StyleWhipped

Please SEE Yourself Into My Closet...

This one...this one I want for myself. I'm not just sharing it with you out of the goodness of my heart, or because it is my job as the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine. But because I really, truly want it for myself. And what is "it," you ask? "It" just might be the most perfect clutch bag to ever see the light of summertime...

From See by Chloe (a perennial favorite over here at Stylewhipped), this not-so-little number (it measures a user-friendly 14.5" x 7" x 2") is my ultimate summer combination of slightly off-white and metallic rose gold. The off-white leather (called "bliss" by the designer...who is clearly super-duper smart...) goes with every single neutral and saturated color in your wardrobe during the warm months. The rose gold accents are chic, fashion-forward, and just "different" enough to make everyone turn around and look twice at what you're holding in your hand. And because it isn't white-white, you can use this all year to bring a little bright spot into an otherwise all-black Fall or Winter outfit. 

But back to now... Pair this with rose gold jewelry, a fabulous mini dress and sky-high heels for a night out to keep it glam. Take it out to lunch during the day alongside a perfectly fitted pair of jeans, serious platform sandals, and a flowing sleeveless top to make it boho-chic. And picture it tucked under the arm of a light brown fur jacket when the cool weather comes back around (sorry, it does have to eventually).

And then picture it in my closet. Because honestly? That's clearly where it really belongs...;)

~ Alison. 

More Pink, Please.

I am often (ok, very very often) called a Barbie. And I am 100% ok with that. I have super blond hair, am usually tan, kind of permanently standing on my toes like a Barbie doll, and always have glittery make-up on (really, even at 10am). But most importantly, I am completely in touch with that girly gene in me that loves pink. I like pale pink, bright pink, dusty rose, magenta...you name it. I will never, of course, be one of those scary women who wears too much of it at once...being a stylist, I clearly understand the importance of having one pink item (whether it's a piece of clothing, a handbag, my jewelry, etc) be the standout focal point in an outfit. Pink dress? Nothing else pink, please. (NOTHING.) Pink jeweled necklace? Try it with a black & white ensemble so it really gets noticed. And when your outfit itself is pink? Well, read on...

Karina Grimaldi brings us this adorable (but not at all cute-sy) pink embellished mini dress. It is really, really pink (it's such a bright, vibrant, totally Miami-ish hue that it is making me happy just writing about it...), so it needs to be the star of the show. You can wear it alone as a mini dress (it is REALLY short, so get that spray tan out and run a couple extra miles!), or layer it over your skinniest white jeans or black leggings. Keep accessories to a minimum (all that embellishment acts as a major statement necklace), sticking to linear drop earrings, an oversized watch on its own, and maybe a smattering of ultra-thin diamond rings on a few fingers. But embrace the pink...it is feminine, flirty, happy, attention-grabbing and actually really flattering on so many skin tones. Just let it be the one and only pink thing you step out of the house wearing that day.

And if anyone suddenly calls you Barbie, just remember...she DID have a dreamhouse. And Ken. ;)

~ Alison.

Black & White...and Perfect All-over...

Diane von Furstenberg is one of my all-time favorite designers. I love her as a visionary, as a woman, as a business person, and as a fellow believer that life and fashion should be fun, glamorous and easy-going. While I was out on Friday night in the Meatpacking District of NYC with my friend Jill, I made her stop while I started snapping pictures with my phone of all the new pieces in the DVF store's windows. There was an all-over sequined long-sleeved romper that might just have to be one of my "investment pieces" this season. However, all-over sequins might not be up everyone's alley...

Which is why I just had to feature this DVF dress, the "Keoni Two." In an on-trend and always-chic black & white sepia print, this lightweight cotton number will get you through now, the entire summer, and into fall. It's perfect for work (add a blazer with a nipped-in waist), a date (add in your highest strappy stilettos), or Sunday brunch (try metallic flats and a little shoulder bag). The combination of slightly puffed sleeves and cinched waist are insanely flattering, while the loose skirt with a scalloped hem is forgiving but doesn't swallow up your figure. And that black & white palette is a perfect opportunity to add in a great pops of color...a bright yellow clutch, pink peep-toe platforms, jewelry with cobalt blue stones, or even a dove grey cropped leather jacket on a Fall night.

Thanks, Diane. You make our wardrobes, yet again, perfect all-over.

~ Alison.

