An Ode to (P)Leather

In my opinion, leather is a timeless material that adds instant polish to any outfit, and it has truly been reinvented over the last few seasons.  Now, I am not one to seek out a lot of leather products because a) they tend to be very expensive if you want decent quality and b) they are not what you’d call eco friendly.  Modern vegan imitation leathers are not the shiny, plastic-like pleathers of the 80s.  Instead, designers are offering chic interpretations of the reworked fabric, which, when paired with appropriate pieces can look entirely acceptable for an office environment.  For the record, all of the"leather" items listed below are not real leather, but are, in fact, vegan, "pleather" options.

The Leather Pant

If you are rolling your eyes right now or groaning aloud, please don’t worry!  A leather pant (so long as it is not a pair of leggings and it actually has a legitimate button and zipper in the front) can look simultaneously edgy and polished when paired with a blouse and tailored blazer.  Simply add a pair of pumps for a modern look.

Blouse, Blazer, Earrings, Pants, Pumps

The Leather Blazer

Blazers are the way to instantly make an outfit work appropriate.  Doing a blazer in a chic vegan leather fabric is one way to transform an otherwise simple outfit.  Pairing this jacket over a floral, a-line dress will look both charming and elegant, and it is an easy way to make your summer dresses work for fall.

Blazer, Dress, Shoes, Earrings

The Leather Skirt

Leather skirts have been everywhere on the runway this season.  Since the pleated skirt is still going strong after last year’s collections, combining these two trends in one skirt will create the perfect look for fall.  Pairing the skirt with a sweet, printed blouse with a peter pan collar counteracts the edginess of the skirt and balances out the look.

Skirt, Blouse, Bracelet, Shoes

Fall Beauty Trends Under $25

One of my favorite things about the arrival of fall is the simultaneous influx of new and reinvented trends, palettes, and make-up tricks.  This season, rich and saturated colors have been popping up everywhere (an interesting contrast to spring and summer’s pastel and neon crazes) and they look particularly stunning when translated into the right types of make-up.  Below, I have compiled a list of three of my favorite trends that are easy, affordable, and certainly bold enough for the coming season.

Teal + Jade

These two colors have been popping up all over the runways.  They look sophisticated and flatter any skin tone.  One of my favorite ways to try out a new color trend is with nail polish.  It is the most practical and affordable way to see if the color is right for you, and if you want to incorporate more of the hue into the rest of your wardrobe.

Teal Polish in "Go Overboard"

Jade Polish in "Jade is the New Black"

Winged Eyeliner

I have been a sucker for a beautiful cat eye for many years now, and so I was thrilled to see this look make a revival in the fall collections.  This retro-inspired look is ladylike, and all it takes is a sweep of this black liner to instantly polish up your look and make a statement.  If you have always been afraid of liquid liner, now is the time to try it out.  Look for a product with a very fine brush (I love the Sephora brand liquid liner).  Trace the liner along your upper lash line.  Don’t worry about making mistakes!  This is what Q-tips were invented for.  Should you smudge the liner, simply dampen the Q-tip with a bit of water or make-up remover and brush the blotch away.

TIP: Take a credit card and place one end near your nostril.  Then tilt the card at about a 45-degree angle towards your eye.  That is approximately how far the winged part of the liner should extend past your eye.

Liquid Eyeliner in "01 Black"

Oxblood Red Lips

Unlike the red lips of this summer season, which tended to verge more on the red-orange side, a deep, matte oxblood is the way to go for the coming fall.  The color looks luxurious and so sophisticated.  It is the perfect way to transition your make-up palette from one season to the other, and it acts as a neutral with most outfits.  I love NARS lip products because they feel creamy, yet have a chic, matte look.

Red Lipstick in "Fire Down Below"

Winter Whites

What I love about the supposed “rules of fashion” is that they were designed to be broken.  It seems silly to impose limits on a form of self-expression.  And while sometimes these rules are justifiable for the sake of appropriateness (tube tops and flip flops do not belong in the office…EVER), other rules, such as “no white after labor day,” are just screaming to be broken.  White looks so fresh during the summer months, and a LWD (little white dress) is a great investment piece.  Do not worry about the transition into fall.  With the right accessories, the LWD can easily go from season to season.  Just keep this dress away from weddings (wearing a white dress at a wedding is not acceptable, and that is one rule that is better left unbroken!). 

