Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Add Texture To Your Look

One way to make your outfit more dynamic is by adding texture to your look.  Texture, fabric, shape, design, and color are the five elements  of interest in an outfit.  Texture gives your eye something to focus on.  The easiest pieces to add texture to are in your shoes, handbags, and jewelry.



Alexander Wang's Fish Scale Platform Pumps, $475, grab your eye with the scales and the bold color.


Sergio Rossi Single Sole Pumps, $525, have a linen texture.
Sergio Rossi Single Sole Pumps


Haircalf pumps are all the rage now.  Great luxurious look for winter.  Sergio Rossi, $252.


Marciano snakeskin scaled clutch, $88, three colors available.  Beautiful detail.  Blue snakeskin clutch, available in 3 colors, by Marciano, $158.  Cielo Flap Handbag, Marciano, $165.  Taupe with Off White, or Taupe with Black.
 PM11GM052 PM11GM025

PM111119


Enzo Angiolini is another shoe designer that makes haircalf pumps and boots.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Bold Finish from Behind...Draped Back Tops and Dresses

Color, fabric, texture, and design all make the unique style of clothing.  One of the newest looks I've seen is the draped-back tops and dresses.  This is a great look to wear with jewelry as it is simpler in the front and then when you turn around it makes a bold statement.


This dress, by BCBG, has a vibrant color but the back detail is what makes the dress.  $268.

 


Pisarro Nights Drape Back Sequin Dress, Nordstrom's, $198.
Pisarro Nights Drape Back Sequin Dress Pisarro Nights Drape Back Sequin Dress


This BCBGEneration Draped-Back Dress, $98, creates a design amongst the draped back.


This Cut25 Draped Back Dress, Revolve Clothing, $238.
 


BCBGeneration Draped-Back Top, $78.
 

Friday, January 20, 2012

Work to Going Out...How to Make Your Look Work for Both

The key to finding a professional work look that can also transition to a night out or a post work event is knowing what is expected of your office or clientele and how to change that in one to two easy pieces to be able to go out at night.  Each office is going to require different looks but across the board with all industries I work with these looks should work.

Look #1

This dress is a great option.  It is long enough the be appropriate for the office and the neckline is not too low.  Add a navy blue blazer or olive colored blazer for work.  When you are ready to go out at night, add a fun necklace and vibrant heels.  Take the jacket off when you arrive at your evening out location, or leave it at the office.  Dress, Rachel Roy, $445.  Jacket Balmain, $1432.  Turquoise Druzy Necklace, $38  Sam Edelman Studded Heel, $292.05.

                  Main Piece                                      Work
Rachel Roy Origami Cap Sleeve Fitted Dress

                             Night Out                                                    Night Out
Cheap & Chic Druzy Necklace Blue

Look #2

Next is a great dress option, as long as your office isn't too corporate.  Elie Tahari, $398. The fun neckline can be accentuated if in creative fields for the office.  If more corporate, add this blazer, $99.  The ruched sleeves add some interest.   This blazer is great with a jean dress, or navy/olive/gold colored dresses or outfits for work.  Or you can add a black blazer.  Add skin color or black heels for the office.  To change the look to a night out, add a fun leather jacket to the look.  This one in blue is by Emilio Pucci.  Gray jacket by Temperley London  Add a fun colored clutch or tote for work (tote, Sandra Roberts, $178 and carry the clutch for your evening out.  Clutch, DSW, in turquoise,fuschia, or brown, $29.95.  Add fun boots as an option for a night out.

     Main Piece                                                  Work
 Halogen® Ruched Three Quarter Sleeve Jacket

                     Work                                                             Night Out
Sondra Roberts Patent Tote

                 Night Out                                                       Night Out

 

Look #3

Merlot colored velvet pants are a great work to going out option (Tahari, $74.40)  To look more corporate stick to neutrals such as grey, black, white and navy to accompany this to work.  This diagonal cut sweater is a great transition piece from office to night out.  If the cut is too racy for your office, this could be tucked into the velvet pants.  Or add a simply designed black belt around the waist to cinch it in.  Josie Natori Scarf Top, $325

                 Main Piece                                     Work and Night Out


To change the look for night, add a sequin sparkly skirt and heels.  Skirt, Josie Natori Vunde Printed Sequin Skirt, $350.
              Night Out

Below are dresses that are great for working and then going out.  Simply add a fun clutch or heels and take off your blazer or sweater as a topper.

Cache Asymmetrical Cut Out Dress, $79   Tahari Dress, $148  Un-zip the neckline and roll up the sleeves for a night out
Asymmetrical Cut Out Dress 

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Color of the Year for 2012-TANGERINE TANGO

The Pantone Color Institute revealed the color of the year for 2012 and it is Tangerine Tango (Pantone 17-463).    From the runway to the labels, Tangerine Tango has been dancing its way across many fashions, from head to toe as the hottest trend for this year.  The institute describes the color as "Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it."

