Tag Archives: style tips

Laser Cut Leather

13 Tuesday Aug 2013

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If there’s one thing that I dislike about summer, it’s that the warm temperatures can hinder my affinity for leather. We’ve all seen the Friends episode where Ross sweats in his leather pants – it doesn’t end well for him and it was enough to teach me to proceed with caution on the leather situation (see, you CAN learn from TV!).

Alas, laser cut leather is here to save the sartorial day. With its intricate patterns and built-in breathability, it’s a current trend of choice for this leather-lover. A sheer draped back makes this style especially warm-weather-ready.

Teamed with black skinnies, wedge sandals and a mini arm party, this easy top gives me a defined look and keeps the heat stroke at bay.

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lasercutleather4 Top: English Rose. Pants: rag & bone jean. Shoes: Zara.

A Sheer Summer

04 Sunday Aug 2013

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Sheer blouses with cutoffs has become my unofficial summer uniform. I love how flowy, diaphanous fabric can transform a traditionally preppy button-down into a subtly sexy shirt that’s perfect for sunny days. On weekends, I usually slip one on with a bralette or bandeau to get the most out of the laid-back look.

This top by Free People has a casual oversized fit and the pattern begs to be worn with denim. These Car Mar cutoffs from LF are easily my favorite because they aren’t too short, too tight and are just the right amount of distressed. When I’m in cutoffs, I want to be comfortable, and an inseam that rides up is less than ideal. Also, I’m older than 16 so booty shorts are out of the question. Let’s be honest…no one wants to see that.

All in all this look keeps me cool, comfortable and, even though the top is sheer, I don’t feel overexposed. It’s just right for warm LA days!

What’s your go-to summer look? Send me a pic on Twitter or Instagram, @herwritemind.

summersheer1 summersheer2 summersheer3Shirt: Free People. Shorts: Car Mar. Shoes: Topshop. Sunglasses: Gucci.

On Balancing a Mini

21 Sunday Jul 2013

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One of my most important styling rules is balance. If you’re wearing something short and fitted on the bottom, opt for more coverage and a relaxed fit on top. Finding the right balance is key in creating looks that aren’t overly sexy or, on the other end of the spectrum, overly conservative.

When I pulled this studded mini out of my closet, I knew that I needed long sleeves to get the right look. I landed on this butterscotch-colored knit to bring out the golden tones in the embellishment and add a laid-back contrast to the skirt. My new (old) Marni wedges that I picked up from the designer resale mecca, Decades, finished the look with sharp lines and a touch of shine.

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DSC_0271 DSC_0279Sweater: Marciano. Skirt: English Rose. Clutch: BCBGMAXAZRIA. Shoes: Marni.

Fresh Crop

01 Monday Jul 2013

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It’s official: the crop top is back. And this time it’s not just for tees and tanks. Chic, polished crops are gracing the pages of fashion mags and have won over the front-row fashion crowd. This time it’s all about crops with high-waisted pencil skirts or wide-leg pants. A classic silhouette on the bottom tones down the bold top and reveals just a hint of skin.

As with any big trend, getting the look right is about balance. When trying something more daring, keep the rest of the look simple. Mixing trends on trends on trends rarely works out to your advantage, and it pays to find the right pieces.

When I came across this faux-leather crop at a boutique in my neighborhood, I knew it was the one that would lead my journey into the intimidating bare-midriff territory. While it took a while to find the right skirt to pair it with, this color-blocked black and white pencil style eventually made its way into my life (via a Zara blowout sale – go now!) and the final outcome makes it clear that it was worth the wait.

What do you think of my cropped look? Are you willing to give it a try?

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Top: Olivaceous. Skirt: Zara. Sunglasses: Gucci. Bag: Zara. Shoes: Alexander Wang.

Love in the Ojai Air

22 Saturday Jun 2013

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It’s certainly beginning to look a lot like wedding season! If your schedule is anything like mine, this time of year means two things: plenty of weekend trips and lots of dress options. There’s no better excuse to purchase that just-marked-down beauty you’ve had your eye on. People like getting married. You like buying cute dresses. Weddings require cute dresses. It’s basically a fool-proof formula.

The Event
At my cousin’s Ojai wedding this past weekend, it was all about the one-of-a-kind details that made the day truly unique. From an extremely personalized ceremony to the Pinterest-worthy decor, Amanda and Travis’ deep love for each other could be felt throughout the entire event. Hand-crafted touches of rustic charm brought an extra special, inviting mood to a beautiful Mediterranean-style villa where the ceremony and reception were held.

