Archive for October, 2008
In honor of Halloween, we’re recreating the look of one of America’s most revered style icons: Marilyn Monroe. But instead of literally copying her look, we’re translating it to work in the present day. Here’s how to get a modern version of Marilyn’s iconic look:
1. Start with a dress worthy of Marilyn herself: a bustier top with a flowing skirt. Instead of going with Marilyn’s signature white, mix it up with your signature color.
2. Add a pair of strappy high heels to complement the dress. Here, the gold in the shoes works well with the warm shade of purple.
3. Pick up a feminine clutch. Bonus points for special detailing.
4. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Add a pair of diamond earrings for a bit of extra sparkle. A diamond encrusted choker or a pearl necklace would also evoke Marilyn’s glamourous spirit.
Who’s your favorite style icon? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 31st, 2008
Don’t you love how this blouse works for work–and for the weekend? Simply gorgeous.
$58 at Urban Outfitters.
October 31st, 2008
Bubble hem dresses and skirts can be challenging to wear, as the volume at the hemline isn’t necessarily figure flattering. Here’s how to wear a bubble hem dress with style:
1. Start with the bubble hem dress. Don’t you love the elegance of this gray and cream dress?
2. Reign in the volume with a wide belt. You could either go with a belt in a similar color (as shown here), or one in a purposefully contrasting color.
3. Slip on a pair of slouchy boots and a pair of tights. The dark tights will not only make this outfit warmer, but they’ll also visually slim your legs.
4. Add the finishing touches: layer on a set of necklaces, and grab a brightly colored handbag to complete the look.
How will you wear a bubble hem dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 30th, 2008
Check out our favorite bag from designer Anya Hindmarch’s Target collection. Why do we love this bag? It’s edgily elegant–and it’ll fit everything you need for a day out on the town.
$34.99 at Target.
October 30th, 2008
Q: I need help with a non-traditional interview outfit. I’m a designer who moved 2 months ago from San Francisco to New York. I’m looking for something that’s edgy enough for the job, yet serious enough for a job interview.
Pictured: Hyden Yoo Harrison Jacket, courtesy of Oak.
A: It’s hard to go wrong with a suit for any interview, but of course it may be unnecessary given the industry. Then again, there’s that saying that those who overdress may feel like idiots, but those that underdress are idiots. Moral of the story? Wear a (casual) suit.
I really do think that while suits are traditionally a formal look, they can also be made to look very casual. It’s the little things that matter. Here’s three ways you can make a suit more casual: no belt, a skinnier tie that’s loosened just a little bit, and no socks. Oh yeah, cufflinks don’t scream "formal," they scream pretentious—especially for a creative job. Leave them at home. Skip the contrast collar too; you can wear it when one day you’re on the other side of the interview table.
And suits can still be "edgy" – a suit by Thom Browne takes some real confidence to wear, for example. I’d be safe (and thifty), though, and avoid the Thom Browne suit, unless you’re going into a really artsy industry (no negative connotation intended).
Sidebar: If you’re trying to get a job on Wall Street, stick to navy or charcoal and a white shirt. You can’t go wrong with a solid or striped tie, either. The conservative culture of such firms may cause the interviewer to frown upon anything more. Besides, you should be more worried about trying to answer questions about WACC and Deferred Tax Liabilities than what you’re wearing.
The general rule is to consider how your potential bosses dress on an everyday basis and then wear what would be considered dressier. If your boss wears jeans, go with khakis. If your boss wears a blazer, go with a suit, with or without a tie. Get it? It’s hard to tell you exactly what to wear to an interview. But whatever you do, be confident, because the last thing you want to be thinking about is how you look.
Have a great tip about what to wear to a creative interview? Share it with us in the comments!
October 29th, 2008
Pair this blousy bubble hem dress with a wide belt, pair of tights, and boots for a thoroughly chic look.
$64 at Newport News.
October 29th, 2008
Q: For the last two years I have worked in the legal profession where my wardrobe consists mostly of skirt and pant suits, business shirts and lots and lots of black. Next year, I am going back to study fashion design to pursue my dream of working in fashion publishing. Do you have any suggestions for transitioning my color deficient and overly formal wardrobe to match my new life?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Congratulations! I applaud you for having the courage to do what you love, and taking the first step towards your dream of working in fashion publishing. Just as transitioning from a professional environment to an academic one will allow you much more freedom in scheduling your day, it will also give you much more freedom in what you choose to wear.
That said, I’d recommend placing your suits and blouses in a good storage place, as journalism will also require professional clothes until you reach the heights of Anna Wintour or Carine Roitfield, when designers will be begging you to wear their clothes! Fashion journalism is no exception, though you’ll get to mix things up a bit more.
As you prepare to enter the world of fashion, make sure you have your foundation pieces in place. These 10 pieces will provide you a foundation from which to grow your wardrobe—and evolve your sense of style. Since you’re going back to school, I’d add jeans to this foundation wardrobe as well. In addition to your standard issue dark rinse blue jeans, try a pair of trouser jeans and a pair of grey jeans.
Moving beyond the foundations, I encourage you to play with silhouettes and color. Now is the time for experimentation. Layer! Take what’s in your wardrobe and try to create new and interesting combinations.
Once you’ve started to exhaust the possibilities with your current wardrobe, make a shopping trip to add pieces that you may not already have. Things like layered tops, asymmetrical dresses, cute boots, and an oversized, slouchy bag (which should hold your school books nicely). But don’t be too anxious to fill out your wardrobe too quickly. You’ll start to develop a more critical eye as you study fashion. And you’ll no doubt be influenced by the designers you study—not to mention your fellow students.
Developing your own fashion point of view is a very personal process, and it’s not one to be rushed. This advice can help guide you along the path, but in the end, it’s you who’s making the journey. Bon voyage, and good luck!
Have a great tip about how to transform your wardrobe from formal to creative? Share it with us in the comments!
October 28th, 2008
Dress up this minidress for Fall with a pair of thick tights, knee-high boots, a cozy sweater, and a chic coat.
$36.90 at Forever 21.
October 28th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Buffalo Check Plaid?
You said: Yes to Buffalo Check Plaid, which got 57% of the vote.
Style tip? Buffalo Check Plaid is one of the key trends of the season, and it works equally well on men and women. We love it in bold form, but for those of you who are on the fence, you can give it a try with a smaller print. Pair your buffalo check top with something more plain on the bottom - a pair of dark rinse jeans is simple chic for both men and women.
Next question: It wouldn’t be Fall without Boots. But what about Over the Knee boots? Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Ruffle Placket Plaid Top | $44 at Gap.
October 27th, 2008
Wear this ruffle dress to the office–and then to cocktails afterwards. It’s great for longwaisted women, as the high-waisted skirt elongates your legs.
$49 at Chadwicks.
October 27th, 2008
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