Category Archives: Clothing
Five Favorites: SweatPants
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Wear sweatpants to work… yes please!
The fancier the shoe – the fancier outfit. If you want to dress-up these sweats – pull focus to the shoe.
Madewell: Marles Slouch Sweatpants -$95.00
Splendid: Melange Sweatpants: $98.00
Rag and Bone: Easy Sweatpant – $350.00
The Kooples: Side Stripe Sweatpants – $195.00
T by Alexander Wang: Fleece Sweatpants – $195.00
Anticipation: Isabel Marant pour H&M
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The anticipation is building as the eagerly awaited Isabel Marant collection for H&M draws nearer. As we all know, Parisian designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with H&M to create this autumn/winter designer collection featuring clothing as well as accessories for women, men and teenagers.
“I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality” say Isabel Marant. The collection is available from November 14th 2013 in H&M 250 stores worldwide.
Dark & Skinny: Paige Skyline Ankle Peg / Voyage
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Fall denim trends range from moto to metallic. My favorite is the return of the dark and skinny. Super dark denim that pairs well with everything and flatters the slim-fit style.
Pair with statement heels or tucked into boots – boots drenched in cognac, tan and camel provide a great contrast to dark denim.
This super-slim fit style and dark wash is a Fall wardrobe staple.
Seeing Stripes: Zimmerman Stripe Tank Dress
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Easy, breezy summertime fashion. Zimmerman’s Stripe Tank Dress is a great addition to end-of-summer ease.
Add some ankle boots for night and sandals for day. Transfer into fall with boots and a leather jacket or layer over your favorite leggings or skinnies.
Stripes are the perfect neutral for mixing prints. Add some leopard pumps, a floral scarf or colorful cardigan.
With summer coming to an end… sigh… purchase some great staples that will transition smoothly into fall.
Brand Bravado: LemLem
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lemlem:
n. 1) hand made in Ethiopia from natural cotton.
v. 2) [Amharic] bloom, flourish.
3) [history] Since ancient times in the land of the Queen of Sheba, the Ethiopian people have adorned themselves in beautiful hand woven and hand embroidered clothing. The hand spinning of cotton and intricate embroidery was the work of women while the hand weaving was done mainly by men. It is there wish to bring to you an incredible handwork and help preserve this ancient art form by creating opportunities for the Artisans.
Supermodel / actress and former World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Liya Kebede discovered that traditional weavers in her native country of Ethiopia were losing their jobs due to a decline in local demand for their goods and wanted to do something about it. Recognizing the beauty, quality and historic significance of their work, Liya started Lemlem in 2007 as a way to inspire economic independence in her native country and to preserve the art of weaving.
Today, Lemlem, which means to flourish or bloom in Amharic, is thriving. All pieces are handcrafted in women’s and children’s clothing and raise awareness to improve the health of mothers and children in developing countries.
LemLem Elsa Short – $140.00
LemLem Konjo Hooded Tunic – $238.00
LemLem Beach Blanket – $170.00
LemLem Teddy Tunic – $225.00
LemLem Walsh Sarong/Scarf – $140.00
Crowning Collaboration: Isabel Marant for H&M
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H&M will team up with Isabel Marant for its latest design collaboration. The collection of must-have clothing and accessories inspired by Marant’s signature laid-back Parisian style will be available in 250 stores worldwide as well as online November 14 – and there will be menswear too, which will mark Marant’s first foray into catering for men.
“I am flattered by this collaboration: H&M works with the best designers and this invitation is an exciting honour,” Marant said this morning. “I aim to create something real, that women want to wear in their everyday lives, with a certain carelessness, which I think is very Parisian: you dress up, but do not pay too much attention and still look sexy. The collection is infused with this kind of easiness and attitude. Everything can be mixed following one’s own instincts: my take on fashion is all about personality.”
