Day to Night

Friday was a great day.  I work up early, had a couple of great meetings for work, and then Aneesh joined me for lunch and we worked at a coffee shop for much of the afternoon.  We took advantage of the beautiful day with an evening game of tennis and then took Ariyana with us to dinner at Gaslight.  It was a nice balance of work, exercise, family time, and of course fabulous food and wine.

And I love it when I can transition and outfit from day to night.  During the day for work I wore this blouse and pants with a black blazer and for dinner I just swapped out the blazer and work bag for this jacket and a small clutch.  Oh and these pants are exact same ones I bought in pink and wore here.  Did I mention I have a problem with buying the same item of clothing in multiple colors?

Benetton blouse, Zara jacket and pants, Cole Haan platform pumps, and Kate Spade clutch

Tweet This

Day to Night

Guest Post: Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

Hi everyone-I am still on vacation so today's guest post is by my friend Dana Marshall, an Accessory Buyer at Rue La La.

Rue La La is a private sale, online company that sells everything from that can fill your closet, jewelry box, or can help you decorate your home. We travel to NYC frequently to find the best deals on the latest trends and bring them to you at a discounted price. This past week I was in the city during Fashion Week and was able to identify the most current and most wanted looks of the season.  If you are not a member of Rue La La yet, here is how to avoid being on the wait list. Cut and paste this link into your browser: RueLaLa.com/invite/dvmarshall   

My Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

  
1. Nude pumps: Nude shoes are a must have this season...pumps, sling backs, peep toes or platforms. Whatever style you chose you can be sure they will go with everything in your closet.

Stuart Weitzman "Platswoon" Pumps

2. Shirt dress: A relaxed look that you can dress up or down depending on your mood. Great for the office or a casual dinner date with friends. I have this dress...it's a personal favorite.

Diane von Furstenberg Sliced Shirt Dress

3. Wrap bracelets: I  love Chan Luu wrap bracelets. Beautiful craftsmanship, great style, and a unique look! This one comes in many styles and colors and gold is everywhere this season. A great accessory to any outfit.

Chan Luu Gold Vermeil Wrap Bracelet on Leather Brown

4. Envelope bag: This snake embossed envelope bag is a hot style this season and this particular bag won't break the bank (which we love!) It can be used as a clutch or has a drop-in chain so can also be used as a shoulder bag.

Rampage 'Juliet' Snake Embossed Faux Leather Envelope Clutch

5. A Classic Trench Coat: A timeless trench coat is a spring must have. Classic beige, bold reds, and even polka dots are on trend.  The A-line shape and belted waist is a very flattering look on all body types.

Lauren by Ralph Lauren Nicole Double-Breasted Belted Trench Coat

Tweet This

Guest Post: Top 5 Must Have Items for Spring

Reader Request: What to Wear With Tall High Heel Boots

Occasionally I get emails from style'n readers who are looking for style advice and I am always so humbled and inspired by these requests. Sirena, a personal trainer and health and nutrition blogger (The Naked Dish), contacted me because she bought these new high heel tall brown boots and wanted some ideas about what to wear with them.  Below are some of the style tips I suggested to Sirena and since she lives here in Boston I thought it would be nice to meet up and take a picture of the outfit we styled. I like high heel boots (here) and if they are worn right they elongate the legs and give a sleek and sexy look.

Style'n tips: What to wear with tall high heel boots

1. Skinny Jeans, especially a dark wash or black ones. I love the look paired with a belted cardigan or a billowy silk blouse.
 

2. Short skirts including mini's and knee length.  I like to make sure the skirt length is shorter than the top of the boot so you can see the boots. For some people 1 inch above the boot works, and for others they look best when the skirt just hits above the boot. Also, skirts that stop 3-4 inches above the boot work well.

3. Long skirts, full or narrow, that cover the top of the boot.

4. Casual everyday long and short dresses. Follow the same basic principles with short and long skirts.

5. A high heel pointy-toed high heel boot with business suits gives a professional and classy look. (but  do do not tuck pants in the boots for this look!)

