I have recently started wearing Converse sneakers again. I was inspired by what I saw on the streets of Hong Kong a few months ago and had to get in on their stylish action. The All Star Converse sneaker has become an adaptable, timeless, and “of the moment” casual footwear option. Once I’d popped in my insoles, there was no looking back. They are versatile, comfortable, practical and stylish. If you love fashion sneakers like I do, Converse All Stars are the next must-have pair on your list. Funky, trendy, eclectic or classic, they’ll work in your wardrobe like a dream. At $40 for a basic pair you can’t go wrong.

Converse All Star sneakers are available at most department stores and on-line footwear stores (like Zappos.com). Be sure to look at the multitude of options (and prices) before you purchase the pair that’s perfect for you.

I’ve never seen Ann Taylor look as good as it does right now. Their March collection is unexpectedly magnificent. Both striking and sophisticated, the range sports a mod myriad of exciting black and white, op-art inspired designs in updated and commercial silhouettes. Mixing and matching these items could not be simpler. And their items are not just for the modern classics among us. Remember that you can completely change the mood of a classic garment by matching it up with an avant garde piece and funky accessories.

Ann Taylor continues to live up to it’s reputation of immaculate quality and pristine tailoring. They stock sizes 0-12 in store and 00-18 online (petites included). Be sure to give their costume jewelry counter a once-over as well – it is their best kept secret. Solid, timeless and well made  accessories at affordable prices are hard to find.

The pictures of Ann Taylor‘s unusually current March range speak for themselves.

Have you heard of Cargo Cosmetics? I was recently introduced to this wonderful, earth-friendly Canadian company at Sephora. Cargo has built a brand and a product around the belief that they “need to invest in the earth and our children for the future of our planet”.

I was particularly intrigued by their botanical lipstick. Not only is it affordable and magically moist, but each case of lipstick contains:

• A 100% biodegradable tube made entirely from corn, not plastic. Corn is apparently a renewable resource that is “greenhouse gas neutral”  which prevents it from contributing to global warming.
• An outer carton made of biodegradable flower paper embedded with wildflower seeds. A bouquet of wild flowers is said to grow if you moisten and plant this carton.
• Lipstick made of environmentally friendly “Orchid Complex” (no oils or petroleum).

Cargo also donates $2 from the sale of this lipstick to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What’s not to love about this ecologically friendly and socially responsible lipstick? (I’ll let you know whether my wild flowers actually sprout.)

It comes as no surprise that the cropped trapeze jacket is one of the “it” styles for Spring. We started seeing hints of this boxy silhouette come through last season. The public’s adoption of this fringe trend has caused it to filter down to mainstream retailers this year. This boxy 60’s-inspired style will be more flattering than you think if keep three things in mind when you re-create the look:

• Keep it snug on your shoulders. The shape that you lose on your waist (due to the A-line nature of the style) must be compensated by the shape that you gain around the shoulder area. You will loose the flattering element of this style if it does not fit your shoulders properly.
• Keep it short. Above or on the waistline is preferable especially if you are a pretty pear or petite body type.
• Keep the layer underneath long and lean. Showing your waistline is imperative if this boxy style is to work. A knitted longer length top is the perfect solution

I’ve never advocated boxy styles, because form-fitting clothing is usually more flattering. But I was pleasantly surprised at how well this style worked if I adhered to the points above. This held true when dressing several different body types. Have you tried the cropped trapeze jacket?

Cropped trapeze jackets from Sashimi and French connection, available at Nordstrom.