Whether you've been enjoying good-for-you activities in the great outdoors or indulging in glow-enhancing produce from the farmer's market, the high summer season is always a good time to break out your most daring, skin-baring silhouettes. Enter: the cutout dress. Don't have one in your arena just yet? Flaunt your favorite feature with these different takes on the trend.
SHOW OFF YOUR ABS
A subtle center cutout lets you flaunt your toned tummy in an elegant way.
Floral Print A-Line dress, Topshop $110
SHOW OFF YOUR ARMS
A barely-there neckline draws attention to your gorgeous clavicle, shoulders and arms.
White Backless dress with zipper, Choies $35
SHOW OFF YOUR OBLIQUES
Put your strong core and curves on display with some major negative space.
Stretch Jersey Cutout dress, Cushnie Et Ochs $1595
SHOW OFF YOUR LEGS
A front-facing split gives your toned gams a moment in the spotlight.
Asymmetric Jersey Maxi dress, Helmut Lang $275
SHOW OFF YOUR BACK
Indulge in a party-in-the-back moment with this super-flattering cutout detail.
Novak Dress with Cutout Back, Preen $1255
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
4 Ways to Put a Summertime Spin on Your LBD
If you were convinced that your favorite little black dress was only allowed out on fall evenings, think again. The flattering investment piece should remain front and center all year round. Here are 4 glamorous ways to style your favorite LBD this summer.
DAYTIME DATE
A chic and easy outfit idea for midday drinks or an afternoon hangout, a baby doll frock with ombre aviators and statement sandals makes for a laid-back take on date night style.
Large aviator sunglasses, Ray Ban $258
Fleece bonded motorcycle jacket, T by Alexander Wang $1350
Baxter dress, Rachel Zoe $250
Nail polish in Jungle Red, NARS $19
Meccano stiletto sandals, Sergio Rossi $1295
9-5 Style
Embrace a warmer climate while remaining office appropriate in this trendy tuxedo dress. Add a crisp blazer and flats for a professionally glamorous outcome.
Ginka twill blazer, Paul & Joe $825
Liquid gold thin collar, Alexis Bittar $195
Easton dress, Rachel Zoe $375
Glossed-leather shoulder bag, Marni $1370
Textured leather flats, Nicholas Kirkwood $395
COCKTAIL GLAM
Look to this perfect pairing as the prototype for black tie style done right. Whether you're headed to a summer wedding or need a smoldering outfit idea, give a single-sleeve LBD a warm weather update via bright accessories and solid gold accoutrements.
Eyeliner pen, YSL $34
One sleeve draped dress, Rachel Zoe $295
Geometric ribbon cuff bracelet, Alexis Bittar $295
Hitch on cutout leather pumps, Valentino $1145
Instant cool ponytail holder, Mrs. President & Co. $54
CHIC & SPORTY
Give your LBD an athletic revamp by wearing it this season with a lightweight bomber and sporty accessories that can transition from summer to fall.
Leather paneled satin bomber, Zoe Karssen $500
Doutzen swing dress, Rachel Zoe $350
Leather trimmed sunglasses, The Row $445
Skimmies short length slipshort, Jockey $20
The Pashli mini messenger shoulder bag, 3.1 Phillip Lim $895
Leather strap sliders, Topshop $75
Monday, July 28, 2014
handbags: 2 cool ways to rock a statement bag
The Tricky Accessory Trend Decoded
The next time you plan to invest in a new handbag, resist the temptation of simple silhouettes rendered in neutral hues and dare to break the cycle with a mixed media satchel instead! Whether it be jewel-embellished or fashioned in bright, eye-catching color (or both!), the tricky trend is actually effortless to work into your outfit, with the right styling tips of course.
LUXE CRUSH
Introducing my obsession du jour: Giancarlo Petriglia's embellished mini bags! See how I'm styling them for two glamorous occasions here.