Let’s just hope it doesn’t sell out before we can get our hands on it…
5 Favorites: Maxi Dress
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The best item to have in your closet for a “what to wear” moment – the maxi dress. This versatile item is an all-in-one ensemble that works for almost any occasion. From bright colors and bold prints to strong slits and cinched waists – there is a maxi out there for everyone. Here are a few of my favorite finds:
Monrow ~ T Back Racer V Tank Dress: $76.00
Rebecca Taylor ~ Paisley Gown: $395.00
BCBGeneration ~ Slit Maxi Dress: $101.99
Raquel Allegra ~ Tie-Dye Silk Maxi: $680.00
Splendid ~ Always Hi Lo Maxi Dress: $118.00
The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny
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Like fine wine, the J Brand Black Skinny only gets better with age. Known for both comfort and style, J Brand (btw: ‘J’ stands for Jeff – Jeff Rudes owner) creates great basics that last. The J Brand Black Skinny is the only black skinny I may ever buy. No fading and no stretching – this classic should be a staple in every woman’s closet.
Bored of black denim? Reinvent your day-to-day classics. If you have exhausted all combinations in your closet – mix-it-up with a great shoe or accessory. Try a colorful or embellished flat or rugged ankle boot. However, if you are not six feet tall, ankle boots can be tricky. Paired with skinny jeans they can make you look stumpy. The key to wearing ankle boots with skinny jeans is to create a continuous line. This means wearing dark rinse blue jeans with black ankle boots, or black jeans with a dark gray pair of ankle boots. The colors do not have to match exactly, but should be close enough that there’s no significant break when one ends and the other begins.
Keep it classic and style your J Brand Skinnies with sophisticated black and white pieces. Always on trend and deceptively simple, the black and white combination looks polished and fresh.
When it comes to the classics, investing in great pieces makes a world of difference. These J Brand Skinnies will outlast the next three pairs of less expensive versions bought. Save yourself the time and headache and buy the best.
Five Favorites: Peasant Top
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Peasant tops are are great transitioning piece from cold to warm weather. Available in basic neutrals or super bright colors – these tops are both relaxed and casual.
Slip into a breezy peasant top and pair with your favorite denim, white and/or colored. Equally cute with shorts and skirts, marry the look with some ankle boots and a floppy hat. Peasant tops also make a great beach coverup.
Designers continue to offer peasants tops in many styles but the one constant is their flowy and breezy nature. Appealing to all body types, this top will work hard in your closet all-year-long.
Here are five favorites:
Joie ~ Meliana Embroidered Gauze Blouse: $198.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Ecote Split Back Embroidered Tank Top: $49.00
Anthropologie ~ Embroidered Aureolin Tunic: $98.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Embroidered Bazaar Cami: $54.00
Free People ~ Rolling Stone Woven Top: $118.00
Festival Fashion Favorites
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From Coachella to Bonnaroo, festival season is in full swing. If you’ve ever wanted to try-out crop tops, flower crowns, flowing maxis and fringy frocks this is the time (and maybe all at once). These festivals are just as much about the fashion as it is about the talent on stage. Here are a few of my favorite festival looks:
Mara Hoffman ~ Psychic Readings Maxi Dress: $242.00
Étoile Isabel Marant ~ Salome Printed Cotton Shorts: $225.00
Free People ~ Convertable Romper: $98.00
KSUBI ~ Alberceque Distressed Denim Shorts: $180.00
Free People ~ FP ONE Imperial Palm Pintuck Dress: $118.00
Casual Khaki: The Boyfriend Chino
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A great alternative to jeans is the slouchy boyfriend chino. This versatile style pant lives in a casual environment but with a few fancy basics can also be spruced up.
I love these pants ‘banged-up’ a bit. With some distress, worn spots and/or small holes – they look ‘lived-in’ and not as stiff/starchy.
Casual pairings are a cinch, as you can wear with anything – similar to denim. Dress-up your boyfriend chinos with fancy basics: beaded top, black blazer, sky-high pump.
Available in all colors and prints (camo!), here are a few favorites:
AG Adriano Goldschmied ~ Cropped Boyfriend Khaki Pants: $205.00
Vince ~ Boyfriend Trousers: $195.00
Current/Elliott ~ ‘The Buddy’ Print Twill Trousers: $238.00
Rag and Bone ~ Portobello Pants: $176.00
Old Navy ~ Boyfriend Skinny Khakis: $29.94
Fashion Favorites: Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013
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A few of my favorite fashions from Paris Fashion Week Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear:
Valentino, Chloé, Isabel Marant, Dior, Céline
Fashion Favorites: NYFW Fall 2013
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New York Fashion Week Fall 2013 Ready-To-Wear was bursting with leather and fur. From leather leg warmers at Phillip Lim 3.1 to fox fur wraps at Marc Jacobs, I am thinking PETA was working overtime this week. The runways featured amazing outerwear embracing mohair, fur collars and leather detail. Here are a few of my favorite looks from NYFW Fall 2013: BCBG Max Azria/Diane von Furstenberg/Oscar de la Renta/Reed Krakoff/Rachel Zoe
Five Favorites: Valentine’s Day
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This Valentine’s Day wear an outfit that creates confidence and makes you feel good. Whether you are going for a casual look, sweet or sexy, the best accessory to any outfit is confidence.
