Posts filed under 'Women’s'
The Plaid Flannel Shirt is back–and it doesn’t have to be (nay–it shouldn’t be) reminiscent of 90s grunge. John showed the guys how to stand out from the crowd in a plaid flannel shirt, which prompted the ladies to ask how to translate this look for women. The plaid shirt, while reminiscent of a woodsy man, doesn’t have to be masculine.
How to give the plaid shirt a feminine touch? Three ideas:
(1) Fit is key. A man’s shirt will fall straight at the sides, but a woman’s shirt should follow her curves. Too-straight side seams will make you look mannish.
(2) Leave the top button (or two) unbuttoned. Subtly show off your figure.
(3) Choose a shirt with special details, such as a ruffle at the back or tuxedo pleats down the front. The tuxedo pleats down center front on the American Eagle shirt, for example, give the shirt a feminine edge.
Here’s our top picks for plaid shirts with a feminine touch:
AE Plaid Tuxedo Pleat Shirt | $34.95 (sale) at American Eagle
Bib Front Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
Sparkle Plaid Margaret Shirt | $78 at J. Crew
Charlotte Ronson Plaid Button Down Tunic | $202 at Shopbop
December 4th, 2007
The key to dressing ten pounds thinner has much to do with a good magic trick. Like a magician that uses misdirection to compel his audience to look where he wants them to, you can visually create a slimming, elongated vertical line for the eye to follow. However, you don’t need to be a magician to look like you’ve shed pounds. To look like you’re ten pounds thinner without so much as a trip to the gym, try:
Wearing What Fits: Fit is the #1 determinant of whether you look poor or polished. For good fit that flatters, look for clothes that skim your body. Body-hugging clothes, or those that pull at the buttons, only draw attention to problem spots. Before you wear something out of the house, make sure that nothing is puckering or pulling. And when in doubt, go one size up. The looser fitting clothing will encourage others to ask the golden question: “Have you lost weight?â€
Monochromatic Outfits: The simplest way to create an elongated vertical line is to craft an outfit in one color. However, you needn’t be so strict—dressing in light and dark variations of one color creates much of the same effect.
Vertical Lines: Instead of wearing garments with strong horizontal detailing, try ones with vertical details. What kinds of details are we talking about? Zippers, buttons, stripes, piping, pockets, and other embellishments.
Dark Colors: It’s no secret that dark colors tend to recede, and light colors tend to come forward. Though wearing dark colors visually minimizes problem spots, wearing head-to-toe dark colors can be dreary. Play up your best features by strategically adding lighter colors in those places.
Wearing Something You Love: To truly look amazing, you also have to feel amazing about yourself. And there’s no better way to feel good about yourself than to be wearing something that you love. Draw attention to your best features with a favorite sweater that shows off your amazing collarbone or an eye-catching necklace that frames your gorgeous face.
Pictured: Theory Domina Above Dress | $275 at Shopbop.
August 31st, 2006
David Lim knows a thing or two about denim. As the designer and CEO of Kasil Jeans, David sculpts the form fitting denim designs that adorn the likes of Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and a host of other A-list celebs.
Want to be a denim guru yourself–or at least dress like one? Read on (or listen to the Jack and Jen Morning Show on Richmond’s Mix 103.7) for David’s five tips on how to choose the right pair of jeans for your body.
1. Look for a GREAT WASH. Dark washes typically are more flattering and make you look leaner and taller. Also be sure to pick a jean that has a natural looking fade to it, nothing too contrived.
2. Of course the FIT! Balance is key when it comes to fit, and back pocket size and placement are important to make the jeans look balanced and proportionate. Look for a good front rise and a back rise that doesn’t ride too low. The gapping in the back isn’t flattering. The waistband should sit comfortably around your waist, not tight enough to cut off blood circulation. For men: It’s important that the jeans fit flush on the hips.
3. TOP QUALITY FABRIC. Fabric is the foundation for a great jean, and just as good grapes make great wine, good fabric brings out great washes. Good denim will also be able to hold its shape throughout the day. Cheap denim will eventually stretch out within the first two hours of wearing.
4. THE DESIGN. Design is what distinguishes between brands, and subtle details and innovative construction are what defines premium denim. Stay away from anything too loud that screams for attention; simple and clean is timeless. Also, buy brands made in USA. Los Angeles is the capital of premium jeans, and you can’t go wrong if you stick to the right labels.
5. And the last tip for looking for the best premium jean: Just look for the KASIL label. Everything I’ve mentioned is in our label :).
Check out Kasil Jeans online at http://www.kasiljean.com/, and read Omiru’s Designer Profile on David Lim.
August 17th, 2006
The key to looking fresh at work despite the sweltering heat is to keep your look simple and remember that the difference between looking crisp and feeling wilted is all in the details. To beat the heat while keeping your look professional, try:
Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: It goes without saying that lighter weight fabrics are generally going to be cooler than heavier weight fabrics. However, consider how breathable the fabric is. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen work especially well on hot days because they absorb and release moisture quickly, allowing fabric to “breathe.â€
Simple Silhouettes: Simple, unfussy silhouettes—such as a well-cut suit or a shift dress—automatically give your look a polished feel, even when you’re sitting in the stifling heat.