What do you wear with your high heeled boots?

Tweet This

Reader Request: What to Wear With Tall High Heel Boots

Time Out Boston: A Closet Case Featuring style'n

We had such an amazing time at the Dance Party Saturday and I can't wait to share pictures of the event with you.  In the meantime here is a picture of my dancing shoes.  I scored these DVF Zia heels at 50% off and even though they are really high, they were surprisingly comfortable and perfect for dancing.

Also remember last week when I mentioned I was cleaning my closet for an upcoming feature?  I had the wonderful opportunity to be featured in Time Out Boston for a series they do called A Closet Case.  Here you will get a peek into my closet, some of my favorite places to shop,  as well my top 7 wardrobe essentials.

Tweet This

Time Out Boston: A Closet Case Featuring style'n

Tips on Vintage Shopping: Rachael from It's Simple Love

Hello everyone-Today we have Rachael from It's Simple Love sharing her tips on vintage shopping. I asked Rachael to guest post on this topic because I would love to learn more about vintage shopping and because she truly is an expert on this topic.  Have you checked out her adorable items on Etsy at Ande Monster Vintage? 

First off, thank you Naina for asking me to guest post!  I am Rachael from It's Simple Love and I am pleased to be sharing about vintage shopping, A.K.A. "thrifting".  I am crazy about vintage clothing and I am excited to share a bit on what I love.  I have always shopped for vintage clothing since my childhood.  My mom sparked the interest in me first by taking me to thrift stores when I was young.  I loved wearing vintage cowgirl boots and I loved vintage floral dresses.  I have always been a dress-lover.  To this day, it is my favorite thing vintage item to buy and that's the first place I go to when I shop vintage, the dress section.  I opened a shop up last year because I wanted to share my love for vintage clothing.  You can find my shop, Ande Monster Vintage, on etsy.

So, here are some quick and easy tips on shopping vintage:

Where do you find a good vintage shop?

1.The best way?  Word of mouth.  Ask around. 

2. I use the site The Thrift Shopper. It will give you a list of thrift stores in your area and a rating of each one just by entering in your zip code.  I highly suggest using it.  I use it every time I visit another city.  I love thrifting in every town I visit.

3.You can always go to national thrift stores like Deseret Industries, Savers, The Salvation Army, Thrift Town, or Goodwill.  

4. Yard sales and estate sales are also excellent places to find vintage clothing.  You can find yard and estate sale listings in your local newspaper or on craigslist.

Quick Tips on Finding "The Good Stuff":

1. Take your time.  Thrift stores typically have racks and racks of clothing so make sure you have the time to go through the racks thoroughly.  Think of it as a treasure hunt.

2. You win some you lose some. Some days I come out with 3-4 dresses that I am in LOVE with.  Other days I come home with none.  Don't be too depressed if you don't find anything.  Typically thrift stores get thousands of donations every day.  Which leads me to my next tip...

3. Go often. I go a few times a week because I know the good stuff does not stay for long and the inventory on the floor rotates fast.  Go regularly.

4. Get a schedule.  I go to one thrift store on a regular basis and I know what time they put out new items.  

5. Make friends with the employees.  I go thrift stores often enough that I get to know the employees.  This helps when I find an item that is slightly damaged the employees often times mark them down for me.  I have also had employees "save" items just for me.  Not because I ask them but they see an item, think of me, and show me when I go in.  I love it!  

6. Be picky! Hold the same standards you have for your clothing today.  Make sure it fits you and it's flattering (unless your savvy with a sewing machine and can make alterations). Look for holes or stains. Ask yourself "am I really going to make use of this?" but be imaginative and don't be scared to try something new!  

7. ALWAYS try it on.  Always always always make time to try it on.  It may turn out better than expected.  Or it could turn out absolutely hideous.  Try it on and find out before taking it home.

