Retro Rage

Style mavens are always obsessing about that one thing.  Today, baby, it’s retro rage.  This trend isn’t quite the front-runner, but like the current list of Republican candidates, it’s fair game. So, if you feel the need to don ruby-red lips or bake a casserole, then you’re ready:

Real Housewife: Full, billowing skirts and dresses could not be cooler.  They should hit below the knee and have ample volume (structured, wide pleats are great).  Make sure your waist looks itty-bitty to balance out the bottom, and consider a bright color like orange to really flip your lid.

Sock Hop: Look for pumps w/ rounder toes, thick stacked-heels and bows galore to make any plain jane outfit better.  Or, the old-school oxford is re-done with a killer heel and pairs well with cropped jeans and a button down.  Even the latest retro sneaks will turn heads, daddy-o.

Lady Luck: Too much retro? Opt for small, ladylike extras to feed your rage.  Structured satchels, silk scarves, fedoras, thick corset belts, cat-eye shades, pearls, and of course, wrist-length gloves.  Now that’s peachy-keen.

Retro is so tomorrow. Now go do your thing, lollipop.

stylingstage suggests:

Ponte Midi w/ Flared Skirt: ASOS.com


Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Lucy Satchel: Endless.com:


Tori Burch Cat-Eye shades Nordstrom:

Biviel Oxford Pump: Endless.com



Midi Dress in Stripe Print: ASOS.com



Glint Dina Pump: Nordstrom

Smudged Print Trench: Topshop.com



J Brand Skinny Jeans Yellow: Bloomingdales



Two Tone Straw Fedora: Nordstrom

Pretty PRINTcess

Once upon a time, Prince Charming was the all the rage. Not today. For a real dose of royalty, seek out one of spring’s fairest trends: PRINTS. Florals, chevron, ombrè, animal, stripes, tribal, you name it. Below are crown criteria:

Be kind to your subjects: the animal kingdom will not declare war, as long as you represent. Stay true to the natural look and color (no neon leopards or bubblegum zebra). The most regal option is a gorgeous pump.

True love 4ever: for those on cloud 9, try print on print. Make sure one print is more dominant than the other, and that they share a similar color palette. Any more, and you might be mistaken for the court jester.

Always a fair maiden: if you get weak in the knees, go slow. Stripes are cool and evoke a French-chic vibe. A classic navy/white striped t-shirt paired with white jeans is a match made in heaven.

Love your fairy godmother: if you can only wish for one, go with florals. Nothing makes a girl feel prettier (or a prince swoon) than a dress in this magical print.

Bippity boppity boo: like to make an entrance? Prints like chevron or ombrè look the most dramatic in something long. Try a maxi dress or a gorgeous scarf.

And the pretty PRINTcess lived happily ever after. The end.

styingstage suggests:

MM Couture floral print dress: Piperlime.com



Ivanka Trump "Pinkish" pump: Nordstrom


  
Milly "Caroline" chevron maxi dress: Nordstrom
 



Floral printed cropped sweater: ASOS.com



Luz reverse-print striped top: BCBG
 

 
Tricolour scarf: ZARA
 

 
Pleated Ikat skirt: Forever21
 

Rainbow Brite

Kudos to Wisp (Rainbow Brite), because color is everywhere this season. All hues are fair game--primary, secondary, neon, pastel, you name it.  Not sure how to pull it off, or loyal to the King of Shadows? No prob. Follow the Color Kids:

Red rover: always a sucker for attention, red simply rocks. Lips, nails, skinny jeans, or a killer pleated skirt will send anyone on over. Cool color combo: coral red/turquoise. Contrast color: green.

Orange crush: one of the trickiest colors to wear, be smart and opt for a great tote. Go big, so it looks like you actually struck gold. Cool color combo: orange/tan. Contrast color: blue.

Mellow yellow: another complex color, so stay in the pale or citrus tones. Try a yellow striped top with white jeans or a sunny pair of espadrilles. Cool color combo: citrus yellow/lime green. Contrast color: purple.

Lean, green machine: looks modern in mint, bright teal or kelly green. Opt for chic touches, ala a beautiful pair of flats, a double-strand belt or a big leather cuff. Cool color combo: army green/fuchsia. Contrast color: red.

