StyleWhipped

Wide Angle

When it comes to fashion and design, I want everything to have a strong point-of-view. I don't like anything wishy-washy (or "wispy" as my sister & I would say), and think that extremes are preferable to anything vaguely in the middle. So when it comes to pants (which I rarely wear...I am much more of a dresses-or-denim kind of girl), those "extremes" are what appeal to me...I'm not attacted to middle-of-the-road, or anything not fitted but also not loose. I want super skinny silhouettes, or really, really wide palazzo-style shapes. 

So if I'm not reaching for my second-skin skinny jeans or a pair of "fancy" leggings, I want something like these: alice + olivia's printed stretch-crepe printed pants. With their extremely wide silhouette but beautifully designed & fitted waist, these are way more flattering and easy to wear than most of you would think. The white and olive subtle overall print is so perfect for the end of summer and into all of fall, and really just needs a simple, fitted tank to balance out the shape of the pants. It's like wearing a flowy top with those skinny jeans...just opposite! And once it's chilly out and you want to add an extra layer in, make sure it is something along the lines of a cropped, fitted denim jacket...not only will it keep the top half of the outfit close to the body, but the cropped shape paired with these pants will make your legs look a million miles long. 

One massive word of advice before you wear these or any other wide-leg style. Make sure that you hem the pants as long as possible. Let me say that again...HEM THESE PANTS AS LONG AS POSSIBLE! (Yes, I used "shouty capitals"...but the sentiment is just that important!) The bottom hem should almost graze the ground (think just a 1/4 inch off the floor)...because if not, you will look like...well, trust me, it's nothing you would want to look like ;)

~ Alison.

Guest Writer Emily Long: Dressing for Fall...in the Summer

Breaking news everyone: it’s hot outside. And this heat is going nowhere fast. Unfortunately, it’s been hot and sticky since forever (actual time: June), so by this point in the summer I’m bored of my breezy cotton dresses and barely-there chiffon skirts. Emotionally, my wardrobe and I are ready to move on to the new fall trends, but fashionably this isn’t really an option. Or at least not until October. So what’s a girl to do in the meantime?

During this in-between season, there are plenty of ways to perk up your work wear without breaking your internal thermometer. Try focusing on color, print, cut and silhouette. Case in point, as the neon pieces of summer fade away, replace them with rich jewel tone colors, like cobalt, teal and deep maroon. I’m loving this dress from BCBG – the blue is spot on for fall, and the lightweight fabric and sleeveless cut make it perfect to wear now! When things (finally) cool down, throw some tights, booties and a blazer in the mix and you’re ready for work…or drinks at Indochine!

Let’s be honest, animal prints are never not in style, but they’re kind of at an all-time high right now. An updated take on the standard leopard print in these DVF shoes is genius, and the neutral color means they’re wearable year-round! Plus, pointy-toe pumps are having a moment, and I’m planning on embracing it. Snakeskin is also another hot-to-trot animal print option for fall. Rather than incorporating it into the typical shoe or bag, try snakeskin print on your dresses, tops and skirts! Fab dress options for now and later.

Sleeveless blouses that can be worn as-is in the summer months and then paired with a blazer or cardigan in the fall are easy to transition and make great (read: justifiable) investment pieces. I’m particularly drawn to the ultra-flattering peplum style that’s been all over the runways. This peach option would look amazing with white or khaki bottoms for now, and then luxurious maroon pants and a neutral blazer in a few weeks! Another great blouse update? The embellished collar. That’s right, I said it – incorporate a little sequin or stud onto the traditional button-down and you’re chic c’est la vie! And when it gets cold, throw a basic little sweater over top of that puppy and let your embellished collar fly free.

Try a few of these tips to effortlessly transition you into cooler days!

