Craving Wish List

Currently Craving: Spring Fever

The temps rose dramatically in NYC the past couple of days… a brief tantalizing whiff of Spring, before January remembers her place on the Northeast climate spectrum. Tempted by the weather (or so I’m justifying it to myself), I added a couple Springtime pieces to my closet that I’m so eager to wear! Here are some newbies, plus some coveted items for Spring and where to get them:

1. Something floral, See by Chloe (similar) 2. White Trousers, Balmain, 3. Statement Necklace, BaubleBar (similar), 4. Bright scarf, Banana Republic, 5. Ice Blue Crop, Tibi, 6. Something mint, Steve Madden, 7. Pleated skirt, Steffen Schraut

What’s on your Spring wish-list so far? Tell me what you think in the comments!

Outfits Style Inspiration

Leather and Leopard

Wearing (faux) leather leggings with your coziest sweater is a great alternative to jeans for a laid-back weekend look. I even transitioned this look to evening (a casual dinner party) by swapping the loafers for heels and adding a sheer black tank underneath instead of the white button-down.

Wearing – Leather: H&M (last seen here), Blouse: H&M (old), Sweater: Loft, Loafers: Steve Madden, Aviators: Ralph Lauren (similar), Jewelry: Alexander McQueen ring, Gorjana rings, Saks Off-Fifth bracelet

Photo Credit: Lydia Hudgens

Outfits Style Inspiration

Weekend Style: Leathery Goodness

Here’s a little weekend style inspiration from Anh over at 9to5Chic. I love the pop of plaid under her rich sweater. She exudes effortless chic in everything she wears. I am already planning to recreate a similar look this weekend, so stay tuned for my version of laid-back leather. Have a great weekend everybody!

Pieces shown: Leather: The Row and Topshop (only $36!), Sweater: By Malene Birger, Plaid: Levis (only $50!) and Woolrich, Sunnies: Oscar de la Renta and Asos, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Booties: Proenza Schouler and Gucci

Outfits Style Inspiration

The Classics

I apologize for my absence! I’ve been super busy lately with some new projects, particularly styling for Keaton Row. I’ve noticed a trend recently among my clients… they all want classic pieces that they can style in different ways. And I couldn’t agree more! To me, the three most classic pieces worth investing in are a black blazer, a white button-down blouse, and dark denim jeans. Not only do these three items make a complete outfit that is classic and chic, they can be mixed up in infinite ways. Here are just three examples of how to wear your classics in a not-so-average way.

1. The Black Blazer: Layering with a black blazer is the easiest way to make an outfit look more structured, put-together, polished, however you want to say it… A bright-hued, flirty dress is balanced with a sleek black blazer and studded pumps.

Blazer: Theory, Dress: M Missoni, Pumps: Valentino, Clutch: DVF, Earrings: NUR

2. The White Button-Down: A menswear-inspired piece, the white button-down naturally looks great with trousers or jeans, but I also like the wild-card pairing of something feminine and romantic. This look is a modern take on work-wear with a slim-patterned skirt and rich ankle-booties.

Blouse: Equipment, Skirt: Prabal Gurung, Booties: Vince Camuto (only $139!), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Bracelet: Kazuri

3. The Dark Denim Jean: A dark jean can easily be dressed up or down to fit your style. For a laid-back cool look, layer with a jumper and a scarf. Tasseled loafers and gold jewelry keep the look modern and sophisticated.

Jeans: J Brand, Madame Sweatshirt: Zoe Karssen (absolutely in love), Loafers: Madison Harding, Bag: Cambridge Satchel Co., Scarf: Tory Burch, Watch: Kate Spade, Leather wrap bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs

For more advice from me on how to style classics or for any other wardrobe answers/updates you may seek, sign up for a styling session with me at Keaton Row! The first lookbook (usually 6-8 complete looks, styled just for you) is FREE!

Outfits

Fancy Pants

I purchased these fancy pants over the summer, and I’ve surprisingly got a lot of use out of them… Worn with a silky black tank for a night out, dressed down with a casual white-T and denim jacket, or winterized with a leather jacket and comfy sweater. If it feels like pajamas, you better believe I am buying!

