Showing posts with label Outfits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Outfits. Show all posts

Friday, August 9, 2013

Friday Fav: Tasteful Animal Prints

By LL in KC

When you think of animal print, what are your first thoughts? 

This:


Or this:


Or even this:


Animal print is a slippery slope. If not done right - without the perfect balance - you can wind up looking cheap. (No offense.) However, when done right, it can become a neutral and look very classic, like here:

{thequeenstyle.com}

Or,

{saucyglossy.com}
And this look:

{J.Crew}

Or here is my look today:

{#BananaRepublic dress, #OldNavy cardigan, #FrancoSarto pumps and #JCrew belt}

The key to the right fit in animal print is:
  1. Keep it simple - do not over accessorize or mix too many colors
  2. Having one piece of animal print be the only one piece of an outfit
  3.  Neutralize the print - it should be the piece you build off of, not onto
  4. It should never be too short, too tight or all over your body
  5. It should be in the natural animal print colors (i.e., no pink leopard or green zebra)

Keep it classy!

Monday, June 3, 2013

Favorite Fit: Statement Stripes

By LL 

If you haven't noticed yet, one of this summer's hottest trends is statement stripes. Bold lines in stark contrasts are appearing in all pieces of the summer wardrobe for 2013. 


Taking the look from the runway and into your closet is simple (if only we could all look this cute in such an outfit!). You can find a bold skinny jean from True Religion.


Or join the trend with a pump from Super Woman.


A statement stripe outfit works best with two colors in the striped piece, then accent the outfit with a few solid pops of color, as seen below from PopSugar.com:


If you do multiple colors in the striped pattern, lean more towards neutral of subtle accessories.

Stripes can be daunting, especially bold, thick stripes. But there is something so refreshing and nautical about statement stripes in the summer!

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Thanksgiving Fits: Holiday Packing

By: LL
I must say that I personally enjoy Thanksgiving much more than Christmas. I think it is because you get to enjoy the company and good food, but without the pressure of finding the right gift and spending money that you don't have. In my family, Thanksgiving is also all about the right fits.

As I talked about the other day, my family hosts an annual 5k on Thursday morning to kick off the over-indulgent feast. But the holiday isn't only about physical fits ... it is also about fashion fits. Having four older sisters, Thanksgiving is a time of modeling cute new outfits and swapping fashion (which we refer to as Long-Term Borrows, or LTBs).

As I prepare for my annual pilgrimage back to Wisconsin, the first step in my planning is coming up with my outfits. For me, this means an outfit for travel/arrival, another for Thanksgiving day and a third for our evening out to celebrate my husband's birthday and catch up with a few friends.


Since I will be flying back to Wisconsin, my "arrival" outfit will convey stylish comfort, such as this bargain look - yellow cardigan from Old Navy, navy striped cotton turtleneck from Gap, red Bubble necklace from J.Crew, Always Skinny jeans from Gap, and wedge riding boots from Abound. This outfit works because it is comfortable with a few stylish pieces that tie the outfit together and make it looked polished. In addition, the winter coat can stay in the suitcase so you aren't lugging that around with your carry-on.




For the Thanksgiving celebration, I like to dress up. Here is a great look that includes an aubergine dress from Dorothy Perkins, Club Monaco polka dot tights, Steven Madden black suede pumps, a gold Seiko watch, and a gold-plated leaf necklace. This outfit works so well because it is comfortable and warm but not a sweater, which can become too warm with many people in one room with multiple ovens on. It also includes some of the great fall colors that I love so much.


Then, there is a look for a night out to catch up with friends. Here is a good look that includes a blazer and blouse from H&M, Diva jeans from Old Navy, a checker necklace from Forever21, and suede gray booties from BCBG Generation. Why this outfit works is that it doesn't require a winter coat (which is cumbersome when going out for drinks) and is fancy without being overly fancy. It is sweet and simple. 


Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Fits Do Halloween

By: LL
Happy Halloween! Are you wearing orange and black today? Think that the color combo can be a bit extreme? Here is a quick peek at a few ways that you can wear orange and black in celebration of the holiday.

{Try an orange dress (or black dress) and bring in the contrast through the accessories}


{Go for all over orange, white and black throughout your entire ensemble}


{Add in textures to break up the starkness of orange and black - like a lace skirt or polka dot blouse}


{Take a nod from Kendi and go for a soft autumnal look, using accessories to mute the color contrast}


{Embrace the colored pants movement and add a black blazer to your favorite orange pants}

It is fun to embrace holidays, so don't shy away from wearing orange and black today. For a lot of us, not all shades of orange are the right fit. Try out a few different shades or just bring in the orange through accessories, like scarves, necklaces or handbags. Have a merry Hallow's Eve!!


