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.

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.

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):

(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)

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Top 10 Spring Trends

Here's what you might want to keep your eyes for during the Spring 2014 season:


1. Pinks- in shades ranging from blush to anything but shy.


2. White with Black- Seen all over the red carpet, the opposing colors are "partners in style."


3. Shirt Chic- "Keep cool under the collar." Olivia Wilde exudes coolness in her fashion forward collared ensemble.



4. Short Stories- Tops and bottoms get the crop. Jessica Alba so flawlessly demonstrates.



5. Backpacks- Like Net-a-Porter's prediction, I also foresee the rise of backpacks in styles that more refined than roughing it.



6. Summer Booties- Straps and cutouts keep it cool.



7. Layered Bracelets- All eyes on the wrist, Bella Thorne does just that.



8. Artistic Prints- Build a collection…Don't mind if I do!



9. The Pink Lip- The color on everyone's lips.



10. Denim on Denim- Alessandro Ambrosio paves the way by rocking the blues from head to toe.

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

how to build a wardrobe

Every great, high-functioning closet begins with a foundation of essentials that always work. Here, the building blocks for yours.


If you spend most of your time on your feet:
What your wardrobe should look like: 50% work staples, 40% casual basics, 10% dressy items.

Practical yet refined pieces are ideal for those who need to be comfortable and professional. Teachers, salespeople, frequents travelers; that's you. Good additions to these staples: a classic trench, ankle-length pants in a ponte knit, and a colorful cardigan.

Wedge booties. Shock-absorbing saviors that up the cool quotient of skirts and pants.
Long pendant. Jazzes up any outfit
Stretch-with-you dress. As flattering as a wrap, but with no risk of peep show.
Knit skirt. This nonclingly, knee length pick just skims the body.
Shape-shifting belt. Stash it in your bag to change up your outfit in seconds.
Just-big-enough tote. Lug your life without weighing yourself down.
Flowy top. V-necked, cap sleeve, and versatile, whether it's tucked in or worn loose.


If you spend most of you time at the office:
What your wardrobe should look like
60% work staples, 30% dressy items, 10% casual basics

Stick with classics, but stand out from the working stiffs by peppering a subdued palette with jewel tones, like ruby and sapphire. Other team players: a crisp white shirt, a tailored blazer, and a knee-length skirt.

Carryall with cachet. Professional polish doesn't require a corner-office paycheck.
Do-it-all sheath. Today's version of power dressing also works after hours.
Sharp watch. Because when you pull out your smartphone for a time check, you look as if you're slacking off.
Workhorse black pants. Understated enough to wear to death, and the drapey fit makes button-downs chic.
Bold collarbone-grazing necklace. It's the ideal length for modest necklines.
Bow blouse. Softens the corporate vibe of pencil skirts.
Neutral heels. Conservative? Yes. Boring? No way.


If you spend most of your time out and about:
What your wardrobe should look like
40% dressy items, 30% casual basics, 30% work staples.

There always seems to be a dinner, a work event, a casual get-together, or a big bash to go to. That means you need dressed-up pieces that you can adapt for any occasion. Dark jeans, layering tees, and an LBD will round out your closet.

Metallic clutch. A color like silver is seasonless and goes with everything.
Wear-anywhere top. Seriously--movie night, a business meeting, a dinner party.
Showstopping earrings. Go all out. Even the most sparkly danglers can jibe with a laid-back sweater.
Patterned party skirt. Gives you more options than a dress. Depending on what you pair it with, it can be ultra fancy or sort of sweet.
Statement heels. When you're wearing amazing shoes, you don't have to try so hard with your outfit.
Jeweled cardigan. It's festive enough to skip jewelry entirely.


If you spend most of your time at home:
What your wardrobe should look like
70% casual basics, 20% dressy items, 10% work staples

It's easy to fall into a yoga-pants rut when you telecommute or take care of the kids. What you could really use are styles that can multitask around the house as effectively as you do and look smart when you venture out. The goal is an outfit that looks pulled-together but not overly fussy. Mix up your rotation with flat boots, a chambray short, and quality leggings.

Fun flats. Bold color and details amplify a low-key look.
Billowy tunic. As chilled-out as a t-shirt yet entirely feminine.
Oversized cardigan. Bathrobe-cozy but also sophisticated.
Whisper-weight scarf. One less thing to worry about. It takes place of a necklace, adding color to a neutral outfit while providing warmth.
Utilitarian cross-body bag. You may need your hands to hold, well, smaller hands.
Default denim. When jeans feel as stretchy as leggings, you'll want to wear them every day.