Go back to school (or suit up for the weekend) in a classic menswear fashion formula: the button-down shirt, jeans, and a cardigan. The twist? The stripe detailing on the fabric belt that echoes that on the cardigan sweater sleeve. Here’s how to get the grown up collegiate look:
1. Start with a pair of straight leg dark rinse jeans, paired with a brightly colored button-down shirt. The light blue shirt toes the line between conservative and daring.
2. Belt your jeans - we love the playful stripe detailing on this Fred Perry belt.
3. Slip on a slim-fitting cardigan sweater. The fit is the key here - too loose, and you run the risk of looking like grandpa. Note how the stripe on the sweater sleeve recalls the stripe on the casual belt.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of rugged, lace-up boots. The outdoorsy boots works with the casual belt, plus the rich brown color pairs beautifully with the bright blue shirt.
How would you get the grown up collegiate look? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 26th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
Be a rebel with a cause (for fashion) in one of this season’s snappy biker and bomber jackets. You can pair them with a white tee and jeans for a modern James Dean look, but we also love them juxtaposed against flirty, feminine styles. The contrast of the edgy with the romantic is completely alluring. Want one? Here’s Omiru’s five picks for versatile rebel jackets:
Cropped Rebel Jacket | $32.80 at Forever 21
Courtney Bomber | $59.50 at Delias
Transatlantic Flight Jacket | $64.99 at ModCloth
Kieran Bomber | $79.50 at Delias
Leather Bomber Jacket | $260 at Topshop
Posted by Trisha on August 25th, 2009 in Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape, Women |
We asked: Would you wear a Jumpsuit?
You said: A resounding NO to Jumpsuits, with a landslide 84% to 16% vote.
Style tip? While the Jumpsuit makes getting dressed easy (one piece, and you’re done), it still has its challenges, as the poll result indicates. For summer, we think that a short romper, paired with pumps, is your best bet. For autumn, you’ll want to go with a longer style, like this casual knit jumpsuit. The key is to work with the laid-back feel of the jumpsuit and pair it with the appropriate accessories: a statement necklace, a waist-defining belt, and sandals.
Next question: Wedge Heels are the new shoe silhouette for Fall–for sandals, pumps, and even booties. They give you height, but they also can be kind of clunky. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear Wedge Heels? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Drawstring Waist Jumpsuit | $22.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on August 23rd, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Hurrah for Fall Fashion! We’ve been nonstop shopping, studying the Fall lines of our favorite brands to bring you your best bets for Fall 2009. As always, we’re enamored of J Crew’s classic-yet-cool take on preppy standards–especially the way they’re able to modernize these wardrobe staples without making them boring. We also love that J Crew is pushing the boundaries this Fall, expanding into new style territory with their designs. To celebrate this, we’re focusing on the silhouettes, textures, and colors you probably don’t already have from J Crew. Here’s the six pieces we recommend adding to your Fall wardrobe:
Stadium Cloth Winnie Jacket | $245 at J Crew
How to wear it? This cheery yellow jacket works beautifully to warm shades of grey. Wear it anytime your style warrants a playful pick-me-up.
Dream Campton Vest | $78 at J Crew
How to wear it? Wear this vest closed for a prim and proper look, but wear it open (and paired under a blazer) for a look that’s less prep and more punk.
Geo Frances Cami | $88 at J Crew
How to wear it? This flirty blouse can be paired with cords for a weekend look - or with a cardigan and full skirt for a dashing work look.
Shirred Wool Skirt | $78 at J Crew
How to wear it? If your itching to ditch your pencil skirt, why not try a flirty, fuller skirt? It’s a bit short, so pair this skirt with tights and low heels/flats when you head into the office.
Dream Knox Sweater Jacket | $135 at J Crew
How to wear it? We’re loving that this sweater has a familiar feel (reminds us of one of our favorite jackets), yet the knit texture makes it new again. Pair it with boyish separates for a gamine look.
Pointelle Ribbed Tights | $22.50 at J Crew
How to wear it? Keep your legs warm as the temperatures cool with these textured tights. Wear them under a knee-length dress and finish the look off with booties.
Posted by Trisha on August 21st, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women |
Q: Skinny jeans are the rage for fall, but some of us aren’t tall and a size 2. How can regular sized folks with a bit of muffin top translate the look?
