August 29, 2012
From Summer to Fall: Transitional Dresses
As the weather in NYC gets cooler and as we get closer to Fashion Week I can't help but start to wear my clothing that helps transit into fall. I love dresses that have a three quater length sleeve. This helps you stay warm during the chilly mornings/nights of the late summer days into the early fall days. These dresses are the perfect dresses to take you from day to night. The Mango printed loose-fit tunic dress is not only a great deal ($59.99) but the perfect dress to take you from day to work. The length and print is perfect for work and can easily be paired with a blazer and pumps. The little key hole cut out adds a hint of sex of appeal without being overly sexy. It'll keep you warm during the chilly nights and paired up with a gold clutch will take you to cocktail hour. If your willing to splurge the J.Crew striped silk sift dress ($290) is the dress that can not only only transition within the seasons but within your everyday wardrobe. J.Crew's dress is fun and can be dressed up or dressed down. Pair it with a pair of high heels and a blazer for the office or pair it with a jean jacket and sneakers for strolling through the farmers market. A dress like J.Crew's is what we call a investment pieces, and it's totally worth investing in. For a more fun and flirty look play around in polka dots and a shorter hem dress, like the ASOS skater dress ($42.58). ASOS dress is perfect for lunch dates or shopping dates with friends. It's a playful piece that you can pair with knee high or over the knee socks.
How I Pulled This Look Off:
Last week the weather in NYC was much cooler then it has been all summer. It was nice to have those low 80s to high 70 degree days. Even if everyday there was a call for possible rain. I don't mind the break from high 80s to 90 degree weather. I wore my new Kensie dress to work and then out to dinner for my boyfriend's birthday dinner. I love that this dress is super casual and is light enough to still wear during the "cooler" summer days. It's a dress that can be taken into fall with a simple pair of tights underneath but for now I'll continue to wear it loose and without tights.
Dress: c/o Kensiesie
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old)
Bag: c/o Remi & Emmy
Bracelets: Forever21 and c/o Satya Jewelry
Rings: Banana Republic
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old)
Bag: c/o Remi & Emmy
Bracelets: Forever21 and c/o Satya Jewelry
Rings: Banana Republic
photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh
Do you have any favorite transitional dresses?
August 27, 2012
Weekend Photo Diary: Always a Bridesmaid...
Look 1:
Dress: LF Store (only sale of the season)
Bracelets: Forever21, DIY, c/o Brooklynthread, and Punta Cana
Look 2:
Bridesmaid dress: David's Bridal
Shoes: Dolce Vita (LF Store only sale of the season)
Bag: c/o Rebecca Minkoff
...Never a bride...
Actually this was my first time being a bridesmaid. My best friend from high school got married this past weekend and I couldn't have been more honored to be a part of it. I have attended a lot of weddings these past years after college (all college friends and relatives). I mean I felt old going to my friends wedding but never like this since I've legit have known her since the very first day of high school. It's so weird to see someone that I've known for so many years and grew up with get married. I mean I couldn't be more happy that she found some that made her happy. And I wish her many more years happiness and love together.
August 24, 2012
Fall 2012 Trends: Matchy Matchy
pictures from: style.com, missselfridge.com, topshop.com, jcrew.com
Forget mixed prints, this Fall it's all about matching prints. Designers like Prada, Erdem, Thakoon Addition, and Miu Miu sent models down the runway with matching tops and bottoms. We are talking full on print overload!
Scared to do the head to toe matchy matchy prints? Stores like Topshop have you covered. Try pulling this look off with stores that have the look for less so that you aren't committing to much of your bank account into a look you aren't so sure about. Match print pants to a print blazer (like the Topshop blazer and pants shown above) and use a simple t-shirt or button down to break up the look. Willing to splurge a little more? J.Crew is also doing their take on the matching prints. Style a matching print t-shirt to a matching print pants but do what J.Crew did-- brighten up the look with a long sleeve color shirt underneath. Not only will this make the outfit pop but will help break apart the matching prints. If you are still having a hard time committing to this trend, pick a short suit in matching prints. The shorts are less overbearing and can take you from late summer (without tights) into fall (with tights). Picking tone down prints like the Miss Selfridge blazer and shorts can make this look less intimidating. The bolder the print the more of a statement maker. Sometimes it's subtleness that can really make a look.