Rally the Troops

This is a funny time of year...it is alternately hot, cold, muggy, clammy, sunny, windy, rainy - and often all in one day! You know that when even the stylist has a hard time getting dressed in the morning that it's a bad scene weather-wise! And I think outerwear is one of the hardest things to master...it's too warm for even your lightest wool coat, but it's not quite warm enough for your lightest denim jacket or vest. I most often opt for a leather jacket...I have one that is lined, one that isn't, and a number of others in various colors, styles, and finishes. But I think my favorite for this time of year is the one with the leather body and cotton canvas sleeves. It gives off the cool-girl vibe of a cropped leather motorcycle jacket, but keeps me from totally overheating because of the breathable cotton sleeves. It's great with a cute scarf in the early morning, on its own during the day, and perfect when layered over a really fine sweater in the evening. 

So when I saw the "Marco" jacket from PJK Patterson J. Kincaid, I was immediately enamored. Not only was it the reverse of my leather-body-canvas-sleeves version with its leather sleeves & details and cotton canvas body, but it is a gorgeous, on-trend, feminine-meets-masculine, urban-meets-glam combination of black and army green. And since an all-black jacket can look a little dark/heavy for spring (especially this year when everything is frothy mint green and cool coral), the chic and edgy olive army green lightens this up just enough without making it at all too girly. And while my off-white cotton canvas sleeves are permanently getting dirty (I live in nyc...I'm not sure I should have expected anything less...oops...), this shade of green will only age and look perfectly worn-in with a little city-dust on it ;)

~ Alison.

Everything's Coming Up Gucci

And roses. But mainly Gucci with roses...

Here's the thing. I rarely feature pieces from Gucci. Not because I don't love Gucci. (Trust me...I loooove it. Does someone not love Gucci? Now I'm confused...) But I don't because I usually prefer to feature smaller, newer designers who I want to expose our readers to. However...everyone once in awhile, there is a piece that speaks to me for some reason or another, and I just have to share it. HAVE TO.

And today, this printed silk-twill halterneck top is that piece. First and foremost, this style, with its deeply-cut-out-shoulder-and-tie-around-the-neck silhouette is super flattering on just about every body type. It draws attention to your face and collarbone and makes your shoulders look more toned than they really are (!). Second (to me at least), there is nothing more chic than an abstract print rooted in black and white. And the wide black stripe at the hip is exactly where you want that slimming feature to be. The print itself is inspired by Gucci's iconic collection of scarves, and, um...look at the print on the top and then look at the flower part of our Stylewhipped logo...clearly Gucci and I were having the same thought at one point! 

This top is also completely backless, which is a gorgeous way to "do" sexy...it's not in-your-face and it's a great part of your body to show off without ever being vulgar. Wear this with skinny black pants or leather legging now and with skinny white pants or jeans all summer. And even though it's backless, this really does work all year...just change up your accessories and add-ons to keep it seasonally appropriate (chubby little furs, booties instead of sandals, heavy jewels instead of delicate, etc, etc...). And feel free to wear it a lot. I mean, it is Gucci after all...;)

~ Alison.

Glitterati

On Saturday night, one of my oldest friends had his first official night out as a resident of New York City. Because he moved into a fabulous apartment in the super-cool Lower East Side neighborhood, a group of us decided to go out around there. And I felt it was the perfect occasion to wear my new 100%-covered-in-sequins tank-style tunic from Parker. In an amazingly chic chevron print of black, grey, emerald and cobalt sequins, this one demands a lot of attention and makes me the most sparkly girl in the room. (Side note: I have always had a secret wish to be a Vegas showgirl...soooo, head-to-toe sequins, crystals or glitter really isn't so out-there for me...)

Because I actually don't want to create a multitude of identical Ali-bots running around, I like to use my own pieces as inspiration for what I suggest to both my clients and readers. Which is why I didn't hesitate for one minute to feature this incredible top covered on the front only in a cool, rocker-y pattern of sequins. The combination of gold, bronze and black sequins on a white crepe tank makes the whole piece less girly and more edgy, and the shape of the pattern vaguely resembles either an oversized cross or the Union Jack flag (each of which makes it just that much cooler). Shown here with black leather shorts (which is a fantastic styling option), you don't have to wait for warm enough temperatures to wear this...try it with your darkest, skinniest jeans or black leather leggings for nighttime, or super faded-out, dramatically flared jeans for a daytime date or lunch & shopping with the girls. Just keep your accessories grounded (think sleek rose gold or hematite rather than adding in more sparkle) and your bag and shoes equally edgy (think black patent platforms, not peep toes with a bow!).

