5 Trends for the Vacationing Fashionista

I know I know...I've been slackin' on the blogging lately but trust it's been for a good reason :)

I just got back from my first major trip of the year! I was in Puerto Rico with some of my favorite people last week! It was soooo much fun!!! While I was preparing for my trip I thought it would be a good idea to share some of the looks you might consider when putting together your vacation wardrobe. Here are some of my faves:

Bandeau & Crop Tops

http://www.americanapparel.com/ (Forever21 has much cheaper bandeau tops)

This crop top is also from American Apparel

T-Shirt & Bikini Combos

Forever21 tee and Victoria's Secret Bikini

Floral Patterns

http://www.forever21.com/ (coming soon)

Sharp Shades

http://www.nastygal.com/ or http://www.hottopic.com/

Lace-up Sandals

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/

TREND WATCH SP10: Tulle

 TULLE

Tulle might be most commonly associated with wedding dresses, but designers have worked the netting into the clothing items for their spring collections. I'm a fan of this trend because I associate tulle with softness and femininity, two things that I usually go for when creating my summer look.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com

The above set includes a tulle shrug by Lanvin ($1,790). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Lanvin Blanche's sheer ivory tulle shrug with ruched finish and raw trim makes a directional coverup for the modern bride. Wear this cropped sleeve shrug to add a tactile touch of whimsy to a strapless column dress.

The description mentions brides, however, it would also work with more casual items to create a soft, and even whimsical look.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com 

The tulle item the above set is the tulle and georgette drape dress by Donna Karan ($2,495). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Donna Karan's peach georgette dress with sheer taupe and cream mesh layers is an ethereal evening style.

Created by paulaabr :D on Polyvore.com

The above set includes a ruched tulle skirt ($1,495). Description via net-a-porter.com:

Upgrade your day-to-evening repertoire with Donna Karan's chalk ruched tulle pencil skirt with jersey underlay.

The skirt is a Donna Karan runway piece. Tulle never looked so classy and sexy!

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

I have more than a couple of showstoppers so show you this week!  There were at least a dozen items I wanted to put up but I have to leave something for the weeks to come. Enjoy!

Gianmarco Lorenzi 'suede platform sandals'

$669 / Available at farfetch.com

Picture from farfetch.com

I DARE YOU TO TELL ME THAT THIS SHOE ISN'T HOT. Lorenzi is one of the best shoe designers I've come across; his designs are the epitome of creativity and strong femininity.

When you see a shoe like this you instantly think "I want!" But while it makes your heart skip a beat with desire, it also makes you anxious as you panic about what to wear with it.  I would wear them with more muted colors with the shoe because the shoe should speak louder than anything else I'm wearing (perhaps it could tie with my handbag.) When I'm walking down the street the first thing  you should notice are the shoes, not the other bright or crazily designed clothing items that I've paired them with.

I'd wear the shoes with the following:

Bottega Veneta 'Sheer fine-knit cardigan' / $850 / Available at net-a-porter.com

I think the tank is by Kain. It was on sale at net-a-porter.com but it's no longer available.

Dianve von Furstenberg 'Pareese Trousers' / $399.32 / Available at mytheresa.com

The cardigan isn't a muted color, however, I don't see it taking away from the shoes. I probably wouldn't even wear, just bring it along in case it becomes chilly. If you love this look but want a more affordable price. Madewell is a store that has a variation of the cardigan available every season, usualy costing about $50-70 (Madewell is located at Tysons Corner and Annapolis Mall if you live in the DC metropolitan area). I have a black cardigan from Madewell that looks pretty much like the Bottega Veneta one. As far as the pants, I've seen trouser pants in Urban Outfitters and on their website and I've seen a pair of Calvin Klein trousers at Bloomindale's, and I believe they were $98 (they didn't have my size unfortunately). The tank, of course, you can find almost anywhere.

Show us your nOir ring!

Did you take advantage of the 15% discount from nOir? Let us know! Email feedback and pictures to ccp@thev2v.com.

☆ SHOWSTOPPERS ☆

This weeks showstoppers showcase two of my top favorite brands, Louis Vuitton and L.A.M.B. ENJOY!

Louis Vuitton 'Artsy' Bag

Released Spring 2010 

MM $1400 / PM $1630

This is a new shoulder bag from Louis Vuitton and LV sales associates don't know how long it will be in production. I hope it earns permanency with LV because it really is a nice bag. I first saw it in person at Louis Vuitton Bloomingdales and instantly loved it. The MM bag is a nice size bag for those like me who like big bags (18.1"  x 12.6" x 9.4"). I suggest the PM only if you like really big bags (19.7" x 14.1" x 9.8"). The pluses for me are the shape and that it is actually pretty structured unlike most bohemian style bags (I hate bags that flop or "deflate" when the stuffing is removed). The only negative is that it has no closure. The bag seems more of a fall bag to me so hopefully it's still around then because that's when I'd it purchase it.

L.A.M.B. 'Faith' Heel

$245 - Sale (was $295) / Was Available at heels.com

How could anyone choose one color? I love this shoe not only because of the design, but because it can dressed up or down and worn with any color. Three or four times I've purchased the same shoe in more than one color, and this would be that kind of purchase, however.........it's SOLD OUT at heels.com and I can't find it anywhere. If you come across it let me know!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?