Friday, November 30

Casual Friday Chic: Taylor Swift

If you're like me, it's chilly (or freezing) where you are and you're unsure of what to wear to work in order to stay warm and look good.  So, take a cue from Taylor Swift's rule book and style yourself preppy for the day:
Taylor Swift in a seafoam cable-knit sweater and knee-patch riding pants ($78, originally $129), both by Ralph Lauren, with oxblood French Sole loafers
I love the comfy/casual/put-together look she's rocking.  The tan riding pants and velvet loafers add surprising interest to an otherwise traditional outfit, and she's hitting the nail on the trend with the cable-knit sweater.  I also love the way the deep lipstick ties together the burgundy loafers and shoulder bag. All in all, an easy, lovely look that almost anyone can pull off.

Here are some similar styles so that you can make this look your own:

Thursday, November 29

Style Idol: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Like my last Style Idol, Miranda Kerr, it's easy to look great when you are a Victoria's Secret supermodel.  But, also like Miranda, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley just surpasses all trend-setting expectations.  The Transformers 3 actress simply looks great dressed for every season and every situation. 

Running errands around town:
From left: Rosie in a belted mint skirt, asymmetric tank and Chloe leather accessories; in Burberry aviators and a '70s-style floral shirtdress; and in a white tank and leather shorts, slouchy boots, a chain-strap Mulberry bag and her Burberry aviators.
With boots, scarf and black tote for traveling:
From left: Rosie in a leopard print scarf, cuffed leather jacket, skinny MiH Jeans, a convertible Celine purse and slouchy boots; in a navy Vanessa Bruno blazer that she styled with a leopard print scarf, studded Burberry tote, skinny jeans and black booties; and in Burberry aviators, a cable knit cardigan, leather pants, a spiked tote and gray booties.
In all black:
 
A sexy outfit for a photocall:
From left: Rosie in a black peplum dress and cap-toe pumps; in a sleek Burberry design; and in a black and white sheath and leather Louboutins.
A gown for a premiere:
From left: Rosie in a lace Jason Wu design and black pumps; in a ruffled Gucci column, a square Jennifer Meyer stud and ankle-strap sandals; and in a long-sleeve gown accented with a fur stole, black clutch, Chopard diamonds and embellished Louboutins.

Some staples that Rosie apparently cannot do without are her leather leggings, aviators, leopard scarf and sexy heels.  With that combo, you can't go wrong!

Wednesday, November 28

Trendspotting: Black & Blue

Aside from oxblood and lemon yellow, an "it" color combo of the season is most definitely all about black and blue:
"it" color combination of the season is most definitely all about black and navy blue. And Carolina Herrera — whose first handful of looks to go down the runway made the hues of a boo-boo look red-carpet ready — nailed the mix with this striped dress

Read more: Fall 2012 Fashion Trends - Best Trends from Fall 2012 Fashion Week - Marie Claire
The "it" color combination of the season is most definitely all about black and navy blue. And Carolina Herrera — whose first handful of looks to go down the runway made the hues of a boo-boo look red-carpet ready — nailed the mix with this striped dress.

Read more: Fall 2012 Fashion Trends - Best Trends from Fall 2012 Fashion Week - Marie Claire
The "it" color combination of the season is most definitely all about black and navy blue. And Carolina Herrera — whose first handful of looks to go down the runway made the hues of a boo-boo look red-carpet ready — nailed the mix with this striped dress.

Read more: Fall 2012 Fashion Trends - Best Trends from Fall 2012 Fashion Week - Marie Claire
From left: Ohne Titel, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, Stella McCartney
This color combo has always been a hot topic – not only for its rich and dramatic look – but because black and blue are synonymous with black and brown in the fashion rule book - it has long been considered a “no-no” of colors to coordinate.   But this years trend-setters are rebelling against the rules and creating a fresh and modern reputation for the colors.  From prints to colorblocking to solid layered pieces, it's been seen everywhere and in assorted styles:

Stella McCartney in her label's printed ensemble, faux leather clutch and platform heels; L:iv Tyler in Proenza Schouler's printed separates, leather accessories and gold Jennifer Meyer studs; Emma Roberts in A|X Armani Exchange's reptilian cocktail dress and cobalt clutch, with a statement necklace and suede booties.
That stuffy rule that black and blue don’t mix has been thrown out, so go ahead and experiment: While cobalt creates a major statement, mixing navy with black gives a subtle depth for a mysterious look.

