Stylized Existence

Monday, July 19, 2010

Steal Her Style

If I ever feel like I am beginning to fall into a style rut, I immediately browse my way over to The Sartorialist blog to find endless amounts of fashion inspiration. This blog is a collection of photographs taken of some of the world's most fashionable people in some of the world's most fashionable cities (Paris, Milan, NYC, Florence). Scott Schuman started the blog years ago after spending time working in the fashion industry and owning his own showroom. Eventually he closed down the showroom and pursued his passion for photography which inevitably converged with his interest in fashion. His blog now has an archive dating back to September 2005, with thousands of beautiful photographs.

Image via The Sartorialist

This photograph was taken in Paris, and Scott noted that he took interest in this woman's look because it was "so simple and yet so refined". I completely agree with Scott and admire the way this woman is able to achieve such a sophisticated and balanced look with just a few simple pieces.

Here is how you can achieve this look:

Equipment Signature Washed Silk Blouse
$178 - shopbop.com

7" chino short
$42 - jcrew.com

Leatherette Thong Sandals
$16 - forever21.com

Joffrion Bag in Cognac
$30 - aldoshoes.com

Lucky Brand Peace Cuff Bracelet
$78 - macys.com

Gorjana Sonora Leather Wrap Bracelet
$58 - shopbop.com

PATRIZIA PEPE Belts - Item 46151211
$45 - yoox.com

Gold Cuff Bracelet

$58 - ralphlauren.com

Friday, July 16, 2010

Beach-bound

As if I wasn't looking forward to my return to the US enough, Joe and I just booked our plane tickets to spend an upcoming long weekend in the Cape! I have never been to New England and am anticipating a relaxing weekend full of quaint shops and clam bakes. Ever since we started devising our plans for this little getaway, one thing has been on my mind - "What am I going to wear!?".... Well, I spent some time over the last few days thinking about what's important to pack for the beach. In my opinion, the essentials go something like this: bathing suit(s), sandals (preferably flat for exploring of the cape), bathing suit cover-up, and last but not least, cute jewelry to dress it up a little. So without further ado, I give you my two perfect beach outfits:

BDG Knit Tank Swing Dress
$32 - urbanoutfitters.com

Madras Romper
$23 - forever21.com

Steve Madden Sysco
$40 - piperlime.gap.com

Stella Gladiator Sandal
$23 - payless.com

Gap Coated canvas tote
$40 - gap.com

Water Droplet Posts
$30 - anthropologie.com

Sailor Knot Bracelet
$5 - urbanoutfitters.com

Serpent Chain Trim Bracelets
$4.80 - forever21.com

Mixed Stone Chandelier
$28 - urbanoutfitters.com

Charm Necklace
$16 - urbanoutfitters.com

Large Brim Womens Hat
$17 - tillys.com

Anadyomene Maillot
$298 - anthropologie.com

Solid underwire twist bandeau
$48 - jcrew.com

Solid ruffle hipster
$44 - jcrew.com

Tory Burch Fedora
$95 - toryburch.com

Thursday, July 15, 2010

A little bit of whimsy

Lately I've found that I've been thinking to myself, "Wouldn't it be nice if some women wore more clothing?".... I don't know if this is a sign of me getting older or if something has happened to my generation, but it seems that women are covering up less and less these days. I've noticed this mostly in dresses and skirts sold over the last few years. Forever 21 actually carries a line that they say has "a more modest fit" which basically equates to "doesn't show your bum if you bend over". I have pretty average length legs for my height and still do the "bend over" test every time I try a dress on to ensure it doesn't show the goods to the whole world... is there something wrong with this picture?

In today's post I want to celebrate that fact that their are many modern day stores that are making beautiful dresses that still allow you bend over and pick that pen that you dropped up from the floor without showing your whole office your polka dotted underwear. In particular, Anthropologie has done a wonderful job of keeping the classiness and whimsy in their clothing, year after year. I picked the two beautiful and vintage looking dresses from Anthropologie in order to celebrate the classiness of styles of the past with modern updates. These two styles are from different eras, but I picked accessories that could work for both outfits to show you how a few well-appointed accessories will get your wardrobe very far.

On the left, the floral print dress has a bit of a "stepford wife" vibe to it, but a nice cropped sleeve and interesting print modernizes the dress. The dress on the right is a classic that will work through your 20s and well into your 30s. This dress could work for the office, but would also be perfect for a Bridal Shower or a dressy Sunday brunch.

The t-strap black shoes will always be in style - this is a purchase you will be glad you made, especially if you buy a pair that can last through the years. I chose the black bag from Urban Outfitters because it also has a lovely vintage look to it, but it is rather large in size (check out the other pictures on their website) to accomodate the loads of things that the modern day girl puts into her bag. The necklace and the ring are simple, cheap pieces from Forever 21 that won't break the bank, but complement the prettiness of these two looks.

Dagmar Shirtdress
$148 - anthropologie.com

Time Gone By Dress
$128 - anthropologie.com

Kimchi Blue Croco Lady Bag With Metal Closure
$58 - urbanoutfitters.com

Cut-out Heart Necklace
$5.80 - forever21.com

Antiqued Rose Ring
$6.80 - forever21.com

Circa Joan & David Cameo
$99 - zappos.com

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Courtney and Lee are ENGAGED!

My dear friend & sorority sister, Courtney, recently got engaged to her longtime boyfriend, Lee. I am incredibly thrilled for them! I talked to Courtney the other day and she told me that they are currently in the process of planning their engagement party in the couple's hometown of Lynchburg, Virginia. I jumped at the chance to throw together a few outfits that I know Courtney would look amazing in (even if she claims to not have the Summer tan that she wishes she had - girlfriend, Loreal Sunless tanner can work wonders).

I don't know how many of you have heard of Rent The Runway, but if you haven't heard about it, you're in for a treat! This website was formed not too long ago and offers their members the ability to rent a dress (and they will send it to you in two sizes to ensure it fits - for no extra charge) for a small fraction of the real cost. If you are like me, you probably reluctantly shell out the cash for a new dress for each occassion you have (unless it is the token black dress that can be worn repeatedly) and cringe when you see it hanging in your closet 2 years later, knowing it was only worn once. Well, Rent the Runway solves that problem - you can pick your price range and see the variety of options they have available - their current inventory is pretty large! Since Court and Lee are probably going to start saving their pennies for the married life, I picked three dress options (and even a necklace and a bracelet, too!) from Rent the Runway. Courtney will be able to save a little money but still look fabulous.

Courtney's favorite color is black, so one of the options is a beautiful and classic black dress with a portrait collar. The heels I picked to go with it are so stunning (can you tell I used a closed toe version for the open-back dress?) and I picked an interesting bracelet to jazz up the outfit a little. I also had to pick two other options with some color - it IS summer! The middle dress would be really nice on Courtney because she has beautiful long blong hair, which would complement the orange and golds I chose. The necklace in this outfit is also from Rent the Runway. The furthest left dress is definitely the most daring, but also the most fun! I have been drawn to this dress since the first time I saw it on the website because it is so different. It will definitely attract the attention that Courtney should get on her special night. Because the dress has a lot going on, I kept the accessories rather minimal so they would not take away from the dress. The hammered gold cuff is from Rent the Runway ($10 rental!) and the beautiful purple earrings are from Anthropologie and play up the purple in the dress nicely.

Court - no matter what you pick to wear, I am sure you will look great and have a wonderful night with your family and friends. Congratulations to you and Lee!