The Dress

Spring/Summer

Sunglasses, Watch, Wedges, Bag

Since the dress is so simple, you are free to have a ball with the accessories.  Oversized sunglasses and a large carryall in a bright color, such as this yellow, complement the delicate eyelet lace of the dress and are perfect staples for the warmer weather.  A sleek watch and architectural, cutout heels make this dress feel modern and appropriate for a young professional.

Fall/Winter

Shirt, Hat, Boots, Tights, Earrings

Layering is the key to make this breezy dress cold weather friendly.  Slip on a long sleeve t-shirt underneath the dress in a saturated fall color, such as this cranberry.  Add long tights and lace up ankle boots for extra warmth.  The beige of these shoes works well because the color is not too overwhelming with the white of the dress.  A floppy felt hat in a rich tan color looks incredibly chic for fall, and it’s a deceptively warm accessory.  Finish off the look with a pair of dangly, feather earrings to really transform the vibe of the dress.  

How To: Pairing Prints

Mixing prints can be an incredibly tricky skill, and it can look horrendously inappropriate, particularly in the workplace, if done incorrectly. For starters, it is critical that the colors of the prints complement each other, or at the very least, do not clash with one another.  To help you get started, choose two separates that have at least one or two colors in common so the look will come together neatly.  If you are feeling more daring, choose two separates with deliberately contrasting colors so as to make a bold and unabashed statement with your choice of clothing. 

Floral + Stripes

Blouse, Skirt, Earrings, Pumps, Cuff

I love combining floral garments with striped pieces because the stripes seem to act as a neutral when contrasted with a more literal print.  Here, the blacks and whites in the blouse are echoed in the black and white of the stripes, so the outfit looks deliberate.  A polished pencil skirt such as this calls for lady like pumps, sparkly studs, and a modern, metallic cuff to really bring the look together. 

Geometric + “Animal Print”

Blouse, Skirt, Wedges, Necklace, Bag

Before you ask, yes, I am obsessed with bird print this season.  This hummingbird printed skirt is on trend, and the color is bright and fresh for summer.  Pair this “animal print” with a more abstract, geometric print to counteract the literal imagery on the skirt.  The white in both the skirt and the blouse keeps the outfit tied together, while the deliberate contrast between the blue and the yellow keep the look eclectic and youthful.  Add a pair of red wedges to emphasize the quirkiness of the outfit.  Finish off the look with a neutral carryall bag and a modern statement necklace.

The Maxi Dress: One Dress, 3 Ways

The maxi is a brilliant garment.  It can be worn for almost any occasion, it is versatile enough for day or night, and you can wear it and get away with not shaving your legs!  All those perks aside, I’ve put together three looks for different occasions all inspired by the ease and effortless polish of the maxi dress.

The Dress

The Weekend

Bag, Sunglasses, Necklace, Sandals

A pair of metallic sandals screams both summer and chic.  A leather satchel and a bold mixed metallic necklace are great options for the weekend.  Finish off the look with a pair of retro inspired sunglasses for a relaxed but feminine vibe.

The Workday

Blazer, Bag, Shoes, Necklace

As strange as it sounds, one of my favorite trends this season is matching the color of all of your clothes.  Layer on a navy blazer and navy shoes for a chic look for work.  Keep everything else modern by adding a metal, geometric necklace and a white bag with clean lines.  

A Night Out

Jacket, Shoes, Earrings, Clutch

Make this feminine maxi dress extra edgy with a black leather jacket, a pair of snakeskin pumps, and some metallic, dangly earrings.  Make a daring statement by adding a neon clutch that is bound to get you noticed.  

Style Inspiration: Pretty Little Liars, Part 2

Since I had so much fun putting together the last post, and since there are just too many great looks on Pretty Little Liars to choose from, I wanted to show off four more outfits that contain a number of trendy pieces that you can wear straight into fall.

