Posts filed under 'Women'
We asked: Would you wear Slouchy Sweaters?
You said: Yes to Slouchy Sweaters, with 67% of the vote.
Style tip? The Slouchy Sweater is indeed going to be a key piece for Fall 2008. We love the Slouchy Sweater belted and juxtaposed against a great pencil skirt or pair of menswear trousers.
Next question: Continuing on with Fall Trends, the biggest shoe trend we’re seeing is the Bootie–an ankle-length boot. But what do you think? Tell us, would you
wear the Ankle-Length Boot? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Cowlneck Sweater | $58 at Gap.
September 2nd, 2008
Q: I am loving the whole relaxed boyfriend jean or wide leg jeans but I feel I have very limited options when it comes to tops to wear with them. What are my options for casual tops, and what tops can I wear for a more formal feel?
A: Wide leg jeans can actually be pretty versatile–here’s how to wear them:
Start with a dark rinse jean. The darker the wash of the jean, the more versatile it will be. A dark rinse jean pairs well with fresh whites, bright colors, and even other dark colors.
Wear a fitted top. Create a classic small-over-big silhouette with a fitted top to balance out the volume of the wide leg jeans.
Slip on a pair of heels. The elegance of wide leg jeans comes from the long, clean leg line that they create. Add to the illusion of mile-long legs with a pair of high heels.
The three tops shown here all straddle the border between casual and formal, and can be dressed up or down with the appropriate outerwear and accessories. More casual options include sailor striped tees, tanks, henleys, and brightly colored sweaters. To give your wide leg jeans a more formal feel, choose drapey tops in sumptuous fabrics.
What do you wear with wide leg jeans? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 29th, 2008
There’s no better time than summer to drop your work and go out for a night out on the town. Whether you’re hanging with the girls or out with your beau, we have a flirty-yet-sophisticated outfit for you. Here’s why it works:
Anchor the outfit with a design detail. Here, ruffles tie the outfit together. Ruffles are the showcase of the tiered skirt, they extend to the detailing on the camisole, and they even appear as a trim on the bright yellow sweater.
Opposites attract. It seems to be a rule of nature–it’s true for subatomic particles, for people’s personalities, and even for colors. The bright yellow cardigan and clutch really pop against the deep blues of the camisole and skirt. Why? Yellow sits on the other side of the color wheel from blue, almost directly across from it. Sidebar: Blue’s direct complement is orange - note the strategic addition of orange as trim on the camisole.
Don’t forget the surprise. The camisole and the skirt work well together, as do the coordinated cardigan and clutch. No real surprises here. What does provide a bit of a jolt are the bright blue shoes. They toe the line (no pun intended) between fitting in with the rest of the blue outfit and standing out. The shoes shout "look at me!", but they’re also a great foundation for the rest of the outfit.
What’s your go-to outfit for going out on the town? Share your style with us in the comments!
August 28th, 2008
We’ve gotten a lot of questions from recent college grads (and some not-so-recent college grads) about building a wardrobe from the ground up. The situation? You already have jeans, tees, and plenty of weekend wear. But the foundations of a chic wardrobe? Maybe you need some help. You’ve come to the right place. Here’s a 10 piece skeleton wardrobe from which to build upon:
The Business Suit
Classic Blazer and Trouser | $198 and $98, respectively, at Banana Republic
School’s over, and you’re off to work. Keep a pant suit or a skirt suit around for interviews - and buy multiples if your office is business formal.
The Perfect White Button Down Shirt
Solid Kelly Shirt | $54 at J Crew
Fit is key for any garment, but it’s especially important for your foundation wardrobe. Start your button-down shirt collection with a crisp white shirt, and then build out your shirt wardrobe with patterns and colors.
The Going Out Top
Solid Silk Elizabeth Halter | $88 at J Crew
The ideal top is a stunner that can seamlessly travel from work to cocktails.