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Favorite Fit: Dresses with Pockets

By: LL

Who doesn't like a dress in summer? And, seriously, what doesn't make that dress (or skirt) better than pockets?!? I am so happy that the trend of adding pockets, especially hidden seam pockets, has stuck around for more than one season. You can ask my husband for verification on this, but I can think that a dress/skirt is *ehh* until I find out it has pockets...and then I have to have it! It is like pulling a rabbit out of a hat - the surprise; the excitement. I would say that about 75% of my skirts and dresses currently have pockets. Heck, after learning that some wedding dresses have pockets, I immediately wished that my dress had them as well.

Alright, enough with the pocket rant. Here are some of my favorite pocketed finds.

{J.Crew Factory Dress - this season, but sold out}

{Kensie - last season}

{Merona - this season}

{TJMaxx - this season}

{J.Crew - two seasons ago}


Trust me, this is just a sampling of the dresses with pockets that I own. I might need an intervention. 

Friday, May 11, 2012

Friday Fit: Casual Friday Attire

By: LL
Happy Friday!
Besides it being the last day of the work week, today is already shaping up to be a good day primarily because it is my first "casual Friday" at work. Since I have not had many of those in my career, I am relishing in the fact that I get to wear jeans to work today. So, here is a quick peak at what I decided to put together for my inaugural relaxed work day.

{Details:}
New Adrienne Vittadini flats, with white venting that make them perfect for spring/summer
Always Skinny Jeans from the Gap
A yellow polka dot ruffle top from F21
Subtle manicure using Essie Mamba

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend, and don't forget to honor your mother on Sunday! Maybe with a fun shopping spree ;-)

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Fundamental Fit: Accessorizing the black suit

By: LL
Not many things can be more boring than a black suit. Yes, it is a fundamental piece to have in your wardrobe, but it can seem so stale and forgettable. So, what are some good ways to make this fundamental piece fit better in your colorful wardrobe? This is a question that I work with quite a lot in my current work situation (which as I stated in this post, is supposed to be business casual, but has ended up more professional than that). Whereas I am able to add a little flair to my daily "uniform," I am sometimes stuck in situations where it is frowned upon to be too flashy.

When trying to style outfits in these circumstances, I use a tip that I learned when I was first starting out in the professional workforce, which is to ACT: Add Color and Texture.

Color: A subtle pop of color can go a long way while still looking classic and not looking cheap. Whether it be in your top, your accessories, or your shoes. Unlike my weekend looks, I try to keep my color palate simple and not mix too many distinct colors/shades (don't want any of the older ladies to faint!). If you are one who only invests in classic colors for work tops and shoes, then add in the accessories. Try a statement necklace or scarf...or what about a nice brooch to brighten up the top half! Bracelets are always a good way to add in a few other colors to compliment your main color piece.

Texture: Nothing gives a boring outfit more pizzazz than the dimension that comes with mixing textures. If your suit is plain or subtly patterned (think very faint pinstripes or plaids) add in some bold textures on top, whether that is from your blouse or scarf. And then compliment that texture will something different in your shoes, such as leopard or suede. Keep in mind that too much bold print with the texture might overwhelm the outfit and you'll wind up looking cheap (aka too much animal print).

And, you can always mix in a few trendier business separates, like a seasonal blazer or a pencil skirt with pleating at the back vent.

Here is on way to accessorize a black suit:


Here is a look at the way that I am accessorizing my suit today:


I recently picked up the turquoise J.Crew Bubble necklace and have already worn it to work twice (with a steeper price, I have to get my fair share of wears), and these tan ruffle & bow pumps are probably one of my most comfortable pair of heels! Perfect for a presentation to potential donors!

Details:
Suit: The Limited Travelers Suit
Lace Top: New York & Company
Necklace: J.Crew
Watch: Pulsar
Suede Pumps: Apt. 9 (Kohls - 3 years ago)

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Featured Fit: The Details

By: LL
The little details of an accessory or garment can be the things that make you really love that piece. Yet, many times those details are overlooked by others - under-appreciated - or not captured in photos. But those small things are what can make something unique or functional. I know that I enjoy when catalogues, magazines, online shopping sites, and blogs do features on details, highlighting them and making them the selling points. I know that I have purchased running shorts after seeing the hidden zip pocket or an otherwise plain-looking tank top where the catalogue focused on the intricate lace overlayer.

So, here are the small details of the casual outfit I wore out with our (Cool J's and my) sister, Em, who came to town for a quick stop through last week.

