Fashion Forward: Maxi-mize Your Spring Look

By Leigh Boriskin

One of Spring's freshest looks is the easy, breezy, and oh-so-pretty maxi dress. With a long and lean shape, the maxi will be your go-to frock when you just don't know what to wear.

For a cool shade of color, purchase this Aqua Printed Max Shirred Tube dress, available at Bloomingdales. This fashionably frugal must-have, at a mere $98, will be perfect for a ladies lunch during the day, or a summer evening down the shore, when minimally accessorized with a pair of silver flat sandals, a thin hoop earring, and a brightly-hued clutch.

New and Noteworthy: Sal Lauretta for Men

By Kathy Shaskan and Kimberly Baldwin

Sal Lauretta For Men, a high end clothing shop in Midland Park, has started carrying the "Whatever it Takes" line of t-shirts. The aim of the organization is to raise a minimum of $3 million over three years to fund charitable projects in developing countries, contribute to the protection of the environment, and other charitable causes. These products, designed by celebrities, statesmen, artists and more, have raised over 1 million dollars so far. Above: the design by Giorgio Armani.

Fashion Forward: Eco-Friendly Fashion

By Courtney Jones

Researchers have found pesticides and chemicals at dangerously high levels in harvested cotton, but you don’t have to sacrifice style for safety. Going green doesn’t have to start with your gas pump -- it can start right in your closet.

Following the recent "go green" phenomenon, many designers are doing their part to contribute to the eco-friendly movement. Everything from bathing suits to denim can be found in earth-conscious materials so you can do your part to help the earth and look stunning while doing it.

Sworn Virgins is a three-year-old line that makes super-soft knits from a mix of pure bamboo and spandex. Their flowing Melanie dress comes in a beautiful shade of plum, and is the perfect evening dress at only $133.

Del Forte specializes in denim, and offers a wide selection of all the latest washes and styles. Their clothes are made from 100% organic cotton. Del Forte’s Flora Estrella wash has a classic look and fit, and is currently marked down to $99 from $190.

Complete your nature-inspired wardrobe with chic accessories. Ananas offers stylish bags made from abaca, a natural fiber found in a plant located in the Phillipines.

Strap yourself in for Beyond Skin’s shimmery T-strap Poppy sandal made from biodegradable synthetic leathers and spun polyester, which has a considerably lower impact on the earth than viscose. This earth-friendly and absolutely lovely shoe can be yours for $546.

Fashion Forward: The High-Waist Skirt

By Courtney Jones

One of the best investments a woman can make in her wardrobe is having an item that gives her several options and maximum mileage. The high-waist skirt is the perfect staple item. It manages to accomplish being both retro and high-fashion. With a handful of tops, and a sleek high-waist skirt, the possibilities are endless.

The high-waist skirt is certainly a fashion must-have for the season. Its versatility makes it a wardrobe essential in every woman’s closet. Its timeless elegance can take a woman from business attire to evening-chic, and can carry you through any season, seamlessly.

For a professional look, the high-waist skirt can be paired with a short-length jacket or bolero and round-toe heels for an incredibly feminine look. For a party-perfect look, the high-waist skirt can be complimented by your favorite evening top, a long necklace, and knee-length boots. Certainly, almost any shoe can be worn with the high-waist skirt which makes any outfit you choose extremely easy-to-wear and completely customizable to your favorite look. With this trend becoming so popular, skirts are available in any color, fabric, and pattern you can imagine. From A-line to pencil, there’s a skirt to fit any shape.

For a classic look, try Rebecca Taylor’s basic black knit pencil skirt. For a shorter-length skirt, try Camilla Norback’s high-waist skirt. It features pleats and buttons that create an ultra-feminine look. If you’re looking for a splash of color, check out Sutton Studios wool pencil skirt in vibrant violet.

New and Noteworthy: Prom time!

By Kathy Shaskan

Every girl knows that the dress is 'way more important than the guy' when it comes to enjoying your prom. Pick well and you'll feel like a star all night. Choose poorly and you'll spend the evening tugging on your hem, adjusting your straps and slinking off to a corner. To make the search for that one perfect frock easier, Gotham City Clothing in Millburn has opened a new dress lounge for girls. All pretty and pink, it's filled with the latest dresses, plus bags, shoes, and jewelry.

