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.
I ♥ Lace: A Fashion Obsession, Part II
December 27, 2009
The beauty of lace is that there are so many ways to wear it: from accessories like hair decorations, gloves, purses and scarves to dresses and tights making an outfit truly stand out.
In my last lace obsessed post I was playing with the idea of lace tights to add more texture and style to your fashion. With the winter trend of thigh high boots, patten tights fit just right in creating a bold and sexy style.
Black is classic and elegant and works lovely with winter’s charm. Later on in the spring nude and white lace may add a soft but playful factor for us to look forward to. But back to the season at hand and how we can have fun with our style.
I have been experimenting with lace quite a lot lately- and not just how it can redesign shoes. Take for instance using lace as a layer and foundation for your existing wardrobe. A long sleeve laced top goes a long way when worn under the right dress or tank top. It is the perfect selection for updating your entire wardrobe, giving old pieces a new feel in an instant. If you want to take lace even further then consider a piece such as this lucky find: A Lace Trim Jumpsuit from TIAN MU.
What I like about this selection is that not only is it one-of-a-kind, it is also all once piece. Well, one piece save for the black tube top underneath. If you have a unique tank top you can play with the lines of the design even more. But this once piece with the casual shorts and lace collar, front, and sleeves creates a simple look that is not to be ignored.
Because it is a single piece it leaves plenty of room for accessories- from vests to belts to playful jewelry pieces. I like the outfit on its own honestly, but I also look forward to reinventing the look over and over again. I’ve been thinking of playing with belts, skinny to “wow” factor big, and different undergarments first. Maybe even a colorful long sleeve top underneath to add a new flair. There’s plenty of ideas available and this very unique outfit will have a different feel each time I wear it because of all these options.
TIAN MU has lots of other great styles which have caught my eye, many of them playing with lace in different ways, too. From baby doll dresses to leggings, there’s lots of great ideas and inspirations to be found.
Click Here to view more from Tian Mu and find some fashion inspirations (or obsessions!) of your own.
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.
Video: A Cute And Glamorous Look For A Night Of Events
July 18, 2009
This week has been very eventful, from seeing my family to meeting great new friends and even to being invited to some spectacular opportunities- but more on that last one later!
There were two cigar events scheduled yesterday, and this video is from right before I left to attend them. The first event was so great-ran into unexpected friends and it turned out to be an evening to remember. I didn’t make it to the second event, but instead chose to have dinner with these incredibly great people.
Dinner and delicious wines I might say- an evening of cigars followed by fois gras, boudin noir, cheese, venison in blackberry sauce, sweetbreads, and poached pears, not to mention the great conversation. This is my ideal kind of night!
And so I like to dress for such occasions, even before they happen. I am always ready for anything and keep that attitude in mind. I was feeling a pink, black, and pearl theme in my wardrobe and ended up with a pretty unique and feminine look. Hope you enjoy- speak with you soon!
Some Fashion Favorites Are Simple And Fabulous
June 27, 2009
What are some of your favorite fashion pieces in your wardrobe? For me, no matter how many new fabulous finds I discover, some of the oldest pieces still to this day will stand out to me. It doesn’t matter the name, the price, or where it was found- some of our favorite styles continue to treat us well each and every day when we need them most.
I have many pieces that do this for me, but yesterday I brought out a skirt I haven’t worn in ages. I love this skirt, and if I remember correctly it wasn’t much more than ten dollars in price. The color, ruffles, and movement always make me feel pretty and fabulous.
I decided to curl my hair to match the texture of the skirt, that way when I move there is balance and luxury in every step. I love it. And with a skirt as brilliant in color and texture as this, not much else is needed. It is simply bold and beautiful on its own.
Normally I will wear a fitted simple black top with this skirt, but I decided to bring out another fashion favorite of mine, though newer to my collection- a loose fit elegant black top. Both of these pieces are from forever 21, and I will combine them with my more expensive designer items all the time.
I love how the loose-fit black tops can go with anything- even with shorts they look so elegant and effortless. Not to mention how comfortable they are. Sometimes this style of top will fall off the shoulder, giving just a hint but it works so well the feel of the outfit. I don’t mind it at all. It just flows so naturally.
I also like the contrast of a smooth, flowing top with a basic structure matched up against a skirt that is rigid and uneven at the end. When it flows from one piece into the other it feels so lovely.
With a look like this I am ready for anything- running errands, enjoying an evening to myself, or going out for cocktails. The skirt is old but the top is new. I think there is always room to mix our old loves with our new ones when it comes to style. After all, that’s what makes it our own unique style.
Dreaming In Gold And Glitter
June 16, 2009
Playing around in my closet yesterday, I found myself with a golden trio of glittering styles. From shorts that dazzle to shoes that shine to nails that twinkle in the light. Are you dreaming in gold and glitter?
These shorts are fantastic- but I’ll get to them in a moment. When I first put them on I realized I had the nail polish to match already. Isn’t it funny how things work out like that? If you will remember my Nails That Rock: Dipped In A Pot Of Gold post featuring this golden glittered color pictured below, then you can see how fun of a match it would be paired with these fabulous shorts.
Next are the shoes, a pair I picked up from a local boutique shop in Miami forever ago and maybe spent fifteen dollars on, maybe. I used to find such great style discoveries there, you just never knew what would come up. Sizes were limited so you would always have to show up early for them. But these are real fun:
I love how the tip goes past the toe at an angle and is finished off with a little gem. Very cute and elegant subtle touch- goes a long way. The design is fabulous, too- and the fact that it has a crystal shaped “T” also caught my eye, for my name. Fun, fun.
