Blog Archives
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
Festive Finds: Party Pumps
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This holiday season prance around in some party pumps. Perfect for dressing up a simple LBD or adding something extra to a conservative work affair, party-ready pumps will help you put your best foot forward this holiday season.
Available in a variety of styles, there is a a pair for every aesthetic and festive dress code. From eye-catching glitter and holiday red to lush velvet and quirky embellishments, party pumps will add even more sparkle to the season.
After the holidays, don’t store your shoes away just yet. These shoes make a great counterpart to casual boyfriend jeans, trendy jogger pants, shorts and/or skirts. They are also an instant conversation starter and ice-breaker at any function.
Here are a few festive finds that are sure to be the center of any holiday party:
Left Column:
J.Crew ~ Everly Cap Toe Glitter Pumps: $265.00
MICHAEL Michael Kors ~ ‘York’ Mary Jane Pump: $149.95
Miu Miu ~ Glitter-Finished Leather Pumps: $413.00 (sale)
Right Column:
Kate Spade ~ ‘Lenora’ Pump: $365.00
Valentino Couture ~ Bow d’Orsay Pump: $675.00
Alice+Olivia ~ Dina Suede Pumps: $295.00
How To: Subdued Sequins
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Looking ahead to party season, nothing screams the holidays like a little sparkle. Incorporating sequins into your wardrobe can be troublesome. Too many times sequin pieces end up looking more Vegas Showgirl or Dancing with the Stars. The easiest way to wear sequins is to dress it down. With a little subtly, sequins can be both daytime and nighttime friendly.
The recipe is simple: Add one part sequin to one part casual wear. Weather you choose a sequin bottom or top, temper the pizzazz with a piece of casual wear.
Casual Wear: Tops: Tanks, Tees, Sweatshirts, Sweaters, Button-downs. Bottoms: Jeans, Cargo Pants, Leggings, Shorts.
Sequins is a great way to command attention at a holiday soiree. With the right layers and accessories, this look can work all year long.
Rag and Bone ~ Sandra Pullover: $350.00
Old Navy ~ Vintage – Style V-Neck Tees: $7.50
Alexander Wang ~ T by Alexander Wang – Classic Tank: $77.00
Zoe Karssen ~ Paris Can Wait Tee: $77.78
Michael Kors ~ Sequin Maxi Skirt: $150.00
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
Summer Must-Have: Crochet
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Crochet is one of this summer’s hottest trends. Available in an array of eye-catching tops, dresses, bottoms, swimwear and accessories, the look reflects laid-back summer months and bohemian style.
No longer personified by sweaters knitted by grandmothers, the art of crochet has evolved to the runways. Used by many top designers, the fashion reflects a 1970’s revival with a modern aesthetic. One cannot discuss crochet and knitwear without mentioning Missoni (pants shown above). Missoni has elevated knitwear to an artform. One of the first to graduate from the heirloom to the use of technology, Missoni designs are not only universally recognizable but perennial.
To keep your crochet look fresh, find pieces that can be layered with modern favorites. Try pairing an adorable crochet mini dress with some ankle boots. Or add a distressed tee or tank to a pair of crochet shorts, skirt or pants. Or add a little edge by replacing the plain tee with a vintage rock band tee.
Crochet pieces can be extremely versatile. A loose-fitting crochet top or tunic can be layered over a camisole, bikini top, body-con dress or maxi. Instantly providing weeks of wear.
During the warm summer months we often seek-out effortless fashion. Become a crochet-convert with a few of my favorite pieces:
Free People ~ New Romantics Crochet Variety Dress: $69.95 (sale)
Nightcap Clothing ~ Tribal Fringe Tunic: $275.00
Missoni ~ Phyliss Crochet-Knit Wide-Leg Pants: $516.00 (sale)
Free People ~ Crochet Monokini: $168.00
Urban Outfitters ~ Tallow Crochet Tote Bag: $49.00
Girl. By Band of Outsiders ~ Cleo Crochet-Knit Shorts: $469.00 (sale)
New Rules: Bright Whites
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Societal standards for seasonal clothing have been relaxed since the 1960s. Only those interested in following old-fashion/prehistoric rules believe that women are not supposed to wear white before Memorial Day and after Labor Day. Throw those silly rules out the window, pick-up some bright whites and wear them whenever you like.
“Summer Whites” are crisp, clean and classic. Not only does the lighter color keep you cool by reflecting the sun’s rays on sweltering days, but nothing goes better with tanned skin.
Basic whites to have on-hand this summer, include:
› A classic white button-down is essential to any wardrobe. Worn over dresses, bikinis or on it’s own, a button-down will give just the right amount of coverage on summer days.
› Go beyond the basic white tank with a more detailed and flowy option. There are a ton of lace, crochet and embellished white tanks to choose from.
› White looks especially good with summer’s brightest tones. Colors like coral, yellow, turquoise even neons are universally flattering and make everyone look fresh and pretty. Try a white skirt and a bold top, or a crisp white blouse with a pair of hot-hued pants.
› Use white as an accent. Enameled white jewelry, bag or scarf will help you get your white fix without going overboard.
› A great-fitting pair of white jeans is a summer staple. Period. They look great with just about everything and every heel height, from towering stilettos to basic flats or sandals.
› To pull off an all-white look, go for a pair of nude or metallic shoes, you want a neutral that doesn’t detract from the white. To keep it from looking too ‘clinical’, show some skin in a low-cut blouse or shorts.
Look fresh in “summer whites” with these clean and crisp pieces.
