Right now, I’m practicing award-worthy restraint in a few key areas of my life. The only one that’s relevant here, though, is my restraint to shop. I have pledged (as of 3 weeks ago) that I will not shop until the end of February. Specifically, I will purchase no apparel, shoes or accessories unless 100% necessary. That pretty much wiped out my main hobby. I’ve had to learn to fill those extra minutes of down time or ‘destination-less’ meandering through the city with other activities, thoughts, and phone calls. So far, I’ve been successful and am a better woman for it.
I’ve been forced to dig deep into the closets (all five) and restyle, rematch, and reinvent the clothes and shoes I have. I’ve seen with just-post-lasik clarity that I have enough permutations from my robust wardrobe to keep me going 6+ months without ever repeating an outfit.
With this notion to propel me further into my “no-shopping-as-entertainment” journey (for the months of Jan and Feb 2010), I decided to showcase the core of what’s keeping me alive: versatility.
Take one piece—in this case, a denim pencil skirt—and reimagine it over, and over, and over, and over….you get me.
A dark wash ensures it’s appropriate for work, or no work. The high waist and flat front (sans pockets) make it accepting to tucking in or billowing out. In short, it’s a stellar piece to play the mix-and-match game.
Option I—the Unexpected & Fun
Skirt + lace + motorcycle boots + knee socks
Tuck it in, show off the high waist, draw attention up to the intricate neckline. Lace is prettiest way to be a girl.
Classic Frye boots. You’ll only buy one pair in your life and the more beat up they get the better they look. Putting it with lace makes others wonder, “Hmmm, what’s she all about?”
I know, I know, funky as all get-up, right? But c’mon. You’ve got basic black, basic denim and neutral boots. Now go big with your socks.
Option II—Tuesday at work special
Skirt + silky, boxy blouse + textured tights + classic platform pumps
The boxy shape is countered by the slim, sexy fit of the skirt. Everyone will know what a rockin’ bod you have no matter what. And the open neckline shows off a beautiful collarbone and hints at your graceful shoulders.
These tights are opaque enough to be completely appropriate for work while the lace gives a nod to the girly, flirty side of you (don’t lie, you have one). And the brown is a nice neutral to pair with the dark denim.
You can’t go wrong with a sturdy-heeled, round-toed, platform pump. Basic black, classic style, smokin’ look.
All together, you’ve got a tightly streamlined, upscale, chic, and modern aesthetic.
Option III—Saturday With Your BFFs
Skirt + wedge sandals + striped t-shirt + tailored vest
I don’t think any woman can argue that these are cool as H-E-double-hockey-sticks. But the better news? A wedge is a super comfy way to wear heels and the thick straps keep your foot safe and secure.
Fun, bright, and loose-fitted for maximum comfort. The multi-directional stripes give it a more interesting look than your typical one-way pattern. And the varying widths of the stripes in the right places (take a peek at where they’re widest…you get what I’m sayin’?) are flattering and you don’t even know it.
Put a tailored item with a fluid piece and you’re having fun now! I love mixing silhouettes like this – soft and easy with trim, slim, and structured. Wear it open so you don’t block your stripes.
Conclusion?
I’m sure I could play this game for days, weeks, months, until Martin Luther King Day 2012. But I’ll stop here and hope that this is enough of a teaser to get you to look deep in the closet. Push apart those tightly-fitted hangers, dig underneath your typical go-to t-shirt or leggings. Seek the bottom of the drawer and bring out your almost-forgotten garments for a mixer better than any speed dating social. Exercise restraint and ye shall find outfits a-plenty.
Among the many techniques of styling clothes, layering is the most effective and can breathe life into any number of basic, simple pieces you may own. Layering can give you warmth without adding bulk, it allows you to mix colors and patterns in new ways for unlimited permutations for tops and bottoms. And it allows you take your spring/summer wardrobe into the bitter temperatures of Dec, Jan, Feb, and (in NYC), March.
There’s a great tutorial in the January issue of Lucky Magazine on layering. Below are my suggestions for one way I have employed layering in my look. And, after my suggestions, are some even better ones from a very close friend of mine, Teresa, who makes it her business to layer daily (in fact, she shops with it in mind)
Start with:
Only the very top of this lacy bandeau is meant to peek out to add prettiness, lacy-ness, and a little allure.
