Tag Archives: bold colors

Brights and Cut Outs

I’m at a point in my life where a good dress can go a long way.  I have a wedding pretty much every other weekend and when I’m not at a wedding I’m at an event.  This past weekend I had the incredible honor of attending the 50th anniversary of the Institute for Policy Studies, an uber liberal, progressive think tank that was co-founded by my father 50 years ago.  IPS has served as an invaluable resource and advocate for social justice, always fighting for equality and human rights.  I grew up with IPS as a part of my extended family, a family that was made up of the brightest, most forward-thinking, determined, brilliant minds to ever exist.  I was completely overwhelmed with pride and love this weekend, and for the gala that was the culmination of the awe inspiring anniversary I turned to one of my favorite dresses of the season a bold orange, asymmetrical hemline dress with subtle cut outs.  I wanted to go with something that was appropriate for the occasion, as well as a show stopper.  This is normally my goal for all events I attend.  As always confidence is the ultimate accessory that truly makes the ensemble.  Make sure you are comfortable in whatever outfit you don for an event and as always go bold.

Most importantly, Congratulations IPS on 50 years of fighting the progressive fight!

Asymmetrical dress

Dress: Hunter Bell (found here), Necklace: Baublebar (found here), Shoes: Aqua (similar here), Bag: Coach (similar here)

leather jacket

I wear this leather jacket with everything! It’s a great way to add a little edge to any look.

cut outs

slightly wind blown

statement necklace

Smiles and a slicked back do

orange dress

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Fit & Flare

Fit and flare dresses are everywhere and everything this summer.  There are many reasons that this silhouette is so popular and has made its way into everyone’s closets.  The first being that it is flattering for all body types.  The tight to exaggerated lines of the dress give the illusion of a pin up figure.  The silhouette is also fun and flirty, and because of the fullness of the skirt the hemlines tend to be longer making it appropriate for all occasions.  I wore the dress featured in this post to a bridal shower (these pics were taken after the bridal shower) and also wear it work all the time.  I hesitate to call this flattering and retro shape a trend, because in reality it is more of a wardrobe staple that should be in everyones closets.

fit & flare

Dress: H&M (similar here), Shoes: Nine West (similar-ish here)

The key to a successful fit & flare dress is in the name, fit!  Make sure it is tight enough on top so the flare is more drastic.

The key to a successful fit & flare dress is in the name, fit! Make sure it is tight enough on top so the flare is more drastic.

fit & flare

Try bold colors and prints for the summer.

fit & flare

The flare is perfect for hot summer days!

fit & flare

Smiling through the heat.

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Wedding Guest Fashion: Formal & Cocktail

I think it is fair to say that the most common dress code for weddings is formal or cocktail attire therefore today’s Spring/Summer Wedding Guest Dress for Success Guide is dedicated to the broad spectrum that is formal wedding wear.  Formal is wonderful because you can go short or long (and you know how much I love long).  Formal is of course a step down from black tie and lends itself to many different styles, silhouettes, colors and fabrics.  And cocktail is a slight step below formal.  However, when experimenting with fabrics and volumes always be mindful of the location of the wedding and if it is indoor or outdoor.  Take it from someone who tends to overheat quickly, the last thing you want is to be stuck outside in an oppressively heavy dress.  With that said play around and find what works best for you, your body type, the venue, and make sure your shoes are comfortable enough to dance the night away in.

A very special thank you to my fabulous collaborators that made this post possible!  Thank you Carine’s Bridal Atelier for providing the gorgeous gowns, Charm & Fornash for the flawless baubles, and Drybar for the beautiful blow out!

Formal

Dress: Marchesa (c/o Carine’s Bridal), Jewels: Charm Georgetown & Fornash, Hair: Drybar

Marchesa Garden of Glam

One of the most amazing things about spring/summer wear is that brights are always in. Make sure that one aspect of your ensemble is a true stand out.

Marchesa

Just because the dress is bold does not mean you have to shy away from accessories and bling!

Marchesa wedding wear

The exaggerated fan sleeve is my absolute favorite! Because there are a lot of components to the dress a more conservative hemline is crucial.

Cocktail wedding wear

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The Harem Pant

The 90s are back in a big way with this week’s trend highlight.  Well, back, modernized and more fabulous than ever!  The harem pant danced its way into history thanks to MC Hammer and luckily has been revived and can be seen strutting down runways, sidewalks and every where in between.  Contrary to popular belief, the harem pant is for everyone!  Like all clothes, the fit is crucial and it could not be more true in this instance.  The harem pant is already a bold piece, but it is truly perfect for all occasions!  They are so playful and depending on how you put the look together can also be more conservative, well as conservative as a harem pant can be.  One of my favorite things about the harem pant is that they are whimsical and allow you to experiment with proportions, which always results in an eye catching one of a kind look.  Oh and did I mention they are incredibly comfortable!

Harem Pants

Pants: Aqua (old, similar here & super affordable!), Top: H&M (similar here), Shoes: Aqua (old, similar here)

Harem Pants

Just lounging in the most comfortable pants

Playing with proportions and lengths

Playing with proportions and lengths

Harem Pants

Wonder Woman pose

Harem Pants

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Menswear Spring Preview

Today is the last day of my menswear spring preview featuring Kirven and Antonio, dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.  I loved every minute of putting this post together and am so grateful I had the opportunity to work with such talented people!  For today’s post I went with a more casual look, while of course embracing lots of color.  When putting a menswear look together have fun with it, go for something a little unexpected and most importantly make sure the fit is perfect. I do hope you have enjoyed this spring/summer preview as much as I have and hope you feel inspired to dance your way through the seasons.

A million thanks to Kirven Boyd, Antonio Douthit, Abby JiuDurklBuffalo Exchange, and Rise Events! And for behind the scenes pictures and videos of this photo shoot make sure to follow me on Instagram and Vine.

On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), T-shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here). On Antonio: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Durkl (found here), Hat: c/o Durkl (found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

On Kirven: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), T-shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here). On Antonio: Pants: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Shirt: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here), Jacket: c/o Durkl (found here), Hat: c/o Durkl (found here), Shoes: c/o Buffalo Exchange (similar found here)

ajp-38 copy

ajp-41

ajp-37

ajp-28

ajp-31

ajp-24

ajp-25

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It’s a Wrap

Made infamous by Diane Von Furstenberg, the wrap dress is now a staple in every girl’s closet.  The wrap dress is always flattering and always in style making it the perfect piece and it can be dressed up or down making it superb for any occasion.   You can go bold with a print or bright color or use it as the canvas and let the jewelry pop.  It is such a simple and classic silhouette, with the cinched waist and appropriately deep v, the wrap dress is truly perfection.

Also make sure to check out all of the jewelry worn in this post because one piece will be given away to one of my lucky readers! So get excited and check back this Wednesday for details and the official rules of entry for this super fab GIVEAWAY courtesy of Fornash!!!

Dress: Tinley Road (found here & on sale!) Belt: Vintage (similar found here), Shoes: J. Crew (similar found here), Jewelry: Fornash (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (found here)

Dress: Tinley Road (found here & on sale!) Belt: Vintage (similar found here), Shoes: J. Crew (similar found here), Jewelry: c/o Fornash (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (found here)

caught in the wind

caught in the wind

Maxis are one of my favs and I love when they hit the top of the shoe so you can show off the super fab pump

Maxis are one of my favs and I love when they hit the top of the shoe so you can show off the super fab pump

IMG_3338 - Version 2




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