The Suit Jacket’s Daring Edgy Factor
February 5, 2010
We all know and love the classic suit jacket, with its fitted structure, collar, and buttons. But sometimes we want a more edgy look: something daring, bold, and exciting. Enter in the leggings!
Traditionally a suit-type jacket is worn with matching trousers or a pencil skirt and collared white blouse underneath. It is a classic look. But when you want more of an edgy factor, that same business style garment suddenly opens many more opportunities. This is also a great way to expand your style from the pieces you already have existing in your closet.
Take for instance what I have done here with my gray double-breasted long jacket from BLACK QUEEN and leggings from Peplum, both of which I found on YESSTYLE.com (check out more of their leggings here).
Just a simple classic jacket, great for any occasion paired with some edgy leggings for a daring look.
Rethink your wardrobe and see what creative mixes you can find. And think of your future fashion finds: what new item would reinvent nearly your entire closet, or maybe just some of your favorites? Leggings go a long way from pairing up with dresses, vests, t shirts, and jackets. They also make your shoes look like something new as well.
A traditional styled jacket is great for those classic looks on the formal side, worn with a pair of skinny jeans on the casual side, or worn here with some bold leggings for the edgy side. Remember, a new item doesn’t mean just a new outfit- it means many new possibilities for all of your existing outfits! Expand your style in volumes.
Floral Dreams Of A Fashion Wonderland
December 20, 2009
I love the soft, delicate, and feminine charm of a floral theme especially when it comes to fashion. I think accessories have a lot of room for creativity and playfulness here. I know the first time I saw the incredibly gorgeous floral rings from Dior that this would be a theme I would keep close to.
Anything that resembles the thoughts of Wonderland holds a special place in my heart and within my style. Take for instance here with this beautiful bracelet from a boutique shop called “Nonno.”
A pearl, crystals, gold, pink shades, and a dainty chain all come together here for a lovely look. And the lady bug is bonus feature. Floral designs within the accessory world is not an uncommon theme. Though it may be winter now, spring is soon to follow with many new welcoming designs.
After a winter of many dark, rich, and decadent colors the softer pastel shades are soon to return. And with them, the many joys of spring as well.
Designs and inspirations are everywhere. And accessories are becoming more and more creative! I cannot wait to see what the new year brings. But for now, I’ll be enjoying the pieces I already have, the ones I have just recently been given (such as the ring above given to me by an amazing friend), and the floral designs of shoes, dresses, lace, and even household decor.
Yes, floral designs are everywhere. Even in our earrings as seen below, a favorite of mine from a set I found on YESSTYLE.com. They always have great styles and inspiring ideas for your wardrobe there. You can see more of these earrings, including the other mismatched piece to the set, which really makes me think of Alice In Wonderland here:
You’ll also find more inspirations of the floral fashion theme in the post listed above. It is a favorite of mine since there are so many ways to reinvent and style such looks. And the feel alone always brings a smile to my face.
Anchors Aweigh! Sailing Fashion Hits Land
December 2, 2009
When I first found the accessories (<-visit part one of the post here), you may remember my excitement for this theme. But now the sailor theme has hit land and hit it hard. Just take a look at this fantastic find from Sechuna available on yesstyle.com. It’s like right out of a cartoon, the child within is ecstatic!
Check Out More Playful Fashion Themes From Sechuna
Right now it has been pretty wintery over here, so I have had to layer up while wearing this jacket. I’m not wearing my sailor accessories because I think it would be an overload, and the jacket does well on its own.
The accessories are just another means of extending the theme. I’ve already found some more sailor looks that are standing out, like this blouse pictured below also created by Sechuna:
I love everything about this outfit. They really have the details covered, much like with the jacket. A very classic theme that is playful yet wearable.
