Posts filed under 'Women'
There are a few classic silhouettes in fashion that you see over and over: big over small, small over big, and small over small. (You sometimes see big over big, but usually only on the runway.) We’re huge fans of the Big Over Small silhouette, as it flatters women who may have a tummy–but also a slender bottom half. The Big Over Small silhouette allows you a bit more volume where you need it, while keeping the overall look visually proportionate. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a top with some volume. If you don’t want to go over the top with volume, you can try an empire waist top. If you’re more daring, you can try for more volume with pieces like a drapey blouse or an oversized sweatshirt.
2. Counterbalance the volume on top with a skinny bottom. A pair of skinny jeans works well, as would a slim skirt.
3. If you want to play with more volume on top, add a drapey sweater over your top. Let it hang open for the most volume.
4. The look is one part vintage, one part edgy. Finish off the look with a handbag with pocket detailing (echoing the arty sweater) and a pair of adorable brown pumps (recalling the vintage-inspired top).
How would you wear the big over small silhouette? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 27th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear a Vest?
You said: Yes to Vests, with a 68% to 32% vote.
Style tip? Vests are the perfect summer outerwear. They’re a great layering piece - what’s cooler than a menswear vest layered over a simple white tank with a fabulous necklace? And the beauty of vests is that they come in both casual and formal styles - so there’s a vest for every outfit. We’re loving vests with special detailing - such as the tiered ruffles or the bold notched collar on this elegant vest.
Next question: Dresses are easy, stylish summer fare. Knee length dresses are standard, but what do you think about the Minidress? It has a certain warm weather charm, but the minidress is certainly not for everyone. Tell us, would you wear a Minidress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Suspender Back Vest | $32 at Twelve by Twelve.
July 27th, 2009
It’s easy to keep it simple with monochromatic or duochromatic outfits. But don’t limit yourself when it comes to color. We present an example outfit that’ll help broaden your thinking when it comes to pairing colors. Here, we’ve paired two neutrals (white and brown) with three colors: aqua, blue, and yellow-green. Note that the three colors, though distinct, still work together as a trio. Why? They’re adjacent colors on the color wheel. Blue sits next to green, which in turn sits next to yellow. The aqua color combines blue and green, while the addition of the yellow-green color brings us all the way from blue to yellow. Here’s how to get the adjacent color coordinated look:
1. Start with a blue tunic top and a pair of white jeans. Note how the oversized tunic contrasts with the skinniness of the jeans.
2. Layer a contrasting color tee under the blue tunic. We picked yellow-green, which sits close to blue on the color wheel.
3. Continue the color wheel progression by filling in the gaps. We chose an aqua handbag to bridge the gap between the blue tunic and the yellow-green tee.
4. Finish off the look with a belt and sandals, both in brown leather to contrast with the blue in the tunic.
How would you color coordinate? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 23rd, 2009
Though film is a big influencer on fashion, we don’t usually dish about the crossover. But every once in awhile, we’re so bowled over that we have to share our film-driven inspiration. Our favorite film from the Sundance Film Festival, (500) Days of Summer, finally hit theaters last weekend. An offbeat coming of age story disguised as a romantic comedy, the film tracks Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and Summer (Zooey Deschanel) in non-linear fashion through 500 days of their relationship and subsequent breakup. We’re pining after Summer’s adorable but slightly offbeat look. Here’s how to get it:
1. Build your palette around the color blue. We started with an adorable cap sleeve blouse with bow detailing in a light blue, and a drapey woven skirt in a deeper shade of blue. (Yes, that’s the same skirt as in the How to Make Sophisticated Style Unstuffy post–isn’t it versatile?)
2. Cinch your waistline with a deep brown belt, to complement all of the blue in the blouse and skirt.
3. Finish off the outfit with a pair of cap-toe slingback flats (note how the bow on the flats echoes the bow on the blouse) and a long-strap purse in a gorgeous grey.
How would you get Summer’s adorable but slightly offbeat look? Share your style with us in the comments!
July 23rd, 2009
What do we love about summer? Gorgeous style at a fraction of the price of heavy winter clothes. Well, that, and beautiful weather, outdoor concerts, and beach bonfires. Get dressed for less, wherever summer is taking you. Here’s five sophisticated style steals, each well under $50:
Paisley Tunic Dress | $40.50 at Alloy
Toss on a low-slung belt to roughen up the look of this pretty paisley dress. If it’s too short, add a pair of skinny pants underneath.
Pleated Vest Dress | $24.80 at Forever 21
Grab a sweater to cover up your shoulders, and this pleated vest dress goes to work in a cinch.
Textured Gauze Bow Neck Top | $40 at Tulle
The vibrant purple color and the oversized bow on this top make it a standout. Pair it with navy (as shown), with a brown handbag.
Francine Floral Slub Tunic | $19.80 at Forever 21
We’re digging the gorgeous orange, tan, and yellow pattern on the deep navy blue. Pair it with a pair of white jeans and heeled sandals for a chic beachy look.
Daisy Dots Eyelet Tank Top | $28.99 at Ruche
Pair this eyecatching fire-engine red top with a pair of deep navy jeans to do red, white, and blue in style.
July 20th, 2009
We asked: Would you wear The Color Orange?
You said: Yes to Orange, with a 75% to 25% vote.
Style tip? Orange–especially a deep blood orange–is one of our favorite colors, year round. But during the summer, the vibrant orange should get even more play. Pair your bright orange with dark blue jeans for an easy, color coordinated look. Or try it with grey for an edgier, rocker girl look.
Next question: Menswear vests are all over the place this summer. They’re a great layering piece, and they don’t suffocate you in the summer heat. But they’re not for everyone. Tell us, would you wear a Vest? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Pintucked Crochet Top | $17.80 at Forever 21.
July 19th, 2009
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
July 17th, 2009
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!
July 15th, 2009
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:
Modena Tote | $28.80 at Forever 21
Reptile Leather Doctor’s Tote | $32.80 at Forever 21
Bucket Detail Shoulder Bag | $47.88 at ASOS
Marc B Plaited Holdall | $94.05 at ASOS
Melie Bianco Patent Bowler | $95 at Piperlime
Melie Bianco Woven Dome Tote | $99 at Piperlime
Have a great work bag find for under $100? Share it with us in the comments!
July 14th, 2009
We 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.
July 13th, 2009
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