No Sweat

Welcome back to Hell or High Fashion!  Life has been pretty crazy lately and I'm sad to admit that Hell or High Fashion had to take a backseat to my "day job" blog, stylehaus.com/blog.  Have you been checking it for daily style updates??

While the stylehaus blog covers lots of different topics, it doesn't ever touch on my personal style, bargain finds, style tips, or outfit details.  After lots of questions about when Hell or High Fashion was going to make a comeback, I decided to bring it back for good...fingers crossed!

I'm going to take a more laid-back approach to this new phase of double-blogging- I'll post here when I want to/have time to, no stressing over it- so what better way to re-launch HOHF than with a laid-back look?  I've been super into making sweatpants stylish lately, and it's much easier than it sounds.  This outfit has been a go-to look for me when I want to be comfy but the situation requires a pulled-together presentation.

Top, Forever 21.  Shorts, thrifted.  Shoes, Topshop.  Necklace, Zara.

Let's start with the shorts: Bermuda shorts (yes, the same style that's generally synonymous with tourists and Florida retirement communities) are back.  They showed up all over the Spring 2014 runways, and somehow designers like Alexander Wang and Diane von Furstenberg made Bermudas look edgy instead of elderly.  After seeing them over and over again in badass materials like leather and fishnet, I dug up an old pair of soft gym shorts to try to get the look for myself.  I think they work!  The slouchy fit and frayed hem feel effortless and cool for the new style season.

Once I had the shorts, I had to figure out what to wear them with.  Structured tops didn't look right, and luxurious materials made the shorts look dingy- so I scoured Forever 21 for the perfect matching top (on the cheap) and came up with this embellished gem.  This sweatshirt is the perfect compliment to my repurposed gym shorts because it doesn't stray too far from its casual counterpart- the heather gray material and rolled up sleeves are all loungewear, but the floral shaped crystals take the look to a luxe place.  Perfect!

An exaggerated statement necklace from Zara made the outfit a little more glamorous while adding a pop of color, and my favorite Lucite-heeled Topshop shoes were a neutral (but still fab) touch.  I toted around a structured bag from Ferragamo to add some shape to the look, and voila!  Laid-back glamour to the max.

Style Tips from "No Sweat":

1.  Fashion doesn't always equal "uncomfortable".  If you want to stay comfy & cozy, there's a way to do it that doesn't involve looking like you just rolled out of bed.  Stylized sweats are becoming more and more popular, and silky harem pants are another comfy way to stay in style! Remember to add a few statement accessories like a big necklace or an edgy clutch to the mix so that it's clear your look is laid-back, not lazy.  

2.  Bermuda shorts are "in"!  While this is great news for gals who aren't fans of baring their booties, it's still a tricky trend to navigate.  Like I mentioned, Bermuda cuts were formerly relegated to an older crowd, so many shoppable versions in stores right now won't work for a younger clientele.  To find the best Bermudas for your young body, look for a straight leg cut that's not too tight or too baggy.  Slouchy materials like loose silks or thin leathers will evoke the laid-back luxury of the new trend, but if you want to stick to denim then look for a "boyfriend" fit that hits just above the knee.  

3.  Old clothes collecting dust in the back of your closet are probably there for a reason- or else you'd have thrown them out by now, right?  Everything old becomes new again, so keep your eye on cutting-edge fashion sites to scout out new trends as they arise.  Chances are, you'll be able to recreate the look from pieces you already have in your closet- you just might have to get creative.  Maybe your old gym shorts will become your new go-to pair, or maybe an old high school tee makes a perfect (and authentic) ironic-hipster statement.  You don't always have to buy something new to wear something new!

Have the questions been piling up since I've been out of blog land? If you're interested in getting a new look but don't know how to go about it, don't hesitate to ask me for help!  I'll write a dedicated blog post about any reader questions I get...leave yours in the comments or send me your questions through Facebook or Twitter!

Punk Rock Princess



Vest, H&M.  Top, Urban Outfitters.  Skirt, Tracy Reese.  Shoes, H&M.

Today's outfit is piggy-backing off of last week's Bohemian Rhapsody post, and messing with the  girly + tough formula that I'm constantly testing, tweaking, and perfecting.   My good friend Natalie and I have been talking about how to incorporate tutus into our everyday life, and luckily I had a tutu in my closet to play around with!  I think the trick to wearing a tutu out and about is finding ways to make it casual, a la Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City opening credits.  She pairs hers with a men's Hanes tank top- how genius!

I found my own fashion inspiration for this look when I stumbled upon this picture on Pinterest:

I LOVED how this fashionista paired her tutu with a casual top and a tough leather jacket, and my mind immediately started racing with ideas of how to create a look like this with my own Tracy Reese skirt. 

