Margaret Logan Style

The spring edition of {Style} magazine is hot off the presses and on the streets of Portland now. Check out my articles on how to dress for less (Chic on a Shoestring), full of inside tips on how to really shop the sale racks, go vintage the right way and rejuvenate what you’ve already got stashed away in the depths of your closet.

The fellas can take a tip or two from It’s the Little Things, where we look closely at just how important those small details are in sporting a look that’s authentic and eye catching.

Wondering what’s hot for spring in shoes and accessories? It’s all in there. Not to mention an expose on local Style Blogs, the newest and hippest way to get your fashion fix and stay tuned on the latest style news.

Highlights include David Wood’s new blog at davidwood.com/blog, Chantal’s Style File at shopchantalstyle.com, and Helene m.’s fashion blog at helenem.com/blog.

And, of course, one of my favorites, the Personal Style Profiles, featuring Chad Chamberlain and Miss Sarah Griffiths.

Finally, some happy news!!

  
Springtime is the perfect time for cashmere cardigans… 

What could be better than a cozy cashmere sweater on a chilly spring day, especially in yummy colors with names like marigold yellow and cool violet… Make it a fitted, feminine cut with bracelet sleeves, and you’ve got yourself a little piece of heaven that you’ll be tempted to wear every day. 

Brought to you by White + Warren, this simple little knit, which retails for $220, will take you both near and far with an air of retro chic. Great with scarves (Hermes comes to mind) and denim, a fitted little pencil skirt or even a lovely spring dress, this cardi is just perfect for planes, trains and weekend roadtrips.

Bon voyage! 

Available at Helene m., 425 Fore Street, Portland, Maine. Call 207.77.2564 for more information. 

Positively pretty in pink! This chic little sundress from Robert Rodriguez kicks that concept up and out of the park. Just the term sundress sounds a bit dated and child-like, but really. Throw on a scarf, your sunglasses and a cute pair of flats (or heels), and there is no where you can’t go on a warm summer’s day in this darling frock. A stroll through the shops on Charles Street, lunch at the club with the ladies, of course, or dinner and drinks, dockside. Just perfect for a trip to Bermuda or a weekend on the Vineyard.

A modern take on a classic silhouette, the Flower Applique Dress by Rodriguez retails for $394. It’s a cotton/nylon/spandex blend for comfort, and is machine washable. And it makes a subtle statement ~ the seams along the body of the skirt, appearing almost unfinished at-a-glance, emanate designer edginess. Very cool, calm and collected.

Compliments of Chantal. at 195 Middle Street in Portland. For more information, call 207.347.4427 or visit www.shopchantal.com

As spring quickly approaches (five days and counting), it’s time to retire the bulky coats and heavy sweaters, and break out the more light weight, transitional pieces to perk up what is, by now, a tired assortment of well worn winter clothes.

Leave it to Laurie B. to offer fashion forward and clever variations on a style. In this case, it’s the cardigan. The Ethic Vest, a circular vest with a drapy, cowl-like lapel and a racer back is both stylish, comfortable and the perfect transitional piece for early spring. Available in white and a warm orange, it retails for $170. Visit Helene m. to give it a whirl, or call 207.774.2564 for more information.

The Ethic Vest by Laurie B., modeled by Liana, manager of Helene m. in Portland, Maine.

Stunning, chic and nothing short of voluminous, this satchel is for the gal who lives out of her bag. You know who you are, and you aren’t afraid to do it in style. Donald Pliner Bamberg Slouchy Python Print Hobo in Mushroom, $1,155. Available at Chantal. at 195 Middle Street in Portland. Call 207.347.4427 or visit www.shopchantal.com for more information.

Kate Spade proper ~ The Quinn Tarrytown seasonal satchel in Emerald, $395, is the ultimate in ladylike. Or, if traveling light is more your style, forget the handbag altogether and go for a convenient and brilliant blast of spring color with the Remy Pasadena patent leather wallet in Hibiscus, $205, also by Kate Spade. Both available at Stiletto on Exchange Street in Portland. Call 207.775.3033 or visit www.stilettoshoesonline.com for more information.

Pink is the perfect accessory ~ this electric pink JPK Paris 75 nylon bucket bag is just big enough the fit all the daily essentials, and the price is right at $168. A cellphone pocket, gold hoop hardware on the shoulder strap and a jazzy lining seal the deal. Modeled by the lovely and stylish Kristen. Available at Helene m. at 425 Fore Street in Portland. Call 207.772.2564 for more information. Also available in coco brown.

Kick it into high gear this spring in these incredible heels from Tibi. With enticing, aquatic colors sent straight from the Islands and a profile that says, “Bring it on,” there is nothing you can’t do in these shoes. With turquoise and chartruese patent leather straps and a heel that requires strength as well as balance, the Luna platform sandal from Tibi rings in at $445. Available at Stiletto Shoes on Exchange Street in Portland and Portsmouth, NH. Check them out online at www.stilettoshoesonline.com.

Anticipating the return of the line Milly to Helene m. has been more of an anticlimatic exercise in passive patience. It’s been years (five, to be exact) since the lovely, feminine and pricey line has graced the floors at Helene m. in Portland.

And finally, it’s back, albeit in a small way. After many visits “just to check in” on its impending arrival, it finally hit the store on Thursday. With only a few pieces to consider, we are definitely left wanting more and can’t wait to see what the rest of the spring brings. For now, it’s all about tough color and really short skirts. But as one customer optimistically suggested, “At least it’s color…” Indeed!

Milly beaded mini cardigan in chartreuse with bright yellow applique neckline, $298 and a Tory Burch canvas Tory Tote, $250.

Milly Sailor skirt in black and white print with button detail, $246. Nice with tights and a high boot for now, a black tee and cute flats for spring/summer.

For more information, contact Helene m. at 207.774.2564 or visit www.helenem.com/blog

They caught my eye from across Exchange Street. Could be that I’m just a sucker for hot pink and orange, but I also love that sort of 70’s, sophisticated chic. Now, there’s not a lot to love about fashion and style that came out of the 1970s, and there’s certainly not much that could be considered chic. But a few things seem to stand the test of time, and the t-strap sandal, in its many incarnations, is one of them. It’s easy and elegant, and will take you anywhere. It’s great as a neutral, even better with bold color. Not an easy feat, pardon the phrase.

Bettye Mueller’s Visage stacked heel sandal in hot pink and orange patent leather. $390 at Stiletto on Exchange Street in Portland.