Figure Flattery-Petites

Rachel Bilson is such a fashion giant, it's easy to forget that she's only 5-foot-1. How does she do it? It's all about fit!

The vertical lines on this minidress keep the eye going up and down for a long, lean look.

A blouson maxi dress would overpower a less-than-towering type, but wear one with a slim-fitting bodice and the result is a slimming success.

Head-to-toe nude gave the illusion of legs (and a body) that go on forever.

A micro hemline is a great way to make legs appear miles long.

A cropped jacket was the perfect topper to a multi-print dress. The key measurements? A flawless fit through the shoulders and a hemline that hit right at the hipbone.

SPRING 2014 STREET STYLE: STATEMENT PUMPS

You can't go wrong with a pair of pointy pumps and  these days, there's no shortage of interesting takes on the classic. Women at the spring 2014 runway shows have been wearing their boldest pairs with minimalist skirts or slouchy-straight jeans for a cool contrast. Feeling this combo? Some of my favorites are right here...

THE LOOK: BOLD-COLOR PUMPS

Ultra-bright colors or metallic look great worm with no-fuss denim and neutral pieces.

 

Topshop Slipper Pumps, $100



 

THE LOOK: LEOPARD-PRINT PUMPS

Classic animal print pumps add a gorgeous pop of pattern to fall's basic black and white looks.

 

Jeffrey Campbell Darling Pumps, $155

 

 

THE LOOK: CRYSTAL-COVERED PUMPS

For an uber-glam update to work-appropriate skirts or basic jeans go for a pair of fun crystal-covered heels.

 

Boutique 9 Milana Crystal Pumps, $190

Giuseppe Zanotti Ester Crystallized Pumps, $1495

Absolute favorite...a girl can dream!

 

 

HOW TO WEAR A TURTLENECK

The turtleneck sweater is back and chicer than ever this season. Since we live in Minnesota with cooler temps why not jump ahead to next fall's trend?! If you are eager to nail the trend in an unexpected yet glamorous fashion, check out three iconic looks from the pre-fall 2014 shows for flawless styling ideas!

INSPIRATION: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pre-Fall 2014

Make an unexpected statement by taking a basic black turtleneck dress to the next level via metallic jacket or sweatshirt. I adore the pop of color and contrast of textures featured in this look.

GET THE LOOK:

Benitez Jacket, Pinko, $525
Ribbed Dress, Zara, $50
Shearling Cross Body, Foley + Corinna, $225
Microfiber Tights, J.Jill, $16
Ankle-Wrap Booties, Prada, $695


INSPIRATION: Erdem Pre-Fall 2014

Get girly by teaming a cashmere turtleneck with a floral sweater and full skirt combo the way that Erdem did for pre-fall. An appropriate look for a family brunch or other daytime activities, I'm giving this creative take on the turtleneck trend two thumbs up!

GET THE LOOK:

Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater, 360 Cashmere, $348
Embroidered Sweatshirt, McQ Alexander McQueen, $348
Simona Full Skirt, Tibi, $395
Patent Leather Pumps, Gucci, $695


INSPIRATION: Prabal Gurung Pre-Fall 2014

Sleek and sexy, Prabal Gurung pre-fall 2014 nails a stunning nighttime look. A fierce alternative to your average cocktail dress, this perfect pairing assures head-turning results (especially when teamed with a shimmery red pucker).

GET THE LOOK:

Tuxedo Blazer, Maison Martin Margiela, $2375
Turtleneck Jumper, Damir Doma, $485
Fitted Trousers, Reiss, $220
Lipstick in Berry Shimmer, Bobbie Brown, $25
Jeweled Pumps, Miu Miu, $990

trend to try: dress up a graphic tee

Channel Burberry's Pre-Fall Look on a Budget

INSPIRATION: BURBERRY PRE-FALL 2014

Few things in life are as thrilling as a new trend that is super stylish and easy to execute. Exhibit A: Burberry's casual graphic tee and chic pencil skirt combo from pre-fall 2014. I'll show you how to channel the fresh, unexpected look here with a roundup of pretty pieces that don't cost a pretty penny!