The Knee Length Skirt
Pencil Perfect Skirt | $69.50 at Martin + Osa
An a-line skirt is universally flattering, but feel free to choose one that works for your figure, your personality, and your lifestyle. I personally have a collection of pencil skirts hanging in my closet. I love the hourglass shape they create, especially since I’m shaped like a boy.
The Perfect Fit Trousers
The Perfect Trouser | $54.50 at Gap
How do you know that the fit is perfect? It should be fitted but not tight at the waist, and it should drape nicely, with a slight flare from knee to foot. Have your trousers hemmed to a length that works with leg-lengthening heels.
The Go To Evening Dress
Sleeveless Origami Knit Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Because you never know when an emergency party situation will come up. Keep a great evening dress in the back of your closet for spur of the moment dress up occasions.
The Go To Day Dress
European Collection Wrap Dress | $78 at Gap
Because a dress is a great alternative to jeans and a cute tee for weekends, and dresses spice up your work wardrobe. Need some inspiration? Try a shirtdress, a wrap dress, or a sweaterdress.
The Wear Everywhere Sweater
Tartine Cardigan | $88 at J Crew
Perfect for breezy mornings and cool evenings–and for times when the AC is turned up too high at work.
The Tailored Blazer
Two Button Cotton Blazer | $104 (sale) at Martin + Osa
A simple, sophisticated look? Pair your tailored blazer with your crisp white shirt and jeans. Substitute a tee or polo under the tailored blazer for a younger, more playful look.
The Trenchcoat
Classic Puff Sleeve Trenchcoat | $150 at Banana Republic
The trench is my go-to coat–so much so that I have a trench collection. The trench is so versatile and yet so chic. And it works for all of those times when a blazer isn’t just right.
What are your go-to wardrobe pieces? Tell us, what else would you recommend to build out your foundation wardrobe?
August 26th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Gold?
You said: Yes! 62% of you would wear Gold, with only 38% of you saying No to Gold.
Style tip? Gold is a warm colored metal, and it looks best with warm colors. Think reds, oranges, and yellows, and warmer shades of blue, green, and purple. Our favorite gold color combo? Gold and a warm shade of purple with lots of reddish undertones.
Next question: With the whole menswear as womenswear look continuing for Fall, we’re seeing some great slouchy sweaters in stores. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear The Slouchy Sweater? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Xhilaration Tanya Strappy Sandal | $14.99 at Target.
August 25th, 2008
Q: I’ve been seeing a lot of blouses with various ties and bows at the neckline. They’re cute, but I have trouble with people constantly mistaking me for a teenager. Is it possible to wear this trend without looking too young and cutesy? I’m a grad student in my late 20’s who has pretty slow wardrobe turnover and dresses fairly modestly, so something I could wear for a few seasons and without major cleavage would be super.
A: Tie-neck blouses and blouses with bows are a decidedly girly look, but their femininity doesn’t mean they can’t look professional. Here’s how to wear a girly blouse while looking like an adult:
Choose a Tailored Blouse. Ties and bows are going to look the most professional on a shirt that’s already tailored. Pick a top where structure meets style.
Wear a Masculine Bottom. Balance out your feminine top with a masculine inspired bottom. Man-tailored trousers will do the trick.
Finish off the look with Polished Accessories. In order to complete the adult look, pick up a pair of professional pumps and a work-appropriate handbag.
Have a great tip about looking like an adult while wearing a girly blouse? Share it with us in the comments!
August 22nd, 2008
Q: I am studying abroad in Florence, Italy for the fall semester. I don’t want to be another "teeshirt and jeans American." Any ideas on how to look stylish while immersing myself in this beautiful city? And what trends should I splurge on while I’m there (not to mention gifts for some of my fashion forward friends back home)?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: You mention that you don’t want to look like the typical American in jeans and tee shirts. Agreed that worn and faded jeans with a sloppy tee is not a good look. That said, a nice dark wash jean with a colorful, clean tee and a ballet flat is a good classic look that transcends borders and cultures. You can go beyond this casual classic by incorporating more polished pieces into your wardrobe–tailored pants and skirts, sophisticated sweaters and dresses, and of course, a stylish coat.