How do you tell if it is vintage?

1. Know your history.  Knowing the history of fabrics and textiles will help you "date" your clothing.  Knowing the styles of a particular decade will also help you date the garment of clothing.  (Examples: 1940's 1950's 1960's 1970's 1980's)

2. The zipper. Before the 1950's most garments did not use zippers. If you find the garment has a metal zipper it is most likely from the 1950's-1960's. If the zipper is nylon then it will be post 1960's.  

3. Check the hem. How the garment was made usually tells a lot about it.  If it has a handmade look to it, even if it has a tag, this is a good sign it is vintage.  It was more common to make your own clothes in years past.  Typically speaking, vintage clothing was better made; " built to last".

4. Check the label.  The label often will tell the circa  date of the article of clothing.  Look at the font of the label and the brand itself.  You can look up the label and garment style when you get home and often find the year of the garment and some history. Labels may also have some wear or fade to them.  

5. Washing instructions.  Washing instructions generally were not added to garments until the 1970's.  If the garment has washing instructions, it was most likely made after 1970.

Thank You.

I hope these little tips help you find the vintage clothing you have always been looking for! If you are not one to search thrift stores, there are plenty of vintage shops online and on the streets.  Don't be afraid to shop and wear vintage.  All styles come back! Whether we embrace them or disgrace them.  Find excellent vintage stores on Etsy.  And don't be afraid to say hello on my blog It's Simple Love.

Chao!

Tweet This

Tips on Vintage Shopping: Rachael from It's Simple Love

Traveling in Style: Part II

With the Thanksgiving travel this past week, my recent business trips,  and more upcoming holiday travel,  I have been packing and re packing my travel handbag.  The good thing is I am getting closer to mastering all the items I need to bring in my large travel tote.  Now if I can just master packing for business trips and vacations I will be all set.

Here are my top "must have" travel accessories for traveling in style. (And here is Part I in case you missed it!)

1. Cityslips Travel Flats $28.00

These flats are perfect for the airport security line and for those times when you  have been wearing  high heels for too many hours.  They fit perfectly in most handbags and they come in a pouch that converts to a full size tote bag.  They are also available in this luxe leopard print at Neiman Marcus.

2. Black Cashmere Wrap $149.50 on sale  

This medium weight single ply cashmere wrap functions as a cozy wrap on the airplane and converts to a stylish scarf during the day or a wrap on a cool evening. I have several non-cashmere shawls but my favorite one to use is a beige soft cashmere wrap I received as a gift.  I think I might need a black one next.  It really does make a difference when it is cashmere!

3. Saffiano Media Sleeve $75.00 pre-order

I just saw this and I LOVE it.   This media sleeve is the perfect way to protect your  IPhone when you travel. It comes in purple and orange as well. The black one is not available yet but I am thinking about pre-ordering this one or getting the orange one.

 

4. Jewelry Pouch $39.50

I always carry my jewelry in my handbag when I travel and even though I have several jewelry pouch's I love this one from J.Crew. It is made of a soft silk blend, comes in windsor grey or heirloom pink, and it would make the perfect holiday gift for a stylish traveler.

5.  Vapur .5L Anti Bottle $9.99

These water bottles are convenient, reusable, and they are great for on-the-go use. They are flexible so they stand when they are full and the fold up when they are empty. This is the perfect alternative to carrying a plastic water bottle when traveling.

6.Occasion Sequin Framed Large Wristlet $128.00

This past week during Thanksgiving I stopped into the Coach store and I saw these wristlets and the poppy occasion sequin pouch's and I love them.  The benefit of carrying a clutch in your travel handbag is you can keep all your small items organized.  I like to fill my clutch or wristlet with gum, chapstick, hand sanitizer, lip gloss, and other small items.   Then when you arrive at your travel destination you can use the wristlet or clutch as an evening bag.

