Jumpsuits and Rompers, Not Just For Kids

I have a thing for one-stop dressing. If I can get a complete outfit out of one garment, I'm all about it. That's why I think I've been particularly obsessed with jumpsuits. I've had one in mind since my sister announced she was getting married and all I could see flash before my eyes was my potential wedding wardrobe (I think that's a hazard of being a stylist...you can't help but fashionably fast-forward to certain events and day dream about all the sartorial possibilities!) For me it was like lightning struck and I've wanted to wear a jumpsuit to the rehearsal dinner ever since. So I started looking online and found some goodies. I've even got some advice on how to wear one beyond the warmth of Spring and Summer, in case you've been toying with the idea of wearing one too :)

Macy's, Material Girl $32

This one is my favorite! The print is fun and the cut is simple enough to transition well into the Fall. It's an ideal design for layering T-shirts or long-sleeve T-shirts underneath and the length of the pant is long enough to be tucked into boots when it starts to cool down or rains. The only problem, this little number is from the Junior's department...I'm not too old, right?!

Shopbop.com, Rachel Pally $184 on sale! She uses the softest jerseys!

Just like the saying goes, an oldie but a goodie. It has a similar simplicity in its design like the previous one but with a more effortless style so you can wear it with that elusive nonchalance you see in other fashionable gals. It's a different kind of sexy.

Club Monaco, "Selena" pants. If you're not ready for a full body print :)

I know this isn't an image of a jumpsuit but my reason for pulling this image is because the cut of the pants is similar to what you'll find in a jumpsuit. So if you want to try a print AND a jumpsuit but are apprehensive about doing it in one piece, just find a cute pair of printed bottoms and play with your tops. You still get the same idea.

Bluefly.com, BCBG $77

An alternative to those not sure they can rock a full jumpsuit but have the legs to pull off a romper. The fun option with a romper is that you can always put on a textured pair of tights to shake things up a bit. It's an easy area to add interest to your outfit as well as pulling double duty by keeping you a little bit warmer.

Shopbop.com, T-Bags $194

A nice cross between the long-sleeve romper and the tank-top bodice. The slouchy silhouette maintains the ease of the design while the shorts yield room for tights and the top has potential for your typical layering pieces like t-shirts; all areas you can add material so you can still wear this piece into the Fall.

Macy's, Tommy Hilfiger $35 on sale!

Once you've picked out your preferred style of jumpsuit or romper, you need to put on a couple of extra items to really pull the look together. Think about the items I mentioned already (T-shirts and boots) and also throw in sweaters and jackets. If you're rocking a printed version, a simple throw-on like the one pictured above will tone down the loudness of the print. It also happens to be a great addition for a more simple jumpsuit/romper.

American Apparel, $58

You can't go wrong with a traditional pullover with a V-neck. This will give you a "two piece" look so you'll appear to be wearing pants and a sweater instead of a jumpsuit and sweater :)

Old Navy, $34.50

Last but not least is the cardigan or in this case, the boyfriend cardigan. Always a classic cover up, the cardigan will give you warmth and again, help break up the outfit into another element so you're not visually weighed down by the design of the jumpsuit. You have to give you eye more things to look at individually so that when seen as a whole, the outfit is a ten.

Image(s) courtesy of google image search

Spring 2011: Walk This Way

If you don't know now then you must seriously be on another planet. The 70's are EVERYWHERE! I haven't seen a trend permeate the zeitgeist so thoroughly since the 90s when plaid flannel and DocMartens were appropriate office attire.

In celebration of the current funky state of affairs, I compiled a picture-list of shoes sure to help you get your groovy-ness back. Peace!

White and Shining Armor, $129.99

Aw, Strap!, $119.99

Well-Received, $104.99

Season of Love, $109.99

Shape Your Heart, $118.99

Kiltie Pleasure, $141.99

Recap T-Strap, $107.99

I can't resist a cute oxford! Let There Be Delight, $129.99

Eye in the Sky, $144.99

The good news is those platforms will provide some much needed relief to keep your dogs from barking. Stay cool my friends!

Image(s) courtesy of Modcloth.com

Spring 2011: That 70's Trend

Though some of you may be remiss to admit it, the 70s are back! And in a big way. Of course we all know fashion is cyclical and nothing is new anymore but you should always expect to see the return of a trend, style, or look about every 20 to 30 years. That said, the return of flared jeans, platforms, jumpsuits, soft hair, floppy hats, maxi dresses, and round sunglasses are right on track.

athoughtistheblossom.blogspot.com

I was a little hesitant to get on board with this trend for fear of it leaving as quickly as it has arrived but then I watched The Towering Inferno...and fell in love with the 70s. What a wonderland of inspiration! Taking place in San Francisco and centering on the world's tallest building going up in a blaze (hence, the title), the movie cemented my new-found love for long, low-cut evening gowns, head-to-toe color, draped shirting, and soft curls. It also put a new fashion icon at the forefront of my mind, Faye Dunaway. I've never wanted to wear a matching, monochromatic suit more!

Faye Dunaway

Though the film revolved around more "society types" living in the San Francisco, there was definitely a moment for those on the street who were rocking long, printed jackets, wide-leg pants, and high shoes. In fact, that's more in line with what we're seeing on the runway and the streets today. People seem eager to move away from their skinnies to get a little breathing room.

stylecaster.com

The easiest way to embrace this new trend and avoid looking dated is by wearing the bits and pieces that you like. Making them your own allows your personal style to shine and topping it all off with a large brim hat is never a bad idea.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

 Of course, if you can do it right, there is something to be said for trying everything all in one outfit. Floppy hats off to you, my dear.

carolinesmode.com/stockholmstreetstyle

Image(s) courtesy of stylecaster.com, carolinesmode.com, and google image search.

Fashionable TV Shows: "Mary Tyler Moore" Show

 

I find inspiration for my personal style from various sources, including books, television and movies.  And I am not alone in this.  Our media is influencing other areas in our lives as well.  Eat, Pray, Love is sending women in droves on their quests to experience life in Bali.  One hit 70's television show in particular had many women flocking to NYC- the Mary Tyler Moore show.  I have to think it wasn't just her lifestyle, but her fashion sense that lured women to the show.

I want both of these outfits (minus the polyester).

Mary's dress and belt (above), paired with the right boots, so 2010, right?  Now picture Samantha Jones or Carrie Bradshaw in Rhoda's outfit.  Straight out of Sex and the City.

Lovin' the sleeves on this blouse!

That is the perfect fall "orange".

Just goes to show the "safari" trend never really goes out of style- it just re-invents itself.

What celebrity (alive or dead) inspires you?  How do you incorporate 70's inspired fashion into your current wardrobe?

Did you know a statue of this scene exists in memory of the show?

Image(s) courtesy of Google image search