Stylish One-Piece Bathing Suits for Spring/Summer 2011

March 14th, 2011 by crystal

Every Spring, I reevaluate my swim collection. I get rid of the suits I didn’t wear the previous Summer as well as those I completely wore out. Then, I look for one suit to add to my collection for the upcoming Summer months.


This year, THE suit you should have in your arsenal is the retro one piece. Whether it’s ruched, skirted, ruffled or bandeau, make sure you have a one-piece option.


Here’s a shopping guide of the most stylish options available this season.

Stylish One Pieces from Nordstrom


Stylish One Pieces at Victoria’s Secret


Stylish One Pieces at ModCloth


Stylish One Pieces at Urban Outfitters


Stylish One Pieces at Target


Stylish One Pieces at JCrew

4 Stylish Khaki Styles

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?

Crochet for Spring – Trendy or Granny?

March 8th, 2011 by crystal

I’m really torn on this trend. Let’s start with the runway looks…

Crochet Spring 2011
Rachel Roy | Anna Sui | Vivienne Tam | Catharine Malandrino



What’s to like? I love how feminine and whimsical crochet is. It makes us think of simpler times – when women sat around the fire, crocheting blankets and shawls. It makes me think of a 19th century English love story – our heroine drapes her shoulders with a crochet shawl before taking an evening stroll with her betrothed.


But – crochet dresses? How can you even wear those? Wouldn’t it get all stretched out in certain places? I’m not sure how practical any of the runway styles are.


These styles, on the other hand…

far more practical. If your style is boho-chic, they’re downright perfect. What if your style is more classic, though? Can you get away with wearing a crochet shawl or will you just look like a little old lady?


What do you ladies think?

4 Spring Jackets To Love

March 3rd, 2011 by crystal

As temperatures get warmer, wearing a light layer will keep you warm against Spring’s cool breezes but able to wear your shorts, tanks and sundresses.


Here are 4 Spring-worthy jackets…

Scuba
Spring Jackets 2011
Laundry by Shelli Segal


Utility
Spring Jackets 2011
JCrew


Cropped Blazer
Spring Jackets 2011
Hinge


Trench

Spring Jackets 2011

Banana Republic


Cropped Pants and Capris for Spring 2011

March 2nd, 2011 by crystal

This season’s cropped pants aren’t the capris of the late ’90′s. Remember those? The preppy boot-cut trouser for Summer that hit you mid-calf? You might even have a couple pairs lingering in your closet. It’s not time to pull them out – unless you’re adding them to to your Goodwill pile.

cropped pants 2011



This season’s capri is much more sophisticated than what we typically think of when we say ‘capri’. It’s more like the cigarette pant of the ’50′s and ’60′s. Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy style – tailored, slim, and ankle grazing.


Like the cigarette pant, this season’s cropped pants are slim and tailored. Like the capri of the ’90′s, they’re a bit shorter than ankle length.


There are two general styles – cuffed and casual or sleek and sophisticated.

cropped pants 2011


For the cuffed and casual look, take skinny jeans or skinny khakis and roll them up to mid-calf. Pair with espadrilles or nude strappy sandal and an understated top like a camp shirt or nautical striped tank.

Banana Republic
| Victoria’s Secret | Joe’s Jeans


cropped pants 2011


For sleek and sophisticated, the length is a bit longer – about halfway between mid-calf and ankle. Look for fabrics like wool or even a sturdy khaki. The lines on these pants are straight and sleek – no flaring at the hem. Wear with a fitted top, a blazer or cardigan and platform heels.


JCrew | Gap | Whistles


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