What to Pack
As a foundation wardrobe, I would pack a couple of dark wash jeans, trouser pants, some basic colored tees, fitted button down shirts, and a couple of sweaters in bright colors. Splurge on a stylish jacket and a perfectly fitted trench to keep you warm. A couple of dresses for going out are also a must. Don’t forget some tights and long underwear, as it will be chilly in the autumn in Florence.
Gifts in Florence
Florence is famous for its gold and leather, which will make great gifts for your close friends. Check out Ponte Vecchio for a wide variety of gold and silver shops, but be forewarned that bargains are long gone. As for leather goods, Il Bisonte is a shop with beautiful leather bags, agendas, and wallets.
Should you have nieces, you may want to visit Assunta Anichini, which is the oldest childrens’ clothing store and offers beautiful hand embroidered and smocked dresses.
If you don’t already have a great leather bag, I would wait and get one in Italy. Same goes for leather gloves. Last style tip? Check out the lingerie boutiques in Florence–they have some beautiful shops. Enjoy la dolce vita!
Have a great tip about what to wear in Florence? Share it with us in the comments!
August 21st, 2008
In Fall 2004, Richard Chai took Fashion Week by storm with the launch of his eponymous line of gorgeously wearable garments. Chai was by no means new to the New York fashion scene, having designed for Donna Karan, Geoffrey Beene, and Marc Jacobs (where he helped to launch the Marc by Marc Jacobs line). And his critically acclaimed line, a favorite of both retailers and the press, earned him an Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award a year later in 2005.
Now, three years later, Chai is taking another leap forward by making his sophisticated style available to all of us with a line for Target. Like the rest of Chai’s work, the Target collection is sophisticated, wearable, and decidedly feminine. Chai’s target line has been out for over a week now, but we finally got a chance to go try it on in-store. Here’s our five favorite pieces:
Richard Chai Rose Print Top | $22.99 at Target
Richard Chai Pieced Voile Shirt | $24.99 at Target
Richard Chai Windowpane Miniskirt | $26.99 at Target
Richard Chai Colorblock Tie Front Dress | $44.99 at Target
Richard Chai Printed Broken Stripe Trench Coat | $44.99 at Target
August 19th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Mustard Yellow?
You said: Maybe. It was a close vote, with 53% of you saying Yes to Mustard Yellow, and the remaining 47% voting No.
Style tip? We’re fans of all things yellow, and mustard is no exception. The muted hue looks great paired with navy blue (or even grey) for Autumn. Until then, you can wear it with orange for a warm, earthy color combo.
Next question: We’ve been glued to the TV for the Olympics, where everyone’s gunning for Gold in Beijing. Back at home, though, is Gold as appealing? Tell us, would you wear Gold colored clothing? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Stretch Vintage Cord Skirt| $68 at J Crew.
August 18th, 2008
Now Banana Republic hasn’t always been a design force, but their team of designers followed up their lovely summer collection with an equally fetching fall collection. It is a bit expensive, but we’re loving the sophisticated prints, elegant colors, and, as always, the details. After all, the details are the design. Here’s our five favorite pieces from Banana Republic’s fall collection:
Sleeveless Printed Tie-Neck Top | $44 at Banana RepublicPair this with a pair of high waisted black wide leg trousers.
Blousy Top | $49 at Banana Republic
Isn’t this a great weekend top? Layer on the jewelry to make it more playful.
Printed Bow Tie Blouse | $69 at Banana Republic
We’re loving the ruffle details, the bow-tie, and the graphic print. Simply charming.
Crisscross Sweater Dress | $130 at Banana Republic
Texture makes this dress special. Love the crisscross pattern and the pleats on the skirt.
Silk Cap Sleeve Lady Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Be the picture of elegance in this classic silk dress - and turn heads with this sumptuous purple color.
August 15th, 2008
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