- Emily

Danielle Aspromatis: Labor Day at the Beach

Techinically, Labor Day constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well being of our beautiful and free country. For most people, it means the official last beach weekend, and a yummy BBQ. For everyone heading down to the shore this weekend for fun with family and friends, I wanted to give you a great and EASY tabletop idea for an outdoor or indoor meal at the beach (Great for Memorial Day or 4th of July next year too!) Start with a natural fish netting over your tablecloth from www.save-on-crafts.com. You can easily find great red, white or blue placemats and cloth napkins at any local store...Walmart, Target, Pier 1...really anywhere and they don't have to be expensive! Then go to Michael's or A.C Moore and buy some great printed ribbon. You can pick up starfish at Michael's as well, or if you are already down at the shore, a lot of local beach stores will have starfish available for purchase. If you don't have time to shop for the starfish, check out www.qualityshells.com. Hot glue a starfish to a strip of ribbon, and then tie the ribbon around a folded napkin. So cute, and you can use these again and again once they are made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Love the idea but really don't have the time to make them? Buy this fabulous set of starfish napkins rings from Etsy, $20 for a set of 8.

Happy Labor Day!

-Danielle

 

Opposites Attract

I love a good example of how opposites can work so well together. Hard & soft...structured & flowing...leather & lace...you get the idea. And I like it even more when two opposite characteristics are harmoniously together in a single item (think pink satin heels with a spiked stiletto...or a leather skirt with laser-cut ruffles...). 

Enter the "Estrella" earrings from DANNIJO. First and foremost, I have to stress my personal affection for the entire DANNIJO brand...helmed by adorable sisters Danielle and Jodi, I have watched this brand grow and grow ever since the girls lived in my building for a number of years. They are uber-talented, really excited about their craft, and taking the entire fashion world by storm. So when I spotted these earrings from their collection on Shopbop.com, I had to feature them. They are the perfect example of "opposites" working gorgeously together in the same piece. With their '50's-inspired white crystal flowers and faceted yellow crystal just below, they are then anchored with a chunky, Southwestern-looking piece of saturated turquoise. To be able to pull-off the crystals and the stone in one piece...well, it's unusual, clever, and pretty perfect.

And because these are so sort of two-looks-in-one, their styling options are fairly endless. Wear them with a big cuff, tiny shorts and a simple fitted t-shirt...or let them just as beautifully compliment a long white dress and a tangle of delicate silver chains at your neck. Because whether alongside a super casual look or a very formal ensemble, these somehow manage to bring everything together and provide a double shot of color & feel...

~ Alison. 

Black & White

I admit that my own look has a lot "going on." I have long blonde hair that is a mass of big curls. I wear bright colors, intricate prints, "statement" shoes at 10am, and a lot of gold jewelry. And I basically have all that going on all the time. So when it comes to my make-up, I have made the conscious decision to focus on one thing. One. And that one thing has always, always been my eyes. Some women look amazing with just a swipe of mascara and a red lip. Me, not so much. Instead, I have a rather intense eye make-up ritual, and actually don't wear any face make-up besides bronzer. And instead of actual lipstick, I use something that is part gloss/part stain and relatively the same color as my lips.

So, besides my black liquid liner, multiple layers of black mascara, and the occasional set of fake lashes, I depend the most on my beloved Sephora eyeshadow. Yes, you read that correctly! The shadow I had been using a few years ago ran out and was discontinued by the company. It was a duo that had a shimmery white and a (very slightly shimmery) charcoal grey. So I popped into a Sephora and hunted around for something similar. And the closest I came was a double duo from Chanel...that cost $50! Um, no. Not for something that was going to quickly run out (like I said, I do some intense eye make-up!). So I wandered over to the in-house Sephora brand area...and bingo! Individual colors for $12 each. And the "individual" is really important...I don't want a 4-color palette when I'm only going to use two of them...it's just a waste. 

As pictured here, I found my shimmery white (Sephora calls it "Wedding Day No. 24") and my very slightly shimmery, super dark charcoal grey (Sephora's "Black Flame No. 5"). They go on incredibly smoothly, their saturated color lasts all day and into an evening, their shimmer doesn't get all over the place (you don't wind up with that dreaded face full of glitter), and are big...as in, they take a really long time to use up. (Woo-hoo!). And if you want to use the dark one (or any other color in the extensive collection) to create a smokey eye, just swipe it under your lower lash line...because miraculously, it even stays put there.

~ Alison.

Danielle Aspromatis: Something New

Your wedding day does not have to be all about chiffon, lace and girlie touches...if you have a little edge in you, don't be afraid to show it! Shoes are a great way to express your style. I chose an ivory shoe when I got married, and although I still love them (I dyed them black!), in hindsight I probably would have chosen something rhinestone encrusted, or maybe even a bright blue or red for something a little unexpected.

