Posts filed under 'Women'

Trend Alert: The Sweaterdress

cowlneck-sweater-dress_110409Pictured: Cowlneck Sweater Dress | $98 at Banana Republic.

What’s hot in Tokyo?  The sweaterdress.  Women are wearing sweaterdresses over leggings, over trousers, over tights, and under perfectly tailored overcoats.  Wherever you live, this perfectly versatile style is a key one to invest in this winter season.

What to look for in a sweaterdress?  
Fit: IMHO, the best sweaterdresses aren’t completely form fitting; rather, they drape over your figure.  
Weight: Thicker knit sweaterdresses tend to hold their shape better over time.  Another added bonus is that they tend to be more forgiving of figure flaws (e.g. a less than flat tummy).   However, thinner knit sweaterdresses have the benefit of more elegant draping.  
Color: For the most versatile look, grey is a great go-to color.  Black and navy are also good options, but don’t feel constrained to neutrals.  If you dare, try a brighter shade, like red, mustard, or green.

Our fave?  This grey cowlneck sweaterdress from Banana Republic.  Not only is the drape beautiful, but it also has half-sleeves, which helps to camouflage heavy arms.  Pair it with opaque tights, boots, and a structured coat.

9 comments November 4th, 2009

Tokyo Style: Schoolgirl Chic

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Strolling the streets of Ginza, this young lady is embracing the fun of schoolgirl fashion. What makes her schoolgirl look tick?  Her pigtails, the stuffed animal charms on her lanyard, her lace-trimmed bloomer-style skirt, and her knee-high socks. 

While her schoolgirl chic outfit would be difficult to pull off verbatim back in America, you could work in a single element or two.  For example, pair knee high socks and Mary Janes with a sophisticated pencil skirt and blouse.

6 comments November 2nd, 2009

How to Wear Cage Heels

How to Wear Cage Heels
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Striped Sweater Top | $24.80 at Forever 21, Alessia Cage Pump | $26.80 at Forever 21, Black Double Breasted Pencil Skirt | $32.99 at Ruche, Commodious Patent Wallet | $9.80 at Forever 21.  See more information about this look.


The star of Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 show was the cage heel, a dramatic architectural shoe that was half bootie, half strappy sandal.  Ever since, the cage heel (or cage boot, as it were) has made its way from runway to reality, appearing in various incarnations at bridge level price points - and now even more affordable options.  But how do you wear the cage heel without looking like a dominatrix?  The key to wearing the cage heel in style is simplicity.  Pair the architectural shoe with simple silhouettes in mostly solid colors.  That way, you make the cage heel the star of your outfit.  Here’s how to wear cage heels:

1.  Start with a simple, somewhat demure base: a fitted pencil skirt and a drapey sweater.  The sweater isn’t solid colored, but the navy and black oversized horizontal stripes are still recessive enough.
2.  Slip on your cage heels to spice up the simple, sophisticated look.  Notice how the structure of the cage heels is echoed in the double row of buttons on the skirt.
3.  Finish off the look with a clutch in a bright color, which will give some life to the somber blues and blacks.

How would you wear cage heels? Share your style with us in the comments!

3 comments October 22nd, 2009

Six Lightweight Scarves Under $50

Need to transform your look in a flash?  There’s no easier way to do this than with a scarf.  You can add color, texture, and a bit of drama with the simple scarf - and really change up your look.  Here’s our favorite six lightweight fall scarves under $50:

Plaid
plaid-blanket-scarf_101809
Plaid Blanket Scarf | $24.50 at Gap

Textured
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Mustard Seed Ruffled Scarf | $22.99 at Ruche

Ombre
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Dipped Ends Wool Scarf | $49.50 at Martin & Osa

Animal Print
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Small Woven Leopard Scarf | $32 at Topshop

Buffalo Check
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Buffalo Check Scarf | $19.50 at American Eagle

Open Weave
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Ruffled Yarn Scarf | $6.80 at Forever 21

4 comments October 19th, 2009

You Said: No to Cage Heels

omiru-poll-result-cage-heels_101809

alessia-cage-pump_101809We asked: Would you wear Strappy Cage Heels?

You said:  No to Strappy Cage Heels, with a 56% to 44% vote.

Style tip? Strappy Cage Heels first got their start on Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall 2008 runway in ankle boot form, and they’ve since made their way from the runway to real women’s closets, albeit in less extreme forms.  But how do you wear this dramatic, almost architectural shoe?  Cage heels are best worn with simple, solid colored outfits - when you wear cage heels, the look is all about the shoes.  Try cage heels with a black pencil skirt and blazer combo for a look that’s dramatic but still accessible. 

Next question: Ponchos had their turn in the style spotlight a few years back, and now they’re back for Fall 2009.  But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Poncho?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Alessia Cage Pumps | $26.80 at Forever 21

5 comments October 18th, 2009

How to Wear Your Summer Shorts This Fall

How To Wear Your Summer Shorts This Fall
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Broderie Lace Panel Vest | $55 at Topshop, Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew,
Tweed Check Cross Body Bag | $55 at Topshop, Roxy Highwaisted Hotpants | $55 at Topshop, Leggings | $15.50 at American Eagle, Trooper Ankle Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21, Parka Hood Jacket | $44.90 at Heritage 1981.  See more information about this look.