Build this confidence with color, shape or style. Wear a bright/bold color or flaunt your favorite body part – let your personal style shine through.
Here are a few favorite “confidence builders”:
Tibi ~ Silk Faille Full Skirt: $525.00
Splendid ~ Stretch Cotton & Modal-Blend Jersey Maxi Dress: $118.00
Faith Connextion ~ Mixed Sequin Dress: $870.00
Mango ~ Suede Dress: $119.99
Diane von Furstenberg ~ Mateo Silk-Blend Wrap-Effect Dress: $365.00
Spring Essentials: Mint Green
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Just like flowers, pastels return each Spring in unique and modern ways. I am currently loving the mint green color palette. Rich with spearmint tones, icy blues and seafoam-soaked color. This cool-tone brings a refreshing twist to Spring’s pastel trend.
Paired with the right colors, this bluish-green color palette can be quite versatile. Try a cool contrast with basic neutrals or bolder color combinations with bright orange, red and royal blue.
Make everyone green with envy with these Spring Essentials:
Hive & Honey ~ Double Layer Knit Maxi: $59.00
BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Elena Silk V-Neck Top: $158.00
Alice + Olicia ~ Victoria Peplum Dress: $264.00
Current/Elliott ~ Skinny Ankle Jeans: $178.00
Rebecca Minkoff ~ The Becky Jacket: $368.00
Four Favorites: Athletic Shoe
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Whether you are running, walking, inside or out, a great pair of athletic shoes is a must. How to choose the right shoe for you? Go with comfort.
There are so many new technologies and varieties of the athletic shoe to choose from. Some are built for speed, while others are built for support and comfort. Unless you are training for a marathon, tri-athalon or hiking, don’t waste your money on purchasing different pairs for different activites. If you find a pair that feels amazing on your foot… Buy them!
If they are comfortable… you will wear them… if you wear them… you will get sweaty more often. It is that simple.
Here are four of my favorites:
Adidas: Adizero Adios 2.0: $115.00
Nike: Free Run 3: $100.00
Asics: Gel-FujiRacer: $110.00
Saucony: Hurricane 14: $105.00
Get Sweaty! Fitness Fashion
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Revamp your fitness wardrobe with some new gear. New clothes that make you feel/look good is the best exercise motivation.
Some things to look for when purchasing activewear:
♦ Invest in good basics just as you would your day-to day wardrobe and stock up! Never use these excuses – “I have nothing to wear” or “nothing is clean“.
♦ Do your research. For instance: the little black dress of the fitness world is the black compression pant. Read reviews and try-on. Some brands can be very expensive and need to be hand-washed. Pass. Some brands are too thin and almost see-through. Pass. Some brands will fit you perfectly and you will want to live in them forever. Stock up on these!
Tip: Compression pants can also be worn as everyday leggings. Just look for ones that are not too shiny and seamless.
♦ If you perspire a lot, make sure your base layer will keep you dry and comfortable. Look for items with “wicking ability.” Moisture wicking fabric is a kind of fabric commonly used in workout clothing and sportswear that is designed to pull moisture away from the skin. The fabric draws sweat and perspiration off of the skin and out to the exterior of the fabric.
Tip: When washing moisture wick fabrics – pass on the dryer sheets and fabric softener – they coat the fabric, which prevents the wicking absorption.
♦ Baggy pants aren’t feasible for cycling or spinning, and flowing tops won’t keep you covered when in downward dog. Consider the activities you do most, and make sure the clothes you purchase are comfortable and appropriate for that activity.
♦ Buy what makes you feel good.
Fitness fashion is great motivation to get you moving. Go get sweaty!
