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:

Stripe Support

Stripes: love ‘em or hate ‘em, they need your support. Don’t let their bad rap get you down; instead, embrace this upbeat look to lift your mood:

No Drama Mama:  Bright colors are big now, but caution wearing multiple.  If you do, stick to a 1-piece type (dress or romper) and wear heels to balance the impact.  Keep everything else neutral, so the drama stays at bay.

Family Feud:  they love us, despite our differences.  And the one agreeable piece no one can argue about is the boat neck T-shirt. Go black and white for a classic feel, and pair with white jeans and metallic sandals.  No intervention required!

Positive Thinking: Get a sponsor and use this safety net: 1.) Horizontal widens, vertical lengthens, and chevron flatters almost anyone. 2.) Very wide or very thin stripes have a cool, modern feel, and medium stripes look classic.  3.) Extras are theraputic: espadrilles, a handbag or a snood.

Now go get your stripe on--you’ve earned it!

stylingstage suggests:

Summer Dress Variegated Stripes: ASOS.com


Tori Burch Mathilde Satchel: Nordstrom



Organic Cotton T-shirt: Zara



Blue Bright Striped Snood: Topshop.com

Soft Joie Deidra Deck Stripe Dress: Shopbop.com




Striped Canvas Tote: Old Navy



BP "Bowtye" Sandal: Nordstrom

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