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)

The Sweater Coat: Vince

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Update your outerwear with a chunky knit sweater coat. The Vince Honeycomb Knit Cardigan is a perfect piece for Fall/Winter. This versatile knit can be worn under heavy coats in cold weather or on it’s own in mild weather. A reliable piece that can make any outfit more wearable.

The draping on this sweater coat falls beautifully. For an effortless and flawless look, pair with a slim pant and bootie. Like the picture, add different textures like leather that pair nicely with the honeycomb pattern. If you need a little glitz and glamour – add a jeweled broach.

Keep cozy this winter in a stylish sweater coat.

Bewitching Baubles: Bib Necklace

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Make a statement this season with a bright bib. A bib necklace combines layers of intricate beads and jewels strung across the collar bone, high on the neck. Bibs can incorporate many materials and textures to create a bold, multi-layered, eye-catching piece.

These colorful, chunky necklaces easily enhance any outfit while still remaining elegant. Pair with simple tees or tanks to effortlessly renew a tired outfit. Or wear with your favorite, “worn a million times” dress for a new and fresh look.

Available in all shapes, colors and sizes, a bib necklace is a great piece to have on-hand when an outfit feels a bit dull. Here are a few of my favorite bewitching baubles:

BaubleBar ~ Summer Princesse: $38.00

Adia Kibur ~ Short Neon Stone Necklace: $54.00

Zara ~ Strand Necklace in Shiny Golden Colors: $25.90

J.Crew ~ Cabochon Fan Necklace: $150.00

Ann Taylor ~ Sunburst Necklace: $59.99

Kate Spade ~ Painted Jewels Necklace: $198.00

Statement Sandals: Graphics

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From abstract florals to eye-catching ikat, summer sandals are getting graphic. Found in an overwhelming array of colors, styles, prints and patterns, complete any outfit with a bold statement sandal.

Keeping it neutral. Make these statement shoes the focal point of the ensemble by keeping the rest of the pieces neutral and/or monochromatic.

Mixing prints. Sometimes the best combinations are the ones that do not seem suitable. There are no rules here, only to look for prints and textures in complementary color families. The pieces do not have to coordinate exactly, but there should be a common theme.

Spice up your wardrobe with some vibrant graphics. Here are few of my favorite stand-out sandals.

Zara ~ Fabric Sandal: $99.90

Theodora & Callum ~ Hippie Heel: 229.99 (sale)

Loeffler Randall ~ Dita Platform Pump: $425.00

BCBGeneration ~ Hosanna: $87.99 (sale)

Alice + Olivia ~ Juliet Platform Wedge Sandal: $295.00

Cynthia Vincent ~ Naomi Aztec-Printed Platform Wedge Sandal: $197.00 (sale)

5 under $50: High-Low Skirts

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A new style trend for skirts this spring/summer features a unique high-low hemline. The high-low hemline, short in the front/long in the back, is like wearing a mini-skirt and a maxi-skirt all-in-one. This playful look shows the perfect amount of skin without being too daring.

This style is uber flattering on any body shape. The asymmetric hemline creates a lengthening effect that instantly makes legs appear longer. Showing-off a little leg can be an effective way to elongate the entire frame.

Styling these skirts is simple. Depending on the color or print of the skirt, it is always safe to coordinate with pared-down basics. Try a simple tee, tank or my favorite – a slouchy grey sweatshirt top. The high-low hemline provides the perfect showcase for this season’s quintessential shoe. Show off your favorite flats, sandals, wedges or booties.

The high-low skirt is available everywhere in a multitude of colors, prints and textures. Here are 5 under $50:

Zara ~ Skirt with Asymmetric Hem: $39.90

Asos ~ River Island Heart Hi-Lo Midi Skirt: $38.27

Express ~ Hi-Lo Hem Maxi Skirt: $49.90

Forever 21 ~ Sheer Floral High-Low Skirt: $19.80

Nordstrom ~ Rubbish – Asymmetrical Circle Hem Maxi Skirt: $42.00

Flat Frenzy: J.Crew Ballet Boutique

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J.Crew Spring/Summer 2012 launched an exquisite ballet collection “The Ballet Boutique.” The collection is filled with suede, leather and raffia designs, available in a variety of colors, textures and adorable embellishments.

The Cece design is handmade in Italy and constructed for comfort and style. Dubbed as their official “commuting shoe,” these flats have added padding, an elastic top, a shock-absorbing rubber sole and an interior wedge design for additional comfort and control. Fabric swatches, Pantone cards, art books even candy was used as inspiration to create one-of-a-kind colors.

Embrace this hot season trend without sacrificing comfort. With multiple styles and colors, and a price range of $58-$250, everyone is able to join the flat frenzy.

5 under $50: Wedges

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A warm-weather staple, wedges are comfortable, stylish and wonderfully chunky. Available in multiple textures, colors and prints at these prices you can have them all. Live on the ‘wedge’ with 5 under $50.00:

Charlotte Russe ~ Cross-Front Strappy Cork Wedge: $35.50

Charlotte Russe ~ 2-Band Wooden Wedge Sandal: $36.50

Piperlime ~ Qupid – Katrina:  $49.00

ALDO ~ Ellingwood: $35.00

Piperlime ~ Michael Antonio – Goldy: $49.00

Tribal Trend: Accessories

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Tribal-inspired jewelry is on trend this season. Available in chunky bib necklaces, stacked resin bangles, angular earrings and bold rings, these pieces look effortlessly exotic. Experiment with mixed materials and textures including: wood, feathers, metals and fabrics. Play with color and natural elements then just layer them all together. Perfect for upcoming music festivals this look exemplifies a bohemian spirit.

