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.

Heavy Metal: Metallic Trend

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The runways for Fall 2012 were ablaze with molten-like metals in gold, bronze, silver and jewel-tones. Metallics glimmered in the form of dresses, denim, skirts, shoes and bags. Interpreting runway looks into everyday life can be tricky. Embrace this trend with wearable pieces that will make an impact all season long.

Since metallics create such a bold statement, wearing too many at once can cheapen a look. Choose one key piece (cigarette pant, pencil skirt, statement bag) and let it be the star of the show. Pair these pieces with basic neutrals. Try a cozy knit sweater/slouchy boyfriend sweater for ultimate comfort and understated style. For a dressier look, pair with a structured blazer that will not draw attention from the showcased piece. Keep accessories basic or forfeit them completely.

Metallics offer a fun way to freshen up your look for Fall and update your wardrobe for a new season. Here are a few of my favorite pieces:

J Brand ~ 9202 Low-Rise Metallic Coated Legging: $249.00

Alice + Olivia ~ Connie Metallic Flounce Coat: $798.00

Tibi ~ Lurex Jacquard Strapless Dress: $485.00

AllSaints ~ Metal Pencil Skirt: $95.00

Diane von Furstenberg ~ Tonda Metallic Clutch: $395.00

Jimmy Choo ~ Anouk Metallic Leather Pumps: $650.00

Topshop ~ Jacquard Metallic Shorts: $60.00

Fall Trend: Go “Baroque” w/out Going Broke

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One of the trends this fall season is inspired by the Baroque period. Defined by it’s rich tapestries, embroidered embellishments, bold prints and decorative art this trend has an old world-fashion feel to it.

The Baroque is a period of artistic style that used exaggerated motion and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and music. The style started around 1600 in Rome, Italy and spread to most of Europe.

Baroque print plays out in a number of guises with varying degrees of intensity. From bold, flashy chain prints on leopard spots intertwined with ropes to ornate rococo swirls. Adorned on the runways of Dior, Rodarte and Balmain this trend is not restricted to clothing, also popular in shoe and accessory design.

Like any trend, one should tread lightly on items purchased. These bold prints will not last long and I don’t consider them “investment pieces.” However, I am loving the Baroque-inspired skinny jeans at the moment. Not too flashy and very wearable.

Here is how to “go Baroque without going broke.”

Go Jane ~ Baroque Print Leggings: $17.50

Arden B ~ Baroque Zoe Skinny Jeans: $69.00

Zara ~ 5B Twill Brush Denim w/ Flock Print: $79.90

Urban Outfitters ~ Insight Beanpole Skinny Jacquard Pant: $94.00

J Brand ~ Baroque Skinny Jeans: $141.10 (sale)

The Boyfriend Jean

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The term “boyfriend jean” refers to the over-sized, slouchy nature of men’s jeans. The relaxed style offers the benefits of comfort and simplicity. Boyfriend jeans are no longer just for casual wear, they are becoming a fashionable choice for everything from a night out to a red carpet look.

To make this look work for you, choose your style. There are several different options available: distressed, slouchy, straight-leg, light-wash, dark wash, low-rise, high rise. Choosing your ideal pair should be based purely on your own personal style and what you feel comfortable wearing.

Stay casual. For an easy, hassle-free outfit, style your boyfriend jeans with a pair of brightly-colored sandals, flip-flops or even high-top converse or sneaker. Keep the top simple with a T-shirt or tank top and accessorize to your heart’s content. Then transition seamlessly from day to night with a simple change of shoe. Wedge styles are a popular choice and allow for the leg to appear elongated.

For a night out. Adjust the cuff of your boyfriend jeans according to the height of the shoe. Pair with a great bootie or sleek stiletto and make sure a little ankle is peeking out – this will break-up the look. Choose a flowing top or blouse and finish-off with a fitted blazer.

The boyfriend jean will always be a staple in my closet, even if the trend dies. They are comfortable, versatile and just plain easy. Here are 5 of my current favorites:

J.Crew ~ Vintage Straight Jean in Old Faithful Wash: $168.00

Goldsign ~ Hisjean Cropped Boyfriend Jeans: $238.00

Current/Elliott ~ The Boyfriend Jeans: $206.00

JBrand ~ Aiden Slouchy Boyfriend Jeans: $218.00

AG ~ Ex Boyfriend Jeans: $215.00

Festival Fashion Series: Day 1

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With Festival Season approaching, Glow-T’s Festival Fashion Series will get you weekend-ready.  This week I will be putting together trends and favorites, from beauty-needs to fashion essentials, for an easy weekend packing guide.

Day 1 starts with the effortless cut-off. Available in vintage/distressed, colored, patterns or high-waisted, there is a selection for anyone. Pair with bright colors and flowing separates or moto boots and rocker-style coordinates. Boots are a great option for being on your feet all day, not only will they look great, but prepare you for any weather hazard. Accessorize with belts, scarves and statement pieces that can be recycled all weekend-long. Finally, the quintessential festival item, sunglasses. Bring a classic aviator/wayfarer or opt for a fun new style or color – Festival Fashion should be fun, spontaneous and unrestrained.

Option1:

Raquel Allegra – Sheer Tie-Dye Silk Tank, J Brand – Cut-Off Shorts, Ray-Ban – Aviator, Max & Chloe – Stacked Bracelets, Isabel Marant – Dicker Boots

Option 2:

Zoe Karssen – T-Shirt, Ksubi – Cut-Off Denim Shorts, Ray-Ban – Wayfarer, Mango – Sailor Style Foulard, J.Crew – Distressed Belt, Rag and Bone – Moto Boots