Add on:
A functional plaid print (leave the top 2-3 buttons undone) goes over the bandeau. When partially buttoned, it creates a v-neck line (the universally flattering neck). You could stop here, but why when there's clearly more you can add?
Slip over:
Make sure you keep the buttons undone, pop the collar and sleeves out of the neck and cuffs, et voila...your top half is layered and you're not feeling like you're wearing 2" thick wool from the Scottish highlands.
On the bottom?
Keep it simple with sleek black trousers.
Top it off with:
Even with the three layers, your look will still be fairly simple so you have room to add juice with a multi-strand necklace like this one.
And now…let’s her from Teresa and her favorite lovable layer looks.
To me, layering is not only about putting clothes on top of one another, but mixing textures for visual appeal as well. It’s a way for a person to be able to stand out from the crowd of J Crew and Banana Republic basics, by using these basics to create multiple interesting outfits.
When I get up in the morning, I start with a basic layer. I usually pick one piece out of my closet and create from there. Whether it be a lacy camisole, a belt, a vest or a pair of pants. Then I build from there. The key to choosing pieces for your wardrobe, is to make sure that they are light enough so that layering doesn’t add bulk to your frame. When choosing vests make sure the fit is in the waist and clutches your body. When choosing sweaters for winter, wrap sweaters usually work best since you choose the fit for them.
Layer Lession #1: A day at the office
The under-most layer peaking out from under the top, like a Hanky Panky black camisole: 
Over this thin, lacy number, add in a beautiful DVF silk top
Next up, a more visual item like I would start with this item
Follow this up with a fitted blazer, which can be worn open with the sleeves pulled up:
Finish up the look with a pair of Tweed cropped pants:
Textured socks:
and cute boots
Layer Lesson #2: Going Out
When you’re going out, the easy thing is to throw on a dress, and you’re done. Living in NYC you see a lot of party dresses so I opt for something a bit different…
The starting point for a night out on the town (can you tell I’m loving cropped pants at the moment?):
Then a light top
Add an eye-catching vest…for winter, of course
Finalized with fun shoes…and I mean fun
To add one more detail, wear a tie as a belt to add a quirky change. Or use a silk belt as a tie – either on top of your shirt, let it hang, or as an accessory under your shirt. There really are no rules to how this can be done. Sometime you will triumph, sometimes you may not, but you will always be able to have your own sense of style!
Casual Friday at it’s most chic. Michelle has recently been expanding her wardrobe parameters (with a little encouragement from me). Working in marketing with me, she has no choice but to think outside her fashion box! Her outfits are always impeccable and always fit her like a glove. But she has been exploring more creative ways to put her wardrobe together. This outfit from Friday is proof positive.
Michelle
The red, shawl collar sweater is a warm alternative to a structured blazer and the deep v is a universally flattering neckline. But, to give it some shape, she added a wide belt that shows off her itsy-bitsy waist. (As an alternative she could easily wear this same cardigan open and un-belted for a slouchy, but pulled together look.) She’s brought in well-fitted, straight-legged jeans that make her look slender, tall, and modern.
And, my favorite…kick-ass black, peep toe, platform pumps that look like they belong on a rock star from the mid-80s (scoot over Mötley Crüe!).
Notice her dark-framed glasses and add them to these shoes–it’s a well-orchestrated combination of edge and funk.
Let’s not forget her swooping bangs, flippy, strawberry blonde hair–it’s a do that is done right.
Trés chic, trés magnifique, trés Meee-chelle.
Today’s Chic Girl is brought to you by the letter J, for Jenn.
Jenn is a graphic designer and colleague of mine. Forever working in colors, templates, style guides, and other things that could cramp her graphic style, she excels in pushing the style limits in her clothes. The best part? Jenn’s a new mom and looks better than ever. Let’s take a look…
Jenn has done a stellar job at combining pieces from different seasons to be totally appropriate for December in NY.