Here are some of my favorite basics:
1. Under Armour: ‘Flow’ Long Sleeve Top: $49.99
2. Nike: Logo Sweatshirt: $50.00
3. Lululemon: Wandering Yogi Tank: $58.00
4. H&M: Basic Tank: $5.95
5. Under Armour: Women’s HeatGear Sonic Printed Shortsleeve: $29.99
6. Aerie: Slim Gym Yoga Shortie: $14.99 (sale)
7. Zobha: Straight Leg Capri: $68.00 (Ahhhh-Mazing!)
8. adidas by Stella McCartney: Essentials Three-Quarter Sweat Pants: $100.00
9. Zella: ‘Live In’ Mèlange Reversible Leggings: $58.00 (Ahhhh-Mazing!)
10. adidas by Stella McCartney: Run Performance Shorts: $52.00 (sale)
Wardrobe Workhorse: Cotton Citizen
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The basic tee is your wardrobe workhorse. Trained to pair perfectly with anything, the basic tee is a simple and fuss-free way to add some color and comfort. Enter… Cotton Citizen.
Made in Los Angeles, Cotton Citizen’s Adam Vanunu grew up playing with Pantone swatches at his family’s business – American Dye House. It was there he experimented with premium fabrics (bamboo, organic cotton, jersey and French terry) and unique washes, dyes and distress techniques often associated with denim. The effect reveals a perfectly worn-in tee that is super soft, wispy thin but holds it’s shape.
Cotton Citizen had an exclusive test-run with Ron Robinson at Fred Segal early last year and instantly became a top-seller. The brand is now expanding into other stores. The collection of contemporary basics is filled with beautifully shaded, ultra-comfy T-shirts, zip-up hoodies, tank tops, gorgeous sweatpants and maxi dresses priced from $60 to $200.
Functional Fashion: Pencil Skirt
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The most versatile of the skirt family, the pencil can be serious at work or flirty in the evening. Available in a myriad of textures, patterns and colors, the pencil skirt is a functional wardrobe essential.
Work: Pair your pencil skirt with a dress shirt, button-up, silk blouse or plain/printed cardigan and cami.
Evening: Dress-up your pencil skirt with a simple tank or cami, killer shoes and accessories.
Weekend: Depending on the material and texture of your pencil skirt, try adding some Chuck Taylors or sandals, a plain tee and jean jacket.
A pencil skirt can be very figure-flattering. For additional slimming properties – look for skirts with color-blocking panels on the sides. These panels – especially when black – whittle the curves significantly.
Burberry London ~ Stretch-Twill Peplum Skirt: $495.00
Alice + Olivia ~ Sarah Suede Pencil Skirt: $298.50 (sale)
J.Crew ~ No. 2 Pencil Skirt in Geometric Print: $148.00
Vince ~ Leather Pencil Skirt: $1050.00
White House | Black Market ~ Colorblock Ponte Pencil Skirt: $49.99 (sale)
Spring 2013: PANTONE Color Report
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PANTONE LLC, an X-Rite company is the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. This past September, PANTONE 17-5641 Emerald, a lively, radiant, lush green, was announced as the Color of the Year for 2013.
The Color of the Year selection is a very thoughtful process. To arrive at the selection, PANTONE quite literally combs the world looking for color influences. This can include the entertainment industry and films that are in production, traveling, art collections, hot new artists, popular travel destinations and other socio-economic conditions. Influences may also stem from technology, availability of new textures and effects that impact color, and even upcoming sports events that capture worldwide attention.
For more than a decade, PANTONE’s Color of the Year has influenced product development and purchasing decisions in multiple industries, including fashion, home and industrial design, as well as product packaging and graphic design.
Twice a year, during the spring and fall Mercedes-Benz Fashion Weeks, PANTONE surveys couturiers about the color choices and inspirations for their collections; that intelligence is used to create the PANTONE Fashion Color Report. The report features the top 10 colors for women’s and men’s fashion for the upcoming season, along with designer sketches, quotes, headshots, and recommended CMYK equivalents.
Not surprisingly, trending spring colors include florals and fruits to evoke freshness, and growth. According to a PANTONE statement, the colors represent “consumers’ desire for self-expression, balance, and the need to re-energize.” The spring hues offer balance, and, “allow for unique combinations that offer practicality and versatility, but at the same time, demand attention and earn an appreciative glance,” states the group in a release.
Glow-T 