Monday, November 23, 2009

'Tis the Sequin!

Sequins are back with a one-track mind: fun!  If you haven't taken the tour to sparkle land, start with the holiday season.  Not sure how to pull off this look? Find your sequin-type:

Retro = sequin mini
Trendsetter = sequin leggings or blazer
Classic = sequin tank or clutch
Modern = sequin platform pumps or vest
Uncommitted = small sequin accessory

Typically for night, sequins are now showing up in the light of day. Colors are fine, but red shoes clicked three times could send you to Oz.  Sure bet neutrals always rock: black, metallic or white. Pair with unlikely separates like loose trousers, t-shirts, matte tights, or a killer pair of jeans.  Wear on a date night, to an office party, running errands or for cocktails with the girls.

There's a fine line between chic and trashy, so sparkle wisely.  And no hotpants. Ever.

SS suggests:

Sequin Tank White House Black Market:













KC Malhan Sequin Clutch Endless.com:










Rachel Rachel Roy Sequin Blazer Macys:













 DV Dolce Vita Fire Sequin Pumps Nordstrom:





Sequin Journals The Limited:













Silk Sequin Bead Mini BCBG Bloomingdales:




Sequin Top Urban Outfitters:



Chinese Laundry Sequin Ballet Flats Dillards:


Monday, November 16, 2009

Denim SOS

Distressed jeans are an of-the-moment look. If you see a pair that's ripped, frayed, bleached out and/or deconstructed beyond recognition, don't call for an SOS--just call it super cool.

This is undoubtedly a tricky trend to pull off. Women scour the earth for perfect-fitting jeans, so why mess with a good thing? It's simply a fun way to take an American original, and make it feel new. Distressed jeans do require a special eye for the right pair, so here’s a word to the wise:

1.) Consider what shape looks best. Regardless of the skinny, slouchy and wide leg trends that prevail today, these may not be the right fit for your figure. Fit always trumps trends.

2.) Opt for small touches. If you like rips, make sure they hit at the knees. Anything higher may produce "thigh flesh" and that’s a no-no. For bleached spots, light-colored and acid washes, use good judgement and beware of their position on your lower half.

3.) Distressed jeans are an outfit's focal point, so pair them with a neutral backdrop for a balanced look. It’s a subtle way to show your cool-factor.

4.) Styling is key. Go for one unique piece to compliment: a chunky gold watch, a thick cuff or even a bib necklace. Pair with shoes that are super tough (patent bootie) or ultra feminine (satin pumps with bows).

5.) If you want to save a few $, go DIY.  Sandpaper, scissors and good old-fashioned bleach will do the distressed trick to any pair of jeans.  Use cation with the chemicals.

Suggestions:

Aegean Boyfriend Jeans Express:



 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Frayed Black Jeans Forever 21:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Distressed Boyfriend Jeans Nighshade Wash New York & Company:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Apple Bottoms Distressed Cigarette Macys:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BDG Acid Wash Skinny Urban Outfitters:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bleached Knit Jean Leggings (i.e. "Jeggings") Topshop.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distressed Skinny Banana Republic:
 

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Snood-y Girl?

The "snood" is all the rage this chilly season. What's a snood, you ask? It's a hybrid piece: scarf + hood = snood. The Wall Street Journal reported this past weekend that the snood may just be the single piece to save Christmas (shopping) this year:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703740004574514061253793806.html

The snood is really easy and fun to wear. Wear it up over your head or wear it down scrunched around your neck--either way, it will keep you warm and give you an updated look this season. They tend to look best in soft knits in a neutral palate. The idea is cozy-chic, so make sure the rest of your outfit compliments the snood. You can pair it with a day dress and flat riding boots or with vintage jeans, a long tunic and booties. Adding a pair of dark shades or slim aviators is a great finishing touch.

It's a fun little number to flaunt, but no need to be snood-y.

Suggestions:


Chalk Cingular Scarf American Eagle:














Black Knit Snood Urban Outfitters:















Navy Superfluffy Snood Topshop.com:




Echo Double Infinity Scarf Bloomingdales:















Grey Knit Snood H&M:

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Window Fever

"Might as well face it you're addicted to love." Robert Palmer

Remembers the iconic 80's video? The song was great, but the dancing ladies stole the show. We all wanted to be one, but in reality no one wants to dress the same as everyone else. So how do you avoid seeing your double walk down the street? Steer clear of the window display.

Window displays are actually styled to have mass appeal. Mainstream stores are typically suspect and their mannequins pose as field agents. The method behind the mania is simple: turn an everyday window-shopper into an enthusiastic apparel-buyer. This creates an immediate high in the shopper and voilĂ ! A love connection is made.

If you fancy a window display, consider the following:

1.) Do you like it or love it? Real love will help eliminate most impulse buys.

2.) Court the outfit and take it slow. Put the item on hold and come back the next day. The passion can burn off quickly.

3.) If you’ve fallen hard, then style it differently. You can maintain the overall concept by using different colors, prints and textures.

The real soul mate is individual style. Leave the windows for the birds.