Mary Jane pumps are the Little Black Dress of shoes. Mary Janes go with almost everything, from casual jeans to your LBD, and they can instantly make you feel more stylish. Here’s the best pair $20 can buy.
$19.99 at Target.
5 comments November 20th, 2008
Cozy up in a thick knit sweater - the perfect antidote to the cool weater outside. But instead of reaching for a plain, solid-colored sweater, mix things up a bit by investing in a good quality Fair Isle sweater. The distinctive multicolored knitted patterns on the modern Fair Isle sweater are a wonderful foil to your everyday basics. Presenting our five favorite Fair Isle inspired sweaters:
Our $ Picks:
O’Hanlon Mills Reverse Hooded Zip-Up | $88 at Urban Outfitters
AE Holiday Cardigan | $99.50 at American Eagle
Our $$ Pick:
Shelter Island Cardigan | $180 at Hollister
Our $$$ Picks:
Haystack Mountain Cardigan | $350 at Abercrombie
3.1 Philip Lim Wrap Neck Collar Sweater | $438 (sale) at Oak
3 comments November 19th, 2008
Spice up a plain cardigan with a subtle double stripe on one arm. A simple reminder that style is all about the details.
$49 at Urban Outfitters.
November 19th, 2008
The company holiday party is about letting loose and having fun, but don’t forget that you’re still in the presence of your coworkers. What to wear? Balance your fashion forward style with your professional work image. Read: wear nothing that’s overly revealing–or anything uber trendy. But don’t cramp your style. If you’re on the fence about the appropriateness of a dress, leave it in your closet for the company party, but wear it proudly to your friends’ holiday party. Here’s six holiday party dresses under $100 that are worth a second look:
Artsy
Mesh Overlay Dress | $46 at Twelve by Twelve
Vintage Inspired
Beaded Flapper Dress | $75 (approx) at Topshop
Charming
Silk Racerback Charm Dress | $79.50 at Express
Boldly Sophisticated
Faux Wrap Dress | $64 at Gap
Classic Chic
Issac Mizrahi Embroidered Lace Dress | $39.99 at Target
Glamourous
Warrior Belted Dress | $39 at Twelve by Twelve
5 comments November 18th, 2008
Old Navy is my go-to place for sleep pants, and I couldn’t resist these pink plaid flannel pants on my last shopping trip. The warm flannel and the bright colors will keep you cozy this winter.
$16.50 at Old Navy.
2 comments November 18th, 2008
We asked: Would you wear Tie-Neck Blouses?
You said:Â Yes to Tie-Neck Blouses, which were voted in 59% to 41%.
Style tip? We’re a big fan of tie-neck blouses–the bow tie turns a masculine button-down shirt into something flirtily feminine. Wear it to work to give a feminine touch to a tailored suit.  On the weekend, you can make this workwear staple more casual with a pair of wide-leg trouser jeans.
Next question: Fair Isle Sweaters, characterized by multi-color knitted patterns, are a winter (or at least a ski lodge) staple for both men and women. But what do you think?  Tell us, would you wear a Fair Isle Sweater? Cast your vote on the sidebar!
Pictured:Â Fitted Tie-Neck Shirt | $25.99 (sale) at Gap.
4 comments November 17th, 2008
Hands down, this is the best bootie I’ve seen all season. If you’re worried about booties making your legs look shorter, this is the style for you: the strap pulls down the top of the boot, visually elongating your leg. Plus, for a limited time only, get 25% off (taking the price down to ~$75)–plus free shipping.
$99 at Nine West.
4 comments November 17th, 2008
Renee, who’s moving to the Pacific Northwest (hello, rain!), asked us for recommendations for stylish rain wear. In a nutshell, our philosophy on rainwear is to balance style with comfort (e.g. staying dry and warm). It’s a balance, not a tradeoff–when it’s rainy out, it doesn’t mean that your style needs to stay in. Here’s a simple look, appropriate for the rains of the Pacific Northwest, that will keep you both stylish and comfy:
1. The key to this outfit is comfy layers. Your first layer? A simple base: a comfy knit shirt and a nice knee-length skirt. (If it’s really cold, add a pair of tights or leggings to this base layer.)
2. To keep warm in the rain, you’re going to need a cozy sweater. Here, we chose a thick knit sweater with a stylish toggle closure. Extra style points (and warmth) for the attached hood.
3. Finish off the outfit with a warm pair of rain boots (notice the knit cuff on these jersey-lined boots, only $29.99 at Target), a rain-resistant bag, and a clear plastic bubble umbrella ($16.99, also at Target).
What’s your go-to rain outfit? Share your style with us in the comments!
4 comments November 14th, 2008
The double metal buckle closure on this wide leather belt gives it a double dose of chic. Perfect for pairing with a blousy top or sweaterdress.
$39.50 at Gap.
1 comment November 14th, 2008
Q: How do you dress up a plain black or white button-down shirt?
by Colleen Geary, fashion stylist and image consultant
A: While I appreciate the idea of dressing up a plain button-down shirt, the expression "you can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear" comes to mind. A plain cotton button down shirt is a workhouse garment; it’s not really meant for dressing up for going out at night.
For casual wear, however, I recommend emphasizing the sleek simplicity of the shirt by pairing it with a dark rinse jean and a pair of heeled boots. Layer on a great looking jacket to keep the look long, lean, and simple. Bonus points for topping off the outfit with a long scarf, like Clemence Poesy (pictured, left).
To make a plain button down shirt a little more dressed up for daytime, here’s a few ideas for standout accessories:
Necklace: Layer on a bold necklace—or two, or three. Don’t hold back. The bigger and bolder, the better!
Scarf: It’s amazing how a scarf can turn a simple outfit into one that’s simply stunning. Give your plain shirt some personality with a patterned scarf.
Belt: To jazz up a plain shirt, take your belt to the extremes. Either wear a belt that’s wide or one that’s super narrow. If you go for the narrow option, consider wearing a two or three belts for a very downtown cool look.
Necktie: Do as men do and don a necktie. Wear it loosely knotted for a casual menswear-as-womenswear look.
Last words? However you choose to wear your shirt, do as Clemence Poesy does, and let your own individual beauty shine through.
Have a great tip about how to dress up a plain button down shirt? Share it with us in the comments!
2 comments November 13th, 2008
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