Divine Style: Fashion and Styling Tips

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

DECO INSPIRED FLAT SANDALS

This sandal is perfect to wear during the day and out at night. The color, and details (beading, strappiness, etc.) all make the sandal more or less dressy. Perfect if you are walking on the beach, running around town, or need to wear something for day to night.

Wear a nude or skin-tone color that goes with anything.

Georgina by Sam Edelman, $120 Adriel by Isola, $159

Gladys by Rachel Zoe, $235

Another option is wearing black. This is a great contrast if you are wearing bright bold colors or citrus colors.

Karell by Vince Camuto, $98

Printed sandals and metallic also capture the eye and are a great addition to any outfit.

DV Dolce Vita, $69 Steve Madden Beaminng Studded Leather Sandal Silver, $79

Colored sandals are great to add to any neutral dresses or outfits. Wear them with any colors in the same family (greens and yellows, or a contrasting color such as blues and greens). Anything with interesting coordinating colors or detailing will lengthen your body if wearing a maxi dress or longer skirt.

Air Catalina by Cole Haan, $168 Thomas-2 by Pierre Dumas, $29

Aldo, $59.95

Prada Strap Flower Sandal in Suede, $430

Monday, February 20, 2012

CITRUS PARTY DRESSES

Citrus colors are very popular for spring and summer. These colors grab your attention when you walk into a room. They look great on most skin tones as well and can easily be transitioned between seasons.

Tangerine is a must have color for 2012. It is the color of the year. The asymmetrical hem and ruching make this dress stand out. Rebecca Minkoff Ero Long Dress, $378.

This Kimberly Taylor Bali Dresses flowy yet fitted shape is perfect with bold colored earrings, bracelet, and a clutch. The lime color is hot this season. $295

This DV Dolce Vita dresses cut out arm detail and lace up V-back makes a statement. $242

This Alice + Olivia one shoulder draped dress is great for most figure types. The fit gives you a shape and figure but the looseness is forgiving. Great slate to add jewelry and fun high heels. Go all neutral or do another bold color such as deep purple or blue. $297

This Halston Heritage dress' side knot is perfect for most figures. Those that are chest heavy or are concerned with their stomach, the draping hides this. Also good for athletic builds as the side knot creates interest. Great to add a statement necklace and bangles. $295

This Jay Godfrey Klimt High Neck Sleeveless Dress, $325, is perfect to wear to work and then out with friends.

Friday, February 17, 2012

RAINBOW ACCESSORIES IN A SEASON FROM NY FASHION WEEK

Per "Elle" Fashion Accessories Editor, Kate Davidson Hudson

NY Fashion Week just ended this week. Fashion Week debuted Fashion's for a fashion season ahead, which is Fall/Winter 2012 (so stores, magazines, editors, stylists etc. can show the collection and pick lines to carry and magazines/stylists can have the looks shown editorially and on models/clients).

Adding a pop of color in your bag, your shoes, or your accessories is a great way to add some flair and interest to your outfit.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

EYE CATCHING EMERALD GREEN

Emerald green is a statement color. It catches someone's eye when you walk in the room. Whether you have been wearing it for years or have never tried it, look to eye this color either in your accessories or in your clothing this season.

This "Kolae" Daphne Top with one-shoulder is a bold stand out. $189.

This Robert Rodriguez One Shoulder Applique Top with flowy draping is a sexy look. $285

This Haute Hippie Draped Emerald Silk Top with beautiful draping is great with a pencil skirt, leather leggings, or skinny jeans. Try it with navy, purple, or vibrant blue. $235

A dress is always a great option. Wear it with bold colored accessories. Heels for night or shoe booties for the day.

Haute Hippie One Sleeve Cowl Neck Dress, $192.50

The Addison Story "Piped Diamond Dress", $200.20. Sam Edelman Marina Pump, Nordstrom's, $86.90. Sam Edelman Studded Lorissa, $200.

Jeans, pants, or skirts are another great option to have in Emerald Green. Great bold color that can be worn with a lot of other prints or plain colored tops.

7 for All Mankind Gweneverve Gummy Skinny Jeans, $124.99.

M Missoni Green Pencil Skirt, $105.

Stretch-jersey pencil skirt by M Missoni

Yoox Collection Maliparmi Skirt, $125. Pair with a fitted white knit shirt,taupe shirt, tangerine or olive colored shirt. Let the waist cinching details steal the show. Simple heels and bold earrings.

Shoes and jewelry are a great way to add Emerald to your wardrobe. Try these Tory Burch Reva emerald flats, $239.

Guess Shoes Lava, $89.99.

Kenneth Jay Lane earrings, $145, worn by Kyle Richards, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Kenneth Jay Lane Emerald Tear Drop Earrings

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

PRINTED DENIM

Printed denim is a hot, new trend. The denim can be styled and designed to look like designer pants or like edgy clothing. Find a pattern that you love and the fit of the jean. Both are important in determining how they will look on you. The smallest of patterns can be worn by everyone versus larger patterns which can make your legs look bigger. Patterns that cut vertically also can be slimming. Also selecting the appropriate top to wear with them. Generally a plain colored top (in a vibrant or a muted tone) will go with any of the printed denim. Add a belt or jewelry but the printed denim should be what is making the statement.

AG Adriano Goldschmied "The Stilt" jean in ikat blue. This is a versatile jean that can be worn with a variety of colored tops, from brights to pastels. $185

Rag & Bone Jean "The Legging". Great versatile pair of jeans for spring and summer. Seen on LeAnn Rimes. $253

7 for All Mankind "Skinny" in Garden Party Print. Great with a white button down untucked shirt and black waist belt. $189

Rich & Skinny Legacy Skinny Jean in Khaki Python, $172.

Boa Print Skinny Jean by J Brand. Perfect with a white shirt to accentuate the jeans. Suede heels or shoe booties in a dark olive. $242

Current/Elliott "The Stiletto" in Neon Leopard, $246.

Monday, February 13, 2012

MEN'S BELTS STYLES

Men's belts styles fall into a few categories. There are black, brown, and color with different fabrics and leather styles. Most are about the same width, with skinny belts making an appearance. The buckle is what really makes the difference and tells more about your style. Traditional belt buckles still exist for men's "work" belts but see below on different buckles types to catch your eye. The newer styles of buckles make men appear more fashion forward, which in business translates to more cutting-edge. Men, this is your statement piece in an outfit. Women and men notice, so it is a great place to spend money.

Designer- this usually has the brand on it. The buckle and belt can have the brand's logo. Suede is a hot trend as is white.

White Suede Versace, $225

Fendi, $445

Dolce & Gabana, $189

Brown

Barney's New York Double Ring Brown Suede Belt, $120

Salvatore Ferragamo Adjustable Double Gancini Buckle Belt, $290--find cheaper on Ferragamo's website

Robert Graham Florentine Buckle Belt, $148

Black

Murano Reversible Black/Brown Belt, $45 Express Reversible Black/White Belt, $39.90

Versace, $275 Burberry, $275

Trendy Buckles- buckles truly show a man's style. A great buckle catches someone's eye and shows you are trendy and current. Great to wear with jeans, or pants for work or fun.

Ariat McCoy Black, $84.99