5 Days Of Pants

After 5 Days Of Dresses, I wasn't quite ready to commit to another 5 days of baring my legs with skirts...and so began 5 Days Of Pants! Since I had been turning to standard blue jeans during my style rut, I wanted to show myself that it's possible to wear jeans and still look fashion-forward.

Day 1

Top, Topshop.  Jeans, Forever 21.  Purse, Ferragamo.  Shoes, Steve Madden.

On Day 1 of 5 Days Of Pants I actually built the outfit around my top!  I bought this fierce, fuzzy sweater from Topshop in the midst of my dress phase and could not wait to wear it.  I thought the slate gray color would pair really nicely with navy (that color combo is huge for fall!), so I dug around in my closet and came up with these blue plaid jeans from Forever 21.  Since my shirt was so cuddly and...big, a structured navy Ferragamo bag gave the outfit some shape.  I added black heels to bring another nuetral into the mix, and topped it off with a 60s-inspired sphere ring.  I loved this outfit!



Day 2

Jeans, H&M.  Top, Forever 21.  Blazer, Vintage.  Shoes, Sam Edelman.  Hat, Nordstrom.

On Day 2 I ran back to my go-to jeans.  The contrast of something casual with something fancy is always fun, so I decided to pair them with a delicate beaded tank top- very 1920s.  Since I was headed to work, I threw a neutral blazer and nude pumps into the mix, but it still felt a little too plain.  Instead of reaching for a statement necklace or a fun piece of jewelry to jazz it up, I grabbed a baseball hat!  Baseball caps are actually super on-trend this season, and this one gave my outfit the pop that it needed.



Day 3

Shirt, Zara.  Pants, Forever 21.  Shoes, Mi Piaci.

I spent Day 3 changing my license plates, getting a smog check, and sitting at the DMV for 3 hours...so needless to say, I was looking to be comfortable.  I reached for a comfy pair of black ankle pants and a black tee shirt.  Since these pieces were soooo basic, I knew I needed to amp things up with my footwear.  I grabbed purple crystal-embellished brogues that I bought on my trip to New Zealand Fashion Week and called it a day. Purple lipstick instead of my usual red gave the whole look a goth-y vibe.  This is probably the only time you will ever see me with my hair up!

Day 4

Pants, 3.1 Phillip Lim.  Top, Nordstrom.  Necklace, Forever 21.

Day 4 was spent filming a segment on red carpet fashion at work, so I wanted to look polished.  I turned to my wide-leg pants from 3.1 Phillip Lim (I last wore them here), and added a black cropped sweater.  To give some warmth to the black and white look, I chose a wide brown belt with bronze detailing.  Since gold is warm tone (and silver is cool), I knew that my chunky gold chain link necklace would be the perfect accessory.  My shoes didn't matter, because you never saw them under my pant legs, but I wore my highest black heels to make my legs look as long as possible!

Day 5

Top, blazer, and belt, H&M.  Jeans, Naked & Famous.  Clutch, MCM.  Shoes, Steve Madden. Necklace, Topshop.

For Day 5 I was back to jeans, but this time I reached for a pair from Naked & Famous.  This brand seriously makes the perfect jeans:  there's very little stretch, so they keep their shape and wear really well!  When I first got them, they were long and boot cut, but after seeing this street style shot I was inspired to chop them into ankle jeans with a pair of kitchen scissors!  I like the result- they look just a little more chic than the originals.  Turtlenecks are back in style (yay!), and I wore mine under a grey and navy (there's that color combo again...) blazer with the arms pushed up.  A big belt buckle and a statement necklace added some pizzazz, and my MCM clutch served as a pop of (neutral) color.

I didn't have as much fun during 5 Days Of Pants as I did with my dresses, but all in all I'm proud that I pushed myself to take denim and comfy pants to another level.  It just goes to show that you can be comfortable and cool with a little styling!

Stay tuned for 5 Days Of Skirts!!

Screen Queen

Skirt, Burberry.  Sweater, F21.  Shoes, H&M.  Bag, vintage.

I've always used clothing as a way to make a personal statement, but a new trend in the fashion world is making it easier than ever to get your point across.  Screened tees and statement sweaters are everywhere lately and I, for one, am really excited about it! 

 

Screened tees (t-shirts featuring screen printed graphics) used to have a very plebian feel.  Clothing with words and pictures blazoned across the front were for the masses, something you picked up at your father's company picnic or as merch at a concert.  But with the rise of the hipster came the rise of the screened tee: suddenly it was COOL to wear that company picnic shirt (with a healthy dose of irony), and retailers even started making faux-vintage clothing advertising imaginary little league teams and field days.  The high-end fashion world has finally caught up with under-the-radar hipsters, and now luxury statement shirts are all the rage. 

 



 

While I love the hipster interpretation, I wanted to upgrade my newest statement sweater with a Parisian-in-the-park feel to match it's message en francais.  The nautical stripes on this Forever 21 knit give it a springtime feel, so I imagined myself a French girl on her way to the local farmer's  market, and this is the outfit that I came up with!

