scarf print trousers
Friday, August 10
Although I love the flowy, wide-leg scarf print pants that everyone seems to be wearing, I've found that some of them look a little pajama-like on my body. That's why this pair appeals to me: it's on trend, tapered and streamlined, bears a sophisticated, subtle print and is office-friendly. In other words: these pants would make me look the opposite of bed-bound. I'd wear them with...
1. Halston Heritage silk tank, $295, netaporter.com
2. Tom Binns hoop earrings, $77, shopbop.com
3. Accessorize quilted tote, $35, accessorize.com
4. Mango leather heels, $129, mango.com
5. Mango scarf print trousers, $59, mango.com
leather shorts
Thursday, August 9
It's embarrassing but true: wearing leather shorts--something I had never thought myself capable of until two weeks ago, when I bought a pair--makes me feel like a rock star. I LOVE them. I've restricted them to daytime outings and with flats, only, so they look less flashy (and less like I'm trying too hard). I've been pairing mine, which I snapped up from H&M, with causal striped t-shirts. Anything that will tone them down, like a simple button down blouse or even a slouchy sweater, goes in my book. Model Miranda Kerr, pictured above, opts for a basic, but chic white tee. For leather shorts like hers, try these by Diane Von Furstenberg, or consider an inexpensive (vegan leather!) pair by Free People. Yeah, baby!
Photo: Le Fashion
dip dyed denim
Thursday, August 9
Stella McCartney has been wearing ombre jeans everywhere--to school drop-offs as well as to glamorous events, like her resort 2012 collection presentation in New York. The designer's good friend Gwyneth has been working her ombre jeans, too, donning a black pair to walk the red carpet. I like this Madewell pair because the color grading is subtle, and blue denim, as we all know, is endlessly wearable. I'd give them a spin with...
1. Tibi leather collared crochet overlay silk shirt, $425, netaporter.com
2. House of Harlow gold pave ring, $64, charmandchain.com
3. River Island tassel bucket bag, $68, asos.com
4. Barneys Co-op suede pumps, $275, barneys.com
5. Madewell ombre jeans*, $135, madewell.com
*P.S. Madewell offers free shipping and free returns on all jeans, and you also get 20 percent off on orders of $150 or more through Monday, August 13.
the blue blazer revisited
Wednesday, August 8
A classic blue blazer traditionally has been synonymous with pearls, country clubs, and prep school/corporate uniforms. But fashion bellwethers like Sarah Rutson, Emmanuelle Alt and Lauren Santo Domingo (all pictured below) are breathing new life into the old wardrobe basic, sporting it in ways that look anything but fusty. Spurring the trend is the fact that navy jackets are being re-issued in flattering modern cuts, from gorgeously fitted (and nipped in at the waist) to tuxedo-inspired to oversized and double-breasted (chicly mannish). I think these new blazers are executed best when offset by relaxed jeans or something entirely unexpected, like, for example, LSD's feather skirt, or a pair of leather shorts. I'm loving these blue blazers from The Row, Balmain (like the one above, on "final" sale), Club Monaco, and Banana Republic.
daytime shift
Wednesday, August 8
When it's scorching hot out (like it is today in LA) I like to dress simply, minimally, effortlessly. This throw-on-and-go dress is an ideal summer day uniform. The graphic color-blocking has a striking (Celine-ish) effect, and it goes equally well with flat sandals, heels, brogues, ankle boots, and even Converse kicks. In other words, it's infinitely versatile. I'd keep cool in it with...
1. Mango dress, $59, mango.com
2. Gucci aviator sunglasses, $265, shopbop.com
3. Barneys Co-op leather tote, $575, barneys.com
4. K. Jacques sandals, $233, shopbop.com
printed shorts
Tuesday, August 7
I spent yesterday morning pulling clothes for a cover shoot, and the showrooms were filled with next season's biggest hits. Among them is the printed pant. Of course, this isn't a new trend, but the showing yesterday clearly proved it's one that's still going strong. Given the weather outside, printed shorts may be more appropriate for now--and they'll get you used to mixing and matching patterns come this fall. Some wear-right-now shorts to consider from Rebecca Minkoff, Clover Canyon, and Forever 21.
Photo: Fashion Distraction
capped out
Tuesday, August 7
A few weeks ago I was at an event with a publicist friend of mine, who was wearing these sleek Dolce Vita flats and the number of compliments she received was staggering. But they were warranted, because the shoes manage to be both practical and elegant, the silver cap toe lending a glam touch. I've been trawling the web ever since looking for them, and they finally made it online. Wear them day in and day out with...
1. Madewell lace blouse, $110, madewell.com
2. Warehouse oversized leather and suede motorcycle jacket, $320, warehouse.andotherbrands.com
3. Dolce Vita cap-toe shoes, $79, macys.com
4. A.L.C. checkered pants, $395, netaporter.com
precious cargo
Monday, August 6
My twin sister came over yesterday wearing the perfect pair of cargo pants, and it reminded me how much I miss them in my wardrobe. I had a pair years ago, wore them into the ground and never replaced them. My sister's cargoes, which she recently bought, have a relaxed fit and a love-worn look, similar to the ones former J. Crew designer Marissa Webb is wearing in the picture above. Anyway, as my sister and I are wont to do when we're together after weeks apart, we went into my closet for a little show and tell. She tried on some new acquisitions, including a tuxedo blazer, several tops, shoes of varying heights, all while keeping her rolled-up cargoes on. And the thing we both noticed was how the pants looked good with everything. Everything. So, of course, I promptly bought the pants. Herewith, my new (old) wardrobe staple.
bead it
Monday, August 6
I'm loving the ornate, very Balmain-opulent beading on this jacket. It looks decadent and fancy (and way more expensive than it is), and I love that you can go big with it, with, say, slick leather pants, or wear it informally, with a pair of boyfriend jeans and heels. I'd give it a whirl with...
1. J. Crew silk t-shirt, $188, jcrew.com
2. Topshop beaded jacket, $190, topshop.com
3. Noir bracelet, $110, shopbop.com
4. Zara ankle-strap heels, $49, zara.com
5. Current/Elliot boyfriend jeans, $210, netaporter.com
miroslava's neck candy
Friday, August 3
Russian-born New York-based fashion consultant and founder of fashion website Buro247 Miroslava Duma is known for her adventurous sense of style and affinity for chunky chokers. Inspired by her collection of over-the-top neck candy, I rounded up some options that scream high-wattage cool, from J. Crew, Tom Binns, Bauble Bar, Assad Mounser, Juliette & Company and Forever 21. P.S. Note how Duma throws a necklace on just about any print (and even on outerwear), consequently making her look that much more interesting and original. Clearly, when it comes to accessorizing like this, more is more.
Photos: Buro 247