FashionHap: Oh Bye There, December

Nikki attended a December event for Birdiebee charity partner Dress For Success (an organization that provides workplace attire and tools to help women present themselves in a professional way for job interviews, as well as programs to teach women about personal finance, so they can successfully manage the money they earn). She chose her trademark red and black color story, pairing a classic body-kissing v-neck midi sheath with a black peplum jacket. The dramatic longer length of the jacket brings extra panache and uniqueness to the simplicity of the dress. Nikki completed the look with black chunky-heeled mary-janes with a rounded toe – an unexpected vintage element from this generally quite modern lady! Bright red lips carried the color and provided just the right finishing touch. By matching her dress shade, Nikki kept the color story very simple, which gave it tremendous impact. A deeper red or a nude shade would have softened the look significantly. I love how Nikki smartly switches her style up to be appropriate for the event she’s attending. She doesn’t wear date night or athleisure looks to this type of function, she keeps her look professional, which is exactly the right thing to do. I applaud!
She was looking amazing again  - though in a much more glamorous way! - on New Year’s Eve as she celebrated with sister Brie. Nikki chose a sexy nude-blush cami, paired with gorgeous matching flared pants with a glorious sheen. I love the way the luxe fabric of her pants lends formality to the laidback camisole, as does the wide, coordinating sash at her waist. She gives the look a fabulous touch of spice by completing it with floral ankle booties, which bring a delightful dose of color and pattern to the otherwise monochrome outfit.  A slim gold choker and statement earrings add a nice touch of shine, further serving to elevate the look, while her dark burgundy lips add modern, moody drama and her polished low pony brings sexy sophistication. This is such a fabulous look from Nikki! (And PS – if you’re considering re-creating it, it’s worth nothing that it’s so well-chosen that it will have just as much impact with a less daring cami ;)) Brie’s outfit was simpler in concept, but equal in drama, as she donned a glittering maxi dress from Parker NYC. The long sleeves give the piece a trendy 70’s vibe, which is accentuated by its easy glamour. Brie echoed that with her long, loose hairstyle and looks absolutely stunning!
Nikki’s flair for drama was on full display in her next ensemble! I’m wild over her magnificent lace blouse with its layered-ruffle sleeves – it’s so feminine and beautiful! We need to talk about the styling though. I understand the trendiness of having only a bra underneath and Nikki has the body to rock this look into oblivion, but I can’t generally recommend it for the non-paparazzi’d of us. I do appreciate the way it shows off the beauty of the lace… but a nude cami would give essentially the same effect with a more sophisticated vibe. I’m back in for her choice to toughen it up by adding leather pants and OTK boots - it keeps the lace from feeling too sweet. Despite my not being totally here for the styling, I can’t help but admit that this looks incredible on her!

Sasha looked gorgeous in the sari she wore during her trip to India in December. The intense colors and complex patterns are eye-catching and uplifting! She accented the traditional piece with a slim black choker and bright lips.
Stephanie had her fierce on in this leather asymmetrical dress she wore for Raw. Nothing says “power” like black leather! :) The thicker fabric gives this piece a straighter line which keeps it from being too try-hard. Steph added a touch of shine with her silver collar which finishes the look without competing with the major statement of the dress.  I love that she fully committed to the look with bold, smoky eye.
I couldn’t resist calling out this sporty track suit from Danielle  because…yellow! :). It’s bright and sunshine-y and joyful. Who wouldn’t want to work out in something like this?! It would totally get me fired up to got to the gym just so I could put it on ;). And I’d be brainstorming 24/7 to come up with other ways to wear the pieces – with a black blazer or a black denim pencil skirt… :). Danielle completed the look with bright white sneakers that maintained the summer-y feel of the set.