stripes | garden of glam

Jul 02 2013

Holidays

Stars and Stripes

Summer is here and America’s Birthday is quickly approaching! I always believe in dressing up for the occasion and the 4th of July is no exception. This Thursday I encourage everyone to break out all of their red, white and blue gear and mix and match to your delight! Fingers crossed the rain decides to take a break long enough for the sun to shine through leaving us with a clear night sky for optimal fireworks viewing. While my plans are still TBD because the April showers have decided to last until mid summer, one thing I do know is that festive garb is a must for the day.

Obsessed with this bold red ensemble!

Photo courtesy of What Do I Wear

It doesn’t get any more festive than this

Photo courtesy of Lolobu

I am digging the suspenders and of course loving the stripes

Photo courtesy of The Cult of Style

Rocking an American flag bandana is an easy way to show your patriotism

Photo courtesy of Obaz

monochromatic perfection

Photo courtesy of Harper’s Bazaar

This stylish Brit is ready to celebrate in her radiant red suit

Photo courtesy of Ashley Ring My Bell

For the mor timid this subtle yet patriotic ensemble is excellent

Photo courtesy of Atlantic-Pacific

Happy 4th of July!

Photo courtesy of Junne Bugg

Tagged 4th of July, blue, holidays, Monochrom, red, Red White and Blue, Short Suits, Stars, stripes, suits, Suspenders, white

Jun 27 2013

Stellar in Stripes

Stripes are everything this season, making them a sartorial summer staple. Stripes are so wonderful because they are so easy to make your own and almost act as a neutral. Whether you choose to go with the preppy nautical stripes, punky 90s stripes, or the chic Parisian stripes you simply can’t go wrong.

Cropped tops are everything this season. This is an unbeatable and chic combo.

Photo courtesy of Style of Becca

Parisian perfection in Chanel

Photo courtesy of Dress Design Decor

Leather for summer with a pop of color

Photo courtesy of Ashley Ring My Bell

suits & stripes

Photo courtesy of fashion universes

Rompers are my absolute weakness! It doesn’t get any better than this!

Photo courtesy of Chic Overdose

Fit & flare, the trend that keeps on giving

Photo courtesy of Chicismo

90s punk perfection

Photo courtesy of Crymson Clover

Tagged cropped tops, leather, romper, stripes, suits, summer trends

Jun 24 2013

Classic Stripes

The unbeatable, classic, eye-catching black and white combination has taken over my blog this spring/summer and I am OK with it. The fusion of these opposites has a stark breathtaking effect, which looks different depending on how you rock it allowing you to really make this combo your own. Stripes are a sartorial staple this spring/summer channeling a preppy nautical vibe that can have a hint of edge depending on how you you style it. Not surprisingly, I opted for edge over prep for the G.L.A.M. Charity Fashion Event benefiting Safe Shores DC. For the second annual G.L.A.M. charity fashion event that I planned and hosted with my G.L.A.M. partner District Sparkle’s Meaghan, I turned to my favorite “trends” black and white, stripes, a figure accentuating body con dress and a pop of neon. When dressing for any occasion comfort and attitude is key, which is why I turned to my trusty favs. Always remember the clothes aren’t wearing you, you are wearing the clothes and let your personality and confidence shine through.

Dress: Torn by Ronny Kobo (found here & on sale!), Shoes: c/o Aldo Shoes (found here & on sale!)

It’s hard to tell because my hair is so dark, but I used a french braid to secure this side do

It's in the details. Jewelry by She's Unique, Gossip on 23rd, Michael Kors and Urban Outfitters, Charm Georgetown.

It’s in the details. Jewelry by She’s Unique, Gossip on 23rd, Michael Kors, Urban Outfitters, & Charm Georgetown.

I could not be more obsessed with these shoes! They are the perfect statement piece for any look and I love the pop of neon that glows in the dark!

Photos courtesy of Heidi of Jax and Jewels

Tagged Aldo, black and white, black and white stripes, body con, braids, G.L.A.M., neon, pop of neon, stripes

May 21 2013

2 Comments

maxi

Maxin’ Out

Maxi dresses are my absolute favorite for spring/summer, well really life. Maxis have made a big resurgence in the past couple of years and I am so grateful! They are the perfect seasonal transition piece and are flattering on everyone! I have found that a surprising amount people are intimidated by maxis and question whether they will ever wear them and where they will wear a maxi to. In reality once you discover the amazingness of a maxi you will find that it is all you want to wear. Maxis are uber comfortable and beyond chic, perfect for casual and formal occasions! They are the definition of a closet staple and elegance.

Dress: the Loft (similar here), Shoes: Nine West (old, similar here), Sunglasses: Marc Jacobs (found here)

One of my fav things about maxi dresses is that they add about 10 inches of height.

Rings: Margaret Elizabeth (found here) & She’s Unique (found here), Watch: Michael Kors (similar here), Bracelets: DIY & Roberto Coin (found here)

Another amazing thing about maxis is that they can be worn with flats or heels.

The final reason I love maxis is that I can sit like this on top of a couch in a dress and not worry about having a Britney moment.

Very special thank you to my amazing photographer, Maggie!

Tagged maxi, maxi dress, nautical, spring trends, stripes, summer trends

Mar 13 2013

Peplum forever

Peplum, my latest obsession is so wonderful, because it creates the most flattering silhouette and literally works with all body types! Another reason I love peplum is because it is so versatile. Not only can it be dressed up or down, but you can have a peplum top, dress, skirt or pants! There are so many ways for you to integrate this trend into your wardrobe the list is endless and fabulous!

In love with this ultra cool leather peplum look for spring. And obsessing over the blue accents.

Photo courtesy of Strict Beauties

Peplum and prints, another unbeatable combo for spring

Photo courtesy of Wendy’s Look Book

Such an angelic look for spring!

Photo courtesy of Sincerely Sweet Boutique

Casual and fabulous peplum look

Photo courtesy of chicisimo

Love this peplum skirt, this skirt and look are perfect for work/all occasions!

Photo courtesy of The Pink Peonies

Stripes and peplum for spring, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Photo courtesy of obaz

Karlie Kloss looking gorgeous in a structural peplum dress

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley looking stunning in sequins and peplum

Kim Kardashian rocking monochromatic peplum

Tagged bold prints, celebrities, leather, monochromatic, peplum, peplum shirt, peplum skirt, peplum top, printed pants, red carpet, ruffles, sequins, spring 2013, spring peplum, spring trends, stripes, studs, work wear

Mar 07 2013

2 Comments

Black and White

Black and White was all over the Spring 2013 runways and I am beyond obsessed! I already shared my spring uniform with you, and I have a sneaking suspicion that a lot of my spring looks will consist of this unbeatable duo. I think one of the reasons I am so in love with black and white is because it is unexpected for spring. It is a welcome departure from pastels and bright colors and instead introduces a visually mesmerizing contrast of opposites. This trend is also wonderful because all the ingredients for a successful ensemble are in your closet already!