Sensibility Comes at a Price (of $220)

The every women’s style for every day chic comes to a head with Vince’s satin cowl neck blouse.   Elegance will surely never be underestimated when sporting one of these to any of your social or professional commitments.  The flip collar keeps a traditional look while the scooped neckline (rather than the button down front) brings something unexpected.  And after all, aren’t we all looking for the unexpected?

You can order this blouse from Vince.com for $220 in white, taupe or black, however I have seen it in other colors.  Personally, I’m a fan of the white out of these three, but each color has without doubt a sensibility factor.  The idea that this blouse can be just pulled over your head easy and quick is so attractive to me, I wish I had a million of them (or even one)!

Continuing on this look, I’d suggest that essential indigo wash dark jean, and some classic sling-back pointed, patent heels.  The silk and the patent shine will harmonize together, to maintain a very pulled-together sophisticated appeal.  Be careful with patent shoes, because it can easily look cheap if the shoe is not executed properly.  Regardless which color the blouse is purchased in, I’d still suggest a black patent shoe, which is convenient because of all the colors to look least cheap when patented is black.

Daily Life

blouse, fashion, style, Vince

June 27, 2011

Leave a comment

Tied in a Bind

So everyone once and awhile is short on time, short on a budget, or short on a wardrobe re-vamp.  And…sometimes we’re short on all three (cue sad country song).

So I’ve come to you with a little style makeover that uses two essentials you will undoubtedly have if not in your closet then invariably underneath the bed.  This look can scream chic but take as little as five minutes to put together (depending on your knot-tying skills).  As long as you have an essential black blazer and a silk scarf (or the like) you can participate.

The idea of this is sort of inspired by playing a bluff in poker…pretending to have it more together than you really do.  If you aren’t in the mood to don any of the blouses hung up on your rack, than pull on a camisole, wrap your scarf round your neck and tie it in one of the two following fashions.  For a more preppy style, make one big bow at the center and pull the “bunny ears” out as far as they will go without letting the knot go loose.  Next, put on your jacket, button it at the closure, and pull the scarf out so it sits atop your blazer.  The second style also pretty simple.  Take your scarf and wrap it round your neck, then holding both ends with one hand, grab the middle of the two pieces with another hand, make a loop, and pull the ends through the loop.

I’ve provided three different scarves, the first of which I have found at Saks Fifth Avenue online.  The first is really edgy and modern, made by the late Alexander McQueen.  It comes in a sort of colors, all priced between $260 and $295.  The image to the right is designed by Diane von Furstenburg, notorious for her beautiful prints and colors.  This scarf can be purchased for $165.

Lastly, this scarf can be bought for a bargain!  Water-colored inspired, it’s an easy buy without the guilt trip!  This silk scarf is handpainted (oooh-lala) and is priced at $40 (oooh-oooh-lala)!  Turns out the site has some cute, if not random things.  Check it out!  You’re guaranteed not to run into other people sporting the same stuff.

 

Here’s the URL address if you’d like to find this specific one!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46358091/hand-painted-silk-extra-long-scarf-aqua

 

Long story short, you’ll be heading to the office looking like you’ve just purchased an entire silk blouse when in reality you’re just making the bluff a bit believable!  Cue happy country song (or are they all the same?).

Uncategorized

June 18, 2011

Leave a comment

Head to Toe Nautical Chic

Hello!  Long time no blog…until this fateful Thursday.  I have come to you today with a full outfit of fun to weekend-wear in this warm weather (I hope it’s warm for you too).  Enjoy this sea-faring nautical look with both eclectic style and classic leather accessories.

To start from the body, I have chosen a dress I am in love with from Zara!  Zara fashions are directly inspired from European looks but with a less-than-designer-price tag.  One of my favorite shops for new looks that come in great shades!  I recently stopped into their store and found some wonderful solid colors for those color-blocking fans.  Anyways, the dress has easy-going black and white stripes running along the horizontal lines of the dress, and a feminine cut along the bottom.  With bottom cuts, I often look for one that is curved, with the lowest point in the middle, and a raised hemline in the upward direction of the hips.  The dress is accented with gold buttons that pull the sleeves up the arm-once again a very flattering and feminine style.  While I look for effortless pieces that have a sense of relaxation and slouch, it’s important to pull it all together and keep the look neat.  These sleeves do exactly that.  The dress can be purchased for $59.90 at a local Zara (their websites do not allow online purchases…apparently).

