Posts with tag 'Women\'s Jackets'

August 17, 2011
- The Timeless Trench

If you're aiming for an always pulled together, effortlessly stylish look then consider splurging on a trench coat this fall. It will likely be one of the wisest investments you'll ever make to your wardrobe because of its wearability and classic style. Throw it on over pants and a blouse for the office, a pair of leggings for travel or a dress for a nice dinner. The possibilities are endless.

There are several factors to consider when purchasing a trench coat including color, shape, length and details. Opt for a neutral color such as navy so you feel comfortable wearing this piece for most occasions.

The shape should be fitted to emphasize the woman underneath the garment, rather than oversized. You should be wearing the trench coat, not the other way around. Look for a trench coat that falls just above the knees so you can wear it with skirts, dresses and pants.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, pay attention to the details. The buttons should be relatively large and the material should be versatile for more than one season and occasion.

Blair

blair@milenaconsulting.com

November 5, 2010
- Style Your LBD Three Ways

Style is not about having a closet full of desinger clothes . With a little mixing and matching, you can get more out of your pieces and put together outfits that are appropriate for any occasion. For instance, take a knee-length black dress. It’s a staple for evening, but change your accessories and you create multiple outfit options for any day of the week. Let me show you how I would style it for work, weekend, and evening.

Work. Keep your look professional while fighting off office chill with a printed cardigan. We are loving leopard print because it is classy but still very trendy. Cardigans that hits mid-hip will lay better than cropped versions and will keep your look from being too sexy. A thin leather belt will draw the eye up and complete the overall look. Add conservative heels and accessories and you are ready to take on the world.

Weekend. For a casual weekend look, pair your black dress with a classic jean jacket. Take the look one step further by adding a rugged leather belt. You can find great options in the boys' section at practically any thrift store. Throw on your favorite casual flats or riding boots and you’ve got a look that doesn’t sacrifice style for ease. Avoid this look if you LBD is silk or has sequins or shimmer on it.

Evening. This look is as simple as adding one bold statement piece and amping up your makeup. This season we are loving collar necklaces (shown), chandelier earrings, and over-sized cocktails rings. Pair with your sexiest heels and you’re ready for any event. If you will be dancing or walking a lot, stow a pair of bejeweled flats in your purse.

October 21, 2010
- Stylish and Easy Outerwear

Outerwear can easily become a wardrobe afterthought for busy women. We sometimes settle for a boring sweater or a shapeless jacket that happens to be closest to the door. But with a few fashion guidelines, you can find outerwear that will have you always looking pulled together.

Trench Coat. This classic will take you anywhere. It works on every body type because it accentuates the waist and smoothes over your curves. Pair this versatile pick with anything from jeans and a tee to evening wear. Khaki is always a safe choice or you can add a burst of color with a cranberry or cobalt blue version.

Vest. A vest is a great option because it will add warmth without the bulk. Keep your lower layer fitted for a more figure flattering look. Faux fur vests are a huge trend this fall and can be easily dressed up or down. Or you can get a similar look with a jacket that has knit or poly-blend sleeves.

Blazer. We absolutely love blazers. But one version that is particularly flattering is the nipped-in blazer. When you’re out shopping, look for blazers with a waistband, wide lapel, and peplum. This version works on almost every figure because it accentuates the curves you have or if you are boxier it will help create curves. If you think blazers don’t fit your lifestyle, try one in sweatshirt material.

August 18, 2010
- Top 3 Fall Fashion Trends

Fall fashions have been in the stores as early as July. August is the time to replace worn out items from last year and update with a few trends from this year. Even if it is still 90 degrees where you are, now is the ideal time to get the best selections. The good news about the fall trends this year is that you will find many trends have carried over from last year! We love this because the more you can wear something the more value you can get out of it!

Jackets: You can't have too many jackets this season. Jackets are being seen in all sorts of materials including leather, suede, faux fur and colored denim. Military style jackets are particularly popular. They are the perfect way to layer and stay warm this winter. Tailored jackets also naturally have a slimming affect. This is one item that everyone can wear. Look for a perfect fit or get it altered to look just right!

Over-the-knee Boots: Boots in general are very in this fall. If you tried getting a pair late last winter, I hope you learned your lesson and will start shopping for your perfect boots now. They will likely sell out again this year as more and more people are pairing them with skinny jeans. Riding boots and boots with cuffs on the bottom are also popular.

Skinny Jeans/Jeggings: I remember years ago trying to convince people to buy a pair of skinny jeans. Many didn't want to invest in these stylish jeans because they thought they would be out of style. I've had mine for 5 or so years now...I don't think they are going anywhere. In fact, the jegging, which is a combination of a legging and a jean, is very hot too. You can't go wrong with a simple legging either. Pants that elongate and narrow your leg are in!

December 9, 2009
- Your Winter Coat: Pick the Perfect Wrapping!

Keep warm this winter by wrapping yourself in a stylish jacket. Just like wrapping paper on a present, the jacket you wear says a lot about what is inside! Make sure these messages are in sync. You wouldn't put Happy Birthday paper on a holiday present. A gift wrapped in newspaper looks like the giver either ran out of paper (not prepared) or the gift isn't quite that special.

Take a look around you and you will soon notice a miss-match of coats with outfits and people that don't work together. Are you wearing your nice skirt suit with your puffy parka? That's a mis-match. Is your jacket dirty or ready to fall apart at the seams? It could be making you look dated and disorganized.

The good news is that jackets will go on sale right after the holidays so be sure to take inventory of what you need and get yourself prepared for the rest of the season. Here are a few good types of coats that will get you through most of winter's cool occasions.

Wool Coat: This is the staple that goes with your suits and dresses. A 3/4 length version is most versitile because you can easily dress it up or down. If you are blessed with long legs then a floor length one can be fun and dramatic for your dressier occasions. Most people gravitate towards neutral colors like black, grey and tan. This is a safe bet, but if you want to spice it up, try rich dark colors like eggplant. Light colors like baby blue or pink aren't professional looking, so avoid these colors for your work wear. If you are on a budget and can't afford more than one coat this year, this is the one for you!

The Puffer or Parka: There aren't many people in cold weather states that don't own one of these. While these coats will definitely keep you warm in the coolest of conditions, they are meant for those more casual occasions. They are perfect for a day in the park, watching a football game or running errands, not for professional wear or special occasions.

The Jacket: A jacket is simply a shorter version of a coat. Almost all jackets are meant for more casual occasions. Made out of everything from cordoroy to wool to leather, your jacket is a great staple for most all your casual occasions. Cropped versions expose more of your outfit and can really add to it. Think of your jacket as an accessory and it can be a lot of fun!

Special Occasion Coat: A coat that perhaps has a finer fabric like the one in the picture above. I have one that has a timeless lace overlay that seems to work with most dresses. Many of these coats have fun details that almost make them an outfit on their own. These coats are fun and can really make you stand out in a crowd when everyone is wearing something more traditional. The downside is that they may not always keep you the warmest.

Faux Fur Jackets & Wraps: A fun addition for the person who wants to change it up! Faux fur can make you feel glamorous and work well with everything from a pair of jeans to an evening dress. Wraps are a great option if you only need to hop from the valet to the the door.

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.