Embroidered Snakeskin and Leather Bag in Multi or Blue, $1975
Daytime Style
A chic way to amp up your office attire, this embellished carryall looks best worn during the day with crisp separates in pastel shades.
Simona jacquard cropped top, Tibi $345; Love me dew lip crayon in Purple Currant, Laura Geller $16; Alice White crepe midi skirt, Missguided $27; Cara ankle strap sandals, Carvela Kurt Geiger $185
Girls Night Out
Thursday, July 24, 2014
Summer Style: 10 International Shopping Sites You Need to Know
HOT TO SHOP THE WORL FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR COUCH
Fashion-obsessive confession: when traveling in a faraway land, a day of “sightseeing” is pretty much always girl code for “shopping trip” — I can’t help but feel that one of the best ways to get fully immersed in a foreign culture is by way of retail.
And for those whose summer schedule doesn’t include an international jaunt, these 10 e-commerce destinations – based in France, Poland and Spain among others with U.S. shipping options at the ready — are just as good as an in-person visit, without the added cost of air-travel. Your closet (and wallet) will thank you.
Sezane
If it’s effortless Parisian style you’re after (think simple, tailored tees, drop-waist dresses and fine leather accessories), then Sezane is the place for you. Plus, the Pinterest-esque layout is full of outfit inspiration you can trust on the bleariest of Monday mornings.
http://www.sezane.com
Valery Demure
Valery Demure turns to watercolor illustrations in lieu of the standard issue model shot to show off a curated assortment of wearable masterpieces (vintage and contemporary jewels, quirky eyewear, modern millinery). The London-based firm also offers representation and support to up-and-comers in the accessories world.
http://www.valerydemure.com/shop/
Magnolia Antic
In the realm of online shopping, few addresses embody their brick-and-mortar counterparts quite like Magnolia Antic. Though you won’t find the breathtaking assortment of antiques and home decor offerings online, the collection of beautifully tailored silk separates paints a very accurate picture.
http://magnoliaantic.es/en/home
Runway Bandits
Skewing a little on the younger side, Runway Bandits is a godsend when attempting to hunt down fun and affordable seasonal pieces that won't break the bank. You’ll be hard pressed to find anything that’s not certifiably adorable or priced above $50.
http://www.runwaybandits.com
French Trotters
A mixed bag of home goods, accessories and apparel for him and her, French Trotters (a play on “French” and “globe-trotters”) is a one-stop-shop for tastefully curated goods. The in-house line of chic basics has all the makings of the ideal wardrobe.
http://www.frenchtrotters.fr/boutique/en/
Nallik
Relying predominantly on precious and semi-precious stones (quartz, turquoise, citrine), Nallik is of the belief that keeping minerals close has a positive effect on body and soul. Seeing the bevy of dreamy pendants on offer made believers out of us in seconds flat.
http://nallik.de/en/home/?cur=1
LN-CC
Short for Late Night Chameleon CafĂ©, LN-CC’s by appointment only freestanding location is more of an interactive gallery space than shop, featuring a variety of exhibits, performances and a curated assortment of design-y apparel (think ACNE, Rick Owens and Yohji Yamamoto). But don’t book your trip across the pond just yet: the space is closed for renovations all summer, but luckily, the online shop is open 24/7.
http://www.ln-cc.com/en/northamerica/home/home/page/home
Thisispaper Shop
Thisispaper's virtual storefront is a study in thoughtful minimalism and craftsmanship. Whether it’s a wooden soup ladle, hand-knit booties for the whole fam or the signature rucksacks – each one is made to order by hand in their Warsaw studio -- you can be sure your purchase has a story to tell.
http://thisispapershop.com
Aritzia
30 years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, I will prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop over $100).
http://us.aritzia.com
Esther
Trend-driven (no lack of sheer panels and strategically-placed cutouts here) and refreshingly budget-friendly, this Aussie shop is pure fun. But don't write it off as another pretty face: Esther pledges $1 from every sale to one of three charities and gives customers the option to up their donation at checkout. Shopping for a cause never looked so good.
www.esther.com.au
http://www.esther.com.auTrend-driven (no lack of sheer panels and strategically-placed cutouts here) and refreshingly budget-friendly, this Aussie shop is pure fun. But don’t write it off as just another pretty face: Esther pledges $1 from every sale to one of three charities and gives customers the option to up their donation at checkout. Shopping for a cause never looked so good. 30 years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, we still prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop over $100). 30 years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, we still prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop over $100).
