How to Work Leather Into Your Look

How to Work Leather Into Your Look

Every once in a while a trend comes along that bridges the gap between seasons, transitioning perfectly and allowing our bank accounts to breathe for a hot minute. Fresh New York Fashion Week, I was elated to discover that leather, faux of course, will continue its Fash takeover all the way through spring 2013. Naturally I instantly started plotting which pieces would lend to the most potential repeats. With a budget pleasing mindset, I've pulled together my two faux leather must-haves that will keep you stylish for seasons to come.

Feminine Faux Leather Skirt:

Let the guilt-free shopping begin. A killer leather skirt is sure to become a classic repeat piece for countless seasons. Not to mention, the girly skirt will help contain the dreaded biker babe comparisons many fear when dipping into the leather pool for the first time. In order to authentically acclimate trends into your wardrobe, a firm grasp on your personal style is paramount. Let's face it, Anna and edgy are about as fashionably compatible as tie-dye and camo, which is why a skirt is always my go-to when it comes to testing out trends. With countless color options available this season, from hunter green to pale pink, it's never been a better time to make your first leather purchase. Add tights for winter and prepare to pair your faux leather with lace and floral prints for spring.

Fash Tip - If you're looking to take leather into the workplace via a killer pencil skirt, it's important to tone down its obvious sexiness by styling it with polished pieces like a tailored blazer or a feminine blouse.

Timeless Faux Leather Jacket:

Without question, a faux leather jacket is a timeless piece we should all invest in. The luxe appearance and textural contrast it instantly adds to an ensemble will always be a great way to show that you have an eye for style. My favorite way to rock this must-have for fall is with a maxi. The usual summer staple has transitioned into fall thanks to designers pushing it such as Rachel Zoe and Rebecca Taylor. The addition of a faux leather jacket assists in the seamless segue of seasons. For a casually edgy look try pairing your jacket with an oversized white tee and nylon leggings. For a sweeter take, go with an above the knee drop waist dress and Mary Janes.

Fash Tip – Make your jacket pop by pairing it with falls most popular hues, mustard and burgundy.

Looking to branch away from these leather basics? Add a fash twist to your wardrobe by styling one of these trendy faux leather pieces!

Dressy Leather Look:

1. Cotton On Faux Leather Peplum Top, £30
2. Posh Locket Cube Cuff, £20
3. Bauble Bar Triple Layer Necklace, £68
4. LC Lauren Conrad Platform Heels, £38.97
5. The Outnet Polka Dot Skirt
6. The Outnet Pleated Clutch, £177.75

Casual Leather Look:

1. J. Crew Peter Pan Collar Tee, £75
2. LC Lauren Conrad Ballet Flats, £38.49
3. Mimi Boutique Faux Leather Satchel, £57.50
4. Posh Locket Black Crystal Ring, £28
5. Posh Locket Disc Ring6. River Island Black Retro Sunglasses, £13.00
7. Oasis Faux Leather Trousers, £40.00 If the leather look is too much for your wardrobe, try incorporating it slowly with a faux leather handbag, ankle booties, or a blouse with leather accents. These simple leather-like statements will make a huge impact.

Leather and Lace

Lace was a major trend on the Spring 2013 runways. It was spotted everywhere from Valentino and Burberry to Elie Saab and Saint Laurent (formerly known as “Yves Saint Laurent”). I love the idea of returning to delicate, feminine dressing. And lace is just the material for this fashion comeback. Like all runway trends, translating an all-lace ensemble to everyday life isn’t exactly realistic for most of us. (Could you imagine showing up to class or your internship clad in an all-lace pantsuit? I didn’t think so.) To work this look into your wardrobe I suggest styling lacy elements with more tailored or masculine pieces, such as a sharp blazer or a relaxed moto jacket. This way you can give a nod to this ultra ladylike trend while providing yourself with some coverage. Plus, I just love the combination of super feminine pieces with masculine items. It creates an interesting contrast and gives an outfit more depth.

In this outfit I styled together a button up lace blouse with one of my favorite Topshop jackets. (By the way, Topshop has a great selection of affordable leather/faux-leather jackets. I believe the top is from Urban Outfitters…) I love the contrast between the tough jacket and the soft lacy blouse and how it’s offset by my deep red manicure. It all ties together and it’s a great go-to outfit for a variety of occasions.

How will you style leather and lace?

Spring Style

Spring is all about bright patterns...
It's safe to say printed pants aren't going anywhere soon, so let's embrace our wild side from all angles. Feeling a more casual vibe? Go with a silky blue tank, a cozy ivory scarf, nude-toned sandals, a colorful army of friendship bracelets, and a slick carry-all bucket bag. If you're ready to dress up your printed look, opt for a collared silky dark top, cool cocktail rings, and metallic heels.

