And It Was All Yellow

There's something about yellow that makes me so so happy. From the yellow shift dress I got on super-sale years ago at Madewell in NYC (before it was online!) that always garners compliments, to my favorite yellow belt from Forever 21 that is seriously on its last legs, wearing yellow brightens my day.

I guess everyone realized what an upper yellow is, because I've seen it in a variety of shades at nearly every store. Here are some of my favorite yellow picks.

Skirt: Halogen from Nordstrom, $49.50

Leather Bag: Matthew Williamson, $1017

Loafers: Brian Atwood from Net-A-Porter, $375

Cuff: Alexis Bittar Flora, $276.50

Dress: Topshop, $95

Belt: Betsey Johnson Skinny Mini from Nordstrom, $24

Reason #18752 to Go to the Gym

This Pencey number.

Pencey dress, exclusive to Shopbop: $320

Yes, those are cut outs on the side.

Boot camp? Here I come. 5 mile run? See you Sunday. Yoga? 2-3 a week, repeat as necessary.

Get It Fast: Red Denim

Have you been lusting after those J. Brand red jeans you've seen everywhere? Surprisingly, I think this trend is totally wearable on most people. Nothing wrong with a pop of color in an outfit - especially on your pants.

That said, I'm not anticipating to see people wearing bright red denim in the seasons to come. So don't go shelling out nearly 200 smackeroos on some jeans you'll wear maybe six times.

Instead, head over to my new favorite online shopping emporium, ASOS, and pick up these Vero Moda bad boys for less than $30. You read that right. And you're not at Forever 21 or H&M! Shocking, I know.

Vero Moda Denim Legging: $25.86

The jeans are available in sizes S/M and M/L, so hurry over and snag your pair ASAP.

ASOS is having a huge end-of-season sale right now, so be sure to gaze at the massive discounted selection. And, if you're new to ASOS, they have free shipping and returns. So if the jeans don't fit, no harm, no foul - just send 'em right back.

You're welcome.

Look I'm Loving: Diane Kruger at the Louvre

Diane Kruger, 95% of the time, has flawless style. It's borderline avant garde, but almost always impeccably chic.

(via Go Fug Yourself)

Here at a charity gala in Paris, she looks stunning in a nude Alessandra Rich dress with chartreuse lace embellishment. I LOVE the pop of tangerine, which is just edgy enough against the contrasting yellow-green.

Her arm candy doesn't hurt, either.

Black: From blah to beautiful

So, I'm not the only one with a new job. My friend Claire got a fantastic new gig in NYC - an awesome upgrade from being a banker. But with a new job comes a new dress code - she's required to wear mostly black.

This is both a blessing and a curse. Black is universally flattering and slimming, and it's easy to find almost any item of clothing in the dark hue. Black goes with anything.

But it can be easy to get into a rut when your 9-5 look is the same shade 24/7 (or 24/5 as it were). How can you keep one color from become one-note?

Here are my tips to take your black from basic to bold.

(Note: This is intended to be inspiration... I don't actually expect Claire to go out and buy a $1k pencil skirt! Also, I've bolded what I consider to be wardrobe staples - must haves for every woman!)

1. Belt it. Start with a black sheath dress - a wardrobe staple - and change it up by adding a fabulous, unique belt. Studs, sequins, or floral details add texture and depth to your look.

Tibi sheath dress: $214
Matthew Williamson belt: $140
Anita Ko dagger earrings: $2,840
House of Harlow ring: $78
Nine West Madeup pump: $52.90

2. Grab a bold accessory. A fun statement necklace can make an old dress or shirt look like something new and different. Fill your wardrobe with fabulous jewelry. It will be the first thing people notice on black canvas (in fact, they might not notice you totally wore that dress last Tuesday).

3. Play with texture. A shirt with a peplum or a unique necklace (like above) will totally elevate the interesting level of a look. The technical twill of this shirt gives a fabulous sheen.