Next, these leather shoes are a natural warm brown and can be found at Nordstrom.com.  The brand is Halogen and the style is called Vivian.  Halogen is a personal Nordstrom brand they created themselves, so if you’re a Nordstrom shopper, support their own brand!  (And the troops of course!)  These shoes rock!  And how could you not think so as well when you realize exactly how much they go with, and how versatile they would be in anyone’s closet-whether you’re the Queen of England or the Queen of Neverland, I promise you they will work.  The heel is 4 1/2 inches tall but with a 1 inch platform, so really you are looking at a 3 1/2 inch tall shoe.  Plus, they are very comfortable…I’ve tried them on myself!  The lining and sole are made from leather, so they will be able to stick around for a while, with a back zipper closure-trendy.  If you want to visit a Nordstrom in person, they are located in the Women’s Shoes department and can be bought for a modest $119.95.

Continuing with accessories, I found this great blue belt from Anthropologie…one of my favorite stores!  Really basic, thin leather belt.  This you can substitute for any brightly colored belt-woven or otherwise.  In addition, you can find a cheap substitute that is imitation leather at any discount store for around ten or twenty bucks.  My favorite color is blue, but I’d also ssuggest pink, green, or bright yellow.  This particular one costs $38.

Moving right along, I’ve decided on a brown leather bag from Banana Republic.  This crossbody has silver and gold hardware that work perfectly with this outfit.  When working with this look, I’ve really tried to find versatile pieces that individually are rather basic if you didn’t want to add new items to your closet.  Albeit the dress, most of these items you probably already own.  But nevertheless, here are my suggestions, and I think this crossbody is a great addition to any wardrobe, with indigo skinny jeans, a floral tunic, or this striped one from Zara!  The bag was originally $250 but is now reduced at $200!  Go to BananaRepublic.com to purchase ASAP and reap the rewards of a sale!

Lastly, what girl wants to be running round town without a great pair of shades?  Everyone has a Sunglass Hut near them, and this pair can be found for $220, brand Versace.  The detail is brilliant and classically inspired with a brown tortoise-shell plastic frame.

All images have come from their respective stores.

Daily Life

anthropologie, banana republic, fashion, nautical, nordstrom, outfit, style, sunglass hut, zara

June 16, 2011

Leave a comment

Golden Globes

Am I the only one who would have preferred the catsuit?

Personal Critiques

February 3, 2011

Leave a comment

Black Duckling

Natalie Portman is popular for many roles in film over the years, as well as her recent debut as the prima ballerina in a remake of Swan Lake, The Black Swan.  While I appreciate her talents as a recognized young actress, I don’t for the life of me understand her style on the red carpets at such events including the SAG awards and the Golden Globes.  Natalie may be a cute pregnant woman, but not cute enough for me to casually not notice the rest of her shape……and what she chooses to cover it.

In the image to the left, Natalie sports a metallic look (metallics apparently are “So In” again, even though they’ve been “So In” for the past 30 years) on the collar and cuffs of a black and white dress.

Okay.  I’ve got time.

The dress is hideous.  I know there are bigger things to protest against besides sheer white silk, but I’m considering government appoval on this one.  Offensive.  The otherwise shape does nothing for her body.  Let it be known I think Natalie looks good in many loose-fitting shifts, but this dress, the flirty hemline, and the metallic accents all make me think it was put together with leftover swatches and a bad Mathlete-Goes-to-Prom pattern.  Let’s move on.

Her shoes are boring and blase, but…okay.

Lastly, I hope she wrote Clinic a letter thanking them for their bonus make-up bag they give customers with a purchase for $50 or more.  It’s so practical to use it as a handbag now!  Green really is great.

Next we have the Screen Actors Guild awards.  I absolutely love it when woman wear their pregnancy proudly and show off their tummy-pout, but the only things I

like to see shrink-wrapped are frozen chickens.  This dress comes off to me like it was not meant for maternity wear.  There is a waist band that sits low on the hips, giving Natalie’s tummy a weird focus and the pleats on the top doing nothing for a flatering figure.  The crystals?  I could live without.  Their placement and sectioning-off doesn’t seem rythmic or interesting. But hey–on a good note, NP left her clinic bag at home with the defrosting chicken.

