Posts filed under 'Shopping Guide'
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
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
Hello, Beijing. We’re watching the Olympics, and we’re feeling inspired to start exercising. Whether you’re looking to start practicing yoga, playing tennis, or even jogging around the neighborhood, we’ve got you covered with chic exercise wardrobe essentials. Here’s what you need to fill your gym bag, minus shoes:
T-Back Sports Bras | $16.50 at Old Navy
Summer Games Graphic Tees | $14.50 at Old Navy
Puff Sleeved Fleece Jackets | $19.50 at Old Navy
Active Jersey Pants | $19.50 at Old Navy
C9 by Champion Mesh Shorts | $9.99 at Target
Double Strand Yoga Headband | $18 at J Crew
August 14th, 2008
We’re continuing our love affair with Martin + Osa as they unveil their latest collection. Yes, they can be a bit pricey, but the quality of the clothes makes the splurge worth it. Here’s what we’ll be wearing this Fall from Martin + Osa:
Havaianas Print Flip Flops | $20 at Martin + OsaDon’t you love the festive seashell print on these flip flops? We’re a big fan of Havaianas–they’re super comfy.
Thin Patent Leather Belt | $34.50 at Martin + Osa
Wear this patent leather belt with your weekday tailored work clothes and your weekend casual clothes.
Herringbone Denim Trouser | $79.99 at Martin + Osa
We’re loving the tailored look of these denim trousers and the chic herringbone fabric.
Refined Cotton Shirt Dress | $99.50 at Martin + Osa
This cotton shirt dress is refined enough to wear to work, yet chic enough to go out in the evening.
Military Blazer | $150 at Martin + Osa
Four button-flap pockets grace Martin + Osa’s military blazer. Great for adding extra volume for women with a small bust.
August 5th, 2008
In 2003, Monica Botkier launched her namesake line of handbags. Botkier bags instantly gained cult status among fashionistas for their mix of luxury and functionality–with a downtown edge. A favorite of Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, and Heidi Klum, pricey Botkier bags are usually found at high end department stores and boutiques. Think Barneys, Neiman Marcus, and Fred Segal. But now, five years after the birth of Botkier bags, you can get them for under $50. Here’s our three favorite bags from the Botkier for Target collection:
Botkier for Target Satchel in Gray Python | $39.99 at Target
Botkier for Target Hobo in White Python | $39.99 at Target
Botkier for Target Clutch in Gray Python | $19.99 at Target
July 29th, 2008
Express, which we shop for knits and other basics, has finally opened an online store. Here’s what we have our eyes on from Express:
Featherweight Dip Dye Tee | $22.50 at ExpressA basic tee with some extra personality. Hooray for Ombre!
Sleeveless Neck-Tie Top | $39.50 at Express
We love how this knit tie-neck top can bridge casual and business wear.
Volume Sleeve Crop Top | $39.50 at Express
This top is the closest we’re getting to the revived peasant top trend. We promise!
Front Tie Short Sleeve Shirt | $49.50 at Express
Tie-neck detailing turns this short sleeve button down into something special.
Plaid Mini Skirt | $59.50 at Express
Preppy meets sexy with this plaid miniskirt. If your legs are less than perfect (or you want to make the mini a bit more modest), try wearing this skirt with dark colored tights (as shown).
Preppy Denim Jacket | $88 at Express
The nipped in waist, gold buttons, and the cropped sleeves make a chic, preppy statement.
July 25th, 2008
Q: I’m going to Southeast Asia for a month in September, and I know that I have to wear long trousers and if possible long shirts because of mosquitoes and the danger of malaria. I fear that with wearing long linen trousers and blouses I look either old (I’m 21) or like the stereotype tourist. Do you have suggestions for a fun and fashionable travel wardrobe for a Month in Southeast Asia?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: I checked with a friend of mine in Hong Kong and she said that the heat and the bugs are horrendous. She tackles this situation by wearing sun dresses and covering herself in deet.
I do think that when you are young, linen can be unflattering, as it loses shape quickly and can make you look baggy. If you don’t find linen pieces that you like, I would recommend looking for clothes in cotton modal fabric. Cotton modal is wrinkle resistant and it’s also more form fitting. It’s a tradeoff of course–in the heat, form fitting clothes may not be as comfortable as looser fitting garments, but they’ll also generally be more flattering.
Personally, I think in very high heat nothing will be all that comfortable, so you may as well go for what looks best. But as you pack, make sure you include, at a minimum:
Dresses: Dresses are going to be cooler, and you can stay covered up with longer styles.
Blouses: Look for long sleeved shirts in lightweight fabrics.
Layering Tees: Again, lightweight fabrics are going to be your best bet.
Long Trousers: Natural fabrics like linen or cotton are going to be best.
Lightweight Sweaters: It’s going to be hot, but you can stay keep yourself covered up with a light sweater in a loose weave.
How to put your outfits together? You may be inspired by the actress Jane March in the movie The Lover. In this movie, the young woman exudes youth and sex appeal wearing a simple sleeveless black linen dress with a belt, kitten heel pumps and a man’s hat.
Final style tips? When you’re traveling in Southeast Asia, my number one tip would be to buy super strong bug repellent. Bug repellent will allow you more flexibility in choosing your clothes (so you won’t be limited to long sleeved blouses and long linen trousers). My second tip would be to underpack rather than overpack. You’re bound to find great (and weather appropriate) clothes while you’re traveling through Southeast Asia.