GET THE LOOK:

GRAPHIC TEE-Can't speak French? Let this soft statement tee do the talking!
zoe karssen merci t-shirt, $75

BAROQUE PENCIL SKIRT-The classic pencil skirt receives a lux update in this body-con piece with a textured surface.
topshop, $56

LACE-UP SANDALS-Transition from winter to spring seamlessly with these lovely lace-up sandals that can be worn with jeans, a skirt and everything in between.
nine west lacey pump, $99

FAUX FUR COAT-This cropped faux fur coat will add an instant element of glamour to a basic tee.
topshop, $158

BOWLING BAG- Carry a classic handbag like this bowling-shaped beaute to streamline your look and keep the focus on the trend at hand.
zara, $129

NUDE NAIL POLISH-Formulated for sensitive skin, this limited edition nude hue will start your mani off on a clean slate for 2014.
clinique polish in pajama party, $13

 

 

 

HOT TOPIC: How to wear flared jeans

Flared jeans are perennially in style, and it’s a good thing—the cut fits and flatters every body type by balancing out proportions. Wondering how to pull off the silhouette? 

Here are three simple tips:

• The hem should just touch the floor. Too long and the flares will “break” at your ankles. Too short, and silhouette will have the effect of making your legs look shorter, rather than longer.

• Pointy-toed shoes, whether flat or heels, are a good pairing with flares. The tips of the shoes will just peak out from underneath the hem, so you won’t look like your feet are missing.

• Wear flares with something modern—like a sleek sweater or cropped blazer—to steer clear of an overly retro look.

OPEN-KNIT SWEATERS

Why you'll LOVE it…

Play up this mohair-like top's texture and layer over a sharp-collared blouse for contrast.

 Dorothy Perkins, $49.

Wear this cream-colored shell and a flowing midi skirt for a cozy-chic look.

American Eagle Outfitters, $80.

Team this streamlined midnight blue knit with a slinky tank and leather pants for a night out.

Mango, $70.

Angular stitching avoids a bulky look and lends a figure-flattery element to this slouchy sweater.

H&M, $80.

A top that plays with a crochet-style knit is perfect for weekend wear.

Mango, $60.

Flattering Fitness Wear

Whether you are a triathlete or more of a movie marathoner, you deserve to look cute while working out. I've found the best gymwear for every body type, from major curves to straight and narrow.

TALL
Sick of ankle-flashing yoga pants and wrist-revealing tops? Long Tall Sally makes their must-have leggings with a whopping 36" inseam (and super-flattering cross-over waistband), so you'll never have another high-water workout. Top it off with their won't-ride-up, extra-long hoodie.

Long Tall Sally Fleece Hoodie, $99
Long Tall Sally Slim-Leg Yoga Pant, $55


APPLE-SHAPED
If your stomach is not your favorite stretch of skin to flash choose Moving Comfort's tank with its curve-disguising ombre shading and flattering side-ruching.  Then show off a pair of well-muscled legs with capri-style Patagonia leggings in a bold purple.

Moving Comfort Tank, $48
Patagonia Leggings, $59


SMALL CHEST
Amp up your assets with a ruched workout top from Athleta. Bonus: With its built-in 50+ SPF coverage and wick-away fabrication, this zip-front works as well in water as it does at the yoga studio! Add adorable bright yellow high performance shorts from Adidas by Stella McCartney for a fin colorblock effect.

Athleta Top, $55
Adidas by Stella McCartney Shorts, $84


PEAR-SHAPED
Camouflage wider hips with these clever Adidas by Stella McCartney bottoms with an attached miniskirt. Then, make the most of your svelte upper body with an eco-friendly Alo bra top in eye-popping orange. Finish it off with a hoodie and you're done!

Alo Running Tech Bra, $45
Stella McCartney Track Pants, $100


BUSTY
No need to double or triple up when it comes to this Panache sports bra! The chic colorblock design has contoured cups to cut down on the dreaded bounce, padded underwire and soft shoulder straps. Not only that it goes up to an H cup! Pair it with yoga pants from Quicksilver and a simple tee for a can't-miss combo.

Panache Sports Bra, $68
Quicksilver Foldover Yoga Pants, $45

 

 

 

Happy New Year!