{Plaid piping and textured green beads}

{Gold nautical buttons on a woolen blazer}

{Lace overlaid top - notice how the other details fade away}

Details:
Blazer: Tommy Hilfiger
Lace Top: New York & Co.
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Belt: J. Crew
Necklace: LL Original

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Fresh New Fit: The chiffon maxi skirt

By: LL
Even though flowy materials are not necessarily "traditional" for winter, this past season, chiffon maxi skirts (and dresses) have been popping up in fashion (Helena of Brooklyn Blonde's soft chiffon maxi or Lynzy of Sparkling Footsteps's pleated chiffon maxi). Maybe you are interested in incorporating this fresh new fit into your wardrobe, but are waiting until warmer days. Why wait? Break out of the traditional concepts of appropriate outfits for winter and pick up a flowy, fun maxi skirt to begin wearing now and into the summer. Below are a few different ways to style this new fit into winter, spring, and summer. I've used the Fantasia Blue version from Express, which is currently on sale for $34.95 - with multiple sizes remaining!

Layered for Winter:

1. Coral Necklace - Stella & Dot
2. Grey Button-Sleeve Cardigan - Old Navy
3. Citrus Button Down - J. Crew
4. Leopard Calfhair Belt - J. Crew
5. Black Leather Day Bag - Coach
6. Grey Faux Suede Booties - Mossimo (Target)

Showing Some Skin for Spring:


1. Silk Scarf - Finley
2. Striped 3/4 Sleeve T-shirt - TopShop
3. Mustard Mini Crossbody Purse - Cole Haan
4. Camel Suede Sandals - Nine West

Stripped Down for Summer:


1. Gold Necklace - Stella & Dot
2. Crocheted Cropped Tank - TopShop
3. Amanda Adams Beach Bag - J. Crew
4. Gold T-Strap Sandals - Frye

Maxi skirts (and similar dresses) are available in a variety of colors, patterns, and price points. I quickly found this Old Navy version in Parading Peacock for only $9.95. And this beautiful Halston Heritage skirt in Coral for a splurge of $425. So, definitely a lot of variety to this fresh new fit. 

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Creating Fits: Knotted Necklace

By: LL
Taking inspiration from this Anthropologie necklace:

I decided to combine multiple different strands of beads into a knotted necklace. Whereas the Anthropologie necklace used pastels, I wanted to use up some of the extra beads that I had laying around, so I went for a more vibrant collection of colors in different textures, using turquoise, coral, brown, mustard, and silver.


The necklace is a bit heavier than I would have liked, and it was difficult to get the knot just right. But I think that it is still a fun statement necklace that will compliment multiple outfits. Here is one example of how I wore it the other day.




Details:
Wool Coat: Gap Outlet (2010)
Sweater: J Crew
Black Jeans: Old Navy Rock Star
Boots: Macy's (2009)

As you will notice, due to the heaviness of the knot, it pulls down to the center and doesn't necessarily stay offset like it is meant to, but that is something that I worked to adjust by shortening the necklace.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Functional Fit: Jean Jacket & Skinny Jeans

By: LL
As I try to remix my closet and plan a few new spring purchases (like a bright pair of jeans) that would compliment what I already own, I decided to bring in my staple denim jacket and combine it with a fun pair of skinny jeans, and a few other pieces similar to what I already own (with a few upgrades of course. i.e., the Tory Burch flats).


The right side shows an outfit perfect for Thursday night cocktails with friends. The left side shows a more casual look, perfect for running errands around town on a Saturday afternoon. And there are many other ways to style these jeans and the denim jacket - both of which in this scenario are quite the bargain, with a combined price tage of $60 from H&M.

The Basics:
1. Denim Jacket - H&M, $29.95
2. Green Jeans - H&M $24.95

Friendly Cocktails:
3. Yellow Chiffon Top - Forever 21, $19.95
4. Green Necklace - Anthropologie, $49
5. Black Skinny Belt - J. Crew, $35
6. Black Clutch - Hobo International, $68
7. Leopard Booties - Nine West, $79.99

Running Errands:
8. Striped T-Shirt with Shoulder Detail - Dorthey Perkins, $28
9. Red Stachel - Modcloth, $134.99
10. Two-Tone Braided Bracelet - Renaldo, $95
11. Two-Tone Feather Cuff - Fire & Ice, $360
12. Ballet Flats - Tory Burch, $225

As we all prepare ourselves for spring and begin throwing a fit over a variety of new styles, a good way to save money and make smart purchasing decisions is to find pieces that are functional in your existing wardrobe. A good rule of thumb is to create at least 4 looks with a piece before you purchase it. If you cannot see yourself wearing an item with more than 2 things in your closet, then that piece probably is completely unpractical in terms of wearability or not your true style. Plan your spring purchases to compliment your wardrobe, not complicate it.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Functional Fit: Multiple Use Tops

By: Cool J
Just a quick post about a recent functional fit- On Thanksgiving, I posted about my turkey day outfit (here), where I wore this grey tunic as a top, paired with a skirt and an LL Original necklace.