True blue: a very flattering shade, wear multiple hues in one outfit for more interest.  Denim on denim is suprisingly cool now--just no matching denim. Cool color combo: colbalt blue/black. Contrast color: orange.

Purplicious: this kid's story book character knows what’s up. Look for a lightweight scarf in a floral print or a gorgeous shift dress in solid violet. Cool color combo: purple/navy/white. Contrast color: yellow.

Now, go find your happy shade. Giddy-up, Starlite!

stylingstage suggests:

Pleated Skirt by Rare topshop.com:


Tory Burch "Tory" Tote Nordstrom:


Quicken Wedge Nine West:


Marc by Marc Jacobs Prints Bangle Nordstrom:


'70s Belted Trench ASOS:



Stencil Floral Scarf New York and Company:

Solid '70s



Back from break. And while the last few baby pounds still linger, at least one item in my wardrobe appropriately fits: flare jeans. Thank goodness, because the ‘70s are back. This season, if it’s “right on,” it’s right now:

Far out flares:
Welcome back your wide leg and flare jeans. Any wash will do. Light blue is more literal and looks cool with a white peasant top. Dark is more sophisticated and pairs well with a horizontal striped T-shirt. Time to wear your platform heels.

To the max:
The maxi dress is still smokin’ this season. It flatters virtually every figure and has a nice, chill vibe. Try it in a tie-dye print, or go more au courant with a bright, floral print. Espadrilles look especially cool with this.

Jivin’ jumpsuit:
This is an iconic item of the ‘70s. It’s a great substitute for a day dress and also works for a date night. Black looks more modern, and unless you’re heading to a disco, avoid matching gold cuffs. Gladiator flats or wooden wedges will seal the deal.

Boss blouses:
Another key ‘70s piece, the blouse is flowy and easy-cheesy cool. Go bohemian with a mini print or opt for a solid, earthy-hued silk.  Pair with wide leg trousers and peep-toe pumps.

Shagadelic sidekicks:
Transform your look with extras. Oversized shades, a floppy brimmed hat, pendants/bangles, fringed boots, animal prints, wide belts, and slouchy bags, are all sure bets to take you back in time.

Can you dig it?

stylingstage suggests:


Genetic Denim Adrienne flare jeans: Nordstrom
 
 
Blouson blouse: Maxstudio

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Stylin wooden platform: Nine West

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Akiko tie-dye maxi dress: Bloomingdales
 

Dove nest pendant: Banana Republic

Latico Mimi in Memphis tote: Endless.com

Twist buckle wide belt: Forever 21

Boutique 9 Illy espadrille: Nordstrom



Spun by Subtle Luxury scarf: Piperlime.com



Oversized square shades: toryburch.com

T.G.I.Fall!

Fall has finally arrived...and what a gorgeous season it is! Before you stock up on those "safe" staples, consider going out of your comfort zone and investing in a few updated looks. Fall is all about classics, so the leap isn't that big. Here's the scoop:

1.) Joe Camel: it's the color (neutral) of the season, no matter what your first name is. A camel coat is a sure bet and will never, ever go out of style. Try it with a crisp white blouse, skinny dark jeans, over-the-knee riding boots and a killer leopard belt. Too casual? Try a brightly colored shift dress underneath; you’ll look smokin’! Affordable price point: J.Crew, Nordstrom.


2.) Pantsuit party: It's making a huge comeback and you want to be invited. Look for modern, menswear tailoring, and go for black, heather grey or if you're the daring type, winter white. Pair with a feminine blouse (with a bow) and square-toed pumps. Keep these separates together for once. Affordable price point: Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Bloomingdales.


3.) Mo’ Military: this trend continues to linger, but without the problems. Army green is really the go-to color for this look. Jackets and skinny cargo pants are great bases to begin with. Pair it with plum, red or other neutrals. Don't be too literal; instead, mix hard with soft (mid-length, flowy dress with structured jacket). Affordable price point: H&M, Nordstrom, Topshop.com.


4.) Knit-ology: master the study, and you will look very cool. Steer clear of "paul bunion" and go for 1 piece in this trend. A chunky sweater dress is killer with leggings and fur-trimmed booties. A slim cardigan looks super chic with wide leg trousers, a bright colored belt and loafers. Affordable price point: BCBG, Ann Taylor Loft, Zara.