What are some of your "must have"accessories for traveling in style?

Tweet This

Traveling in Style: Part II

What to Pack: Five Day Business Trip

I am in Atlanta this week for work and I must admit packing for business trips is not one of my favorite things to do.  Even though I travel for work often I still dread this task and I always procrastinate and pack at the last minute.  So I decided to make a list of wardrobe essentials for a five day business trip.  I am hoping this list will alleviate some of the stress I have with packing for trips.

Wardrobe Essentials for a Five Day Work Trip

1. big work bag/tote spacious enough for the airplane and for business meetings
2. black cashmere or other soft cardigan
3. one pair of black high heels and one pair of black flats
4. pencil skirt
5. two to three blouses
6. two work appropriate dresses
7. black pants
8. jeans for casual dinners or non work events
9. jacket (either a trench, leather, blazer, or other light stylish jacket)
10. shawl for the cold meeting rooms, airplane, and to wear out at night
11. black opaque tights
12. accessories such as scarfs, belts, and jewelry to change up an outfit or change the look from a day  meeting to an evening dinner
13. undergarments (of course)
14. gym shoes and workout attire

Additional Tips

-The real secret to successful packing is keeping all the items monochromatic so that everything is interchangeable and you can mix and match outfits.
-Hang up all clothes so that they stay wrinkle free and so you can easily view all items.
-Bring along a flat reusable bag in case you end up doing some shopping or pick up extra items from the trip.

What are your wardrobe essentials for business travel?

Tweet This

What to Pack: Five Day Business Trip

Reader Request: Gray and Brown

Gray striped boat neck tee-Loft (30%off), JouJou faux leather jacket-Nordstrom, Stretch denim leggings-C&C California, Boots-Steve Madden, Handbag-Spain

Stephanie (of scrumptious) went out with some friends and she paired up a gray sweater dress, gray sheer tights, and caramel colored knee high boots.  After wearing the outfit Stephanie said she liked the look but she wasn't sure if it worked or not.  So Stephanie asked me my thoughts on wearing gray and brown together. 

My thoughts on Stephanie's gray/brown outfit:
1. I think neutral colors like brown, black and gray definitely work well together.
2. Another great option is to match the brown boots with brown tights to make the legs look elongated and longer. 
3. Tie in the brown boots with the rest of the outfit by adding an accessory that has shades of brown it in. This can be a belt, clutch, or even a chunky bracelet.
4. Consider adding in a third color or a pattern. This can be a cardigan, jacket, or scarf.
5. Most importantly, I think Stephanie's outfit worked because she liked it and she wore it with confidence!

So I was inspired to put together a similar outfit using these colors but I went into my closet and I realized I don't have a lot of solid brown and gray items in my closet and I don't even have a single gray or brown dress.  This is because these colors are not the most flattering on me. However, if I break up these colors in my outfit by adding jeans, a third color such as white or yellow, or even patterns such as stripes, then I can pull off wearing these colors. 

I wore the outfit Sunday for a casual get together with our friends for Halloween.  I also brought along this gray cardigan to wear in the house.

My fairy princess and me

Do you wear gray and brown together?
 
Also, check out the CoolKids blog today. Betsy has launched a new series called Real Life Cool Kids and she is featuring Ariyana today!

Tweet This

Reader Request: Gray and Brown

Sequins and the City

Pink sequin skirt-Banana Republic, Roll sleeve henley blouse-Ann Taylor Loft (on sale for 30% off),  Peep toe black pumps-Aldo (last season), black patent clutch-Charles David, bracelet-H&M

On Friday night my husband and I met up with our good friends for dinner at Mistral, one of our all time favorite restaurants in Boston.  And as mentioned here, I requested your style ideas about how to create a new look using my pink sequin skirt.

Previous Look

The first time I wore this skirt I paired it up with a black sleeveless chiffon blouse tucked in, black tights, and these black heels.