30 years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, we still prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop over $100). 30 years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, we still prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop over $100). years into its existence and Canadian-born Aritzia is still knocking it out of the park with thoughtful assortments of fashion favorites and under-the radar newbies like Paradise Mine and Sunday Best. Though plenty of freestanding locations have opened stateside, we still prefer to peruse the virtual shelves (shipping is free if you drop
Trend-driven (no lack of sheer panels and strategically-placed cutouts here) and refreshingly budget-friendly, this Aussie shop is pure fun. But don’t write it off as just another pretty face: Esther pledges $1 from every sale to one of three charities and gives customers the option to up their donation at checkout. Shopping fo
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Summer Hats
Hats on! 9 Picks to Top Off Your Summertime Look
The best part about a new season is when it welcomes a sometimes forgotten about accessory. You know, like that "Oh, yeah!" epiphany when you pull something out of your closet that you had forgotten about for months on end. And as much as I love a good boot in the winter, nothing makes a statement quite like a hat.
Hats come summertime serve more than one purpose. They're stylish and they protect you from the sun. So it's ultimate win-win. To help you gear up for the hottest days of the ear that are yet to come, I shopped for hats that are instant outfit makers. Whether you're a floppy hat kinda girl, you go for chic Panamas, or you love the good 'ol classic baseball silhouette, here you'll find a hat that will top off your beach look with style and ease--literally.
From top: Gap, $30; Aldo, $25; Zimmerman, $65; Tory Burch, $250; Club Monaco, $80; Joe Fresh, $29; Asos, $29; J.Crew, $33; Eugenia Kim, $265, forwardforward.com
Monday, July 21, 2014
4 GLAM WAYS TO WEAR ANIMAL PRINTS DURING THE DAY
Dare to dust off what you consider your ‘evening only’ animal prints and integrate them into your daytime ensemble immediately. With a few styling tips from me, you’ll be wearing your favorite faux skins everywhere from the office to an alfresco brunch.
HOUSE OF HOLLAND RESORT 2015 |
4 Fierce Additions To Your Wardrobe
1. The Relaxed Jumpsuit
A relaxed jumpsuit can be taken from day to night with ease. Team it with a neutral clutch and flat sandals for daytime wear and then swap them out for a metallic crossbody and ankle strap heels for nighttime.
Waterproof eyeliner in Bleu Acqua, YSL $30; Snake print jumpsuit, Bardot $130; Wrap around detail clutch, ASOS $23; Arc necklace, Kristen Elspeth $146; Barigoule sandal, K.Jacques St. Tropez $270
2. The Nine-To-Five Skirt
For a more conservative take on exotic skins, reach for a pattern in black and white. This skirt-and-blouse combo is a chic and subdued way to rock animal prints at the office, just add a blazer for extra coverage.
Talitha stud earrings, Erickson Beamon $378; Arden color block tank, Tibi $255; Matte lip liquid in Exotic, Illamasqua $26; Leopard print pencil skirt, Roberto Cavalli $672; Jamie sandals, Rachel Zoe $375
3. The Statement Sandal
If you're working with a mixed media sandal, especially when rendered in a bold print, pair it with your most minimalist outfit. Although, a metallic jacket never hurt nobody!
Metallic finish jacket, H&M $50; Rocha tank top, Toteme $313; Studded fringed leather sandals, Aquazzura $945; Gel shine nail lacquer in Nuit, Dior $25; Textured culottes, Topshop $100
4. The Flattering One Piece
Feminine, flattering, and a far more conservative way to rock animal prints by the pool, this leopard one piece is the epitome of a necessary summer investment. For added va-va-voom appeal, don't forget your red lipstick.
