Posts filed under 'Women'

Five Holiday Party Dresses That Let You Shine

The perfect holiday party dress shows you off to your best advantage, yet it’s comfortable enough so that you can make your way through the room in style.  In other words, the perfect holiday party dress makes you shine.  This season, we have bright colors, asymmetry, metallics, and more to help you do just that.  What will you choose to wear on this year’s holiday party circuit?

Metallics
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ABS Illusion Yoke Sequin Shift Dress | $318 at Nordstrom
All eyes will be on you as you enter the room in this slinky sequin-encrusted shift dress.  

Bright Colors
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Satin Trim Sheath Dress | $152 at Banana Republic
Adorn yourself with a punch of color, but then keep your accessories simple.  A simple clutch, chunky necklace, and delicate earrings will do the trick.

Asymmetry
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Grand Metallic Sequin Dress | $22.80 at Forever 21
Asymmetry is very 1980s, but this sequin-detailed dress is all 2009.  Added bonus?  The black color and sleek silhouette will have a slimming effect.

Grecian Glamour
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Elastic Back Jersey Dress | $80 at Topshop
Dress up this draped grecian-inspired cocktail dress with sparkly jewelry and a bright clutch.

Bows
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Ikat Bow Monde Dress | $250 at J Crew
Fire up the party with this gorgeous ikat dress.  The oversized bow feels less girly and more chic - plus it’s the perfect detail to flatter women with a small bust.

3 comments December 1st, 2009

You Said: Yes to Sequins

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sequin-racerback-tank_112909We asked: Would you wear Sequins?

You said:  Yes to Sequins, with a 72% to 28% vote.

Style tip? What we love about sequins is their glamour.  Their texture and their sheen make them a beautiful counterpart to matte fabrics.  If you’re on the fence about sequins, try them on an accessory - like a handbag or scarf.  But if you would like to be a bit more adventurous, try a sequin tank paired with a matte skirt.  Or even a sequined cocktail dress for all-out glam.

Next question: Over the Knee boots are certainly eye-catching - and they’re completely on trend.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear Over the Knee Boots?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Silence & Noise Sequin Racerback Tank | $38 at Urban Outfitters

3 comments November 29th, 2009

Trend Alert: Sequins

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Need a way to add a bit of flash to your look?  Look no further than the sequin, which comes in all shapes and sizes.  We love the traditionally sized small sequin, but we also appreciate the glamour of the giant sequin.  Each of these five versatile pieces can be layered - under cardigans, over leggings, and peeking out from under jackets.  Here’s our five favorite sequin adorned pieces:

Silence & Noise Sequin Cardigan | $68 at Urban Outfitters
We adore the simple silhouette on this gorgeous sequin cardigan, which allows it to pair with the simplest of tees.

Fiorelli Clutch and Across-Body Sequin Glitzy Clip Bag | $59.49 at ASOS
Just because clutches are small doesn’t mean they don’t need attitude.  Turn on the glam with this sequin encrusted bag.

Sequin Sleeveless Blazer | $135 at Topshop
Now here’s for a flashy layering piece.  If the sequins are too much shine for you, simply layer this vest under a tailored blazer.

Sequin Bust Knit Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Reminds us of a gorgeous paillette Alice + Olivia dress from a few seasons back, but at a mere fraction of the price.

ASOS Black Cropped Sequin & Bead Cami | $84.99 at ASOS
We’re digging the contrast yoke on this uber-short beaded cami.  Very Art Deco.

3 comments November 24th, 2009

You Said: Yes to Short Sleeve Coats

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woven-cropped-coat2_112209We asked: Would you wear Short Sleeve Coats?

You said:  Yes to Short Sleeve Coats (barely), with a 51% to 49% vote.

Style tip? Sure, the idea of a short sleeved coat may sound a bit unintuitive (after all, isn’t the purpose of a coat to keep you warm?), but short sleeved coats serve their practical purpose.  For a creative layering concept, try a short sleeved coat over a thick knit sweater, topped off with a textured scarf.  Works wonders with a short sleeve jacket, but not nearly as well with a coat with full length sleeves, which would both look and feel like too much bulk.