Antonio Berardi crepe pencil skirt: $1,115 (or check out this more reasonable priced one from J. Crew)
Stella+Dot pearl bib necklace
DKNY technical twill peplum top: $275.55
Kate Spade Halle wedges: $298
Gold ball studs: $29.99
Lodis Audrey portfolio: $150

3. Change up the fabric. Wool and cotton are great for the office, but when you are in an artier field, you have the luxury of exploring fabrics beyond the suiting standards. I love this pleated leather skirt from Vince. It also adds some volume on bottom to change up your silhouette (and avoids the borderline-skanky look of fitted leather).

James Perse stretch-cotton turtleneck top: $85
Vince pleated leather skirt: $495
Spanx tight-end tights: $34
Kelsi Dagger Moxie boots: $39.97
Michael Kors chronograph watch: $250
Kate Spade bow studs: $45

4. Play dress-up. This rule can be a little tricky because there is a fine line between costume and couture.  Dress with a theme - it will force you to put things together you might not otherwise, and maybe push the boundaries of the banality of your normal outfits. But be careful - you don't want to take it too far or too seriously or you'll become a parody of your outfit. For instance, I call this look the 'saucy secretary.' But make sure to keep your hair loose - don't dress the look to a T.

PS A black blouse with a feminine detail is such a wardrobe necessity. You can wear this with skinny jeans and a leather jacket at night to edge it out or dress it up for work... Just love it.

Blouse By Malene Birger: No longer available (sorry) but here are some other options from Joseph and ASOS
Antonio Berardi crepe pencil skirt: $1,115
Kate Spade bow studs: $45
Cutler and Gross cat eye glasses
Manolo Blahnik Campy mary janes: $645
Black jade and pearl ring from Nature's Jewelry: $79.98
YSL patent leather belt: $295
 

5. Trend is your friend. Black+the latest trendy piece = instant chic. I love these wide-legged pants for the workplace, and they are so much more fun than your standard black trousers. Keep the rest of the outfit simple, classic and clean. Invest in a basic black tank made with a stretchy fabric (looks nicer than plain jersey) to wear with the pants (or really anything!).

Tibi wool crop jacket: $306.90
T by Alexander Wang layering tank: $87
Elizabeth and James Jake wide-legged trousers: $403
Nine West Madeup pump: $52.90
Diamond studs
Silver and enamel ring

6. Get inspired by the classics. The reason why they are classic is because they work - they've worked for many years, and they will continue to work. Mix your trendy pieces with your classic pieces, and your wardrobe will seem infinite. I love these straight-legged pants from Gap - Very Audrey Hepburn without being a drain on your wallet.

7. Comfort is key. It's so hard to wake up in the morning and want to put on that uncomfortable dress when all you want to do is wear those half-size too big but oh so comfy pants - even though you wore them twice last week. So make sure ALL of your clothes fit well and this won't be an issue. And remember: Some days, you'll just need the easy comfortable outfit. 

Guess shirt: $98
Gap true straight pant: $34.50
Pour la Victoire flat: $112.99
Botkier Venice crossbody clutch: $295
David Yurman chunky chain: $1750

8. A word about shoes: Claire didn't let me know if her shoes had to be black, but I guessed conservatively. I have tons of black shoes, and honestly, I rarely think my shoe wardrobe is missing anything. A good pair of black pumps, boots and flats will get you far. Also, wedges are my new favorite thing; the Kate Spade wedges above are classic, stylish and comfortable.

So, Claire, does this help? Are you inspired? More importantly, are you so excited? (especially for me to come visit you ASAP!)

(And now I need help: The YSL belt from above is my dream patent leather belt. I really need a new one, and this is the only one I can find that I like. If you have seen a similar one for under $50, let me know!)

La vie en rose

Credit: Say Yes! to Hoboken

I saw this outfit on my friend Liz's blog the other week and I knew I had to have it. The different shades of pink matched with the delicious gold skirt is to die for. It's from J. Crew clearly, but I have no idea when it's from or where I can find these pieces! It's so frustrating. 

Never one to shy away from a challenge, I decided to attempt to recreate it. Since nothing was quite right, I included options for some of the key pieces! (My biggest struggle? Pretty honeysuckle Mary Janes - want these!)