Aria

This look effortlessly captures rocker glam without looking tacky or over the top.  The skull print on the blouse could very easily look childish, but when combined with higher end pieces such as a dark leather jacket and a pleated leather skirt, it can actually look age appropriate.  To really capture Aria’s complete look, pair the outfit with eclectic, mismatched jewelry, such as a medley of rings and a simple chain necklace.  Brown ankle boots and a dark shoulder bag are items that will easily transition into the fall and their simplicity keeps the look in check.

Blouse, Skirt, Jacket, Boots, Bag, Stone Ring, Silver Ring, Necklace

Hannah

A snakeskin blazer is so on trend for the season.  It is light enough to wear over a t-shirt and jean cut-offs during the summer, and it can be worn just as easily with jeans and boots during the fall.  Here, Hannah pairs it with a beautiful blue blouse and gold, dangly jewelry to keep her edgy look soft and feminine.  If you are going to mix the print with a loud color, keep the rest of the outfit simple.  The dark wash denim and grey ankle boots make the perfect statement!

Blazer, Top, Earrings, Jeans, Boots, Necklace

Emily

I love finding the perfect cozy sweater.  Emily has mastered a mixture of comfort and glamour.  Her red and black sweater works beautifully over a pair of black jeans and edgy combat boots.  The slouchiness of the sweater makes it the perfect fall staple, and the color keeps the look young and fresh.  Layer a grey tank under the sweater for extra warmth or simply to add visual interest to the outfit.

Sweater, Tank, Jeans, Boots

Spencer

Spencer’s preppy outfits never disappoint.  Her matching cloche and blouse in a warm, rich red scream fall.  I love how she mixed a more masculine oxford shirt and vest with a feminine lace mini skirt.  The skirt is another great basic that can be taken from summer into fall with just some boots and a pair of tights.  The knee-high socks and dark carry all bag are a perfect way to finish off the look.

Blouse, Cloche, Vest, Skirt, Bag, Flats, Socks

Style Inspiration: Pretty Little Liars, Part 1

If you are anything like me, you are still upset that there was no new episode of Pretty Little Liars last week and you are eagerly awaiting this coming Tuesday night.  However, I must confess that I watch the show for the clothes as much as I watch it for the plot twists.  Aria, Hannah, Emily, and Spencer are constantly my sources of fashion inspiration because of their youthful, trendy, and eclectic looks. 

Aria

Aria tends to wear the most avant garde looks in the group.  She is unafraid of mixing contrasting prints and colors, and her fashion risks create the most memorable looks. The shape of the dress is timeless, yet the combination of the leopard print with the metallic butterfly necklace is clever and bold.  Pair this dress with architectural wedges and an oversized bag for a unique look.

Dress, Necklace, Wedges, Bag

Hannah

Hannah’s outfits tend to be the girliest and the trendiest in the bunch. However, in this look, she keeps things classic with a dark blazer, white blouse, pencil skirt, and feminine flats.  The red skirt really adds some pop to the outfit, and the necklace adds a slight rocker edge to an otherwise basic outfit.

Blazer, Shirt, Skirt, Belt, Necklace, Flats

Emily

Emily’s style is the most tomboyish in the group, yet her clothes are a great source of inspiration for casual looks.  Her ripped jeans, motorcycle boots, draped vest, and casual t-shirt all add up to a relaxed and easily replicable weekend look. 

Shirt, Vest, Jeans, Boots

Spencer

Spencer’s preppy outfits always require impeccable tailoring.  Her looks are timeless and incorporate a mixture of masculinity and femininity.  A luxe, brown jacket works beautifully with a bird print dress and brown, leather boots.  Add a simple watch to really capture Spencer’s look. 

Jacket, Dress, Watch, Belt, Boots

Bold Blazers

One of the easiest ways to dress up any look is with a great jacket.  Adding a jacket really brings an outfit together and allows you to add a personalized touch to even the simplest of dresses.  However, as much as I love my basic black blazer, there are several new styles that have been appearing all over runways for the past few seasons to liven up the classic jacket.  All of these blazers can be completely work appropriate if paired with the right outfit, so don’t be afraid to shed your basic black and embrace this year’s push towards uninhibited, unabashed style.