They have some other themes (like bunnies and kitties) that are subtle and fun as well. Those are some other ideas I will have to experiment with. But for now the Sailor theme is really playing nicely, and it reminds me of a movie I love- Anchors Aweigh! staring Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra (with a speacial guest of Jerry from the Tom & Jerry cartoons-a favorite of mine growing up)!
I love themes, and when they are as adorable as this it is impossible to resist. What are some of your favorite themes?
Speak with you soon. xx.
Bigger Bows For An Adorable Updo
November 13, 2009
When it comes to accessories I love items that are bigger than life. Oversized sunglasses, handbags (to a certain limit of course), watches, rings, and bows. Something about the contrast appeals to me, and I love a challenge when incorporating them into my wardrobe.
The instant I saw this bow I knew it was mine- how I would wear it I did not know.
So this morning when I was putting my hair into a side swept updo, something felt missing. There was a bit more space than I had intended on having, and the updo seemed to tight and clean. Not neccessarily a bad thing, just not the look I was going for. Enter the bow. What a perfect finish- it is whimsical, adorable, black and elegant. The cute factor with the heart, designs, and enormous size fit in perfectly. I love it.
One side is very smooth and clear while the other is a collection of soft textures wraped in place by the giant bow. The silhouette it creates is a unique one with lots of character. I love the angles and feminine cute feel that comes from it.
It’s hard not to feel adorable when you have a bow this big in your hair. Even though one side is light and clear and the other is heavy and textured, the balance remains as each side gives a glimpse into the other. It plays of each other just right creating a uniformed look.
I think I’ll be incorporating this ridiculously large bow into more of my updos, giving elegance a playful and cute twist.
A Night At The Circus: Fashion Show
November 9, 2009
Last night was an amazing night with a style show fit for the circus! Stylists from Visible Changes competed in a circus themed hair fashion show for awards and lovely prizes. Everything was to be completed by each team on their own- from concept, application, styling, makeup, and even costume. Over 100 teams were competing and the competition was intense.
My team of stylists, Mel and Bel, are absolutely amazing. They began working on this project far in advance, looking over all the details until the results met their goals completely. They even brought the sewing kit out to design a unique and pretty costume to compliment the hair for a complete and vivid look.
Texture, color, and incredible talent with imagination combined to get them to third place last night. I was honored to be a part of the team and rock the fantastic look they gave me. The circus character I portrayed was of a tight rope balancing girl, complete with rope all throughout my hair. Love it!
How Do You Wear Your Stripes?
November 3, 2009
Stripes can be tricky to wear as they can make a very bold statement. They can also very quickly go overboard! It is important to keep your colors and patterns in balance so that they compliment your overall look rather than make you look like the battlefield.
This is a cute dress from dodostyle that has a connected striped long sleeved top. It is all one complete piece- and well thought out at that. The sleeves have a slight bell shape at the end with some extra length to really add a nice balancing contrast. Horizontal stripes can make things appear wider, so the extra length goes a long way here to keep that from occurring. Same is true of the volume at the end, that shape adds a very pleasing contrast.
The shoes in this case are a subtle touch to balance out the top with the bottom. I normally don’t think of these straps as stripes, but when put into perspective with a piece like this, it works together very nicely.
The solid color of the black looks beautiful and whimsical against the vivid stripes. The shape of the black portion of this dress is very clean and simple with feminine lines. The bottom bubbles out in the same manner of the sleeves, making them look like they belong. It adds another dynamic into the volume- from fitted to bubbled, in a very complimentary style.
And did I mention cozy? I love sleeves that are longer than me, something about them makes me feel like a child all cuddled up. All of my dresses from Dodostyle are cozy like that. Not necessarily from the sleeves, but from the material. They all have very nice fits and make me feel like I’m wrapped in a blanket. Also, their styles are incredibly adorable! Yet another beauty from YES STYLE, every item I have ordered from them demands attention anywhere I go. It is how I wear my style, and in this piece, my stripes.
How do you wear your stripes?
