Posts filed under 'Women'
Renee, who’s moving to the Pacific Northwest (hello, rain!), asked us for recommendations for stylish rain wear. In a nutshell, our philosophy on rainwear is to balance style with comfort (e.g. staying dry and warm). It’s a balance, not a tradeoff–when it’s rainy out, it doesn’t mean that your style needs to stay in. Here’s a simple look, appropriate for the rains of the Pacific Northwest, that will keep you both stylish and comfy:
1. The key to this outfit is comfy layers. Your first layer? A simple base: a comfy knit shirt and a nice knee-length skirt. (If it’s really cold, add a pair of tights or leggings to this base layer.)
2. To keep warm in the rain, you’re going to need a cozy sweater. Here, we chose a thick knit sweater with a stylish toggle closure. Extra style points (and warmth) for the attached hood.
3. Finish off the outfit with a warm pair of rain boots (notice the knit cuff on these jersey-lined boots, only $29.99 at Target), a rain-resistant bag, and a clear plastic bubble umbrella ($16.99, also at Target).
What’s your go-to rain outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 14th, 2008
Q: How do you dress up a plain black or white button-down shirt?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: While I appreciate the idea of dressing up a plain button-down shirt, the expression "you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear" comes to mind. A plain cotton button down shirt is a workhouse garment; it’s not really meant for dressing up for going out at night.
For casual wear, however, I recommend emphasizing the sleek simplicity of the shirt by pairing it with a dark rinse jean and a pair of heeled boots. Layer on a great looking jacket to keep the look long, lean, and simple. Bonus points for topping off the outfit with a long scarf, like Clemence Poesy (pictured, left).
To make a plain button down shirt a little more dressed up for daytime, here’s a few ideas for standout accessories:
Necklace: Layer on a bold necklace—or two, or three. Don’t hold back. The bigger and bolder, the better!
Scarf: It’s amazing how a scarf can turn a simple outfit into one that’s simply stunning. Give your plain shirt some personality with a patterned scarf.
Belt: To jazz up a plain shirt, take your belt to the extremes. Either wear a belt that’s wide or one that’s super narrow. If you go for the narrow option, consider wearing a two or three belts for a very downtown cool look.
Necktie: Do as men do and don a necktie. Wear it loosely knotted for a casual menswear-as-womenswear look.
Last words? However you choose to wear your shirt, do as Clemence Poesy does, and let your own individual beauty shine through.
Have a great tip about how to dress up a plain button down shirt? Share it with us in the comments!
November 13th, 2008
No piece of footwear epitomizes daytime chic quite like the boot. And Fall/Winter 2008 has welcomed a number of sophisticated boot trends: ankle boots, buckled boots, fur lined boots, cuffed boots, and slouch boots, to name a few. We’ve rounded up our favorite picks for each of these boot trends - each one priced well under $100.
Ankle Boots
Tate Oxford Bootie | $29.99 at Payless
Oxfords lend a tailored twist to the boot silhouette of the season: booties.
Buckled Boots
Mossimo Kiley Boots | $29.99 at Target
Buckles add a tough girl vibe to these chic grey boots. Love the ever-so-slight slouch to them–and the very wearable 2.5" heel.
Faux Fur Lined Boots
American Eagle Mallory Boot | $44.99 at Payless
Looking for a cold-weather boot that’s as cute as it is chic? Found it. The fur lining provides instant chic, while the pom poms give these boots an air of lightness.
Cuffed Boots
Zahara Sweater Cuff Jersey Lined Rain Boots | $29.99 at Target
Keep your feet nice and cozy on the rainiest of days with a pair of sweater cuffed rainboots.
Slouchy Boots
Slouch Boot | $79.99 at Cathy Jean
Be one with the inevitable slouch when you slip on these sophisticated boots. Perfect for layering under jeans - or for pairing with a chic sweaterdress.
November 11th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Bubble Dresses?
You said: No to Bubble Dresses, which were outvoted 57% to 43%.
Style tip? We know–"figure flattering" is not the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Bubble Dresses. But they can flatter your figure if you choose the right dress. Look for a Bubble Dress with an ever-so-slight bubble at the hem (too thick of a bubble silhouette is tough to wear, even for runway models), and belt the dress to reign in the volume. Slip on a pair of heels, and you’ll be ready to take on whatever the day (or evening) has in store for you.
Next question: We love the look of the tie-neck blouse, but we wonder if real people are actually wearing it. Tell us, would you wear a Tie Neck Blouse? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Rendez-Vous by Paul & Joe Sister Stendhal Dress | $118 at Urban Outfitters.