 

It's Spring here in California but the days have actually been pretty gloomy and cold.  To achieve that warm-weather vibe and still protect myself from the LA elements, I chose pieces that look fresh and current but are executed in heavier wools.  This knit sweater paired perfectly with my favorite vintage find: a wool perma-pleated midi skirt from Burberry!  I found this gem hidden in the 80% off rack of Second Time Around in Boston years ago and it's been with me ever since.  Even though I don't get a lot of use out of this skirt, I feel like it's a legacy item that I can pass down to my granddaughters someday- what's more classic than vintage Burberry?!

 

 

I kept the rest of my outfit really simple- no jewelry, casual wedge sandals, easy straw purse.  I have endless coffee table books on French fashion, and it seems the mark of true Parisian style is not caring too much!  Obssessing over the perfect outfit and piling on the accessories tends to make you look like you're trying too hard, and that elusive "je ne sais quoi" is lost in the sauce.   Simplicity is key!

 

Of course, there are tons of other ways to fashionably flaunt the statement tee trend.  I snapped some pics a few weeks ago (pre-haircut) of some different ways to rock a screened look, like pairing an oversized sweater with skintight leggings or rolling up the sleeves on a short sleeved tee and combining it with an edgy skirt.
 

  

Fashion Tips from "Screen Queen":

 

1.  Get in on the screened tee action!  No matter how you wear it- ironic hipster or high-fashion fashionista- the look is cool, not corny.  Urban Outfitters has a great selection of funny statement tees & tanks for guys, and I'm loving the newest designer offerings for us girls.  This Nueva York tee and this cheeky "Tea Shirt" top are high on my list of must-haves!

 

2.  Even though it's technically Spring, we're experiencing left-over-winter-weather all over the country.  You can get a head start on Spring fashion by adding a few pieces to your collection that are bright and on-trend for the SS13 season, but are made of heavy knit cottons or warm wools. Maybe it's too cold to break out your favorite pink tank top right now, but try a pair of jeans in that same bright Spring pink- you'll be covered from the cold AND ready for the new season!

 

3.  In a style rut?  Create a character for yourself and dress to their personality!  In this outfit I became a young Parisian about town, which let me experiment with a new style.  Try dressing yourself as a 50s housewife, a 70s hippie, or a minimal 90s model- but limit yourself to what you already have in your closet.  That way, you get to experience a new way of putting things together, but it will still feel 100% you!

 

4.  Shop vintage and second-hand.  My vintage shopping runs have scored me this amazing Burberry skirt, classic Chanel flats, and quite a few Ferragamo bags that will always be in fashion.  I love the idea of buying a garment that has already lived a fabulous life!  I know these items will stand the test of time and be passed down from generation to generation.  It's never too early to start cultivating a collection that will be coveted by your kids and grandkids!

 

Did you guys see my StyleSnap on Instagram yesterday?  For mini-blogs between Hell or High Fashion posts, be sure to follow me @jdefino.

 



Greener Pastures

Top, American Apparel.  Skirt, Ruche.  Shoes and Necklace, H&M.

 

I've never been a huge fan of wearing green.  Mixed with my red lipstick, green clothes make me feel like a Christmas mess.  Lately, though, I haven't been able to get enough of it!  This spring, green feels fresh and even edgy, especially in playful separates like this baseball tee and leather skirt. 

 

Oscar de la Renta's Resort 2013 runway show really inspired me to step out of my traditional Crayola box of black, white, and red. 

 

Oscar de la Renta Resort 2013 (via Style.com)

 

How cool is this outfit? I love how this vaguely 50s skirt and fresh, bright color combo take on a punky edge.  I wanted to do the same thing with my green look, and luckily I had a similar baseball tee lying around in my closet!

 

 

I tucked my tee into this amazing green leather skirt to play with it's traditional boxy fit and make it feminine.  The full, A-line cut of my favorite new skirt (from ShopRuche.com) was the perfect companion- it's nipped-in waist and flirty fit accentuated an hourglass figure and gave this outfit the girly vibe I was going for!

 

 

I couldn't resist adding on one more green item in the form of my favorite Anna Dello Russo X H&M necklace! This necklace feels perfect when paired with a T-shirt- it takes the casual basic up a notch, without seeming too out-of-place (it is, after all, a cheap plastic H&M necklace!). 

 

Clutch, Forever 21.

 

This outfit felt a little silly when I first put it on- I thought maybe I had gone overboard on one color. A simple black/silver pair of stilletos and a matte black/grey clutch took away all of my worries- the dark colors break up the monochrome look.

 

 



Fashion Tips from "Greener Pastures":

 

1. The internet is your fashion friend.  Need some inspiration?  There's never a shortage of outfit inspo on pinterest.com (see my boards Style and Guy Style for ideas!), Style.com (I like to browse the latest runway collections or check out Tommy Ton's street snaps), and Lookbook.nu (each outfit pictured has a breakdown of where to buy the featured pieces!).