Vanessa Bruno Athé Printed Bourette Silk Pants ($345) Day: Alexander Wang Silk Tank ($375), Topshop Cream Twist Fringe Scarf ($15), J.Crew Olympia Leather Wedges ($198), Billabong Skylar Bucket Bag ($44), ASOS Eclectic Mixed Friendship Bracelet Pack ($17) Night: KORS Michael Kors Atherton Sandal ($275), Henrik Vibskov Spitfire Blouse ($106), Mulberry Cookie Mini Leather Shoulder Bag ($435), LowLuv by Erin Wasson Wide 14K Plated Black Ring ($130), Lois Hill "Deco" Granulated and Hammered Bangle ($298), House of Harlow 1960 Aztec Bangle With Coral ($80)

Work your Little White Dress... Put a deconstructed spin on a Spring-perfect LWD. The sliced asymmetric sides and subtle back cutout give it cool flair with a minimalist's touch. For daytime jaunts, add a bright satchel, two-toned flat sandals, and a geo-shaped necklace. And to transition seamlessly into your evening affairs, switch out your flats for geometric-print sandals and an exotic clutch.

T by Alexander Wang Cuout Crepe and Jersey Dress ($115) Day: Tibi Amber Flat ($130), Persephoni Geometric Necklace ($459), Vince Camutp Kristen Cross Body Bag in Yellow ($198), Sandro Denim Jacket With Black Leather Sleeves ($400) Night: Burak Uyan Stitched Colorblock Sandal ($1,295), BCBG Max Azria Harlow Python Clutch ($88), Philippe Audibert Silver-Plated Swarovski Crystal Earrings ($130), Eddie Borgo Gunmetal-Plated Crystal Pyramid Bracelet ($375), Karl by Karl Lagerfeld James Satin Twill-Trimmed Crepe Blazer ($310)

Bring on the funk...
One-part sporty, one-part bold, and one-part quirky — this season's high-low hem is flirty, versatile, and easy to wear for any occasion. We love this red version for an extra dose of bright color and dramatic undertones; plus, the styling possibilities are endless. For an off-duty luxe look, pair this skirt with asymmetrical-strap sandals and a cool striped top. For an amped-up evening ensemble, keep the two-toned heels but add some height. Similarly, inject flirty details via a lace-infused top with sheer insets, chunky gold accessories, and a slick patent-leather clutch.

DKNY Draped Stretch-Silk Skirt ($195) Day: Quiksilver QSW Summer Sun Stripe Tee ($48), Pierre Hardy Two-Tone Leather Wedge Sandals ($775), A.L.C. Jewelry Resin & Silver Large Screw-Top Cuff ($375), Kate Spade Chandelier Earrings ($98) Night: Michael Kors Leather Cuff Sandals ($945), Anya Hindmarch Patent-Leather Envelope Clutch ($350), Collette by Collette Dinnigan Cotton-Lace and Mesh Top ($245), Oscar de la Renta 24-Karat Gold-Plate Link Earrings ($245), Arden B Cut Out Metal Cuff ($24)

Which look is your favorite?

Festival Fashion

It’s that time of year… festival season! Over the next few months, hipsters, trendsetters and music-lovers alike will be flocking to various music festivals all over the country. And as a matter of fact, I will be going to Coachella this year! I’m really excited. And to be honest, I cannot wait to dress up like a flower child for three days in a row... While I’m looking forward to the music, the number one thing on my mind right now is fashion. Or more accurately, what I am going to wear.

If you ask me, there are four major must-haves when packing for a fashionable festival getaway: shorts (short skirts can be dangerous), lightweight tops (it’s hot), comfortable (but stylish) footwear and a few breezy dresses.
Without further ado, here are my must-pack fashion picks for Frstival season:

Fabulous, breezy tops are essential…

KAIN silk tank, Paper Crown Metallic Knit Top, Topshop crochet vest, Textile Elizabeth & James Zuma Tank 

You can’t go wrong with these perfectly adorable flower child shorts…

H&M crochet shorts; Topshop neon hotpants; Victoria Beckham denim shorts; KSUBI cut-off denim shorts

And these lovely summer frocks will keep your look relaxed but oh-so-chic…

Nastygal Almost Innocent Dress; Anthropologie Sundown Crohet Maxi Dress; Topshop strappy button sundress ; LC Lauren Conrad polka-dot bow dress

Last but not least—footwear. Opt for comfy and versatile options such as these booties and sandals…

Opening Ceremony Coachella ankle boots; Topshop booties; Dolce Vita gladiator sandals; Topshop cross strap sandals

What are your festival fashion essentials? If you’re going to a music festival (or even an outdoor concert), let me know what you’ll be wearing in the comments below.