If you are willing to spend more money on designer wear go for separates that you can wear well separate. Pick a print that you really love and that you wouldn't mind wearing by itself. Designer pieces should be versatile especially if it's investment piece.
This look is not for the faint at heart. It might need sometime and some trying on different prints until it becomes part of your wardrobe.
What do you think about this trend? Will you be matching prints this season?
August 22, 2012
How to Dress Down a Strapless Dress
I'm a fan of versatility and really what woman isn't? I'm always looking for the right clothes that I can wear to work and on the weekends and maybe to even dresser occasions. Some dresses are dresser then others especially when it comes to summer dresses. Those strapless dresses might even be deemed inappropriate for the office. So how can you get some versatility out of your favorite dressy summer dress? Play with this seasons trend the denim vest or jacket.
Reasons Why I Love this Look:
It toughens up a pretty girly dress. Plus it adds a bit of versatility to the dress by dressing it down. This look is perfect for going out with friends or if your office is a little more laid back it can take you from day to night. To keep the look laid back pair it up with chunky heels. Stiletto heels can give a look a more polished look while chunky heels give it a casual feel. If you chose to accessorize stay away from classic pieces like pearls or anything to dressy. Play with more relaxed pieces. Keep bags simple and choose a neutral tone bag to blend the whole look together. Another bonus to this look is that it can take your summer dress into the fall by layering pieces. Play with denim and leather jackets to add edge to your summer frock.
How I Pulled This Look Off:
I recently bought a denim vest from the LF Store during their only sale of the season and haven't been able to take it off. I've been playing with different looks with it from maxi dresses to strapless frocks. I love the edge and dress down feel that the denim vest gives and that it also covers up what I don't want shown. It's easy to throw on without thinking twice about it.
Would you give this look a try? What do you pair you denim vest or jacket up with?
Reasons Why I Love this Look:
It toughens up a pretty girly dress. Plus it adds a bit of versatility to the dress by dressing it down. This look is perfect for going out with friends or if your office is a little more laid back it can take you from day to night. To keep the look laid back pair it up with chunky heels. Stiletto heels can give a look a more polished look while chunky heels give it a casual feel. If you chose to accessorize stay away from classic pieces like pearls or anything to dressy. Play with more relaxed pieces. Keep bags simple and choose a neutral tone bag to blend the whole look together. Another bonus to this look is that it can take your summer dress into the fall by layering pieces. Play with denim and leather jackets to add edge to your summer frock.
How I Pulled This Look Off:
I recently bought a denim vest from the LF Store during their only sale of the season and haven't been able to take it off. I've been playing with different looks with it from maxi dresses to strapless frocks. I love the edge and dress down feel that the denim vest gives and that it also covers up what I don't want shown. It's easy to throw on without thinking twice about it.
Vest: LF Store (only sale of the season)
Dress: c/o Sugarlips
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old)
Bag: Urban Expressions c/o Baghaus.com
Sunglasses: Glow Expressions
pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh
Would you give this look a try? What do you pair you denim vest or jacket up with?
August 20, 2012
Inspirational Monday: Hippie Days
Last week I was feeling a little hippie inspired when I paired up my newly accquired Kensie crotchet top with the BDG floral pants. I'm a bit of a hippy at heart. I would love to frockalic around with flowers in my hair and run around barefooted. To be honest I hate shoes...and I really hate socks. Hence why I love sandals and take full advantage of the summer and wear sandals everyday that I can.
Crop Top: c/o Kensie
Lace top: Forever21 (old)
Jeans: c/o BDG Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (old...similar style here)
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Necklace: c/o Kensie
Sunglasses: Raybans
Stack-able Rings: Marc by Marc Jacobs
pictures taken by Brian Cavanaugh
I usually stay away from layering different materials with mixed prints not because I don't like it on myself (I do love it on other people) I just always feel uncomfortable in doing so on myself. But when I received this Kensie top from the Kensie Jewelry preview (which you can read here) I couldn't help but think of my floral jeans form BDG. The vibe of the top is very much the 60s hippie type and what better way to bring that vibe out then with a pair of floral jeans. Being that top is crochet I had to make it more appropriate for work. I could have opted for a regular tank top but I remember this little lace tank that I had bought from Forever21 forever ago. This look didn't overwhelm me and took me to a very hippy place.
