Amber Floral Print Dress
We’re loving the bold floral print on this tunic dress. Pair it with a solid colored sweater (yellow, perhaps) and a pair of heels.
$22.80 at Forever 21.
May 18th, 2009
Archive for May, 2009
Q&A: What to Wear in Los Angeles
Q: A friend is graduating from law school in Los Angeles in a few weeks, and I will be spending the weekend there as well. What would you recommend to wear to the graduation ceremony, and for the rest of the weekend?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Graduation from Law School is a big accomplishment–so congratulations to your friend! In LA, the weather will likely be hot (and depending on the size of the graduating class, the ceremony could be long). For the ceremony itself, we’d recommend a simple dress + cardigan outfit, though you may want to switch out the floral dress for one in an edgier pattern for Los Angeles. For the rest of your weekend in Los Angeles, here’s what you’re going to want to bring:
Tops: A cute top or two that can be dressed up or down will do the trick. A light sweater will keep you cozy at night.
Bottoms: Jeans are a must - try grey jeans or an unusual wash for something a bit different. You may also want to bring a pair of shorts or a skirt to keep you cool if the weather gets too warm.
Dresses: Bring the dress you’re wearing to the graduation ceremony. If you’re really into dresses, you may also want to bring a California casual sundress (or a long maxi dress) to round out your dress wardrobe.
Outerwear: A single lightweight jacket will suffice for the balmy Los Angeles weather.
Accessories: A pair of kitten heels for the ceremony, and either a cute pair of sandals or a pair of casual shoes will keep you comfortable through the weekend. Add a pair of oversized sunglasses (and perhaps a hat), and you’ll be good to go.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Los Angeles? Share it with us in the comments!
3 comments May 15th, 2009
Sydnee Gladiator Sandal
Why pay more for chic gladiator sandals when you can get a stylish pair for under $25?
$24.99 at Payless.
1 comment May 15th, 2009
Q&A: Weekend Wear for Women Over 40
Q: Could you suggest some summer casual weekend options for [women over 40]? Things that could be worn as part of a graduation weekend–out to a casual dinner, to a barbecue, out and about.
A: It’s possible to embody an air of sophistication, even in casual clothing. You can do weekend wear in style with bright colors, tailored silhouettes, and bold prints. How do you put them together? Try these three classic weekend wear outfit combinations:
Chambray Button Down Shirt + White Boot Cut Jeans
Selvedge Chambray Shirt | $88 at J Crew
New Low-Rise Boot Cut White Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Try a twist on the classic button-down and jeans combo. Look for a shirt in a tailored cut and textured fabric. As for the jeans, instead of a traditional blue, try them in white. Or if you’re prone to stains, a nice light grey.
Silk Blouse + Printed Skirt
Silk Georgette Pleated Top | $88 at J Crew
Pleated Floral Skirt | $68 at Banana Republic
For a slightly dressier option, try a sleeveless blouse in a luxurious fabric and pair it with a skirt in a sophisticated pattern.
Brightly Colored Blouse + Wide Leg Trouser Pants
Piped Blouse | $48 at Gap
Navy Wide Leg Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Balance out a pair of wide leg pants with a short sleeved blouse. You can keep the pairing visually interesting with bright colors and a small-over-big silhouette. If the weather is very warm, feel free to switch out the pants with a pair of knee-length shorts or cropped pants.
Have a great tip about weekend wear for those over 40? Share it with us in the comments!
7 comments May 14th, 2009
Side Swept Skirt
What better way to dress up your Spring wardrobe than a brightly colored skirt? Pair it with pure whites for a look that’s completely fresh.
$14.80 at Forever 21.
2 comments May 14th, 2009
Mens Spring Summer Fashion Formula #6: Dress up a Cardigan with a Tie
Feeling the love for this set? Here’s more information about it.
We’re inspired by the upcoming film 500 Days of Summer (saw it at Sundance, highly recommend it) - and particularly by the creative-yet-wearable work style of the main characters, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Gordon-Levitt’s character has a penchant for the button-down + tie + cardigan combination. It’s a great fashion formula, particularly for guys in creative industries. Here’s how to get the cardigan + tie look:
1. Start with a base of a button-down shirt and a pair of straight leg jeans.
2. Slip on a tie over your button-down shirt. For a more youthful look, try a tie in a narrow width.
3. Add on a cardigan sweater. Bonus points for interesting colors or patterns.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of tailored oxford shoes and a sophisticated messenger bag.
How would you wear a cardigan and a tie? Share your style with us in the comments!
3 comments May 13th, 2009
Garment Dyed Belted Linen Cargo Bermuda Shorts
We’re loving the laid-back vibe of these linen cargo bermuda shorts. They’re great for vacations (wrinkling from a ride in your suitcase isn’t a liability for linen) - and the colors are so pretty.
$34.88 (sale) at Gap.
6 comments May 13th, 2009
Q&A: Graduation Dresses for Women Over 40
Q: Do you have [graduation] dress suggestions for women 45+ who are in decent shape? I’ve looked in vain for attractive and vibrant floral pattern dresses that cover a bit more. Plenty of sheaths in black and natural linen, but these seem rather plain for the occasion.
A: Last week, we put together a graduation outfit suitable for a woman in her 20s or 30s. Today, we rounded up a series of dresses that can work for women in their 40s and beyond. We have vibrant patterns, bright colors, and cuts that cover a bit more than the strapless sheath that we featured last week. Here’s our seven favorite picks for graduation dresses:
Ali Ro Print Silk Dress | $62.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
Silk Cotton Floral Dress | $98 at Banana Republic
Cotton Slub Silk Lattice Dress | $99.99 (sale) at J Crew
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Sateen Sheath Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Floral Maxi Dress | $130 at Martin + Osa
Patra Tiered Chiffon Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
Trina Turk Tortoise Dress | $288 at Nordstrom
What would you wear to graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
12 comments May 12th, 2009
Feather Clutch
Now here’s the perfect statement clutch to pair with cocktail and eveningwear. We’re digging the feather texture.
$34 at ASOS.
4 comments May 12th, 2009
You Said: Yes to Long Strap Handbags
We asked: Would you wear Long Strap Handbags?
You said: Yes to Long Strap Handbags, with a 60% to 40% vote.
Style tip? The beauty of the Long Strap Handbag is that you can wear it cross-body, leaving your hands free as you make your way through the day. We love juxtaposing the structured long strap handbag against a flowy dress - a mix of the tailored and the romantic. Mix things up even more with a pair of gladiator sandals to add a bit of toughness to the look.
Next question: We’re stocking up on Spring and Summer dresses and wanted to get your opinion on the floor length Maxi Dress. Very 1970s, but they’ve made a comeback in the last few years. Would you wear the Maxi Dress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
NOTE: Seems that our poll has had some technical difficulties today - if you were unable to vote today, please try again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Pictured: Leather Pocket Detail Satchel | $53.92 at ASOS.
5 comments May 11th, 2009