Le femme sunglasses, Wildfox $169; Writer animal-print swimsuit, Zimmermann $350; Lip color in Reckless, Tom Ford $50; Marmy scallop sandal, Loeffler Randall $195; Tan light, Madame LA LA $49
Thursday, July 17, 2014
FAIL-PROOF OUTFITS FOR A WEDDING WEEKEND
Chances are that at least one of the weddings you’re attending this season will be a weekend-long affair. In addition to the ceremony itself, there’s the rehearsal dinner, and the post-wedding brunch, which means you’ll need to put in a little thought before packing that weekend bag. Not to fear, we’ve found 3 fail-proof ensembles to ensure you have a very chic weekend.
Rehearsal Dinner
Keep it simple with a chic black jumpsuit that will be easy to pull out of your bag on arrival. Dress it up with leopard pumps, a matte wine lip and gold-toned accessories.
Gracie strappy jumpsuit, Whistles $195; Gold chain link necklace, Guess $28; Box clutch, Natasha Couture $38; Art stick, Bobbi Brown $26; Leopard suede pumps, Manolo Blahnik $595
Wedding
A romantic dress in periwinkle blue is elegant enough to carry you through the afternoon-to-evening festivities. Add interest with intricate, heeled sandals and a trellice clutch, and finish with a navy smokey eye and chandelier earrings.
Silk swing twist dress, Zimmermann $470; Pointed crystal earrings, Tom Binns $225; Eyeshadow palette navy, Dior Beauty $60; Trish handbag, Franchi $262; Maree sandal, Steve Madden $65
Post-Wedding Brunch
What with a late night, checking out of the hotel room, and a long trip home looming on the horizon, the last thing you want to worry about is looking pulled together at the family brunch. Opt for a colorful shorts suit in a wrinkle-resistant fabric and add muted grey accessories for added polish. Then just switch shorts for jeans for the ride/flight home.
Cardigan with patch pockets, Zara $119; Pleated tank, Joe Fresh $24; Yellow tweed shorts, Zara $60; Quilted leather cross body bag, Salvatore Ferragamo $850; Double strap flat sandal, Maiyet $595
Monday, July 14, 2014
7 Outfit-Making Summer Totes, Inspired by the Stars
FOR CASUAL FRIDAYS
Got a more creative workspace, like Jessica Alba's The Honest Company? Add a jolt of color to your black-and-white separates (work prints in for a more playful 'tude) with a vibrant vermillion tote.
FOR RUNNING ERRANDS
Tote everything you need for the day in a carryall that perfectly accents your outfit's color palette. In Camilla Belle's case--nautical blue.
FOR A LAIDBACK DINNER
Take a cue from model Karlie Kloss and sweeten up an all black look with bag washed in pretty pale pink.
FOR A FUN BRUNCH DATE
Toughen up your look with a tote that boasts a camouflage print and studs. sustain the aesthetic with distressed jeans, a la Katie Holmes, and offset it with a softer print.
FOR THE OFFICE
The key to a sleek (and sensible!) carryall is a structured shape, like Margot Robbie's. But all work and no play makes for an uninspired outfit, so inject a playful print and a tiny hint of glint.
FOR A COFFEE RUN
Look to a boxy silhouette to instantly elevate a pair of playful overalls (or shortfalls). Olivia Palermo did that and more, also accessorizing with cool studded frames and smoking slippers.
FOR SCHOOL DROP-OFFS
A slouchy shopper is the perfect add-on to a quick-and-easy (and still chic) ensemble during the early morning dash to get the kids to school on time. Take a style cue from Sarah Jessica Parker who, as a mother of three, has got the drill down pat.
Got a more creative workspace, like Jessica Alba's The Honest Company? Add a jolt of color to your black-and-white separates (work prints in for a more playful 'tude) with a vibrant vermillion tote.
