The company holiday party is about letting loose and having fun, but don’t forget that you’re still in the presence of your coworkers. What to wear? Balance your fashion forward style with your professional work image. Read: wear nothing that’s overly revealing–or anything uber trendy. But don’t cramp your style. If you’re on the fence about the appropriateness of a dress, leave it in your closet for the company party, but wear it proudly to your friends’ holiday party. Here’s six holiday party dresses under $100 that are worth a second look:
Artsy
Mesh Overlay Dress | $46 at Twelve by Twelve
Vintage Inspired
Beaded Flapper Dress | $75 (approx) at Topshop
Charming
Silk Racerback Charm Dress | $79.50 at Express
Boldly Sophisticated
Faux Wrap Dress | $64 at Gap
Classic Chic
Issac Mizrahi Embroidered Lace Dress | $39.99 at Target
Glamourous
Warrior Belted Dress | $39 at Twelve by Twelve
Posted by Trisha on November 18th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
We asked: Would you wear Tie-Neck Blouses?
You said:Â Yes to Tie-Neck Blouses, which were voted in 59% to 41%.
Style tip? We’re a big fan of tie-neck blouses–the bow tie turns a masculine button-down shirt into something flirtily feminine. Wear it to work to give a feminine touch to a tailored suit.  On the weekend, you can make this workwear staple more casual with a pair of wide-leg trouser jeans.
Next question: Fair Isle Sweaters, characterized by multi-color knitted patterns, are a winter (or at least a ski lodge) staple for both men and women. But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Fair Isle Sweater? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured:Â Fitted Tie-Neck Shirt | $25.99 (sale) at Gap.
Posted by Trisha on November 17th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, 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!
Posted by Trisha on November 14th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on November 13th, 2008 in Q&A, Women, Women's |
Notched collars on jackets are an evergreen style that never fades, but shawl collars are having their moment in the spotlight. Shawl collars, which combine the lapel and the collar into one, are making their way from suits and blazers to cool weather sweaters. Here’s our four favorite shawl collar sweaters:
Our $ Pick:
Cockpit Shawl Pullover Sweater | $89 at Urban Outfitters
Let your collared shirt peek out from under this open shawl collared sweater.
Our $$ Picks:
Marled Shawl Wool Cardigan | $158 at J Crew
The marled texture is what makes this shawl collared cardigan truly special.
Orthodox Wolfe Hooded Sweater | $184 at 80s Purple
The shawl collar on this hooded sweater is barely detectable, but the buckle detailing adds an extra dimension of style.
Our $$$ Pick:
Hyden Yoo Soho Cardigan | $222 at Oak
Classic, comfy, and chic. What more can you ask for in a cardigan?
Posted by Trisha on November 12th, 2008 in Men, Trend, Trendscape, Trendscape |
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.
Posted by Trisha on November 11th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Trendscape, Women |
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.
Posted by Trisha on November 10th, 2008 in Trend, Trend Predictives, Trendscape, What's In and What's Out, Women |
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!
Posted by Trisha on November 7th, 2008 in Ready Made Outfits, Women |
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
Posted by Trisha on November 6th, 2008 in Shopping Guide, Women |
It’s no secret that we’re fans of J Crew’s classic American style, both for men and for women. And this Fall, we’re loving the brand’s deep color palette and rich fabrics. What to invest in from J Crew this season? Here’s some inspiration in the form of our five favorite pieces:
Sutherland Wool Cashmere Topcoat | $310 (sale) at J Crew
Featherweight Flannel Shirt in Lewis Tartan | $69.50 at J Crew
Straight Fit 5-Pocket Vintage Cord | $69.50 at J Crew
Washed Cord Sportcoat | $99 (sale) at J Crew
Spencer Jersey Shawl Cardigan | $148 at J Crew
Posted by Trisha on November 5th, 2008 in Men, Shopping Guide |
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