Here are some similar styles so that you can make this look your own:
From left: ZCO Victorian Print Womens Skinny Pants, was $34.99, now $29.99; EXPRESS Printed Knit Wrap Dress, $79.90; Free People Animal Print Easy Rider Top in Royal combo, $88.00.
Source: Fashionologie, Marie Claire

Tuesday, November 27

Outfit Infatuation: Olivia Palermo

Who says you need to spend big bucks to be stylish?  Certainly not Olivia Palermo:
Olivia Palermo in a yellow Old Navy coat that she teamed with a chunky sweater, leather leggings, a convertible tote and velvet slippers.
Olivia illustrates the simple fact that it's all about how you wear it, not the labels you are wearing!  Not only does it appear that has she read this post touting yellow, she also looks fantastic in it.  I love how the all-black outfit prominently puts the bold yellow coat on display.  Her leather leggings, velvet loafers and comfy turtleneck all work together to keep it trendy.   The whole look is making me want a yellow coat of my own!  And at only $47.50 (regularly $55), maybe I'll by two.

Monday, November 26

Inspiration: Holographics

There haven't been many holographic moments in our lives since Jem in the 80's, but 2012 seems to be the year to change all that.  First there was Tupac's "appearance" at Coachella this year, and now it's morphed into fashion.

Marc Jacobs and Hussein Chalayan all prominently featured it in their F/W 2012 collections, and the iridescent, rainbow-like sheen has been seen on everything recently, from puffy outerwear to chic party clutches and dresses.  Hailee and Kate show two popular ways to wear it:
Hailee Steinfeld in a sparkling ERIN Erin Fetherston sequin cocktail dress (currently available at Bloomingdales for $550.00), wide cuff, Edie Parker box clutch and nude peep-toes; Kate Bosworth in a sequin Stella McCartney design, JewelMint earrings, a leather Proenza Schouler clutch and crystal Giuseppe Zanotti sandals.
I think that with some basic, simple pieces and accessories to balance it out, this is an easy, fun look to wear to the office during holiday season.  Get into the fashionable holiday spirit! 

Here are some similar styles so that you can make this look your own:
From left: ASOS Midi Dress with Holographic Embellishment, $211.08;BB Dakota Jensine Dress, $110.00; ASOS Skinny Jeans in Silver Metallic Hologram Print, $70.36.
Source: WhoWhatWear

Friday, November 23

This Weekend: Maxi Skirts

I recently posted about wearing maxis to work, but why not be cute and comfy this weekend, too?
Rachel Bilson in a black knit, floral maxiskirt and leather boots; Kate Bosworth in a seafoam maxiskirt, gray top, metallic bag, jewelry from JewelMint and Isabel Marant wedge sneakers; Garcelle Beauvais in Rag & Bone's crimson maxi skirt, stacked bangles and a shrunken denim jacket. 
They are also great and easy to wear while tracking down those Black Friday deals!  Happy shopping!

Thursday, November 22

What to Wear: Thanksgiving Dinner

At a loss for what to wear to Thanksgiving dinner?  Try one of these outfits:
Miranda Kerr in a black blouse with sheer panels, silk brocade Proenza Schouler miniskirt and studded Jimmy Choo clutch; Kate Mara in a Mulberry white jacket, pleated shirt, black skinnies and platform pumps and leather clutch completed the look. 
Depending on how formal your get together is, these are both the perfect looks. While Miranda's is a bit fancier and Kate's is better for a more casual affair, each are polished and put together without being over the top.  The shades of orange in each add a festive touch, and the simple accessories keeps it appropriate. 
Equally important, the skirt and leggings will each do a great job of hiding the food baby you're bound to grow!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Wednesday, November 21

Inspiration: Bold Lipstick

Everyone who knows me, knows that I am a HUGE fan of bright and bold lipstick. With the holiday season quickly approaching, there seems to be no better time to try it out!
Jessica Biel in an Oscar de la Renta silver bead and lamé embroidered tunic and pant, and Scarlett Johansson in Rodarte.
While some might think this look is too much for the workplace, to that I say NEVER - it's all about how you wear it!

Here's how to get that perfect pout:
  • Ditch the chapped lips! For a pitch-perfect pout, exfoliate lips with a wet washcloth, followed by a dab of lip balm.
  • Fill in with a liner that matches the natural color of your lips—not the lipstick. 
  • Apply color with a tiny brush, starting at the center of your mouth and blending outward.
Although a statement lip works best with minimal eye makeup, that doesn't mean you have to swear off shadows altogether. Unless you want to channel an '80s revival, steer clear of bright shades, and stick to sheer neutrals.