Adding the Unexpected: Upon this simple foundation, add an unexpected color or detail to punch up your outfit. A bright color, an oversized collar, or a special detail like pintucking or piping will take your outfit from simply work-appropriate to stunning.
Layering: Layering becomes more important than ever when alternating between the blisteringly warm outdoors and an ice-cold air-conditioned office. Keep a fitted sweater on hand in the office to weather these temperature shifts.
Personal Grooming: Neat hair, manicured nails, and scuff free shoes—personal grooming essentials—are de rigeur. Longhaired women can pull back their hair into a ponytail or a bun for a refined look. Oil absorbing facial wipes work well to keep your skin fresh looking (and feeling) throughout the day.
We’ve used these principles to create a mini-series of heat-resistant and work-appropriate outfits for women and men. Enjoy!
For Women
For Men
August 2nd, 2006
Unless you’re purposefully trying to look depressed and angry, there’s no need to drown yourself out in black gear that has no personality. Although the LBD trend is back in full force, you don’t want your outfit to scream “blah.†That said, your black side of the closet doesn’t have to sit and sulk while the rest of the colors get all the attention. Paired with the correct accessories (shoes, jewels, handbags), a black outfit can rock the world like no other color.
To add zest to your ensemble, wear one (key word: one) of the following:
Pointy red mules: Imagine the surprise of onlookers the minute they look down at your fabulous red shoes.
Chain-link bracelet: With a black dress, black shoes, and bare neck, sport a chunky chain link bracelet (preferably one with two tones like dark red and gold) that stands out on your wrist.
Long, layered necklace: Whether they’re pearls or beads, long necklaces are in. Sport this look only if the neckline of your dress is conducive. Try the look with a turtleneck, crewneck or plunging neckline.
Colorful handbag: The contrast of the black with the rich color will automatically put you on the fashion map.
Bottom line: Always add a spice of color when going black.
February 15th, 2006
If your parents never put you through ballet school and now you’re trying to make up for your lack of pirouettes by ballet pieces like ballet flats, leotards, and leggings, just make sure you wear them right or else you’ll look like a dancer with two left feet.
Ballet flats: If you’re not exceptionally short, ballet flats can be a treat not only to your eyes but also to your tiring feet. Paired with opaque tights or your bare skin, they can make any outfit look instantly stylish. Opt to match your pair with jeans – perhaps a bit tattered. The contradiction of a rugged piece (the jeans) with a delicate one (the flats) will be nice. Ballet flats can also be paired with a skirt, short or mid-length, but make sure the colors match. In other words, don’t wear a loud red skirt with pink flats.
Leotards: Usually dancers throw any old pants over their leotard when leaving ballet practice, but you should pair a black short-sleeved leotard with light-colored ripped jeans and black flats. Several strands of funky pearls around your neck might not be a bad idea either. Stay away from wearing bright-colored leotards; you don’t want to resemble a ballerina on crack.
Leggings: Leggings can be tricky because they automatically scream 80’s. If you think you can carry off that look, be our guest, but as a favor to “Flashdance†and “Dirty Dancing,†don’t buy them in purple, pink, orange, or any other wacky color. The act of sporting tights is a tad funky already, so opt for a mute color like black, gray, or navy blue. Also, realize that leggings are a pretty casual statement, so don’t try wearing them with a fancy skirt at the opera. Rather, throw them on during your latte fix with skin-tight jeans, round-toe flats, and a simple white t-shirt.
January 23rd, 2006
Picture yourself in your closet on a typical Monday morning.
If you’re anything like us, you see more weekend clothes than workday clothes. With a greater range of colors, fabrics, and silhouettes, they’re just more fun to wear. It’s just a shame that they’re fully appropriate only two days out of the week.
Or so you may think.
We try to liberate these fun loving clothes from the closet as often as we can, covering ourselves with the Law of Weekend Clothes at Work. Simply put, the Law states that, in a business casual office, you are allotted one (1) weekend appropriate item per outfit, given that you surround that item with suitably business appropriate clothes.
Why does it work? Well, the formality of the rest of the outfit serves to elevate the look of the one casual piece. Note that the one item part of the law is more of a guideline, rather than a strict rule. With one casual item, you usually can’t get into too much trouble. For those of you who enjoy a challenge, however, we encourage you to try two or more items. If you want to share a cool outfit idea, (or if on the other hand, you run into problems) feel free to contact us at styleintelligence@gmail.com.
Now let’s look at two common examples of the rule in action.
For women: Say you want to wear your favorite t-shirt to work.
Sabrina Embellished Tee | $39.50 at
Abercrombie and Fitch
Dress it up with a cardigan, skirt, and a pair of heels. An added bonus—on the off chance that you’re perceived as unapproachable at work, the addition of a personal item to your look can go a long way to softening your image.
For men: This example is perfect for the man with one (or two, or ten) too many pairs of jeans in the closet.