Current Look
This style is inspired by style'n reader Nikki (Style and Charm)
I like Nikki's idea to switch up the look by adding a flowy cream blouse, black tights, and black heels.

Next Look
The next time I wear this sequin skirt I am going to go for a daytime look.
Josie (with a wink and a smile) suggests pairing the skirt with a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up and Valerie (Red Vines for Breakfast) and Piya suggest creating a look with a pair of tall brown boots.
Who knew there were so many great style options with a sequin skirt?

Thanks to all of you who provided style tips on how to create a look with a sequin skirt. Here are all of your stylish recommendations.

How to Style an Outfit With a Pink Sequin Skirt: 

1. Flowy cream blouse with black tights and black heels (Nikki)
2. Light cream or champagne blouse with ankle boots (Dawn)
3. Cream or pale pink long sleeved silk button down blouse and flat riding boots (Valerie, Piya)
4. Crisp white shirt, sleeves rolled up, tights, and booties or a loose top with a cardigan  (Josie)
5. Panelled chiffon and leather u round neck top or a silky bow top and a black coat (Jemina)
6. Oversized light sweater, dark tights, and tall boots (Diana)
7. A wrap or belted sweater and some calf length boots for a more casual daytime look (Alison)
8. Black blazer (Julie)
9. Black tank and long black cardigan (Melissa)
10.White button down shirt and brown brogues/oxfords for the day and black blazer, camisole, tights and booties for the night (Sonali)
11. Cream blouse with bow ties paired with bronze heels and a coat for the evening (MarchMusings)
12. Tee and blazer or cardigan for the day a nice top and heels with tights for the night (Ashley)
13. Polka dotted blouse, black blazer, and flats (Vandna)
14. Silk white flowy top and patent pumps. (Jess)
15. Simple black blouse jazzed up with fun jewelry or off white blouse (Samantha)
16. Black or white v-neck pocket tee tucked in, a blazer and booties or pumps (Isabel)
17. Solid pink jumpsuit style shirt with a soft rolled collar, pearls, gray tights and gray/patent and suede pump (Kelly)
18. Silk cream blouse (Amy and Geeta), boyfriend jacket, and tights (Geeta)

Tweet This

Sequins and the City

Style'n Tips: How to Wear Floral Dresses In the Fall/Winter

Madewell dress, Club Monaco blazer, Michael Kors handbag, Aldo belt, Steve Madden boots

On Sunday we met up with some friends for brunch in Boston's South End. It was a the perfect fall day to wear this new dress I bought at Madewell. (dress also seen here)  I have had my eye on this dress for a while and when I went to the store to try it on it was marked down so of course I got it.  This floral dress is quickly becoming my new"black" dress because the styling options are endless and it it such a versatile item.   Next time I may try pairing the dress with my short black leather jacket and black tall boots.

Top 5 Tips for Wearing Floral Dresses in the Fall/Winter:

1. Cover up by pairing a floral dress with corduroy blazers, denim jackets, and leather jackets. This helps break up the print,  toughens up the feminine look, and keeps you warm.  In addition, adding different textures with these type of jackets or even with wool cardigans helps make the outfit more appropriate for the cold season. 

2. Consider layering the dress with a turtleneck or long sleeve tee underneath or add a belted cardigan on top.

3. Add cold weather wear such as dark opaque tights,  darker more simple handbags, and scarves.

4. Replace sandals with tall boots, slouchy boots, or booties. 

5. Select colors and textures appropriate for fall.  Leave the linen floral dress or the classic summer white and pastel dresses and opt for darker bolder hues giving you an edgy and autumn look.  But if you do wear lighter colored floral prints then just add tights and cardigans that compliment and draw attention to one of the darker hues in the dress.

Do you like to wear floral dresses in the fall/winter? If so what are some ways you transform this look from spring/summer to fall/winter?

Tweet This

Style'n Tips: How to Wear Floral Dresses In the Fall/Winter

My style'n tips (and yours!)

Earlier this week all of us received some great fashion tips from Harper Bazaar's Avril Graham on transitioning outfits from day to night.  Well last Saturday I needed to create and outfit that I could transition from meeting friends at the Fort Point Open Art Fall Open Studios to a casual lunch at one of our favorite spots- Flour and then on to some playtime with our daughter at The Boston Children's Museum. 

Here's what I wore:

1. Aviator sunglasses and necklace-Banana Republic

2. Black studded handbag-Deux Lux purchased at Ku De Ta (one of my favorite local boutiques) 

3. Blouse-H&M

4. Cardigan-Banana Republic

5. Belt-Anthropologie
6. Jeans-Citizens of Humanity Avedon Slick Skinny Legging Jeans
7. Black flat boots-Burberry

I wanted to look stylish and sophisticated for the art exhibits yet comfortable and casual enough to walk around town and hang out at the museum.

My strategy:
1. Carry a handbag large enough to carry all my stuff including my camera and scarf and Ariyana's snacks and cardigan.
2. Wear comfortable shoes without a high heel so I can walk and "play" at the museum
3. Layer clothing since we were going to be inside and outside for several hours
4. Add some fun accessories such as a necklace and belt so that I am style'n!
 
As mentioned above we all received some great style tips from Avril Graham on transitioning your look from day to night and also earlier this month Today Show's Bobbie Thomas gave us lots of amazing fashion tips as well. (here)  I also provided a few ways I transitioned my look since I attended the Swarovski event right after work on Tuesday.  But I also received some really creative and informative comments yesterday from all of you about the various ways you transition your look from day to night and I wanted to share them with you.

Reader's fashion tips on transitioning looks from day to night:
1. Add red lipstick and sparkly earrings. Melissa
2. Do a smoky eye. Josie
3. Kohl eyeliner, shoes, and jewelry. Gagan
4. More make-up and more "blingy" items.  Sonali
5. Let down the hair, touch up make-up, and remove a layer of clothing. Torrie
6. Add bold jewelry, add dramatic make-up, and change your shoes. Samantha
7. Ponytails during the day and hair loose at night. Michelle
8. Add jewelry that sparkles such as big pearl and diamond cocktail ring, and gold bangles. Annelise
9. Let down your hair and put on some high heels. Tanvi
10. Add a pair of heels, eyeliner, extra mascara, and extra jewelry. Valerie
11. Change shoes. Audrey
12. Exchange a blazer for a bomber jacket, skinny denim for a wide leg flare, remove a knee high sleek heel boot for a platform shoe and keep it simple with a t -shirt and some fun jewelry beneath. Carrie
13. The right bag is important-a clutch screams evening plus some sparkly accessories as well. Connie
14. Add accessories and make clothing a bit more revealing at night. Elle 

Have a great weekend!

Tweet This

My style'n tips (and yours!)

Style'n tips from Avril Graham of Harper's Bazaar

 Avril Graham is wearing the gorgeous Maniac necklace from Swarovski's new Fall/Winter 2010 collection.

Last night I met up with my friends Martini and Sami at the Swarovski evening of style event hosted by the lovely Avril Graham.  Avril is the Executive Fashion and Beauty editor of Harper's Bazaar and a regular style contributor on The Today Show.  Avril shared some great tips on transofrming an outfit from day to night and she demonstrated this by styling models with Swarovski's newest pieces.

I did not buy any jewelry because I just bought these pieces and I also prefer to shop when it is less crowded.  I really enjoyed browsing the new collection, chatting with Avril about her style tips,  and drinking the delicious sparkling white wine. But, I will be back to the store because I have my eye on a few amazing statement pieces.  I did end up buying one of these beautiful crystalline pens.

Here are just a few of the helpful tips Avril provided last night.

For the day:
1. Mix and match blazers and skirts
2. For a sophisticated look a ponytail is great
3. Layer 2-3 necklaces
4. Wear watches and bracelets/bangles on the same arm
5. Add a cocktail ring for a bit of unexpected glamor during the day 

For the transition to night:
1. Let your hair down
2. Lose the blazer for a less conservative look
3. Add some drama and color with cuffs, bracelets, and bangles
4. Be bold with an eye catching statement necklace
5. Switch to a fun evening clutch
6. Don't be afraid to wear several bold accessories at one time. This can include a watch, cocktail rings, and crystal bracelets.

 

I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Avril and she is so stylish and friendly.

I came to this event straight from work so here are a few ways I transitioned my look. ( I wish I took a before/after picture. Oh well next time!)

1. I carried my make up bag with me and did a quick touch up before the event.

2. I switched from my bigger more conservative black bag (to hold my laptop) to a more casual brown handbag.

3. I added some Swarovski bangles for some extra sparkle in the evening.

What are some of your favorite ways to transform your look from day to night?

Cheers!

Tweet This

Style'n tips from Avril Graham of Harper's Bazaar

Style'n tips from Today Show Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

On Saturday I attended Burlington Mall's Runway Fashion Event and I had the pleasure of chatting with Bobbie Thomas.  Bobbie is the Style Editor on NBC's Today Show, author of the TodayShow.com Style Buzz column, and founder of Bobbie.com.  She was so approachable, outgoing, and of course she was style'n and she looked beautiful.

When I asked Bobbie about sharing her top 5 Fall must have items, Bobbie said she really doesn't  have a top "must have" list for the fall but instead she believes every woman should have confidence.  She also said fashion these days is so accessible and you can be frugal and practical while still maintaining a stylish and polished look. Bobbie shared these additional beneficial tips and pointers with me about personal style. 

 Top 5 Fashion Tips for Women 
1. Have confidence in your fashion and personal style.
2. Know your body type.
3. Learn your color category and what colors and hues work well for you.
4. Have signature accents in your wardrobe.
5. Make sure your wardrobe welcomes you.   Bobbie used the example of how retail stores do an excellent job of merchandising items and creating looks that are appealing and welcoming.  She says we should also make sure our wardrobes are maintained and organized. 

During Bobbie's Color Class, Bobbie explains what hues are best for you as well as what colors make you stand out.  Did you know you can determine your skin tones by looking at the color of your veins on your wrist? If your veins have blue tones this means you have a cool complexion (think of wearing colors such as blue, green, and purple) and a green color to the veins indicates you are a warm skin type (think of wearing brown, golden yellow, oranges). 

Check out Bobbie's fabulous statement platform pumps by Gianfranco Ferre. (Of course I had to include a picture of these!) 

Bobbie demonstrating the power of color with the use of scarves.

Bobbie swithes the scarves on the models and it is immediately evident that these colors compliment each of these model's skin tones and complexions much better than the first demonstration.

And speaking of scarves, Bobbie is a huge fan of accessorizing with colorful scarves because scarves can help create a look that is effortlessly chic with instant drama.

Here Bobbie was showing two different shades of pink on Lucy Lu. Both shades look great but the fuscia color works so much better for Lucy's skin tones.

Do you know your color tone? Are you warm  or cool?

I attended three great Fashion Shows at the event.  The first show was by Macy's,  second one was the Runway Fashion Show featuring Lululemon, Ann Taylor, Banana Republic, Cole Haan, and others.  And the third show was the Nordstrom Fashion Show and this was my favorite show. (stay tuned later this week for the Nordstrom Fashion Show pictures) 

What I love most about attending these types of Fashion Shows is that you can walk into any of these stores, buy the pieces, and achieve these looks or even better create your own personal look.



Bobbie is wearing a  Twinkle by Wenlan  dress and Gianfranco Ferre platform pumps.
I am wearing a blouse by Megan Park, J Brand jean leggings, and Stuart Weitzman 50/50 over the knee boots. (And if I have not convinced you yet to get these amazing boots Bobbie has a pair too and she loves them!) 

 Lastly, a few of my friends have asked me to do a post on clothes that transition from day to night.  (I promise I will get around to doing more of these posts!)  I think many of us feel like we have a wardrobe for work and an entirely separate wardrobe for evenings and weekends.  I thought I would ask Bobbie to give us some of her ideas on creative ways to transition your wardrobe from day to night.
 
Bobbie's tips for transitioning your look from day to night.
1. Consider wearing accessories like broaches, cocktail rings, and statement necklaces.
2. Get a manicure and go for some fun colors on your nails like a rich purple. 
3. Layer pieces so you have options to create different looks with the same outfit.
4. Consider adding a belt to a boxy blazer .
5. Maintain your beauty especially your skin and hair.  Make the effort to put on make up.  She  says creating a smoky eye is a great way to update the work look for an evening out.  Also, try a ponytail to create an easy and different look. 
6. Roll up your sleeves to change up the look of the outfit.
7. Taper your pants to show off your heels.

Thank you Bobbie for sharing your personal style tips with all of us.

Tweet This

Style'n tips from Today Show Style Editor Bobbie Thomas

Style Trend: Over the Knee Boots

{image}

I love my Stuart Weitzman 50/50 black over the knee flat boots I purchased last fall/winter. They were by far my best purchase of the season.  I wore them with skinny pants and slim fitting trousers, leggings, skirts and dresses. 

Now I am on the search for  tall brown boots and I really like these ones.

1. Frye shirley $447.95
2. Via Spaga georgia $298
3. Tory Burch jack $550
4. Michael Kors bromley  $197.90 on sale 

Over the knee boots can be intimidating but done right they create a stylish and chic look.

style'n tips on wearing over the knee boots:

1. If you wear these boots with short skirts the best length is 1-3 inches above the top of the boots.

2. For skirts and dresses, match up your leggings or tights to the boot to create an elongated look with out breaking up the colors.  Unless you are trying to copy Julia Roberts in Pretty women, avoid tight skirts and bright colored leggings.

3. Ok but if you do wear your boots with a tight skirt then go for a tailored look. Add a well cut shirt,  a mid thigh length tailored coat, and an oversized bag.

4. One of my favorite looks is to pair up over the knee boots with leggings and long tunics

5. Beware they do not look good with loose fitting pants, flared pants, boot cut, and boyfriend jeans. They do look amazing with skinny jeans.

6. Taller women can get away with these but if you are shorter and have the confidence you can still wear them.  And the tall flat boots will be more flattering and classy than the stiletto over the knee boots.

7. And stiletto vs. flat? I think flat is better and more practical. Definitely not as edgy and provocative as the stiletto but you get more of an equestrian and casual look. 

8. It is best to avoid shiny materials, patent, and too many details like lace and studs.

What do you think about wearing over the knee boots? What outfits do you wear them with?

Tweet This

Style Trend: Over the Knee Boots

White wouldn't you?

Well it is officially fall (even though it is going to be a hot and sunny day in Boston today) so the question today is would you wear white after Labor Day?  My friend Aleena and I were discussing this issue and I said I typically do not wear white jeans, cropped pants, or linen pants in the fall/winter.  Although, I continue to wear white blouses and cardigans and I still carry my winter white handbags in the fall and winter.   However, after seeing some of these great 2010 fall looks featuring white and ivory pants by Thakoon Panichgul, Gucci, Jill Stewart, Reed Krakoff, and Isabel Marant I would definitely reconsider.  I love the looks so much that I think having a pair of white pants is now a fall/winter wardrobe essential!

What are your thoughts on wearing white pants in the fall and winter?



Araks





Emporio Armani





Gucci





Jill Stewart





Isabel Marant





Maison Martin Margiela





Emilio Pucci





Reed Krakoff





Thakoon





The Row

Tweet This

White wouldn't you?