March 21st, 2011 by crystal
We’re coming up on that time of the year – WEDDING SEASON!!
Dressing for a wedding can be tricky. You want to keep your attire more casual than the wedding party so you’re not mistaken for the Mother of the Bride or one of the bridesmaids. If it’s a Spring wedding, you want to make sure you’re warm enough for an evening outside. And, it goes without saying that you want to look stylish and sophisticated.
Here are two outfit ideas if you plan to attend a wedding this Spring.
Sheath + Cardigan
Wear the cardigan over the dress or belted for a more put together look. If the wedding is on the dressier side, opt for a pashmina instead of a cardigan.
Maxi + Blazer
Layering a blazer over this chic maxi-dress will give a super stylish look while also distinguishing you from the bridesmaids. If the wedding is on the dressier side, opt for the pashmina instead of the blazer.
Have a specific quandary about wedding attire etiquette? Share your dilemma in the comments….
March 18th, 2011 by crystal
Though it’s a style that started a few seasons ago, oxford flats (or brogues) are EVERYWHERE this Spring. You may remember them from last year when they were fashioned by the most-daring fashionistas and pegged as the shoe of choice at your local hipster hangout. This Spring, oxford flats are far more accessible for the mainstream crowd as celebrities like Taylor Swift and Kate Bosworth show us how to wear them with more than just skinny jeans.
The Must Have Oxford Flat
The easiest to find, best bang for your buck is Steve Madden’s ‘Trouser’ Laceless Oxford. The heel is relatively flat, they come in a variety of colors (up to 6 from what I can tell) and they’re priced at just under $70. You can probably find this shoe at your nearest DSW for an even lower price.
Not a fan of the laceless style? Check out the other options listed below…
Ways To Wear Oxford Flats
As I mentioned before, the main way these shoes were worn last season was with skinny jeans. Though that’s certainly still an option, consider these alternatives to widen your style scope.
Sienna Miller |
Katie Holmes |
source 3
Here’s the basic way – with skinnies. Notice all of the tops are loose and long, the outfit is layered with a cardigan, coat or blazer and the hem of the skinnies hits at about the ankle bone (roll up if you need to).
Rosario Dawson |
Sienna Miller
This is one of my favorite ways to style oxford flats. For a simple chic look, pair your flats with your
boyfriend jeans. You can go a little tighter with the top if your jeans are on the baggy side. However, for a look that’s more on-trend for Spring 2011, roll up your skinny or straight-leg jeans for a
cropped pant that’s less sloppy than last season’s boyfriend style.
Taylor Swift |
Rihanna
As I’ll mention in a second, one of the main things to remember when wearing oxford flats is to keep your ankle exposed. You can do this in a variety of ways, the easiest by wearing tights or leggings.
Rihanna |
source |
Kate Bosworth
If you’re ready to bare it all, wear shorts with your oxford flats. This is a super chic way to add some style to otherwise boring shorts. For an warmer and (arguably) more stylish look, wear tights under your shorts.
How NOT To Wear Oxford Flats
Whatever you do, DO NOT wear oxford flats with –
evening attire – oxford flats are casual. If you plan on wearing flats with a cocktail dress, go for something more feminine like a ballet slipper. If you really love the oxford look and want to wear it for a night out on the town, choose a heeled oxford instead.
flares, wide-leg or boot-cut jeans – oxford flats will get lost when you cover them up with long, wide hemlines. Keep your ankle exposed to counter the masculinity of this shoe.
Today’s Selection
What do you think? How will you be wearing oxford flats this Spring? OR – are they still a bit too far on the hipster side for you?
March 15th, 2011 by crystal
Looking for a new way to style your hair this Spring? Look no further than the braid from your schooldays. Fishtail braids, ponytail braids, tiny braids, chignon braids…don’t hold back! Let those plaiting hands get to work. Here’s a gallery from the Spring 2011 runways for a little inspiration.
Lacoste | Carlos Miele | Behnaz Sarafpour | Georges Chakra | Nicholas K | Hermes | Georges Chakra | Lela Rose | Charlotte Ronson | Jason Wu | Nicole Miller
As you can see, sleek is good but messy is better. And don’t be afraid to add a ribbon or two!
Which will you try first?
March 10th, 2011 by crystal
Nail colors this Spring are far from ordinary. From barely there nudes to blingy golds, there’s something for every style and personality.
Nude
Gold
Pastel Blue
Peach
Lavender
March 9th, 2011 by crystal
Khakis got you down? It’s true khakis are classic, but that doesn’t always mean they’re stylish. In fact, they can often look downright frumpy. Here are four styles sure to get you out of your dowdy khaki rut.
Why this works – These casual and comfy ‘ex’ boyfriend chinos are on-trend with the cropped look this Spring. Unlike other brands’ versions, the Victoria’s Secret boyfriend chinos are fitted and cut to be rolled up – there’s no weird flaring at mid-calf to deal with.
How to wear – Any of Spring’s stylish tops will work with these chinos. For something more feminine and fitted, pair with heels, a tight top and a cropped blazer or utility jacket. For a casual look, wear a striped tunic and flats.
Why this works – This tried and true classic khaki is far from the usual khaki fudduddery. Why? It’s all about the cut. Fitted through the leg with a slight flare at the bottom, these khakis are sophisticated and timelessly stylish.
How to wear – To prevent these pants from becoming dowdy, wear with a feminine heel. No oxfords or loafers, please! Keep the same mindset with your tops. Wear a tight top with a layer such as a belted cardigan, a blazer or even just a scarf.
Why this works – These chinos are the perfect way to achieve the season’s wide leg trend in the workplace. If you are a classic khaki kind of girl, wearing a pair of these chinos will allow you to step out of your comfort zone a bit without straying too far away from your tried and true style.
How to wear – Wide leg khakis are best worn with heels, preferably wedges. If you opt for a flat, choose a super strappy sandal. Since the legs are so wide, wear a tight fitting top – tucked in and belted if necessary.
Why this works – These chinos are this season’s cropped style, but the slim fit makes them classically stylish – think Audrey Hepburn.
How to wear – Wear with a ballet flat and loose top. Or, go for an alternate style with a tight top and heels.
So, what will it be? Stylish or frumpy?