The Look
For this summer day-to-night occasion, I chose a bright Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent dress I picked up a while ago at a sample sale. Mint accessories and nails added an offbeat vibe that fit right into the playfully romantic scene. My latest obsession, hot pink lips (specifically MAC Candy Yum Yum), were the finishing touch.

Cheers to the beautiful bride and handsome groom!

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Black, White and Chic Allover

11 Tuesday Jun 2013

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An early evening outing to the Griffith Observatory followed by dinner in Los Feliz called for a multitasking outfit that was both comfortable and cute. My solution? An oversized Zara jacket (which I lovingly refer to as my lab coat), wet-look leggings and flats with a splash of leopard print.

During the nearly mile-long hike from the car to the building, I was thoroughly grateful for my choice of footwear. Remember, sometimes practical is the most chic.

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Jacket: Zara. Tank: Joe’s Jeans. Leggings: Topshop. Sunglasses: Balmain. Bracelets: Kate Spade, Katie Dean Jewelry. Bag: Rebecca Minkoff. Shoes: GUESS.

 

The Best of Cannes: Days 4 + 5

19 Sunday May 2013

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Over the weekend, two of the big “mainstream” films premiered at Cannes: The Hunger Games Catching Fire of the famous book series and Inside Llewyn Davis, directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. While the competition for best dressed was tough, here’s where I landed for days 4 and 5 of the Festival.

Day 4 Official Selection: Model Liya Kebede in Roberto Cavalli

I’m loving the drop waist and long sleeves. It feels so modern and different than the sleeveless gowns we see so often.

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Photo credit: Vogue English

Day 5 Official Selection: Carey Mulligan in Vionnet

Stark black and white plus a plunging neckline and structured fit make this gown perfect for Carey’s second big movie opening of the Festival, Inside Llewyn Davis.

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Mod, Mod World

29 Monday Apr 2013

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Thanks to Mr. Marc Jacobs and his game-changing Louis Vuitton Spring 2013 show (yes those are escalators in the background…in a tent), fashion has set its sights on the mod movement and ’60s inspiration. Graphic lines, bold color contrasts and sleek structures are lining the racks and popping up in my inbox as summer gets closer and closer.

VUI_0481.450x675Photo credit: Yannis Vlamos/GoRunway.com on style.com

As with any runway trend, personal interpretation is key. Take the most important elements of the look and find something that works with your style. My choice? This black and white Zara top. The strong contrast and slightly flared silhouette are just the right amount of mod for me. Coupled with black skinnies and ankle-strap wedges, I’m able to take the tone of the trend and translate it into my own look.

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Top: Zara. Pants: rag & bone. Sunglasses: Gucci. Necklace: Topshop. Shoes: Zara.

Styling Exercise: One Piece at a Time

22 Monday Apr 2013

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From friends and coworkers to acquaintances and more, this is the most common fashion gripe I hear:

“I have individual pieces that I like but I don’t know how to put things together.”

When it comes to fashion, sometimes all you have to do to style a favorite new look is think outside the box. Whenever I’m stuck on what to wear, I focus in on one piece and build a look around it. I find that if I have one piece in mind, it’s easier for me to get creative than if I’m putting together something out of nothing.

Take a look in your closet and pick a piece that strikes your current mood. In this case, I chose the leather shorts. Now, using that piece as the foundation for the outfit, pick another piece that you have not yet paired it with. For me, it was the oversized denim shirt. I liked the idea of mixing sexy leather and utilitarian denim. I decided to add tights since this was a work look (I work in a creative industry so I have much more freedom than most when it comes to workwear) and the collar necklace to make it a little more dressy. To keep in line with the rocker appeal of the shorts, I had to lace up my trusty Litas.

Before I knew it, I had styled an entirely new look just from shopping in my closet and getting a little creative.

DSC_0147 DSC_0149 DSC_0168 DSC_0191Shirt: Marciano. Shorts: BB Dakota. Tights: Wolford. Sunglasses: Gucci. Necklace: tasha. Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell.

Somewhere in Between

01 Monday Apr 2013

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As we continue to linger in between cold and warm temps, I find myself mixing pieces from summer and winter to get by. While this vibrant silk maxi dress with side slits is usually reserved for May-September, I decided to layer it with an oversized faux-fur vest for an early 2013 debut.

Whether it’s the unexpected pairings of designer with fast fashion, casual with dressy or summer with winter, finding ways to mix up new looks keeps your style fresh and interesting. The only real rule is to break them all.


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Vest: Michael Michael Kors. Dress: Marciano. Sunglasses: Gucci. Shoes: Zara.