Next question: Sequins are a festive party embellishment, yet they can be too much shine for some women.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear sequins?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Woven Cropped Coat | $29.90 at Forever 21

2 comments November 22nd, 2009

Love the Puffer Coat but Hate the Puffy Look? Try a Quilted Puffer Vest.

How to Wear a Quilted Puffer Vest
Shop the Look: Faux Fur Quilted Vest | $32.90 at Heritage 1981, Stripe Dolce Sweater | $58 at J Crew, Belted Wool Shorts | $22.90 at Forever 21, Max C Multi Panel Bag | $62.89 at ASOS, and Harley Boot | $36.80 at Forever 21.  See more information about this look.


We love the look of the puffer coat - but we’re not quite as amorous about the puffed up silhouette that it can create.  Even if puffer coats aren’t your cup of tea, you don’t have to write off the puffer altogether.  Instead of a full on puffer coat, you can try a puffer vest instead.  In order to keep the silhouette as trim as possible, we like the look of inexpensive puffer vests (with less filling, and therefore, less puffiness).  But how do you work a puffer vest into your wardrobe?  Here’s an offbeat yet chic look to emulate:

1. Start with a cozy boatneck sweater.  We love the mustard and white stripes on the sweater - sailor inspired, but with a twist.
2. Slip on a pair of wool shorts.  The perfect wool shorts for this look have a somewhat loose leg and cuffed hems.  For an extra layer of warmth, you may want to add tights or leggings under the shorts.  If you’re not a fan of the shorts (or if your climate won’t support it), cropped pants or cargo pants also work well here.
3. Slip on your quilted puffer vest.  We love it worn open with the hood down.  Let the striped sweater shine through.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of tough looking boots, which juxtapose nicely against the tailored shorts and the outdoorsy puffer vest, and a statement handbag.  We adore the texture on this bag, don’t you?

How would you wear a puffer vest? Share your style with us in the comments!

5 comments November 20th, 2009

Trend Alert: Motorcycle Jackets

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The motorcycle jacket: this masculine favorite has fully made its way into the heart of womens’ closets.  Why?  There’s just something about a woman in a motorcycle jacket - the combination of hard and soft, masculine and feminine is just irresistible.  We love pairing this versatile jacket with everything from jeans and a tee (a la James Dean) to flowery dresses, for a biker gang meets garden party look.  Here’s our five favorite motorcycle jackets:

Clockwise, from top left:
Silence & Noise Faux Leather Moto Jacket | $98 at Urban Outfitters
Outfit yourself in a jacket that manages to be edgy and cooly classic, all at once.  

Wool Blend Motorcycle Jacket | $42.90 at Heritage 1981
Combine the motorcycle jacket trend with one of the biggest textile trends of the season, plaid, for a statement jacket that you won’t want to go without.

Nom De Plume YaYa Moto Jacket | $58 at Urban Outfitters
A pretty pale aqua color adds a feminine touch to a masculine favorite.

Wool Motorcycle Jacket | $150 at Martin + Osa
Motorcycle jackets don’t have to be (faux) leather.  We love the sleek, clean look of this charcoal wool jacket.  Isn’t that collar to die for?

Stella Denim Jacket | $24.80 at Forever 21
Not just another jean jacket.  This dark denim motorcycle jacket looks lovely with feminine skirts and dresses.

4 comments November 19th, 2009

Three Versatile Shawl Collar Cardigans

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It’s sweater weather, and we’re digging the shawl collar cardigan.  Why do we love it so?  Its inherent mix of casual and formal - it’s one part sweater and one part blazer.  You can wear the shawl collar cardigan with a tee and jeans, with a blouse and pearls, or even with a cocktail dress - and it’ll infuse each look a preppily polished feel.  Here’s three shawl collar cardigans to round out your sweater wardrobe:

Pictured from Left to Right:
Alpaca Long Shawl Cardigan | $98 at J Crew
We love the texture and the go-everywhere color on this nubby alpaca shawl cardigan. 