A: Well said! Though skinny jeans appear to be ubiquitous, they’re certainly not for everybody (though, I might add, they’re great for women with short legs, as they make their legs look longer and leaner - I promise!). But if your personal architecture is steering you away from the severe, skinny cut of these pants, you can get a similar look with straight leg jeans. Straight leg jeans are easier to wear, especially if your figure isn’t as clean as that of a model.
In order to find the most figure flattering pair of jeans, I look for stretch styles, which help smooth out bumps and other figure imperfections, while maintaining a slim silhouette. One other tip for finding jeans that flatter "a bit of a muffin top" is to look for jeans with a higher rise, as the muffin top will be less prominent. Last thoughts? In order to camouflage any remaining "puffing" out of the jeans, look for a top that blouses out at the point where it overlaps with the jeans. Here’s how to get the look of skinny jeans for Real People:
1. Start with a pair of straight leg, stretchy jeans for a figure flattering yet slim silhouette.
2. Add a voluminous blouse on top for a big-over-small look. Note how the blouse skims over your middle, creating the appearance of a slim figure regardless of your personal architecture.
3. Skinny jeans are traditionally paired with booties, pumps, or flats. Here, we’ve paired these straight jean replacements with a fun pair of yellow flats to keep the outfit youthful in spirit.
4. Finish off the outfit with your favorite handbag or clutch. This straw bow clutch (and the entire outfit) will take you to a outdoors get-together with friends.
How would you translate the skinny jeans look for real people? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 19th, 2009 in Q&A, Ready Made Outfits, Women, Women's |
We turn to Gap for casual classics - and this season, Gap is really delivering. We’re seeing the key pieces of the season at Gap - and in that sub $100 price range we love so much. Here’s our five favorite picks from Gap’s Fall 2009 collection:
Authentic Fit Jeans in Resin Rinse | $34.50 at Gap
How to wear it? There’s a reason why we love dark denim - it’s so versatile. You can pair these dark jeans with both casual shirts (like your polos and tees) and more formal fare (like your button-down shirts and blazers).
Lightweight Flannel Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? The key to not looking like a lumberjack is to pair this flannel shirt with fitted, tailored pieces and accessories.
Fitted Chambray Shirt | $44.50 at Gap
How to wear it? We love the classic chambray button-down paired with sand colored khakis and a belt.
Field Jacket | $98 at Gap
How to wear it? Work with the outdoorsy feel of this jacket and pair it with a rugged, chunky sweater for Fall.
Cord Jacket | $68 at Gap
How to wear it? Play with color - pair your cord jacket with a brightly colored sweater. Let the color peek out by wearing the jacket open.
Thoughts on Gap’s Fall 2009 collection? Have a favorite that we missed? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 19th, 2009 in Men, Shopping Guide |
You don’t have to stop pairing your ankle boots with summer sundresses when Fall breezes on in. Just toss on a light jacket and accessorize. In this Summer-to-Fall transition outfit, we’ve mixed hard with soft, casual with formal, rugged with sophisticated. Here’s how to get the summer sundress and ankle boots look this Fall:
1. Start with your basic summer sundress. We recommend a belt at the waistline to give it a bit more structure, depending on the dress.
2. Layer on a light jacket. We’ve mixed the floaty sundress wiht a structured tuxedo style jacket for a look that’s playful meets serious.
3. Finish off the look with a pair of ankle boots (note how that nice brown goes with the blue on the dress) and a handbag slung over your shoulder.
How would you mix your summer sundress and ankle boots into your Fall wardrobe? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 17th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Ankle Boots?
You said: Yes to Ankle Boots, with a 69% to 31% vote.
Style tip? We’re pleased to see that Ankle Boots are being elevated from a questionable boot style to a year-round shoe staple. While they can be intimidating at first, they become instantly more accessible once you experiment and learn what they work with. For summer, we love pairing ankle boots with floaty dresses for a look that’s feminine with an edge. We’re also experimenting with non-traditional bootie styles - such as this above-ankle slouchy boot style.
