Recently in Pants Category

DVF is hands down the most wearable designer on the planet! And I'm not just saying this because I adore her to bits, I'm saying this because it's the truth! I don't know about you but I'm horrified at the resurgence of MC Hammer style harem pants that cost in the 4 figures. Can't designers learn that we want to look good while looking on trend? Obviously DVF understands this because these Harem pants look casually chic without having to sag the crotch to your knees.

Before I started this entry I made sure I ordered a pair in my size. You have no idea how often I feature something and return to purchase it a day later only to find out my size is sold out. Anyhoo, this pair of Harem pants from DVF is a MUST HAVE this season. Nothing will update your wardrobe faster than this pair of chic and easy pants. Available in black, chocolate and a to die for champagne color-- I'm thinking we should each get at least 2 colors! At $195 it won't break the bank and you'll be set all summer long. I'll be wearing mine with wife beater tank tops by day with flats and sexy floaty tops by night with high heels. Really versatile! What about you, what will you wear your DVF harem pants with? At DVF.com here.

I joined the leggings craze as quickly as it came back on the scene after a 20 year hiatus despite parts of me that screeched "no no no, not leggings again!" I caved in because this time around they are much much prettier and the fabric now is a helluva lot better, too.  If you must know, I graduated high school in '87 so I was smack dab in the middle of the stirrup leggings craze-- there are more photos of me in stirrups with pumps than I care to count (stirrups were just so wrong!).

One of my favorite leggings right now is a pair I got by David Lerner; it has zippers so they actually look like pants and not just a pair of tights pretending to be pants. But what I love about them is the fit. The cotton/spandex mixture will hold you in like Kira in Zanadu!

They are really pricey for leggings (considering I've been wearing $19.99 Mossimo for Target leggings) but really worth it!    $108 at Singer22.com

I've been slowly acquiring pieces from The Row each season; they transition effortlessly through the next seasons so you'll actually keep and wear them over and over! MK and Ashley's line contains basics that we all need and love pulling on without thought. How easy is it to get dressed when you've got the perfect V neck shirt ($550) to throw on with a pair of slim pants ($590) and a tiny little leather jacket ($2,750)!?!? I want to live in this uniform this spring! I'll rock it with flats for day (yes, I'm slowly giving in to the flats, ballet or gladiator) and towering heels for night. This is a simple look you can take anywhere. At Barneys New York stores and online here.

What do you think?

Smart shopping for the season will help you save money and time. I'd start with shopping in your own closet first. If you can find favorite pieces that will work again, why not pull them out?
1. Short Sleeve Jackets- We all have a short sleeve jacket in our closets, this is not a new trend but a timeless shape that returns every few season.  If you don't, check out Saks for a great selection.

2. Aggressive Shoes- Black, embellished, geometric.  Think dominatrix.  Win a fabulous pair of wedges from Joie at The Shoe Goddess site!

3. Oversize Jewelry- The bolder the better when it comes to jewels this season.  Pull out the bling and let it rock.  Check out the fabulous selections at Net-a-porter.com here!

4. Relaxed Cropped pants- This is an easy look to pull off for all body types.  Even your boyfriend's pants rolled up will work but I love this pair of Mara Hoffman Silk Cropped Pants .

5. Slouchy Bag- Hobos are back and there are many styles and colors to choose from.  I like a bright color for the summer-- check Bag Snob for the latest hobo bags!

6. Romantic Blouse- Will top off a pair of jeans or slouchy cropped pants beautifully.  There are many to choose from including this gorgeous Elizabeth and James Tokyo Top .

7. Brighter Lips- If nothing else, buy a bright lip gloss to update your look!  YSL Pur gloss has many great shades for the season.

At the risk of sounding like a delirious fan I just have to say, I love Michael Kors! He's one of few designers that women and husbands alike are willing to shell out full price for (as apparent over Christmas when my friend's hubby bought her the entire MK Cruise collection at full price when everyone else was scavenging for sale stuff and my own hubby who stepped up for a full length sheared mink Michael Kors coat for my birthday).  So it was no surprise to me that he showed another stellar and wearable collection this week at Bryant Park.  Seriously, if you just buy a few key pieces from Michael's Fall 2009 collection you will be set for the season! 