Pictured: Fitted Tie Neck Shirt | $48 at Gap and Tie Shoulder Dress | $54.99 (sale) at Gap.
Have a great tip about what to wear for a trip to Southeast Asia? Share it with us in the comments!
July 24th, 2008
You loved our finds at American Eagle’s sister store Martin + Osa, but in the words of Jennifer, "Oh, it’s all SO gorgeous, but so expensive too!" But now, with Martin + Osa’s summer sale, you can get all of the gorgeous–but at significantly reduced prices (up to 60% off in some cases). Here’s what we just bought from Martin + Osa’s summer sale:
Canvas + Patent Leather Belt | $14.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Scoop Neck Sweater Dress | $34.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Tretorn Perforated Leather Sneaker | $44.95 (sale) at Martin + Osa
Oh, and you can use coupon code 63299191 at checkout for an additional 20% off. Happy shopping!
July 17th, 2008
The key to finding flattering business formal clothes for petites is to choose pieces that elongate your silhouette. You want to look as tall as you can, especially in a business setting, and you can do this by making your legs look as long as possible.
Jackets with a Low Stance
Petite Wool Pinstripe Jacket ($99.99) and Petite Audrey Wool Pinstripe Pants ($79.99) at Ann Taylor
The notch lapel is classic, and the low stance (the point where the two sides of the jacket cross in front) creates a nice vertical line that makes you look taller. Single button closures are best for creating this vertical line.
Simple Fitted Tops
Cotton Ruffle Front Top | $58 at Ann Taylor
When you’re petite, fitted garments tend to look better than oversized ones. We’re loving this cotton voile ruffle top. The delicate cotton voile fabric is lightweight (great for summer), and it complements the decidedly feminine ruffle and pintuck details.
Fluid, Drapey Fabrics
Petite Silk Sleeveless Shell | $29.99 (sale) at Ann Taylor
Add some shine to your wardrobe with a silk shell. Fluid, drapey fabrics look great on petites, and in small doses, they complement business formal outfits. Add a scarf for extra sophistication.
Wide Leg Trousers
Petite Martin Cuffed Wide Leg Pant | $89 at Banana Republic
This wide leg pant is a great counterbalance to a fitted top, and the fact that it sits just below the natural waist helps to visually elongate your legs.
High Waisted Skirts
High Waisted Pencil Skirt | $89 at Banana Republic
High waisted skirts and pants make your legs look as long as possible–and in turn make you look as tall as possible. If you don’t like thin, tailored skirts, you can also try (nearly universally flattering) a-line skirts. How long should your skirt be? Knee length skirts are not only the most flattering, but they’re also safe for work.
Shift Dresses
Belted Textured Dress | $150 at Banana Republic
Shift dresses are as slimming as they are work appropriate. They’re
fitted without being too revealing, and they elongate your figure, especially when they feature a knee-length skirt.
Finish off your business formal outfit with medium height shoes (you’re petite, and you’re not fooling anyone with sky high heels, so just be comfortable), a reasonably sized work bag (no gigantic bags for you, since they’ll overwhelm you), and minimal accessories (since you don’t want to clutter your clean outfit).
Have a great tip about business formal for petites? Share it with us in the comments!
July 10th, 2008
Q: I have to go buy my first maternity clothes this weekend. What advice can you give to keep me looking chic? Styles, colors, fabrics…
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Trying to be chic while pregnant can be challenging as your body changes, but the good news is that there are so many choices for chic maternity wear today.
For looks that are fresh and chic , I would choose natural fabrics such as cottons and silks. Simple silhouettes are best–and my favorite looks tend to be in solid colors with few, if any, embellishments.
My philosophy is that when you’re pregnant, the simpler your style, the better you look. Figure flattery is still important, but when you’re pregnant, you have the opportunity to show off your growing tummy (instead of trying to hide it). So–embrace your body and showcase your belly with chic, simple styles like wrap tops, empire waist dresses, button-down tops, and wide leg pants.
Keep in mind that you will only need maternity clothes for about three to seven months [Updated 7/8/08] –so you don’t need to buy nine months worth of maternity wear. Depending on the time of year and the climate in which you live, you may need to base your purchases on seasonality–and note that seasons will change during your pregnancy. Regardless of where you live and time of year, you’ll need casual clothes for weekends, a number of work-appropriate separates if you’re working, one very good dress (I love Veronique Delachaux), and a comfortable everyday shoe.
As you craft your maternity wardrobe, think also about whether you plan to have another child. If you plan to be pregnant again, you may want to invest in better quality maternity clothes. If, however, you don’t plan to have any other children, you don’t need to spend as much on maternity fashion.
Here’s a few maternity stores to check out:
Old Navy - $20-$40 for dresses
Ann Taylor Loft - $40-$70 for dresses
Gap - $50-$70 for dresses
Japanese Weekend - $70-$120 for dresses
A Pea in the Pod - $150+ for dresses
Good luck with this wonderful, happy time of life and best wishes for your new baby!
Pictured: Maternity Smocked Yoke Button Front Shirt | $44 at Ann Taylor Loft and Maternity Smocked Empire Waist Dress | $24.50 at Old Navy.
Have a great tip about how to be chic while pregnant? Share it with us in the comments!
July 8th, 2008
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