The weather is slowly starting to improve here in Paris, which only makes me think of cute spring essentials.

With temps in the 50’s, I’ll most likely pull out a trench or leather jacket, add a functional bag, and play with brighter colors. Try these choices to make your wardrobe pop:

1. Hello Sailor Jacket, $33. 2. UO Metal Knot Necklace, $78. 3. Crinkled Faux Leather Zip Pocket Jacket, $47. 4. Miss Bruno Peze Cafe Scarf, $50.  5. Arden B Mixed Weave Tote, $58. 6. Jordache Sunset Extreme Skinny Jean, $69.  7. Deena and Ozzy Herringbone Heel, $78.  8. Zebra Print Hoop Earrings, $6. 9. Mango Trench Coat, $89. 10. Puma Remix Shopper, $110. 11. Match Point Colorblock Mini, $23.  12. Cashmere Blend Boatneck Sweater, $18. 13. Sephora by OPI Nail Color, $9. 14. Cynthia Vincent Women’s Grace Ballerina Flat, $128.  15. Pucci Vivara Fragrance, $50.

Pssst, if it’s snowing where you are, take heart:) Warmer temps are right around the corner.

Everyone seems to be saluting Stephen Sprouse, including stylist extraordinaire Patricia Field. She recently unveiled her Spring ’09 Sprouse tribute collection at www.patriciafield.com:

All items are affordable at under $100 (the dress above is $80), and display the same bright colored, graffiti inspired cool pioneered by Sprouse in the 80’s:

Left to Right: Oversized Tee, $58. Club Skirt, $86.

I love this.

See more here.

I was cruising the web and literally stopped short when I saw these hot sandals by Sergio Rossi:

So pretty! Sure they’re lilac, but their brown heel makes them perpetually matchable: Pair with jeans and a t, a flirty floral dress, or a subdued top and skirt combo.

Get these splurge worthy sandals for $624 at www.farfetch.com.

A couple outfit ideas:

Cute!

Lovely Christina Milian debuted a new platinum hairstyle at a basketball game in Atlanta:

As a reformed blond, I can understand her motivation: A cute, light colored hairstyle instantly brightens up your complexion and is the perfect look for impending warm weather.

But something about her choice makes her look…average (instead of her typical above average).

Hmm…what do you think?

I’m probably dating myself by professing my love for this throwback jammer, but ah well…

A few questions/observations:

1. Who knew LL was such a label name dropper? Check out these lyrics:

“How you doin miss? My name is L I’m from Queens/ I heard about your man he like to lace you with cream/Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino with Donna Jeans/ But he slipped up, and threw his rock to a fiend.“

“He be playin like a Willie cause he dress ya dove/ Never knowing that his woman is in need of love/You got Versace gold link stomach chains with rocks/Official hair style but you stuck up in the spot.“

“Making love, Duke is weak then he fallin asleep/You on the phone wit your old peeps dyin to creep ‘tween my sheets/So what you got Chanel on your feet/Hot sex on a platter makes the mission complete, uh“

Ok that was the whole first verse, and he names no less than five designers!
2.If it weren’t for rappers in the 90’s, would we know about these European designer brands? C’mon, be honest.

3. Does anyone else remember when LL tried to start that ‘one leg up one leg down‘  pants trend?

Want Taraji’s Black Halo Flutter Sleeve Dress, but don’t have $345 to spend on one item? Get her look for less with this $50 Ruffle Sleeve Sheath Dress from Alloy:

It’s the perfect price for a trendy piece! Get it at www.alloy.com.

Kanye and his new boo, Amber Rose, have been spotted out and about shopping and profiling–causing fashionistas to clamor  for Amber’s look:

Franny said, “I love Amber Rose’s shoes! Can you tell me where I can get them?”

Lex said, “Amber Rose (Kanye’s new wifey) is rockin’ this white top and I want to know where I can find it.“

We found that Amber is wearing a $950 pair of Bottega Veneta Heels straight from the Spring/Summer 2009 Runway and a pair of $164 Current/Elliot Fontaine Denim Shorts.  Those are quite pricey, so you can save on the rest with the following low priced substitutes:

1. Charlotte Russe Tweed Cropped Vest, $23.  2. Jockey Reversible Sports Bra, $28. 3. Current/Elliot Fontaine Denim Shorts in Easy Love, $164. 4. Square Bottom Readers, $18.  5.Bottega Veneta Heels , $950. 6. American Apparel Cotton Canvas LA-Z Girl Side Pocket Bag, $30.

PS Find substitutes for her sandals and shorts at cool blog Fashion Junkii.

PSS Blog What Women Want found Amber’s Bag! It’s none other than this $1,780 Marni Slouchy Leather Bag:

Model of the Year Jourdan Dunn held tight to her title at London Fashion Week, walking for fourteen designers including Christopher Kane, Aquascatum, and Giles:

Even more impressive, the Brit beauty opened for Vivienne Westwood, closed Twenty8Twelve, and did double duty opening and closing the Issa show.

Now Jourdan and friends are ripping the runways of Milan, stomping for Gucci, Pucci, and D & G:

Track her progress  and view more pix at Style.com.

Hey!

While I was in New York, I took a bit of time to catch Style outside of the tents. While in the Subway, I took a picture of Devohn Walker:

He had on his ipod, so I literally ran after him to snap this picture!

I loved his unique style: his hat, exaggerated bowtie, 80’s era sunglasses, and his Chanel bag!

He told me he had been snapped many times before for other fashion blogs. I can see why!

Do you like his style?

Bisous!

Pssst, I’m thinking of investing in a new camera to take more pro-fashional shots. Any  recommendations for a great small camera–slightly advanced but easy enough for someone technologically challenged (me) to figure out? Right now, I’m rocking with a Canon Powershot.

Dee and Ricky lego brooches are all the rage amongst stylistas who favor quirky conversation pieces.

Get this cute Heart Brooch for $75 at www.deeandricky.com.

Kanye’s a fan!