I'm absolutely in love with the simplicity of this outfit. A basic white tee and belted skirt make a bold statement when the skirt is a gorgeous, pleated, just-below-the-knee, cobalt blue. Hair in a bun, nude shoes, cuff bracelet - perfectly styled.
Why this works: The skirt is longer, which makes such a bright color more sophisticated and ladylike. Because the skirt is below her knee, the nude heels elongate her legs. (If you can't walk around in heels all day, nude or soft gold ballet flats or sandals would also work.) No extravagant layers of jewelry needed here. A knotted necklace and cuff bracelet complement the skirt without overpowering. A couple of layered, delicate necklaces could work too, but I prefer one big piece.
Dig into your closet (which you can do now that you've waxed it) and find a similar look that you could try. Then email me so I can brag about imparting some of my useless knowledge to the world. (Like this nugget.)
Showing posts with label spring 2011. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spring 2011. Show all posts
June 29, 2011
June 25, 2011
Borrowed from the boys (and girls)
You've probably seen a lot of ideas and inspiration for stealing from your man's closet and making his pieces work for you. But what happens if you're an extra-small-petite married to an extra-large-husky? You steal from your kids.
Mine isn't old enough to share clothes yet (I can almost fit into his size 18-24 mo hoodies, but not quite) but that doesn't mean I can't justify a few early purchases at Crew Cuts. Here are a few tops from the boys and bottoms from the girls that can easily pass as grown-up weekend style.
(Those are grown up sandals, though Crew Cuts shoes go up to sz 37 if you really wanted.)
And a few more pieces I loved from the kiddos:
Mine isn't old enough to share clothes yet (I can almost fit into his size 18-24 mo hoodies, but not quite) but that doesn't mean I can't justify a few early purchases at Crew Cuts. Here are a few tops from the boys and bottoms from the girls that can easily pass as grown-up weekend style.
- An acid lemon tee with ikat shorts for early morning estate sale-ing
- A gingham poplin (roll up the sleeves!) with a lace skirt for brunch with friends
- A striped cotton sweater with striped drawstring shorts for a cool sunset picnic
Click on image to view product on retailer's site.
And a few more pieces I loved from the kiddos:
May 11, 2011
You say tomato, I say coral
I've been on the hunt for red (or coral) jeans since I spied these J Brands at Neiman Marcus. I live in jeans and white shirts in the summer - usually of the Hanes mens v-neck 3-in-a-pack variety - so I thought a bright color on the bottom may spice things up around here.
I've been wearing my old white blazer so much that it's turning into a lovely shade of dirty-kids-hands. Care instructions say "dry clean only" but it's 100% cotton, so I don't see why it can't be tossed in the wash. Famous last words, right?
I've been wearing my old white blazer so much that it's turning into a lovely shade of dirty-kids-hands. Care instructions say "dry clean only" but it's 100% cotton, so I don't see why it can't be tossed in the wash. Famous last words, right?
May 9, 2011
Maxi it out
It's summer. It's hot. There is no reason for you to run around town on the weekends in your Juicy sweats. (Let's just go ahead and say that regardless of season or temp, there's never a reason for you to wear your Juicy sweats outside of your house, k?)
Maxi dresses and skirts are back in a big way and are a necessary addition to your wardrobe, regardless of height or size. They are more comfortable than your yoga wear and much more stylish. Trust me on this one. I am petite, maybe 100 pounds soaking wet and shorter than my friend's 10 yr old. But the maxi dress, with it's one piece from top to bottom, is elongating and makes me look like I'm at least 12, maybe 13. Yeah, it's that good. As an added bonus, it's flowy and hides the slice of chocolate pie you decided to have after dinner. And the other one you had at breakfast.
As far as shoes, put the heels away and stick with flats or wedges with this look. Change accessories to change the mood of the outfit. Could dressing get any easier than this?
Maxi dresses and skirts are back in a big way and are a necessary addition to your wardrobe, regardless of height or size. They are more comfortable than your yoga wear and much more stylish. Trust me on this one. I am petite, maybe 100 pounds soaking wet and shorter than my friend's 10 yr old. But the maxi dress, with it's one piece from top to bottom, is elongating and makes me look like I'm at least 12, maybe 13. Yeah, it's that good. As an added bonus, it's flowy and hides the slice of chocolate pie you decided to have after dinner. And the other one you had at breakfast.
As far as shoes, put the heels away and stick with flats or wedges with this look. Change accessories to change the mood of the outfit. Could dressing get any easier than this?
May 1, 2011
Origami wear
I saw a lady wearing one of these Lilla P wraps one day and complimented her on the color. She was so excited about it, that she stopped to show me all the different ways to wear it. Her enthusiasm initially led me to think it was some kind of multi-level marketing/pyramid scheme and she was going to offer me a chance to win one if I throw a wrap party for me and 10 friends.
