You said Yes to Long Strap Handbags - a 90s trend that’s back in full swing. We’ve created an outfit that plays to the breezy cool strength of the Long Strap Handbag, an outfit that feels right at home in the present day. Here’s how to get the modern look of the Long Strap Handbag:
1. Layer a boldly patterned dress over a plain button-down shirt. Notice how the orange and white horizontal striped pattern contrasts nicely with the pale blue of the collared shirt.
2. Slip on a pair of edgy sandals to complement the layered look. The warm brown of the sandals works well with the warm colors on the dress.
3. Finish off the look by draping a Long Strap Handbag over yourself. The freedom of the Long Strap Handbag (you’ll be able to keep your hands free) is echoed in the effortlessly cool look of the rest of the outfit.
How would you wear a Long Strap Handbag? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 19th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Maxi Dresses?
You said: No to Maxi Dresses, with a 57% to 43% vote.
Style tip? Sure, floor length Maxi Dresses are reminiscent of the 1970s, but they can still be relevant today. Here are a three ways to wear them:
(1) Maxi Dress + Cropped Sweater + Gladiator Sandals for a sweet-yet-edgy look.
(2) Maxi Dress + Drapey Necklaces + Metallic Espadrilles for a casual-yet-elegant look.
(3) Maxi Dress + Oversized Scarf + Strappy Sandals for an European-meets-bohemian look.
Next question: Chunky Necklaces dress up the plainest of outfits, and can add elegance (and a bit of an edge) to anything you wear. But they’re also a pretty strong statement. What do you think? Would you wear Chunky Necklaces? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Strapless Burst Maxi Dress | $27.80 at Forever 21.
Posted by Trisha on May 18th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: A friend is graduating from law school in Los Angeles in a few weeks, and I will be spending the weekend there as well. What would you recommend to wear to the graduation ceremony, and for the rest of the weekend?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: Graduation from Law School is a big accomplishment–so congratulations to your friend! In LA, the weather will likely be hot (and depending on the size of the graduating class, the ceremony could be long). For the ceremony itself, we’d recommend a simple dress + cardigan outfit, though you may want to switch out the floral dress for one in an edgier pattern for Los Angeles. For the rest of your weekend in Los Angeles, here’s what you’re going to want to bring:
Tops: A cute top or two that can be dressed up or down will do the trick. A light sweater will keep you cozy at night.
Bottoms: Jeans are a must - try grey jeans or an unusual wash for something a bit different. You may also want to bring a pair of shorts or a skirt to keep you cool if the weather gets too warm.
Dresses: Bring the dress you’re wearing to the graduation ceremony. If you’re really into dresses, you may also want to bring a California casual sundress (or a long maxi dress) to round out your dress wardrobe.
Outerwear: A single lightweight jacket will suffice for the balmy Los Angeles weather.
Accessories: A pair of kitten heels for the ceremony, and either a cute pair of sandals or a pair of casual shoes will keep you comfortable through the weekend. Add a pair of oversized sunglasses (and perhaps a hat), and you’ll be good to go.
Have a great tip about what to wear in Los Angeles? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 15th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
Q: Could you suggest some summer casual weekend options for [women over 40]? Things that could be worn as part of a graduation weekend–out to a casual dinner, to a barbecue, out and about.
A: It’s possible to embody an air of sophistication, even in casual clothing. You can do weekend wear in style with bright colors, tailored silhouettes, and bold prints. How do you put them together? Try these three classic weekend wear outfit combinations:
Chambray Button Down Shirt + White Boot Cut Jeans
Selvedge Chambray Shirt | $88 at J Crew
New Low-Rise Boot Cut White Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Try a twist on the classic button-down and jeans combo. Look for a shirt in a tailored cut and textured fabric. As for the jeans, instead of a traditional blue, try them in white. Or if you’re prone to stains, a nice light grey.
Silk Blouse + Printed Skirt
Silk Georgette Pleated Top | $88 at J Crew
Pleated Floral Skirt | $68 at Banana Republic
For a slightly dressier option, try a sleeveless blouse in a luxurious fabric and pair it with a skirt in a sophisticated pattern.
Brightly Colored Blouse + Wide Leg Trouser Pants
Piped Blouse | $48 at Gap
Navy Wide Leg Jeans | $59.50 at Gap
Balance out a pair of wide leg pants with a short sleeved blouse. You can keep the pairing visually interesting with bright colors and a small-over-big silhouette. If the weather is very warm, feel free to switch out the pants with a pair of knee-length shorts or cropped pants.
Have a great tip about weekend wear for those over 40? Share it with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 14th, 2009 in Q&A, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
We’re inspired by the upcoming film 500 Days of Summer (saw it at Sundance, highly recommend it) - and particularly by the creative-yet-wearable work style of the main characters, played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel. Gordon-Levitt’s character has a penchant for the button-down + tie + cardigan combination. It’s a great fashion formula, particularly for guys in creative industries. Here’s how to get the cardigan + tie look:
1. Start with a base of a button-down shirt and a pair of straight leg jeans.
2. Slip on a tie over your button-down shirt. For a more youthful look, try a tie in a narrow width.
3. Add on a cardigan sweater. Bonus points for interesting colors or patterns.
4. Finish off the look with a pair of tailored oxford shoes and a sophisticated messenger bag.
How would you wear a cardigan and a tie? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 13th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
Q: Do you have [graduation] dress suggestions for women 45+ who are in decent shape? I’ve looked in vain for attractive and vibrant floral pattern dresses that cover a bit more. Plenty of sheaths in black and natural linen, but these seem rather plain for the occasion.