The third gown, seen to the right, is at the Golden Globes.  And while I’ve been harsh on Natalie Portman’s style, I don’t hate this choice.  I think to be short, it’s sweet and romantic, but most of all, resembles her as a person.  That’s the best part F.Y.I.–to be able to wear something that’s a great fit, fashionable, and the type of thing where when someone sees you in it says–”yep, that looks like you”.  You really want to keep fashion personable to your own style and personality.  My biggest suggestion is that she trades this very silky, slippery material for a muted chiffon.  I doubt I would ever wear a gown like this, or even suggest it to many, but I appreciate the sweetness of the red rose.  And as some fashion critics have noted–enough with the multitude of red accessories…until you’re sponsored by Tampax, don’t feel obligated to pull your half of the Awareness campaign.

P.S. For the record-this is my favorite maternity look–cascading layers of light material.

Personal Critiques

critique, fashion, golden globes, maternity, natalie portman, pregnancy, SAG awards, style

February 3, 2011

Leave a comment

Emilio Pucci

I’m all for winter white.  What better color to choose to make a memorable statement during the holiday season than the simple, yet not always obvious choice of white?  Well Gwyneth Paltrow certainly hits the memorable mark with this floor length Emilio Pucci gown.  I adore Pucci, but what was Paltrow thinking when she donned this dress to the red carpet premier of her latest movie, Country Strong?  When I came across this picture, I actually looked online to buy tickets to her next stand up show.

From the front, the dress couldn’t be more perfect.  I think nothing is more beautiful than a dress that has the ability to speak volumes with such a simple design.  However, once Paltrow takes that inevitable spin to show her backside, she takes a turn for the worse.  A neck-to-toe long slit is daring, yet not the reason the dress goes all wrong.  The reason is how the slit was executed with criss-crossing ties all the way down.  I’d like to see something as daring as this tried again, but for the record, this was plain awful!

Applause goes to Kate Hudson for keeping Pucci’s reputation solid as she too wears one of his white dresses to the SAG awards in 2010.  Kate shows the perfect choice to keep white modern and fresh on the red carpet.  The small crystal details compliment Kate’s dainty figure and glowing persona.

Personal Critiques

emilio pucci, fashion, gowns, gwyneth paltrow, kate hudson, style, white

January 18, 2011

Leave a comment

New Face of Mango

I don’t know about personality, but where style is concerned Olivia Palermo hits the nail on the head this time.  Olivia takes the seat as the new face of Mango, a retailer I am fond of, in a rivetingly-classic outfit at the brand’s fashion show in Madrid.  The City‘s cast member keeps her look clean-lined but interesting with her neutral colors and patent red belt.

A very must to remember when taking trousers to the tailor is where the pant should fall.  By no means can one pant be worn with both heels and flats, so don’t even bother trying to save your dime.  Instead, get an impecable fit for your “heels-trouser” by taking them into the seamstress shoes in tow.  The pants look elegant because they fall easily to the  ground without both dragging along the bottom or being bunched round the toes.  I love the blouse tying below the neck and falling forward to keep the structure of the outfit not too stiff.

And of course, it goes without saying the warm leather clutch is simple and refined.  Olivia may be rather fiesty, but at least she looks good doing so.

Inspiring Styles of People

fashion, madrid, mango, mtv, olivia palermo, style, the city

November 17, 2010

Leave a comment

At the Scene of the Crime

For about a year or so now, I’ve been really drawn to colored leather gloves.  No I am not channeling Michael Jackson–though I am sure some of you are out there, white-glove clad and all.  But I am calling some focus to a little unexpected color.  It depends on your budget, but whether or not you can afford a few winter coats or more than Barney’s stock, its good to know a few ways to change up your daily winter look.  There are several days I find myself not even taking off my coat in the winter, so a multitude of accessories can help keep the look fresh and inspired.

Look to local leather shops for good finds, or even department stores for an eclectic variety.  There’s always online if you can’t spare going outdoors or the time to shop, but be warned–if you go for an imitation leather (don’t! don’t! don’t!), it can look much more expensive online but come in quite flimsy and cheap.

Personally, I’ve been really excited about motocycle-inspired gloves…they offer interesting stitching and silhouettes (not to mention the bright shade if you go for color).