1. The Printed Blazer

Blazers with everything from floral prints to animal prints have been popping up everywhere.  This blazer redefines “animal print” with an abstract bird pattern that is perfectly on trend for the season.  Pair the blazer with a crisp, white frock, woven sandals in a bright color, and a piece of statement jewelry for a youthful look.

Blazer, Dress, Bag, Necklace, Flats

2. The Bright Blazer

So long as the tailoring of the blazer is impeccable, a bright blazer is the perfect way to dress up an outfit for work.  A yellow color like this is not too obnoxious and is surprisingly versatile, and looks very sunny over a breezy sundress.  Finish off the look with sweet, pink flats, a sandy colored bag, and metallic, dangly earrings for a feminine look.

Blazer, Dress, Bag, Earrings, Flats

3. The Lace Blazer

The beauty of lace is that is has the power to be simultaneously girly and edgy.  Pair it over a strapless dress in a bright color, such as this magenta, for a beautiful summer look (warning: this dress is most likely not work appropriate).  Finish off the look with an architectural piece of statement jewelry, pumps in an unexpected color (like this orange), and a snakeskin clutch.

Blazer, Dress, Clutch, Pumps, Necklace

Geographic Style Savvy, Part 2

Style can change drastically from region to region.  I love looking at the locals whenever I travel to really get a sense of the ever-changing trends in each city.  As promised, here are some more of my favorite cities to inspire your style! 

Washington D.C.

I love how women in the south dress because they tend to gravitate towards ultra feminine outfits.  The women adorn themselves with pearls and perfect sundresses, and they have the ability to look polished with the most simplistic pieces.  In the summer, D.C. gets unbearably humid, so it is important to choose an outfit that is fashionable yet functional for the weather.  Choose a dress with elegant flutter sleeves and feminine details, and pair it with sophisticated jewelry (the ring shown here is a subtle nod to traditional pearls).  Finish the look with yellow, woven flats and a coral carry all bag for a southern, refined look.

Dress, Bag, Ring, Necklace, Flats

Boston

Boston, one of my favorite cities in the world, goes through many weather extremes.  The city experiences both below freezing winters and hot, humid summers.  To really get the most value out of your clothes, choose pieces that can easily transition from one season to another, such as a pleated maxi skirt in a saturated color (such as this teal).  This on trend piece can be worn with a bright blouse and lace up wedges for a great summer look, and can then be paired with boots, tights, and a sweater during the winter months.  Top off the look with a woven headband, no matter the season, for a bright and youthful look.

Headband, Blouse, Skirt, Shoes

Chicago

Chicago is yet another city with extreme weather.  For a majority of the year, sunshine is almost nonexistent.  Take advantage of the warmer summer months and wear a neon dress to celebrate the presence of the sun.  To brighten up the look even more, add bright white flats, earrings, and bracelets.  Finish off the look with a beautiful, coral purse to really compliment the color of the dress.

Dress, Bag, Cuff, Flats, Earrings

Steal Their Look: Celebrity Style Icons

One of my favorite hobbies is looking at photographs of celebrities, both on the street and the red carpet, for fashion inspiration.  Here I have compiled a short list of some of my personal favorite icons who truly have nailed pretty, polished, and professional dressing. I have tried to recreate their looks in a more budget friendly fashion.  Enjoy!

Zooey Deschanel

Zooey’s style is both retro-inspired and girly, and she always looks impeccable.  Her television show, New Girl, is full of fantastic outfits that provided me with some inspiration.  What I love about Zooey’s style is that she is not afraid of mixing bold colors and she is an expert at putting together easy separates that can be mixed and matched in a very practical way.

Dress, Flats, Cardigan, Belt

I love how Zooey’s outfit mixes two shades of blue!  The cobalt sweater compliments the A line dress perfectly, and the black belt and flats are simple and don’t clash with an otherwise bright outfit.  This look is perfect for work or even weekend errands.

Sweater, Skirt, Flats

This spotted high waisted skirt and green sweater combination is a bright and whimsical look.  It is playful without being over the top and is appropriate for work.  Add yellow flats to make the outfit really pop.

