Can’t cram enough footwear into your closet? Then you’ll salivate flipping through Nancy MacDonnell’s new shoe lover’s bible, The Shoe Book. The 380-page tome chronicles the compelling history of this functional yet aspirational accessory, tracing its origins from ancient Armenian sandals to Dorothy’s ruby slippers and beyond, and exploring the technologies and design techniques that go behind a truly remarkable pair of shoes. The book is also filled with interviews with influential shoemakers such as Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, marvelous quotes from fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe and Sara Jessica Parker and, of course, pages and pages of gorgeous shoes, in the form of both colorful photos and original designer sketches. … //READ MORE

This season designers have stretched their wings with fanciful fashions that pay homage to the magnificent and ephemeral butterfly. Fluttering into stores everywhere have been butterfly-print dresses, bags, shoes, jewelry and other gorgeous accessories. These colorful, ultra-feminine designs are the perfect fashion statement for those lighthearted warm-weather months when the Monarchs themselves enjoy their short-lived time with us.

However, like the real creatures, which migrate to warmer climes when the weather cools down, these beautiful butterfly prints won’t stay forever, so catch them while they’re still in flight. What’s waiting in the wings as the next print-of-the-moment? Something equally mesmerizing and captivating, we hope. … //READ MORE

Designers are throwing the book at the latest fashion accessories.

People will be hanging on your every word when they notice you bouncing around town or showing up to your next book club gathering wearing one of these literature-inspired fashions. Try a sassy purse like one that might have swayed from Daisy Buchanan’s wrist, a wise-ass tote that would make Holden Caulfield smirk, or writing gloves worthy of a Jane Austen heroine. Whether you love the classics, swoon over epic romances, or find sci-fi out of this world, there’s a novel accessory for you this season. … //READ MORE

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

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