I haven’t seen an era in fashion where fingernail polish has been as popular as it is right now. In fact, it’s become fingernail art. The possibilities are endless in terms of colours, patterns, sparkly top coats and intricate designs. Nail polish is big business these days. There are websites devoted entirely to fingernail adornment, like the LacqueredLover blog by Carly (who we happened to meet backstage at Tadashi Shoji during fashion week).

You are on Team Fingernail Polish if you prefer to wear coloured fingernail polish, even if it’s just for special occasions. You are on Team No Polish if you prefer to go au natural. If you regularly wear a French Manicure, you bat for Team Fingernail Polish because the effect is still quite pronounced despite the lack of colour. If you occasionally wear clear nail polish, you’ll bat for Team No Polish because the effect is very subtle. Note that this poll does NOT include toenail polish. 

I often see ladies with vibrant or dark fingernail polish and it really completes their look. The blogosphere is full of gals with interesting nail polish combinations, as the bloggers frequently zone in on their fingernails as outfit features. Fingernail polish can absolutely function as an effective and interesting accessory. 

Well. The last time I wore real nail polish was on my wedding day, fifteen years ago. It was a soft pearly white to match my ivory dress. I’ve had the odd manicure over the years and requested a no-nail-polish finish. Some found this a really odd request and insisted I leave with clear nail polish after the manicure. Nail polish has never been part of my style. I sport short nails and well moisturized, sun protected hands. That is my fingernail style and I don’t see that changing, possibly ever. As a result I am not at all inspired to experiment with nail polish colour and art. I bat for Team No Polish.

Over to you. Do you bat for Team Fingernail Polish or Team No Polish. Remember that there is no right and wrong answer here. You are merely stating your stylistic preference, and no batting for both teams.

If floral and polka dot blazers aren’t your thing, there’s always the striped jacket option. Striped blazers started coming through last season, and are making an even stronger statement this year. Although it’s on trend to wear a striped blazer at the moment, it’s a timeless look to my eye. Jailbird striped tees and knitwear don’t date, and it’s the same with a striped blazer. 

I’ve fitted the first three striped blazers on bodies and can vouch for their fit, quality and comfort. I don’t know how these items will handle the laundry process but I guess that’s usually a gamble.

H&M Striped Blazer (left below): It’s knitted and fully lined. I’m really impressed with the workmanship of the welted pockets. The 1940’s shoulder pad is divine and so Katherine Hepburn. The “mock” double breasted effect is genius, looking as good left open as buttoned-up. This jacket creates a strong hourglass-y effect. It’s pretty cropped so it works well for petites too. A very cheeky jacket!

Banana Republic Barbara Striped Knit Blazer (right below): This knitted and partially lined blazer has a more relaxed vibe than the style from H&M. It’s not as structured and feels like a cardigan. No shoulder pads and not as fitted. It’s virtually sold out online in regulars and petites, but I saw plenty in stores last week. 

Loft Corded Dobby Stripe Blazer (left below): It’s fully lined, woven, and the stripe is taupe (not white). This garment is super crisp and structured despite it’s casual vibe. Great for warm weather. It looks like the Loft has stepped up their quality game. There is something about it’s 93% textured cotton content that is very appealing. The tipped edges are gorgeous, the style a no nonsense classic. It’s not as comfy as the knitted options though, so consider yourself warned.

Piperlime Bleecker Blazer (right below): I have not seen this knitted blazer in person, but the reviews are promising. It’s on back order, which means that it was popular. It’s softer charcoal grey stripe is lovely, and fully lined to boot. It’s shorter in the back than in the front, which is interesting. The puff sleeve is an acquired taste, but that design detail does compliment a narrow or sloping shoulder line. 

Here are some fast styling ideas for nautical-inspired, striped blazers: 

• Add white or cream bottoms: Think jeans, cropped pants, trousers, clamdiggers, skirts, shorts or a white dress. Add a white top or denim shirt and you are good to go. Adding a top in a colour, either soft or bright, will also work well because of the grounding effect of the white bottoms
• Add coloured bottoms: Bright jeans are a great option, as are bright trousers and even pastel trousers and denim. Of course, coloured skirts and shorts are great alternatives. Wearing a white or off-white top under the blazer pulls the outfit together. 
• Add blue jeans, denim shorts or a denim skirt: This is the most straight forward option, matching it with just about any solid coloured top as an under layer. 
• Add a patterned top: Stripes are one of the easiest patterns to mix with other patterns, so be a devil and layer a patterned blouse or knitted top under the stripes. Keep the bottoms a solid colour. 
• Pop it over a dress: The shorter blazer lengths work particularly well over solid sheath dresses, or fit and flare frocks. 

Over to you. Are you inspired to wear a striped blazer? If so, which style from the above selection appeals to you the most?

We watched the Oscars last night with good friends Meredith and Nik. We squealed with excitement as the dresses and hairstyles we loved made their way down the red carpet, and when our favourite nominees won their awards. So fun.

Frocks in both matte and shiny pearly whites, mermaid silhouettes, and diamond chokers were the main themes of the evening. There were strapless gowns aplenty, but also quite a few sleeved gowns, which made for a nice change. 

