print, please

When its done right, mixing prints can give you an unexpectedly chic look that pushes your own personal style boundaries. This blair-inspired look aims to do just that by pairing subtle prints for a head turning look.  

Case Of The Stripes

I'm afraid I have fallen ill...

They have yet to find a cure for my current condition ... and I hope they never do!

These next few looks will be all about stripes and feature three striped inspired styles. Our first look features one of my favorite dresses, what I like to call "My Barbie Dress". Lets take a peak!

 I remixed my "barbie dress" by layering it over a black and white long sleeve to shield me from the cold weather. 

 I also added a leopard belt to mix patterns and add some edge to a very girlie look.

Shirt: B&W striped long sleeve, H&M. Dress: Pink tulip dress, Zara spring 2011. Belt: Calf-hair leopard skinny belt, Express. Tights: Black, Capezio. Shoes: Mary Janes, Jessica Simpson. Jewelry: Idom Bangles, Kate Spade & All Wrapped Up ring/earrings, Kate Spade. 

This second Case Of The Stripes look is just peachy, with bold punches of some of my favorite colors for spring: cute corals and pretty pops of peach!

Spade Steals $$$

I used to say I had a "Love Hate" relationship with Kate Spade, where I loved her products and hated her prices, if you too fall into that category then this post is for you! Get the Kate Spade look for less with Spade-worthy steals!

I more than anyone am the biggest fan of all things kate spade, not only for the design but also for the service and quality associated with a KSNY purchase. That being said, I also understand craving to own such goodies but being financially unable to obtain them! 

The first look for less is a popular pair of flats that flew off the Kate Spade flats last spring. Their gone now, but you can still get the look for less at Old Navy

Next up is a trench twin! This durable Kate Spade trench is new for spring 2012 complete with black and white printed lining is worth the money, but if it is a bit out of your price range this trench from british retailer BooHoo should suffice!

Spring into Style

Spring is just around the corner and Kate Spade New York's new Spring collection is beginning to make its way to a store (or site) near you!

Florence Floral

The amazing black and white Florence Broadhurst print will be featured throughout the year at KSNY but these b&w beauties are available now on KateSpade.com 

Watch it

Tick Tock its time to Shop!

This post was inspired by a request from one of my favorite people: the always fabulous Katrina (co author of one of my favorite blogs Hey Little Birdie)

Although watches make a perfect purposeful accessory that all women love, I have yet to feature them on Color Me Courtney. So I am beyond thrilled that Katrina suggested such a useful and popular topic. Consider this post as your person shopping guide to fabulous fashion watches, all the featured watches will be under $500.

The Go to Watch:

In the past few years, Michael Kors watches have become the classic fashion watch. They are cute, simple and chic, but at this point you will find it on the wrist of all your friends as well. In order to stand out, I suggest upgrading to a unique style as featured below.

(Starting on the far left and scaling down)

Large Gold Runway $250, Rose Gold Runway $250, Garret Chronograph & Crystal $275, Tortoise & Gold $250, Tortoise Chronograph $250, White Polyurethane & Goldtone $195, Gold Runway Logo Dial $225.

Switch It, Change It:

One way to break out of the Michael Kors brand funk is to switch to an equally fabulous but refreshingly different look with a Marc Jacobs watch.

Sloane White Rubber $150, Gold Case Leather Strap $200, Chronograph Ceramic $425, Blade Round Leather Magenta $200, Purple $340, Amy Stainless Steal $300, Gold Marci $175, Lidia Stripe $225, Rivera Resin $350

Switch To Square:

If you really want your wrist glitz to stand out from the rest, switch to a sassy square shape. This shape is a little more sophisticated and while still remaining fashionable.

Gold Skinny Diamante $38, Contrast Dial Leather Strap $63, Harriet Square Face Watch in Crocodile $175, Just Cavali Logo Enamel $290, Swarovski Citra Square, $380, BCBG Elite $195, Skinny White Square $125, Brooklyn Square Metal $180.

Charmed, I'm Sure:

For an unconventional watch look that still does the time-telling job, try a charm bracelet! This option is one of my favorites because I find charm bracelets to be classic, chic and something every woman should own.

Betsey Gold Multichain $155, Gold guess Faux Pearl $125, Forzieri Emerald Dress Watch $218, Tiffany Padlock Charm $450, Carolee Gold Charm $250, Juicy Charm $495, Geneva Toggle Charm $20

Bow Baby:
By now, you all know that I have a slight obsession with bows, so of course I had to explore the option of a bow watch! I was pleasantly surprised with what I found: elegant options with a flirty flair that add a girly touch to a somewhat masculine accessory.

Leather Bow $60, Betsey Johnson Mesh Bow $83, Badgley Mischka Bow $150, Animal Print Leather Bow Strap $95, BCBG Pilsse Bow $160, Morgan Removable White Bow $55, Betsey Bow Bangle $100, Marc White Bow, Betsey Round with Bezel Bow $155, Badgley Mischka Black Bow $150, Collar Girl Swatch $60. 

Look for less:

Although a watch is a worth while investment, you might want a affordable option in addition to or instead of a high quality option. These watch steals will allow you to try out a trend (like colored bands) for cheap!

Asos $28, Style&Co $30, Asos $45, Target $20, DebenHams $25, Bakers $35, Asos $44, Bakers $48, Forever 21 $25, Asos $32.

Tick Tock, Its Time to Choose:
Take a peak at my favorite watch options, perhaps looking at my favorites will help you select yours!

Betsey Johnson Mesh Bow $83, Piaget Altiplano, Moschino Cheap&Chic $170, Bestey Johnson, Macy's $95, BCBG Pilsse Bow $160, Betsey Johnson, Macy's $125. 

shiny and bright

For our final Real Life Runway post, lets examine two wearable and affordable spring trends

Pretty In Pink

The Spring runway was covered in suits in all different sizes and pretty pink hues including hot pink shorts, light cropped blazers, tailored trousers and bright boyfriend blazers name a few.

Spring 2012

The inspiration?

McJagger

Peplum Party

For our 8th day of the 12 days of 2012, lets celebrate another new spring trend!

Peplum shirts, skirts and dresses were all over the spring runway.

Spring 2012: Jason Wu, Thakoon and Rodarte 

Some of the prettiest spring peplums came from one of my designer favorites: Jason Wu

 Jason Wu Spring 2012

Play with Pastels

One of the spring trends for this year, that bloomed all over the runway was a color pallet: pastels

Louis Vutton Spring 2012

2012, the Year of Pattern

2012 is the year of pattern in more ways then one!

As 2011 was the year of color at Kate Spade, now 2012 is the year of pattern, starting with january as a month filled with stripes.

Other patterns such as polkadots and fun florals will be featured throughout the year.