Next question: The Jumpsuit makes getting dressed easy–just slip it on, and you’re good to go. But what do you think? Tell us, would you wear a Jumpsuit? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Gambia Slouchy Boot | $26.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on August 16th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Skinny Pants, Menswear Vests, Motorcycle Jackets, Zipper Detailing, Ankle Boots, Concert T-Shirts, Schoolboy Blazers - all of these (and more) combine to form a foundation wardrobe for the Rock and Roll girl. But how do you combine these pieces for an effortlessly thrown together (but still put together) look? Here’s three outfits that show you how to get the effortless Rock and Roll style:
Schoolboy Blazer + Floaty Top + Skinny Jeans
1. Start with a floaty, sequined top over a pair of skinny jeans. We love how the peach on the top pairs with the grey–and the dark blue of the jeans.
2. Add a schoolboy blazer, left open enough so that the color of the floaty top can shine through.
3. Accessorize with a blue plaid scarf tied at the neck, a pair of lace up boots, and a handbag slung over the shoulder.
Floaty Dress + Skinny Jeans + Motorcycle Jacket
1. Start with a floaty dress, belted, over a pair of skinny jeans. Becaues the dress is black, we decided to try a lighter pair of pants.
2. Layer on the motorcycle jacket, which adds a degree of toughness to the floaty, lacy dress.
3. Accessorize with a pair of oversized sunglasses, a layered necklace, a faux snakeskin bag, and a pair of ankle boots.
Graphic Tank + Punky Skirt + Menswear Vest
1. Start with a graphic tank (don’t you love the grafitti) and a punky miniskirt. We love the mix of grafitti and art with this combo.
2. Layer on a menswear vest, left open.
3. Slip on a pair of knee-high boots to give your legs some more coverage.
Missed Rock and Roll Style, Part 1? Check out our five iconic Rock and Roll pieces here.
How would you style a Rock and Roll look? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 13th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
Q: I love the rocker-chic style of Ashlee Simpson and Gossip Girls’ Georgina Sparks. But I can’t quite seem to perfect that "just-threw-on-whatever" look and still have it look pulled together. What are some affordable staples I should have for this kind of wardrobe? And can you suggest some options for "outfits"?
A: Rock and Roll style is all about drama–but a kind of drama that is, as you noted, looks just thrown together (but still put together). Sounds like a challenge? It really isn’t - if you have the right pieces ready to go in your wardrobe. Here’s five affordable items every rocker girl should have in her closet:
Skinny Pants
Faded Black Skinny Jean | $44.95 at American Eagle
Tight, skin-hugging pants are the go-to silhouette for the Rock and Roll Girl. They’re big on skinny jeans, as well as other sexy-tough pants. Leather pants in a drainpipe or straight leg cut are also a classic choice for the Rocker Girl.
Menswear Vest
Pinstripe Vest | $39.50 at American Eagle
The Rock and Roll girl mixes menswear with womenswear, and nowhere is that more evident than with the menswear vest. We love the masculine influence on this vest, right down to the pinstripes and the crest detailing.
Motorcycle Jacket
Faux Leather Metallic Jacket | $39.80 at Forever 21
What would a Rock and Roll girl do without the iconic leather jacket? We like the silhouette of this motorcycle jacket, but we also appreciate the faux leather (as it’s much more animal friendly). If you’re worried about the appearance of inexpensive faux leather, you can distress it yourself (and make it look real) with a little sandpaper.
Zipper Detail Top
Silence and Noise Silk Zipper Dress/Tunic | $68 at Urban Outfitters
This silk zippered tunic is listed as a dress, but the more modest among us may want to wear it as a top over skinny pants. The deep blue color would pair beautifully with grey jeans, fwiw. The exposed zipper detailing meshes with the edgy Rock and Roll vibe, as does the exaggerated dropwaist silhouette.
Ankle Boots
Sasha Ruffle Bootie | $34.99 at Payless
Boots are the go-to shoe for the Rock and Roll girl. She loves the drama of lace up boots, platform heels, and of course, the ankle bootie. The beauty of the ankle bootie is that it works all year round - with skinny jeans in cool months, and with frilly dresses in warmer months.
For Rock and Roll outfits, check back tomorrow - we’ll be showing you three Rock and Roll looks for you to recreate.
We’ve just got the very basics with this 5-item list. There’s all kinds of other finds a Rocker Girl should have in her closet, from an authentic concert tee to a zipper detail top. Help us fill out this list - what else should a Rocker Girl have in her closet? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on August 13th, 2009 in Shopping Guide, Women |
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