MUST HAVE: THE TURTLENECK SWEATER

Finally the temperature in LA has dropped (thanks to impending El Nino!) and I can finally sport a sweater! My preferred sweater silhouette is no doubt the turtleneck. There is something so classically stylish about a turtleneck and not only do I love their neck elongating, double chin hiding, flattering cut, they also give us the ability to do the insanely chic turtleneck hair tuck (see above photo, thanks Phoebe Philo!). Throw on your turtleneck with literally everything you own, be it your grey trouser and white sneaker (a la Phoebe) or dressed up with a cropped jean and a block heel. Go oversized and chunky knit or tight and 1960's inspired. Either way you will look tres turtleneck chic! To sport your very own turtleneck take a look at this JCrew camel sweater and this two tone Acne dream!

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On Trend: The Culotte

When I first heard that culottes were making a comeback, I had flashbacks to 1980's childhood fashion fights with my Mother. Before I was allowed to wear short skirts (which I was oh so desperate to do) I had to make do with a culotte. Mother professed they preserved my girlish modesty! Jump to 2015 and you can't part me from my beloved culotte collection! Practical and oh so wearable, culottes give you the elegance of a skirt but the much needed practicality of a pant. Unless you are incredibly tall, avoid wearing with flats, stick to pumps or for more comfort go for stacked sandals. To balance the often voluminous culotte try tucking in your top to show off your waistline and give your look some definition. My perfectly priced favorites can be found at Club Monaco and JCrew. CM XO

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MUST HAVE: THE TASSEL SHOE

I am always on the look out for a fashion forward and polished flat and am feeling rather tired of the basic ballet flat and loafer. I am currently swooning over JCrew's Harper leather tassel mules. With their elegant pointed toe and whimsical yet oh so on trend tassel, these mules are a must have shoe for spring. Find them here x

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SINK OR SWIM?

Living in Los Angeles, its always the dreaded swimsuit season! I have to admit I'm a one piece kind of girl, and I am quite the anomaly here in the sunshine state. Having recently vacayed in Hawaii (where I gladly sported my blue and white striped onesie!) I admired many uber cool surfer girls in their rash guards, striding confidently along the beach. As I slathered on even more factor 50 onto my burning shoulders, I felt truly envious of the surfer girls in their hip, sun safe and colorful surf wear! So imagine by overwhelming joy when I was doing my daily browsing of the JCrew site when I happened upon an entire collection of rash guards! I was confronted with polka dots, Liberty floral's and stripes galore! Stylish, practical and no more burnt shoulders; could it get any better than that? :)  Get your hands on these pronto: www.jcrew.com

MUST HAVE: THE FLORAL PRINT PANT

Yes minimalism is my thing but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the more playful side of fashion. One recent trend that I have been admiring is the floral print pant. For myself I will stick to a black and white print but if color is your thing, I highly suggest you grab yourself a rainbow bright pair! The key to anyone pulling off the floral print pant is keep the rest of your look simple and neutral. Go for a solid top (pull a color from the pant as seen in the photo above), for your outer layer stick to a simple, sharply tailored blazer, trench or military jacket (army green is the new neutral don't you know!) add a sky high sexy pump and you are SET! I have seen some fabulous floral pants at my old faithful www.zara.com Have fun! x

SUBLIME SWEATERS

I am thrilled that sweaters are so in vogue right now, when I dress myself comfort is key and there is nothing better than a cozy sweater to warm me up and keep me happy. Sweaters are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down; I wear mine constantly over a flared and flirty floral vintage dress, my leather shorts or a mini skater skirt.When reaching for your sweater this January keep a few things in mind; cable knits are great (see above on Rachel Bilson) and super chic but if you are blessed with a generous bosom, steer clear of them, you don't need the added bulk. Keep your sweater round necked and slim fitting, I think over sized equals sloppy and should only be worn whilst sitting in front of the fire at home! Splash out on a cashmere or alpaca sweater, but choose your colors wisely to make them practical investments; you can't go wrong with cream, black or grey. I am a huge fan of the sweaters at www.madewell.com and www.jcrew.com, their cuts are spot on and the price is right! Stay warm and ENJOY! X

FOR THE BOYS: The chambray shirt

Gents, the chambray shirt is fast becoming a fashion classic for men. It will be an ever reliable addition to your closet and I promise you will live in yours. Wear to the office with a navy blue slim suit and brown brogues, sport it at the weekend with some flat fronted khaki's and desert boots and on a date wear it with a black cotton slim pant and A.P.C. boots.  Please keep your chambray shirt slim cut, lightweight and devoid of any Western 'cowboy-esque' details.  If on a budget head to www.jcrew.com, if you can spend a little more take a look at Rag and Bone's interpretation www.mrporter.com