Posts Tagged ‘Fashion’

Transition Trend Alert: Tights

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

by Alison Zeidman

Sad because you think the end of summer means you have to retire some of your favorite outfits?  It doesn’t have to!  Layering fall cardigans over light dresses and trading sandals for a pair of boots are both great ways to carry your wardrobe into cooler months, but the transition pieces I’m most looking forward to are some cute tights.

UO Opaque Tights

Styling tights into an outfit is probably easiest when they’re opaque. Basic opaque black tights are always sleek and stylish, but don’t be afraid to try out other colors, too—there might be less sunshine, but that’s no reason you can’t keep things bright with your legwear! In terms of quality and durability, I usually favor opaque tights by DKNY or UO Opaque Tights from Urban Outfitters.  If you’re looking for the most economical way to stock up on these staples, turn to Target: right now, Xhilaration tights are just $5 a pair, in colors from classic black to gorgeously rich electric blue.

Tights with patterns might be a little trickier to incorporate into a look, but they’re so much fun it’s worth it!  When I’m picking up my opaque tights from Urban Outfitters, I usually find they have some bold patterned options I can’t resist trying (and their tights are consistently 2 for $20, so it’s a smart move to pick up a second pair!).

Royal Stripe Tights

Let’s start out easy, with Urban OutfittersRoyal Stripe Tights.  Vertical stripes aren’t too busy, and they’re an unexpected tights option that still keeps things fairly simple.  If you want a similar but more subdued look, try Urban’s Cabaret Tight—the striped effect comes from alternating sheer and opaque black panels.

Cabaret Tight

Want to kick things up a few notches?  Check out Urban’s Pinstripe Floral Tight, legwear that’s sexy with a hint of sweet.  These will definitely get some attention, and if that’s what you’re aiming for, keep the rest of your outfit plain and let your tights be the eye-popping focus.  If you’re feeling more eclectic, dare to wear these with clothing that’s patterned as well—just remember, pattern mixing often works best when the motifs are different.  For example, you’ll likely find the most success pairing these tights with a floral dress: the floral elements in the tights will help to tie things together, but with the pinstripes the dominant theme, your pattern mixing won’t look too matchy-matchy.

Pinstripe Floral Tight

Want to go for tights more on the light and fun than sexy side?  Consider the UO Heart Tights! Like the Pinstripe Floral Tight, these could work with both solid color or carefully styled patterned outfits, but they’re definitely more cheeky and whimsical.  Lighthearted tights like these get you in on the patterned tights trend, but they’ll be more of a cute pop to your outfit than a look-at-these-legs focal point.

UO Heart Tights

One brand new tights trend I hope you won’t try is nude pantyhose!  Believe it or not, Britain’s Daily Express reports this old-fashioned, mundane, ill-advised hosiery has found its way into high-fashion wardrobes like Beyonce‘s and Sarah Jessica Parker‘s.  These stars are opting for flesh-colored tights to give off the illusion of perfect legs, but really, is it worth it?  More obvious tights are much more fun, plus if your legs look bare when the weather turns cold, everyone will just think you’re underdressed!  So for once, don’t follow these lovely ladies’ lead, and start your search for spectacular tights that are meant to be seen!

From the (small) Screen to the Street

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

We all love tuning into our favorite guilty pleasures each week for drama and laughs, but there’s no denying that part of the reason we keep reaching for that remote every night is to have all our wildest fashion fantasies fulfilled as we dress vicariously through stylish on-screen sirens. Whether you prefer stepping into Betty Draper’s ’60s-inspired closet or Blair Waldorf’s modern-day armoire, take a look at how you can capture classic and contemporary seen-on-T.V. looks without waiting for Halloween to roll around or—for those without the limitless credit cards television’s fave fashionistas seem to carry around—breaking your budget.

Sex and the City

From the show’s start in ’98 to its most recent movie sequel, SJP and her alter ego have become bona fide fashion icons. And while we all wish we could afford her paparazzi-ready outfits for nights out with our own BFFs, take a look at a few similar looks that will treat your wallet much kinder.

