Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label polyvore. Show all posts

5.05.2012

Color Consultation

Megan Stroup is the brains behind Semi-Charmed Kind of Life, a blog focusing on traveling, reading, and living a well rounded life.  When I say brains, take that literally, because this chick is way smart.  Brilliant even.  Definitely check out her blog because she has some really interesting discussions, amazing travel destinations, and you will probably earn a few IQ points just for reading it.

For this week's Color Consultation, Megan kind of stumped me with a super cute yellow skirt from The Limited.  She got it a few months ago, so you may find it on the sale rack, but as of now, it's not available online.  Anywho, Megan specifically requested no denim and no stripes, because, well, she's no dummy after all and has those two bases covered.  I came up with three smart looks, derived from different price points, trends, color combos, and occasions.  Some things I went a little overboard on (a $2400 peplum top from McQueen isn't terribly practical) but I simply wanted to show what the shape looked like with the skirt.  As a good rule of thumb, always wear opposites on the top and bottom.  If you are going to wear a beautiful, flowy, chiffon blouse on top, stick with a skinny jean or tailored trouser.  Just the same, a billowy maxi skirt looks best with a simple and snug tee or tank.  It's all about proportions and giving the illusion of a perfectly balanced figure.

A pencil skirt can be a tricky thing depending on your body type.  I love the way a pencil skirt looks; sexy, sophisticated, and perfectly tailored.  It can, however, easily go wrong if it's simply not any of these three things.  Fit is so important.  Make sure it's not too tight, even if you have to go up a size.  If you see lines going across your thighs because the fabric is bunching up, it's too tight.  So sorry.  If you walk around in a pencil skirt for three minutes and you look down to see a mini skirt.  Guess what?  It's too tight!  If you can distinctly notice the seam in the skirt through the fabric, yep, it's too tight.  I have a bigger butt and thighs and a smaller waist, so no matter how great a pencil skirt may seemingly fit, it needs to be tailored.  If the waist is too big on you, have it taken in, because before you know it, the slit in the back will have swung around without you noticing and your Britney will be on display for everyone to see.  We don't need that.  The Limited, where Megan purchased her skirt, is actually where I have purchased most of my pencil skirts.  They have a wide array of styles, colors, and do a great job of adding architectural elements to keep the garnet interesting and flattering to all body types (think seaming, ruffles, fabrics, etc.)

So, without further adieu, here are my looks for sweet, smart, stylish Megan!


Sunglasses - Asos
Bangle - Anthro
Watch - Kate Spade
Heels - Asos
Top - Equipment
Necklace - Bauble Bar


Ring YSL
Earrings Kate Spade
Bag  Lanvin
Nail Polish Essie
Bracelet Priviledged
Earrings - Pink Mascara
Flats - Vince Camuto
Bag - Kate Spade
Bracelet - Jessica Elliot
Watch - Toywatch
Necklace - Lydell NYC
Top - Anthro


I am hoping to make this a weekly feature, so if anyone has a piece that they are looking for a little inspo on, please feel free to comment or email me at workday weekend@gmail.com.

love!

sarah

4.25.2012

Color Consultation

My sweet friend Crysti messaged me a couple days ago with a styling 911 on this super cute linen skirt from Gap.  She had a few concerns, one being that she wasn't crazy about the waist and also that the color was tough for her.  Now, I'm pretty brave when it comes to wearing bright colors and prints, but I realize that not everyone subscribes to my taste.  I tried to stay within reason price-wise and include basics that we all have in our closets (denim, stripes, animal print).  I am guilty of throwing in a couple wacky things (the Reed sandals for Date Night make me absolutely cray-cray!).  All in all, I feel like each look, accessories included, could be mixed and matched to make 10 looks or so. 

By the way, Crysti is a wonderful wife, mommy to Emery, and blogger.  Visit her blog, We Hatched a Miracle, to read her about her struggles and triumphs with infertility and mommyhood!

So, onto the looks:  First, I did a look for drinks with the girls, shopping, etc.  I like the edge that the skull bracelets and the detailing on the bag bring to the otherwise girly pallet.  Everyone should have a striped tee or lightweight sweater in their wardrobe because it goes with absolutely everything and looks effortlessly chic.  Mine is from H&M and although I can't link to it, it's part of their basics line and is $12.99 (saw it in the store last week).The leopard wedges throw a bit of print into the mix and the watch keeps everything classic.  You could also layer the chambray shirt like a jacket over the stripes for a more casual look.


Skirt: Brooks Brothers (no longer available, but this one is $12.80 and comes with a friggin' belt!)
Top: Gap (no longer avail. but great alternative here)
Wedges: Sam Edelman
Earrings: Kendra Scott
Watch: Geneva, $20!
Belt: Topshop
Bracelets: Z Designs

 Next, I pictured Crysti at the park with Emery or just hanging out with her husband and family.  I could not be a bigger proponent of Sperry's and even though I totally turned my nose up at them until recently, they are the most comfortable shoes and comes is a bazillion colors and styles.  Original Rayban aviators are a great investment because they flatter every face shape and make you look super cool Top Gun style.  Switch out the Sperry's for the Sam Edelman wedges above and the Minkoff bag and you are immediately zhushed up for a movie or dinner!
 Skirt: here's another option for $19.80
Top: Old Navy
Earrings: Kate Spade
Glasses: Rayban
Bag: Gap
Belt: Fada
Bracelets: Full Tilt, OMG $6!

Finally, my favorite look is this Date Night look, basically because these are BBB shoes (bad, bad bitch)!  I'm obsessed with Reed Krakoff's bags right now and his footwear line is reasonably priced for a salon shoe ($325) compared to many others.  I added the cobalt for something a little different and to show that it goes with coral/salmon beautifully.  You could easily remove the jacket and wear either the Sperry's or the leopard wedges with the skirt, white tee, and cobalt accessories.  Likewise, this would be an easy work look with more conservative shoes and a bigger tote, then just switch out with heels and blue accessories for Happy Hour.




Skirt: Chiffon Tutu version here! LOVE
Blazer: G by Guess, great price!
Heels: Reed Krakoff
Earrings: Marc by Marc
Watch: Michael Kors
Bracelets: Madewell

Crysti, I hope this helps at least get you on the right track with the skirt.  I also think it would look great with a grey/gold mix, fuchsia, and a more intense mint (blouse instead of accessories).

All this happy hour talk has me wantin' a margarita.  See y'all tomorrow!

xoxo-
sarah