I just recently saw a look with a sweatshirt layered under a trench coat done by one of my favorite fashion bloggers and ever since I’ve been obsessed not only with wearing such a look, but also with creating one here. When I saw this pairing from Barbie, I was totally on board! Her version is super laidback and maybe a bit chilly for those of us in colder climes, so I metamorphosized it a bit to make it autumn and polished-event (or work)-friendly. Barbie’s plaid shirt, knotted 90’s-style at her waist, gets transformed into the collared under-layer of the sweatshirt, giving it a dressier vibe. Pale gray shorts become black (or gray or dark blue wash) slim denim. With a cropped sweatshirt like Barbie’s, leaving the plaid shirt un-tucked balances the proportions and adds extra color (an also addresses that whole work-appropriate thing). With a boxy, oversize piece, consider tucking the shirt in...or jettisoning it entirely :). To cement the casually chic feel, top the ensemble with a blazer. A classic silhouette will do nicely. Alternatively, go with a double-breasted version for a power vibe and the visual interest of the extra hardware. For less dressed-up events, skip the jacket and add interest on the bottom: leather leggings, slim tuxedo-striped pants, pieces with lace-up, button or hardware details – anything with polish, edge or both! Keep the baubles simple and chill: an initial pendant or other necklace with personal meaning is all you need. While Barbie’s concert-ready iteration could be finished with sneakers, this version gets a shot of panache from ankle boots. Classic black leather is an always-chic go-to, while velvet (how fab is does this deep blue look?! Sims here and here) makes a gorgeous and trendy option. Other pairings include back patent for modern attitude or a heeled, lug-sole moto or hiking boot for a totally fun and unexpected grunge twist. I love the fiercer vibe that cool neutrals (black, gray, navy, ivory) provide, but classic red or black watch plaids (the latter being a combo of navy and hunter) would be equally fitting. Happy slaying, loves!
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Barbie celebrated Swim Week Miami, including attending the SI Swimsuit party, with a triad of fab looks. Latex is having a (growing) fashion moment and Barbie hopped on the trend in a simple black dress from Meshki Boutique that garnered extra seduction thanks to the smooth sheen of its fabric. This likely reminds you of Nikki Bella’s 2016 ESPY’s look and, indeed, the dresses are quite similar, with one exception: Barbie’s is cut straight at the neckline, instead of having the sweetheart shape. Both ladies styled the piece with ankle-strap heels. While Nikki went for a bold, studded pair, Barbie chose a slimmer version. She also wore her hair in a polished high, self-wrapped ponytail, which I love: it shows of her shoulders and fits the sleek look of the dress flawlessly. Hoop earrings add a hint of trendy shine. Her next look pairs a square-neck crop top Meshki Boutique with the Multi Snake Split Trousers from Pretty Little Thing. I still can’t get behind the double front slit, but I love the riotous mutli-hued fabric -it’s def there to party! I also give props to Barbie for seamlessly mixing affordable pieces into her look. Nudist-type heels in beige finish the outfit, while a low pony gives the styling a more casual vibe. There’s nothing casual about her SI Swimsuit party dress, though! The piece, from Elie Madi via For The Stars Fashion House, features glittering sequined scroll-work set over a translucent nude base. While I am very much over the sheer trend, I can’t help but admit that this dress is a showstopper! It manages to be that just-right blend of gorgeous and sexy, and still feels like a fresh take on the overdone sheer look. I love every inch of Barbie’s beauty look, from the slightly right-of-center part (with enough volume to be more stunning than severe) to her her dewy-meets-smoky eye (I have always adored the fresh glow of the dewy look) to her sand-pink lip shade. Barbie looks utterly amazing!
After Barbie’s darkness and shine, we head into a blaze of color from Brandi. First up is a lemon yellow halter maxi from Show Me Your Mumu that must feel like wearing sunshine! I’m wild over the color and the simple silhouette is versatile, comfortable and beautiful. Can’t ask for more than that :). Brandi completed the look with multi-color slingback wedges and a Louis Vuitton bag that strikes the only darker note in the styling. I don’t mind the grounding effect, but I could see a beige tote working nicely as well. Equally praiseworthy is her next offering, a pumpkin cold-shoulder gown with ruffled sleeves. With the bright color, statement sleeves and flawless fit, it reminds me strongly of Angela Sarafyan’s look at this year’s Emmy’s. Brandi’s gown is Julea Domani x Zeena Zaki. She accented it with slender touches of gold in earrings and a bangle. The warmth of the metallic echoed that of the dress and provided just the right subtle statement, while her rose lip shade brought a perfect extra pop of color. If you're looking for a simple, casual bodysuit...or just neeeed a piece of clothing that's exactly the same as Barbie wore :), consider the Oh Me Oh My from Free People. It's done in a soft, lightweight knit blend* fabric that happens to be machine-washable (score!) and has a versatile classic silhouette. Caveat: the deep-v will likely require an under-layer to be professional-situation appropriate, so bear that in mind when determining sizing. The best part of this piece is that it comes in a multitude of gorge colors - not only the olive tone worn by Barbie, but also lilac, rose, wine, even a cool black and white stripe. Layer it under a sheer shirt with cropped denim right now and under a bomber or faux fur coat come winter.
