. Mad Men actress Elisabeth Moss was also spotted in a longer-length taupe dress at a theather event in London. Since she’s naturally gorgeous, Elisabeth’s minimal makeup and understated earrings allowed the dress’s unique shape to shine. Interpreting the trend in a more casual sense, model Tyra Banks rocked a tan romper at a recent Manhattan party.

Not ready for to make the transition to full-on beige? Consider some taupe footwear; there’s no absence of options whether you’re looking to go casual, like Vans’ Twill Authentic ($42) or Kate Spade’s Tipsy Ballet Flat ($198). Add additional pops of nude with Topshop’s Punch Out Detail Lady Bag ($70) or a fun hair accessory like Ambre Babzoe’s Naki Headband ($64). We’re also lusting over Prada’s Leather Plate Belt (on sale for $266.40)!

Clockwise from left: Ambre Babzoe Naki Headband; Kate Spade 'Tipsy' Flat, Vans Twill Authentic; Prada Plate Belt; Topshop Punch Out Lady Bag

Want more? The good folks over at FabSugar have put together a round-up of nude apparel and accessories for your shopping pleasure!

Images via Nylon Magazine, The Cut, People

Graphic layout: Feesh

(left-right) Fashion Toast's Rumi Neely; Sheer skirts from UO; a partygoer in LA

I’ll admit it: I’m more of a pants girl. Growing up, I always leaned more towards the tomboy side of the spectrum, and now I’m a huge fans of menswear and androgynous styling. Don’t get me wrong, I can still appreciate a well-constructed skirt when I see one, and lately I’ve made more of an effort to add more fun, feminine pieces to my wardrobe.

But enough about me. Let’s discuss a trend that’s about to explode: the sheer skirt. Seeing as it’s still cold, this trend has remained at bay – but it’s only a matter of time until the snow melts (at least on the East Coast) and these see-through babies are a dime a dozen on city streets. California-based blogger Rumi Neely of fashion toast rocked a sheer bottom while at New York Fashion Week, as did a partygoer on the opposite coast at a recent Refinery 29 event in L.A.

So what’s your take on the sheer skirt? Do you think it will go the way of the infamous Ugg? (Read: niche trend becomes mainstream trend becomes renounced by the fashion world.) If you’re ballsy enough to rock this, some items to keep in mind: this item is best kept for the weekend. Even if you work in a super-casual, laid back office, chances are your boss doesn’t want to be able to see your undergarments. And have fun! Chances are, if you’ve incorporated a piece like this into your wardrobe, you already dress fun and playfully – with a bit of an edge. Don’t be afraid to add an edgy accessory or pair with a quirky pair of shoes.

Not sure where you can purchase a sheer skirt? Try fashion-forward retailer Urban Outfitters – they’ve got great options, under $100! Check out Sparkle & Fade‘s version or Cheap Monday‘s take on the trend!

Images via Refinery 29, Fashion Toast, Urban Outfitters

Graphics: Feesh

L-to-R: Marc Jaboc Spring 2011 RTW

Always known as a powerful color, red has made its mark in the fashion world ever since the 16th-century. It isn’t a color for the lighthearted, it definitely speaks of boldness and power any way you wear it, and with Valentine’s Day right around the corner, red is every where. But let’s dig a little deeper and see how this color actually came to be.
While there are archived photos documenting the use of certain red-dyed textiles in Turkey and France as far back as the 16th-century, it isn’t until Versailles, Louis XIV and the 17-century – specifically 1643, that red was associated with power. France was known to be an elitist and absolutist state with a growing aristocratic culture. Being that it was such a large country, it was hard to keep a watchful eye over the aristocrats, keeping them from power and reign. A system was implemented – red heels. Louis XIV and anyone in the courts who had royal favor was honored by wearing and showing off their red heeled shoes, thus being recognized as reigning power.

1. Joyrich @ karmaloop.com, 2.Dr. Martens USA, 3. 80s purple dress, 4. Flud @ karmaloop.com, 5. Super @ karmaloop.com

This of course meant that even if you were related to royalty and fell out of royal favor by misbehaving or disobeying, the red heels privilege was lifted until granted favor again. In fact, there are many photos depicting Louis XIV showing off his heels, while other family members appear to be “outcasts”. Ouch – that must have hurt the ego walking around the royal courts among aristocrats and royals! The red trend definitely caught on the rest of Europe and eventually worldwide. Since the red dye was processed from an insect originating in Mexico, the cochineal – it remained an expensive trend for several years; available only to the elite and upper class. It actually wasn’t until the 1800s when synthetic dyes were invented that it became available to the general public, regardless of class or social stature.

1. Christian Louboutin, 2. Louis Vuitton, 3. Jack Purcell Converse, 4. Betsey Johnson

Nowadays red stands a symbol of various things. People associate the color with love, the “red-light district”, holiness for some religions, while happiness and good luck for others. Still one thing is clear, red stands out. It’s a bold color that no matter how minimal, the statement is nevertheless a loud one! Many designers decided to showcase this color in non-traditional ways, entire pant-suits in red is a definite statement of power. I love it! Can you imagine a top level execute walking into a corporate meeting wearing a head-to-toe red ensemble?! Ha! Let the negotiations begin, bring it! Some of my favorite looks for Spring 2011 included Carolina Herrera and Marc Jacobs. I love the flow and delicate fabrics used to express elements of bravery and femininity. Carolina Herrera stands out to me as a designer anyway, she knows women and caters to them. Some of the satins in the collection look flattering and inviting; that’s a tough concept when working with such elements. While we can’t all be dressed in head-to-toe Marc Jacobs, Vera or Matthew Ames (another favorite, btw!!), we can create our own version of these looks.

1. Le Sportsac 2. Longchamp 3. Steve Madden

Red is a fun color as it is so there isn’t much thought that goes into it really. Best way to pull off this trend is to simply add one element. A red dress like the one above is the perfect palette to start with, merchandise (thanks Carrie Bradshaw) it with some gold accents and you’re good to go! When wearing a red dress, it’s really up to you what color shoes you’d like to add. You can choose from nude, black or stick with red. It might seem like too much red but, as you see in some of the runway looks…it can be done – with class! Think about an all red look with just the right splash of black added to the shoes and bag, really polished. Or vice-versa!

1. & 2. Melody Ehsani, 3. Melissa @ karmaloop.com, 4. Motel @ karmaloop.com, 5. Kelsi Dagger @ karmaloop.com, 6. Vans @ karmaloop.com

The trend can also be pulled off with a simple red scarf, a pair of red gloves, red tights or even a red headband. Sometimes all you need is a splash. Ladies Valentine’s Day is coming up. And whether you’re single or not does not matter. This is the perfect opportunity to dress up in red garb, put on a sexy red dress or buy those red heels you’ve always wanted. We might not be in the 17-century anymore but a pair of red heeled Christian Louboutin’s definitely speak power, boldness and class…until next time, ladies!!

Runway Images courtesy of Elle.com
Graphics courtesy of Trina

L-to-R: Tommy Hilfiger Fall RTW 2010, Thakoon Fall 2010, Thakoon Fall 2010, Proenza Schouler Fall RTW 2010

We all remember the ’80s right?! Huge brick mobile phones, men’s power suits, red leather jackets ( à la Thriller), the awful track suit trend, Madonna look-alikes and preppies everywhere! Read the full story