Browse B. Darlin for Charlotte’s white Prada V-neck dress, Wet Seal for Carrie’s Ralph Lauren racer vest and Charlotte Russe for her crisp ivory pants, JS Collections or Spiegel for Miranda’s Alberta Ferretti champagne dress, and Fred Flare or Alloy for Samantha’s red Thierry Mugler jacket. And be sure to check out ASOS’s affordable set of lookalike outfits like Carrie’s ’70s-style Halston Heritage white jersey dress and mirrored Mykita & BW shades.

Gossip Girl

The show’s style influence, from its characters’ perfectly coiffed hair to all the Upper East Side glam, is unmistakable, hence the many style guides showing aspiring gossip girls how to dress just like its couture-covered gals. And while its leading ladies couldn’t be any more different, here’s our faves from Serena’s and Queen B’s outfit archives and, of course, how to get their looks for less.

Her mother demanded she change into something more “enchanting,” and enchanting Blair sure is. This Marc Jacobs Dita lace dress and Trina Turk capelet ensemble with crochet tights was a season 1 fan favorite. Finish with B’s trademark headband and patterned tights.

Pictured: ASOS Cropped Sleeve Lace Tunic Dress. Shop other lookalikes at TFNC, Jin-Ja, Fred Flare, Adrianna Papell, Yumi or Lara’s Closet. And Tahki and etsy have cute capelets galore. Bonus: Another cute dress we loved from B was her White Party dress, another Marc Jacobs hit. A similar one here.

We love Serena’s usual socialite sophistication with a Kate Moss-esque boho chic twist, but she absolutely dazzled in this Tory Burch gold sequin dress way back in episode 1.

Add tights and you’re good to go! Try the Eight Sixty Snake Foil Sequin Dress in Gold or change it up with cap sleeves with the TFNC Scatter Sequin Open Back Dress.

Glee

Rachel Berry’s quirky, buttoned-down look might clash with Quinn Fabray’s (post-Cheerio uniform-and-ponytail-ditching) simple, pastel-shaded style, but it just goes to show how endearing it can be to stick to your own aesthetic. And while Rachel’s all about argyle and pleated plaid numbers while Quinn prefers delicate empire dresses and youthful cardigans, they both still light up the stage.

Plaid it up like Rachel with a pleated check skirt or choose a softer style like Quinn’s with this dress and cardigan.

We also totally dug the girls’ sweet mash-up of “Walking on Sunshine” and “Halo.” Light up your summer with a cute yellow dress.

90210

Whether you grew up on the original or otherwise, the zip code is synonymous with glitz and glam. Play up your inner SoCal style!

Opt for brightly colored Wayfarers, short shorts and a bandeau swimsuit, strapless or halter.

Friends

Jennifer Aniston helped define ’90s style. Don’t pretend you didn’t run to the salon with the other flocks of women for the “Rachel.” And even if you don’t work in fashion like Ms. Green did, you can still create an outfit just as influential as hers were.

Keep it casual and neutral with simple dresses and ruched turtlenecks.

Mad Men

Not only do they prove you don’t have to be a size zero to be sassy and sexy, but the Mad Men women—cue Betty Draper’s impeccable, ladylike wardrobe and Joan Holloway’s femme fatale fashion—also have killer outfits.

Stick with A-line lace or cotton dresses like trophy wife Betty, show off that hourglass figure with simple crepe dresses and ruby red lipstick and nail lacquer like seductive Joan, or retro prints and three-quarter sleeves like good girl Peggy.

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Mary and Rhoda know best. From the women who taught us ladies it’s ok to be single with careers, we should also learn not to be afraid of wearing bright colors.

Try the Mary Tyler Moore dress at Etsy.

Dynasty

Who doesn’t envy Alexis Carrington Colby’s outrageously glamorous garb from this late-night soap? Think sequins and shoulder pads and perhaps you’ll give rise to an haute couture label too.

Shop for a couture hat like this at Ellen Christine.

True Blood

Twihards beware. Your beloved blood-suckers may have some competition in the wardrobe department with these vogue vamps.

