Met Gala: McQueen at his best

Last night was the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute gala paying tribute to the late and great Alexander McQueen. The stars were out in full force and while many of the choices were safe, there were some standouts, like Jay-Z and Beyonce, Liv Tyler and Blake Lively. My number one may go to Ginnifer Goodwin, she rocked a gorgeous kelly green gown from non other than TopShop. Shades of green had a presence at the event, from dresses, to shoes to earrings, tiny pops of this delightful spring color made its way down the red carper. The McQueen exhibit, "Savage Garden", where over 100 of his designs will be on display, opens on Wednesday at the Met. Enjoy!

Liv Tyler in Givenchy and Shalom Harlow in Marchesa

Salma Hayek in Alexander McQueen and Blake Lively in Chanel 

Amy Poehler in J. Mendel and Rumer Willis in Badgley Mischka

Anna Dello Russo in Alexander McQueen and Emma Roberts in Michael Kors

Anna Wintour in Chanel and Joan Smalls in Tom Ford

  

Ginnifer Goodwin in TopShop and Iman in Stella McCartney

Jay-Z in with Beyonce in Emilio Pucci and 

Livia Giulliolo with Colin Firth in Tom Ford

What's new Wednesday

A dress is a dress until you add some depth, this can be in color variation, embellishments or texture. A black on black ensemble becomes a fashion moment when different textures are incorporated. Take Kate Moss for example, the outfit below is a mix of leather, denim, jersey and gold. So simple yet so effortlessly stylish...

(photo: celebritystyleguide.com)

So, when you are experiencing a need for something new this spring, look to add some texture to the pieces you already own. Thinking of wearing jeans, add a textured t-shirt. Need to wear a simple black dress, throw on a textured leather platform pump. Tired of the same grey skirt suit for work? Grab that multilayer statement necklace. The options are endless. Enjoy!

Texture by Frolic in Tulle 

Tucker blouse through Far Fetch, 189 GBP
Sandal at Kirna Zabete, $795
Carlos falchi handbag, at Intermix $95
Lizzie Fortunato Jewels collar necklace, at Kirna Zabete $395
Rachel Leigh vintage style ring, at Charm and Chain $80
Proenza Schouler dress, at Net-a-Porter $2,250
GORJANA Ashton Leather Cuff, at Revolve Clothing $57

Sunnies and Sundresses

It is a gloriously nice day here in NYC. Not trying to make anyone feel bad but winter outstayed its welcome. So, in honor of the true signs of spring, I bring you sunnies and sundresses from Shopbop.com. Enjoy!

Nanette Lepore and Shoshanna

 Dita, Elizabeth and James, Cheap Monday

Kenny and Raoul

Wake me up

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed and very sleepy this morning. So, in honor of the little caffeine jolt I call "RBC nonfat latte"...

Some delicious neutrals for spring. Enjoy!

Neutrals for spring by Frolic in Tulle

Coral for Spring

After reading Fashionista's post on the new and improved Dior Addict lipstick, I ran over to Saks to try on a few shades. 864 was the winner and I am officially obsessed.

Dior Addict Lipstick

#864

The lipstick has a smooth, satin texture that glides on nicely and feels marvelous. So, in honor of my new addiction some fabulous coral finds for spring. Enjoy!

Coral for Spring by Frolic in Tulle

Into the Blue

1 plane, 2 ferries and 3 taxis later, I am back from the British Virgin Islands, in my mind I am still snorkeling the reefs.

After gazing at shades of turquoise blue water for a week, it makes perfect sense to chat about the gorgeous blue hues for Spring. Turquoise, cerulean, pastel, they are all out in force, make sure to choose the best shade for you skin tone. Enjoy!

Shades of blue by Frolic in Tulle

Maxi-mum moment

The maxi skirt is having a moment. Everyone is asking how to wear one and more importantly, can I wear it? Well, I say go for it. Find your favorite, compile images that you love, then go to the store and try the entire ensemble on. Bring a friend, or even an affordable stylist, who can give you a second, very honest, opinion. Who knows, this could be your go to look for spring. So, here are some ways I would style a maxi skirt. Enjoy!

Maxi Skirt by Frolic in Tulle

Hot off the block

I am having a spring fling with color blocked heels and wedges. They are incredibly happy shoes, aren't they?

These will look great with that new white dress you plan to wear when the weather warms. Or, add some life to that wide leg pant suit you are eyeing. Need style ideas? Send a tweet to @stylebyrisso for instant inspiration.  Enjoy!

First row, left to right: ASOS, $170, Nine West, $89, Fendi at Saks, $740 
Second row: Aldo heels, $100, Lanvin at Kirna Zibete, $1,245, Pelle Moda at Shop Bop, $180

Third row: Aldo wedge, $110,  Pour La Victoire at Shop Bop, $220, Topshop, $140

Rough 'em up in a motorcycle jacket

This Burberry cropped motorcycle jacket caught my eye when it first hit the runway for spring 2011, this updated leather jacket is chic, fierce and downright fantastic.

(wwd)

Not ready to spend your rent on a new jacket? Not to fear, here are some terrific and affordable options that still have the same rockin' effect. So, flaunt that floral dress then rough it up with one of these tough pieces. Enjoy!

first row left to right

Steve Madden, $78
Charlotte Russe, $36
Express, $148

second row left to right
ASOS, $215
Lauren Conrad at Kohls, $54
Topshop, $110

What's new Wednesday

Who wears the pants? You do, that's who. Go ahead, break the skirt and dress habit and hop into a nice relaxing pair of pants for spring. With plenty of different styles to chose from you won't be want for inspired ensembles. Enjoy!

Jil Sander, $595

Alexander Wang, $745
Theyskens' Theory, $365

Need a little extra shaping help with those new pants you will be rocking? Put on your Sassybax! This shape wear is a part pant, part legging and all shapewear, you can even wear them at the gym!

www.sassybax.com

Spring Trend- Two-tone

Neutral is not simple with these two-tone handbags. If you are looking for a spring update, this is one to choose. Enjoy!

Two-tone Bags by Frolic in Tulle

Cole Haan, $398
3.1 Phillip Lim, $895
Christopher Kon, $228
Proenza Schouler, $725
Tory Burch, $495
Jas MB, $265
Rebecca Minkoff, $330
Reed Krakoff, $1,495
Fendi , 1,159 GBP

Colors of Spring 2011

This arrived in my mailbox last night...

Elle Collections Spring 2011. It is lovely and colorful and reminded me to chat about the colors for spring 2011, a little refresher. The use of color is a wonderful way to update any wardrobe. If you are more prone to black ensembles, then add a bright handbag or shoes or jewelry. Already wearing bright colors, then change the combination up, work with color blocking or master a new silhouette. Fashion is meant to be fun, expressive and flattering. Always choose tones that enrich your skin, not everyone can wear seafoam green, that's ok! There are plenty more shades of green and blue to work with. Enjoy!


Green: jade, sage, seafoam

Blue: denim, cerulean, powder

Red: candy apple, scarlet, persian

Pink: cerise, coral, pale

Orange: tangerine, sherbet, neon

Yellow: mustard, meyer lemon, maize

The continued reign of the statement necklace

Spring 2011's collections will not disappoint the lovers of beautiful and lavish necklaces, don't be afraid to flaunt one of spring's key trends, go bright. Enjoy!

Bulgari and Oscar de la Renta

Eddie Borgo and Erickson Beamon

Fallon and Mawi