Tote: Michael Kors, $300
Top: Dorothy Perkins, $25
Pants: Oasis, $62
Pumps: Nine West, $79
FOR RUNNING ERRANDS
Tote everything you need for the day in a carryall that perfectly accents your outfit's color palette. In Camilla Belle's case--nautical blue.
Tote: Clare Vivier, $380
Headwrap: Ban.Do, $20, shopbando.com
Polo: Uniqlo, $10
Jeans: Current/Elliott, $325
Flats: Toms, $59
FOR A LAIDBACK DINNER
Take a cue from model Karlie Kloss and sweeten up an all black look with bag washed in pretty pale pink.
Tote: Coach, $298
Top: Wilfred, $90, aritzia.com
Jeans: DL1961, $178, dl1961.com
Sandals: Dolce Vita, $109
FOR A FUN BRUNCH DATE
Toughen up your look with a tote that boasts a camouflage print and studs. sustain the aesthetic with distressed jeans, a la Katie Holmes, and offset it with a softer print.
Tote: Valentino, $1,545
Hat: Sole Society, $23
Top: Zara, $70
Jeans: Genetic, $232
Sandals: Loft, $80
FOR THE OFFICE
The key to a sleek (and sensible!) carryall is a structured shape, like Margot Robbie's. But all work and no play makes for an uninspired outfit, so inject a playful print and a tiny hint of glint.
Tote: Rebecca Minkoff, $255
Top: Equipment, $248
Pants: French Connection, $130
Sandals: Loeffler Randall, $207, loefflerrandall.com
FOR A COFFEE RUN
Look to a boxy silhouette to instantly elevate a pair of playful overalls (or shortfalls). Olivia Palermo did that and more, also accessorizing with cool studded frames and smoking slippers.
Tote: Zara, $100
Sunglasses: Italia Independent, $247
Top: Alice + Olivia, $176
Shortalls: American Eagle, $40
Flats: Stubbs & Wootton for J.Crew, $400
FOR SCHOOL DROP-OFFS
A slouchy shopper is the perfect add-on to a quick-and-easy (and still chic) ensemble during the early morning dash to get the kids to school on time. Take a style cue from Sarah Jessica Parker who, as a mother of three, has got the drill down pat.
Tote: Baggu, $160
Sunglasses: Michael Kors, $126
Sweatshirt: Gap, $32
Jeans: J Brand, $218
Flats: Repetto, $259, repetto.com
Thursday, July 10, 2014
THE WEEKEND UNIFORM
Gear up for pool party season with 10 sexy suits to soak up the sun in! Whether you prefer chic one-pieces with plunging necklines or barely-there bikinis in bright, fun prints, you’re bound to find your next warm weather investment amidst this backyard-appropriate assortment.
Mazzy Cutout Bikini, Agent Provocateur, $390
Chain Trimmed Cutout Swimsuit, Jason Wu, $660
Scalloped Bandeau Swimsuit, Marysia, $256
Sterlitzia Deep V One Piece, We Are Handsome, $275
Floral Print One Piece, Suboo, $198
Tiga Reversible Bikini, Shimmi, $180
Kahala Bikini, Mikoh, $180
Desert Springs Tank One Piece, Seafolly, $181
Deep U Shape One Piece, Bantu, $185
Hydra Perforated Halter Bikini, Zimmermann, $260
Mazzy Cutout Bikini, Agent Provocateur, $390
Chain Trimmed Cutout Swimsuit, Jason Wu, $660
Scalloped Bandeau Swimsuit, Marysia, $256
Sterlitzia Deep V One Piece, We Are Handsome, $275
Floral Print One Piece, Suboo, $198
Tiga Reversible Bikini, Shimmi, $180
Kahala Bikini, Mikoh, $180
Desert Springs Tank One Piece, Seafolly, $181
Deep U Shape One Piece, Bantu, $185
Hydra Perforated Halter Bikini, Zimmermann, $260
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