No such luck (sorry 10 friends), but I was completely sold on this sweater after her tutorial. It's an incredibly soft, lightweight cotton, so you can twist it up and wear it as a wrap, a long-sleeve shirt, a halter top, an off-the-shoulder top, a turban, a bikini, a ball gown, the list goes on and on. (Ok, maybe not the last three.)
The only thing that has stopped me from buying it is the assortment of colors - so many to choose from! And with no store around that carries it locally, I don't get to see it in person. Oh, whoa is me.
Check out a few more ways to wear it on this video:
images and video via
This would make someone a great Mother's Day gift, don't you think? If only I knew a mother who would really, really like one of these...
April 16, 2011
White hot weekend
I have an old white suit that I've worn about 3 times since I bought it 5,349 seasons ago. I love the fit of the blazer but the pants have, ahem, "shrunk in the wash". So now my nail-the-interview-white-suit has turned into my spring-weekend-casual-white-blazer. Worn with a soft cotton tee, baggy denim shorts and sandals, my favorite suit jacket has found new life. Unfortunately, the pants are waiting for the 30-day workout to show results.
Here's a similar look:
Here's a similar look:
blazer (86.99 orig 150) shorts (17.80) tee (21.00) bib necklace (16.99) ball necklace (26.90) sandals (49.00)
If you have an old blazer, you could crop the sleeves to give it a more casual and modern feel like the one above. Denim shorts are best when worn a little baggy and not too short or tight. Even though the 70's style is back, trashy is not. Shorts not your thing? Try boyfriend jeans for a similar, easy look.
April 15, 2011
Orange crush
My closet consists of black, gray, and navy, yet I am constantly drawn to pops of orange (see here, here or here). I own four bright coral dresses - maybe 5 - and almost bought another one this week. Then I stopped myself before the cameras from "Hoarders" entered the building and staged an intervention in the middle of the sales floor. But just because I didn't buy anything, doesn't mean I can't obsess online...
April 11, 2011
Top it off
I was recently reading questions about what tops are cool and comfortable to wear in the summer as a replacement for your basic t-shirt. While I generally advise quality over quantity - and by quality, I mean, something you'll wear over and over again and will last through the wears - summer is not the time for that. Summer pieces are light and flimsy, so whether it's $20 or $200, the fabric won't stand through too many washes.
Here are some ideas for you, all under $25:
Here are some ideas for you, all under $25:
April 1, 2011
Let's get physical, physical...
With swimsuit season upon us, and a little Bitty that loves the water, I need to get back in shape. Thanks to good genes, (you know, the Asian ones) I have always been rather thin and petite. I still am, however, my weight has now shifted into uncomfortable places like dripping from the edges of my pre-pregnancy jeans. No longer a muffin top, it's now graduated into a full muffin drip. And it's time to take control.
So I'm starting the Tracy Anderson Method, which, if you are unfamiliar, is the same workout routine done by Gweneth Paltrow, Madonna, etc. She believes in high reps (like 100) and no more than 3 pound weights to build lean muscle rather than bulk up. The cardio is some kind of tribal dance that I am much too uncoordinated to follow but it's fun and gets me moving. Strength training relies mostly on your own body weight for resistance so it's a good thing I gained that extra 5 lbs recently. And she doesn't talk too much like those annoying guys on other videos (ahem, P90X). I'm only two days in, but I'm sticking to it and using any of the swimsuits below as motivation! Especially #4...
So I'm starting the Tracy Anderson Method, which, if you are unfamiliar, is the same workout routine done by Gweneth Paltrow, Madonna, etc. She believes in high reps (like 100) and no more than 3 pound weights to build lean muscle rather than bulk up. The cardio is some kind of tribal dance that I am much too uncoordinated to follow but it's fun and gets me moving. Strength training relies mostly on your own body weight for resistance so it's a good thing I gained that extra 5 lbs recently. And she doesn't talk too much like those annoying guys on other videos (ahem, P90X). I'm only two days in, but I'm sticking to it and using any of the swimsuits below as motivation! Especially #4...
March 25, 2011
Black and white
Isn't this just an easy look to meet friends for coffee on a Saturday morning, peruse around a flea market, ride your beach cruiser bike around the city with fresh flowers in the basket...wait, I was day dreaming again...
Cut to real life: wake early, make breakfast, play with Bitty, try not to get strawberry-jam-baby-hands on white skirt, run errands, find peanut butter in your hair (again), lunch, nap time/clean up, bathe, dinner, bed.....
Ahhhh, well, a girl can dream.