Sweater: Ralph Lauren long-sleeved sweater, available at Yoox: $149

Shirt: J. Crew long-sleeve stretch perfect shirt: $59.50

Necklace: Anthropologie Strawberry Cheesecake necklace: $48

Skirt: Diane Von Furstenberg Bolo Skirt: $269.50 (Or try... Loft Ivory Flower Jacquard Skirt; Kate Spade New York Kylie tweed sequin skirt; Michael Kors knee length skirt; ECI skirt)

Shoes: Kate Spade Karolina: $298 (Or try... Manolo Blahnik Round-Toe Mary Jane pump; Fornarina high-heeled sandal; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania for Melissa crocodile heeled shoe; Sergio Rossi peep toe pump)

Does this outfit make you rosy-cheeked? Or does the pink trend stink to you?

Well red

Ay Caramba! Red is muy caliente right now. Just check out the latest from the runways - red made a showing in a majority of the pre-fall collections.

Though red may seem "trendy," I'd argue it never goes out of style. It's a power color that persists. I mean, talk about a confidence booster. Walk into a room in red, and you say "Look at me. I'm spicy."

Daring to go red - all red? Here are some tips from Shopbop's Style Director Morgan Wendelborn:

Choose complementary, subtly different shades and textures. As stunning as an all-red suit cut from the same fabric looks on the runway, it’s not very wearable in real life. The key is to pair slightly mismatched shades (like a poppy-colored silk Equipment blouse and tomato-toned Jenni Kayne chinos) and keep your accessories neutral.

The sure-fire way is to pair a print with a solid—for example, printed Dolce Vita shorts and a solid Mara Hoffman bustier top.

I'd also note that, when wearing red, you want to keep it covered... Because, really, red+lots of skin=trampy, unfortunately. Red is synonymous with arousal in the brain, so tone down any decolletage and avoid any miniskirts. You're hot enough!

If you're not ready for a full-red look, try amping up your accessories. A red belt, red tights or red jewelry add a pop of color against a neutral outfit. (But it would also look great with a golden tone or navy.) With your accessories, you can wear one for a subtle effect, but what really looks spectacular are a few, well-chosen and coordinated red accessories (like shoes and a necklace).

And winter provides a perfect excuse to don a red scarf, red gloves or even an adorable red cloche. Leighton Meester has been spotted filming Gossip Girl in red winter accessories, and Glamour has some great, affordable picks for accessorizing like her.

Finally, if you're really bold, try red lipstick. Just ask red lipstick poster girl Gwen Stefani, who is the newest spokesperson for L'Oreal Paris Infallible lipstick. I mean, this girl makes it look effortless. I recommend heading to a department store makeup counter to find the perfect red for you. With my coloring, I can't really rock the orangey-red tones (much to my chagrin), so I wear a blue-based red from MAC called Dubonnet. Then head to the drug store for a cheaper version!

1. See by Chloe leather belt, available at Yoox: $148
2. Deluxe Jane cloche, available at Proper Topper: $52
3. Patterson J. Kincaid Harlow long-sleeved blouse, available at Shopbop: $68.60
4. See by Chloe cotton-blend pencil skirt, available at The Outnet: $114.75
5. Alice + Olivia Patti pleated dress with leather trim, available at Shopbop: $298
6. Pour la Victoire Irina pump, available at Shoebox: $262
7. L'Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Resilient Raisin: $9.99
8. Kate Spade Mod Squad necklace: $77

Lusting after the color of love? Check out some beautiful red pics at So Much To Smile About!

Loving Right Now: J. Crew's colorful spring collection

Want to stop in J. Crew? Usually, you don't have to ask me twice. But their spring collections have me wanting to run to the nearest store to buy these looks ASAP. This collection strikes the perfect balance of neutral and candy-colored pieces, perfectly wearable basics and fun statement pieces, and the standard J. Crew preppy look with the edgy NYC street look.

Some of my favorites from the lookbook:

White hot.

These wider-legged pants will be mine.

How does J. Crew make grandma-pink-colored pants look so chic?

Love the print. This will be my new weekend wardrobe come summer.

Hello, beautiful lace jacket, perfectly mismatched with safari neutrals? Why don't you come with me?

Socks and sandals have returned! And worn with the coolest gold skirt this side of Midas' kingdom. (Does anyone know if a skirt like this is actually wearable in real life?)

Sequined skirt? Turquoise top? This girl's green with envy.