*I love the softness of rayon - it's hard to beat it for comfort. As a rule though, I gravitate more toward natural fabrics over synthetics or semi-synthetics like this. Oggh..how is it possible to look so casual and so chic at the same time?! Barbie slayed in this set from Kyna Collection that pairs wide-leg drawstring pants and a double-breasted duster-length jacket. She layered a cropped beige top below for a perfect dose of color. I'm head-over-heels for the way this outfit, despite doubtless being super-comfortable and laidback, also retains plenty of sophistication. These are not your everyday drawstring pants! And the ultra-long jacket makes a huge, stylish statement. It's fab from stem to stern! Next, she subtly got her USA on with this vintage-tinged polka dot bikini (this is the only time I'm ever grateful for something not being yellow!) from Frankie's Bikinis. I love that it's Fourth Of July appropriate without being the expected stars-and-stripes iteration. The red trim brings a spark to the set, as well as a modern touch that keeps it fresh and current. With her flowing blonde hair, sunnies and a drink her hand, Barbie is the picture of a flawless, dreamed-about summer day! From there, she heads into punk territory with this sweatshirt dress from Mistress Rocks. The length of this piece makes it quite versatile. For summer it works just as Barbie has styled it: as a mini dress, paired with strappy sandal-booties and a chain-handled bag that enhances the punk vibe. For transitional days, add fishnet stockings and motorcycle boots to head even further down Avenue Punk. For winter, it metamorphosizes easily into a tunic: style it with leggings and OTK boots...and possibly a thermal underneath ;). It gets all fierce-grunge when Barbie layers a House of CB scoopneck cami and cut-off jean shorts below an H & M oversize jacket. Barbie has become quite fond of this mid-length style topper this year; we've seen her use it several times with great effect, adding a fun shot of panache to whatever look she incorporates it in. An Hermes belt and Guess peeptoe OTK boots round off this look with a hint of flash and a big dose of attitude. She got serious about Western-wear for a Dierks Bentley concert, going with fringed beige knee-high boots, which completed a cropped white tank and cut-off white jean shorts combination. She didn't leave out the fierce though: she topped the ensemble with a strappy-sleeved jacket from Hot Miami Styles (which reminds me of the sleeves of this jacket of Sasha's). It brings a definite urban, trendy vibe to a classic Americana look.
Barbie went all out with the urban facet of her fashion sense in this look. She layered a sheer bodysuit under blue denim shorts (from One Teaspoon) and accessorized it with a black Hermés belt and black suede OTK boots. While I think Barbie pulls this off quite nicely, I’m generally not a fan of the visible brassiere look; it rocks in vids and editorials, but it’s a challenge to keep classy irl. Beyond that caveat, though, I love the punchy combo of light denim blue and black. The contrast heightens the power of the black pieces and the look comes off cool and fierce. She quickly returned to summer color with this gorgeously-hued tie-dyed bikini. The strappy bottoms are about as daring as it gets and def make this suit a jaw-dropper. However, it’s the intense shading of the pattern that really sells me on it – that rich magenta, contrasted with icy mint and spiced with hints of daffodil and paprika is so beautiful and just right for baking under a glowing sun. You may remember Barbie previously wearing this Gooseberry Intimates bodysuit in black. Then, she dressed it up by wearing pointy heels with it and black jeans. Here, she kept things more casual by pairing the white piece with blue denim and furry slippers that are totally Rihanna – literally, as well as figuratively, since they are from the Fenty x Puma line. A topknot and hoop earrings complete this off-duty starlet look.