Where’s Your Playsuit? Noir Fashion Fun
October 29, 2009
I know what you’re thinking… a playsuit- really? Not my normal thing but something about this piece made me want to have it. It looks comfortable as can be, but still has that element of style that calls to me. And once I had it on, I knew it was meant to be. I love it.
With the cool weather creeping in, shorts are not going to cut it. But since I want to wear my new piece, I find a way to make it work. Tights are just the thing here, and they add a nice new pattern and feel to complete the look. What was once just a playful cute look as a new edge to it. Pattern tights with a simple solid outfit really make it “pop.”
These tights are a pair I found at Target some time ago, and have always been interesting to mix with outfits. They can be busy if anything else is competing, but something about the form of the playsuit works just lovely with them. I’ll wear a black solid shaped jacket as I go out and the chill picks up, but right now it’s sunny with that cool air that needs just a little extra.
The black playsuit is a find from YES STYLE. I think the bow design on the top is just darling, and not over the top. Just right and adds a nice shape to it all. Very feminine and very cute.
I love outfits like these- they are ready to go in an instant and you look fabulous without any effort what so ever. It just carries it for you. A little volume with texture, a solid and elegant color, and a touch of playfulness with the unique design. Definitely pretty and fabulous. mwah.
Black On Black Fashion Glamor
October 12, 2009
Black- the classic fashion color for an elegant look. It is complimenting and offers multiple style options- even with the same garments given to a number of people. Each person will wear it differently and give it a new feel. So with winter giving me another chance to play, I decided to go with the black on black layering technique.
Since it is cool, layers are required (especially with my clothes, lol). A long sleeve black shirt and black tights make the foundation- from those two form fitting items, I am able to play with shape and color if I so choose to. Since I am going with black on black, shape is what counts here.
I have this floppy, cozy, sweater-like dress that was just begging to be worn. But with it’s short length and short sleeves, it requires company if it wants to actually be warm. Perfect- just the ingredient I was looking for. Now for some fun with the accessories:
When it is cool outside, I love wearing my bracelets over my long sleeves. Something about it makes them pop, especially when it is silver on black. But even the black on black stands out, the shine from the gems are a subtle and elegant touch. And with a ring to match- beautiful!
Now, because I didn’t want to be completely in black and lost in the shadows… I wanted something to really just pop. What stands out against black more than white, and with yesterday’s theme still fresh in my mind, I knew just the shoes to do it.
I’ve posted about these shoes before, and yet almost had forgotten I had them! Ack, I know.. but they are brand new to me again since finding them, lol. You can see more photos of the shoes from my previous post here: click to view the shoes
Black on black glamor- I’m going to say it’s a fabulous do ;D
Fashion From Under The Sea
October 3, 2009
Fashion with a theme is a great focus to get the creativity flowing, and one simple little piece is all it takes. Take for instance my latest find from under the sea.. a “my pet octopus” ring from ModCloth. Look at those gorgeous lines- I couldn’t resist. Besides, it’s my new pet.
This particular style they offered in a bracelet and necklace, too. But when there is something as unique as this it only takes one to make the statement without going overboard. I knew for me it had to be the ring- just look how those legs dangle and gently cover over some of the other fingers. I love that, but of course- I love “big” and unique style.
I switch around which finger I wear this ring on, just because it’s shape plays so nicely on them all. It gives a different feel which also keeps things interesting.
This one is a beautiful find, and one of many I hope. I must admit when I play the animal theme I generally lean on the wild cat side of things, maybe the occasional bunny- but I haven’t really explored the depths of the sea.
I think maybe it is time for just a touch of under the sea fashion.
Volume In Control: A Must Fashion Accessory
August 27, 2009
I love volume, and there is definitely a certain balance to be maintained in order for it to work wonders. There are also many options to be explored, and all of them have to do with playing around with the silhouette.