What do you think about mixing print and materials?
August 17, 2012
Outfit Post: Polka Dots and Jewels
Dress: c/o Taylor Dress
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs (sale)
Bag: Urban Expressions c/o baghaus.com
Necklace: c/o Ann Taylor
Earrings: c/o Bombom Jewelry
photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh
There are certain dresses and clothing that just make you feel grown-up and ready to take on the world. That's exactly what this Taylor Dress makes me feel, all grown up-- not just playing dress up. This is one of those dresses that works for every woman and age. It's business casual chic, has the appropriate length for work without looking to matronly and is still fun. It's hard sometimes being 20something working in the "business world" since you don't always want to dress "corporate" but you want your look to be youthful and chic. I love that with a dress like this you can play around with different accessories like a bold statement maker like the Ann Taylor necklace or something more subtle like the BomBom earrings. Maybe a woman in her 40s wouldn't pair it up with the Marc by Marc Jacob wedges but go for something more classic like a pump or a strap sandal...or maybe she would. Either way it's a fun dress to accessorize and will be a staple in my closet. Maybe even an interview dress.
Do you have any dresses that make you feel grown-up?
August 15, 2012
Fall 2012 Trends: Fuzzy Feeling
photos from: style.com, Dana-Maxx lookbook, Lipsy.com, Barneys NY, Zara, Neiman Marcus
Now that we are in August it's time to start falling ahead and thinking about Fall 2012 trends. We are kick starting the fall trends with the fuzzy fur trimming. Instead of going full on fur, designers this fall have taken fur and add it as dramatic trimming to coats.
Designer Wear:
3.1 Phillip Lim takes the short white coat and adds a bit of flare to it by adding fur to the upper portion of the coat. This isn't only chic but is office/work wear friendly. This is the perfect jacket to take with you if you have to go out to meet clients. It is also perfect for after hour cocktails. If you're looking for a statement piece but without being overwhelming and have a big budget then ICB Fur Bottom Coat ($1,495) is for you. Being that this coat is black it helps tone down the fur and keeps the look being chic. It can be dressed up or down. Rachel Zoe ($675) and Dana-Maxx take a fun twist on the classic fur coat trimming by doing over-sized fur trimmings. These pieces are big statement makers and will also keep you cozy and warm. Elizabeth and James mixed it up by using different materials, which Zara took it's own twist on.
Get the Look for Less:
Since the summer season is winding down and stores are starting to have their end of the season sale which means they are slowly starting to bring in their fall season lines. Zara already has a few jackets out and their Combined Fur Jacket is the perfect deal at $89.90. This jacket plays off of Elizabeth and James jacket but with a much more affordable price tag. It has a motorcycle feel without it being to hard. Give your girly look some edge by pairing it up with this jacket. For a more classic look the Lipsy Fur Collared Swing Coat ($104) is a great take on the Rachel Zoe Trish Long Pea Coat. It's classic feel can take you through winter and let you feel comfortably chic.
What do you think of this fall trend? Which jacket will you be rocking this winter?
August 13, 2012
Kensie Jewelry Spring 2013
It's amazing how far ahead fashion really is. It doesn't really hit you that fashion is always a season a head until fashion week comes, especially September fashion week when it's with a new year. Last week I got a chance to view the newly developed jewelry line from Kenise for their Spring 2013 collection. Yes Spring 2013 collections here already!!
Kensie is a line that I've been a fan of myself for a while now. The clothing is within a Fashionista NY Girl's budget but packs some amazing punches. The clothing is youthful, vibrant, and fun much like what their jewelry line is. There is a little bit of something for every fashionista. For a classic girl there are timeless pieces like jeweled necklaces and earrings. There are bigger bolder pieces for the girl looking to make an impact. Then there are pieces that are bright and colorful for the chica that loves to paint her self in color.
I love that this lines has a bit of everything and it's all eye catching. What really makes it even better is that it's affordable and will be reachable to buy. You'll be able to find these pieces at Macy's and Lord and Taylors.
What do you think of this collection?
