Cardi party

Old man winter has settled in; time to celebrate cozy-style! Look chic in the season's most comfy item: the cardigan. Break out a hot toddy, say yes to the sweater fest, and meet me by the fire:

Duster buster: pumps up the jam and doubles as a long coat.  Looks cool with leggings, a t-shirt and motorcycle boots or fringed booties.  Try all black underneath and party hard with a hip, bold print like aztec, ikat or stripes.  A slouchy hobo, while predictable, always gets the party started.

Mighty mini: fitted, tiny, and can really bust a move. Cashmere and knits are both invited. Pairs well with dresses that nip at the waist.  Her wing-lady is the cropped sweater, and looks cool in a fair isle print which is on trend.  Rock the bottom with high-waist, flare-leg jeans and wedge booties.

Crazy lady: the fashionably late guest, look for a medium gauge knit in a textured black or white.  Pretty trim, gorgeous buttons, and a slim box cut are the markers.  Pair with cigarette pants or skinny dark jeans.  Riding boots or leopard ballet flats add some jazz.  No need to sport a 2.55, as any small chain strap bag will do. 

Boyfriend central: oversized, and always adorable, he's got the moves.  Look for a fine, merino wool in heather grey or oatmeal, or go bold with ochre or red! Plaid pants will not get past the bouncer, so shimmy with a boyfriend jean or a shift dress with a skinny belt and seude booties.

It’s almost 2012! Party like a cardi-gan.

stylingstage suggests:

Oasis textured cardigan ASOS.com:


Long line cardigan Forever21:




Jenna's v-neck cardigan J.Crew:

Fair isle cardigan Old Navy:




Vera Moda waffle knit cardigan ASOS.com:


Leifsdottir military cardigan Bluefly.com:



Textured trim cardigan Forever21:





Boyfriend cardigan French Connection:

Holiday Hunt

'Tis the season for dressing up! On the hunt for a great holiday outfit? Gear up to make your season sparkle:

The accessory: resin cuffs adorned with stones, chunky rhinestone necklaces with a vintage vibe, oversized cocktail rings and big studs (not your beau) rock.  Color is in again, but nothing says super chic like black and white. Aim for: Forever21, Akira Chicago, J.Crew, stellaanddot.com, Banana Republic

The dress: bright little numbers are all the rage, as are prints, but caution wearing cheap material. A classic cut or updated version of the LBD is a always a sure thing.  Pair with nude-colored mini fishnets, go bare, or possibly an opaque black tight married to a black shoe.  Aim for: White House Black Market, Bloomingdales, renttherunway.com, ASOS, BCBG

The dress-alternative: Don’t like your stems exposed? No prob.  Try a super cool tuxedo jacket, with a slim lapel and cigarette pants.  Pair with a sequin or silk cami for a little pizzazz.  When done right, a jumpsuit is another pretty option; just beware of looking “J-Lo.” Aim for: Club Monaco, Max Studio, Zara, Bloomingdales

The shoe:  Lord have mercy, don’t be boring! Opt for color in a satin or suede pump, or go texture via lace, studs, bows, rhinestones, you name it.  If you can only do one, this is the item to buy.  Aim for: Marshalls, endless.com, DSW.com, Piperlime.com

The bag: can’t live without it, just make sure it’s not the size of your date.  Both the envelope clutch and the skinny, chain bag are on trend. This is a fun and subtle way to show your festive side.  No fakes, please. Aim for: endless.com, Nordstrom, T.J.Maxx

The topper:  fur always gives a luxe vibe. Go cropped, short haired with no detail. Neutral is your best bet and fake or faux is fine.  Mini leather jackets also give some edge to a gorgeous dress! Aim for: Zara, Topshop.com, Forever 21, H&M

Now that’s what I call hunting season.  Be merry and bright!

stylingstage suggests:

60's Buckle dress ASOS:



Resin colorblock necklace J.Crew:



Feather barette Banana Republic.com:



Asymmetric jumpsuit Zara:




Scarlett Blue Suede Spiked heels Samedelman.com











Menbur Corcosa clutch Endless.com:


Sequin striped chemise White House Black Market:



Elegant Laquered ring Forever 21:


Ted Baker Keaeh pump DSW.com:



Short Sequin jacket Zara:




