GO MONOCHROMATIC
If basic blues feel too casual, try monochromatic. An all-black look (like Frieda Pinto's) is easy to pull off while an all white ensemble (like Miranda Kerr's) will convey softness. For added oomph in either option, play with mixed textures and materials.
ADD "WOW"-ACCESSORIES
Embrace denim'm natural simplicity and wear your jeans as a blank canvas a la Nikki Reed and Reese Witherspoon. Pair your blues with a clean-cut neutral top that gets dressed up with anything-but-basic accessories.
GET A BOYFRIEND BLAZER
Before you slip on a pair of weekday jeans, consider your workplace and what is appropriate--if you are a banker or a lawyer, you might be limited to twill trousers even on a Casual Friday! But if you work in a more casual profession, try upgrading a sleek pair of jeans with a structured blazer. For a classic look, pair a navy blue jacket (like Emma Stone's number) with dark denim or a bright yellow design (like Emily Van Camp's) with a lighter or acid-washed pair. Think suit and match light colors with light and dark with dark.
EMBRACE SEQUINS
A bit of shimmer is an instant outfit upgrade. If you're a risk-taker (and your office is fashion-forward), try a bolder sequined piece, like Olivia Palermo's eye popping blazer. For a more understated look, try a shimmery top a la Carrie Underwood.
THROW ON A CARDIGAN
Printed sweaters lend charm to a pair of jeans. Look for crafty details that will dress up denim, like Miley Cyrus's semi-sheer style or Emma Roberts's bold zig-zag print.
BUY A SILK BLOUSE
A sweet silk blouse will give your jeans a feminine feel--look for tops with pretty patterns or intricate necklines. If your workplace is more formal, skip distressed denim and go for a crisp pair of dark-wash jeans like Rose Byrne's and Jessica Biel's.
TRY A LITTLE LEATHER JACKET
A cropped leather jacket gives a jeans-and-a-T-shirt look a luxurious spin. Just skip the heavy motorcycle jacket in favor of a cropped fit, like Pippa Middleton's quilted look and Nicole Richie's simple accessories like a great pair of heels and a fun bag.
LOOK FOR A CHIC BUTTON-DOWN
A crisp button-down shirt is a no-fail piece for the office. For a streamlined appearance, tuck a light-hued blouse into matching skinny jeans like Zoe Saldana, then take it to the next level with chic booties and bold eyeglasses. Or, if your workplace is more laid-back, try a simpler version, like Taylor Swift, and add a pop of color with burgundy flats.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
The 10 Most Wearable Spring 2014 Fashion Trends Straight Off the Runway!
Spring 2014 Fashion Weeks have inspired me to start planning my outfits for this spring. Here are the 10 most wearable fashion trends to try!
1. Pretty Pastels: A rainbow of soft springtime shades reigned throughout the collections. The best thing about the pastel trend? You can pick your most-flattering color and wear it with whatever silhouette flatters (and excites) you. From a minty-green board shorts suit to a sexy-CEO lilac dress to sporty baby blue bombers, they sky's the limit on how pastel-happy you want to get.
Shown: Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rebecca Taylor
2. Boxy, Cropped (Non-Moto) Jackets: Yes, your fall wardrobe-staple moto jacket will still serve you well in the spring, but think about adding one of these non-moto jackets to your layering arsenal. The boxy, cropped silhouette can come in a plethora of prints and textures to pair easily with a fit-and-flare or body-con dress, tailored trousers, office-ready skirts, and (of course) your go-to jeans. A girl can never have too many jackets.
Shown: BCBG Max Azria, Rebecca Minkoff, Thakoon
3. Contrast-Collar Button-Downs: The crisp, menswear-inspired dress shirt enjoys a makeover with inventively cool, contrasting color and/or textured collars and cuffs. This elevated wardrobe essential is perfect for sneakily kicking up your work outfit (just make sure to button up all the way!).
Shown: Alexander Wang, Costello Tagliapietra, Altuzarra
4. Wide-Leg Trousers: East to wear and ultra-chic, billowy wide-leg trousers made a huge showing on the spring runways. I know what you're thinking…..and, no, this trend isn't just for six-foot-tall supermodels, I swear! Just look for a pair that's leaner on the flare and higher-waisted to elongate your frame.