Get the look here:
- Striped top, 39.99
- Skirt, 89 - not the exact same but still a really cool look
- Belt, 14.50
- Hat, 40 - complete with red feather
- Glasses
March 14, 2011
Smart set
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| image via |
I thought these were the same pair of jeans, and had titled this post: "one pair of jeans, two smart looks" - but turns out the looks are the only thing smart about this post, because the author certainly isn't. (I blame it on the cold meds. Those are two different styles of jeans.)
The layered belted cardi over the button-up and tank looks so effortless, but I know in my current physical/mental state, I would make it to the tank top and then get back in bed. Better luck to you guys.
March 11, 2011
March Madness
I just looked at my last few posts and realized they've all welcomed the weekend with open arms. I guess the last couple of weeks have been busier than I realized! Oh well, it's March. It's fashion's biggest month of the season. And it's what buys momma a new pair of shoes.
So in the interest of keeping you reading through this Friday-yearning period, here are a couple of looks that I would have loved to try pre-baby:
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So in the interest of keeping you reading through this Friday-yearning period, here are a couple of looks that I would have loved to try pre-baby:
A fun, sweet skirt juxtaposed with a chambray shirt and wide waist belt.
Little House on the Prairie meets Sex and the City.
Source: mohiposts.tumblr.com via Jamie on Pinterest
Ok, so I could wear this post-baby, except my belly is in no shape for baring.
Maybe a flow-ier lace top that hides all evidence of pregnancy would work.
But only if I had the necklace.
Source: cupcakesandcashmere.com via Elena on Pinterest
March 7, 2011
February 27, 2011
Room and (outfit) board
Whether in your home or in your closet, gray and orange is always a good idea.
February 19, 2011
Boho chic
Bohemian influences are everywhere this spring. The skinny pant is being replaced with a wide leg pant and flat sandals are taking over 5" heels. This is not to say that you still can't wear your skinny jeans or high heels (I know I can't afford to lose the extra height!) but designers are showing an easier look on the runways.
Boho-chic is about flowy pieces, fringe, macrame and owls. (Lucky me.) You can wear a flat sandal, wedge or platform shoe for a fresh spring look. Jeans and pants alike are getting wider leg openings and higher rises. (A plus for those with problems finding jeans that fit the hip and rear but always gap in the back. The higher rise should eliminate the gap and the wider leg will give you more room in the thighs and balance out full hips.)
Fringe, this spring, is like last fall's fur. It's everywhere. And no rabbits were harmed in the making of said fringe. (Cow's didn't get so lucky. Sorry.)
So pick up one piece or try them all, but get ready for a bohemian rhapsody.
Boho-chic is about flowy pieces, fringe, macrame and owls. (Lucky me.) You can wear a flat sandal, wedge or platform shoe for a fresh spring look. Jeans and pants alike are getting wider leg openings and higher rises. (A plus for those with problems finding jeans that fit the hip and rear but always gap in the back. The higher rise should eliminate the gap and the wider leg will give you more room in the thighs and balance out full hips.)
Fringe, this spring, is like last fall's fur. It's everywhere. And no rabbits were harmed in the making of said fringe. (Cow's didn't get so lucky. Sorry.)
So pick up one piece or try them all, but get ready for a bohemian rhapsody.
February 9, 2011
I come from the land down unda...
I just discovered this retailer in Australia with the cutest little mini-people clothes. WitcheryKids takes it's on-trend adult pieces and styles them for the munchkins. They're fun, classic and wearable, mate. Yet another great find from the Aussies!
February 8, 2011
January 31, 2011
Drop it like it's hot
This spring, hemlines are hanging lower than Lady Gaga's saggy breasts. The maxi dress and long skirt is back and all over the runways.
This trend may seem unreasonable to wear to work, run around with kiddos, walk without tripping...but it's really not. First, they're ridiculously comfortable. After wearing skinny jeans and leggings all winter, wouldn't you want to just have fabric that drapes over your skin, rather than clinging on for dear life? Second, designers are putting this look back with flats or slight platforms. No 5" heels here. The look is a 70's boho ease - long dress and flat sandals.
You can wear your maxi dress now with a sweater, cardigan or blazer (to work) and peel off the layers as the weather turns warm. I just wore my long navy maxi dress this past weekend to a kid's birthday party with a gray boyfriend cardigan and boots. It was so comfortable and I had no problem playing hostess AND mommy. And if I can do two things at once, this dress has to be easy to wear.
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| images via |
You can wear your maxi dress now with a sweater, cardigan or blazer (to work) and peel off the layers as the weather turns warm. I just wore my long navy maxi dress this past weekend to a kid's birthday party with a gray boyfriend cardigan and boots. It was so comfortable and I had no problem playing hostess AND mommy. And if I can do two things at once, this dress has to be easy to wear.
A few (more affordable) picks:
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