Blouse, Skirt, Flats, Gloves, Headband, Belt

This final look is bright and perfect for a beautiful summer day.  Zooey’s right, white, and blue outfit is yet another example of fantastic, versatile separates.  The patterns are beautifully mixed yet the color palette keeps everything from clashing.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson is flawless both on and off the red carpet. She is able to expertly mix feminine and masculine pieces, as well as rework classic and timeless trends into something young and modern.  Her looks are age appropriate and sophisticated, and above all else, she rocks whatever she wears with confidence.

Shorts, Shirt, Blazer, Shoes, Tie, Belt

The feminine lace shorts balance out nicely with the menswear inspired blazer, tie, and button down shirt.  The tan color of the blazer provides just enough contrast between the white of the shirt and the eggshell color of the shorts.  Pair the outfit with a pair of girly black heels to keep the outfit from looking too harsh.

Dress, Jacket, Shoes

This plaid dress and fitted motorcycle jacket combination is a bold look than can easily translate from the red carpet into everyday life.  The pointed toe heels add a touch of femininity to the otherwise edgy outfit.  Swap out the leather jacket for a dark blazer for a day at work and then put on the leather jacket for a night out with your girlfriends. 

Belt, Dress, Shoes

This third look is a beautiful take on classic stripes.  Emma keeps it simple with black pumps and a black belt.  This look is timeless and appropriate for any number of occasions.

Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo is both a style icon and chameleon.  Her fashion choices are always bold and fearless, and her clothes are always tailored to perfection.  She is a great example of a how a young, professional woman with a blossoming career should dress.

Blouse, Blazer, Bag, Pants, Pumps

This is a great modern interpretation of the classic suit.  The slim fitting blazer and pants are tailored impeccably.  The pants and blazer are also incredibly versatile because they can be worn as separates for other occasions.  The black pumps and purse are timeless pieces that go seamlessly with the rest of Olivia’s ensemble.

Skirt, Sweater, Bag, Shoes, Sunglasses

I love Olivia’s sweater and pencil skirt combination.  The oversized sunglasses, yellow bag, and statement shoes liven up an otherwise minimalist outfit.

Skirt, Blouse, Vest, Bag, Pumps

In this look, Olivia shows how classy and work appropriate leather and fur can look.  So long as the length is appropriate and nothing is awkwardly too tight, this can be a great office look for the young and modern woman. Keep accessories simple and toned down so as not to look garish.  The white blouse, black shoulder bag, and black pumps are stunning with the rest of the outfit.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone simply exudes confidence in all of her looks.  Her color choices are fearless, and her style is young and modern.  Her outfits are always simple, yet it is her ability to execute her looks flawlessly that makes her truly stand out.  She is truly a classic American beauty and her wardrobe choices always reflect that fact.

Shoes, Dress, Clutch

This look is as elegant as it is simple.  The bold, blue shift dress and black strappy sandals work perfectly together to create a look that is both age appropriate and modest.  This look is perfect for going out.  Just swap in a pair of closed toed kitten heels and you’ll be ready for a day at the office as well!

Blazer, Pants, Heels

Emma’s emerald blazer and black, fitted pants are a perfect example of how to reinterpret menswear.  The saturated jewel tone really plays up her hair color and skin tone.  She is smart and keeps accessories simple so as not to distract from her bold look.

Skirt, Shirt, Clutch, Pumps

In this look, Emma masterfully demonstrates how color blocking should be done.  The red and pink combination, along with the peplum detailing, is right on trend for the season.  The small black clutch and nude shoes are simple and ladylike and compliment the rest of the outfit.

Chloe Moretz

I love when Hollywood turns out a beautiful, graceful, and impeccably dressed child actress.  Even though Chloe is only 15, her outfits are gorgeous is she is certainly a style icon to watch.  Her outfits are always colorful and they are never too serious. 

Top, Skirt, Heels

This sunny look is office appropriate and can easily translate from the summer months into fall.  The length of the skirt balances out the youthful color, and the black, strappy sandals are an elegant touch and keep the outfit from looking too young.

Dress, Heels

This outfit is perfection.  A tailored red dress and nude pumps is a beautiful look for a date or a day at the office.  Keep hair romantic and accessories simple to truly emulate this look.

Shirt, Heels, Skirt

This youthful look expertly combines colors and textures.  The pink, strappy sandals compliment the green shirt, and the tweed skirt pulls the whole look together.