How To: Subdued Sequins

⁕⁕⁕

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

Summer Must-Have: Crochet

❖❖❖

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)

Right Brights: J.Crew Toothpick Jeans in Garment-Dyed Twill

✻✻✻

A great departure from primary colored-denim, J.Crew’s straight leg “Toothpick” jeans are available in an array of color-burst shades. From bright papaya, neon persimmon, light citron, festival green to standard white, these jeans will brighten-up any wardrobe.

These jeans are extremely soft and comfortable. The skinny style has a flattering fit and the soft stretchy cotton provides a magical slimming effect. The ankle length accentuates spring style for wearability all-year-round.

When wearing bright jeans and denim, your legs are the focal point. The safest way to wear bright denim jeans is to pair it with tops, cardigans and tees in neutral colors. Feeling bold and playful? Try pairing your bright denim with an added burst of color. This can be as subtle as an accent cotton scarf or as bold as color-blocking with a cotton tunic in a contrasting color.

Caring for Colored Denim: From J.Crew: The nature of this product may result in color transfer- we suggest laundering them at home before wear.

Break out of your usual blues and opt for bright and cheery denim.

5 under $50: Fall Blouses

✯✯✯

Silky, flowing blouses are popping-up in Fall collections everywhere. Available in beautiful colors and patterns, these tops are extremely versatile. For a casual look, pair with denim; flowing over skinny jeans or tucked into high-waisted flares. For work, tuck a silky blouse into a sleek pencil skirt or couple with blazer and tailored pant. For a night out, grab some leather capris and sky-high pumps and you are ready to go. Here are five Fall blouses, all under $50.00:

Olivia Moon ~ Print Chiffon Blouse: $37.90

Fred Flare ~ Polka Dot Chiffon Top: $48.00

Bellatrix ~ Pleated Silk Blouse: $49.90

Hive & Honey ~ Poet Blouse: $49.00

Tinley Road ~ Bow Tie Blouse: $49.00