The 70s Trend - Look Number Four

Today is the final look in my four part 70s styling series and I think I love it just as much as the first look. There is something about this blush top! And the shaggy vest. I would save the best for last, right? This look is completely on trend with the 70s fad for fall in that the key pieces are the flared leg jeans and textured vest. But it's still modern with the chic top and leopard print heels.

I kept the rest of the look simple. I really wanted the vest to speak for itself. A statement necklace and classic handbag is all the ensemble needed to feel complete. An easy look that anyone can wear. The top, vest, and jeans can all be purchased on The Bridge at Halls.

Vest: Blu Pepper; Top: 1. State; Jeans: Hudson

 

  

I don't mean to obsess, but I'm obsessed! Just look at the detail in this vest!

I have so enjoyed this styling series. Not only have I've loved talking about my favorite fashion era, but I've loved sharing styling tips with you. Just a few fashionable reminders. When wearing something as strong as the shaggy vest, keep the rest of the look fairly neutral. Prints should be minimal, like in look two. Jazz up a simple top like in looks one and four with fur or textures. And don't be afraid to play around with a piece like in look number three. A dress doesn't always have to be a dress. Wear over jeans for a tunic or tucked in to create a cute top. Fashion is all about taking risks at times.

Also, when I left Halls, I left with seven pieces. And with those seven pieces I gave you four looks. And I repeated several times. Two different vests appeared in two separate looks. Two pairs of denim in light and dark wash are key. The blush top was worn twice. You don't need an extensive wardrobe, only key pieces. And these seven items I would recommend for any woman's closet. And aside from the jeans, all the other pieces were under $100! Oh, and I have to mention, my favorite shaggy vest was under $50! Head to The Bridge at Halls and get shopping!

Happy Friday and an early Happy Halloween! 

All Photos Courtesy of Richard Lawson Photography 

Styling Session with Kimberly

Monday night I had my first styling session with Kimberly Adams who is leaving Monday for France! She and her fiance are heading to the Cannes Film Festival and will then head to Paris for two days before heading home. She reached out to me regarding my thoughts on what she might pack so I suggested a closet consult to get her started. What took place was a fun evening of girl time, fashion, and talking about the trip of a lifetime!

Kimberly will be gone for roughly nine days, and during her time in Cannes, she will be attending movie premiers, red carpet events, parties, and networking with other actors, directors, and producers. She needed/wanted a wardrobe that could take her from day to night, looks that were professional, party attire that worked for red carpet and possible dinners in Paris, and plenty of casual looks for travel and exploration. By the end of the night, we had so many looks that Kimberly wanted more time in France to wear them all! 

We started with this dress, my personal favorite, and styled it for her first full day at the festival. It's a day of meetings and touring the area, which means lots of walking and standing. This dress is a knit which screams comfort. It has a self-tie, but a thin, black belt would look great too. We paired it with a black cardigan in case the evenings are cold and I suggested flats for all the possible walking. Turns out Kimberly doesn't own flats and she seemed a little excited to shop for the trip! (I mean who isn't excited to shop anytime.) I suggested these and these. Super cute and extremely versatile.

To take this dress into a more casual/sight-seeing look, I paired it with my ever favorite item, the denim jacket! Also, I suggested leaving it un-belted for an even more casual feel. Because of the halter neckline, accessories are hard to style, so I found this awesome red scarf which just made the whole look! Again, darling with flats, but Kimberly just purchased a fabulous pair of Gladiator sandals that would look great!

During the week of the festival, there will be parties, viewings, and tons of networking opportunities. I didn't necessarily plan every look per day, but instead gave Kimberly options for each day but always allowing for day to night. The thing about traveling abroad, in my opinion, is to keep the packing light. Take neutral pieces that can be worn several different ways. Take accessories that will make each outfit look as though you've never repeated! Let's take a peek....

The pants are such a great travel piece! They are light weight, wrinkle free (basically), and can be worn dressy or casual. And the top! So cute in the black/white tribal print. I thought during the day, this would be great just like this. Flats or wedges, which she already owned, would be perfect. 

For later in the evening, I paired a thin scarf, with a black burnout floral motif, to keep off the chill. And, it adds a dressier element. I suggested black pumps, again a pair she owned, to amp up the dressier side. However, when paired with the denim jacket, Kimberly has a great casual day look for travel or play! 

This is just another example of a look for a day of networking. I'm tellin' ya, these pants are amazing!! A styling dream.

 

 Then there is this little black dress. Actually, the most darling little, knit, black dress from Old Navy! I would never have thought Old Navy when I saw it. So versatile and a total must-take item. I threw on that great black scarf seen above and added this Forever 21 pendant. Instead of wearing it long, I suggested doubling it. I love the idea of it lying flat on the chest, but she can totally wear it long. Her wedges or pumps are the perfect shoe.

 

This is for a more casual day of meetings and networking. And, it can be worn while touring Paris later in the week. And let's be honest, it's perfect for work days when she gets home. The Gladiator sandal I mentioned earlier would be darling!!

