Another year of the beige or tan shoe. However, this season, it's even hotter due to the fabulous selection of styles. All heel heights considered, from flat sandals to peep-toe pumps to wedges (just like these babies), you can't go wrong with the neutral shoe!

When I styled these wonderful wedges with distressed jeans almost 2 weeks ago, I should have anticipated the frenzy. Sometimes I'm smart enough to buy before I post, and other times, I'm too busy moving through my day. Thank goodness I was able to get these Ash studded wedges, on back order albeit. When they arrived today, they were just as I imagined.

The color tan is more like putty (yum), the suede leather is luscious and the incline is minimal, while still providing a good bit of height. Between the color and studded detail, these shoes bring a cool edge to any outfit. Perfect with jeans, of course, but divine with skirts and dresses. After all, they deserve to be shown off in their full glory!

When I think about accessories for spring '10, I can't help but hear Peter Gabriel's song, Big Time ("so much larger than life..."). And that's just what the season is all about ... crazy big jewelry! This is the perfect time to experiment, so consider pieces that speak to you in different ways. For example, if you love the color blue, seek out unique pieces in that color. Or, if you love geometric patterns, look for jewelry that mimic those shapes. Personally, I am fixated on black and gold super-sized necklaces, and bracelets and rings that bring in lots of color.

The key is to choose pieces that are relevant to your personal style. Need some help selecting the right pieces? Let's schedule an accessories shopping trip (one of my favorite services). Talk about education all wrapped up in fun!

As the winter season comes to a close and the new season finally enters onto the scene, I must pay tribute to the boots that got me through the season with flying colors.

Without a doubt, the best purchase I made of the fall/winter 09 season ... my Billy Reid riding boots. Hand made in Italy, these beauties are comfortable, gorgeous, smell delicious and go with just about everything. Quality through and through.

The best thing about these classic riding boots, is that they look better and better over time with wear. It's inevitable that scratches will occur, so why not embrace them. I hate to put them away for the season, but I realize it's time. However, they have earned a top spot on my list of wardrobe staples.

Good-bye winter. Hello spring! And with that, comes plenty of foot-loving sandals. Get those toes ready now!

While I don't like to give away all of my secrets (actually, I am quite easily convinced), I must share a few key wardrobe staples with you that are on mega sale right now. Such as these K Karl Lagerfeld classic straight-leg jeans, originally $175, now $52.50. This PII draped jersey tank, originally $98, now $34.30. And this American Retro technical-taffeta tunic dress, originally $310, now $108.50. All of these pieces are timeless and easy to mix into your wardrobe.

Hurry if you want them, though, as they will not hang around for long. Trust me ... I've found out the hard way on numerous occasions. You can find these garments and more at theOutnet.com.

 

Go team go! February was a fun month of reviewing fantastic products that you absolutely must know about. Get your glass of tea or wine ready and enjoy!

tarte: Provocateur Pressed Mineral Powder in Tan
This powder goes on super light and doesn't cake like some powders can. I use a powder foundation daily and definitely go for one that doesn't make my skin look overly matte, that provides light coverage while still letting my natural freckles come through. I know, it's a lot to ask for. However, tarte delivered! This powder has Vitamins A and E which help protect against free radicals and assist with moisture retention. I also like what this product does not have — no mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and paraben. And an SPF 8 to boot. The tan was a tad too dark for my skin tone, but I got so many compliments when I wore it, perhaps it made me look sun-kissed! It didn't dry my skin out which is a big plus. On a side note, the packaging rocks. Who doesn't want to flash a royal purple quilted compact? Product Junkie gives this a B!

SwapHandbags: Louis Vuitton Cabas Piano
Renting authentic designer handbags ... yes! You've heard of the concept. There is always an occasion! For me, I wanted a change with a medium-sized bag that would travel easily for an out-of-town styling session. And I got just that ... in style with a LV, to boot! My package arrived super fast with easy-to-follow return instructions. The LV handbag was in mint condition! A little slice of heaven carrying it around, I tell you. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience ... the ability to 'borrow' someone else's bag, knowing I had the option to purchase it if I wanted to. Since then, I've rented an evening clutch — tune in next month for my review! Oh, and you'll appreciate the sizing clue ... with a diet coke can! Aficionado gives this an A!