Keaton Tuxedo Cardigan | $118 at J Crew
Ditch your blazer and grab this tuxedo cardigan.  It’s the perfect day-to-night piece.

Micro Shawl Collar Cardigan | $69.50 at Martin + Osa
The fitted waistband and the micro shawl make this cardigan fully feminine.

2 comments November 17th, 2009

You Said: Yes to Clutch Handbags

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asos-metallic-panelled-clutch_111609We asked: Would you carry Clutch Handbags?

You said:  Yes to Clutch Handbags, with a 79% to 21% vote.

Style tip? We love the sleek look of the clutch, which works as well with pantsuits as it does with cocktail dresses and evening gowns.  The right clutch handbag can be like a piece of jewelry - a statement piece that can liven up a plain dress.  We love the drama of this metallic clutch, which adds a touch of sparkle and shine to any evening. 

Next question: Short Sleeve Coats provide a fresh outerwear silhouette, but they’re not as simple to wear as traditional long sleeved coats.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you carry a Short Sleeve Coat?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Metallic Panelled Clutch Bag | $32.90 at ASOS

3 comments November 16th, 2009

Simple Sophistication: Mix Up Your Look With Texture

Simple Sophistication: Mix Things Up With Texture
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Panneau Silk Cami | $118 at J Crew, AE Skinny Cord | $39.50 at American Eagle, Small Georgie Satchel | $258 at J Crew, Suedette Over the Knee Boots | $34.80 at Forever 21, Tyrian Purple Patches Sweater | $49.99 at Ruche.  See more information about this look.


You don’t have to go crazy with color in order to create a visually compelling look.  Do as the Japanese do and experiment with texture.  We love combining fabrics of different weights, feels, and sheen in order to create a look that feels like much more than the sum of its parts.  Here’s how to mix up your look with texture:

1.  Start with a top that gives you both micro and macro textures: a smooth silk cami that provides extra visual interest with a set of cascading ruffles.
2.  Slip on a pair of slim fit corduroy pants for a matte, almost nubby texture.
3.  Bring on the cable knit with a cardigan sweater in a nice neutral grey.  Added bonus?  The applique flowers and bows, which provide an extra dose of textures and fabrics.
4.  Finish off the look with a pair of foldover suedette boots (matte texture) and a creamy leather handbag.

How would you play with texture? Share your style with us in the comments!

3 comments November 13th, 2009

Five Puffer Jackets With Panache

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How to brave winter in style?  Pull out a puffer jacket, of course.  These casually chic jackets are super warm (thank you, down filling), and they can add a bit of life to more formal clothes.  Try a puffer with a dress (+ tights/leggings) and boots - it’s amazing how chic this looks.  Here’s our five favorite puffer jackets to keep you warm this winter:

Pictured Clockwise from Top Left:
Ribbed Sleeve Down Jacket | $98 at Gap
Get the best of both worlds - the warmth of a puffer with the slim, trim silhouette of a sweater on your arms.  Maybe it’s not quite slimming, but it’s as close as you’re going to get with a puffer.

AE Puffer Coat | $119.50 at American Eagle
We’re enchanted by this bright orange color.  You’ll be seen wherever you go.

Puffer Jacket | $170 at Martin + Osa
This creamy slim fit puffer manages to be sophisticated, even for casual days.

Long Belted Puffer | $235 at J Crew
Warm up this winter with this rich plum colored puffer.  We love the herringbone-esque striping on the puffer; the v-shaped lines make for a slimming effect.

Bubble Sheen Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21
When you want to make a statement, try this shiny black puffer.  Works for day with an asymmetrical top and jeans and night with a cocktail length dress. 

How would you wear a puffer jacket?  Share your style with us in the comments!

10 comments November 12th, 2009

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