 When I saw these reptile printed pants, I couldn't wait to style them! I could go on and on about how I would style them differently, but won't because this one is a winner! But since you asked, I would also style them with a white tee and black blazer, a denim shirt and basic black tank, and lastly a black t-neck sweater for the winter and I would sport this denim jacket over it!

Kimberly has two very different navy blue dresses and they are both perfect for the trip. This one is a tiered, sleeveless knit dress that can be worn with just the scarf during the day. For chilly nights, throw on the denim jacket. Have I convinced you to run out and purchase that denim jacket yet? Also, this would be great with nude pumps for evening and flats during the day.

This is a long sleeved, navy knit dress that I paired with the same scarf from above and the ever other popular jacket, the field/military jacket. This is perfect for day travel and sight-seeing. Again, flats would be great for all that walking, but Kimberly also has a pair of ankle length combat boots that would be très chic! 

So far we have eleven looks for a nine day trip, but it doesn't stop there! We have two red carpet looks that I didn't photograph. They are evening dresses, one of gray rosettes and one that's blush pink with a sheer black over-lay and tiny black beads. I paired the rosette dress with the black, burnout scarf seen above and the blush/black dress with the black cardigan paired with the maxi dress. I suggested black pumps with both and these pieces of jewelry for inspiration 1/2.

Kimberly is taking several pairs of jeans; one dark skinny, the other a light crop denim. She is packing a super cute black sweater, with a metallic design, that I thought would pair well with the military jacket and printed scarf I paired with the Old Navy black dress. She's considering packing a pair of cropped tuxedo pants in black with a cream stripe. For a casual look, she is going to pair them with a cream tee, and you guessed it, her denim jacket. For evening, I suggested a cream cami and the black cardigan from above. And, she can wear flats, wedges or pumps for any and all events.

In total, I styled 14 looks with 13 pieces and six accessories. That's more looks than needed and every one of them is perfect for any activity she engages in during her nine day stay. I can't wait to see her outfit photos as worn on the streets of Cannes and Paris. A trip of a lifetime that's styled to the max! 

Kendra's Fashion Challenge

 A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from Kendra Thornton inviting me to participate in her "Kendra's Fashion Challenge" and it didn't take me but a second to say yes! Kendra Thornton founded Thornton Public Relations LLC in April 2005 in an effort to bring strategic and low cost public relations to start-up and established travel, consumer and technology companies. Prior to that, Kendra was the Director of Corporate Communications at Orbitz.com, one of the nation’s largest travel agencies. She was responsible for the company’s external communications strategy and program execution. Oh, and did I mention she comes from a long line of travel agents and has been traveling since she was three months old? Pretty impressive, no?

For "Kendra's Fashion Challenge", Kendra is heading to NYC which just happens to be my favorite city! She wants to put together the perfect wardrobe and one of the looks is for an evening out on the town. Kendra is staying at the Dream New York Hotel, and by the looks of it, Dream is the perfect name for this placel! Kendra will be dining at Serafina Broadway, which is attached to the Dream hotel. Post dinner, she will be attending a Broadway show. (Wish I knew which one! I'm living vicariously through this challenge!)

Based on the evenings events; the restaurant, the hotel, and the city, I've come up with four looks for Kendra. Honestly, I loved each piece so much that I couldn't decide on just one! This is the stuff dreams, and stylists, are made of. I will walk you through each look, provide a brief description around the look, and the designer of each piece.

 Kendra's First Look:

As a frequent Style My Way reader, you know how much I love a jumpsuit! They are slick, chic, and so elegant. I took an edgier approach to this look because the hotel and restaurant appear trendier than traditional. The BCBG Max Azria jumpsuit is amazing! I love the mesh panel along the neckline, the nipped waist, and wide legs. I paired it with on-trend Rebecca Minkoff white pumps with black accents. I just love the idea of white peeking out of the pant leg. Keeping with trends, I added the Hermes ear cuff from BaubleBar. I recently purchased this cuff and can't wait to wear it. I would suggest Kendra wearing her hair up to show off, not only the strong neckline of the jumpsuit, but the ear cuff as well. Because the ear cuff is a big statement, I added a simple bracelet at the wrist. This one from J.Crew is darling! This sweet flower is like a modern day wrist corsage. Lastly, I added a little pop of color to the overall look with this Clare V clutch. I am in love with this look!

Kendra's Second Look:

There are so many things I love about this look and it all starts with this darling LBD (little black dress). This Trina Turk dress is made of simple cotton and nylon, but looks like a luxe version of leather. Again, I went with the incredibly chic Rebecca Minkoff pumps, but this time I went with a Milly silver, metallic clutch. I want the dress to really be the focal point so very little color is needed. I went with a statement earring from BaubleBar in black, crystal and mint. They are incredibly neutral, but add quite a bit of bling to the look. And if it's chilly in the restaurant, or the theater, I added a little white jacket from Rachel Zoe. I think the contrast will be so stunning.