Tuesday, November 20

Inspiration: Maxi Skirts

Fall and Winter usually means that it's time to bury our Summer maxi dresses and skirts, but I'm all about taking them out of hiding to maximize their potential. With the right top and shoes, and possibly a few seasonal layers, they can easily be worn both in the chillier temps AND to the office:
Emma Roberts in a silky, forest green skirt, worn with a black tee, a statement necklace by Ben-Amun, and a geometric clutch; Victoria Beckham in oversize shades, a short-sleeve button-down, a black Maison Martin Margiela maxiskirt and a structured bag of her own design; Olivia Palermo in a cuffed blazer styled with a brown clutch, tulip hem maxiskirt and ankle-strap sandals.
  • The first thing to know — it doesn't matter what color or what fabric your maxi is. Even if you're working with a sheer finish or a creamy white hue, you can give your dress or skirt a more apropos seasonal twist with the other pieces you add in. For instance, if you have a sheer maxi or one with a slit, layer it up underneath with tights for added warmth.
  • The most essential part of this look is how you top it off. Because the skirt and dress can feel floaty and at odds with the weather, anchor it with weightier, warmer pieces up top. Try a leather jacket and a cashmere pullover to offset the bottom half. If your dress has a slit, make it more daytime appropriate with a covered up jacket or a sophisticated blazer. Truthfully, these maxis work like a blank canvas, style them up with sweaters, furry vests, and heavier coats to shape them into unexpectedly seasonal outfits.
  • Think of your footwear as the key to taking the look from day to night. Your footwear plays a crucial role in setting the tone for this look — with a flat, biker boot, this look becomes casual and daytime-accessible; with a heeled boot you can walk the line from day to night; and with a sexier ankle-strap you give the look a night-out feel.
Source: FabSugar

Monday, November 19

Inspiration: Sweatshirts

The office may not be the best place for your miniskirts and sheer tops, but that doesn't mean that there isn't any room to play with trends. While I'm not suggesting that you completely ditch office protocol, I am feeling particularly inspired by this street-styled way to breathe a little life into our pencil skirts and crisp white button-downs.

Should you opt to play around with the dress code a little, take a cue from this styler's creative layers. She transformed her office staples with a cool-girl sweatshirt, peplum, and a pair of bright heels, and the result was just as polished, albeit with loads more personality.
Zoe Karssen Oh La La Cotton-Blend Jersey Sweatshirt ($160), Dorothy Perkins Black Frill Peplum Skirt ($35), Marc Jacobs Slim Fit Shirt ($50), Ralph Lauren Opaque Control-Top Tights ($18), Clare Vivier Oversized Black Pebbled Lamb Clutch ($191), Burberry Round Cat Eye Color Check Sunglasses ($170), Pierre Hardy Neon and Patent Leather Platform Sandals ($1,086)
If you're too timid to try it out on the job, then slip into this sophisticated-meets-quirky trend for off-duty drinks or dinner with the girls.

Source: FabSugar

Friday, November 16

Casual Friday Chic: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Boyfriend jeans for the office?  I would have said DEFINITELY not, but then I saw Rosie rocking a pair:
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Citizens of Humanity rolled-up boyfriend jeans, white tee, neutral heels, Chanel tweed blazer and army green chain-strap bag.
By pairing her baggy, rolled-up boyfriend jeans with a chic tweed blazer and heels, the Victoria's Secret supermodel makes an otherwise casual style look workplace appropriate.  Always chic, Rosie exudes an air of effortless cool which we all should strive to achieve. 

Thursday, November 15

Trendspotting: Laser-cut

Laser-cut pieces have been popping up all over the place lately:
From left: the F/W '12 shows of Carven, Rachel Comey, Marchesa, Temperley London

Laser cutting is a technique that produces precise cutouts to give the illusion of a print.  To achieve the look, a computer guides a laser to score the fabric along the lines of an image created by the designer.  The accuracy of the laser beam results in clean edges and impossibly intricate designs, as worn on the likes of stylish celebrities:

Eva Longoria in a laser cut cocktail dress from Marchesa and patent leather pumps; Nicole Richie in a Mugler top with a laser-cut Winter Kate leather skirt with House of Harlow 1960 jewelry, a Chanel clutch and Jimmy Choo pumps; Elle Fanning in a laser-cut Louis Vuitton dress and the label's cap-toe heels.
It's such an interesting, engaging style that can make a traditional outfit appear fresh and cutting edge.  If you rock the laser cuts, make sure to keep your styling simple, as the fabric should be the focus.

Here are some similar styles so that you can make this look your own:
From left: Bebe Hi-Lo Laser Cut Top, $69.00; Mango Laser cut fitted dress, $59.99; Tracy Reese plenty Black Laser Cut Skirt, originally $158.00, now $94.80.
Source: Fashionologie,Sophistikate