Last night, my husband and I headed to a movie (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) and then dinner with a friend. I wore this tunic again, but this time in a totally different way.

An additional functional fit of this outfit was the addition of my Athleta determination tights- yes, I am wearing yoga pants as part of a regular outfit.  But they are so comfortable! And seriously, can you tell? I don't think so... So there's a double dose of functional fit on this frigid Sunday afternoon!

Boots: Len Druskin outlet (LL has the exact same pair- we love them!)
Pants: Athleta determination tights
Tunic: Len Druskin outlet
Necklace: Len Druskin outlet

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Finalizing Fits: NYE Attire (Recap)

By: LL
A few weeks back, I blogged about my "vision" for what I would wear for NYE, working around my J.Crew Jacquard Gold Mini, which only makes appearances around the holidays. Whereas I did not fully execute the vision that I discussed here, I did get close and was satisfied with the final fit. However, it would have been vastly improve with the Louboutins, but they did not fit the bill this holiday season.






Skirt: J.Crew (circa 2009)
Top: The Limited
Tights: Target
Pumps: Aldo
Purse: Macy's
Ring: Gifted (Christmas 2011)
Earrings: New York & Company

Friday, December 30, 2011

Featured Fit: Golden Blonde

By: LL
After a short sabbatical from outfit photos, here is a look at what I wore out to a casual dinner with my husband last night. We headed out to one of our favorite restaurants, where I knew I would eat a lot of food, so I wanted to wear something that was comfortable - more specifically, a top that could mask a belly full of food. This top was perfect - the dolman-style works nicely for hiding the midsection. Since the primary color was kind of a golden blonde, I paired it with dark denim and pumps to offset that monotone color. I have a feeling that this shirt will remain in my closet until I get a little more sun...or a spray tan.




Top: Forever 21
Jeans: BCBG
Pumps (not pictured): BCBG
Purse: Brooks Brothers
Necklace: Art Fair in Indiana
Amethyst Cocktail Ring: Gifted
Bracelet: Handcrafted (seen here)

Monday, December 26, 2011

Fresh NEW Fit: Extraordinary, Merry Christmas

By: LL
I hope that everyone had an extraordinary, merry Christmas (to quote Glee). Except for the fact that we didn't have any snow and my husband got stuck on a work emergency most of the weekend, it was a nice, low-key Christmas filled with home-cooked meals, Christmas music, candle light, and holiday cocktails. And, of course, the gifts definitely helped make the holiday. Here is a peek at my Christmas morning...

{festive holiday cups for coffee on Christmas morning}

{Christmas PJs and a surprise gift}

I won't go into all the details of my Christmas, but as you will notice, I was able to pull off a look very similar to my vision, as described here - festive, cozy and cute! 

Pajamas: Fireside Thermals in Fair Isle (Victoria's Secret, however, color no longer available)
Scarf: Cashmere Infinity from TJ Maxx (last seen here)
Slippers: Uggs in Red (picked up a youth pair to use as slippers)
Socks: American Eagle (similar)

I get the suspicion that my husband might have been reading this blog as there were quite a few items from my wish list under the tree - notably here: pajamas and a nice little cocktail ring (more on that later)!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and is still enjoying an additional day off of work!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Featured Fit: Haute Hawaiian

By Jessie

When most people think of Hawaiian attire, they probably imagine older men in bright Hawaiian shirts and pleated-front khaki shorts, paired with some white athletic socks and sandals.

So when Dustin's family decided to head to the Old Lahaina Luau during our Christmas trip, I wasn't sure what to wear. I wanted to embrace the theme of the evening without going over the top.

Dustin did indeed don a typical Hawaiian shirt, though I would like to say he looked pretty good.

The Old Lahaina Luau is a popular event, and it's advertised as the "most authentic" performance. I also believe it's one of the biggest performances on the island of Maui, so it attracts all types of attendees. There was definitely a plethora of styles and ensembles at the event, including plenty of pleated front khakis, as well as great people watching and plenty of adorable sundresses.

I decided to wear a bright skirt paired with a white shirt. The skirt was bright and "luau"-esque so I thought a quieter top was a good idea. I was also able to pair it with a clutch that I had purchased on my honeymoon in Bali, Indonesia.







Good food, good weather, and what I'm told was an "authentic" performance made for a fun night with D-man's family. 

Mele Kalikimaka friends

Merry Christmas from Maui

Outfit:
Skirt: Anthropologie
Tank: Long Term Borrow from LL!
Shoes: Anthropologie
Necklace: TopShop
Purse: Purchased in Bali on honeymoon