And then be prepared to feel like a serious part of the glitterati...

~ Alison.

Hot White

I have had a long-time, secret love-affair going on with Banana Republic's jewelry collection. I have featured pieces on here and waxed poetic about how on-trend, affordable and gorgeous their jewelry is. Major kudos to their buyer for nailing it season after season, bringing their customers necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings that look much, much more expensive than they are, are great quality, and are superbly current. Just last week, I bought a massively oversized necklace with huge rectangular stones set in gold tone with tiny crystal accents. It think it was only about $59 to begin with, and I got it on sale for about $25. ($25!!) It plays directly into the prominent everything-needs-to-be-stark-white trend this spring, but also came in a vibrant, saturated orange for anyone not quite ready to take the white plunge in early April.

So I thought I'd visit the retailer's website to check out what else they had that I might just have to add to my please-more-white jewelry wardrobe for summer...and I found not one byt two other amazing necklaces. The first, the "Bold Gem Necklace," is quite similar to what I bought, just with round stones instead of rectangular. So because I've gotten so many compliments on the one I got, this is definitely something I will be buying as a perfect gift (who wants one?!), especially at $59.50! And again, if you're not ready for the white movement, this comes in bright yellow, super-trendy mint green, and that gorgeous orange.

But the piece I think is a must-have for me personally is the "Delhi Delight" semi-precious bib necklace...with the palest, almost-white milky aqua calcedony stones, 10k gold-plated finish, and incredible, I-found-it-at-a-bazaar-in-India vibe, this one is worth the $225 pricetag. You can wear this all year long, with so many different looks that I can't even begin to list them all. Easily becoming your "signature" piece, this piece's whole collection is only available for a limited time, so you don't have to worry that every other woman you pass on the street will also have it!

Banana Republic also currently has really pretty, fun earrings, bracelets and rings in various shades of white...so make sure to check out the whole line. And you're welcome...sometimes I don't like to share my secrets ;)

~ Alison.

Jennifer Corcione: March MUSIC Madness

Ah, March…the month in which we experience longer days, being “Irish” mid-month (or in my case, living vicariously through my ½ Irish boyfriend), fashionable deals (Alison can tell you all about my new blush-colored leather jacket…so pretty!), March Madness (even though basketball is one sport I have never been able to quite follow), and the initial woes (secret joys) of being able to throw open windows and partake in spring cleaning season. March gives us several reasons to celebrate, especially with at least one or two of the albums that dropped in its blustery window. (Justin Timberlake is taking up residence in my daily existence. Haha.)

In March, my musical tastes are always more diverse and shifting, one minute shifting to some John Coltrane on a rainy day and the next, shaking what the good people of New Jersey gave me to some Beck. So in honor of “March Madness”…I put together a little playlist of what I aptly named “March MUSIC Madness”:

1)      Beck – Odelay: Sometimes, I need to release the inner 90’s child. And yes, I could easily gravitate towards my ‘boy-band’ days, but sometimes, you just need a little weird to complete the mood. Beck brings a tone of musical genius to the table. A cacophony of instruments, sounds, and everything in between. As of late, I’ve been really getting into “Devil’s Haircut” (But also don’t forget, the whole album is worth a listen!)

2)      Madcon – Beggin: A bit of a 2009 throwback, but if you’re not up and grooving to this track, then I’m shocked (and a bit disappointed.) I’m sure most of you have heard this song…I promise. (Especially if you watch American Idol, it has been covered on there.) Take a minute to Google it, press play, and have a dance party unlike any other. And for spring cleaning advocates like me, the perfect music to get moving!

3)      Stand – Correspondent: What would March be without a few Irish jams? Instead of going the traditional drinking song route, I encourage each and every one of you to download this album, sit back, and enjoy. Their deliciously grungy rock style and swoon-worthy brogues made my college memories...well, memorable. And if you’re trying to be thrifty, then two tracks you must have are “Sweet Little Lucifer” and “Lift”. (Note: “Sweet Little Lucifer” is featured on their album In A Happy Place.)