Free People ~ Bay Avenue Engraved Geo Bracelet: $28.00

Piperlime ~ Sabine Tribal Pendant Necklace: $22.00

RevolveClothing ~ House of Harlow 1960 – Totem Pole Earrings: $65.00

Endless ~ Fiona Paxton Tribal Goddess Midnight Arrowhead Ring: $175.00

Forever 21 ~ Textured Bracelet Trio: $7.80

Tailor Time: Boyfriend Blazer

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Time for Spring Cleaning. Instead of giving away staple pieces in your closet, alter them. With a small tweak, these items can be born again.

Almost everyone has a black blazer in their closet. Give this blazer new life by simply adding material to the collar. Check out your local fabric store and look at different textures and fabrics; leather, pleather, suede, jersey, corduroy, sateen, velvet. Experiment with patterns and colors, maybe opt for houndstooth or brown distressed leather. The possibilities are endless.

When altering a piece of clothing, I suggest first asking your local tailor for two quotes – with and without materials. When happy with the price and materials used – you just created a brand new blazer.

5 under $50: Party Dress

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New Years is right around the corner. A fun party dress does not have to break the bank. Play with colors and textures, accessories and shoes – to complete your perfect outfit. Pair these dresses with a rugged leather jacket or sparkly sequin blazer to add a little something extra. Try a pair of ankle boots or wildly bright pumps – just don’t skimp on shoes, dancing all night in cheap shoes is never fun.  From form-fitting cut-outs to leopard print, here are a few ideas all under $50.00.

Lulu’s ~ Sail the Universe Little Black Dress: $43.00

ASOS ~ Exclusive Peter Pan Collar Open Back Dress: $43.63

Forever 21 ~ Love 21 Leopard Woven Dress w/Belt: $29.80

ASOS ~ Dress with Fringing Drop Hem: $32.72

Mango ~ Straight Cut Dress – Caspio: $49.90

Weekend Ensemble: Ella Moss

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In the winter, layering is key. Be on the lookout for a great vest. Currently, there are so many different styles and textures to choose from; faux fur, leather, suede, long, cropped, draped, asymmetrical. Think of your body type when choosing a vest, cropped and belted vests can overwhelm the frame. Lengthen your silhouette with a longer style or darker color.

This weekend, experiment with layers and add a vest. Weather it be menswear-inspired or 70’s-inspired furs, it will be a great in-vest-ment.

Have a great weekend!

Ashling

5 under $50: Leggings

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Versatile to wear with just about anything, leggings are a comfortable and stylish solution to outfit woes. Available in a multitude of colors, textures and patterns leggings continue to evolve each season.

Leggings Tips & Tricks:

❄ To avoid looking tacky, think of leggings as tights rather than pants. Choose longer tunics/blouses/tops to camouflage the obvious.

❄ Transition summer dresses and skirts into winter by adding simple leggings and a great leather jacket.

❄ Texture is key for a night look. Try metallic or liquid leggings paired with simple sweaters/blouses/tops.

❄ Incorporate fancy flats, boots or a matching pump; monochromatic footwear will make legs appear longer and leaner.

Leggings are an easy way to stretch your wardrobe, here are 5 lovely leggings under $50.00.

Target ~ Merona Women’s Lounge Leggings: $12.99

ASOS ~ Leggings in Metallic Knit: $26.96

Victoria’s Secret ~ Liquid Leggings: $39.50

Topshop ~ Burgundy Velvet Legging: $45.00

Forever 21 ~ Winter Wonderland Legging: $15.80

5 under $50: Cuff Bracelets

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Cuff-style bracelets are the perfect accessory for the minimalist. One statement wrist ornament is all that is needed to tie a look together. Available in all sorts of colors, textures and designs here are 5 under $50.

Max & Chloe – Bellissima Carved Flower Cuff ~ $40.00

ASOS – French Connection Chainmail & Tassel Clasp Bracelet ~ $45.74

Nordstroms – Moschitto Designs Wide Cuff ~ $32.00

ASOS – Textured Curved Wide Cuff ~ $14.64

Juicy Couture – Leather Charm Cuff Bracelet ~ $47.99

Matte Finish: Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks

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Nars Pure Matte Lipstick ~ Carthage

In lip products, matte textures tend to look more natural than shine and shimmer. This is especially true in photography and video. They also last longer on the lips and seldom feather.

Matte-textured lipsticks as well as long-wear can be incredibly drying on the lips. Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks contain mango butter that provide moisturizing properties to repair dryness and scaling. However, I would not constitute this as a moisturizing lip product, but increasingly better than others I have tested.

Nars Pure Matte Lipsticks are incredibly pigmented and provide amazing color pay-off. They are available in eleven shades from nude to full-bodied reds. Carthage is my current favorite, the most obnoxious hot pink.

Matte lipsticks are a great buy, the pigments are bright and bold and if a little shimmer or shine is needed, just add some gloss.

Tip: Avoid over-applying lipstick, the more you wear, the heavier it looks and the quicker it will wear off.