FashionHap: August, Etc - Part II

Brandi spent the end of summer showcasing a number of great looks on her blog, Being Brandi Rhodes.  Among them was this spot on-trend off-the-shoulder LBD with split sleeves. I love how the split creates a modern take on the bell sleeve in this piece! I’m also a huge fan of the way Brandi added a spark to the look with a multi-colored statement necklace – it makes such a fab twist on black monochrome and enlivens the look. A black tote and peep-toe wedge mules round out the outfit. Next, we get to see her casual side as she pairs a knot-detailed knit tunic in a dusty terra-cotta shade with distressed gray denim. The detail on this tunic is super fun and gives the whole outfit a big punch. Brandi adds even more playfulness with her fur-pom-pom-topped sneakers!  I love the additional texture, as well as the lighthearted vibe. She finishes the look with a pair of bangles and a printed bag from Louis Vuitton. I find this choice of bag so interesting because I wouldn’t generally think of pairing brown with gray and muted coral tones. If you look closely though, the bag has mixed tones in the leather: gold-beige and burgundy, in addition to the brand’s classic coffee brown. The redder tone ties the bag into the look nicely and I’m really intrigued by the way the color play works in a subtle and sophisticated way. Brandi’s next outfit is a red maxi dress, sprinkled with white stars. It’s a classic summer silhouette, with the spaghetti straps and v-neckline, done in an of-the-moment print. It feels quite fresh and carefree and I’m digging the Americana vibes. I also ADORE this bag she’s carrying. In my head, I call it her “birdcage bag” because it reminds me of a vintage birdcage, but it’s actually one of Cult Gaia’s Ark bags. Brandi’s been a huge fan of it all summer and I’m 100% on board. It’s functional, distinctive and versatile and the light, airy design is perfect for summertime!
Brie took NYC by storm in this gorgeous Self-Portrait dress – don’t you just love the frothy lace and flowing sleeves? All that sweetness is tempered by the black chevron stripes; the structured black solidity grounds the look flawlessly. Brie played that up by completing the outfit with black strappy platform sandals (these appear to be a variant of the Parrow x Jimmy Choo, but I can’t confirm that at this time). She chose another Self-Portrait dress for her next day in New York, this time one with a cold-shoulder detail and ruffles on the sleeves. The simpler material lends a more architectural vibe to this piece, as compared to the lace, but I love it’s dramatic, high-fashion aesthetic, which is enhanced by the ivory and black color scheme. Brie again finishes the look with strappy sandals – the Lang by Jimmy Choo. This time, she chose blush instead of black. I like the warmth of the dusty pink, but I also kind of miss the punchy exclamation point of the black.

Her third Self-Portrait piece (the 3D Floral Peplum dress, sadly sold out) is my favorite of the three. I was instantly gushing over the multi-dimensional lace and the soft color palette, punctuated by just a touch of black. How amazingly gorgeous is that? It also happens to be a perfect example of the kind of modern floral piece that’s taken fashion by storm over the last year and isn’t slowing down yet! I’m just swooning over this piece! Brie kept the whole look light by completing it with nude ankle strap sandals that work flawlessly.
We swing 180 degrees from Brie’s femininity with Brooke’s summer night-out ensemble: a black off-shoulder tee paired with leather-panelled denim. The urban, streetwise vibe of these pants is totally crave-worthy. They lend just the right amount of punch to her simple, sexy top. She finishes off the look with black, peep-toe ankle strap pumps.
I was wondering how Carmella would expand her look beyond the black-and-leopard Staten Island Princess aesthetic we’ve seen from her. And she’s making all the right additions with this boxy, metallic cropped tee. The strong-shoulder silhouette makes an on-trend and super-cool 80’s reference. Her slim sweats and sneakers round that off with sporty confidence. White sneakers and a backwards baseball cap complete the look with relaxed swagger. I love the whole styling of this! Each piece is perfectly chosen and it comes off chill and unconcerned, while subtly having serious style. The cropped length of the tee is crucial in getting this outfit to work, as it defines her waist. To get the look for non-abs-baring events, I’d lean toward a full-tuck or half-tuck of a longer, boxy piece, or adding a skin-hugging, tucked-in layer below. She channels a similar vibe for her Smackdown appearance. This time, it’s cap-sleeves that emphasize the shoulders, while black skinny denim provides a sleek look on the bottom. A choker and gold pendant combine for a dose of trend and shine. It’s not as risky as her previous look, but it’s perfectly in keeping with her urban-cool sensibilities. Last up is the latest iteration of her ring gear. I never thought onesies would be acceptable in the ring ever again, but ‘Mella makes this one work. The simple color scheme and bold, sporty striping give it an undeniably hot appeal. The emblazoned “Fabulous” and fiery dollar sign convey her personality and attitude, while the drape-y bomber jacket lends easygoing stylishness. The wide choker was a stroke of genius, bringing a strong statement and setting off the slim golden flash of her earrings. So, our New York gal is three for three :).