November 10th, 2008
Since we created a Modern Marilyn Monroe outfit, we’ve been flooded with requests to create modern versions of other style icons–Audrey Hepburn, Katharine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Brigitte Bardot, to name a few. Today, we’re recreating the look of Katharine Hepburn, whose signature masculine-yet-casual style broke the dress code in Hollywood at a time when women were expected to wear dresses and skirts. Here’s how to get Katharine Hepburn’s look:
1. Start with a pair of menswear inspired trouser pants (Katharine’s signature). A wide leg style with cuffs is not only modern, but it also creates a more-than-subtle reference to Katharine herself.
2. Balance the menswear inspired trousers with a loose-fitting white button-down shirt with a feminine touch. Casualize this classic shirt, featuring tuxedo ruffles, by leaving the top button or two undone and rolling up the sleeves.
3. As for accessories, no heels–flats best epitomize Katharine’s signature masculine style. We like these tailored patent flats, but if you’d like to keep your outfit truer to Katharine’s style, look for a pair of loafers instead. Finish the outfit with a wide belt, which modernizes the look, and a muted scarf.
How would you update Katharine Hepburn’s style for today? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 7th, 2008
No matter how bad the economy gets, you always need a place to hold your money. So it’s the perfect time to invest in a classic (but not overly expensive) handbag. We’ve scoured the net to find the best affordable handbags that you’ll be able to keep in your wardrobe for seasons to come. Here’s our six favorite handbags under $100:
Turnlock Doctor Bag | $68 at Urban Outfitters
Lady Croc Bag | $58 at Urban Outfitters
Helena Satchel | $48 at Shop-Suey Boutique (Look under Handbags - Satchels).
Nine West Precisely Gathered Clutch | $39.99 at Piperlime
Melie Bianco Woven Satchel | $99 at Piperlime
Shining Edge Handbag | $69.99 at Nine West
November 6th, 2008
In honor of today’s election, we’re sharing tips on how to wear Red, White, and Blue without looking like you’re draped in an American flag. Here’s how to do it:
(1) Pick a dominant color. Here, we chose blue to be the dominant shade, but we could have built the outfit around white or red instead. The very navy blue sweater complements the blue sailor jeans.
(2) Add the other two colors as accents. Here, we counterbalanced the blue with a white tuxedo jacket and coordinating red accessories: flats and a ladylike structured handbag.
(3) Extra style points for cool detailing on your reds, whites, and blues. We were struck by the toggle closure on the ever-so-navy sweater, and we like the visual texture of the tuxedo pleats on the white button-down. Even the jeans are special, with its sailor button detailing.
Now that you’re dressed and ready for Election Day, find your nearest polling place, and go out and vote!
How would you wear red, white, and blue? Share your style with us in the comments!
November 4th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Over the Knee Boots?
You said: No to Over the Knee Boots, which got only 31% of the vote.
Style tip? You’re right that Over the Knee Boots are a fashion challenge (and really not for everyone)–but they’re oh-so-sexy when done right. How to wear them? With a minidress, so that a bit of leg shows between the skirt hem and the top of your boot, and an extra shot of confidence.
Next question: We recently wrote about How to Wear a Bubble Dress, but it seems that you’re still on the fence about this style. Tell us, would you wear a Bubble Dress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Over the Knee Boots | $67.50 at Cathy Jean.
November 3rd, 2008
In honor of Halloween, we’re recreating the look of one of America’s most revered style icons: Marilyn Monroe. But instead of literally copying her look, we’re translating it to work in the present day. Here’s how to get a modern version of Marilyn’s iconic look:
1. Start with a dress worthy of Marilyn herself: a bustier top with a flowing skirt. Instead of going with Marilyn’s signature white, mix it up with your signature color.
2. Add a pair of strappy high heels to complement the dress. Here, the gold in the shoes works well with the warm shade of purple.
3. Pick up a feminine clutch. Bonus points for special detailing.
4. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Add a pair of diamond earrings for a bit of extra sparkle. A diamond encrusted choker or a pearl necklace would also evoke Marilyn’s glamourous spirit.
Who’s your favorite style icon? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 31st, 2008
Bubble hem dresses and skirts can be challenging to wear, as the volume at the hemline isn’t necessarily figure flattering. Here’s how to wear a bubble hem dress with style:
1. Start with the bubble hem dress. Don’t you love the elegance of this gray and cream dress?
2. Reign in the volume with a wide belt. You could either go with a belt in a similar color (as shown here), or one in a purposefully contrasting color.
3. Slip on a pair of slouchy boots and a pair of tights. The dark tights will not only make this outfit warmer, but they’ll also visually slim your legs.
4. Add the finishing touches: layer on a set of necklaces, and grab a brightly colored handbag to complete the look.
How will you wear a bubble hem dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
October 30th, 2008
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