Forget the Little Black Dress. Move that Little Red Number to the back of your wardrobe. The Little White Dress is this spring’s go-to fashion piece, and with good reason. It’s warm-weather appropriate. It brightens up most skin tones. It goes with just about everything. And most of all, it’s a breath of fresh air. So if you invest in one great little dress (or any wardrobe essential) right now, make it a white one. Walk into a room in a white dress and you’re bound to turn heads. In a good way. (Unless you’re walking into a wedding reception—but you already know that’s a fashion no-no.)

But it’s not all about the dress. White is finding its way onto all kinds of separates, as well as shoes, bags, jewelry and other accessories. Skirt and dress lengths run the gamut. While Micro-minis are probable here to stay, at least for a while, they’re counterbalanced by billowy maxis, demure pencil skirts and tea-length cocktail dresses. Silhouettes, too, are suited for every taste. Body-con looks are ubiquitous, but so are relaxed hippie-chic shapes and ladylike A-lines and sheaths. If you prefer pants, white versions of everything from super-skinnies to palazzo styles are now bathed in white. As is the currently popular romper, with loose or strapless tops flowing into tapered legs that pair great with pumps or cage shoes. The white trouser is back in a big way, and looks especially chic styled with high wedge sandals for a 1970s retro look. … //READ MORE

Ombre has been hot for several seasons now, with graduated shades of a single color popping up on everything from fashion and home furnishings to nails, jewelry, hair coloring and even food. The latest hue to roll with the trend is aqua, a calming color whose popularity is swelling in preparation for those easy, breezy months ahead. Lending an oceanic air to all it touches, aqua ombre has been making waves this spring on a range of ready-to-wear and accessories. Now the look is working its way into the house, adding a playful element to window treatments, rugs, walls and other home accessories. So what are you waiting for? Let aqua ombre enrapture you this summer. … //READ MORE

I know exactly the angle that my face looks best in photos. Or at least I thought I did. My chin is tilted slightly down and to the right. I smile, but not too big because my natural smile shows too-­big teeth and a lot of gum. I used to believe that this pose concealed, or at least mitigated, some of my flaws: the small  bump on my nose, my crooked right tooth, a narrow jaw. I feel badly that I know this. I wish I didn’t care. Funny enough, people often tell me I’m photogenic, which I take to mean prettier in photographs than I am in real life.

After the birth of my daughters I became concerned about how my history of self-consciousness might affect them. I considered how much time and energy I’d wasted over the years worrying about the way I look, wishing this or that thing were different. I wanted it to be better for my girls. I  want my girls to be soccer players, not beauty queens. If they must date, I hope they date boys or girls who love them for their minds and strongly held opinions. I hope they have friends with tangled hair, dirty jeans and make-­up free faces. I hope they discover beauty and fashion late enough that it amuses them, but doesn’t painfully impact their sense of self. In  short, I want them to be nothing like my teenage self. … //READ MORE

Get yourself comfortable, because the next big footwear trend just happens to be sneakers. Which means that after seasons of torture, your feet will finally get a rest. But it also means that it’s easier than ever before to be laid-back fashionable. Celebs and style bloggers alike have taken to the trend, which gives “casual-chic” a fresh new meaning.

To style this look, it’s important to keep the overall vibe dressed down. Sneakers look best with a skinny jean (preferably cuffed at the ankle) and classic, simple pieces. As with any statement accessory, let the sneaks take the spotlight. Miranda Kerr, below, pulls off bright pink sneakers with a basic denim shirt and leather jeans. … //READ MORE

You really can’t make this stuff up. Not too long ago I heard a woman in Whole Foods ask a store clerk which brand of vegan lip moisturizer had more calories. Lucky for her, the employee was super polite and actually stopped to read the tiny print on the two lip-balm labels before shaking his head and apologizing that he couldn’t help her. I can say with certainty that if she had asked me the same question, I would’ve promptly snatched the organic low-carb baguette from her shopping basket and whacked her over the head with it.

Why some women remain obsessed with calories, fat grams, carbs, inches, pounds, and God knows what other measurements we can obsess over, is beyond me. Now there are certain substances we do need to watch, such as our sodium and sugar intake, and foods we need to make sure we’re consuming … //READ MORE

Yes, we all know people who are more obsessed with their dogs than with their own children (if they have any). If those pet owners are also fashion lovers, this fascination with their furry friends can be over-the-top. But really, what stylish consumer is able to refuse some of these irresistible pet products? Luxe dog collars from Gucci and Coach? Glam. ’80s-style sweatshirt-hoodies from American Apparel? Totally rad. How about a rich dog shampoo that turns bath time into spa time, or an organic dog bed that makes Fido’s afternoon nap feel like a stay at the Four Seasons? Now your pup is living large. It’s OK to be a crazy dog owner. You’ve earned it. Now just make sure your dog has. … //READ MORE