Wearing – Pants: Zara (similar), Sweater: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (old), Leather Jacket: MaxStudio (last seen here), Shoes: Michael Kors (old, similar here or here), Clutch: Gifted (similar), Rings: Gorjana and vintage, Beaded necklace: vintage

Photo Credit: Lydia Hudgens

Craving Style Inspiration Wish List

Trend Report: Crave the Rose

Spring is far from arriving, but fashion is absolutely blooming with rose prints, patterns, appliques, and jewels. I was so inspired, that I found a beautiful rose-print silk blouse in the far corners of my closet last week that I ~~dusted off and~~ wore to work. Here is a round-up of some of my favorite rose-inspired pieces for you to get on trend:

Clockwise from top-left: Modcloth rosette bracelet, Christopher Kane rose-print Tee (love this one too), Dolce and Gabbana dress, Matthew Williamson trouser, Rag & Bone gloves, Tory Burch dress, Louis Vuitton limited edition coin purse, Tory Burch sneaker, Valentino Garavani silk scarf, Lover lace blouse (really love this one too!), Christopher Kane skirt, Oscar de la Renta collar necklace, Derek Lam booties

Outfits

Winter Weekend Layers

Not that you will need any layers this weekend (if you are a New Yorker at least…), but here is my take on casual winter layering. I am loving the new trend to use a denim jacket as a winter layering piece. My tips for achieving this layered look are: definitely pop the collar, choose an underneath layer with visual interest (like stripes) so that it pops, button up the denim jacket (a couple buttons will do) and leave the overcoat open. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Wearing – J.Crew jeans (old, lusting after these), Forever21 sweater (old, similar), Boston Proper denim jacket (love this one too), Calvin Klein coat, Steve Madden booties c/o, and Ray-Ban Wayfarers

Photo Credit: Lydia Hudgens

Outfits Style Inspiration

Velvet Blazer: Office to Cocktail Hour

I haven’t done a “work to play” post in a long time, but I am in love with the idea of taking an interesting blazer, like this midnight velvet one by Mango, from the office to a night out.

1. A velvet blazer is a little unexpected in the workplace, but it looks rich and luxurious when paired with slim, printed trousers. Add a crisp button down and nude pumps for more classic touches. A menswear watch and cute leather backpack are great accessories for a polished but fresh office look.

Blazer: Mango (similar, under $150!), Trousers: Joie, Blouse: Acne, Bag: Dooney & Bourke, Pumps: Anne Klein (under $100!), Glasses: Oliver Peoples, Stud Earrings: Astley Clarke, Watch: Junghans

2. For cocktails, swap out the trousers for a romantic, brocade skirt. Layer a loose, white tank underneath the blazer to keep the look from being too structured or stuffy. An incredible statement necklace and cool, metallic pumps are on-trend pieces that can be incredibly versatile in your wardrobe. Add pops of color with a clutch and a swipe of bright pink lipstick, and you are ready to hit the town!

Blazer: Mango, Skirt: Stella McCartney, Tank: Etoile Isabel Marant, Pumps: Alejandro Ingelmo (similar), Necklace: Dannijo, Clutch: Acne (similar, under $30!), Bangles: Chanel, Lipstick: Bite Beauty

Outfits Style Inspiration

Hat Uncertainties

Maxi skirt, leather jacket, skull scarf

Fedora: gifted, Leather Jacket: Guess (old, similar here or here), Top: Zara (similar), Belt: vintage, Skirt: vintage (similar), Booties: Steve Madden c/o (similar), Scarf: via Marshalls (McQueen version), Watch: Michael Kors, Skull ring: BCBG (lusting over this one), Bracelet: J. Crew (old)

I was given this delightful little fedora for Christmas, which I immediately rejected as “too much” for me. My Mom refused to return it, forced me to try it on everyday for a week, and finally convinced me (er, maybe?) that I looked “adorable” in it. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against hats. I often admire them on the heads of others, but I was never able to find one that fit my abnormally small dome (this version comes in sizes) or that seemed to fit my wardrobe. So here’s to new style adventures in 2013! Taking risks and taking names… while wearing a hat…

What do you think of my topper? Will you be taking fashion risks this year? Tell me in the comments!

Photo Credit: Lydia Hudgens

My Life Outfits