A: Last week, we put together a graduation outfit suitable for a woman in her 20s or 30s. Today, we rounded up a series of dresses that can work for women in their 40s and beyond. We have vibrant patterns, bright colors, and cuts that cover a bit more than the strapless sheath that we featured last week. Here’s our seven favorite picks for graduation dresses:
Ali Ro Print Silk Dress | $62.90 (sale) at Nordstrom
Silk Cotton Floral Dress | $98 at Banana Republic
Cotton Slub Silk Lattice Dress | $99.99 (sale) at J Crew
Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Print Sateen Sheath Dress | $118 at Nordstrom
Floral Maxi Dress | $130 at Martin + Osa
Patra Tiered Chiffon Dress | $178 at Nordstrom
Trina Turk Tortoise Dress | $288 at Nordstrom
What would you wear to graduation? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 12th, 2009 in Q&A, Shopping Guide, Women, Women's |
We asked: Would you wear Long Strap Handbags?
You said: Yes to Long Strap Handbags, with a 60% to 40% vote.
Style tip? The beauty of the Long Strap Handbag is that you can wear it cross-body, leaving your hands free as you make your way through the day. We love juxtaposing the structured long strap handbag against a flowy dress - a mix of the tailored and the romantic. Mix things up even more with a pair of gladiator sandals to add a bit of toughness to the look.
Next question: We’re stocking up on Spring and Summer dresses and wanted to get your opinion on the floor length Maxi Dress. Very 1970s, but they’ve made a comeback in the last few years. Would you wear the Maxi Dress? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
NOTE: Seems that our poll has had some technical difficulties today - if you were unable to vote today, please try again. Sorry for the inconvenience!
Pictured: Leather Pocket Detail Satchel | $53.92 at ASOS.
Posted by Trisha on May 11th, 2009 in Trend, Trend Predictives, What's In and What's Out, Women |
Q: I’m going on holiday to Nice in June and wanted some advice on what to wear.
A: June is a wonderful time to visit Nice. In June, the weather is mild (think temperatures in the 60s and 70s), and while the tourist season is definitely underway, it’s not yet at its peak. You’ll be able to enjoy everything from museums to gourmet restaurants - and catch some time in the sun at the beach. Here’s what to pack for a trip to Nice, France:
Outerwear: A single light jacket for cool evenings will be enough. Try a lightweight trench for versatility and style.
Tops: Pack a layering sweater, a few comfy tees, and a variety of tops with sophisticated cuts and patterns.
Bottoms: Bring a couple of pairs of long pants to pair with your tops. A skirt or a pair of shorts is optional but welcomed.
Dresses: A nice sundress for daytime and a cocktail dress for evening will suffice.
Shoes: A good pair of comfortable walking shoes, a pair of sandals, and flip flops for the beach will do the trick.
Last thoughts? You may also want to pack a scarf or two to give your outfits a bit of an extra visual punch. And don’t forget your bathing suit and sunscreen!
Have a great tip about what to wear to Nice, France? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 8th, 2009 in Q&A, Women's |
Mix masculine and feminine in a outfit that’s supremely sophisticated. Simply pair a floaty, feminine dress with an oversized boyfriend blazer. Here’s how to get the look:
1. Start with a floaty, feminine dress. We’re digging the drapey chiffon and the elbow-length sleeves (which camouflage heavy arms).
2. Layer on a hip-length boyfriend blazer. The tailored blazer contrasts against the floatiness of the chiffon dress. Bonus style points if you push up the sleeves of the blazer.
3. Accessorize with a pair of knee-length boots and a sophisticated-yet-roomy bag. Finish off the outfit with a colorful scarf for a final visual punch.
How would you wear a boyfriend blazer and floaty dress? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 7th, 2009 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
If there ever was an outfit that embodied the concept of insouciance - a messy, imperfect sophistication - it would have to be the blazer + tee combination. It’s a look that can go almost anywhere, from a day in the office to a casual date. Here’s how to get the blazer + tee look:
1. Start with the core of the outfit: a simple t-shirt. For a sophisticated look, try a fitted tee in a solid color, perhaps with an interesting texture. Bonus points for trying a henley (as shown) instead of a regular v-neck or crewneck tee.
2. Pair the t-shirt with jeans, preferably dark denim in a straight cut.
3. Add a well-cut blazer to the mix. The tailoring on the blazer instantly elevates the rest of the outfit.
4. Finish the look off with casual accessories: a pair of John Varvatos sport sneakers and a canvas carryall.
Guys, how would you wear a blazer and tee? Share your style with us in the comments!
Posted by Trisha on May 6th, 2009 in Men, Ready Made Outfits |
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