Shown: BCBG Max Azria, Trina Turk, Rosie Assoulin
5. Cool Bomber Jackets: The sporty layering pieces get edgier for spring with adventurously colorful prints, luxe textures and fabrics, and sporty-cool detailing--like mesh weaving and perforations. Like its cousin the moto jacket, the bomber is ultra versatile to temper the girlies of a dress or complement the athletic chicness of dressy shorts.
Shown: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly, Tracy Reese
6. Tea-Length Skirts: While the miniskirt may be the ultimate transition piece, the tea-length--between midi and maxi (yes, it's starting to get that specific)--if it for spring. The ladylike hemming can be just as modern as a mini; pair it with a cropped top to offset the length (and make you look taller!). Of course, you could also get the look with a breezy tea-length dress, but keep it modern and sexy by baring some arm (and maybe a little shoulder).
Shown: Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler
7. Sweater Dressing: Along with the not-going-anywhere crop top, spring knits make for this season's staple separate. Whether it's bold printed or inventively cut, the seasonal sweater is an easy-chic piece to pair with tailored pants, flirty skirts, and blousy shorts--or just throw on over a light dress.
Shown: Trina Turk, Altuzarra, Mara Hoffman
8. Tuxedo-Meets-Athletic-Striped Trousers: The athletic stripe smartens up with tuxedo detailing on these sporty-meets-sophisticated tailored trousers. It's really all in the styling. To keep the look modern but refined, opt for a streamlined silhouette in unexpected white (black is so traditional) and pair the pants with a casual non-button-down top. Or take inspiration from Costello Taglipietra's "reverse tuxedo," with striping that runs along the inseam instead.
Shown: J.Crew, Costello Taglipietra, BLK DNM
9. The Shift Blouse: Almost like a dressy version of a T-shirt, the shift blouse is easy (but so much more sophisticated!). The near-elbow-length sleeve and boxy silhouette keep the look flattering and versatile. Have some fun with extra details, like exciting prints, luxurious textures, and varying necklines.
Shown: Cynthia Rowley, Clover Canyon, Calvin Klein
10. Collarless Coats: Another strong spring layering piece: the long, streamlined coat, minus the collar or lapel. You could always go safe with a neutral or solid color, but take a risk with fun prints or embellished denim. The piece that works with dressy trousers or a pencil skirt for the office, or spring leather pants or a body-con dress for a date-night outfit idea.
Shown: J.Crew, Rachel Zoe, Clover Canyon
Monday, February 24, 2014
Easy Styling Tip for Winter Accessories
It can be tricky to look pulled together when bundling up to face the elements. The easiest way to manage this? Make sure your accessories match!
Just the way the right jewelry can tie an outfit together, balancing your winter accessories will keep your outer layers looking polished. Try a matching set (hat, gloves and scarf) in a neutral or a color that complements your coat--it's a foolproof way to stay chic despite the weather.
Just the way the right jewelry can tie an outfit together, balancing your winter accessories will keep your outer layers looking polished. Try a matching set (hat, gloves and scarf) in a neutral or a color that complements your coat--it's a foolproof way to stay chic despite the weather.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
SNOW BOOTS YOU CAN WEAR ALL DAY!
No one should have to sacrifice style when snow starts to fall. I've selected the top all-weather boots to keep you warm and chic on the streets (and indoors).
Hunter x Rag & Bone, $295
Chloe, $1,019
Isabel Marant, $840
Jimmy Choo, $375
Doc Marten, $135
Gucci, $839
LL Bean Signature, $199
UGG Australia, $175
See by Chloe, $640
Sperry Topsider, $77
Tretorn, $110
Monday, February 17, 2014
10 Cozy Pieces to Refresh Your Winter Wardrobe
I have a confession to make: I've been dreaming about a spending spree. Maybe it's the fact that I've been wearing my winter staples for months now (along with my Long Johns), or maybe that little groundhog and his nonexistent shadow got me pining for spring, but either way, a hole is waiting to be burned into my parka pockets. Unfortunately, logging onto Shopbop and ordering up a whole closetful of new cold-weather threads isn't exactly the most practical move--especially when I've got rent to pay.