As a side note, I think this collection underscores the importance of separates to our wardrobes. I have so many friends (and myself included in this) that picked the dress as their go-to wardrobe basic, both for ease and style. And while I think the perfect black shift dress is still a wardrobe staple, the possibilities that separates create are endless. Viva les pants!

Peep the entire spring lookbook over at FabSugar and just try tell me you don't want to hie thee to the nearest J. Crew at once.

Leighton Meester is pretty in prints

How gorgeous is Leighton Meester in these shots from Glamour Espana? Her hair and make-up is flawless, but I especially love the styling. The bold prints (from Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu, Chloe and Just Cavalli, respectively) are so much fun, and I especially love the mixture of patterns in the first shot. 

Here's how to get the look for yourself.

1. Sachin + Babi psychedelic print dress, available at Shopbop: $585

2. Milly rose garden pleat date skirt: $245

3. BCBG printed silk dress: $248

4. Miu Miu printed silk crepe de Chine mini dress, available at Net-A-Porter: $1,335

6. Just Cavalli red dress, available at Zappos: $505

7. Forever 21 blooming flowers tunic: $17.80

8. Emilio Pucci lurex detail pattern coat, available at My Theresa: $2,014.63

Saturday Style: Mixing brown and black

This outfit was inspired by my friend Liz's style, as well as some recent purchases I've made (including a similar sweater from Forever 21 and these exact Target booties - super cute and real suede!).

Mixing black and brown so directly hasn't always been kosher, but that is no longer the case. Mix away! The rule of the weekend is this: Break a few fashion rules. More often than not, you'll actually look cool.

1. Forever 21 deconstructed cable knit sweater: $24.80 (wear a tank underneath, obvi)

2. Rock and Republic Five Pocket Leggings, available at Couture Candy: $148

3. Juicy Couture reversible chunky beret, available at Revolve: $58

4. House of Harlow 1960 tribal locket necklace, available at Shopbop: $158

5. Rebecca Minkoff Nikki hobo, available at Zappos: $495

6. Target Mossimo Supply Co. Kalayla boots: $34.99

Pretty in hot pink

Lately, I cannot get enough of pink. But not just any pink. Hot, neon, fuchsia, ultraviolent pink.

Though I know the 70s are de rigeur now, I love the "working girl" 80s vibe that the shade brings to an outfit. It says "I am woman, hear me roar, and watch me do it looking really cute." It exudes confidence in your femininity, and it shows that you don't shy away from being bold, bright and beautiful.

1. kate spade janelle dupioni skirt, available at Neiman Marcus: $275
2. Kendra Scott Echo earrings in wine, available at Charm and Chain: $65
3. Reiss Leona drape dress, available at ASOS: $270.67
4. ASOS wrapped front ruched sleeve blouse: $31.03
5. Aryn K Deveraux dress, available at Modcloth: $112.99

In the navy

Navy is my favorite color. It will probably be a focal color at my wedding (FYI, bridesmaids). I own navy coats, navy shirts, navy dresses, navy skirts, navy pants, navy sweaters... the list goes on. I even own some navy-striped Toms knockoffs (I'm a little embarrassed to admit that, but they were so cheap at Target!).

Navy is nearly as present in my wardrobe as black is. Navy can be preppy, edgy, military, girly... basically, it's as versatile as black. And for those who think navy and black can't go together? I eschew your negative logic. Just make sure the two shades don't look like you dressed in the dark. Make sure your navy is lighter, and your black is extra black. And you definitely wear black shoes or a black belt with a navy dress.

Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate navy into your look:

Tory Burch Spring 2011 RTW

Hermes scarf

Rebecca Taylor Topstiched My Way dress, available at Cusp

Tory Burch Katie glitter toe flat, available for pre-order at Saks

Banana Republic deco luxe tank (on super sale!)

J. Crew dot flouncette blouse

Current/Elliott boyfriend cords, available at Piperlime

J. Crew Pointelle tights

Topshop bead frame studs

Alexander McQueen crystal studded pump, available at Bergdorf Goodman

Michael Kors navy and gold watch, available at Asos

Samantha House Asteroid ring, available at Shopbop

Coach poppy enamel ring

Obviously, picking out navy clothes and accessories wasn't too hard of a task for me...