4)  The Doors – Break On Through: If I haven’t said it yet, I will now…vinyl is a beautiful thing! Sometimes, digitally downloaded tracks feel so cold and vacant. (The same goes for compact discs.) And when listening to anything remotely classic rock, I want to hear the warmth of pops and skips from a worn-in vinyl record. Jim Morrison and Co. could not sound any better on this song than with a hint of muddled vocals and cryptic, wavering instrumentals.

5)   The Strokes – Comedown Machine: My most recent purchase…aside from JT’s new album. And obviously, representing New York City in all its indie rock glory! Julian Casablancas brings those falsetto vocals back to our ready and waiting ears…and I, for one, was ready to hear it. For a bit of an 80’s vibe, take a listen to “80’s Comedown Machine”.

 

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As we say goodbye to March and begin to welcome April, or what I know better as the real Spring month, it’s important to give March its due. May each of you find the playlist that inspires you to remember this past month with fondness…even within its madness.

-          Jenn

Mini...To the Max

I am not, and have never been, a "skirt person." I love a great dress. I live in leggings and skinny jeans. But for some reason, it takes a lot for me to fall in skirt-love. However, today it totally happened. While browsing around on Net-a-Porter.com (oh, c'mon, you know you were just doing the exact same thing...work, shmork...), I noticed what can only be explained as a party in a tiny wrap of fabric...

The cool kids over at Sass & Bide bring us this phenomenal, amazing, love-it-love-it-love-it skirt and all its incredible amounts of personality. The teeny-tiny silhouette (this is one for those of us who are definitely not afraid to show a serious amount of leg) is based on a swatch of black silk, an inlay of neon orange and white striped woven silk, and oversized silver pailette sequins. Altogether, those components they make one of the cutest, most fun pieces to mix into your wardrobe. This obviously works for evening as a gorgeous but unusual going-out look...wear it with a slouchy, paper-thin racerback tank top and staggeringly high stilettos (silver, black or nude will be your best bets). Pile on as much extra sparkle as you want with jewelry or even in your make-up. Or get away with it for daytime with flat metallic thongs or little ankle booties, a black or white fitted t-shirt, and an oversized nude handbag. Keep any other sparkle to a serious minimum (try wearing earthy, non-flashy jewelry and subtle make-up) to keep the skirt's sequins as the only focal point. 

No matter when you wear this insta-party piece of clothing, expect other people to take notice. And expect yourself to break into a little dance. 

~ Alison.

Four of a Kind

Nope, not a poker reference (because basically, "4 of a kind" is the extent of my poker knowledge...), but rather a reference to my latest favorite jewelry look. While super-skinny rings are great for stacking, I also love wearing one on each finger of the same hand, at the same time. Sort of a throw-back ode to all those crazy silver rings we wore at the same time in the '80's, this is a modernized, boho-chic version of that look. I am building my own incarnation of this trend, and on my right hand often wear one ring with a pave'd diamond bar on my pinkie in yellow gold, a pave'd, teeny-tiny eternity band in yellow gold on my ring finger, and am picking up my new 8-diamonds-in-prong-settings band tomorrow for my index finger (this one is in rose gold, just to spice things up...). Next up is finding another one in rose gold for my middle finger, and I'll have my own "four of a kind."

Now clearly in my version, not all these rings are the same...in fact, they all look fairly different, but all have the same feel and size to them. You can absolutely find one perfect diamond band and buy it in four sizes to fit each of your fingers. But sometimes it shows a little more thought, a little more originality, and a little more personal style when you put your own twist on a trend. And while it's always nice to be able to afford to do this look in real diamonds, you can absolutely get away with costume pieces...just make sure to take them all off before you wash your hands or apply lotion to keep the finishes looking good for as long as possible.

However, if you do have the funds to buy real...well, please do! And this set from Bony Levy is one of my very favorite twists...all four rings are identical in shape, size and style, but all are different too: one is white diamonds in yellow gold, one is white diamonds in rose gold, one is white diamonds in white gold, and one (the coolest one, of course) is black diamonds in white gold. So you get a little rainbow of diamonds across your hand, but because of how thin and delicate these are, the whole thing never looks overdone or gaudy. Just really cool, really chic, and really sparkly!

So take a break from wearing that one big cocktail ring and try out your own version of four-of-a-kind...it makes just as much of an impact and is actually more versatile - let this become your everyday signature look, wearing it on the weekends with leggings and a flowing tunic but also with your most professional suit to work. And come to think of it, they wouldn't look so bad on a hand holding a winning hand either...;)

~ Alison.