Dresses are a particular favorite of mine, and those cozy, voluminous, short ones that have been in style are a dream. Nothing like looking fabulous while being comfortable, some of them feel like silk or even as cozy as a blanket. My latest favorite, from STAR.MIMI, feels like silk against the skin. It is soft, delicate, and moves so elegantly. On it’s own, it has a good amount of volume that is in good balance because of the length (pictured above).
But what about those options? Volume is put into control with this must fashion accessory: the cinched waist belt.
Oh, the cinched waist belt, how I heart the many styles you give me. It is simple, yet can drastically change the silhouette and feel of a style. It is also my little cheat into being able to wear those cute tops and dresses that may be otherwise sold out in my size. The belt allows me to make it work- so brilliant.
I also love belts that come with an outfit- and then taking that belt to mix and match with the rest of my wardrobe. Ribbons make a great belt alternative as well. I don’t like letting good packaging go to waste!
A collection of belts leaves lots of room for creativity. And vintage belts are a thing of beauty. A simple top or dress gets a whole new personality in an instant. (Some belts.. especially the chain-like ones… depending on their weight, can also make crazy-awesome necklaces or chokers. Just a thought!)
I love the mix in fabrics on this dress- from incredibly soft cloth to a gorgeous silky shine. Fabulous. Both the STAR.MIMI dress and With Mocha heels are from yesstyle.com, I’m hooked on their products. Beautiful one-of-a-kind fashion that always keeps me in my style. And they have something for every personality and feel.
A Visit Into Wonderland From Tim Burton
June 23, 2009
All this discussion of cartoons, villains, and characters we’ve loved since childhood always draws me right into wonderland. And with news of Tim Burton’s next movie to be “Wonderland” I felt it a must to bring up.
Now, I have mixed feelings about this honestly. I have a difficult time these days to get excited over any movie… The Dark Knight was the last movie that really delighted the child inside me, keeping true to the integrity of the characters and story. But so many movies these days take classics and “revive” them with a campy unnecessary or just completely wrong twist. My opinion only of course, but I save judgement until after the movie is out and I have seen it. Only then will I know.
In the mean time I will indulge in the photos as I keep a cautious eye and ear in mind. Alice In Wonderland is very dear to me and so I do not want my heart broken.
This movie is to take a different story but with the classic’s tale in mind. In Tim Burton’s wonderland, Alice is 17 years of age and attending a party at a Victorian estate. She soon discovers that she is about to be proposed to in front of hundreds of snooty society types, to which she then runs off, following a white rabbit into a hole which returns her to Wonderland. In this film, wonderland is a place she has once visisted 10 years before but does not recall it. I think this allows for more possibilities for Tim Burton to put his own creative take and not disturb the classic. Creating a twist from the story from the beginning leaves some room for freedoms. We shall see how it all comes together in 2010.
Below are some photos courtesy of stylefrizz of Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen.
You can read more about this film from USA Today where they also offer more photos and a panoramic exclusive view into the art concept of Alice In Wonderland.
A New Kind Of Twist
May 23, 2009
If you enjoyed the different kind of updo from the previous post, you’re going to love this new variation. It uses the same technique revealed in the Grand Collection, taken to a whole other level.
The beauty of this variation, too, is that it works with various lengths of hair. It can look sooo cute with short hair, giving it anywhere from a spunky look to an elegant and chic graceful one. It is all on how you want to play it.
I have long hair, so I let it all just melt together. I think I would add more curls to give it extra body and texture the next time I do this- but it works well with the subtle waves just as well.
For those signed up for The Pretty Society Exclusive Newsletter, you are going to love how simple and quick this look is to do. I’ll be illustrating the step by step instructions on both variations- this one above and the updo from the previous post. I’m loving how elegant and easy these looks are to construct.
And with the variations, there’s room to add your own personality and unique creative touch into the mix- make it your own and rock this look!
Elegance and glamor don’t have to be complicated or time consuming- it is the simple details we do for ourselves that shine the brightest and make a difference.