 

Kendra's Third Look:
I love a maxi dress and this Hive & Honey dress combines all elements of a dress that I love. I'm obsessed with a Chevron print, but I really like that it's broken up by a solid, drapey top. And the contrasting waistband will create the tiniest of waists! Again, because the dress is the focal point, I kept everything else fairly minimal. The statement earrings from BaubleBar create a little drama, while the Kate Spade bracelet adds a little shimmer. Talk about shimmer, these B Brian Atwood pumps are a great neutral. (Side note, I wear my silver pumps with just about everything.) I went with the Clare V royal blue clutch for that little hint of color. Okay, a bold hint of color, but it totally completes this look, no?

Kendra's Fourth Look:
I went in a totally different direction with this look. The LWD (little white dress) is a big trend right now so I decided I needed to incorporate it. The bell sleeves, lace, and scalloped hemline of this Cynthia Vincent dress make it a true contender for the challenge. I really went with a no-fuss styling as the dress speaks volumes alone. I chose a simple Manolo Blahnik sandal in contrasting black and white. I just loved the tiny ankle strap and thin white strap across the toe. So elegant! With a slight V at the neck, I thought this Kate Spade necklace was a perfect fit. And because the necklace makes such a statement, small studs, also Kate Spade, are all you need. Lastly, I went with a small black clutch from Vince Camuto. No need for color. Just a simple bag for all your evening essentials.

 
So these are my picks for Kendra and her "Kendra's Fashion Challenge". I personally can't pick a favorite. Okay, I totally have a favorite, but I will let you and Kendra decide! I have thoroughly enjoyed putting this NYC style board together. If this is what it means to be a full-time stylist, sign me up! 

I hope Kendra has a fabulous time in the city that never sleeps. It's been three years since I've been and I'm dying for a trip soon. And if I were to go, these are all looks I would definitely add to my suitcase. 

Safe and stylish travels, Kendra!

Paul Fredrick - Summer 2014 Collection

How many of you out there tend to dress your husband? And when I say dress, I mean exclusively shop for from head to toe! I know two women in my household that do, me and my mother. We have been dressing my dad for years and now, I we dress my husband and three year old son. (You've got to start them young, right?) So when Paul Fredrick reached out to me to chat up their 2014 Summer Collection, I jumped at the chance!

Paul Fredrick, was founded 25 years ago and originally specializing in dress shirts. It has grown to so much more since then, offering suits, ties, separates, and accessories. They design, manufacture and directly distribute every item in their collection. And what a collection it is!

My dad worked in an office environment for years, where a suit and tie was a must. My husband did as well. I love a man in a suit! They are so dapper, so handsome, so confident! I wish I could see them both in suits more often. I love to see my husband in his gray, pinstripe suit, crisp white button down, and printed tie. But, a basic gray suit and white shirt can get a little tired, no?

With it turning warm out, you want to give a suit a little punch for the summer. I may tend to dress a little trendy in my own wardrobe, but my husband tends to be a little conservative/old school. So how do I get around that classic style of dress? I add prints and color! Here's how I would style it! 

Okay, okay, I know this is a white button down, the one I was trying to steer clear of, but I love a French Cuff! Talk about adding a punch. Cuff links are a great accessory for men, like jewelry for women, and make such an impression as they peek out from under the suit coat.

Here are some of the prints I was talking about. A classic windowpane is a great way to add a little texture to a suit. A pinstripe is the ultimate button down closet essential for a guy!

And you can never go wrong with a standard blue shirt. Another wardrobe staple. And if at all possible, go with a button down collar. Just a small detail I love.

 I love to pick out ties. My dad would get a "Back to School" tie every August and I would scour the tables looking for the best ones. When I worked in retail years later, I would always shop the tie table, looking for the best tie for him. I am pretty conservative when it comes to the print of the tie. Maybe that's because my dad is as well. I'm the same way when I pick out ties for my husband. But these, these are all classics!

Yellow and red ties should be a part of every guy's tie collection. I adore the simple dots on the left. But, the red one is my favorite!

I am obsessed with this Chevron print tie! It would look great against the plain, white button down, but the blue would look fabulous as well!

Who says men don't wear pastels? Mine do! The pink stripe would look amazing with my husband's gray suit, as would the yellow. Could be why he owns both colors today! 

A nod to the sea is a perfect summer time pop! Also, nautical anything is so on-trend. And, who wouldn't rather be sailing?

My husband is a sweater wearing guy. I'm not sure if it's because I keep buying them or because he really likes them. I am going with the latter. I love when he wears a button down, v-neck, tie, and sport coat. The ultimate preppy look and a look that makes my heart melt. (Side note, the vest on the right would be a perfect way to incorporate his collegiate colors while keeping it work place appropriate.)

 

 Lastly, what look isn't complete without the shoe! And, being a shoe girl myself, I have turned my husband into a shoe guy. That woven Italian leather Oxford on the left is a definite show stopper. And, not a shoe he currently owns. The Wingtips on the right are a modern take on a classic. I love the use of lighter tones for spring and summer. 

 So that's how I would style my guys. What do you think of my picks? Do they go along with what you think of when putting your guys closet together? Do you have favorites from the Summer Collection? Let me know your thoughts! I would love your feedback.

Happy Styling!