Kensie is a line that I've been a fan of myself for a while now. The clothing is within a Fashionista NY Girl's budget but packs some amazing punches. The clothing is youthful, vibrant, and fun much like what their jewelry line is. There is a little bit of something for every fashionista. For a classic girl there are timeless pieces like jeweled necklaces and earrings. There are bigger bolder pieces for the girl looking to make an impact. Then there are pieces that are bright and colorful for the chica that loves to paint her self in color.
I love that this lines has a bit of everything and it's all eye catching. What really makes it even better is that it's affordable and will be reachable to buy. You'll be able to find these pieces at Macy's and Lord and Taylors.
What do you think of this collection?
I don't usually do guest post but celebrity stylist and Shoedazzle stylist Anya Sarre reached out to me asking if she can do a guest post on my blog. How could I have said no?! I'm very honored to bring you this guest post from Anya Sarre!
by Anya Sarre
A woman’s sense of beauty comes more from how she accepts and internalizes her own appearance. But there are many ways that a woman can make immediate changes to herself to help boost her self-confidence and feelings about her outward appearance. We all know that when we look good we feel great! Although we are all different, confidence is a must have accessory for all!
Contentment with one’s style is probably the greatest factor influencing that personal sense of beauty. One woman is completely comfortable and content in sweatpants and a t-shirt, exuding beauty not because of her clothing but because of her satisfaction with her apparel. Another woman may not feel this sense of beauty in casual wear, finding that fancy dresses and elegant shoes are the necessary wardrobe elements that provide confidence and self-worth. The power of fashion is a funny thing in that it doesn’t create beauty so much as it creates attitude. Two women wearing the same design elements will look completely different. Both may look beautiful, but it’s not a function of the clothes. It’s a function of how they feel about their clothes.
Women's shoes are fun to explore in their relation to women’s beauty. Some women’s shoes appear crazy in design yet provide a distinct and amazing appearance when worn by the right person. One woman can’t stand high heels, while another can’t live without them; both women exude an attitude of confidence when wearing fashion that makes them feel comfortable and beautiful. Other people can sense this confidence and will remember that impression about her fondly.
Feeling beautiful in one’s own skin is important. Comfort and confidence are at the root of personal beauty, and what is charming for one woman is not desirable to another. Choice and interest are displayed no more fully than in a woman’s choice of wardrobe. Casual flip-flops and summer shoes can portray the cool confidence that translates to beauty for some, while brilliant embellishments will matter for another. Pretty styles like maxi dresses and wedge heels can combine to create a casual elegance without costing a fortune. For others, the exotic appeal of designer labels motivates and inspires. Regardless of preference, it’s not expense that is at the root of the sense of beauty. It’s that personal satisfaction with the pieces worn and their fit and feel. Strut your style this summer for the world to see!
August 9, 2012
DIY: Colored Fringe Shorts
What I used:
1. Old pair of shorts
2. Fringe trimming from MJ Trimming (I bought a yard which was MORE then enough)
4. White thread
5. Sewing Needles
6. Pair of scissors
7. Pearl Head Pins
Steps:
1. First you want to measure out your fringe a long the pocket of your shorts.
2. Once you have your desired amount cut the fringe.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 on the second pocket.
4. Once you have both fringes cut you can begin to dye the ends. I used the SEI Tumble Tie Dye since I still had some left over from my DIY tie dye shorts. With using this all I did was spray the bottoms of my fringes.
5. Once your fringe is dye and dried. PLEASE make sure your fringe is dry or dye will get on the shorts. Pin the ends of your fringe to the pockets using the pearl needle head pins so that you can start sewing them on.
6. Once you have them pinned you can start sewing your fringe.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 on the second pocket.
8. Once you are done stitching your fringe to your shorts throw them in the drier for 15 minutes so that the dye really sets in.
Final Results:
Shirt: Target
Shorts: DIY(originally H&M)
Shorts: DIY(originally H&M)
Sneakers: MNTG from LF Store (sale of the season)
Bag: Urban Expression c/o baghaus.com
Sunglasses: Raybans
Bag: Urban Expression c/o baghaus.com
Sunglasses: Raybans
photos taken by Brian Cavanaugh and myself
What do you think of the fringe shorts? Would you try this DIY project?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