AG Jeans ~ The Robyn Jacket: $198.00
Club Monaco ~ Kimberly Floral Tunic: 149.50
Rag and Bone ~ Dart Jacket: $535.00
BB Dakota ~ Rasalyn Tank: $ 65.00
Victoria’s Secret ~ The Boyfriend Shirt: $49.50
Kate Spade ~Park Guell Long Necklace in White: $128.00
Trina Turk ~ Enamel Brick Gold & White Bangle Bracelet: $98.00
Love Quotes ~ Linen Scarf in Peace: $98.00
Dolce Vita ~ Archer Flat Sandal: $69.00
J.Crew ~ String Bikini: $78.00
BCBGMAXAZRIA ~ Runway Keylene Dress: $398.00
Zara ~ Skirt with Paillettes: $79.90
J.Crew ~ Ankle Stretch Toothpick Jean in White Denim: $125.00
Nightcap Clothing ~ Fringe Shorts: 143.00
Splendid ~ Maxi Tube Skirt/Dress: $83.00
How To: Distressed Jeans
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Create a distressed pair of jeans in minutes with the proper materials. This can be done to any old or new pair of jeans, shorts, cargo pants, trousers or jackets. The key is to be strategic with the rips and distressed areas so the item remains flattering and not overly done.
NEEDED:
◊ Fabric Chalk
◊ Scissors
◊ Tweezers
◊ Exacto Knife
◊ Sanding Block
◊ Small Wood Block
HOW TO:
◊ Wear jeans – with the fabric chalk draw a line above the knee cap of one leg and on the upper thigh of the other.
◊ Starting with the chalk mark on the upper thigh, with scissors cut two small parallel lines about 2 inches apart (see image 1).
◊ Insert wood block into the jeans and under the cut marks. With the sanding block, gently fray the edges of the outer cut marks leaving a bar of material in the center (see image 2).
◊ With tweezers, loosen and gently pluck-out threads (see image 3).
◊ Move wood block to the chalk mark on the knee. Take exacto knife and cut bluntly. This will create a more naturally distressed look.
◊ With the sanding block, fray the edges (see image 4).
◊ Continue to sand the area to enlarge the opening.
◊ With the sanding block, feverishly rub both the thigh area and below the knee. This will make jeans look “lived-in.”
TIP: Holes, worn-spots and rips can be added anywhere you like. For a more subdued look, keep it simple with strategic placement.
Mix-n-Match: Spring Suits
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Mix and match your favorite coordinates to create the perfect Spring suit. The blazer and short combo is a refreshing way to transition into Spring. From statement making florals and prints to original color combinations, discover new outfit ideas for the warm season ahead. Here are a few pieces that will mix-n-match effortlessly to ‘suit’ anyone.
Net-A-Porter ~ Rag and Bone 42nd Street: $450
Topshop ~ Structured Blazer: $130.00
Net-A-Porter ~ Elizabeth & James Bruce Floral Print Silk Jacket: $395
Shopbop ~ Elizabeth & James Colby Shorts: $235
Forever 21 ~ Sweet Polka Dot Romper: Out of stock
J.Crew ~ Scalloped Short: $118
Favorite Flat: Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin
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Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin
My winter flip-flop is currently the Minnetonka Kilty Moccasin. Purchased after the holidays, I have yet to take them off.
These exceptionally comfortable flats are made of soft, rich suede with fringe and braided detail. The finely crafted rubber sole provides traction and stability.
Casual and carefree, these moccasins can be coupled with everything from skinny jeans to sweats, cut-off shorts to mini skirts.
These rustic moccasin can be worn year-round. Paired with a sundress or shorts, the Minnetonka Moccasins will create a free-spirited style.
Sequined Basics: J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee
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J. Crew Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee
As the holiday season approaches, sparkle is everywhere. Taken in small doses, sequined pieces can spruce up a wardrobe instantly.
The Glimmer Long Sleeve Tee by J. Crew is the perfect example of pairing glitzy items with simple toned-down ones. Available in black, stormy sea and dark khaki (pictured here), these simple boat-neck cotton tees are drenched in tiny sequins.
Pair with denim or simple black pants for an everyday look. Under a great blazer or jacket with the sleeves rolled to peek at the glittery layers. Or at night, coordinate with clean shorts, tights and textured heels.
Sparkle this season with everyday basics that shine.
Party Shorts: DVF Simca Metallic Shorts
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DVF Simca Metallic Shorts
For Fall Festivities, modernize the dress code in shorts.
A chic evening option, the Simca Metallic Shorts by Diane von Furstenberg are modern and distinctive. Cinched perfectly at the waist, the flat-front style is ultra-flattering. The metallic silver lamé adds texture and glitz to any ensemble.
Pairs perfectly with a silky blouse, tights and heels. Or add a white tee and tuxedo blazer for an effortlessly-chic look.
The Simca Shorts by DVF will brighten up any holiday party this season.
Couture Collaboration: Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s
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Pictures from the Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s press preview were unveiled yesterday. The collection hits 235 stores on August 31 and are priced from $50 – $170.
Karl Lagerfeld has been a freelance designer for many fashion houses, Balmain, Patou, Chloe, Fendi and Chanel. Currently, Lagerfeld designs for three companies, his own label, Chanel and furs for Fendi of Italy.
Karl Lagerfeld for Macy’s is comprised of dresses – floral and structural, tweed separates – shorts and vests, and faux leather jackets. All of the 45 piece collection is in black and white, with subtle pops of pink.
Collection is available online and in stores August 31.
