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

Swimwear 101: Cover-Ups

Once you've found the perfect swimsuit that has you throwing caution to the wind and actually wanting to go out half naked in public, it's time to shop for the swimsuit cover-up.  They are, just like their name suggests, a way to cover up your newly sun-kissed skin.  I personally love a cute cover-up because they not only protect me from getting burned, they are what make a poolside outfit.  And let's be honest, the only time I actually want to see my thighs is while slathering them in sunscreen on my lounge chair.  We've come a long way from the muumuu as far as style.

Personal Shopper Picks: (from one of my favorite places to shop for swimwear, Victoria's Secret)

Trend #1: 70's Chic

VS Cotton Crochet Tunic Sweater $59.50

VS Striped Linen Cover-Up Sweater $49.50

VS Split-sleeve Romper $48

VS Tunic Cover-up $58

Trend #2: Brights

VS Solid Plunge Cover-up Tunic $33

VS Tie-waist Cover-up Dress $33

VS Neon Lace Cover-up $38

Trend #3: Neutrals & Whites

VS One-shoulder Crochet Cover-up $74

VS Beach Linen Knit-waist Short $29.50

VS T-back Romper $82

VS Beach Linen Zip-front Romper $39.50

Image(s) courtesy of Victoria's Secret

Swimwear 101: Best One-Piece Swimsuits for Women

Because of my trip I'm having to face staring down at my glaring white thighs which haven't seen the sun in quite some time.  My goal is to come home in five days actually looking like I've been on vacation- a golden brown only Hawaii sun can give you.  But that means finding the right swimsuit while I melt in the 80+ degree weather.  It has to be cute, but also functional (no Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunctions please).

When shopping for a new suit this summer, make your first stop for swimwear at Anthropologie for a great selection of suits that will make your summer look complete.  Does "sexy on-piece" sound like an oxymoron to you?  Doesn't have to be.  See for yourself...

Personal Shopper Picks:

Laughing Gull One-Piece $318

Hit the sand looking like a goddess in this white oh-so-worth-the-price-when-you-see-their-jaws-drop swimsuit.  Very 70's and right on trend.

Plunging Halter Maillot $178

Who says one-piece swimsuits aren't sexy?  Noticing this 70's trend again?

Parched Desert Maillot $218

Is your best feature in the rear?  Show off your

Elephant Ears Maillot $160

Remember you don't have to wear black or brown to be neutral.  Try this mud khaki suit on instead.

Ruffle-Wrapped Halter Suit $158

I love the way this suit still defines your waistline.  If you love a wrap dress, you'll love this suit.


And just because I know not everyone is going to throw in the towel on their bikinis for the sexy factor, here's one more I just couldn't resist posting...

Golden Days Bikini Top $78

Golden Days Bikini Bottom $68

Tips for shopping for your next swimsuit:

Shop on a ‘good’ day. Don’t shop for your skimpiest items of clothing on days you’d rather not even be seen out of your home! Don’t set foot in a fitting room when you’re having a bad day, PMSing, going through a break-up or otherwise. Even if your feet or back hurt, stop.

A slightly snug fit in the changing room will keep your decency intact as you hit the pool. Remember that fabrics expand in the water! Second, remember that swimsuit sizing generally runs small because they need to be fitted. If you’re more of a sun worshiper than a water baby, go for what feels most comfortable and gives you the least amount of tan lines.

Take the stress out of the trying on. Shop online and turn your home into a stress-free fitting room.
Go custom! Online stores like Victoria’s Secret swim shop have a large selection of suits, many of which are separates that you can mix-n-match.

-excerpt from my interview with 944 magazine

 

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.

Movies That Inspired Fashion- Or is it the other way around?

A fellow fashion blogger posted a great top ten list of fashionable movies.  I have loved many of these films (especially anything with Audrey Hepburn or Marilyn Monroe).  I previously blogged about how much I loved watching the 40's fashion in the movie Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day.  Dare I add it to the list at #11?

1. Sabrina (1954) Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

2. Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961) Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard

3. Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953) Jane Russel, Marilyn Monroe

4. Rear Window (1954) Jimmy Stewart, Grace Kelly

5. Annie Hall (1977) Dianne Keaton, Woody Allen

6. Saturday Night Fever (1977) John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney

7. Grease (1978) John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John

8. The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow

9. Devil Wears Prada (2006) Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway

10. Sex and the City (2008) Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall

Side note: In case you love Audrey as much as I do, you can now own a piece of history.  Three years ago Audrey's Breakfast at Tiffany's gown (below) sold for a whopping £410,000.  Now more iconic pieces from Audrey Hepburn's amazing wardrobe are up on the block.  Fifty per cent of the proceeds will be donated go to The Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund. Highlights from the sale will be show at Sotheby's New York, November 21-22 and at Sotheby's Paris, December 1-2. Visit Kerry Taylor Auctions for more information: http://www.kerrytaylorauctions.com.

Bottom image and auction info courtesy of http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2009/11/audrey_hepburns_1.html