I saw these satin, leather and mesh pumps by Valentino on www.net-a-porter, and although non-traditional, I thought they were amazing and added a little extra something fun for a bride that was looking for something different. They do come with a hefty price tag of $1,045, but these shoes can definitely have a life after your wedding! I would love them paired with a bright or even neon dress down the road when you are a guest at a party. Super cool and different and now on my dream list!

- Danielle

 

 

Perfect Princess

Here's the thing. I don't like anything too "girly." If something can be described as precious or super feminine or (the dreaded) princess-y, I'm usually running in the opposite direction faster than you can say "leather leggings"! But every once in awhile, something that is a little precious, very feminine and completely fit for a princess catches my eye. And doesn't let go...simply because I know that I can style it to fit my own aesthetic. 

And today, that piece is the "Madison" silk dress from Jill Stuart. First, I have to temper this with the fact that Jill Stuart is always one of my very favorite shows during New York Fashion Week...she manages to nail that perfect combination of tough and feminine, girly and edgy, every time. Nothing is overly cutesy, but it also isn't overly rocker-y. And that line is very hard to land on, so major kudos to Ms. Stuart. Now, back to this dress. Yes, it has a cinched waist. Yes, it has a soft floral print. But that print also has a black background. And that cinched waist goes into a very fashion-forward, overly full skirt. And the bodice above? It is anchored with two wide straps of black lace, giving it a little gothic edge that is completely unexpected (and rather sexy...check out the back!). 

I would wear this with "tough" and chunky jewelry (as in, the oppposite of pearls!), and pair it with a very structured, animal-skin clutch and shoes with a serious stiletto and edgy detailing (something along the lines of spikes, studs, etc...you get the picture...). Add in editorial hair (incredibly sleek and straight or reeeeally big and glam) and a bit of an attitude and you will be the perfect non-princess-y princess.

~ Alison.

Jennifer Corcione: A Little Something to get into the "Monday" Groove....

Let’s face it—Mondays are the bane of our existence. Sunday becomes that nagging reminder that our weekend fun is over and the work week is upon us. And even with August rolling on by and Labor Day Weekend slowing approaching, it’s only a matter of time until we reach the end of summer. (Insert extremely sad face here.)

Fortunately, I look forward to Mondays, if nothing more than for the Urban Outfitters website featuring what I have come to know as “Music Mondays”! Every Monday, the trendy clothing/lifestyle site features five (free!) songs from up & coming (even a few legendary) artists.

Shintaro Sakamoto

Without a second thought (or even a first listen), I make the choice to download the five randomly-chosen songs. Sometimes, the best part about finding new tunes is just deciding to impulsively buy/download an artist/band that you’ve never heard before…and give it a chance. (And it makes for great shares on my column!)

While I may be into some artists/bands over others, I’ve decided to feature 24 of my favorite song picks! (And trust me, there’s a little bit for everyone.) If you’re into the American folk scene, why not check out Raleigh, North Carolina for Bowerbirds? Or for a bit of an international feel, check out
Ghanian music legend Ebo Taylor? Maybe if you’re more into the Asian influence, check out Shintaro Sakamoto, the former leader of Japanese psych pop band Yuka Yuka Teikoku? (I haven’t been able to stop playing “In a Phantom Mood” for the past few weeks! Very addicting.) Even for those more into an electronic utopia groove, Vancouver’s Teen Daze would be more your speed.

The Heartless Bastards

Whatever your preference may be, there’s always a little something for everyone with Music Mondays! You can check out all Urban Outfitter’s Music Monday playlists (just in case you miss one Monday and/or want to listen to a specific playlist) by clicking here: LSTN.  Aside from Music Mondays, also feel free to check out all their fabulous music features! (Their LSTN playlist is quite fun too.)

