Saturday, September 10, 2011

Jacket Jive

Fall has arrived and stylish dames are downright giddy.  Need a fresh idea for your wardrobe? A great styling tip for any outfit is to simply add a jacket.  Consider one of these for kicks:

Tough Tuxedo: Just about the hottest thing right now, every gal should own one.  Look for a little sheen or leather on the lapel, with a fitted, cropped style in black. If you’re daring, a color could work, but beware of “ugly groomsman syndrome.” Pair with sleek black pants and a long sequined tank or opt for a brightly colored shift dress and platform pumps.
Bad Boyfriend: Super cool, just like that old beau you had in high school.  Look for a longer blazer that hits below your bottom and has slouchy sleeves that roll up. Pair with a beautiful t-shirt or slim, v-neck sweater and distressed skinny jeans and oxford booties. A single pendant is the finishing touch.

Simply Suit: A classic cut that always looks chic.  Originally paired with matching trousers, this jacket actually pairs well with everything under the sun. Look for a tailored fit with 2 buttons and a light wool blend.  Looks great well with a midi-length dress or slim cargos, a hooded henley, wedge heels and lots of chunky metal bracelets.

Top Topper: Considered a double-duty item, wear this as a light coat or a layering piece to your outfit.  This can be dressed-up or casual and always makes a statement.  Sleeves are best at ¾ length and a cool print or material makes it that more interesting.  Looks best when paired with jeans and shorter dresses with tights. 

Luxe Leather: Very hip and tough, look for a slim fit in fine leather.  Avoid a lot of detail (zippers/pockets/ruffles) so not to look cheap.  Looks cool when juxtaposed with a long, flowy print dress and riding boots or a gorgeous blouse and wide-leg trousers and retro pumps.  Black, tan or brown will do. No colors. Ever.
Justly Lovely: The most ladylike of the bunch, look for structure and sophisticated detail.  Play Coco Chanel and opt for a short, black and white tweed jacket paired with a pencil skirt or dark slim jeans. Red patent, black patent or leopard ballet flats will give it a beautiful finishing touch.
The jacket is hard to beat. And that’s no jive.

stylingstage suggests:
Striped Collarless Trench ASOS.com:
ASOS Stripe Collarless Trench

Aryn K Pearl Detail Jacket Piperlime.com:

Frenchi Tuxedo Jacket Nordstrom:
Frenchi® Crop Tuxedo Blazer (Juniors)

Camille Jacket Banana Republic:

AWear Faux Leather Bomber ASOS.com:

 A|Wear Faux Leather Bomber Jacket

Bailey 44 Joie Vivre Jacket Piperlime.com:





Blazer with Wide Lapel ZARA:

BLAZER WITH WIDE LAPELS

Sunday, September 4, 2011

FALLing Hard

The four pillars of style have arrived: the September issues of Vogue, Elle, Harper's Bazaar and InStyle.  It's love at first sight--again.   Make way for these beauties:


The look: clean lines and fiercely modern, the shift dress and sleek suit win the girl.  Look for ponte knit fabrics, neutral color-blocking and updated cuts.  On cloud 9: Club Monaco, Banana Republic.
The color:  the soul mate this season is RED.  Look for ankle-length pleated trousers, bright wool pea coats, and silky blouses--all paired together. Yow-za: Express, ASOS.com

The shape: the real deals: dolman sleeves, egg-shaped skirts, tuxedo jackets, pleated trousers, maxi wool coats, midi dresses, capes and flare leg jeans.  Total knockout: Nordstrom, ZARA.

The shoe: the most beloved because it “always fits.” Look for platform oxford pumps, laced-up booties, and gorgeous flats.  Love sick: endless.com, Piperlime.com, DSW.
The pattern: so many to love, so little time. Try snakeskin, polka dots, leopard, color-blocking or black lace for an updated look.  Tres chic: ZARA, Topshop.

The vibe: past loves tend to resurface.  This fall, the '70s bohemian, the '90s minimalist and the '40s retro are the cool kids.  Rocks hard: H&M, BCBG

Shivers everywhere. Welcome back, baby.

stylingstage suggests:

Signature Wide Leg Editor Pant Express:

SIGNATURE STRETCH WIDE LEG EDITOR PANT


Daniel Rainn Polka Dot Blouse Piperlime.com:



Rickie Color-Blocked Ponte Knit Dress BCBG:




Elliott Luca Millana Snake Handbag:
Elliott Lucca 'Millana'  Snake Embossed Shoulder Bag

BB Dakota Belted Tapered Pants Shopbop.com:


Very Volitile Piperlime.com:



Printed Midi Dress ASOS:
Image 1 of ASOS Printed Midi Dress with Twist Front


High-rise flared leg jean Old Navy:



Steve Madden Kortshlp Flat Endless.com
Steve Madden Kortshpl Flat
Knitted Cape ZARA:

KNITTED CAPE


Blazer with contrasting lapel ZARA:



Concrete Jungle Leather Bangle Marc by Marc Jacobs:
MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Concrete Jungle' Skinny Leather Bangle