Archive for January, 2009
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: sometimes all you need is a splash of color. You don’t have to have a technicolor closet to have some fun with color. Against a backdrop of neutrals, it’s amazing what a small dose of color can do. Here’s a fashion formula that shows you how to dip your toes into the world of color:
1. Start with a neutral foundation. Here, we paired a crisp white tuxedo shirt with a pair of cuffed grey pants.
2. Layer on some more neutrals: a shawl collar sweater vest in taupe and a black sailor style peacoat. Note how the oversized buttons on the sweatervest echo those on the peacoat.
3. Accessorize! A black and grey checkered scarf finds itself at home with the neutral palette of the outfit, but a pair of cherry red slingback heels gives these neutrals a kick in the pants. The result? A sophisticated outfit that gives a nod to your playful side.
How do you wear color? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 23rd, 2009
These metallic sandals are the perfect foil to a pretty day dress, but they’re also cool enough to glam up jeans and a tee.
$39.50 at Gap.
January 23rd, 2009
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
What better shoe is there for the modern woman than the simple, ever elegant ballet flat? Perfect for women on the go, ballet flats are a practical mix of form and function.
Ballet flats were first made popular by Brigitte Bardot when she graced the silver screen in a pair made by Reppeto in 1956. Now, more than fifty years later, Reppeto still makes a variety of ballet flats that fit a modern woman’s lifestyle. Our ballet flat shopping guide includes classic styles from Repetto–but also gathers styles from other price points so that you can find the right shoe for you:
Our $ Picks:
Xhilaration Simone Stretch Ballet Flats | $14.99 (sale) at Target
Mossimo Velma Patent Ballet Flats | $17.49 (sale) at Target
American Eagle Millie Bow Ballet Flat | $19.99 at Payless
Our $$ Picks:
Jane Suede Ballet Flats | $98 at J Crew
Repetto Beauty Ballad | $123 (sale) at Zoe
Repetto Enfance Ballerine | $165 (sale) at Zoe
Our $$$ Picks:
Repetto Houps Ball | $255 at Zoe
Lanvin Patent Cowhide Ballet Flats | $540 at Zoe
Lanvin Embroidery Ballet Shoe | $570 at Zoe
January 22nd, 2009
If you’re looking for a raincoat that doesn’t look like a raincoat, you can stop your search. Old Navy’s raincoat combines the chicness of your favorite button-front jacket with the waterproof qualities of a raincoat. And it comes in both black and bright colors so that you’ll always have one that works with your outfit.
$39.50 at Old Navy.
January 22nd, 2009
There’s nothing quite like crisp pinwale corduroy for a crisp cool day. In blazer form, corduroy can take you to work (in business casual environments) and out on a date. Here’s how to wear a corduroy blazer:
1. Start with the basics: a comfy henley shirt and a pair of light khaki pants. You may also want to layer a crewneck tee under the henley shirt.
2. Toss on a slim cut corduroy blazer. Make sure that the blazer features a narrow cut; the trim fit and narrow lapels are slimming. In this outfit, notice how the deep navy blue blazer makes the white pants visually pop.
3. Accessorize with a bright blue scarf and a pair of rich brown shoes that echo the brown belt. For colder temperatures, switch out the lightweight scarf for something warmer, such as a cashmere knit.
How would you wear a corduroy blazer? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 21st, 2009
We may have to wait for Spring, but we don’t have to wait to find the perfect Spring trench. This fetching style features tabbed sleeves and a flattering a-line silhouette. We love it paired with a crisp patterned shirt.
$56.96 at ASOS.
January 21st, 2009
A delicate bow tops this uber-pointed toe slide. This sophisticated slide heel perfectly pairs with your wide leg trousers.
$29.99 (sale) at Nine West.
January 20th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear Hip Length Blazers?
You said: Yes to Hip Length Blazers, with a 61% to 39% vote.
Style tip? Shrunken blazers are great for elongating your legs and making you look taller, but long, hip length blazers can be more of a figure flattery challenge. They’re a natural on short waisted women who want to elongate their torso, but for the rest of us, they can make our legs look shorter. How do you wear the long, hip length blazer for maximum figure flattery? Choose a blazer with a high armhole and a close fit. Pair it with a narrow bottom, such as skinny pants or leggings and a miniskirt.
Next question: Wide belts are great for defining your waistline, but they also make a strong statement. Tell us, would you wear a Wide Belt? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Boyfriend Blazer | $73.47 at ASOS.
January 20th, 2009
As John advises, plaid is best worn as an accent piece. But our favorite plaid pieces go beyond this accent role, acting as a point of color coordination for an outfit. How do they do achieve this coordinating effect? They pick up colors from the rest of the outfit to make the look cohesive and complete. Here’s how it works:
1. Start with the basics: a plain white button down shirt and a pair of dark rinse straight leg jeans.
2. Layer on a shawl collar pullover for texture and warmth. Notice how the deep v-neckline on the pullover frames the tiny ruffles on the button down shirt, a beautiful textural counterpart to the tiny ribs on the shawl collar.
3. Frame the outfit with a gorgeously green coat. The 3/4 length sleeves on this coat allow the sleeves below to peek out. You could push up the sleeves on the grey pullover and turn up the cuffs on the white button down so you get white sleeve peeking out from under the green coat sleeves.
4. Accessorize with a plaid scarf that picks up the green of the coat, the blue of the jeans, and the white of the button down shirt. Added bonus? The pair of brown buckled boots echoes the brown buckle belt on the green coat.
How would you wear plaid? Share your style with us in the comments!
January 16th, 2009
The henley shirt is a classic part of any man’s wardrobe. What makes this one special is the thin, long placket. Simply perfect.
$24.50 at Gap.
January 16th, 2009
Next Posts
Previous Posts