Fashion Forward: Grab A Bag

By Leigh Boriskin

Not only are you set with their fabulous denim, but now, grab a hold of True Religion’s new spring/summer 2008 handbag line that came out with stylish vengeance in January. Supple tumbled, woven, and vintage Napa leathers, along with stamped python, patchwork denim, and narape have made their debut just in time for updated, fresh and light frocks for the warm-weather season.

Designed 14-year-old designer, Leslie Hsu, the luxurious, boho-chic collection is as bright, beautiful, and bold as they come. And, she's had some practice: Her creative vision previously went into her bag lines for Calvin Klein, Tahari, and Ugg Australia.

Fashion Forward: Necessary Basics

By Leigh Boriskin

When transitioning from the blustery weather of fall and winter to the sunny, and uplifting spirits of spring and summer breezes, nothing like basic, cotton blends feel as good next to your skin.

Michael Stars brings us those silky essential from tees, to tanks, and flirty dresses.

My favorites for the new season include the lovely Maggie dress in a juicy red hue, the Raglan scoop neck with 3/4-length sleeves, and the Beater Heather striped tank, an essential layering piece.

Fashion Forward: Man Love

By Leigh Boriskin

It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but it really is! This year, forego the predictability of a terrycloth bathrobe, or a DVD in favor of something a bit more stylish for your fashion-forward man.

Paul Stuart is known for elegant simplicity for both men and women. From clean and classic shirts, to dapper shoes, and weekend essentials, a gift from here will surely have your honey smiling.

Bring the love out in him with either the handmade 7-fold tie in silk satin ($197.50), or a handsome pair of Angel & Devil 14kt gold cufflinks ($347), pictured above. Both a little sassy, but surely sweet, on the 14th, show him some fashionable adoration.

Fashion Forward: Sunshine Garb

By Leigh Boriskin

Resort season is in full swing, and what better way to dress yourself for those hot days on the sand, and cool nights on the boat than with a stop at one of Lilly Pulitzer’s shopping meccas. Her clothes are available at the following signature boutiques: Paradise in Summit and Morristown, Palm Place in Manasquan, and Leapin' Lizards in Ridgewood. Also available at department stores throughout the Garden State.

Lounge by the pool in one of Lilly's delicate tunics that are hard to pass up including the Calliope and the Shelby.

Hit up the golf course in a preppy, but whimsical sweater such as the Gloria Striped Crew, or the Nancy Argyle.

For the walk to the beach, shopping around town, or heading out to a tropical feast, step into the comfort and style of a flat sandal, whether it be the Mckim, or the Flutter.

Fashion Forward: Winter Knitwear

By Leigh Boriskin

As we’re now heading into the long stretch of the coldest months of the year, it is prime time to throw on something that’s cozy, comfortable, and of course, chic. Check out the whimsical and one-of-a-kind sweater pieces from Free People at either the Garden State Plaza or The Mall at Short Hills.

Perfect to go from day to night is the Balloon Sleeve Tunic (shown above, $118). Complete it with striped tights, knee-high boots, and a long necklace for a casual-cool look.

Wrap up in warmth when you slip into the Day Trip Hoodie ($148), paired with a turtleneck, jeans, and flats.

For a trendier look that will be great with just about anything, the Cool Cat Jacket ($88) will take you from the market to the gallery on your Saturday outings.

Fashion Forward: Dress It Up

By Leigh Boriskin

Between holiday gatherings and upcoming New Year’s Eve bashes, there is plenty of need for one (or three) PLD’s (Perfect Little Dresses), but not much time to shop! From floor-length showstoppers to sexy, little minis, slip into a frock that will make you look and feel fabulous without stepping out of the comfort of your home.

Mix in a bit of style to your office holiday party attire when donning Ella Moss’ Bianca Tiered Dress, (shown above) available at Nordstrom.

On Christmas Eve, deck yourself out in the Flutter Sleeve Tunic by Max Studio that will keep you both chic and comfortable for a night of mixing, mingling, and eating!

Ring in 2008 with a white-hot bang as you sip champagne and smooch your honey while wearing this Alice + Olivia Tania Beaded Halter Dress. Romance and sophisticated edge is rolled into one look straight out from the racks at Bloomingdales.