They are an easy way to dress up an outfit as well, and are great for a glamorous day look.
Now onto the shorts- another grand find from yesstyle! The shorts come in silver as well, but I have been wanting to incorporate more gold pieces into my wardrobe and thought they were just the thing. So simple but bold in design.
I wore these with just a simple and loose black top. Not much is needed with these shorts- they are a nice statement piece on their own. A nice way to change things up when you are running around doing errands.
So there you are, something a little different and dazzling in gold. It isn’t something I would do on a daily basis- but that’s the point. Keeping it interesting, stylish, unique and fun. I love how one simple piece can change an outfit so greatly.
Sneak Peak Into Style:
June 2, 2009
Alright, I normally wouldn’t do this but I am so excited I cannot help it! I was doing some shopping late last night and when I found these gems, I had to order them right away. My last purchase from this place completely impressed me and was beyond my expectations, so I am especially excited about this one!
First, I am only going to give you a glimpse of the shoes, this is my first shoe purchase with them and I will give you the honest details once they arrive. But check out these killer heels- haute.
I am in love with them already, and they were just what I was looking for. Everything about these killer heels is perfect and will definitely bring a bold and stylish statement to any outfit- any. Oh, I cannot wait to play with them!
Next! What actually brought me to browsing through the styles last night was this next selection. I love versatility in an item and seek it out in my wardrobe. Remember my vest on top of a vest? This next look is open to so many options it will be reinvented over and over again. Just look and see here below.
This dress is from Adela and is also found on YesStyle, along with all the selections featured in this post. I already have one dress from the Adela line and it is absolutely adorable, chic, and elegant. I’ll be showing it to you soon, too. What I remember especially about them is how beautiful the fabric was, it was nicely designed and very comfortable. So when I saw this dress, the smocked convertible chiffon pictured above, I was very excited.
It looks like a simple and elegant dress, right? But it doesn’t stop there, it is actually listed as a “skirt” and here is why:
See the double strand on the black dress- when it is left as a single long strand it becomes a very fashionable skirt, perfect for layers. Now, I wouldn’t wear it with a print t-shirt as pictured on the right, but I like the possibilities open- for instance maybe a button up short sleeve puffed shirt. I *do* very much like the flowy blouse with a matching vest though. What a sleek and simple look.
The dress, or “Smocked Convertible Chiffon Skirt”, comes in four colors to chose from, I chose the beige/cream one because I think I’ll personally get more use out of it. (I have so many black dresses as is, I think this color will stand out more in my closet with more variations to mix with).
Alright, these are my latest purchases that I am so excited about I had to tell you about them before they even arrive. You can be sure there will be a follow up post when they do! I’m feeling very confident about these gems.
All of these styles are from here if you would like to take a look for yourself- there is literally something for everyone. I love it. Also, you cannot beat the price.
Because Aprons Can Be Dresses, Too
May 11, 2009
How adorable and fun is this? It is called an apron dress- but it is more subtle than that I think. I can see where the name comes from, but don’t be fooled- this one is not for the kitchen.
I love bows, they are so adorable. The bow on this dress is perfectly placed too- and the same color bow to dress fabric is a lovely touch as well. It adds more to the dress’s unusual design and shape.
This dress consists only of the gray fabric you see- the black top underneathe is a separate piece, both items came from YesStyle.com (I love them- they are fabulous!) and both fit and feel lovely on. I purchased the black top with the bow sleeves when I had the apron dress in mind- also I thought it would be a fun top to experiment with my other jumper style dresses.
Adding unique sleeves to an otherwise sleeveless dress reinvents the look all together, and I think this top in particular will make a dramatic effect.
The bow-tie sleeved top is from Dodostyle and comes in multiple colors- black, white, and pink are the ones that come immediately to mind, you can look and see more for yourself on YesStyle.com as there were some other variations on the style of the sleeves.
The apron dress comes in two colors, too- gray as seen here and also in black. I chose gray because I can mix it out more within my wardrobe- but I think a black apron dress with a white puffed-bow sleeve would also be *very* adorable!
Hmmmmm….. speak with you soon!
Bow Tie, Black And White Adorable Shoes
April 3, 2009
Shoes? But of course my loves, you never can have too many shoes. And when I came across these pretty little black and white darlings, I couldn’t help myself!
What’s even more surprising is where I found them and for how much.. generally I prefer to spend a good amount on a shoe, I think it is worth it and you can feel it in the quality. But these are something different- something fun and random. Oh, and only twenty five dollars, ha. Can you believe it?
They are quite comfortable for the price, and who am I to deny a shoe of this much cuteness? I went to forever twenty one today, I will make a visit about once a year it seems and find a few cozy and cute outfits to mix and match with my wardrobe. Found a few beautiful dresses as well, but those will follow in posts to come (as well as a beautiful find from Target, hint- Alexander McQueen!). But that’s later.
Back to the shoes- yes they are fabulous and a lucky find. They were the only ones I saw in the shop like it, and fortunately for me exactly my size as well. Don’t you just love when things like that happen, meant to be.
I’ll enjoy playing with these new shoes- the color is perfect for most any outfit and adds a bold new tone to a look. Definitely fun.