Here’s a rundown of my fashion and style thoughts for the night.

Top Five Dresses

Octavia Spencer‘s sequined pearly white gown by Tasashi Shoji was flawless and draped with perfection. Her classic chignon and earrings were just right. She looked absolutely exquisite. 

Gwyneth Paltrow‘s custom made white Tom Ford off the shoulder column dress with 1940’s shoulder pads was my favourite of the night. It had a floor length matching cape which was AMAZING. I loved that she wore no jewelry other than a cuff and cocktail ring. I didn’t like Gyneth’s hair, but the dress stole the show.

Rooney Mara‘s white revealing flowing Givenchy gown, dainty stature and pale skin looked beautifully soft against the severity of her black hair, heavy brows, red lips and straight fringe. I loved the juxtaposition. 

Emma Stone‘s high neckline was wonderful to see at the Oscars. Emma’s Giambattista Valli’s fuchsia halter neck gown with oversized statement neck tie was divine. So romantic and girly.

Sandra Bullock‘s  two-toned Marchesa dress with hip and shoulder embellishment was elegant and regal. I have never liked ponytails with formal gowns, but Sandra’s high ponytail was fabulous. 

Runners Up

Penelope Cruz‘s silver grey off the shoulder gown by Armani Prive was very pretty, but I didn’t care for the diamond choker.

Glenn Close‘s dark green Zac Posen strapless dress with matching tuxedo jacket was spunky.

Kristin Wiig wore a soft nude strapless gown by J. Mendel and looked smashing.

Best Hair

Tina Fey‘s huge high bun was spectacular! 

Best Dudes

Christopher Plummer in ink blue velvet could not be beat, and his win was my best for the night. 

Jonah Hill was fabulous in his tonal black shirt and tux. 

Tom Hanks was dashing in his tux with white piped pocket. 

Martin Scorcese looked arty in his black on black tux and geek chic specs. 

Jean Dujardin was most charming of the night. 

Uggie (the Terrier from the movie The Artist) was perfectly turned out in his black bow tie. 

If you didn’t catch the show last night, you can catch up on what the celebs wore online. I’d love to hear your favourites too. 

You’ll dazzle your lunch date with your spirit, eyes, smile and heart no matter what. But how about a bit of extra shine for daytime? Levi’s® asked me to build two outfits around jeans from their new Curve ID line, and today I’m going to do one that brings some sparkle to a lunchtime ensemble.

Some people struggle to get their head around the concept of “daytime sparkle” because sparkly things scream formal and evening wear. Well, that’s true. But fashion concepts do evolve and the concept of daytime sparkle has been trending for quite a while. If you like shiny things like I do, then it’s fun to add a little sparkle when meeting someone for lunch. The concept may even work in some professional settings. 

The key to keeping the vibe “daytime appropriate” is twofold:

1. Keep the sparkle subtle and in a colour other than a bright or black. Bright and black sparkle scream evening wear even more loudly than sparkle itself. 
2. Dress down the sparkle.

Pairing faded jeans with a sparkly topper is an easy way to interpret the trend. Wearing a distressed item with dressy shine is also an interesting outfit juxtaposition. Here are the components of the formula:

Faded jeans + subtle sparkly topper + dressy footwear and bag

Start with Faded Jeans

Choose any style of faded jeans, from wide leg to skinnies. I’ve chosen the Modern Supreme Curve Skinny Boot Cut Jeans because it’s a versatile basic that looks great with heels. I haven’t seen the fit of these jeans in person, but the customer reviews are promising.

Add a Sparkly Topper 

A metallic cardigan is a comfortable option, and just that much dressier than a regular cardigan. Layer it over a simple neutral like this off-white sleeveless blouse.

If you prefer the structure of a jacket, a Spring tweed with lurex thread provides the right amount of subtle sparkle for a daytime ensemble. I’ve chosen a collarless cropped style, but any jacket silhouette in a lurex-tweed will work. Add a basic neutral under layer like a good quality tee to further dress down the sparkle. 

Layering a sequin-rich tank over an untucked basic white button down shirt is a third option. The untucked button down, especially if you scrunch the sleeves, will further dress down the sparkle of the tank.

Finish off with Dressy Footwear and Bag

Neutral clothing allows you to go in any colour direction with the footwear and handbag. I’ve chosen both bright and neutral options depending on your mood. A delicate pastel like blush pink is a soft and romantic variation, and works particularly well with the grey and white topper options.

Heels, either ankle booties or pumps, are ideal with bootcuts. Dressy flats are wonderful paired with a tapered leg silhouette. Colour blocked footwear and handbags look fresh for the season.

Do It Yourself

As with all dressing formulas, I sew the seed of the idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that the silhouettes are more to your taste and in line with your style persona. Add necklaces, arm candy, belts, scarves brooches and earrings as desired. For example, I’d stick to my specs, wrist watch and wedding ring and leave it at that, just as I did when I matched my faded jeans with sparkly toppers, neutral bag and neutral footwear.