Friday, July 31, 2009

Build Your Suit Wardrobe

Build a Suit Wardrobe
Buying a suit is a huge pain! First of all, most of them are not flattering, so you have to go to a million places and try on a million styles before you find the style that is actually flattering to your body type. Then, if you work in an industry that requires a suit everyday, you have to find enough pieces that you are not wearing the same thing everyday! And, to top it all off, it gets expensive! So I am going to attempt to build a suite wardrobe that isn’t overly expensive and is actually stylish.

Start With Basics:
Begin with the basics. Buy matching jacket, pants, and skirt when possible. I’d suggest getting it in 2 colors if possible. Black, grey, tan and brown are the most common colors and are what a suggest since they are neutrals. I personally enjoy the fit of NY&CO., which is featured below. They also offer a huge variety of sizes. For each color, stick to one brand and buy all three pieces together so the colors and fabric match exactly. Also, many brands sell suits as sets. His can make it easy to match the colors and fabrics. Yes, they look boring, but I will show you how to make them have some style.


7th Avenue Straight Leg Pants - $39.95 NY&CO
City Stretch two Button Jacket - $59.95 NY&CO



City Stretch Pencil Skirt - $32.95 NY&CO
Calvin Klein Two-Button Jacket & Classic Pants - $179.96 Macy’s


Get a couple of Dresses:
I suggest getting a couple of dresses that can pass in the suit category. They tend to be more stylish and it should be easier and less frustrating to find one that is flattering.


Evangeline Dress - $29.80 Forever 21
Stretch Wool Noir Shift Dress - $178 Jcrew



Men Draped Pinstripe Dress - $168 Anne Klein
Shift Dress with Pockets - $89.50 Ann Taylor Loft

Now for the Shoes:
You don’t need a lot of shoes for your work wardrobe. I would go with neutral colors, but you can throw in a couple of colors for fun. I also suggest getting heels as well as flats.


Rampage Mystic Shoe - $49.99 Shoes.com
Guess Carrie Pumps - $90 Bloomingdales


Stud Trim Flat - $12 Go Jane
Buckle Front Flat - $11 Go Jane

Tops and Blouses:
Here is where you can have a little fun and spice up your outfit! When shopping for your tops, it doesn’t hurt to bring along your suit jacket so you can see how it will look in the dressing room. Blouses can be fun too! You don’t have to get a plain, boring one. There are so many styles out there now with little details that are making them have more character. I suggest getting a variety of blouses, cami's, and shirts so you have many looks to choose from depending on what you have going on each day.



Janine Ruffle Shirt - $15.80 Forever 21
Solid Short Sleeve Shirt - $26.95 NY&CO


Chiffon Ruffle Top - $29.95 NY&CO
Belinda Sleeveless Shirt - $15.80 Forever 21


Crochet Back Silk Top - $19.80 Forever 21
Cotton / Silk Ribbon Blouse - $60 Banana Republic


Add the Accessories:
Accessories can make the outfit. When dressing for work, classics are often the best way to go. I am a huge fan of layering pearls. But another great addition can be adding a broach or a pin. I always like to have a variety of both gold and silver tones. I am a big fan of Forever 21 jewelry. No, it is not the best quality, but it is cheap enough to allow you to have a great variety and to keep up with the latest trends.


Crystal Chain Necklace - $55 Jcrew
Beads Earrings - $85 Tiffany & Co.

Cluster Chain Bead Necklace - $12.80 Forever 21
Velvet Flower Pin - $29.50 Jcrew

Pearl Cluster Earrings - $3.80 Forever 21
Captured Metallic Fabric Bangle - $5.80 Forever 21

Chain of Clouds Necklace - $42 Anthropologie
Mini Hoop Earrings - $24.50 Ann Taylor Loft

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Beautiful Bags, Big Price!

Most will never own one, some will. But there is no harm in day dreaming and looking. Every one's budgets are different. Most fashionista's still have an appreciation for the art of the handbag. Even if you can afford a Birkin Bag, to buy it from the retailer, you will be put on a waiting list! However, the quality is undeniable with these stunning leather bags. And they are actually considered a decent investment. Think how much the Birkin will be worth in 25 years! Especially if kept in great condition. Anyway, here are some of my dream bags!



Escada Nissa Hobo - $1,534 Nieman Marcus
Sotto Chiave Python Shoulder Bag - $4,250.00 Neiman Marcus



Dior Samourai 1947 - $3,800 Saks 5th Avenue
Hermes Birkin Bag - $85,000 Ebay (do your research before buying!)



Jimmy Choo Crocodile Ramona Bag - $14,000 Bergdorf Goodman
Bottega Veneta Woven Boston Bag - $5,200 Bergdorf Goodman


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Get Studded!

Studs are all over everything right now! They add a rock style of detail to bags, shoes, jeans, dresses, etc. You can find pieces that focus on studs, but there are also many that use studs just as a highlight. decide how studded you want to be before choosing your pieces, or go for a combo of both. I personally think that an outfit only needs one studded piece. Anymore than that and it might be overkill. Here are some hot pieces that can be a great addition to any wardrobe.


Be & D Garbo Woven Tote - $572 The Outnet
Michael Kors Astor Studded-Pocket Flare Jeans - $79.99 Macy’s (on sale now!)



Chemistry Shift Dress - $30 Lulus
Gemstone Studded Belt – $12.99 Olala


Studded Platform Pump - $27.30 Go Jane
Stud Hair Clip - $1.30 Go Jane


Valiah Studded Fringe Tote - $16.99 Forever 21
Rafe Hilary Studded Metallic Large Linen Tote - $375 Bloomingdales

Aqua Studded Crowl Neck Top - $78 Bloomingdales
Studded Knit Top - $22.80 Forever 21




Jean-Michel Cazabat Platform - $149.50 Barney’s (on sale now!)
Anne Michelle Survivor Studded Heels - $24.75 Make Me Chic

Deal of the Day - L.A.M.B

The Fabienne Sandal from L.A.M.B is on sale now at DJPremium for $138. Hurry before they are gone! These sandals are HOT!!!

Sale Alerts!

Dress sale happening now at Nicole Miller. Use code 20Off at checkout when buying 2 or more items for an extra 20% off!

Summer sale happening now at Ralph Lauren!

End of season clearence at Calvin Klein happening now!