The hot pink dress with draped sides is feminine in that Grecian sort of way. But it’s comfortable enough to sit at her desk and work away on the countless projects we throw mercilessly at her. The deep V-neck draws attention up to her pretty face, opens her neckline and elongates her upper body, and is subtly sexy to without being gratuitous. The traditional blazer in the navy blue counterbalances the fluid dress with structure and gives a nod toward “office appropriate” (though, in publishing, anything goes). Even more fun are gray tights and caramel colored boots. All of the pieces don’t necessarily “match”, they “go.”
And she went!
Jenn has accomplished a figure-flattering outfit, doubled the use of her summer wardrobe by carrying it through to early winter, and chosen colors that make her cheeks bright and a standout in the halls and cafeteria (the infamous fashion show catwalk of the publishing industry).
Well done, and super chic!
If I could wear a poncho 3 days a week, I would. There are so many variations of this uber-roomy top that it’s not always even a top. It’s a top, a topper, a warmer, a sweater, an outerwear basic, a comfy/cozy/completely chic wardrobe must have. And here are some of my suggestions.
Sweater Poncho
Here's a poncho that thrives in the fall. Worn over a long sleeved, thin sweater or crew-neck shirt, it's the perfect weight to wear as a coat in the Fall months. It goes with jeans and leggings, thin, straight-legged trousers, or even just tights (this one's long enough). However you pair it, it's comfy, falls neatly over the body, and neutral in colors to go with a bright popping bag or shoes.
Jacket Poncho
Here is a great example of a poncho to be used truly as outwear. The double breasted buttons give it a military-like feel but the swingy shape lighten up the seriousness of a traditionally constricted double-breast. It's a bit slouchy so it has an urban feel but the color gives it the illusion of structure. Pair it with a newsboy cap and dark, fitted denim and your favorite booties.
Raincoat Poncho
Wear a bulky sweater under this poncho rain coat and you'll be snug, dry, and downtown super-fab. White makes a statement, but if you're more subdued, it comes in two other colors (one, of course is black). But who doesn't want to be a streak of bright walking down a gloomy street? I know I do!
Poncho Top #1
A wide open v-neck and soft silk gives this poncho an easy sexiness that's as comfortable as it is swank. This is holiday party-ready, date night-ready, birthday girl party-ready, or girls night out-ready. Big gold hoops or simple diamond studs, a big cocktail ring and sleek pants will make you the loveliest creature in the room.
Poncho Top #2
Tie Dye is totally back with a vengence. This subtle rendering of deep purple and white is fluid and body-conscious as much as it is roomy. Another comfortable iteration of a poncho, this is more casual based on the fabric and design but still feminine and fun(ky). Just make sure this is your only homage to the 1960s (meaning, don't pair it with peace sign earrings or a bandana. It's not a costume).
I’m so in love with plaid right now. Never have I loved it as much as I do now with the exception of my freshman year in high school when grunge rock was the new black and lumberjack, over-sized, flannel plaid was the outward expression of said new black. What I love about plaid now is the delicate take on what started as pattern that was indicative of function, utility and axe-carrying-outdoor gigantic men named Bill who hold logs on their shoulders. Not anymore.
Green and black checks thwart the notion that checks are for picnic table cloths. Fun because it's a babydoll shape but pretty because of the high-seam and cargo-style fold-up sleeves.
Here is a pretty purple cinch-waisted tunic that's flattering with skinny pants or even sleek bootcut black trousers. Create a contrasting look by layering on tons of fake pearls (I'm talking 5 or 6 extra long strands) and slip on simple ballet flats or even low-top Chuck Ts.
Take a forever-stylish shirt dress and add some plaid. Black tights and heeled mary janes. Sport the dress over cropped leggings and ankle boots. Or save for the first spring day and wear bare-legged!
Top it off with a plaid coat. People shy away from patterns in outwear but I say, patterns are our friends. The only thing that shows is part of your legs which are typically of solid color or fabric. If you wear wild tights, just don't wear this coat. Otherwise, the soft purple and warm golden colors make this an easily versatile piece to own.
I have a current obsession with all things Scottish and this fits the bill. A classic pencil skirt with a fold town flap at the waist adds interest, covers the tummy, hits the high-mark on the high-waist trend, and I just love it. Is that enough?
Lovely People, that is. A label I just landed on from my best online resource, Racked.
