The Marley Owl...Is Crazy About Spring 2014 Fashion!

  The day I saw sunlight and temperatures in the mid 60's, I knew that I could put away those dark muted tones of winter and brighten up. How did we get through the Polar Vortex of 2013-14? Wild times, indeed.  Now hear the birds chirp and usher in our beloved Spring season.  Spring fever is ours to catch.  And I cannot wait to wear the fashion trends this year. So many looks, so little time!!

It would be easy to get lost in all of the fashion magazines and be confused about where to begin on your hunt for fresh, "Happy"trendy garb. (Pharell Williams is now as legendary as those little Minions.)Plus, the Spring has been out long before we could comfortably wear it. Runway and very willowy models have access to the trend before we ever see them. Finally, our turn has arrived...

What do I absolutely have to buy to be "in the know" this Spring?

Personally, I would recommend several key pieces. These have been touted by all of the best designers, celebs, stylists, and clothiers as the must haves for any woman's wardrobe. Plus, these have such potential for after- season. Too many trendy looks just sit in your closet and collect dust because of a lack of versatility. 

Consider purchasing these amazingly wearable looks at Belk Department Store. Belk has a number of wearable looks for daytime to cocktail hour.  Plus the lines that you have grown to love can be found all under one roof.

                                                           

                                                              The Sleeveless Jacket

This Willow and Clay jacket has just the right amount of attitude and ease to go from work to dinner. Chic and graphic.

Chunky Block Heels

These Michael Michael Kors Maribella Sandals are super versatile and cute, with tortoise shell block heels and in black.

Soft Pant

Romeo and Julie geometric print pants are right in step with the printed bottom and loose fitting leg pant trend. Think comfy and flowy and you have a winner!

The New Maxi

This Sunny Leigh tribal print maxi skirt has everything going for it... Black and white, stretchy and flowy, plus flattering for any height and shape!

The Updated Jacket

This awesome Cloth and Stone baseball jacket has the sporty elements and ease that Spring 2014 is all about. Perfectly charming in chambray denim.

Black and White

So on trend and way too cute to stand... This Romeo and Julie contemporary jumpsuit has a great graphic print and couples the two biggest neutrals on a gorgeous shared spotlight. This works for any occasion. Just put on a jacket for work. This one ensures complements!

Ladylike Handbags

Pretty is...this amazing Michael Kors Selma satchel bag! This essential carry- all is feminine and modern. Very cosmopolitan and urban.

Layered Necklaces

The statement necklace is still going strong. So are delicate pieces that are worn together... These Vince Camuto pieces are beautiful and add just the right amount of panache to any simple blouse or dress.

Shift Dress

This Vince Camuto mesh inlay silk shantung dress is perfect to wear to any event or to make an event of anything! The sporty silhouette adds that breezy feel and the fabric eases this dress to a great night look. So mod, yet so current and Spring 2014 ready!

These pieces are perfect looks at any age and in any stage of career. Tailor the pieces to your personality and add more jewelry or accessories, such as an awe- inspiring shoe, to heighten the fashion forward quotient. Be fearless and free and express your inner diva!

Please visit my blog for more Spring forward fashion and beauty content! I am in love with the style of life...

Stephanie-The Marley Owl

  

The Oscars: Fashion Walks The Biggest Red Carpet

 The Marley Owl is also on Examiner.com...

As Stephanie Marley McMechan,
beauty examiner and budget fashion examiner

This article is a part of my Academy Awards coverage and is also on the examiner.com channel.


The Academy Awards this year was a fashionable affair to remember.  Hollywood's finest talent took the opportunity to astound and wow with fashion that captured the imagination. The Red Carpet turns for the evening were carefully cultivated by the best stylists in the industry with industrial strength jewels that cost a small fortune. Custom made frocks teased and surprised while oohs and ahhs circulated through the country's collective consciousness. Yes, the gowns make the night so much more than golden statuettes. The ladies who reigned on fashion's biggest night were strong yet delicate images of grace for the ages.

Considering the effort it takes to walk in some of these amazing gowns, it is incredible that more people don't trip. Jennifer Lawrence (or J Law) made her fall on the Red Carpet only a tiny stumbling block, remaining all smiles through the evening. She wore a Dior red column dress with a flattering peplum detail and glistened with Neil Lane jewels. Her hair was in a very posh updo that showed off her features superbly. This dress made her look ten feet tall at least.

Lupita Nyong'o was the winner of the Female Supporting Actress Award for 12 Years A Slave, but had been ahead of the crowd the entire award season in fashion. Every gown she wore was a smash hit. The Oscars solidified Lupita as a fashion ingénue and a natural model. Her lithe figure was highlighted by her sky blue pleated sensation of a ball gown. The deep V neck was punchy, allowing the starlet's unexpected headband and great golden bracelets to pop. Her hair is always on point, yet revealing of her spunky attitude. This will be remembered for some time to come and a dress that will be ordered by many a fashionista.

Kerry Washington is America's favorite "Scandal," leaving millions of viewers wondering what will come next. In fashion, the very best has been what has come from Kerry. With baby bump at the Oscars, her lovely Jason Wu strapless gown in lavender was a perfect way to accentuate the positive. Rouching and draping created a great shape.  A kick of leg from the side slit revealed toned gams.  Her wavy partial upsweep framed her face beautifully. She was truly a glowing mom to be!

Jada Pinkett Smith is Will Smith's wife, plus she is a powerhouse musician, mom, producer, and  force of nature. Petite women have the task of finding a dress that doesn't overwhelm them. Jada was dazzling in a peach Versace gown with halter neck and train. The floaty material along with a fitted silhouette was the best of both worlds. Jada's silky straight hair was the perfect foil for amazing eyes. She makes 40 something appear no more than 21. (Fierce!)

Other remarkable feature dressed actresses include:
Sandra Bullock in a gorgeous Alexander McQueen midnight blue strapless mermaid gown

Angelina Jolie in a nude illusion ombre Elie Saab creation

Cate Blanchett in a nude illusion bejeweled Armani number

Charlize Theron in a black Dior Haute Couture gown

The awards were phenomenal, "happy", and so haute!