When you come across an outfit, picture, or print that inspires you, decide what you love about the look.  Is it the colors, the proportions, the actual piece of clothing, or the overall feel of the outfit?  I made a mental checklist of what I liked about this picture: 

1.  The tulle + leather combo

2.  The "statement" piece of jewelry to top off an otherwise simple outfit

3.  The casual vibe

While this Pinterest look was a little preppy, I wanted to go punky so instead of stripes, I added a rock tee.  The leather jacket was a little too heavy for the LA sunshine, I so threw on my trusty leather vest.  In lieu of a statement necklace, I added a stack of bangles and my favorite Alexis Bittar ring.  These AMAZING metallic cap-toe pumps were the perfect finishing touch- the shape is so elegant and ladylike but the metal/black combo is so edgy.  And they were only $30- a must have!!  Blue fingernails and a red lip served as pops of color for my usual black-on-white color scheme. 

Bracelets from top-bottom:  Bedstu, Amrita Singh, F21.  Ring, Alexis Bittar.

Today's tips are going to focus on how to make your own fashion statment based on someone else's look.

Fashion Tips from "Punk Rock Princess":

1.  It's OK to "copy" someone else's sartorial ideas, just make sure you find ways to make them your own.  Personalizing makes all the difference!
 

2.  Decide what you like about a look and think of creative ways to use your own wardrobe to the same effect.   For example: if you liked the proportions of the poufy skirt with a tucked-in top, focus on finding those shapes in your closet.  A high-waisted pair of jeans with a cropped top would actually create that same hourglass shape!

3.  Make a habit of skimming throgh fashion magazines, clicking through Pinterest, or making mental notes on street style you come across.  You never know where your next outfit inspiration will come from (maybe even from Hell or High Fashion?!)!
 

Here are links to some of my favorite places to hunt for high fashion ideas:

whowhatwear.com

thesartorialist.com
seaofshoes.typepad.com
www.cupcakesandcashmere.com
www.olsensanonymous.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

Bohemian Rhapsody



Vest and tank, H&M.  Skirt, F21.  Boots, Zara.

It's no secret that I have been into a more edgy look lately.  My closet is bursting with black, leather, skinny jeans, skull prints, and distressed tees that are not only fashionable but functional.  As I mentioned in my last post, this type of clothing is preferred when I'm working as a stylist for a few reasons:  jeans and boots allow me to get around comfortably, and black helps me blend into the background.  However, this new style has created a problem for me that I've never had to deal with before:  looking like everyone else.

A few weeks back I helped style a project that called for 5 different wardrobe assistants.  When I arrived to set and met the girls I'd be working with for the day, I was caught off guard by what I saw.  All four other ladies were decked out in their own version of the standard rock-girl uniform: black skinnies, combat boots, a ripped up vintage tank, and LOTS of skeleton prints.  A lot of things went through my mind, a few of them being, "Wow, I love your outfit!", "You all look the same!" and, "Do I just look like a copy of someone else?"  

I love fashion because it allows me to express who I am and how I'm feeling, and it really upset me that what I thought was MY cool, new, edgy look was actually an overdone trend.  Not wanting to give up on my leather jackets and skinny jeans, I had to figure out a new way to rock my rocker duds that allowed me to feel unique & stylish.  The answer I came up with?  ADD SPARKLES!

This 1920s-inspired skirt from Forever 21 has been one of my go-to pieces lately.  The sparkles and sequins jazz up any plain old t-shirt, and the bohemian feel compliments almost all of my rock & roll gear.  As soon as I tried it on, I knew it would be the perfect foil for my black leather H&M vest.  Something about tough leathers against girly sparkles just makes me smile!  And since the skirt is such a statement piece, I wore a neutral maroon tank on top to tone down the shine. 

To me, "bohemian rock" is synonymous with "piles of jewelry," so I added on a few necklaces, bracelets, and rings. 



Bracelets, Amrita Singh and F21.  Rings, H&M.



Necklaces; Marc Jacobs, Vintage, and Kill City.

 

I chose long pendant necklaces to jumble together in a mix of gold and gunmetal tones.  I love mixing metals- if you do it purposefully, you can't go wrong.  The wishbone necklace was a present to myself from Marc by Marc Jacobs in Boston, and the clock pendant is a series of flea market finds that I strung together. I love my lightning bolt necklace- a gift from a music video that I worked on- because it's the perfect subltle statment piece.

 

And voila!  There you have it: an outfit that lets me explore my tough side without blending into the crowd!

 

 

 

P.S. For those who follow me on Instagram, I teased a photo of my next blog post yesterday- check it out and get excited!  I can't wait to share my next fashion adventure with you all.  For those who don't follow me on Instagram, what are you waiting for??  @jdefino

 

Here's the preview of my next post:

 

 

Collar ID

Shirt, Forever 21.  Skirt, DVF.  Shoes, Zara.  Bangles, F21.

 Whenever something in my life changes, I feel like I need a full wardrobe makeover to go with it.  I recently let my favorite hair stylist Matthew chop my locks even shorter than he did last time, and my short, swingy hair has opened up so many new sartorial doors!

When deciding what features I want to flatter as I get dressed every morning, I usually think about how to play up my waist or my legs.  I wish I had known earlier that accentuating my neck and collarbone would make such a huge impact!  Pretty detailing on a shirt's collar draws all the attention up towards my face, and there are tons of different ways to try out this trend.