 

2. Try a monochrome look with neutral accessories.  What keeps my outfit from looking cartoonish is the fact that not EVERY piece I'm wearing is green.  Black accents (shoes, clutch, nails) can bring an out-there idea back down to earth.  Guys, why not try wearing a bold blue suit with a plain tie and dress shoes?  Knowing when to push the limits and when to rely on unassuming neutrals is a mark of true style!

 

3.  Play with proportions.  That men's buttondown you wear over leggings could be totally transformed by tucking it in to a high-waisted pencil skirt (remember Sharon Stone wearing her hubby's Gap tee to the Oscars??).  By giving boxy basics a femme form you can essentially double your wardrobe options!

 

4.   Don't be afraid to wear your favorite jewels during the day!  I know it can feel a little uncomfortable wearing a huge piece of jewelry with a casual outfit, because conventionally sparkly jewels are considered "night out" accessories. Pushing past this misconception will open up so many new "everyday" possibilities for you! Statement jewelry from chain stores like H&M, Forever21, and Topshop is meant for this kind of dressing because it even though it may seem dressy, it's cheap enough that you can feel comfortable wearing it anywhere and everywhere.

 

 

For style updates in between blog posts, check out my Twitter, Pinterest, and personal website.  And as always, feel free to message or e-mail me with any pressing fashion questions!

 



Reader Request: Beyond Basics

After my last post, I received a reader request for a tutorial on dressing up jeans and a tee shirt. While I try not to post “basic” outfits (I don’t want to bore you guys!), the truth is I spend a few days a week wearing a version of the classic American uniform of jeans and a tee. I turn to this combo when I want to be comfortable, but I hate the feeling of blending in with everybody else. I’ve figured out a few ways to dress up my plain jeans and tee shirts to keep my look fashion-forward, and now I’ll pass those tricks on to you!

 

Jeans, Forever 21.  Shirt and blazer, H&M.  Shoes, Zara.  Ring, Kirna ZabetexTarget.

Step 1: Invest in a few pairs of interesting jeans. My favorite pair has a“boyfriend” fit, a light wash, and a few rips and tears. I know I can wear these with almost anything basic on top and still feel pretty cool, since the built-in features of the pant give my look a little edge. Wearing a pair of printed jeans (like these) is a great idea- they’re just as easy to pull on in the morning as your basics, but you’ll be on the next sartorial level. This works for colored jeans too-try a bright blue wash in place of denim for a style upgrade that doesn’t venture too far out of your comfort zone.

 

Step 2: Add print! My favorite print to play with right now is a good old fashion stripe. Stripes are so classic and have made their mark on almost every style movement in history. The slouchy black and white tank I’m wearing here has a punky/jailbird vibe, but the navy and cream bateau stripe I chose for the outfit below is preppy and Hepburn-esque. It’s easy to find a stripe pattern to fit your mood, and they’re guaranteed to give your plain jeans a little extra punch.


Jeans and tee, Forever 21.  Blazer, HM.  Shoes, Prada.  Ring, Alexis Bittar.

Step 3: Add color! As you can tell from going through my recent blog posts, I’m a little obsessed with yellow right now. I get the most compliments when I’m wearing yellow or blue, because these colors attract light and tend to make pale skin glow. Brights also send out a “happy” vibe that can actually improve your mood and the moods of those around you… who wouldn’t want that?? So next time you throw on your go-to jeans/tee, try adding a bright jacket or blazer and see what a difference it makes!

Step 4: Shoes, shoes, shoes. It’s all about the shoes. Maybe you don’t have time to put effort into an interesting outfit, but I’m sure you have time to throw on the coolest pair of shoes in your closet! Basic denim is the perfect backdrop for a crazy-fancy pair of shoes- that mix of casual and opulent is unexpected and fun, and can really elevate your look. Why wait until you have an “occasion” to wear your fancy footwear? Treat every day a special occasion and break out of the boring jeans/tee/sneakers mold! Gentlemen: this tip isn’t only for the high-heel wearing ladies. Try a pair of pumped-up high-tops or a snazzy pair of wingtips instead of your usual fare.

 

Jeans, Forever 21.  Shirt, The Row. Shoes, Urban.  Necklace, ADRxHM.  Belt, Zara.

Step 5: Accessorize. I love a good statement necklace! This amazing crocodile sparkler lounging around my neck would’ve been overshadowed had I worn a more interesting outfit, so a plain white tee and jeans was the best option for showcasing my little pet. I wore this look to work the other day and actually got complimented by a contributor at Lucky magazine- she said she loved how I paired such an elegant piece with a slouchy tee! So there you have it folks, Lucky magazine agrees with me. This “statement jewelry”effect can be achieved in a few different ways: a stack of bangles up to your elbow, or a huge pair of dangling earrings paired with a slicked-back hairdo. Guys are no exception to the rule- add an oversized watch of even a flat-brimmed hat to amp up your jeans.

 

Finishing Touch: cuff it! I love to roll the bottoms of my jeans up into a little cuff- it just gives your look a little something extra. All the more interesting if you have a fun argyle sock to show off!

So there you have it- by putting even 1 of these 5 steps in to practice you’re sure to feel anything but boring in your basics. I’m loving these requests, so keep ‘em coming! What should I post about next?

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!