So, to cure that craving and keep from going broke, I've narrowed down the selection and picked out my absolute favorite pieces that'll work overtime. This handy guide will help you figure out just what you need to bring a second life to your trustiest winter pieces. From a bright beanie to some snazzy sneakers, each of these goodies will feed your fashion fire, without forcing you to cut up your credit cards.
So, to cure that craving and keep from going broke, I've narrowed down the selection and picked out my absolute favorite pieces that'll work overtime. This handy guide will help you figure out just what you need to bring a second life to your trustiest winter pieces. From a bright beanie to some snazzy sneakers, each of these goodies will feed your fashion fire, without forcing you to cut up your credit cards.
Snazzy Cheetah Sneakers, Supra, $90
Bright Colored Beanie, TopShop, $24
Funky Boot, Forever 21, $33
Skinny Denim, Madewell, $88
Coat, Chicnova, $395
Blazer, Zara, $169
Cheeky Socks, Nordstrom, $8
Statement Necklace, J.Crew, $148
Tech Gloves, C.Wonder, $15
Zig Zag Sweater, Sonia Rykiel, $230
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
6 Finds for a Flirty Valentine's Day Outfit
Searching for something special to wear? You're bound to fall for one these pretty styles.
Loft Pleated Short Sleeve Top
Want a look that evokes romance without having to try too hard? Simply throw on this pleated polyester blouse, pull up your hair, and add sparkly earrings.
Mango Pleated Layer Dress
For a no-fuss big-night-out ensemble, slip into this viscose halter style. Complete the look with a tuxedo blazer, bold lips, and metallic jewelry.
J.Crew Floral Lace Stripe Skirt
Playfully charming with its peekaboo lace and preppy stripes, this cotton-glen skirt manages to be girly and elegant all at once. For a dressy dinner, pair it with a silky blouse, opaque tights, and booties.
Forever 21 Shine On Georgette Blouse
Even if date night consists of just a low-key dinner and a movie, this embellished top allows you to look extra special yet still be comfortable.
Chloe + Isabel Crystal Pave Link Long Drop Earrings
These dramatic crystal danglers are sure to turn heads.
Shoedazzle Laken by Leila Stone
Knockout faux-stingray heels are guaranteed to look sexy, no matter what you wear them with--a cocktail dress, wool trousers, or jeans.
Monday, February 10, 2014
How to Play Up Pastels
With spring showcasing muted and pale apparel, footwear and accessories have the opportunity to take center stage. Aubrey Plaza, for instance, styled her Oscar de la Renta pastel skirted dress to perfection with a box clutch in a bolder shade and statement shoes. The abstract print pumps added texture to the colorblock gown. The split complementary color scheme promised a harmonious look.
(Moschino Mini Satin Clutch with Crystal,$155; Ted Baker 'Morelle' Dress in Pale Green, $375; Manolo Blahnik BB Floral Print Pumps, $655)
Achieve a comparable look by selecting accessories in a lower value (darker shade) of your dress or blouse. When considering florals, a safe bet for those with a classic style is to choose an analogous palette, like the one above, or mostly similar colors with subtle emphasis, like Aubrey's look. However, if you tend to teeter on the edgy side, dare to add more contrast. In either case, here are some more footwear options (in case Manolos are a wee bit out of your budget):
(Moschino Mini Satin Clutch with Crystal,$155; Ted Baker 'Morelle' Dress in Pale Green, $375; Manolo Blahnik BB Floral Print Pumps, $655)
Achieve a comparable look by selecting accessories in a lower value (darker shade) of your dress or blouse. When considering florals, a safe bet for those with a classic style is to choose an analogous palette, like the one above, or mostly similar colors with subtle emphasis, like Aubrey's look. However, if you tend to teeter on the edgy side, dare to add more contrast. In either case, here are some more footwear options (in case Manolos are a wee bit out of your budget):
(Row 1: Mossimo 'Shari' Ankle Strap Heels, $29.99; Ivanka Trump 'Delmar3' Pointed Toe Pumps, $130; GUESS Plasmas Pointed Toe Floral Pumps, $99; Row 2: T.J. Maxx Designer Floral Print Heels, $34.99; Kate Spade New York 'Lillia' Floral Print Silk Bow Pump, $328)
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