Southern gal Jessica keeps it summery with a floral dress like this one.

Stay tuned for part deux when we step it up a notch to tips on recreating looks from the big screen.

Just a Click Away: Kay Celine Boutique

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

For the past two decades, designer Kay Kamran’s been creating chic, feminine and functional attire for ladies who want a wardrobe to wear both to work and wherever else she’s headed afterwards. And now, buying these sophisticated and versatile pieces just got a whole lot more shopper-friendly! Kay Celine recently expanded its site to include e-commerce, letting its customers conveniently purchase their favorite styles online, from light chiffon tunics and signature graphic prints to beaded detailing and lace blouses. Check out the site now, and in addition to viewing sneak peeks at upcoming collections, you can also get a 25% discount on any buys through August 20 by entering kcpromo10 at checkout!

Stay Stylish on the Sidelines

Friday, August 6th, 2010

Whether you love football or just pretend to for the sake of a sports-crazed significant other, here’s something every girl can cheer for: Victoria’s Secret PINK’s co-branded collection with the NFL! Following VS PINK’s successful collection of MLB gear, this new line of officially licensed merch has been created exclusively for female football fans. For fashion-forward fan gear, check out the collection’s tees, sweats, hoodies and tanks, all branded with NFL team names and logos and affordably priced from $10.50 to $68, at VS PINK’s Facebook Page, and come Tuesday, the collection will be available at select Victoria’s Secret stores or online. So if you’re rooting for one of the 13 teams featured in VS PINK’s NFL Collection, deck out in these cute threads for the NFL Kickoff Game Sept. 9 and you’re sure to be both comfy and chic. Now that’s a winning combo!

Summer Skorts

Wednesday, July 28th, 2010

Skorts seem like a distant memory from childhood, the perfect piece of clothing to look cute and girly while still being able to play tag. Or maybe for you, it’s synonymous with tennis courts and golf courses. But no more! Skorts are a summer staple for stylish ladies everywhere, and since the ingenious combo of skirt and shorts can be paired with a variety of tops depending on your desired look, it’s ideal for an elegant and ladylike outfit, especially if you want a chic but still comfy way to beat the summer heat. Here’s a few fave picks:

Rachel Roy Classic Skort

This woven tweed skort would look cute dressed up for a night out with the girls or down with a plain white tank top. Plus, the pockets add to its multi-functionality.

Vanessabruno Skort in Noir

For a different skort than we’re used to seeing, try out this loose-fitting asymmetrical skort, made even more comfortable with a waist tie. Complete the look with cute suede ankle boots and a loose-fitting silk blouse!

Kenny “Ginger” Skort

In natural or lace, this linen skort is really just loose-fitting shorts up-close, but who can really tell the difference?

Free People Yellow Tuscon Sun Skort

With pretty embroidery around the waist, this lightweight cotton skort will keep you bright and cool in the sizzling summer heat.

A/Wear Printed Skort

Floral prints are everywhere in skirts and shorts, but this find proves the pattern works just as well with skorts.

No need to choose between skirt or shorts this summer; skort it up and head on out in both!

Fall into Booties

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

by Holly Clinard

There’s no denying it…ready or not, this summer of vacations and weddings and hot hot summer sun is about to come to an end. It feels like it’s just begun, I know! But with the month of back-to-school August knocking at our calendar’s door, it really is time to prepare for the cooler months ahead.

Well, don’t fret quite yet, this only means fun fall shopping for you and yours! There are heaps of sales at all local department stores, online stores and even little local boutiques—and among those sale items you’re bound to find out that booties are the fall shoe-hit of the season. There are a few booties for fall 2010 in particular that you’d be doing yourself a favor if you purchased right now—be ahead of the style game!

Peep-toe boots have arrived. Keep that pedi appointment even in the fall because the peep-toe trend is here! This may not be an ideal boot for our cold-weathered East Coast friends (or maybe it is with some good textured tights!), but it sure is sexy.