A few weeks ago I assisted on the set of a 60s-themed photo shoot, and this Forever 21 lace top was on the wardrobe rack.  After staring at it in between shots, I decided that I needed it in my life and bought the top the next day!  I've worn it countless times since, and I get so many compliments on the punky/pretty mix of fabrics. I paired it with a favorite gold tiered DVF skirt to play up the sweetness of the lace, and added simple black pumps to finish off the look.

Dress, H&M.  Shoes and Bangles, F21.

Soon after my collar obsession started, I spotted this amazing dress at H&M.  The swingy, asymmetrical skirt is the perfect foil for the silver studded collar, and studded suede booties gave it a badass, rocker feel.   

The best part about the embellished collar?  No need for jewelry or accessories.  I added a few bangles to this look to break up the all-black ensemble, but earrings or a necklace would just be excessive.  

And just because I've been away from blogging for so long, I'm going to include a THIRD collar-ful outfit!

I was definitely one of the crazies that lined up at Target at 6AM this Sunday to buy up the adorable Jason Wu for Target collection, and I ended up getting all of the pieces I wanted and then some!  This red shirt wasn't on my must-have list- but once I tried it on, the simplicity and versatility changed my mind.  I have a feeling this red silk top will soon be on constant rotation in my closet!

Shirt, Jason Wu for Target.  Skirt and shoes, Zara.  Collar, Alexis Bittar.

I paired it with a simple black pencil skirt from Zara, and then topped the look off with le piece de resistance- my fabulous lace collar from Alexis Bittar!!  This collar/necklace hybrid has been taunting me from the cases of Alexis Bittar for months, and I scooped it up as soon as the AB 50% off sale hit.  It manages to be simultaneously elegant and punky, classic and fresh.  I am going to wear it over absolutely everything I own!!

Now that I know how a cool collar can transform an outfit, I'll be on the look out for more pieces that utilize this trendy trick.  I can't wait to share more collar-crazy looks with you!

Coast to Coast

Dress, Zara.  Shoes, Jeffrey Campbell.  Necklace, F21.  Sunnies, AO.

Tomorrow night I'm packing up my Mustang and driving across the country, from New Jersey to California!   My big move has got me thinking about the different styles and trends coast to coast, and I'm defnitely an East Coast girl (at least fashion-wise).  

My closet is a sea of little black dresses, which are totally appropriate in New York- but I'll definitely look a little out of place covered head-to-toe in dark colors in the LA sunshine.  Instead of pairing these LBDs with simple black pumps, I tried to jazz up my look with funky booties, strands of pearls, and matching sunnies. 

Sitting on the hood of a yellow car also helped brighten up my style!

When I visited LA a few weeks ago, I found one of my best bargains to date in these AMAZING Jeffrey Campbell booties.  I had been eyeing the shoes online, waiting for them to be marked down from $200, when I stumbled across them in Wasteland (my new favorite consignment shop).  These beauties were mine for only $42!!

Booties, Jeffrey Campbell.  

Speaking of bargain hunting, I decided to do a little shopping in my brother's closet- "borrowed from the boys" has been a huge trend for the past few seasons- and came out with the perfect aviator frames.  Joey had ordered these a few years ago from American Optical, the company that supplies military pilots with their sunglasses, and never wore them.  I tried them on and instantly knew I had to borrow (or steal) them.  They looked just right with my new boots!

I threw on jumbled pearls and toted around my Lulu Guinness lips clutch to top off the outfit. 

This particular little black dress has quickly become my favorite, because all of the simple little details balance each other out beautifully.  The high neckline plays against the short hemline, the pleated skirt keeps it from being too stuffy, and the cutout back gives the dress some sex appeal!

I'm confident that this outfit will travel seamlessly between the east and west coasts- wish me luck on my drive!!

In With the New

Dress and shoes, DVF.  Necklace, So Good.  Bracelet, Marc Jacobs.

Lately I find myself hopping, skipping, and jumping out of my comfort zones.  Ever since graduating, I've been feeling like I need a big change in my life...so of course I started with the fun changes: new clothes and a new haircut!

This silk jersey dress from DVF is SO far out from my normal waist-whittling wardrobe, but for some reason I couldn't resist the contrast of the dramatic draping on the comfortable tee-shirt material.  When I wear this I feel like a completely different person- but I like it!

I added a statement necklace to break up the high neck line and add some intrigue to the solid grey.  Worn with DVF sparkly slingbacks, because every outfit needs a touch of glitter!

And from this angle you can see my fresh new 'do!

The wonderful stylist Anna Kathryn at Umi salon on Newbury St chopped my bangs and introduced my eyebrows to the world!  She also cut my curly locks super short in the back and angled them longer towards the front.   I never thought I could pull off such an edgy look, but I absolutely love it!  I've been so inspired to try new things ever since the big chop...it's amazing how something as simple as a new haircut can give you the confidence to tackle the complicated parts of life.

This might not be a look that I'll rock forever, but I'm loving it right now!