Here are styles to wear this fierce color.

Pantone Tangerine Tango


DRESSES:

This Diane von Furstenberg Blaire Zip Silk Dress, $425 at Nordstrom's would look great with a bold, bright blue belt or necklace and purse.

Diane von Furstenberg 'Blaire' Zip Silk Dress 

This BCBG dress' drapping slenderizes a woman's bottom half.  The back gives drama to your outfit. $268

 

TOPS:

This BCBG Dree Cutout Detail Silk Top catches your eye not only for the bright color, but also for the neck and shoulder cutout details.  This would look great with a deep hued purse or clutch, such as azure (bright blue) or royal purple.  This RACHEL ROY Laurel Blouse, $79 side slits on the arm bring interest to the top.  This is a great blouse to wear to work with a sweater or jacket and then take that off and add a bright necklace to go out.

   

SHOES:


This Jimmy Choo Letitia Buckle Sandal http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/jimmy-choo-letitia-buckle-sandal/3252881?origin=keywordsearch&resultback=1287is a great pop of color to wear to the office, a night on the town, or for your next resort vacation.  $1,495.  For a casual look try these Steve Madden Manngo Woven Sandals, $79.95.  The Miu Miu heels are a great option for work. $650.



Jimmy Choo 'Letitia' Buckle Sandal Steve Madden 'Manngo' Woven Sandal
Miu Miu Flare Heel Strap Sandal

PURSES:


Michael Kors Hamilton Ostrich Embossed Tote, $348, is a great addition to any outfit.  This is the perfect pop of color and goes with all neutrals and bold hues.
MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Hamilton' Ostrich Embossed Tote

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Sleeve Style for 2012

Just as the fit and fabric change for tops and dresses, so do the sleeve styles.  Check out the latest sleeve trends and how to wear them.

There are 6 types of sleeves:

Kimono:  Loose, wide sleeves that hit anywhere from short to wrist length.  This voluminous sleeve borrows its look from Japanese wardrobe where the wearer's age and marital status were indicated through sleeve length (young unmarried women wore the longest sleeves.  The best way to wear this voluminous style as a dress or a top is belted to bring in a waistline.  Designers who do this style:  Michael Kors, Trina Turk.

Fit Tip:  Best for medium to small busted women.  Women who are bottom heavy this works well for as the belted look and kimono sleeves draw attention away from the bottom.

Trina Turk, $90.90, Nordstrom's
Trina Turk 'French Riviera' Tunic Cover-Up


Flutter Sleeve:  This sleeve detail is distinguished by a ruffle effect, with a sheer, soft fabric that drapes into a fluid ruffle at the should, adding softness and romance.  Designers who do this style:  Ark & Co., Esprit.
Fit Tip:  A flutter sleeve can work for every body type, but is best avoided by petites as it can look too young and girly.



Lantern Sleeve:  The lantern sleeve is a full, gathered sleeve attached to a drop-shouldered garment; it can be either a long or short sleeve.  It is seen on everything from jackets to dresses.  Designers who do this style:  Badgley Mischka, Eileen Fischer.
Fit tip:  Great for camouflaging flabby upper arms.  Best on narrow shoulders/slim upper body types (wide shoulders, full busts are just emphasized by this voluminous sleeve.

                                                                            Ark & Co Flare and Tier Sleeve Dress, $84
What's That Sleeve Called? Ark & Co. Flare And Tier Sleeve Dress



Balloon Sleeve:  A very full sleeve-usually 3/4 length or longer-that has a banded bottom.  Designers who do this style:  Giambattista valli, Diane von Furstenberg, Shoshana, Roberto Cavalli, Lanvin.
Fit Tip:  Adds softness to a small upper body and draws the eye away from a thick waist or any lower body problem areas.  Not ideal for larger busted women as the sleeve competes with your chest.

Nabi, $88.20
Balloon-Sleeve Minidress


Bell Sleeve:  This look can be seen everywhere.  By far one of the most popular.  A full sleeve that is gathered at the shoulder and open at the cuff.  Designers who do this style:  Free People, Hinge, Hyde.
Fit Tip:  One of the easiest of the dramatic sleeves to wear, the bell sleeve--especially if done in a soft, flowing fabric--adds controlled fullness that is flattering to most body types.

The Addison Story Bell Sleeve Top, Saks Fifth Avenue, $172
 

Free People Gypsy Lace Dress, $128                          Betsey Johnson Solid Charmeuse Bambi Tunic, $348
Gypsy Lace Dress  SOLID CHARMEUSE BAMBI TUNIC - Betsey Johnson

Flutter Sleeve or Poncho Sleeve:  Straight fabric from shoulders to waist running down the arm.  Designers who do this style:  Ark & Co, 
Fit Tip:  This style can fit all body types.  Best on medium breasted women.  Great to emphasize shoulders and lower arms.