Check out these gems on super-duper sale. Not a long post, but a worthy post for you today. Click. Love. Buy.
I can picture these under jeans, with leggings, miniskirts or any skirt. And if you're daring, you can wear them with tights in the fall and winter.
Pretty colors against neutral tan. Open peep-toe with leather strappings to securely hold your foot in place. Tapered heel, double buckle. Add all this up and you get a delicious shoe.
Or, just let me dress properly for you, dear rain.
I was catching up on the last three days of Women’s Wear Daily and listening to the not-so-gentle pitter patter of rain drops on my window A/C unit. I thought to myself, what am I going to wear when I leave the apartment today. I have eggplant colored Hunter rain boots. So my feet and legs are safe. But I hate every single umbrella I own. It’s a collection of pathetic $5 black umbrellas that never open right bought in emergency from the street vendor combined with branded silver and red umbrellas from various magazines and websites that I’ve worked for and my friends have worked for. There was one earnest umbrella purchase, a clear plastic dome number that makes me feel like a 6-year old girl. It’s cute, but c’mon. And so, I went in search of the umbrella that would allow me to schlep in the rain, elegantly.
Here’s what I came up with.
Umbrellas.net. A site dedicated to lovely, fashionable umbrellas to carry any woman through modest downpours, tempered drizzles, and torrential pseudo-tsunamis. My faves…
Classic black/white/red combination printed on clear plastic gives an airy feel over your head when you hold this up to shield from the rain. The slight dome shape is more protective than the shallower quality of cheaper versions. The hook handle makes for easy "holding" and hanging upon arrival home. Finally, the pattern of birds and flowers provide prettiness. It's something all women need on a lousy-weather day. $54
This beautiful white brocade number is divine and heavenly on its own. But what really makes this stand out is the exquisite handle. It's a combination of wood and metal, topped off by a fine metal/mesh globe that feels sturdy and secured in the palm of a perfectly manicured hand. A bit pricy at $175 but it is an accessory and you can't frown upon a well-made accessory. Just because it's raining doesn't give us an excuse to commute any less beautifully.
Another angle, to see the handle.
For the travel bug in you, this number collapses and expands with the touch of a button on the handle. And the neon colour pallete literally gives you "sunshine on a cloudy day."
I’m in love with Ralph Lauren Rugby. For those of you unfamiliar, it is just as it sounds: a line of clothing inspired by the sporting look of Rugby uniforms combined with an undercurrent of the UK but bubbled neatly in all-American classic style. Then, it’s reimagined to fit an urban-cool, funk-a-licious prepster of any metropolitan city (or a really daring suburbinite). The colors are right, the stylings are fresh, innovative and captivating, and the quality, well, it’s Ralph Lauren after all.
Here is what I mean…
Plaid of the prepster, distressed and rolled-up jeans, proper heels, girly ruffles, and a newsboy cap. Could more styles end up in one outfit so harmoniously? Probably not.
Fair Isle sweater dress with a wide neck that shows off a more intersting, but subdued pattern. The tie adds a droplet of masculine style that peeks out and the leggings provide a special layer of femininity, lest we forget, we're girls.
Hello Highland-ess! This kilt makes you want to draw your dirk but the leggings and heels remind you that you're dealing with a woman. The shirred shoulders soften an otherwise classic pattern of plaid, and the hat "tops it off" with a funky personality.
Tops, that is.
My new favorite tank top is so much my favorite, that I now have 10 of them. I ordered these magnificent blends de poly et cotton as new workout wear. I loved them so much, I bought more to wear as regular wear. I like to wear bright colors at the gym–I get so tired of the typical black and black and black. My typical strategy is cheap, colorful tanks. I buy cheap so I can buy often. You see, I need to stimulate my mind at the gym, and frequently, a change of gear (shoes, sneaks, or bottoms) does the trick. I feel refreshed and it makes me want to go! Hey, you do what you need to do to get your rear in gear, right?
These Old Navy tanks are my new “it” gear to don at the 19th/Broadway Equinox, my current gym locale de amor.
Check the tanks.
Buy the tanks.
Wear the tanks.
Love the tanks.
Below is the pink version, but there is a rainbow of color upon color to choose from. And, best of all, they’re now $5 on OldNavy.com