D.I.Y Chalkboard calander

i love this! what a cute and functional wall decoration for a home office, hallway, etc. this one is a Chalkboard Calender wall decal from Simple Shapes on Etsy – buy it for £67 here.

DO IT!

you could create your own chalkboard calender by masking off your calender shapes with painter’s tape and filling in the squares with chalkboard paint.

i love that they have a Chalkboard marker now! no more chalky chalk – it writes like ink but erases like chalk! they come in all different colors too! shop for £5 from here!

Valentines day x

Let’s be honest, most people see Valentine’s Day as a “Hallmark holiday” which gives V-Day a pretty bad wrap. Naysayers aside, I see it as a great excuse to show a little love to the special people in your life. Whether you’re single or attached, over the next few weeks I’ll be giving you plenty of ideas to make your loved ones feel loved. I’ll be posting some fun Valentine’s Day DIY crafts and I’ll be enlightening you on how to do V-Day in the singles lane. Best of all? I’ll be rehashing my best and worst Valentine’s Day experiences on February the 14th! Trust me, it’s going to be juicy. In the meantime though, I’ve put together 10 great guy-friendly gift ideas to give to your man on Valentine’s Day:

1. For the sappy (or long distance) lover, give a Love Letter Envelope and place your Valentine inside.


2. Bake your sweetheart (or friends) these delicious red velvet brownies I found via Smells Like Home.


3. Give your honey your favorite cologne…


4. For anyone who’s not a fan of good old V-Day, a funny card is a must. (The bacon card is from here and the pink card is from here.)

5. I saw this next idea on Pinterest and couldn’t resist… Give your special someone a basket that holds 12 envelopes labeled with each month of the year. Inside each envelope are the details for one pre-planned (or pre-paid) date! Click here to read more about Shannon Brown’s adorable idea!


6. Give your guy the coolest shades money can buy: Limited Edition Steve McQueen sunglasses by Persol. Warning: These can be major ego boosters!


7. They say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So why not bake up some heart-shaped calzones? Click here to check out Kristin Fitch’s recipe on Craftzine.  


8. Get your tech-obsessed guy a sleek iPad cover like this one from Barneys! The silver lining? It’s an unobtrusive way to give your non-metro man a quick pop of color!


9. If he’s a music junkie, find his favorite LP album and frame it for him. Instant wall art that’s as thoughtful as it is cool. (Heads Up: Urban Outfitters has a lot of great records for sale on their website.)


10. Or, last but not least, give him a “dude approved” picture frame, like this one, with a silly (or sweet) photograph of the two of you.


What’s the best Valentine’s Day gift you’ve ever given a guy?

Midi Skirts

I hope everyone found my last how to wear post about maxi skirts  helpful! Today I am going to teach you how to wear the newest trend in skirt style: Midi skirts! Designers including Rodarte, Celine, Prada and Louis Vuitton featured them on their spring 2012 ready-to-wear catwalks making tea length skirts all the rage for winter and spring. The trend was originally popularized in the early 1970s as fashions transitioned from flower power to seventies sleek. As always, fashion has repeated itself and the midi is the must-have piece for 2012. (Personally, I attribute its revival to the continued success of Mad Men, but that’s just me… What do you think?)

Unfortunately, these trendy skirts are not the easiest things to wear. I’m sure many of you have noticed them, but have been skirting the subject (pun intended…I couldn’t help myself). Wear one that’s too short and you look squat. Wear one that’s too long and you look like a bag lady. Fortunately, I’ve put together a few foolproof tips to help you master the midi…

1. Consider your height. If you are short, stick to a skirt that hits just above or below the knee. For taller ladies, any length will do so long as it doesn’t go below your ankles (otherwise you will be in maxi territory).
2. Length is everything! You can totally ruin the midi look if your skirt is just 2 inches too long or too short. Ideally, you want a midi to hit mid shin, where you leg begins to thin out. If a skirt hits at the thicker part of you leg, it will make you look stalky. If need be, get it hemmed to an appropriate length. Trips to the tailor are always worth it!
3. Perfect pairings. If you wear a bold color midi, temper it with a neutral blouse. As for pleated or fuller options, keep the top simple. I like to wear my midi with a silk button down, a knotted crewneck sweater, or a closer fitting top.