Bali: Comfort Shape V-Neck Cami
I am obsessed with my post-pregnancy muffin top. I mean, where did THAT come from and how do I get rid of it? Three times a week to the gym and this little gem of a cami and poof! Muffin top minimized. This cami slims the torso and smooths the back. It delivers firm control and is long enough to easily tuck

The season of the leg is upon us. And spring dresses are short and flirty! While neutral colors will dominate through the end of the year, nothing says spring like color. Don't be afraid to go bold and bright.

I love the tie-dye detail of this asymmetric silk-satin Halston Heritage dress. It's fresh and lively! Everything about it makes me happy, even though I can't wear this particular design and style. Who says I can't mimic the colors, though?

Mini lengths don't always lend themselves to serve every body shape. Not to worry. For those of us who will skip the mega leg exposure, consider leggings. Or, depending on the dress, wear jeans underneath it to make it more like a tunic (one of my favorite looks).

Written by: Madeline Perard, Style Intern for Closet of Style

Last week, I went to a gallery crawl near SouthPark in Charlotte. Local artists Maura and Will Bosbyshell, Linda Minor and wood-turner, Charles Farrar, featured clothing, jewelry and various pieces of art. I was amazed at how creative the designers were!

Both Maura and Will Bosbyshell are instructors at my school, The Art Institute of Charlotte. Maura tie-dyes garments purchased from your everyday goodwill store and brings life back into what was once considered dated and boring. Will is an incredible painter ... my favorite paintings are his watercolors! Charles turns wood into unimaginable things, such as a handbag, featured in one of the pictures. You can also see a photo of me amazed, while sneaking a touch of one of the pieces of art (although technically, touching any piece of art is not allowed). I even requested a pair of heels — that’s how amazing his woodwork is. Linda makes fashionable and classic jewelry that can work for just about any outfit.

I may not be a native Charlottean. However, I sure am proud to be living in such a creative location. One that truly embraces art and fashion!

Yours truly made a guest appearance on Fox News Rising's Wardrobe Wednesday, discussing how to solve those everyday fashion emergencies!

This Spring, shoes get a lift ... as in mega platforms. In addition, they get more dramatic with tie wraps, embellishments and plexi or Lucite materials. These fabulous numbers from Fendi combine several aspects on the most wanted list for the season!

With neutrals playing a big role, shoes become self expression in its true form. What better way to bring a little zest to your outfit than with shoes? Go for detail, go for color, go for oomph!

However, if your shoes are the main attraction, consider keeping your clothing simple (clean lines). Your feet will definitely get noticed.

Distressed jeans are still around and will be through the summer. And while you won't find me sporting the look, I have to admit I like it on others. T-shirts are an easy pairing for jeans. However, I urge you to consider balance in style when selecting your t-shirt.

This is the perfect opportunity to bring a little femininity into an otherwise typically edgy. I love this girly tee. It makes such a statement while softening the look. Throw on a turquoise cropped leather jacket for interest and warmth. Coral and turquoise are a match made in heaven, so don't be shy about wearing them together. I even pulled a coral handbag (Lucky Brand at Piperlime) to further showcase the color pairing.

The brass faceted cuff works well with this oversized prism bangle (wear one on each wrist if you don't like them paired together). Your earrings shouldn't compete. Instead, look for a complement, such as these thorn and leaf earrings.

As for shoes, go light in color (beige is perfect, looks great on any foot) and look for detail (such as goldtone studs), in perhaps, a wedge, such as these fabulous shoes by Ash.

For those of you less inclined to experiment with color, wear a black and white striped cardigan in either a cropped length or longer length. This way, you still add visual interest with the detail being in the pattern versus color.

You can't go wrong either way, as both looks provide balance, both in style and proportion.