5.) Be an accessory: no need for a guilty verdict, but you can assist your wardrobe. Leopard prints, preppy-inspired pumps, laced-up booties, smaller, ladylike handbags, long chain pendants, lace, and lots of fur! Do leopard in small touches and stick to its natural color. Fur looks killer in a short cropped jacket or longer, belted vest. Opt for any colored pumps, only black for lace, and a shot of orange for the handbag is an unexpected twist to fall's neutrals. Affordable price point: Piperlime.com, Forever 21, Endless.com.


6.) Black/white revival: the mother ship is alive and well! Be creative with this mix; it's fool-proof. Try lace for a very modern take or leather for chic-meets-classic. Always add your own touch with accessories; red is nice sidekick to this sharp contrast. Affordable price point: Zara, White House Black Market (also, check out Gap's new line-up of black pants).


Fridays are nothing compared to this. T.G.I.Fall!


stylingstage suggests:

Belted knit cardigan: BCBG

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Inc. cropped military jacket: Macys
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuxedo khaki pants: Gap

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marc by Marc Jacobs crossbody purse: Nordstrom
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tinley Road faux fur vest: Piperlime

 

 
 
 Applique mesh blouse: Topshop.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Oppulent pendant necklace: Forever21
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Priska fur bootie: Ninewest
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Easy v-neck sweater dress: Ann Taylor Loft

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Theory Rory suit: Bloomingdales

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Betsey Johnson baubble necklace: Piperlime

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Wool-cashmere coat: J.Crew

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tory Burch quilted tote: Nordstrom

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lace tights: White House Black Market
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rough Justice pumps: Endless.com
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patent leopard belt: J. Crew

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Moto skinny jeans: Old Navy

 

 



Luck be a Lady

After a sneak peak at the line-up for fall fashion, the word that comes to mind is refreshing. Big designers ushered out the icky, teen-obsessed looks and welcomed back the era of "the lady." This classic season will surely reinvigorate many XX chromosome types.

Ladylike looks to give a go:

1.) Longer hems circa the 1950’s: These should hit mid-calf and have a medium to full swing (Marc Jacobs).

2.) The camel coat. It’s a classic (MaxMara, J.Crew), and is best paired with a crisp white shirt (Club Monaco), dark, slim jeans (J Brand) and beautiful pumps. Ta-da!

3.) Tailored suits: Seek full leg trousers, menswear-inspired tailoring and balance with a feminine blouse.

4.) Pointy shoes: Long live the gorgeous, elongating, ‘90’s kicks! Louis Vuitton placed huge, pressed bows on top of theirs. Wow.

5.) Fur: Faux or real—it’s all good. Look for fur-lined handbags, vests and cropped or knee-length, belted jackets.

6.) The small bag: Very classic, very structured, with a long strap and proper hardware; everyone from Hermès to Target is banking on these lovely little numbers.

Embrace the lady within! Because luck doesn't strike everyone, you know.

To the MAX-I!

The style gods have brought back the maxi dress--and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Not because I’m super pregnant (although it helps), but because nothing says cool mamacita like a long, flowy frock.

The maxi dress is just the opposite of the 60’s cult classic, the mini. It’s very long and should hit at or just below your ankles. Anything slightly higher is not a true maxi. The vibe is laid back, yet serious style mavens pull it off with subtle glamour. This piece looks great in solids (bold color, white) or prints (ikat, tie-dye). Look for the upper half that flatters you best: halter, strapless or sleeveless. And grace your soles with espadrilles, gladiators, open-toed sandals or a lovely pair of Havaianas (no Birkenstocks, please). Accessorize to compliment the boho-chic mood, but don’t overdo it. The dress is the statement.

Enjoy summer--to the MAX-I!

stylingstage suggests:


Border Flower maxi Arden B:

Love Tease ikat maxi Macys:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chevron Striped maxi BCBG:
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 







Linen Beach maxi Banana Republic:

Tory Burch Chestnut maxi Bloomingdales:

Embroidered blue maxi Forever21:

Testament strapless maxi Piperlime.com:

Suzie D maxi Shopbop.com: