Posts with tag 'Evening'

October 7, 2010
- Pull your Look Together with Tights!

Whether its leather, fur, suede, or velvet fall is all about mixing texture. One quick and easy way to add more texture and dimension to your look is with a pair of tights. Not only are tights a great way to stay warm on breezy fall days, they will up your style factor as you mix and match your way in this fall's easiest trend!

Black tights. If you still aren’t sold on skinny jeans and leggings, don’t worry. Wearing black tights is an easy way to get a similar streamlined look. We love black tights because they are so versatile. You can pair them with a printed dress, a tunic, or even a pair of menswear shorts.

Patterned Tights. So much fun and dangerous at the same time. Patterned tights can add a touch of style to any simple dress but can go disasterously bad if you don't chose the right pattern. Creative types can pair them with a patterned dress as long as the patterns don't compete. Smaller, tightly woven patterns look best on most bodies. Larger patterns will make your legs look large too. Look for a pair that has a verticle line weaved in to give your leg some added visual length.

Colored tights. If you are feeling adventurous try a pair of colored tights. We’re not talking about the tights you daughter wears with her tu tu. Deep and rich colors like burgundy and plum will keep your look grown up. We love pairing them with luxe neutrals like grey and camel.

Clash of the Tight-tans. Before you’re convinced that all tights are created equal, let’s talk about trends that don’t measure up. You may have seen white or light colored tights on runways and in magazines. But because light colors expand light, white tights will only make your legs look larger. Not to mention they come off as very young-looking.

Another tight trend to avoid is loud patterned or brightly colored tights. Stripes, plaid, and houndstooth are great to line your trench, but don’t do your legs justice. Any stretching or change in the pattern will draw unwanted attention. Bright colors work best on young girls with slim legs, if at all. They tend to look a bit costume and aren't appropriate for the office.

September 28, 2010
- 6 Style Myths Revealed

Matching Purse & Shoes Rules are meant to be broken, and fashion rules are no different. Everyone wants definite rules of what are fashion “do’s” and “don’ts”. Fashion rules are not black and white. Think of them more as general guidelines that will get you in the right direction, but which require a little interpretation. Not all rules apply to everyone, so it is important that you are able to figure out what works or doesn’t work for your body, budget and lifestyle.

Here are 6 myths that may be holding you back from your true style potential:

1. Purse and Shoes Must Match. This is too matchy-matchy! Not to mention how limiting it is. As long as your shoes and purse “go” together, it works. Try and match either the purse or the shoes to your outfit and let the other piece compliment. The only exception to this is formal black tie type events. Having a matching shoe and bag can be quite elegant and polished looking.

2. Horizontal Stripes Make You Look Fat. Stripes were all the rage this summer and if you fell for this style myth, you missed out on a fun and classic summer piece. Everything from nautical tanks to slim, sexy dresses were bearing stripes. Stripes will draw attention to whatever area you are wearing them, so use them to show off your most flattering areas.

3. Sequins Are for After Hours Only. Sequins definitely say glam and glitz, but when you pair a sequin top with jeans and a great heel, you look perfectly styled and sophisticated day or night. The trick to wearing sequins during the day is keeping it minimal. A top with sequin trim or a sequin skirt paired with a simple top works for the day. Keep the sequin mini dress for evening.

4. It’s Either Gold Or Silver. Most people chose one or the other, but why not have both? Wearing gold and silver can make your accessories pop even more. When wearing the metals together, make sure that it looks intentional. Wear a couple pieces of each. Try a cluster of chunky bracelets or long chain necklaces in combinations of gold and silver.

5. Neutrals Don’t Mix. On the contrary. Mixing grey and brown, black and brown, navy and black…any of these combos is chic! Pull the look together by making it look intentional not accidental. Repeating colors and having balance in the opposing colors is important.

6. Never Combine Prints. Men have been doing this for years with their fun tie and shirt combinations. Why shouldn’t we? Prints add dimension and excitement to your clothes. Chose patterns that are different scales (large vs. small prints). Keep the rest of your accessories minimal to keep the look from getting too busy.

September 8, 2010
- Party Dress at Shine Boutique - Milena's Must-Have

We went to Shine Boutique and found Milena's Must-Have - A silk silver Kenzie dress - perfect for fall through the holidays!

November 18, 2009
- The Holiday Look: Affordable and Effortlessly Fabulous!

This holiday season you may have an assortment of different holiday parties to attend including office parties, get togethers with friends, charity events and the list goes on. In the past, many of us would go out and buy a whole new outfit from shoes to jewelry. However in today's economy, even those of us who can afford it, are cutting back. Money or not, I believe the best looks are the ones that look fabulous, yet effortless. Here's some tips for you to start putting together those holiday outfits without spending a whole lot or looking like you just spent your entire bonus in an effort to impress.

Keep It Classic This is a universal rule, no matter what the occasion. You can never go wrong with classic pieces. They are appealing to most people and you never risk being a fashion victim. No matter if you are headed to a conservative office party or a funky art gallery charity event, you'll fit in and be approachable. Men should wear dark ties in rich colors with a suit jacket for more formal events. A nice sport jacket in a solid color, subtle pattern or texture. Women should wear a tailored skirt and jacket or pretty blouse. Use jewelry like diamonds and pearls to add a little sparkle.

Rework What You Have Save your green for gifts and after holiday sales. It never makes sense to spend money on clothes that you are only going to wear a few times a year. Instead, shop in your closet. Men can do this pretty easily. Just use the same sport jacket and change the shirt and tie up. Contrary to our social belief, it's ok to wear the same dress twice. Take the dress you wore to the office party last week and wear it to the benefit party this week. Change up the accessories to make it feel new and different. I love black stone jewelry; it's different from your typical diamonds and still conveys a sleek elegance. It can also look edgy if done in the right way. Put the necklace from White House Black Market (above), with a simple black sheath dress (which you probably have in your closet) and you're instantly styled!

Keep It Simple Skip the Swarovski drenched dress and accessories. Use warm rich colors but keep it simple with the bling. I'm always a fan of a fun cocktail ring. It makes a good conversation piece and stands out without being obvious. Go for one standout piece. It could be a cool detail in your dress, bold earrings or a statement necklace. Limit yourself to one, otherwise you look like your trying too hard and your pieces start to compete for attention.

All men look more "manly" with a nice metal band watch. Skip the leather bands. A simple chain necklace works for men who naturally accessorize. If you do not normally wear a necklace, this is not the time to try it. You'll look uncomfortable.

Prioritize: Clothes, Shoes, Accessories If you feel like you have nothing in your closet that will work, then head to the stores. Based on your budget, spend the bulk of your money on the clothing, then the shoes, then the accessories. The clothing is going to be the largest, most noticeable piece on you. You not only want to have a quality piece that you can wear again and again, but you don't want to waste money on something that you don't love. Hopefully you can find shoes at home, but if not, then get a pair of shoes that will work for several special occasion outfits. Do not be matchy-matchy and get unique shoes that will only work with that particular outfit. You'll be wasting money.

Lastly, if you still have money left over in your budget, buy some accessories. If not, these are easy to borrow from a friend. You can pair inexpensive jewelry with a nice outfit. Some of the best jewelry I have is $10 from the B.P. department in Nordstrom. Target is a great source for some modern and fun pieces too!

Most importantly have fun and know that it isn't a fashion contest. It's about feeling good about the way you look and enjoying yourself at the party!

December 27, 2008
- New Years Eve Fashion

I hope everyone has had a great holiday week. With New Years just around the corner and holiday shopping in the buzz, planning your New Years Eve outfit is on the top of many minds. Here are some of my top tips to help you find the perfect outfit:

1. Find out the dress code! You can't decide what to wear until you know the dress code. If there's no one to call, consider the location...if you are heading downtown, go cocktail glam and if you are heading to the mountains or country you can probably go more casual with dark dressy denim and a fun top. Always error on the side of dressy vs. casual.

2. Go for the silk, metallics and sequins! New Years is the one time that these items are considered a wardrobe essential. They are also available in a wide variety of price ranges. Adding a little glitz will make you look and feel like the life of the party!

3. Fit is still important! Just because it's New Years, it doesn't mean that you can forgo all common sense. That slinky dress will look a whole lot hotter if it fits like a glove, but not like sausage casing. Keep your dress length appropriate for your age and height. And lastly, don't show us your panty lines, but do keep your panties on if you are wearing the dress above.

4. Beef up your accessories! Think quality over quantity with this one. If you already have the statement outfit, opt for a chunky cocktail ring, a wide metal cuff, or bold earring as opposed to the bangle bracelets and lots of dangly accessories. And don't forget the clutch which is the staple purse for a New Years Eve night out.

5. Think party shoes! Your shoes are the foundation for which you stand on and can be the foundation for how you feel that night too. Pick something that is comfortable but also makes you feel special. A stiletto might be super sexy, but probably won't be comfortable on icy sidewalks. Chose something with a feminine, but solid heel and either a closed toe, peep toe, or opt for some dressy leather boots.

6. Don't forget the jacket and gloves! Your jacket is more than the item that prevents you from freezing from car to bar. Even a puffy jacket, if done right, can be stylish. Your jacket, just like your purse, should coordinate with your outfit. That doesn't mean you need to be matchy-matchy. Just make the style types go together: dressy wool jacket with dressy dress, stylish puffy jacket with jeans, etc. Your glove should be leather no matter what. Leather is a material that can easily transfer from dressy to casual, so they look great with a pair of jeans or a fancy dress. Knit gloves are just too casual for the occasion.