 

Jenn’s Music Mondays Playlist

1)      A Walk – Tycho

2)      Coast to Coast – Twerps

3)      Capricornia – Allo Darlin’

4)      Gimme A Beer – Diamond Rugs

5)      Parted Ways – The Heartless Bastards

6)      In The Yard – Bowerbirds

7)      Cracking Eggs – My Best Fiend

8)      The Look of Lust – Standard Fare

9)      Wild Desire – King Tuff

10)   Dead Pontoon – Toro Y Moi

11)   Goldmine – Colleen Green

12)   Exercise #3 (Buildings) – CFCF

13)   Brooklyn Sunburn (Lushlife Remix) – Teen Daze

14)   Stay Useless – Cloud Nothings

15)   Gotta Go – Oberhofer

16)   Walkin’ Down My Street – Nude Beach

17)   Messin’ Up My Mind – Fletcher C. Johnson

18)   Quick! – The Magnetic Fields

19)   Yaa Amponsah – Ebo Taylor

20)   Millions – Eternal Summers

21)   How Long Have You Known – DIVE

22)   Pale Moon – Wymond Miles

23)   In A Phantom Mood – Shintaro Sakamoto

24)   To Be Young – Two Wounded Birds

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I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your summer and if there are any fun music discoveries you find, feel free to share them! In musical discoveries (even free ones), the journey is the best part.

~ Jenn

 

Peek-a-Boo

As I start thinking about new pieces I want to add to my Fall wardrobe (and simultaneously sob because Summer will actually be ending soon...), I look at what some of my favorite pieces in Spring and Summer were and see how I can tweak them for the upcoming season. And what I've been noticing is my apparent love for an exposed shoulder. No matter what the specific style, I clearly bought more than one top with beautifully cut-out shoulders or split sleeves. Exposing a shoulder provides a true subtle sexiness, and a great way to show off some skin in the winter without completely freezing to death! Add in a little sparkle or shine and it's a perfect evening look...not all the way covered up but not totally bare in cooler temperatures, either...

Victoria's Secret is one of my secret weapons for inexpensive, glamorous, trendy pieces. So when I wanted to find at least two new bare-shoulder options, I instantly went to this website (their non-lingerie items are only available online). And boy did I find more than two! But in order to not go crazy (no one needs more than two of the same style top per season), I decided to feature my two favorites here (before I buy them myself, of course...!).

Keeping Fall- and Winter-appropriate palettes in mind, this warm smoky grey blouse and deep purple-y fig top are ideal...both have gorgeous embellishment and sexy shoulder cut-outs or split sleeves (and one is even backless). Because the smoky grey one has a very flowy silhouette, I would keep it fitted on the bottom and pair it with skinny jeans or leather leggings. The purple-y fig top is banded at the waist, nipping you in and giving you good reason to pair it with bootleg pants or jeans if you don't feel comfortable highlighting your hips in skinnies. And with both having under-$100 pricetags, you can thank me after your thank Victoria's Secret...

~ Alison.

Belted, Brightly.

This morning, as I was choosing my outfit for the day (and believe me, this is quite a process and involves doing a full-on "fashion show" for my shih tzu Lucy...), I realized that I really need to up my belt game. I have a ton of belts, actually like about six of them and actually wear about three. And three is not enough. Belts are an amazing way to transform an outfit, change the accent of a silhouette, or draw attention to your belt assets. I'm a girl who loves her tiny waist, so I always use a belt right at my natural waist (never around my hips). Wide, skinny, fabric, patent leather...you really need to have a variety of belts in your wardrobe. And because a belt is an accessory, it's also a great way to incorporate a trend into your wardrobe without going full-on. For example, I have written before about my love/hate relationship with the neon trend. But I'm happy to embrace it in a great pair of shoes or a tiny clutch...or a belt!

So when I found this skinny neon yellow "Jerry" from B-Low The Belt for under $100, I was sold! It also comes in neon lime, pink, and orange (I equally adore the pink), but I am trying to quell my recent obsession with anything pink, so I'm embracing my attraction to the yellow one. Because it is super skinny, it is truly just a little accent of neon...any wider and it would be the focal point of an outfit. I want to pair it with the little black strapless romper I'm going to wear out this evening (along with nude patent heels and a black crocheted clutch), but it works equally well with a navy blue jersey dress for the office. Just keep the rest of your look simple, neutral and subtle (don't make the neon compete with other bright colors), but keep in mind that if you want to go a little more fashion-forward, you can (and should!) try a belt like this with an equally strong print...just look for one that has a similar shade in it.

~ Alison.