Ready Made Outfit: Graduation Dressy

Silk Crinkle Scarf | $48 at Banana Republic

Ring Halter Dress | $158 at Banana Republic

Coconut Grove Sandals | $125 at Kenneth Cole

Add comment June 3rd, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Graduation Sophisticated

Fitted Sateen Blazer | $49.50 at Gap

Sake Shirt | $49.98 at Kenneth Cole

Denim Suit Pant | $98 at Banana Republic

Ankle-Strap Espadrille Wedge | $55 at Banana Republic

1 comment June 2nd, 2005

Ready Made Look: Graduation Smart

Bianca Cropped Cardigan | $49.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Limited Edition French Lace Low V-Neck Shell | $285 at JCrew

Folkloric Skirt | $238 at Anthropologie

Crisscross Ballet Skimmer | $98 at Banana Republic

Add comment June 1st, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Graduation Casual

Silk/Cashmere Front-Tie Cardigan | $58 at Banana Republic

Victoria Crochet Tank | $39.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Striped Linen-Blend Cropped Trouser | $88 at Banana Republic

Ibiza Jeweled Sandals | $190 at JCrew

2 comments May 31st, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Smart City Shorts

Bianca Cropped Cardigan | $49.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch
Look for special detailing, such as the slight gathers on the front yoke.

Metal Trim Tank | $68 at Armani Exchange

Gap City Shorts | $39.50 at Gap

“Round One” Leather Slingback | $160 at Kenneth Cole

Add comment May 26th, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Sporty City Shorts

Commonwealth Zip Thru Jacket | $89 at Ben Sherman

Colorblock Halter | $38 at Armani Exchange

Gap City Shorts | $39.50 at Gap

Anjan Sneaker | $65 at Puma
Athletic-inspired sneakers to top off a casual chic look.

Manolo Blahnik Satin Slingback | $495 at Neiman Marcus
More formal shoes, such as this dressy slingback, are an unexpected option that can turn the outfit from simply sporty to uniquely stylish. Wear with caution–it’s not a look for Everybody!

Add comment May 25th, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Sophisticated City Shorts

Stretch Denim Blazer | $98 at Armani Exchange

Knot Halter Top | $48 at Banana Republic

Gap City Shorts | $39.50 at Gap

Marc Jacobs Slingback Pump | $365 at Nordstrom

Add comment May 24th, 2005

Ready Made Outfit: Casual City Shorts

Jenna Ribbed Henley | $24.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch

Seamless Support Camisole | $28 at Banana Republic

Gap City Shorts | $39.50 at Gap

adidas "Okapi Nubuck" Sneaker | $64.95 at Nordstrom
Athletic-inspired sneakers to top off a casual chic look. Sandals are another stylish option, and they can dress up an otherwise casual look.

Add comment May 23rd, 2005

Women’s Figure Flattery Guide: Flat Bottom

Create the illusion of a curvier bottom.

• Pants with contoured yokes.
• Medium wide contoured belts.
• Rear pockets add curves.
• Rear detailing.
• Full skirts.

• Bottoms made of clingy fabrics.
• Bias cut bottoms.
• Very low rise pants.
• Baggy styles.
• Jeans without rear pockets.
• Severe pencil skirts.

1 comment May 19th, 2005

Women’s Figure Flattery Guide: Bottom Heavy

Elongate your figure while visually balancing your hips and shoulders. Subtly show your curves.

• Drapey fabrics.
• Diagonal lines.
• Dark colored bottoms.
• Tonal outfits with darker shades on the bottom.
• Outfits that skim over your curves.

• Jackets & Coats
  • Long coats: three-fourths and seven-eighths lengths lengths.
  • Vertical detailing above the waist.
  • Nipped-waist, tailored jackets that hit at hipbone length.
  • A-line styles.
  • Loose, straight cuts.
  • Coats that flare at the waist.
  • Slender lapels.
  • Set-in sleeves.
  • Slight shoulder padding.
  • Slanted pockets minimize hips.
  • Snug jean jackets.
  • Biker jackets.
  • Boxy jackets.

• Tops
  • Fitted tops that float over your hips and bottom.
  • Empire-waist styles.
  • Wrap styles.
  • Deep V-necklines.
  • Wide necklines.

• Pants & Jeans
  • Dark colored bottoms.
  • Slightly lower-waisted bottoms.
  • Bottoms with smooth tops, without waistbands.
  • If you wear a waistband, it should be no longer than 1” high.
  • Straight-legged, flat-front pants.
  • Well-tailored pants with wider legs.
  • Slight flare (boot cut shape) at ankle is flattering.
  • Remove side pockets from pants for a leaner look.
  • Jeans with a slightly lower rise.
  • Dark denim is more flattering.
  • Back pockets on jeans.

• Skirts & Dresses
  • Skirts with smooth tops, without waistbands.
  • Moderate A-line shapes.
  • Wrap styles.
  • Draped styles.
  • Tapered knee-length skirts.
  • Vertical detailing.
  • Empire-waist styles.
  • Matching dress and jacket sets.
  • Show skin: shoulders, cleavage, or arms.
  • Horizontal detailing on top.
  • Open necklines.
  • Dresses with plain bottom halves.
  • Vertical detailing.

Swimsuits

• Dark colored bottoms, especially when contrasted with a lighter top.
• Embellishment above the waistline to draw the eye upwards.

• Stiff fabrics.
• Oversized prints.
• Horizontal patterns.
• Shiny fabrics or thick textures.

• Jackets & Coats
  • Styles that hit at the widest part of the hips.
  • Double breasted styles.
  • Bulky flap and patch pockets.
  • Narrow-belted styles.
  • Bomber jackets.

• Tops
  • Tops that don’t cover the hips.
  • Styles that hit at the widest part of the hips.
  • Boxy shapes.
  • Cinched waists.
  • Detailing at the shirt hem.

• Pants & Jeans
  • Bottoms with lots of detailing: pleats, gathers, back details, back pockets, prints, etc.
  • Extremely high-waisted styles.
  • Extremely low-waisted styles.
  • Wide-legged pants.
  • Bell bottoms.
  • Drawstring pants.
  • Tapered styles.
  • Cropped pants.
  • Tight legs.
  • Small back pockets.
  • Widely spaced back pockets.

• Skirts & Dresses
  • Pockets: slanted, flap, or patch.
  • Pleated skirts.
  • Bias cut fabrics.
  • Hem detailing.
  • Severe flared skirts.
  • Horizontal detailing.
  • Dresses that cinch the waist.
  • Bunching at waist.
  • Stiff fabrics.
  • Detailing below the waistline.
  • Severely voluminous skirts.

Swimsuits

• Bottoms that are too small.
• Skirted suits that end at your widest part.

1 comment May 18th, 2005