No, this isn’t a case of seasonal dyslexia–you really can wear shorts for Fall.  The key is to pair your shorts with fall staples, such as sweaters, leggings, and boots.  (No shorts with sandals for Fall, unless you live in a tropical climate.)  With the appropriate layers, your summer shorts can fit comfortably right into the fall season.  Here’s how to wear your summer shorts this Fall:

1.  Start with your summer shorts, worn over tights or leggings.  For the most seasonally appropriate effect, try shorts in a heavier weight fabric, such as denim or wool. 
2.  On top, try a floaty top with shorts that are tighter fitting.  If you’re wearing roomier shorts, try a fitted top.
3.  Layer on a cardigan sweater, both for warmth and some additional color and texture.
4.  Slip on a parka jacket on top, leaving it open to let the cardigan and top peek through.  We love how the color of the faux fur trim echoes the yellow in the sweater, and how the combination of the parka, shorts, and leggings creates a long, lean line.
5.  Finish off the look with a pair of tall boots (notice how the grommets on the boots echo the line of buttons on the shorts) and a textured shoulder bag.

How would you wear your summer shorts this Fall? Share your style with us in the comments!

11 comments October 15th, 2009

Looking to Reload Your Boot Closet? Head to Forever 21 for Boots Under $35.

It’s officially boot season, and we’re reloading our shoe closets for Fall’s rain and clouds.  But with so many great boot styles available this season, we’re having trouble choosing what to buy without breaking the bank.  If you’re having a hard time deciding between boot styles, head over to Forever 21, and you’ll see why they have the cheap chic shoe market completely cornered.  Whether you’re looking for a flat boot or heeled boot, a tall boot or an ankle boot, a tailored boot or a slouchy boot, Forever 21 has the boots for you.  Here’s our six favorite boot picks (all under $35!) from Forever 21:
 
suedette-slouch-boot_101409
Suedette Slouch Boot | $29.80 at Forever 21

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Peep Toe Ankle Boot | $32.80 at Forever 21

trooper-ankle-boots_101409
Trooper Boots | $29.80 at Forever 21

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Naomi Ruched Boots | $31.80 at Forever 21

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Western Ankle Boot | $30.80 at Forever 21

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Combat Ankle Boots | $32.80 at Forever 21

What will you be wearing with your boots this Fall?  Share your style with us in the comments!

8 comments October 14th, 2009

Six Stunning Cardigans Under $100

The Cardigan - it’s a wardrobe foundation that’s supremely versatile, with the ability to change the entire look of an outfit.  But the cardigan so often plays a supporting role in an outfit, whether it’s peeking out from under a statement jacket, complementing a well-chosen blouse, or adding a pop of texture to a look.  Take the cardigan from supporting to stunning, with surprising colors and statement silhouettes.  Here’s six stunning cardigans under $100:

wide-envelope-wool-mix-sleeve-cardigan_101109
Vero Moda Wide Envelope Wool Mix Sleeve | $63.83 at ASOS

silence-noise-dolman-sleeve-cardigan_101109
Silence & Noise Dolman Sleeve Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters

merino-maya-cardigan_101109
Merino Maya Cardigan | $88 at J Crew

silence-noise-cozy-open-cardigan_101109
Silence & Noise Cozy Open Cardigan | $48 at Urban Outfitters

h81-pintucked-cardigan_101109
Pintucked Cardigan | $24.90 at Heritage 1981

honeycomb-blouson-sleeve-cardigan_101109
Honeycomb Blouson Sleeve Cardigan | $63.83 at ASOS

What cardigan(s) will you be wearing this Fall?  Share your style in the comments!

9 comments October 13th, 2009

You Said: No to Faux Fur Vests

omiru-poll-result-faux-fur-vest_101109

luscious-faux-fur-vest_101109We asked: Would you wear Faux Fur Vests?

You said:  No to Faux Fur Vests, with a 77% to 23% vote.

Style tip? As the perfect layering piece, the Vest is a key item for Fall.  Shaggy, faux fur vests, however, aren’t for everyone.  They’re great for adding a punch of texture to your look, but they also add visual weight.  If you dare to wear the faux fur vest, pair it over a fitted top with high armholes for the sleekest look.  On the bottom, try another fitted piece - such as straight or skinny jeans, or a slim fitting skirt.  Finish off the look with a pair of tall boots or heels so as to visually elongate your legs.

Next question: The Cage Heel is a hot catwalk trend that has made its way from the runway into real stores.  But what do you think about these uber-strappy shoes?  Tell us, would you wear Cage Heels?  Cast your vote on the sidebar!

Pictured: Luscious Faux Fur Vest | $24.80 at Forever 21

4 comments October 12th, 2009

How to Wear a Biker Jacket Elegantly

How to Wear a Biker Jacket
Shop the Look (clockwise, from top): Peel Out Biker Jacket | $38.90 at Heritage 1981, Librarian Tie Neck Cardigan | $44.99 at Ruche,
Leather Lady Lock Clutch | $82.07 at ASOS, Monroe Suedette Boot | $34.80 at Heritage 1981, AE Skinny Cord in Grey Dust | $39.50 at American Eagle.  See more information about this look.


Biker jackets evoke imagery of black leather, hard edges, and sharp studs.  But you don’t have to go over the edge to look sharp in a biker jacket.  The keys to wearing a biker jacket elegantly are twofold: (1) pick the right jacket (sleek, minimal), and (2) dress up the rest of the look with sophisticated pieces with chic details.  Here’s how to wear a biker jacket elegantly:

1.  Start with a simple, sophisticated base: grey cords (or grey jeans) and a tie-neck knit top.  We love the mix of muted colors between these two pieces.
2.  Layer on the elegant biker jacket.  Note the subtle cream color, the slim fit, and the understated detailing.
3.  Finish off the look with standout accessories: a pair of tall grey boots to tuck your grey cords into (the combo creates a long, lean look) and a cheery bright yellow clutch for a burst of color.

How would you wear a biker jacket? Share your style with us in the comments!

4 comments October 8th, 2009

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