My pick: Grey Suede Bootie from ThreadSence.com

Ankle boots are the answer! Don’t worry about those sky-high, full-length boots of last season (although you will see a few again this fall)—it’s all about the short-cut ankle booties! Pick classic ankle boots, or go daring with a trendier ‘boyfriend’ look—just as long as you pick something that still has a little flair to make you stand out in a crowd.

My pick: Anthropologie’s Athenaeum Wedge boots

Details, details, details. Pick some booties with a little studliness, a little zipper-action, or even some that are all buckled up! It’s all in the details this season—with tons of ankle boots adorned in funky-fresh hardware.

My pick: Chinese Laundry ‘Wicked’ booties

Do continue to soak up those summer rays and travel travel travel while the weather still permits—but when the skies get cloudier, and the mercury sinks a little lower, you know what to throw on those feet!

xoxo,

holly in heels

Holly in Heels

smitten with shoes, addicted to style

You can follow Holly’s chic shoe blog at www.hollyinheels.com

How To Choose The Right Swim Suit Top For Your Body Type

Thursday, July 8th, 2010

Finding the right swimwear separates can be extremely hard and discouraging. I’m sure many of you have had this trouble throughout your life as I have. Finding the right kind of swim suit for your body type is a total mission, but thinking about it before shopping can help. I know this from experience; I am a swim suit connoisseur. My swim wear collection rivals my shoe collection if you can believe that. I’ve worked in retail with thousands of suits, own just about every style and know that there is a perfect swim suit for every occasion and every body type. Yes, there is a difference between beach bikinis and resort bikinis in swimwear style.  Buying a swim suit should be an invigorating experience, not a horrible one. Self confidence is key and there is a swim suit fit for EVERY woman out there, you just need to know what will look best on you.

Flickr User: Keira-anne

For better support (yup I’m talking about the twins) you’ll want to choose something that isn’t so skimpy. This will make your shoulders look less broad and provide the support for your bust that you need. Mind you, this means that choosing a teeny string bikini won’t work in this case.  The ideal swimwear tops for this are halters, built in underwire bra tops, or molded bra top. Any straps that don’t tie around your neck are also a good choice, so you aren’t putting any strain on your spine or neck.   One of the tops I love for this summer season that’s perfect for support is Betsey Johnson’s Hello Cupcake Underwire Top. It’s sexy, chic and will have the men drooling on the beach.

For someone that needs a little something extra in the top to enhance the bust there are many options available. Lucky for you, you can choose something with less fabric, because you don’t have weights pulling you down. Adding a top with a little padding can do wonders. If you really want to add some glam, spice up that top with embellishments. Beach Bunny’s Class Act from their Goddess collection is perfect for anyone wanting to accent the bust. I’m completely obsessed with the razorback bikinis that are uber hot right now. Bandeau tops are also a great and can be adorably sexy and are very much in style. Patterned triangle tops are also a great choice. My favorite right now is Luli Fama’s Bars Teeny Bikini in lime green.  On a smaller bust, this bikini will catch attention and flatter the figure. (Bar Rafeali wore it in Sports Illustrated this year)

To hide the tummy, on the contrary to many beliefs there’s a ton of gorgeous swim suits to flatter your figure. A one piece swim suit happens to be one of my favorite types to wear and they are magical. If you’re self conscious about showing off the tummy, a tankini or one piece is great and helps to keep it held in.  With rouching and ruffles, there’s something flattering for any size. Magic suit is known to get you looking like you’re 4 sizes smaller in their swim suits and is definitely well worth the price and are super cute. This one piece plunge by Magic Suit (left) is sexy and comfortable for any day at the pool. A one piece swim suit is stylish, a great fit and fabulous. Flattening the tummy can be as easy as a tankini and who says you can’t look great in them either? Tommy Bahama’s 2010 summer line is also a great choice for the season.  If you’re going for a sexier one piece, check out Kenneth Cole’s plunge monokini for a sexed up style.