I absolutely adore the gloves shown to the right, made by Rag & Bone, that can be purchased for $185 from ShopStyle.com.  The detail work in the stitching and knuckle cut-outs can offer a masculinity to an outfit no problem.  There’s so many great coats and jackets that could work with this, which makes the buy a good investment.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Daily Life

color, fashion, gloves, leather, style, winter

November 9, 2010

Leave a comment

Star Treked

Stars are great, but not when they are circling above your head as concerned passerby stare at you.  I’m talking about that infamous nose-dive we all can’t avoid in the winter months.  And what’s the alternative you say, shoe-God?  A sensible pair of toasty crocs?  I speak for all females semi-conscious and above when I say, “No, no, no, no thanks”.

On my best days, I stand 5 foot four inches.  And on all others I stand five foot three, so it’s no wonder I prefer a boot with a heel during winter months.  All the extra layers and coats call for longer legs if anything–and not that I’m against a few pairs of flat boots–I just on the average prefer something to boost me the extra inches.  With that said, treking around in the rain and snow can cause some obstacles not many boots are prepared for.  We definitely need to shed light however, on those boots that can help a girl survive the cold in something other than that last foresaken pair of hiking boots cursed to the back of the closet…only worn to take the garbage outside and when no one is looking…

When you go boot shopping pick up the pretty ones, but before you even try them on, take a look at the bottom.  For once I’m giving you permission to dismiss the price tag stuck to the sole and instead look at the sole itself:  you need to look at the bottom treks and ridges that can catch the sidewalk (or slide slide slide) when hitting the pavement.  Look for the chunkier heel and the thickened bottom with the deep ridges for best support, stability and (most of all) grip.  Furthermore, the deeper the ridge the more the shoe will resist against wearing after a month or so.

Tod’s makes a great boot that is stylish but also practical.  See?  You can have it all.  You can find this boot on sale(!!) at BlueFly.com for $639.99 instead of the retail price of $845.  There’s many things that belong on the ground, let’s just make sure you stear clear of it.

 Sunday, November 7, 2010

Personal Critiques

boots, fashion, shoes, style, Tod's, winter

November 7, 2010

Leave a comment

No Discount on Freedom Price Tags

I often think about what I want to write on this blog.  I’ve got to admit…sometimes Pittsburgh fashion doesn’t quite inspire me (or insult me) as much as New York does; in truth, maybe that makes me a lousy self-proclaimed fashion observer.  I admit that others might get inspired on a more regular basis, but sue me for not writing blogs about Victoria’s Secret Pink line or university apparel.  So sometimes it’s a little dry in my head as far as style and fashion go, however, other things will come in to mind that I’d like to write about.

…Such as…politics.  Best part of this blog website is its editing in that I can delete this post once I’ve received numerous comments reading “You don’t know what you’re talking about”.  Say we make that my motto and let’s move on.

Currently everyone is highly aware of the super sensitive issue over the to-be Mosque Center within two blocks of where the World Trade Centers once stood.  I can empathize with all those who feel greatly hurt by the very idea of this, and I try to sympathize with all those that lost family members/friends/spouses/boyfriends/girlfriends during the terrorist attacks.  With that said, I simply imagine that America’s constitution brings about situations that are sticky.  However, consistency is key, and we can attain consistency with either a strict or a loose interpretation of the constitution.  I would go as far to say a loose interpretation would lessen the constitution’s effect on intended freedom.  Freedom, too, has a price however.

I do not support the interference with the building of the Muslim Mosque, however, I would strongly urge them on a human elemental level, to reconsider the location.  Clearly we are not in this stage without them doing so though.  With that assumed, it is wrong to interfere for two reasons.

The first being the violation of the constitutional amendment declaring freedom of religion:  those that own the land can practice any religion of their choice freely.

The second reason is that America constantly struggles with discriminatory circumstances.  By interfering with the Muslim’s attempt at building this mosque, we would be generalizing that all Muslims are to be now and forever associated with terroristic attacks and capabilities.  I, as is with every human, am connected to racial pasts–and crimes–but do not wish to be directly associated with my ancestors’ doing or wrong-doing.  We are less to do with where we come from but where we choose to be, and subsequently where we go (in smart style, of course).

These two articles helped me reach my positioning, along with other influences.

http://www.thetowntalk.com/article/20100926/OPINION/9260326

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/mosque_maddness_at_ground_zero_OQ34EB0MWS0lXuAnQau5uL

Sunday, September 27, 2010

Daily Life

constitution, discrimination, mosque, muslim, politics, religion, world trade centers

September 27, 2010

Leave a comment