Blog Archives

The Classics: J Brand Black Skinny

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jbrand

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.

How To: Hair Loop

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Reinvent the everyday top knot or bun with the ‘hair loop’. Walking the runways at Fashion Week (picture: Marc by Marc Jacobs Spring 2012), the ‘hair loop’ is a simple style that is pretty and polished with an unfinished edge.

→ This look can be done with straight, wavy or curly hair. Prep hair with a styling cream for hold.

TRY: It’s a 10 Miracle Styling Cream

→ Gather hair into a ponytail at the back of the head. Secure with elastic.

→ Flip the pony and clip the hair right above the elastic. Hair should be sticking straight up.

→ Fold hair back and use another clip around the base of the head.

TRY: Goody Metal Barrettes

→ Spritz the loop with hair spray and pull out random pieces for a slightly undone look.

TRY: Enjoy Hair Spray

FINISH: Play with hair accessories! A headband would work great with this look, or try-on an obnoxious, statement barrette. Have fun with everyday hairstyles. Make it your own.

Fall Flat: Loeffler Randall Natalie Studded Toe Flats

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The cap toe trend is evolving this Fall with a little texture. From shiny gold caps to spikes, studs and rhinestones, the simple flat is getting interesting.

A great pair of flats that can be worn with both workplace-appropriate attire and casual weekend pieces is a worthy investment. Loeffler Randall’s Natalie Studded Toe Flats fit the bill – a sleek cap toe keeps the look on-trend but still polished, while the gold studs add texture and whimsy.

The Natalie Studded Toe Flats are the perfect hybrid of comfort and style. Traverse around the city or trek to work in shoes that won’t ‘fall’ flat.

Denim Expedition: Seven For All Mankind

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California Coast Classic Straight Leg Jeans

Shopping for jeans is an exhausting experience. Hauling 15 pairs of denim into the dressing room, hoping that at least one is the perfect fit, style and color.

Seven For All Mankind Classic Straight Leg in California Coast is my current blue ribbon-winner. Wanting to test-drive a new style and vear away from the skinny jean, I went looking for a pair of jeans I could live-in. Don’t get me wrong I do love the skinny, however, sometimes I want jeans to look like jeans and not second skin.

The Classic Straight Leg is exactly that…classic. Form-fitting in all the right areas to accentuate the body, but leaves room for comfort, detail and style. These jeans are soft and comfortable and have an amazing stretch. The dark inky-blue wash is my favorite for everyday jeans, polished and perfectly worn-in.

5 under $50: Summer Sandals

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Available in an assortment of styles and colors, a fun pair of sandals can perk-up any ensemble. Like an accessory, this item can enrich a look, simply and affordably. Sandals can take the place of a flip-flop to refine a casual outfit or beautify a more polished look. On trend for this summer, choose bright colors, from neon to pastels. Or adopt a pair of sandals with quirky and flirty embellishments like beading, studs, tassels or rope. With so many options, a lovely pair of flat sandals can define your style personality. Here are a couple choices all $50 and under:

Topshop Hatty2 Tellow Bow Sandals – $50.00

Rip Curl Gladiatress 3 Sandal – $38.00

Forever 21 Mosaic Leatherette Sandals – $19.80

Mia Plaka Braided Sandal – $44.50

Alloy Bella Sandal – $29.90

Hair Jewelry: Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette

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Urban Outfitters Oversized Turquoise Barrette

Get creative with accessories this month and opt for an oversized hair barrette. Simple and polished, this one item can transform a look.

This Oversized Turquoise Barrette from Urban Outfitters is an excellent embellishment that adds a pop of color. The raw turquoise stone provides a natural yet edgy look.

Simply, add this barrette to a high/low ponytail or create a deep side-part, sweep the hair and clip barrette into place above the ear. Use as an ornament to compliment any classic chignon or french twist style, or decorate a plain headband by attaching barrette to the side.

Don’t want to wear this item in your hair? Fine… Attach to scarves, bags, bracelets or necklaces, the possibilities are endless. I have recently detached the clip and hot glue-gunned the stone to an old black clutch, instantly creating something new. With so many options, barrettes provide a finished appearance with a simple click of a clip.

Weekend Ensemble: ella moss

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ella moss

This weekend relax in a maxi skirt and racerback, or dress it up by adding some chunky heels and jewels. 

The maxi skirt trend this season is one of my favorites, due to its comfort and ease. This ella moss black maxi is a great casual-chic basic that can be worn running errands, to the beach or out on the town. 

Maxi skirts will be a staple in every closet this season. They come in an assortment of colors and patterns, styles and fabric. The polished and fluent look of these skirts are feminine and graceful. The maxi skirt is a trend that will continue to flourish in seasons to come.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling


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