There are hundreds of ways to go with a swim suit. Think about what colors look great with your skin tone and color, what kind of support you need and the most important part; don’t get down on yourself when you’re shopping. Bring a friend with a positive attitude to ensure that you aren’t shopping with any Debbie downers. Let the sales person help you. They’re experienced with matching suits to body types so take advantage. You’re going to look fab in your new swim suit top; all you need is a little extra support. ;)

Fashion and Beauty Trends from the Twilight Eclipse Premiere

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Late yesterday afternoon I headed downtown to L.A. Live for the Twilight Saga: Eclipse premiere. While I didn’t wear earplugs, I easily could’ve and still heard the screaming fans, but then I couldn’t have interviewed Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Ron Artest very easily. That’s right, the Laker was there (as were non-Twilighters Alex Rodriguez, Evan Lysacek and Sarah’s favorite Greyson Chance).

Aside from chatting with the actors and actresses, I wanted to see the fashion and the beauty–because you don’t get a carpet (this one was black rather than red) full of such pretty young things this often! Here were the major fashion and beauty trends from the Eclipse black carpet:

SHORT. And I mean short. Elizabeth Reaser’s Zuhair Murad dress barely fell below her toosh. Kristen Stewart also went short in one-sleeve Elie Saab (and looked fantastic). Model Marissa Miller showed some leg in a custom-made Anna Sui dress, and it was all about short Marchesa for Julia Jones, Nikki Reed and Anna Kendrick.

BEST DRESSED It was a toss up between Julia Jones (in Marchesa) and Bryce Dallas Howard (in Dior). Julia said, “I chose the dress for the color and the cut. It’s like wearing art.” And Bryce explained her choice, “It’s summer and I wanted to wear something that was like lemonade.”

LIPS Bryce also made a statement with her bright fuchsia lips that looked amazing with her pale skin and red hair and made her eyes pop that much more. Jennie Garth went for a bold orange-y red lip. But the rest were very neutral: Nikki Reed wore a soft pink, Anna Kendrick, Lilly Collins, Ashley Greene and AnnaLynne McCord all went with nude lips.

BLACK Between the Kardashians all in black, Elizabeth Reaser, Christian Serratos (who plays Angela) in one-of-a-kind Dolce & Gabbana, it was black on the black carpet. Who wasn’t in black? Robert Pattinson, who said he wanted to mix it up by wearing a rust colored suit.

PLATFORMS Everyone was in closed-toe platforms, usually in the form of Christian Louboutins. Kristen Stewart told me hers were killing her and she wasn’t sure how long she could make it in them.

FAUX PAS. My two “what were they thinking” awards go to Evan Lysacek, who wore WAY too much bling for one man (watch, diamond ring, lapel, necklace) and Jennifer Love Hewitt, who wore rainbow-colored strands in her hair. J-Love: you are 31 years old. Enough.

See the images here.

Wedding Wear: the shoes and styles for wedding season

Thursday, June 24th, 2010

by Holly Clinard

Wedding season is upon us! I don’t know how many hoots and hollers I’ve heard lately from both friends and readers about the tons of wedding events, rehearsal dinners and engagement parties they plan on attending over the summertime. I guess it’s just these warm California months that get the lovebirds wanting to have pretty outdoor weddings and celebrations! What a great thing to be a part of your friend or family member’s special day, though, right? And really, it’s just another excuse to go out and purchase some new gorgeous dresses and shoes that are wedding-wear appropriate. It’s all part of the fun!

Recently, I’ve come across this great new online boutique based out of Orange County called House of PlumRed. House of PlumRed is one rapidly growing and respected voice for new trends, with collections that promote chic and edgy style for all varieties of women and occasions. One thing that I especially dig about PlumRed (besides their under $50 price bracket!) is that they carry only low quantities of each fashion to give you the full boutique experience that you simply can’t get anywhere else! Uhh-dore! So with the help of some of my favorite online stores of the moment, I’ve managed to show off to you a few outfits that’ll have ya for once glad it’s not you who’s walking down the aisle!

For starters let me just say that most wedding-attending gals want to stand out in that holy matrimony-watching crowd! Well, House of PlumRed’s One Sleeve Layered Dress will do just that for you as you step onto the wedding scene. This dreamy, layered pink dress is perfect for any summer occasion, really (at an under $30 price too!). Sorta reminds me of something my favorite gal Whitney Port would sport!

