Archive for July, 2009

Six Sophisticated Skirts Under $20

We were browsing the racks at Forever 21, and we were pleasantly surprised to find a wealth of fabulous skirts that don’t require a personal fortune to enjoy.  The beauty of skirts are that they’re so easy to fit - they don’t require immaculate tailoring in order to look right.  So they’re consistently one of the best bets at cheap chic stores like Forever 21.  Plus, they’re fun and flirty…and perfect for the broiling weather we’ve been seeing.  Here’s our six favorite picks for sophisticated skirts under $20:

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Brushstroke Swing Skirt | $14.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with?  Allow your inner artist to come out in this brushstroke print skirt.  Wear it with a solid colored top with arty detailing (drapes, pleats, and folds are always a plus) and a structured menswear blazer.

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Linen Side Pleat Skirt | $15.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with?  Let the side pleat shine with a ruffly blouse (tucked in) and a cropped sweater.

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Abstract Paisley Skirt | $16.90 at Heritage 1981
What to wear it with?  Wear this tribal print skirt with a pair of gladiator sandals and a simple tank.

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Paint Stroke Flare Skirt | $19.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with?  Mix things up by pairing this elegant full skirt with a grafitti print top.  We love the mix of high and low.

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Fold Over Woven Skirt | $17.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with?  Try a crisp white shirt or a sailor striped top for a classic, elegant look.

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Contrast Print Linen Skirt | $14.80 at Forever 21
What to wear it with?  Let this skirt shine by pairing it with a solid colored top–such as a drapey, knit blouse.

13 comments July 17th, 2009

Striped Flutter Top

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Pair this sailor-inspired striped top with a bright yellow scarf for a look that’s positively Parisian.

$24.50  at Gap.

July 17th, 2009

How to Make Sophisticated Style Unstuffy

Sophisticated Meets Rugged
Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


Recall classic sophistication, a la Jackie O and Audrey Hepburn, in an elegant boatneck and drapey skirt.  But keep it modern by adding a twist–a touch of ruggedness juxtaposed against WASPy old-world style.  Here’s how to get the unstuffy yet sophisticated look:

1.  Start with an elegant white top in a classic shape.  We love the boatneck style for how it frames the face - and visually elongates your neck.  Bonus style and figure flattery points for the bow tied at the waist.
2.  Slip on a drapey skirt.  We love how the deep royal blue pairs with the bright white top.  Plus, the drapiness of the skirt contrasts with the more structured feel of the top.
3.  Acccessorize with pieces that bridge the ladylike and the outdoorsy: a tailored, chain link purse and a pair of distressed flat boots.  The distressed boots make the look feel like it doesn’t take itself too seriously - yet isn’t the result gorgeous?

How would you un-stuffify sophisticated, classic style?  Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments July 15th, 2009

Argyle Jersey Tunic

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Argyle isn’t just for country houses and sweater vests. See it in a whole new light with this airy tunic.

$15.80  at Forever 21.

July 15th, 2009

How to Wear a Jean Jacket

How to Wear a Jean Jacket
Feeling the love for this set?  Here’s more information about it.


While it’s easy to pair tops with blue jeans (e.g. almost anything goes), it’s not quite as simple to pair pants with a jean jacket.  What are the rules for wearing a jean jacket?  There’s really only one biggie: Don’t try to match your jean jacket with jeans in a similar wash.  Too matchy matchy.  You can pair denim with denim, but make sure that it doesn’t look like you’re itching to match.  Beyond this, you’re pretty free to experiment.  We crafted a look that pairs a jean jacket with a pair of khaki pants.  Here’s how to get the jean jacket look:

1.  Start with a pair of straight leg khaki pants. 
2.  Add a button-down shirt.  A fun blue and yellow plaid and the two front chest pockets make this standby a little more visually interesting.  Note how the yellow ties in with the warm undertones in the khaki pants and the blue echoes the blue in the denim jacket.
3.  Slip on a jean jacket, allowing the plaid button-down to peek out.  Feel free to turn up the sleeves for effect.
4.  Finish off the outfit with a belt (yes, tuck in the shirt) and a pair of loafers.

How do you wear a jean jacket?  Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments July 15th, 2009

Orange Contrast Neck Baseball Tee

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Be bold with brights. Grab two trends in one: bright orange (perfect for summer) and a baseball inspired style.

$12  at Topman.

July 15th, 2009

Six Work Bags Under $100

What do you look for in a work bag?  We look for a bag with it all.  A bag that can take a bit of a beating (or is cheap enough to replace once beaten).  A bag that can hold all your stuff…from your notebook and papers to your laptop and keys.  And of course, a bag with style.  We searched high and low for work bags that fit the bill (and don’t run up your credit card bill).  Here’s our six favorite picks for work bags under $100:

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Modena Tote | $28.80 at Forever 21

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Reptile Leather Doctor’s Tote | $32.80 at Forever 21

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Bucket Detail Shoulder Bag | $47.88 at ASOS

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Marc B Plaited Holdall | $94.05 at ASOS

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Melie Bianco Patent Bowler | $95 at Piperlime

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Melie Bianco Woven Dome Tote | $99 at Piperlime

Have a great work bag find for under $100?  Share it with us in the comments!

9 comments July 14th, 2009

3/4 Sleeve Cropped Jacket

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Go retro with this adorable 3/4 sleeve cropped jacket. We love the fresh turquoise color and the cute Peter Pan color.

$23.20  (sale) at Tulle.

2 comments July 14th, 2009

You Said: Yes to Peasant Tops

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elenor-embroidered-top_071209We asked: Would you wear Peasant Tops?

You said:  Yes to Peasant Tops (barely), with a 53% to 47% vote.

Style tip? Ruffed Peasant Tops are very early 2000s, but you don’t have to get stuck in the past to wear them.  We’ve seen them paired with the infamous tiered prairie skirt in the past, but there’s no reason to confine your ruffly Peasant Top with such a skirt.  In order to keep the look sophisticated, pair your Peasant Top with a bottom with clean lines.  This can be anything from a pencil skirt to a pair of straight leg jeans.  Want to give your peasant top a modern twist?  Try embroidery on the top - and a slightly different (and more flattering) silhouette.

Next question: Orange is vibrant, fresh, and full of energy.  But is it too much to wear?  Tell us, would you wear a The Color Orange?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Elenor Embroidered Top | $22.80 at Forever 21

5 comments July 13th, 2009

Origami Cocktail Dress

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Don’t you love the elegant folds of this gorgeous origami cocktail dress? We love the simple lines - and the beautiful blue color.

$27.80  at Forever 21.

3 comments July 13th, 2009

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