Desi Diva

By Sasha Tong

May Flowers

Easy ways to bring spring into your wardrobe; plus, how to find a scent that's just for you!

Q: I love floral prints, but I'm a little afraid of looking like wallpaper. What's the best way to wear them?

A: Prints that are too small, too large or too busy will most likely resemble upholstery fabrics you’ll want to stay away from.

For basic pieces like skirts and blouses, stick to a medium sized floral print and be sure to pair it with a solid separate—mixing floral patterns or wearing floral separates never looks right. Another good rule of thumb is to go for flowing patterns rather than linear ones. Free-flowing designs give off an easy feminine vibe, while rows of little flowers can look severe and matronly.

The absolute best floral accessory is a Hermes scarf. While pricey (around $300), they’ll look chic forever. You can wear them young to add sophistication and contrast to an edgy outfit (we love them with a distressed leather jacket) or at a more mature age with suits, separates—even Capri pants and a t-shirt! For more budget-friendly designers, try OSCAR by Oscar de la Renta and Banana Republic—they make a variety of attractive scarves for under $75. When shopping, remember that hand-finished scarves look better than machine-finished ones.

HOT TIP: Trust your instincts when trying things on in the dressing room; if you get the wall paper-vibe, try something else in a different size, print and color.

Q: I'd like to start wearing perfume, but I don't want anything too strong. Are there any light, flowery scents I can try?

A: A common complaint from men and co-workers alike is that perfume gives them a headache. Many of us forget that less is definitely more when it comes to wearing scents. Remember two simple rules to avoid going overboard: 1) go easy when spritzing yourself in the morning and 2) try scents that are natural and oil-based, rather than artificial and alcohol-based. Oil-based perfumes interact with your body chemistry in a totally different way and give your scent a more natural diffusion. The Body Shop is an excellent place to create customized perfumes, bath and body products. Their alcohol-free Perfume Oils and Scent-Me Collection are especially designed with your personal tastes in mind. At $10-18, these are a fantastic bargain that offer lots of options. Think of it as perfume couture!

HOT TIP: When perfume shopping, bring a tiny bag of coffee beans with you. After sampling each scent, a whiff of the coffee cleanses your olfactory palate.

Q: I really like pastels, and I think they look great in spring. I have pretty dark skin, so are there shades that work better on me than others?

A: Contrary to popular belief, dark skin can pull off a variety of shades beautifully as long as they are worn in the right combination and season. When selecting colors, an easy way to start is to determine if you want to highlight or contrast existing tones in your hair or skin.

Light pink (as long as you avoid a bubble gum shade) can really bring out a rosy glow in dark skin, and prettily frames the face. Shirts, jackets, scarves and earrings are easy pieces to start experimenting with in this color.

Another color that works well on dark complexions is very light green. Try a powdery shade of lime in a raw silk for a spring suit or shiny cotton for a trench. This is also a hot shade for accessories; bags, shoes and jewelry in this tone will add some nice punch and contrast to dark skin.

HOT TIP: Some colors, like mustards, yellows and lavenders, only work in certain shades, and can otherwise make you look dull or sickly. If you choose clothes in these tones, be sure they wow you when they’re on you—not just on the rack.

Sasha Tong is a New York and Hawaii-based image consultant and freelance writer. She specializes in fashion, wine connoisseurship and modern etiquette.

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