To pair with this fab trendy-girl dress, you simply must have these Jessica Bennett ‘Marek’ Sandals that can be found at a hot little sale price on Nordstrom.com! You can’t go wrong with this outfit—and these gorgeous metallic heels bring it all together.

If it’s the hippie-chic look you’re after, then you’ll wanna head straight for HOPR’s Editorial Layer Floral Dress that you can effortlessly layer up with long, stringed beads (as pictured) or even a bib necklace. This is seriously a great little number that’ll have you sitting comfortably at the daytime ceremony, and dancing the night away at the evening reception!

Dress up your hippie-chic look with these lovely Nina ‘Papina’ heels—they come in three great colors: powder sand, silver or ivory (all of them will give off that soft, summer vibe). They’re your classic go-to special occasion peep toe pump that will hang around your closet for years to come.

If it’s a more conservative and classic look that you boast, try this sleeveless v-neck wrap dress that’s super duper comfy. A bright summery choice and a rich color to add to your wardrobe. Hey, and who doesn’t love a little number with pockets in it, really!? The wrap v-neck style hides any mid-section imperfections and accentuates only your best!

I gotta tell ya that a richly colored dress like this calls for none other than some sweet gold sandals for you to step into. Nordstrom’s BP. ‘Empire’ Sandal is at the top of my list for this season’s special-event shoe. With a stunning gold twist t-strap and a heel height that’s just right, you’ll be toasting to the happy couple in style (and glancing down at your pretty shoes in between speeches!)!

So to all of you wedding-goers out there—sit back, unwind and raise your glasses to your summer’s special occasion and the hot outfit you brought along with you for the ride!

xoxo,

holly in heels

Holly in Heels

smitten with shoes, addicted to style.

You can follow Holly’s chic shoe blog at www.hollyinheels.com

Hats off to the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic!

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

by Lorelei Marfil

“The Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic is one of New York’s most glamorous annual daytime social events, and a part of the polo tradition is that women wear chic hats,” says Samantha Barnes, US Business Director, Veuve Clicquot at Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. “This year we’ve teamed up with Ellen Christine, leading milliner to the stars, to get the women of New York “hat ready.” We encourage women to don their “most daring hat” and Ellen Christine is helping to make that possible for all of the women attending the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.”

A former freelance stylist and costumer, Ellen Christine‘s hat designing skills earned her notable celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Beyonce Knowles and Rebecca Romjin as clients. “We had the privilege of making Ivanka a few cloches,” said Ellen Christine, designer. “Harrison Ford came in for a hat for his lovely lady, and bought one for himself. There’s nothing in the worldlike doing a fitting with Harrison Ford, as far as I’m concerned.”

With Old World Paris as her greatest inspirational source, Ellen Christine continues to design her collections with care. “The wonderful thing about making hats is that they aren’t ball gowns: make it, get over it, and get on to the next one,” she said. “Everything is a work in progress, and everything inspires the next piece. Sometimes it’s 5 minutes with a piece of fabric (draping is my forte), and sometimes it’s weeks and months to work out the proportions I truly want.”

The most popular style by far, the cloche. “Vogue has included us in two iconic editorial shoots: one, the famous 2007 September issue, and this May’s issue, where they underscored American style,” said Ellen Christine. “The cloche is the one style that hat virgins aren’t afraid of and every generation can wear in one shape or another.”

Christine believes that attendees should embrace their spectator style and bring it onto the polo field. “We should put our best American fashion foot forward and show the world how it’s done,” said Ellen Christine. “Classic, on trend or eccentric, style varies according to the wearer. Not too naked, not too casual, not too boring. That being said, take any simple frock and add the right hat, and it’s instant presto-change-o, so look to a hat to add the exclamation point.”

Ellen Christine Millinery
255 West 18th Street
New York City 10011
(212) 242-2457
http://ellenchristine.com/

Lorelei Marfil is an editor and style maven based in New York City and is the creative force behind InsideMyCloset.