Archive for January, 2009
Need a simple style solution? Wear a dress. Dresses are, hands down, the fastest way to look effortlessly chic. Here’s how to dress around a dress:
1. Start simply with a dress. If you’re a dress kind of gal, we recommend building a dress wardrobe for both Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer, with heavier weight fabrics for cooler months and more breezy chic dresses for warmer times. Regardless of season, the key to a fabulous dress wardrobe is to pick silhouettes that work with your own personal architecture. This belted double breasted shirtdress, for instance, is great for women with a boyish figure; the dual lines of buttons create visual interest at the bustline, while the belt helps to create the illusion of a defined waist.
2. It is winter, after all, so you’ll want to cover up. Toss on a tailored blazer for looks and warmth. If you’re spending time outside in a cold climate, you’ll also want a warm, lightweight layering sweater between the dress and the jacket (and a silk base layer).
3. Accessorize with a few choice pieces: chocolate brown boots that complement the rich navy blue dress, a brown bag that works with the boots, and a gold necklace to give the outfit some warmth. Note how the ties on the bag echo the ties on the boots.
How would you dress around a dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 30th, 2009
Customize these adorable taupe heels with different colored ribbons to complement whatever you’re wearing.
$32.99 at Ruche.
January 30th, 2009
Q: I’m planning a week-and-a-half long trip to Seoul in late April/early May. I want to pack light so I can (hopefully) carry on my luggage. What would you recommend for a stylish and comfortable travel wardrobe?
Pictured: Seoul-ready looks from Banana Republic’s Spring Collection.
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: What a wonderful time to visit Seoul. The weather should be beautiful in April and May - somewhere between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
Style in Seoul is all about dressing up. Korean women love to dress to impress. They’re very sophisticated and dress up for all occasions - be it going to the office, out on a dinner date, or even out running errands on the weekend. Meticulously groomed, Korean women are known for their conservative and feminine style.
Key takeaway? Bring your A game - and a bag full of versatile, dressy clothes. And feel free to indulge any girly impulses you may have while dressing on your trip.
What should you pack?
- Lightweight dresses, which are easy to pack and wear.
- One suit that can be dressed up or down.
- A lightweight sweater or two for layering. For maximum versatility, choose a neutral color like grey.
- Blouses with a conservative cut. Nothing too low cut, nothing too revealing.
- One knee-length skirt for pairing with the blouses.
A couple of final notes on accessories: Wear comfy shoes that you can slip on and off easily, as shoes are often removed in restaurants. Sunglasses can be considered rude, since wearing them prevents you from looking others in the eye. For sun protection, try a hat.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Korea? Share it with us in the comments!
January 29th, 2009
Add a dollop of sophistication to your Spring wardrobe with this lovely cropped cardigan. Marked down to $19.99 from an original price of $125, it’s a steal! Plus, through Friday, January 30, enter code “EXTRA30″ at checkout for an additional 30% off.
$19.99 (sale) at J Crew.
January 29th, 2009
We’ve gotten a few questions from fashion-forward men who are looking for a great way to wear a faux fur trimmed hooded jacket. A really easy way is to simply adapt our other Cold Weather Chic fashion formula for men. Here’s how to get the look:
1. As we suggested in our womenswear outfit, start with a base layer (not pictured) under your outfit to keep your core warm.
2. On top of your base layer, wear a pair of dark rinse jeans and a statement sweater. The statement sweater is really the key to the outfit; this is where you want the eye to be drawn to.
3. On top of the statement sweater, add the faux fur trimmed hooded jacket. Unless it’s super cold, you may want to leave the jacket unzipped so that you can let the statement sweater peek out.
4. Accessorize with three key cold weather accessories: a trapper hat, a warm cashmere scarf, and a pair of rugged (and hopefully waterproof) boots.
Guys, what do you wear to beat the cold? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 28th, 2009
It’s never too early to start stocking up on Spring dresses. And what better way to start than this cheerful chiffon dress? One part retro, one part modern, this pink number is sure to turn heads.
$36 at Twelve by Twelve.
January 28th, 2009
We can’t get enough of shawl collars. How do you wear this cozy shawl collared pullover tunic? Go big-over-small with this tunic and a pair of skinny pants. Extra style points for pulling on a pair of boots.
$29.99 (sale) at Urban Outfitters.
January 27th, 2009
After a whirlwind weekend at the Sundance Film Festival in snowy Park City, UT, we bring you a cold weather outfit that’s as comfy as it is chic.
1. Start with a snug fitting base layer (not pictured) for warmth. As Traci said, keeping warm in the cold is all about keeping your core warm. A heat-retaining base layer will help you do just that.
2. Build the core of the outfit: a pair of super dark denim pants and a soft turtleneck sweater. For extra warmth, splurge for the cashmere.
3. Slip on a low-collared coat. The beauty of the low collar is that it allows your turtleneck collar to peek out. Collarless coats are very chic as well; try out the look.
4. Finish the outfit off with key cold weather accessories: a trapper hat to keep your head (and ears) warm, a cashmere scarf, and a flat pair of boots. Tuck your pant legs into the boots for the sleekest look.
What do you wear to beat the cold? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 27th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Wide Belts?
You said: Yes to Wide Belts, with a 72% to 28% vote.
Style tip? Wide belts definitely make a statement. And while they can help define your waistline, they can also draw attention to a thick middle. But overall, we think that wide belts have more plusses than minuses. As for how to wear a wide belt, here’s a rule of thumb: the more ornate the design of the belt, the simpler the outfit needs to be. For colder months, We love pairing a statement belt with a simple sweaterdress and a pair of boots. As simple as it is chic.
Next question: Tights are a cold weather staple, whether they’re for an extra layer of warmth under pants or to protect your legs from the cold under skirts. Solid colored plain tights are standard, but what do you think about textured tights? Tell us, would you wear Textured Tights? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Tess Waist Belt | $6.80 at Forever 21.
January 26th, 2009
As longtime fans of Hayden-Harnett, we’re pleased to see that their line is finally accessible to those of us who don’t want to drop hundreds on a bag. Their line for Target features many of their signature styling details - but in a more affordable construction. While the fabrics and trims aren’t the same as those in their premium line, the price differential makes these bags worth a look. Our favorite item from the collection? Hayden-Harnett’s Hobo bag, a roomy take-everything-with-you handbag that can be carried in your hand like a tote–or slung over your shoulder.
$44.99 at Target.
January 26th, 2009
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