“Faded Away†Jean | $89 at
Kenneth Cole
Pair your jeans (no wild washes or treatments, please) with dress shoes, a blazer, and a sport shirt. The quintessential dot-com entrepreneur look, yes, but you’ll be backing it up with more than buzzwords like “mindshare†and “eyeballs.â€
August 29th, 2005
Whether you’re traveling a day or a month, domestic or international, summer or winter, packing light is an essential. A few things to remember:
- Bring versatile clothing, such as colors that match easily, reversible outfits, and clothes that can go day-to-night.
- Avoid packing anything that wrinkles, since you’ll have to press or steam it when you arrive at your destination.
- Convenience and comfort, above all else, are key. Spare your back and travel with a roller bag, and sans stilettos.
This hat comes in handy when traveling to sunny
destinations, and it won’t become damaged if bent.
Crushable Panama Straw Hat | $14.98 at
Lillian Vernon
A 3-in-1 makeup remover, toner and atomizer–
Brilliant for dehydrated skin on the plane!
Extra-Gentle Cleansing Water | $18 at
L’Occitane
Fold this bag into your suitcase, and you’ll thank yourself
later when you use it to carry gifts on your trip back.
Longchamp Nylon Large Foldable Tote
in Hot Turquoise | $125 at
Magnum Jewelers
Sometimes, size
does matter!
Samsonite Smallest Umbrella | $20 at
Flax Art & Design
Skip the smelly, germy airline blankets and
turn heads with a stylish pashmina instead.
Pashmina Scarf in Antique Rose | $28.90 at
Nordstrom
Layering is the answer to climate changes. This twinset is ideal
for day-to-night transitions, and the layering allows for multiple looks.
Black Label Cashmere Jersey Cardigan in Cafe| $598 at
Ralph Lauren
Cashmere is great to travel with to cooler
locations: It’s light, warm, luxurious and travels well.
Queue Fold-Down Waist Cashmere Pant| $132 at
Hotter Than Hollywood
These lightweight sandals come in their own handy pouch.
‘Mommy’ Sandal & Pouch | $85 at
Lola
Perfect for biking or walking on the go, this feather-light training
shoe rolls up so you can make room for exercise in your travel bag.
ToGo Mind | $75 at
adidas
A wheeled carry-on that’s big on organizer pockets as well as style.
20" International Carry-On | $450 at
Tumi
August 1st, 2005
Avoiding white in the summer? Wearing bright whites shouldn’t play out like a chapter in Homer’s Odyssey. Today, we’re sharing some tips so that wearing white doesn’t have to be an ordeal.
Stick to sunny days…
To keep your summer outfit looking clean, fresh and white-hot, avoid wearing white outfits on rainy days. You don’t want to be splattered with muddy water, or, worse yet, caught in a wet T-shirt-esque situation. Need we say more?
Stay dry
Load up on antiperspirant before you get dressed to avoid difficult-to-remove sweat stains.
White goes best with contrast
White goes best with tan (skin, that is). Wearing a white dress is one of the best ways to flaunt a fabulous tan. Accessorize with contrasting colors like beige, browns and metallics.
Don’t commit the ultimate white fashion faux pas
White outfits are fitting for most summer daytime occasions. The exception: Unless you’re the one getting hitched, don’t wear bright white to a wedding. You’ll upstage the bride.
Be prepared for the worst
Oh, no! You’ve spilled mustard on your beloved white pants…or worse yet, barbecue sauce on your brand new shirt. Fear not, for you’ve come armed and dangerous with Shout! Wipes. These individually-wrapped, portable moist towelettes are safe on all colorfast washable and dry-cleanable fabrics, and don’t contain enzymes, so you won’t damage your outfit if you have to wear it for the rest of the day.
While white fabric is probably the most susceptible to stains, those stains are oftentimes the simplest to remove. If your garment is made of a sturdy fabric like cotton, you can try laundering it individually with the recommended amount of chlorine bleach. Be warned, though, that while bleach usually combats even the most stubborn of stains, it is also abrasive to your clothes. For a small spot, I apply a tiny amount of bleach to one end of a Q Tip and then treat the stain individually before tossing the garment in the wash.
July 11th, 2005
Picture this:
You’re in your favorite store, you’ve picked out The perfect outfit for your friend’s beachfront soiree, and you’re confident that everything fits perfectly.
But then you look in the mirror and you see…it. Maybe it’s just that you can see the pockets through your pants, or maybe you can see *ahem* more than just your pockets down there.
The ugly underbelly of the summer pant, the see through effect, strikes again!
You’ve seen this before—on unsuspecting people going about their day, and undoubtedly in the fitting room. But while you can’t save everybody from the see through effect, you can save yourself. Depending on the severity of the problem, you have two main options: add a full lining, or just cut out the pockets.
Add a full lining
If you’ve got a bad case of the see throughs, my recommendation is to add a full lining. Or, if you don’t love the pants, donate them. If you want to save the pants, take them to your favorite tailor and add a thin allover lining in the same or lighter color than your pants.
Cut out the pockets
If you have a mild case of the see throughs, in that you can just see the pockets through the pants, all you have to do is cut out the pockets. Snip out the pocket linings carefully so that you don’t cut the actual pant. Follow up by sewing the pocket openings shut.
July 4th, 2005
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