At HABITUAL, we praise the European-influenced look of fashionistas like Emmanuelle Alt, who has a mastery of the chic yet relaxed look. Our new Angelina Cigarette Skinny jeans is a slimmer take on the European influenced look. To recreate the modern, sexier Audrey Hepburn look, try applying these style cues.

Pair the Angelina Cigarette Skinny with a men’s Tuxedo shirt for a laid-back, European vibe; or if you want to go for an even more casual, but still insanely cool look, go with a loose cashmeres sweater in gray. While neons have definitely been trending for spring, make sure that you don’t overwhelm your outfit with too much color. Try a bright leather belt and finish the outfit off with either a traditional pump or a moto kitten heel for a sexier and tougher look.

Tops: J.Crew Men’s Thomas Mason Tuxedo Shirt (left), J.Crew Cashmere Sweater

Jeans: HABITUAL Angelina Skinny Jeans at Nordstrom or Blue Jeans Bar

Belt: J.Crew Skinny Leather Belt

Shoes: Givenchy Moto Kitten Heel

As the trend for pant rise continues to climb, we have released our super high-waisted Harrison Ultra Hi-Rise Flare, which hugs the hips almost up to the belly button. The Harrison is a brand new body style in the HABITUAL line, and also happens to be on the inside cover of our Spring 2012 look book. To style pants like this, you don’t need to over-do it – let the pants do most of the talking. Try an airy top in a solid color like coral with minimal jewelry. You also won’t need to worry about having the perfect shoes, because the pants will cover them, but make sure they are the right height so the hem doesn’t drag on the ground.

Tops: J.Crew Silk pintuck blouse in neon rose (left), Chloe Pussy-bow silk crepe de chine blouse (right)
Jeans: HABITUAL Harrison Ultra Hi-Rise Flare in Serene at DNA Las Vegas or Chicago, or at Fred Segal Girl.
Bracelet: Kenneth Jay Lane alligator bracelet
Shoes: See By Chloe leather and wood sandal in Nude

If acid yellow was the dominant color story coming out of Europe last week, it was a push towards “ladylike” cuts that caught our eye in the shape department. We saw classically feminine silhouettes in the dresses and skirts on nearly every runway, and many designers also showed beautiful high waisted pants, jeans and bottoms in both skinny and wide legs.

We use the term “ladylike”, because a high waisted pant is a more mature, sophisticated look, offering extra coverage for the wearer in both the front and the back, so you don’t feel like a teenager with your backside hanging out. The silhouette also shows a woman’s curves in all the right places, drawing attention to a small waist, and hiding “flaws” like thicker thighs and legs, for those that might be insecure about those areas.

Some of our favorite high waisted looks came from J. Crew and Vena Cava, who went with wider leg cuts, and Gucci, who led off their show with a slimmer version featuring button cuffs. Oh and hey, there’s that acid yellow again in a wide leg street look.  HABITUAL will offer several ladylike, high waisted looks in both wide and narrow leg for Spring, including the Almas Hi Rise Zip Skinny, the Harrison Ultra Hi Rise Bell Bottom, and also the Thalia and Inga Ultra Hi Rise shorts.

As everyone prepares to jet or drive or jitney off to their favorite summer destination for the long weekend, here are HABITUAL’s tips for pulling off the patriot look without going overboard. For July 4th beach barbecues or pool parties, we like a clean and classic look with a splash of red, white and blue.

Start with a pair of white denim shorts – a classic denim wash will work in a pinch, too. Then layer a soft chambray shirt over a solid tank – or even a bathing suit top – and don’t be afraid to roll up the sleeves. You can dump the shirt when things get too hot, or throw it back on once the sun goes down (and the mosquitos come out). You’ll probably be in bare feet, but if you’re going to wear shoes, give yourself a respite from the heels with some comfortable clogs or plain flip flops. Top the look off with red, white and blue accessories like rope bracelets, a striped watch strap, or a plain clutch to hold your sunscreen, credit card, sunglasses, and chapstick.

Tops (Left to Right): Epaulet Red Chambray Utility Shirt, Equipment Major cotton-chambray shirt , Hanes Classic fit wide strap tank in white and red.
Belt: Mango Vintage style slim leather belt
Shorts: HABITUAL Teri shorts in Whiteout
Bracelets (L to R): J. Crew Miansai Rope bracelet in red and white, J. Crew Striped watch strap
Shoes: Dr. Scholl’s Wood original in white and navy
Clutches: Calre Vivier Foldover clutches in red pebble, royal blue pebble and white

Prabal Gurung, Billy Reid, and Eddie Borgo. Image by Steve Eichner

In the world of high fashion, lower pricepoint mashups, J. Crew has enlisted 2010 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner Billy Reid, along with runners-up Prabal Gurung and Eddie Borgo, to each create a capsule collection for the brand.

The three designers recently joined Anna Wintour and other members of the fashion elite at the newly renovated Fifth Avenue J. Crew shop to celebrate the forthcoming collaborations.

Gurung and Borgo have made clothing and jewelry pieces for the ladies, respectively, while seven pieces designed by Reid will be available on the men’s side. We’ll be stopping by to see the collections once they start to hit stores in May.