Kors was on trend with the love affair fashion is having with all things 80's but kept it modern and fresh. Big shoulders were softened with orgiami pleats while neon hued dresses and coats were stylish and fun, not garish. Tailored jackets with sleek and sexy architectural seaming called to Kelly while I counted the number of asymmetrical and sculpted dresses that I'll be ordering (5). Simple sheaths were spiced up with dramatic necklines lending further allure to the powerful and chic silhouettes. Structured clutches and bold chains finished off the polished looks beautifully.  While Marc Jacobs bordered on the "circus freakish"; Michael Kors hits the mark with a confident urban wardrobe for the modern woman.  (Jump to see my must have list and more photos!)

This is possibly the most hideous harem pants I've ever had the unfortunate luck to lay eyes on.  The leopard draped and pleated harem pants from Temperley is a giant sloppy mess.  Look at it on the mannequin, it's like an entire family of possums are hanging out in there.  Either that or uh, someone had a very large accident.

Who could possibly wear this and hold her head up high?  I mean I'd wear these as a joke and be laughing and giggly all day.  

The price is no joke, however, so they wouldn't be worth it for a gag gift.  Actually even if they were $50 they wouldn't be worth it. 

Temperley Harem Pants $785 at Net-a-porter.com

Images from People.com

I can't believe ripped bell bottoms are back already! I remember reading about this trend five years ago when I was flipping through US Weekly and came across a picture of Jessica Simpson sporting a pair of Abercrombie and Fitch ones. The reason I know this was exactly 5 years ago is because I was in college at the time and remember getting off my couch, immediately jumping into my car, and driving straight to the mall to pick-up my first and only pair of jeans from Abercrombie. I'm not a fan of A&F --always found them to be over-priced and the fact that they only hire salespeople they deem attractive makes me uncomfortable, but I still love the jeans I bought that afternoon. Old Navy also, surprisingly, makes wonderful jeans and they come in "short," "regular," or "long" so you won't need to get them hemmed. Plus you won't feel guilty about loading-up on a bunch (ripped skinny jeans are hot too and gotta love gray jeans and black jeans...the options are endless!). If you're looking for a more high-end pick check-out this fab pair from Current/Elliott!

I am writing this with vivid images of my own harem pants circa 1988; it was made of purple silk and purchased during the height of MC Hammer's reign.  I wore those pants often that summer with tiny tank tops.  By the end of the summer I came to my senses (truth is I finally developed photos and was shocked how awful they looked on me, mirrors may lie but photos do not!) and promptly unloaded them on my best friend from junior high school; she lived in New York and thought they were the coolest thing (she might still have them!). I kept the photos from that shameful time in my life to remind myself to never give in to trends that make me look like a dwarf in diapers. Seriously, you need at least to be at least 5'8" (most of that being legs) to attempt this look. All others need not apply. What do you guys think of the Harem pant trend? Snob or Slob? Check out our picks after the jump!

Photos from the insider
My boyfriend's family has a tradition that every year the day after Thanksgiving all of his cousins, all of his siblings, and any girlfriends go to dinner and a Broadway show with his grandmother. So this past Friday we went to dinner followed by Jersey Boys -- which was wonderful! I highly recommend the show for anyone in the NYC-area:) The reason I bring this up here is because I was reading US Weekly today and it turns out that the Beckham family went to see Jersey Boys that same day!! They must have gone to the 2pm show though since we surely would have noticed had they been at the 8pm one. In any case Victoria went to the show decked-out in a head-to-toe white look (well, almost -- the hat appears to be gray/off-white!) that included a beautifully tailored jacket, but questionable loose-fitting pants that look like they need to be hemmed (how did she not trip in those!?), and I'm not feeling that inspector gadget hat.

What do you think snob or slob?