Color Story in White

Clean. Simple. Feminine. Chic. All these words describe the newest color obsession for designers...white. Many Spring 2011 collections opted for the neutrality of white that is anything but boring.

There was never a dull moment as Sarah Burton embraced white for her Spring Alexander McQueen collection. A naturalism meshed with Edwardian flair gave the collection a feminine level of drama.



Western luxe shines brightly at Ralph Lauren.

The basic foundation of white glows with metallic accents.

Texture adds further interest with lace, crotchet and embroidery-like detailing.

Clean minimalism is GAP's signature style, and it still holds true with pieces in white and tan.

Like GAP, Chloe embraced a minimalist style in her collection but also added a touch of romanticism with historically influenced lines. Silhouettes range from the full skirted dress, to body-conscious draping that is reminiscent of ballet dancers (with the added touch of slippers).

The clean minimalism of this outfit is enhanced with a pop of red ballet slippers.

This summer, with the help of collections like these, tell your story in shades of white.

Photos from Style.com

Pacific Passion

It was the kiss seen around the world on Friday, April 29th. Billions of people watched as the love story of Will and Kate was cemented with the wedding of the decade. What's next? How about a dream-worthy honeymoon that matches the fairytale wedding?

A South Pacific get-away seems to be just the ticket with its warm weather, clear blue waters and skies with a dash of tropical romance that any couple, royal or not, could enjoy.

John Galliano's Spring 2011 collection for Dior inspires dreams of summer romance on the beaches of the Pacific Ocean.

So grab your sunscreen and get ready for a romance to remember.

Runway photos from Style.com

Pure Beauty

"Look good, feel good, do good..." -Donna Karan

Something that I find to be so inspiring is fashion that has a deeper purpose. More than simply adorning our bodies or providing a scent, brands are developing products that fuel change in the world. Donna Karan New York (DKNY) has as a newer perfume called pureDKNY that I just learned about when reading the latest issue of Marie Claire.

pureDKNY is made with vanilla from Uganda. Vanilla naturally grows in this country and with improvements in farming, it could become a source of economic change in a country that has suffered from war and turmoil. pureDKNY provides funding to CARE, a leading international humanitarian organization for their work with vanilla farmers. One of the best parts is that the purchase of the product is helping secure the livelihoods of the mostly female farmers (60% of vanilla farmers are women). So as you enjoy the scent of your new favorite perfume, you can feel good knowing that women and their children are benefiting from your purchase.

Model for pureDKNY, Angela Lindvall, in Uganda

Not only is the perfume itself a smart purchase, but you can rest assured knowing that even the packaging does a little bit of good. The box is made from certified forest paper, is from 100% renewable energy at a carbon neutral mill, is compost-able and is wrapped a biodegradable wrapping.



Who knew that you could feel this beautiful while making the world a better place?

To learn more about Uganda, you can visit the Invisible Children website.

pureDKNY ranges from $34.00-85.00 and can be purchased at Macy's.

Fashion on Pointe

Chanel Spring 2011 Couture

Though Black Swan's cinematic debut has long since passed, fashion seems to still be enamored with the world of ballet. In shades of white, cream and blush, styles seem to float down the runways with feminine touches of ruffles, tulle, bows and beading.

This Spring's couture collection from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, has a heavy dose of stage-worthy romance in its many shades of pink.

Feathers suggest a pas de deux from Swan Lake in John Galliano's Spring 2011 couture collection for Christian Dior.

Leaving the soft and sweet shades of blush, fashion takes a turn for the darkside with its contrasts in black and white.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Couture

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011 Couture

As with any great performance, fashion takes a bow in this gown by Jean Paul Gaultier that gathers in the style of a theatrical curtain.

Spring Fling

The iconic images of Marie Antoinette are often those of extreme beauty; dresses wider than doorways, hair that reaches the heavens, luxury beyond belief. But there was another side of the French Queen that I love to imagine, and that is her time spent at Le Petit Trianon. Marie Antoinette had a country home that included cottages and gardens. She could escape from court life and enter her pastoral environment where she could let her hair down and truly love. Away from the prying eyes of the courtiers at Versailles, Marie wore a scandalous white chemise dress, like in this 1781 painting, that was soft and simple. The scandal came from the lack of layers and coverage; not wearing her wide panniers and other normal undergarments made for a much more revealing garment.

The Chanel Spring 2010 collection seems to embody the softer side of Marie. Though not specifically pinpointing accurate details from her time period, there is a spirit and beauty that is easily related to life in the gardens at Le Petit Trianon.

Country life is embraced in a neutral, clean color palette with romantic details.

Simple pleasures abound like walks in the garden, roses blooming, butterflies fluttering and sunsets painting the night sky.

Away from court and the King, Marie could embrace her love for Axel.

More than just a fling, Axel stood by Marie until the very end. As the luxurious world of Versailles, balls, fabulous fashion and countryside retreats crumbled around Marie and her family with the dawn of the French Revolution, Axel worked to save his true love.

Photos: Style.com, Trouvais.com