Brandi was busy working the high-low look with this knotted top, which she paired with gray distressed denim and studded gladiator sandals. I love the way this casual ensemble still keeps its edge, thanks to the studs, distressing and, most importantly, the unique and au courant silhouette. This is classic Brandi in that it still retains the undercurrent of polished confidence, even as it explores a much more modern vibe. She created a much sexier aura with her next look, a strapless playsuit done in striped of varying width. They add wonderful visual interest to this piece, although the highlight has to be that plunging sweetheart neckline! Also noteworthy is Brandi’s choice of necklace: a bold gold pendant that’s just the right length to accentuate said neckline and the sultriness of this piece! She gets props for not going with a (at this point over-done) choker; the pendant is different and consequently stands out. She goes more formal yet for her next outfit, which is fine by me because it’s a genre Brandi excels at. She ramps up the fiery statement of this coral side-lace-up bodycon dress by adding a few shots of glam: studded heels, a glittering gold clutch and a statement earring(s?). With black sandal booties, and plainer accessories, this would be a standard date night look, but the formal accessories take it to a new level. Coral pink was the order of the day for early summer - both Brandi and Brooke used the shade in their looks. Brandi was spot on-trend with an off-the-shoulder, boxy cropped top, accented with floral embroidery. White denim kept the theme light and summer-y. Naturally, my favorite parts are her banana yellow tote (love that!) and her citrus-hued sandals! They carried the color throughout the outfit flawlessly and are a perfect example of mixing without matching. Brooke went with a boxy striped tank, which she paired with light wash blue denim. Like Brandi, she added interest to the look with her accessories: floral printed sandals (I just love the mix of florals with stripes!) and a fringed caramel messenger bag. The caramel is a wonderful way to pick up the warm tones of the coral (I often mix brown tones with orange and peach shades for the same reason) and I love the movement and boho vibe of the fringe. I would probably have gone with a similar shade for the wide choker, instead of the harsher black. Next from Brooke is a super simple pairing of a taupe tee and distressed white denim. It's as casual as it gets... until she added a shot of fierce via her coordinating suede lace-up sandals! Along with her simple gold bar necklace, they shift this look into "off-duty model" vibes. Also, I give her serious props for walking in those with her son on her hip - that is #BalanceGoals for sure. She switched the theme entirely for her next outing and goes Americana chic in this striped tee paired with wide-leg pants. I love this classic navy-and-white combo. There's always something ineffably sophisticated about a well-made wide-leg and they work perfectly here to elevate this simple tee. Brooke finished the look with coordinating caramel sandals and again reached for her fringed bag - here, the warm caramel acts as a contrast to the cool navy - to cement the classic vibe (and also offer a commodious carrier for all her baby necessities, I suspect ;) There's something to be said for pieces that fuse stylishness and practicality! Her sultry side shines through in her next look, which pairs a black off-the-shoulder tee with a sweetheart neckline and white cut-off denim. She makes this super-hot look much sweeter with her accessories, though: a floral choker and her floral printed sandals. The femininity plays fabulously against the sexier elements; it's an unusual contrast, but a successful and intriguing one!
Maryse kept the nearly-monochrome theme going with her next outfit, which paired leggings (by Givenchy - a brand with a fabulous aesthetic, which I always enjoy, despite the fact that it's strayed far from the classicism of the days when Hubert de Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn) with a slim tee and cropped statement jacket. I much prefer the look of the leggings with this body-kissing tee over the pairing with the blouson-styled piece. It maintains the sleekness of the line. As to her topper, Maryse is the Queen of Statement Jackets and she has outdone herself with this one, a military-themed piece with gold embroidered-leaf detail and brass buttons. This Comino Couture piece is crave-worthy! It stands out beautifully here, against the black backdrop, adding spark and panache to the look, but it would to the same against color or lighter neutrals. As with so many of her other choices, the classic design will keep it relevant far into the future. Equally fun are her mid-calf flat boots. There's a casual toughness to the flat boot that makes a great addition to any fashion palette. This shaft height can be tricky to style, especially if you're of shorter stature as it can reduce the leg line. Be aware of proportion and lean towards pairing them with skinny pants or knee-length or above dresses or skirts. It's less of an issue with Maryse's height, but she, too, chose skinny pants as a combo. Note: heeled mid-calf pairs will help counteract this challenge.
Natalya's love of neutrals was in evidence this spring, beginning with this beige bodycon dress. The tonal pieced detailing gives the piece a distinctive touch and I love the way it enhances Nattie's curves; she looks amazing! Neutral sandals from Stuart Weitzman complete this monochrome look. Next up is a blush-nude jumpsuit with a deep-v front. As with the dress, this piece is tailored beautifully for Nattie's shape. I'm especially impressed because a charmeuse satin such as this can be challenging - the drapey-ness of the fabric can be very unforgiving, but this one looks polished and sophisticated - just what I'd expect from Natalya! Stand-out lips have been a long-running trend, but for summer, I'm loving the way she kept her whole make-up palette soft. The slight lavender tone in her lip hue picks up the blush tinges of her jumpsuit, pulling the whole look together flawlessly. Her next look is a 180 in both color and style, as she went for black monochrome in a much more relaxed styling. With her black tee, black leggings, cropped jacket and mid-calf flat boots, it's super-similar to Maryse's look and works equally well. Like Maryse, Nattie used skinny pants to elongate her leg and balance the shortening effect of the shaft height. Unlike Maryse, she chose a longer tee underneath her cropped jacket, a look I love! |
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AuthorBrie: shoe-lover :) fashion-lover and generally glamorous semi-dork Archives
July 2019
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