April 20th, 2011 by crystal
Warmer temperatures don’t mean you have to ditch your coveted layers. In fact, layers make even more (functional) sense during the Spring, when nighttime temps drop drastically.
One of the best short-sleeved cardigans on the market right now is this Elbow Sleeve Cardigan from Caslon (via Nordstrom). It’s simple, it comes in a variety of colors, and it provides that extra layer that’s both functional and fashionable.
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 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?
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.
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.
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
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
March 1st, 2011 by crystal
Loving the 70′s trend, but timid about trying it? The most accessible place to start is with a pair of wide leg jeans.
How To Wear Bell Bottoms
Today’s ‘bell bottoms’ are often not referred to as such in stores. Instead, look for flared-leg jeans or wide-leg jeans. The style consists of a slightly higher waist than modern jeans (just below the belly button), and a long, flared leg.
Wear with a tight halter, a camp shirt, a peasant top or a loose racer back tank. For shoes, rock a pair of strappy heels if your jeans are long enough. If you really want to rock the trend, wear a pair of clogs. Or, simply go for a pair of flat strappy sandals.
What do you think? Will you start rocking the 70′s trend?
