Issac Mizrahi Eyelet Trenchcoat
Classic with a twist: laser cut eyelet details at the hemline. We’re swooning.
$49.99 at Target.
2 comments March 25th, 2008
Archive for March, 2008
You Said: Yes to Plaid!
We asked: Would you wear Plaid?
You said: Yes! A whopping 77% of you voted in favor of Plaid.
Style tip? Plaids can be loud–but they can also be quietly sophisticated. Try a glen plaid (pictured, left) for a whisper of plaid.
Next question: Despite how tough they are to wear, skinny jeans remain on the fashion radar. But would you wear skinny jeans? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured: Martin Glen Plaid Cuffed Wide-leg Trouser | $59.99 (sale) at Banana Republic.
1 comment March 23rd, 2008
Sweetheart Bubble Dress
Love the mod 60s feel of this bubble almost-minidress.
$39 at Twelve by Twelve.
March 23rd, 2008
Ready Made Outfit: Youthful Looks with a Vest
Q: I just got a black fitted vest/waistcoat and I’m not sure how to integrate it with the rest of my wardrobe. I’m still a college student and I don’t want to necessarily look like I’m heading towards the office or anything. Is there a way I can wear this more formal piece while still looking young and casual?
by Tamiko Kelly, Fashion Expert and Style Maven at Margarite Elaine
A: Traditionally a men’s wardrobe staple, the fitted vest (aka the waistcoat) has migrated over to women’s wardrobes. This trend has been popularized over the last few seasons, and it still has a cult-like following. With this set, we wanted to show you how to give a young, hip/funky edge to a wardrobe staple.
The vest look on the left is based on a neutral palette. The result is at once sophisticated and youthful, right down to the silver-grey ankle boots. The vest look on the right, on the other hand, is all about personality. Note the use of color in this outfit: the reddish-purple color on the shirt is echoed in the shoes, clutch, and earrings.
Have a great tip about what to wear with a vest? Share it with us in the comments!
3 comments March 20th, 2008
Sailor Collar Sweater
We’re suckers for sailor detailing…and we love how grosgrain and chunky knits intermix in this chic sweater.
$59.50 at Gap.
March 20th, 2008
Trend Alert: Bright Sweaters
There’s no better way to perk up a dreary day outfit (and stay warm) than a brightly colored sweater. It’ll brighten your outfit–and it’ll lift your mood. Here’s to cheery cloudy days–and the best of the Bright Sweaters out there:
Our $$ Picks:
Cotton Cashmere Primrose Cardigan | $98 at J Crew
The cotton lawn flowers adorning the front placket take this sweater from average to amazing.
Egyptian Cotton Short Sleeve Cardigan | $65 at J Crew
Isn’t this royal blue color to die for? Goes great with neutrals…and a splash of orange.
Ruched Sleeve Shawl Wrap Sweater | $57 (approx) at Topshop
We just can’t get enough of this gorgeous teal color.
Our $ Picks:
Elbow Sleeved Waffle Cardigan | $39.50 at Gap
The elbow sleeves on this cardigan let your button-down shirts shine for a perfect business casual ensemble.
Sweater Knit Drawstring Hoodie | $24.50 at Old Navy
Layer this hoodie over a striped shirt for a playful look.
4 comments March 19th, 2008
Turtle Cuff Links
A quiet reminder that slow and steady wins the race.
$38 at Banana Republic.
March 19th, 2008
Q&A: What to Wear with Plaid Pants
Q: I just got plaid pants (straight cut), but I don’t know what to wear them with! Here’s what the fabric looks like. Please give me ideas about what to wear with these pants. 
A: We have good news and bad news about your plaid pants. The good news is that you won’t really have to spend a lot of time putting an outfit together when you wear these pants. The bad news is that it’s because you won’t have a lot of options. When pairing shirts with these pants, stick to solid, simple colors. As always, we would suggest a crisp, white shirt (tucked in). Shoes should be casual, but don’t wear sneakers with these pants. Try loafers or Tod’s drivers instead. Oh, and avoid patterned shirts or jackets, or else you’ll end up looking like an optical illusion.
Plaid like yours is bold, especially on a dressier piece of clothing. Last season, Tom Ford had a three-piece plaid suit that was particularly eye catching (shown bottom right). Then again, is there anything from Tom Ford that isn’t? He probably could find some way to make what amounts to a Hanes white undershirt fashionable, price it at $400, and it would sell out.
Wearing plaid pants with patterns can be done, as the gentleman in brown (pictured top left) proves, but it’s difficult to do, especially without a matching jacket.
Our advice for next time is to buy the entire suit, not just the pants. If you want one piece of the suit, buy the jacket, as it’s more versatile (you can wear it over jeans, chinos or wool trousers, if you’d like). When you have the whole suit, it can become a very chic piece; however, separating the jacket from the pants is much trickier.
Have a great tip about what to wear with plaid pants? Share it with us in the comments!
Pictured: Man in Brown Linen Suit by The Sartorialist and Tom Ford Suit by the New York Times.
4 comments March 19th, 2008
Vintage Bobby Pin from Sprout Studio
There’s nothing quite like a vintage bobby pin in your hair to spruce up your look.
$9 each at Sprout Studio’s Etsy Store.
March 19th, 2008
Shopping Guide: Best of Banana Republic
We’ve been shopping more and more at Banana Republic lately. Maybe it’s their new signature line, maybe it’s their bold colors for spring, or maybe it’s their classic-with-a-twist details. Maybe it’s all three. Presenting our five favorite picks from Banana Republic’s current collection:
3/4 Sleeve Beaded Cardigan | $89 at Banana Republic
Cheerfully yummy.
Silk Lace Top | $79 at Banana Republic
The beauty is in the details–scalloped lace and pin-tuck pleats.
Silk Ruffle Sleeve Top | $64 at Banana Republic
The layered ruffles lining the sleeves are an inspired touch to an already gorgeous silk blouse.
Flatiron Embossed Triangle Satchel | $248 at Banana Republic
Expensive, yes, but consider it an investment piece that’ll earn you dividends each time you tote it.
Three Stone Cabochon Bracelet | $34 at Banana Republic
The perfect accessory to finish off your statement outfit.
7 comments March 17th, 2008