Pull Yourself Together:
The Drunk Stripe
November 14th, 2011 By

I can’t buy another striped anything. Seriously. It’s becoming a problem. My closet is starting to look like it was raided by a bunch of sailors with OCD. The issue, I find, is that stripes are the easiest pattern to wear. I have a fear of looking like one of those ladies wearing so many motifs that they end up looking like a walking a Christmas tree with tits. But, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’ve taken this habit too far and it’s time to expand my horizons. In an attempt to wean myself, I’ve started looking at variations of the stripe, namely the “drunk stripe”—or zig-zag to the rest of you. Now, the zig zag pretty much belongs to “Missoni,” so I’ll  start with that pipe dream and work my way down to the simpler stuff I can actually afford.

Clockwise, l-r: MISSONI ALTEA WOOL-BLEND COAT, $2,830.00, Net-A-Porter; ARO EMILY ZIG-ZAG OPEN V-BACK SWEATER, $160.00, Saks Fifth Avenue; JOIE ASTARA PRINTED SHEER SILK BLOUSE, $208.00, Nordstrom; MARC BY MARC JACOBS AIRMAIL JAGZ VELVET LONG CLUTCH, $278.00, Zappos.

Tags: , , , , ,

Summer Trend:
Striped Shirts
July 27th, 2011 By

Striped shirts are considered a classic, and when the nautical trend hit, they became even more popular than before. We’ve seen them cropping up in many variations from ¾ sleeve, to off the shoulder knits, halters and the iconic tee. Complete your look by pairing your stripes with simple flats and cut off jean shorts, crisp white pants, or a flouncy skirt for maximum impact.

MICHAEL Michael Kors Striped Sequin TopElla Moss Penelope Striped Top

TOP PICKS:

1. Michael Kors, MICHAEL Michael Kors Striped Sequin Top, $69 (featured left)

2. Nordstrom, Bobeau Stripe Boxy Knit Top, $42

3. Bluefly, Rebecca Beeson Black and Grey Striped Asymmetric Wrap Scarf Top, $45 (31% off)

4. Saks Fifth Avenue, Ella Moss Penolope Striped Top, $98 (featured right)

5. Saks Fifth Avenue, Tory Burch Striped Knit Top, $225

SHOP IT: Striped Shirts >

Tags: , ,

How To Wear: Patterned Tights January 14th, 2010 By

Spanx Trinket Tights

Spanx Trinket Tights

One of my favorite things about winter is getting to wear all those gorgeous HUE tights I’ve been hoarding.

Geometric patterns, bright colors and fun prints will help to brighten up your basic outfits and let you wear those peep-toe booties without freezing your toes.

Colorful, patterned tights should be the focus of your outfit when you wear them.  Keep your other garments basic and stick with black skirts and dresses.  You can wear white or a complimentary color on top.  If you are wearing black patterned tights, you have more freedom to play with color in the rest of your outfit.

HUE tights

HUE tights

You don’t want to have too much going on.  Decide which element of your outfit should be the focal point and surround it with basics.

If you have long legs, highlight them with colored patterned tights.  You can wear larger patterns.  Petites should avoid large patterns, as they can overwhelm a small frame. Finer, intricate designs are more flattering for shorter legs.

If you are full-figured, highlighting your legs can draw attention away from areas you are self-conscious about.  Wear a knee-length black wrap dress with black platform pumps and patterned tights.  The vertical stripes on the pair at left are particularly flattering and leg-lengthening.

Pair black sheer argyle tights with a deep purple or burgundy dress and knee-high boots for day or punch up a black cocktail dress and shoe booties with some bright patterned tights at night.

My one off-limits pattern? Horizontal stripes.  There is really no occasion that calls for you to look like a court jester or the Wicked Witch of the East, except Halloween.

Tags: , , , , ,

Get This Look: Taylor Swift, A Star in Stripes December 7th, 2009 By

Get This Look: Taylor Swift's Fun With Stripes

Get This Look: Taylor Swift's Fun With Stripes

Taylor Swift’s unique sense of style is our inspiration this week.  Taylor mixes a casual t-shirt dress with flirty herringbone tights and a neat pair of brown oxfords.  The combination of bold striped patterns, colors, and textures shows off her confident young spirit.  Taylor makes this look chic for evening by letting down her hair and swapping out the patterns for black opaque leggings.  Get this look by pairing your choice of patterns in leggings with your favorite print dress.

Get This Look:

Juicy Couture Scarf Jersey Dress, $77.00

Juicy Couture Scarf Jersey Dress, $77.00

Hiolo Sweater Knit Pattern Tights, $3.11

Hiolo Sweater Knit Pattern Tights, $3.11

FRYE Erin Oxford, $168

FRYE Erin Oxford, $168

Tags: , , , , , , ,