Maltese Cuff Stellaanddot.com:


Free People Fur jacket Piperlime.com:


Kate Spade Putting on the Ritz studs Piperlime.com:

Free Spirit Nine West pump:

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:

Aryn K Pearl Detail Jacket Piperlime.com:

Frenchi Tuxedo Jacket Nordstrom:

Camille Jacket Banana Republic:

AWear Faux Leather Bomber ASOS.com:

 

Bailey 44 Joie Vivre Jacket Piperlime.com:





Blazer with Wide Lapel ZARA:

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:




Daniel Rainn Polka Dot Blouse Piperlime.com:



Rickie Color-Blocked Ponte Knit Dress BCBG:




Elliott Luca Millana Snake Handbag:


BB Dakota Belted Tapered Pants Shopbop.com:


Very Volitile Piperlime.com:



Printed Midi Dress ASOS:



High-rise flared leg jean Old Navy:



Steve Madden Kortshlp Flat Endless.com

Knitted Cape ZARA:




Blazer with contrasting lapel ZARA:



Concrete Jungle Leather Bangle Marc by Marc Jacobs:

Le Love Le Dress

Wardrobe re-runs giving you the style blues? Check out the summer trailer for Le Love Le Dress.  Indulge your stems into the world of pretty, grab some popcorn and try one of these show-stoppers:

Suspense Mini: Best if you have great legs or are the daring type (caution over 40).   Looks rich in a solid hue or with detailed piping.  Its cousin, the romper, is also a cool option in these sticky summer days.  Pair with ballet flats or sandals to give it a chic, easy vibe.  Add bangles for more coverage on top, and it’s a blockbuster.

Animated Midi: Undeniably the easiest and most flattering of types.  It can be an above-the-knee A-line, a knee-length shift, or a calf-length swing dress.  Consider a color-block print, chevron, or a solid pastel.  Make a strong finale with a belt and high wedges, pumps or sandals.  2 thumbs up!

Romantic Maxi:  An on-going 70’s trend that instantly kicks up your “hip factor”.  Bold prints tend to make the biggest impact, but an ombre design is also an audience pleaser.  Wear a long pendant and pair with tall platforms for the full effect.  Oscar-worthy.

Tickets are going fast.  Enjoy Le show!

stylingstage suggests:

Wearhouse color-block dress, ASOS.com:


Betsey 3/4 Zippered Dress, BCBG:


Structured Skater Dress, Topshop.com:



Midi with Contrast Belt, ASOS.com:



Mcgwinn Tweed Dress, Nordstrom:


Ella Moss Liberty Striped Dress, Nordsrom:


Multi-feather One Shoulder Maxi, Topshop.com:

Daily Grind

Another day of work doesn’t have to mean another boring outfit.  Consider your rank--or the one you aspire to--and make that drip coffee into a killer martini:

The Boss:  runs the place (or appears to). Be a great leader via: a tuxedo blazer and skinny, ankle-length trousers.  Make it authoritative with oxford pumps, a chunky metal watch and a structured satchel.

The Wunderkind: annoyingly smart and all too charming.  Stir up the pot with: a printed blouse (try sleeve cut-outs), a high-waist pencil skirt, python cuffs, and towering platforms.

The Closer:  dependable and consistent.  Seal the deal with: a slim, long black blazer, a white button-down shirt (disguised as a dress), black tights and booties. Pair with an azure, geometric-shaped necklace.

The Secretary: the siren with class. Make them talk with: a midi-length full skirt in a bold floral or striped print and a neutral fitted top.  Pair with tall patent pumps, red lips and vintage brooch.

The Intern:  low in pay, but high in style.  Get hired with: a shift dress in a standout hue (kelly green, mustard), peep-toe, suede wedges, slim leather bracelets and a large clutch.

Meeting in the conference room--5 minutes.  Best dressed wins!

stylingstage suggests:

Crop Waterfall Jacket Topshop.com:

Ashlee Shift Dress BCBG:

Vince Camuto Snakeskin Bangle Nordstorm:

Rachel Roy Midi Skirt Bloomingdales:

Betsey Johnson Derby Oxford Nordstrom:

Vera Moda Pencil Skirt ASOS:



Street Level Clutch Piperlime.com:

Minu Geometric Necklace Max & Chloe.com: