Summer officially kicks off this holiday weekend…woohoo! Picnic season is upon us and that always makes me ridiculously happy, partly because this is when I switch my closet over from winter and transitional looks to summer clothes and it feels like getting a whole new wardrobe. (I ttly recommend doing this even if you love in a place that doesn’t have drastic seasonal changes. Take about half your clothing and set it aside for six months (give or take) and don’t wear it at all. Then, switch out what you’ve been working with and use primarily the items you put aside. It’s such a great perspective-refresher.) And speaking of refreshers ..and refreshments (does that actually make a segue? I’m not sure, but I’m going with it :)), who’s headed to a picnic this weekend? I’ve got a fancier-than-usual event on my calendar this year, so while I often go with denim for casual, al fresco meals, this year I’m leaning toward a dress. I love clean, classic colors to kick off the summer, so red, ivory, navy and cobalt are first in my thoughts for color stories. With the strength of the athleisure trend, a sport-inspired number like this knit piece with its stripe-embellished bottom walks the perfect current-classic line. Any knee-length knit piece will give you a similar vibe: think cotton terry sheaths, polo dresses or ….. Stay impromptu tennis-match-ready by putting your hair in a pony of any height and adding statement earrings or leave it loose and go jewelry-free. Keep the look semi-fancy by completing it with flat sandals or wedge espadrilles. If you’re dreaming of denim for the weekend (and I can’t blame you ;)), consider going with an on-trend denim skirt instead of jeans. Pencil, pleated or A-line: it’s all good, so pick your passion. Get the summer vibe going by topping it with a striped tee or polka dot blouse. Put your hair in a messy bun for a casually polished vibe and finish the look with of-the-moment mules or block-heeled sandals. Thinking you might get drafted to the wiffle-ball team? Got ya covered! Stay competition-ready (or at least look like you are ;)) with track pants. I love going with brights on the bottom, but neutrals will 100% work too. Keep them from being too laidback by adding a polo shirt on top (leave the top button or two undone for an unstudied air). Alternatively, consider a minimalist bodysuit or a polished tank with a sporty detail (think halter-necks or racerbacks). If yours is a close-fitting silhouette, tuck it in. For a looser-fitting piece, style it with a half-tuck. Finish the look with sneakers. Cute baseball cap (either your own, or stolen…erm “borrowed”) optional. If you’re craving a dash of shine, go for an oversize metal watch. If you’re not feeling sporty at the moment, get inspired by festival vibes instead: top beige (or any other light neutral) chino shorts with a light-wash denim button-down (chambray and blue oxford-cloth will create similar vibes). Wear it half-tucked for a slouchy look, or knot it high or low for a sexier, 70’s feel. Alternatively, tuck it in with only the lowest-showing button done up and layer a lace (or crochet-detailed) cami underneath. Complete the look with neutral ankle booties and add earthy jewelry: tigers’ eye pieces, pendant necklaces set on silk or leather cords, a leather cuff. Let your hair blow in the wind. I hope this gets your summer-fashion inspiration flowing and that you have a fabulous time at whatever event(s) you’re heading to this weekend. Happy Memorial Day!
Thank you to all those who have served or are currently doing so; we honor you! The 90’s staple t-shirt dress is back and everywhere lately. And why not? It’s hard to top as a warm-weather go-to. Not only is it easy and comfy, it carries a laidback je ne se quoi that lends itself to a wide variety of genres making it a hyper-functional style chameleon. Reach for it for brunch dates, girls' day, picnics, shopping, casual work days...and the list goes on. Add bright sneakers and a baseball cap for athleisure vibes. Alternatively, go full-on 90’s with black converse and a choker ;). The piece swings easily boho territory with the addition of suede ankle booties, statement earrings and a long pendant necklace. Consider a porkpie hat and a fringed vest for a deeper foray into the genre. Or, take your look in a classic chic direction with a waist belt and ballet flats; the minimalist dress silhouette gives a breezy vibe to sophisticated accessories for a perfect pairing of high and low.
It has been raining a lot…as in LOT around here lately and, as much as I love my stilettos, perpetual puddle jumping does eventually make me begin to question the wisdom of them. Ditto sneakers…nothing worse than running around with squelchy, wet feet all day. What I usually do is wear something practical (slightly hideous? :)), but waterproof and then carry my heels in a tote so I can change at my destination. Still, some days are crazy enough where ya just don’t feel like doing the big shoe reveal. That is when you need a pair of cute rain boots that you can just be warm and fairly stylish in all day.
Enter, the classic: Hunters. They are a staple in the closet of every fashionista and fashion blogger and for good reason. They’re durable, do their job and come a range of fun colors. The higher shaft on the tall boot (16”, compared to most other brands’ 14-15”) gives them a more stylish vibe than most. A couple notes: if you’re in between sizes, size down, as they run a tad large. Also, over time, the boots can develop a powdery finish, which is characteristic of quality, natural rubber. Hunter makes a buffer and a shine that can restore the original finish. Hunter makes a shorter version as well if tall shafts aren’t your thing or boot-weight is crucial for you. Equally awesome brand UGG makes a short boot as well in an array of fabulous colors (coral, lilac, aqua, oh my!). In the ankle boot category comes in the most fab rain boot I’ve ever seen: the Hurricane from Jeffrey Campbell with a slightly squared toe and block heel. Like omg..an actual, fashion boot done in rain material! #Bliss If the multi-silver glitter doesn’t have you drooling, there is also cobalt blue, apple red, orange, lemon yellow (yum!) and clear. Are you running for your credit card yet? :). Note: the edge of the ankle on this pair has a tendency to rub if you go bare in these; plan to add socks below. On a more classic front is the Tally from Ralph Lauren. I love the red gusset though –what a super-fun bit of spice that is! Last up is the Tinsley from Sam Edelman, which bridges fun and practical with a low heel, pull-on style and dark but cute colors: this sangria shade as well as navy and olive. There’s also one light shade: a pretty dove gray. 1. Hunter Tall, Hunter Tall Floral (cuz who doesn't need flowers on a rainy day?!),Hunter Tall in Starcloud (multi-glitter on black. Glitter = heart eyes ) via Zappos 2. Hunter Tall, Refined: a slimmer silhouette which I love! There are fewer colors, but they include this pretty pink and a gorge pastel powder blue 3. UGG Sienna via Zappos 4. Hurricane by Jeffrey Campbell (is it raining again or am I salivating that much? :)) 5. Tally by Ralph Lauren via Zappos 6. Tinsley by Sam Edelman via 6pm With spring comes new trends, new looks, new fashion! It’s super exciting and if you love fashion, it’s hard to step out of the cycle. Sometimes, though, circumstances are such that investments in new clothing just can’t be a priority. I was in that situation several years ago when I was very sick for a long period of time and unable to work a steady job. I just didn’t have the money to spend on fashion. One of the hardest things for me was the negativity that came from seeing things I loved and but couldn’t afford. If you’re in one of those economic periods, don’t succumb to the negativity – it’s the path to the dark side! ;) I found that instead, I needed to focus on what I did have and the things I could do. For example…
-Work with the classic pieces that are in your wardrobe. Separate out the iconic items you already own and think of it as creating a capsule collection. Pieces that never go out of style give you a solid base to work from when building looks. -Use accessories to change up your look and keep an eye out for them in unexpected places (I ransacked my childhood dress-up jewelry box and found some surprisingly awesome pieces that worked really well). Excavate pieces you haven’t worn in awhile; an old item rediscovered can feel like something new and helps to keep you feeling creative. -DIY where you can. I made a fun (and super simple!) pendant necklace from an old belt buckle and black cording by adding a couple of knots in appropriate places. It’s not fancy, but it’s unique and very personal. I get compliments on it every time I wear it. -Keep your footwear clean and polished. Polish can cover scuffs and reinvigorate well-worn pairs. I found I always felt better wearing shoes that looked fresh and presentable – a lesson I’ve made use of even now that I’ve been back working for a few years. -Treat yourself to some inexpensive new item now and again. Stick with pieces that are likely to have lower price points: tops, jewelry, scarves, shoes as opposed to investment items like overcoats or suits . Make it an “unbirthday” gift to yourself, or a treat for accomplishing something worthwhile (finishing a project, getting to the gym every day for a week, sending out ten resumes). It doesn’t have to cost a lot to have something new to enjoy that satisfies the desire for freshness and helps release that feeling of being trapped by not having a lot of money. Think of it as buying really well instead of being on a limited budget. Having a positive concept associated with what you’re doing makes it feel completely different than looking at it negatively. -When you do that, have a spend-limit in mind and shop for new additions only in particular places, curated to help you stay within budget. I would only let myself look at sale items, nothing new. I would sort items by price and stop looking at anything over my spend-limit. -Don’t give up on style – keep challenging yourself. If you have pieces you find difficult or rarely wear, try to find ways to make them work. I figured out so much about layering during this time in my life because I was so desperate for something different that I kept playing with pieces I never had time to figure out how to use before. Also, stop saving pieces for special occasions and work them into your wardrobe; it can feel like a massive option-expansion when they’re suddenly on the table. Toss a jacket over a formal dress and add boots to dress it down. Grab those gorgeous satin evening sandals and pair them with jeans. Also, be aware of your go-tos and consciously try something different. If you wear a lot of jewelry habitually, try going bauble-free. If you rarely wear it, try layering it up. Try color combinations you ordinarily wouldn’t – if you live in neutrals, create a look entirely without them. If you’re always all about color, try wearing monochromatic black. Also, try layering in unexpected ways: a sweater under a sleeveless dress, a cropped piece over something longer. Or, give your accessories new jobs: wear a scarf around your wrist or waist instead of at your neck, use a brooch as the closure for a cardigan or jacket. -To help with all of that, keep yourself inspired. Don’t tune fashion out, but look for places that offer inspiration for using what you already have. Instead of retailer blogs or magazines that tend to be about the latest everything, look to fashion bloggers (insert shameless plug for Diva-Fierce here, if you choose :)…Sea of Shoes would be one of my top choices as well) and style icons. The right bloggers connect you to wearable, functional street fashion and the icons connect you to classic style. Please don’t let a lack of funds make you feel like you can’t be stylish. Creativity, experimentation and a real love for and appreciation of fashion are all free! Keep trying things and having fun. Style isn’t about expenditure; it’s about what you put together and how you wear it; you can do that at any budget. One of Givenchy’s trademark looks was tailored skirt suits. Audrey Hepburn wore a slew of them in How To Steal A Million; her sophisticated character, Nicole Bonnet, seems to have closet full, ranging from a gorgeous citron set to a lemon yellow ensemble to a patterned tan wool pairing to a chic navy number. It’s that fabulous navy that caught me this time around, especially styled as it is with bright white accessories – so perfect for right now! Givenchy’s suits generally incorporated pencil skirts, so definitely feel free to go that refined, sophisticated route with this look. I can totally see Kate Middleton or Meghan Markle doing exactly that! I chose to re-imagine the styling with a bit of a twist – the idea of a skirt suit rather than precisely a skirt suit. I love the concept of adding a contrast to the pulled-together polish of a blazer: a dash of femininity via a tulle skirt, a touch of laidback Americana with denim midi or some extra movement with a pleated piece. All three stay chic, while bringing an unexpected element to the classic blazer that makes it feel softer and freer. This double breasted version has a powerful and somewhat masculine vibe due to its nautical beginnings. It’s major on-trend at the moment and definitely worth giving some air time to. On the other hand, all of these variants work wonderfully with a single-breasted blazer as well. Echo Audrey’s white collar by layering a button-down below it. Add simple earrings in the metal tone that matches your blazer’s buttons – think round studs, minimalist geometric pieces or rope knots that enhance the nautical vibe . (If your blazer has non-metallic buttons, just pick your favorite metal, or go with pearls). Finish the look with white pointy-toe flats or kitten-heeled pumps. (Chic white hat optional :)) If you haven’t yet added white shoes to your wardrobe, nbd – consider navy, metallic, nude or never-fail-you black as alternatives. Also, if you're navy-blazer-free or navy-skirt-free, try this with any closely-matched neutrals. I hope this inspires you to give a skirt-suit(ish) look a try sometime soon! I can’t promise you’ll meet an attractive, art-fraud investigator when you do…but looking insanely sophisticated definitely can’t hurt your chances ;). Happy styling!
One of the colors making waves in fashion atm is lilac, a gorgeous shade of pastel blue-purple! I’ve actually been waiting for it to have its fashion moment ever since 2011 when Mila Kunis stunned at the Oscars wearing an ethereal gown in the color. It’s taken all this time, but with the incoming pastel trend, it appears that lilac is finally about to have the spotlight :). That’s a fantastic happening in my book because I adore the color and lament that it’s so hard to find – I collect bits of it whenever I can! Lilac is dreamy and sweet, but the blue tones keep it cooler in feel than blush. It works fabulously with other pastels (ice pink, powder blue, soft banana, lime), as well as most neutrals. While it plays wonderfully against black, one of my favorite dark tones to mix with it is navy because the blue tones complement each other and create a very chic vibe. Its femininity makes it work as a playful counterpoint to polka dots and stripes. I also love lilac as an accessory shade – it lightens and uplifts charcoals and other deep tones, adds a cool sweetness to pale beige, brightens taupe hues and complements cerulean, aqua, peach, coral and daffodil. Touches of it also bring a spring vibe to transitional looks that incorporate deep violet, grape and plum hues. All of these wonderful attributes led me to go searching for a pair of lilac shoes to add to my current collection. If you too are craving a pair of lilac lovelies for your feet, behold the results of my search ;):
1. Frostbite Sandal by Nine West ( I love that these are lilac leather, instead of suede!) 2. Downstage Ruffled Flat x Seychelles via Zappos (whew.. is it tough to find pretty flats in this color rn!) 3. Harlow Pump x Sam Edelman via DSW 4. Camylla Sandal x Vince Camuto via DSW 5. Kaos 2.0 x Wilson via Zappos 6. Dizzy Slingback x Steve Madden via Dillards 7. Stephanie Sneakers x Aldo via Dillards (I'm not a huuuge sneaker gal, but omg how cute are these?!) 8. Stecy x Steve Madden via Dillards (the wider-strapped Carrson also comes in lilac, if you prefer a chunky heel) 9. Hazel Pump x Sam Edelman via Dillards (I can’t recommend these pumps highly enough! They’re well-made and super-comfortable and I’ve been in a pitched battle with my wallet over whether or not to buy one in every color ever since I got my first pair. See my full review here). If you want a slightly lower priced alternate, check out the Tatiana by Nine West. Happy hunting! XO This scene, in which Audrey Hepburn as bookworm-turned-model Jo Stockton tosses her wrap above her head as she walks down the stairs as part of a photoshoot, is one of the most memorable and beautiful in the movie. It is the moment where Jo full steps into her own as a model. It’s more than just stunning cinematography, though; it’s also gorgeous from a fashion perspective. Her simple red dress and accessories are enviably elegant, demonstrating the full impact of a monochromatic look, which relies predominantly on color to create an impact. Her white elbow gloves and crystal statement collar necklace provide the finishing touches of glamour to this magnificent ensemble. The same principle works wonderfully for everyday wear – although we can leave the gloves and massive gems at home ;). The look follows the trademark elements of the Hepburn-Givenchy partnership: simplicity, tailoring, femininity. In this case, the femme vibe is derived from the way the silhouette follows the body, as well as the diaphanous effect of the floating scarf. Recreate the concept with a vibrant bodycon dress in a knee or midi length. The effect of the red is divine, but if that’s not your color, consider another saturated shade -like magenta, cobalt or eggplant – or create a softer effect with blush tones. Add matching flats, or take a cue from Audrey’s gloves and finish the look with a bright white pair. Classic black will of course also work fabulously if matching and/or white shoes aren’t yet among your wardrobe. Also, definitely consider kitten heels instead of flats if you prefer a heel with a midi length – I always do! Toss a monochrome scarf around your neck to add lightness and movement to the minimalist canvas. If you need to create space between the scarf and the neckline of the dress, twist the scarf (as if you were wringing water out of it) for the length you intend to wrap – that will make it narrower, while allowing the tails to fly free. You can also create less volume overall by leaving one tail draping down your back, instead of in front. Add simple jewelry: metallic stud earrings and/or a slim bangle as finishing touches. Classic silver and gold work beautifully, but I also love the idea of giving the look a modern twist by using rose gold as a subtle play on the trendy red-and-pink combo. And voilà…you’re ready for your very own Audrey moment. (A long staircase and a friend to take the snap is 100% optional ;)).
With the passing of legendary designer Hubert de Givenchy earlier this month, I couldn’t help but immerse myself in reviewing and admiring his work yet again. As a long-time devotee of Audrey Hepburn’s style, his most iconic works are immediately and intimately familiar: both LBD’s from Breakfast At Tiffany’s, the embroidered gown from Sabrina (and the film’s own LBD as well!), the red gown from Funny Face. The lace ensemble from How To Steal A Million is one of my personal favorites; it is achingly chic and so impactful! But he designed so much more than just dresses! Jackie Kennedy’s tweed suit during her 1961 visit to Paris, Audrey’s beautifully tailored overcoats in Charade, the ruffle-sleeved white blouse made famous by model Bettina -which would look perfectly at home in today’s style guides, paired with blue denim – were all his creations as well. Hepburn and Givenchy were lifelong friends and their collaborations – both on film and off – serve as a curated guide to his sophisticated vision: simplicity (also a defining characteristic of Hepburn’s fashion sense), boldly drawn shapes, and femininity - whether achieved through tailoring or embellishment. Although he retired as head of his eponymous fashion house in 1995, Givenchy never stopped sketching designs (by hand, with colored pencils). I love the idea of this incredible artist, dreaming away as ever, never giving up on his creativity!
All this binge-imaging naturally got me thinking about outfits that would fall into this genre :). The first that I wanted to explore was embroidery, famously seen in both the Sabrina dress (which actually was made by Edith Head and the dressmakers at Paramount, from Givenchy’s design based on the ‘ Inez de Castro’ dress from his 1953 Spring/Summer collection), and the gown worn by Jackie Kennedy to Versailles when meeting President Charles de Gaulle during her Paris tour. For Givenchy, the embroidery acted as the standout touch, the coup de grace of an otherwise edited look. I re-envisioned the concept in a less formal way – with pants, instead of gowns. A skirt would work perfectly, as well! I also leaned toward matchy-ier selections for an iconic vibe, rather than more off-beat and modern choices. Start with whatever embroidered piece you have and consider it your focal point. Then, add pieces around it that are intentionally simple: layer a basic black tee beneath an embroidered blouse. Add black suit pants with a straight silhouette. Finish the look with plain black flats. Keep jewelry spare, but add a polished bun to reinforce the classic chic feel. Alternatively, combine an embroidered sweater or sweatshirt with slim capri or cropped chinos or ponte pants (the fabric adds subtle, but important, elevation; resist the temptation to reach for leggings :)). Finish with pointed flats or ballets, either plain or with understated embellishments – yes to bows or buckles, no to gems and sequins), stud earrings and a sleek low pony. If you’re going with an embroidered skirt, reverse the concept and go with super-simple pieces on top: a fully-tucked, plain sweater or an unembellished button-down. Same concepts apply regarding refined hairstyles and minimal jewelry :). I hope this inspires you to try some Givenchy-esque embroidery in your looks! Happy styling :) Are you ready for your speed-guide to the directions fashion is heading in this spring? Here's all you need to know, pithy version:
Synopsis: 70's casual glam meets 80's excess meets 90's irreverance Staying: sport/athleisure, florals, blue denim, ruffles, the trench, oversized silhouettes, strong shoulders, white - both accessories and monochrome Picking up steam: maximalism - embellishments of many ilks, frills, fringe. Sequins. The 80's (strong shoulders, statement sleeves, embellished everything, oversized silhouettes). Pastels, especially lilac. Yellow is making a comeback. Also clean, strong colors. Not 80's neons, but intense. Plastic-wear. Pearls. Coloring the above: plaids and checks, logos. Slouchy, low-key 90's attitude (think off-duty Selena Gomez). |
AuthorBrie (Hi!) More re: me under About. I'm the moving spirit behind this little life-meets-fashion fairy tale world, the home of my non-wrestling-related style musings and loves. Archives
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