Posts Tagged ‘Rebecca Taylor’

8 Summer Styling Tips

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

When summer rolls around, we naturally wear less clothing. That doesn’t mean warm weather prohibits cool styling techniques just because we’re working with less garb. The season’s array of trends—like bold prints, neutral to neon palettes, and stand-out accessories—can be worn in endless ways. Even with sticky temps, you can look smashing and be comfortable in the summer sun. Here’s eight ways to work some of Spring/Summer 2010’s biggest trends into your wardrobe, without skimping on style.

1. White Out. There are few things—if any—that are as chic as an all white ensemble. Always eye-catching, this look can be captured with a white sundress for day or gown for night, head-to-toe white separates (don’t forget the floppy hat!), or even a white bathing suit. This summer, let’s experience a white out. (Pucci gown from Summer ’10.)

2. Flower Power. We all know floral prints are huge for S/S ’10. Instead of dresses, skirts, blouses, etc., try incorporating flowers on items that are a little less predictable. A floral bag, belts, shoes, and even sunglasses are subtle ways to introduce these flirty blossoms to your wardrobe. (Rebecca Taylor floral portfolio clutch; $295)

3. Boots Are Made for Walkin’. And that doesn’t mean only in the winter. Summer boots are the alternative to wearable flats this season. Whether you go with an ankle style or a knee-high, boots give an extra dose of style to jean shorts, flouncy skirts, and whimsical sundresses. (Mea Shadow peep-toe bootie; $195; City Soles; 1566 W Damen Avenue)

4. Try a New Silhouette. A-line, skinny, boyfriend…been there, done that. This season, the fashionably adventurous are experimenting with new, interesting silhouettes. The harem pant, bodysuits (see #6), jumpsuits, cropped tees, and more are back, bringing with them their ability to deliver fresh ways to look incredibly on-mark. (Karen Millen jersey jumpsuit with harem pant, drapery pockets, and tapered legs; $350)

5. Get Knitted. No longer just for dainty doilies and grandma’s shawl, crochet has entered the fashion frontier. It shed its homely image for a look that’s organically chic. This knitwear has a lovely simplicity despite its complexity and detail, and now it’s being crafted into figure-flattering garments. (Crochet dress; $80; Topshop)

6. Power Suit. Another throwback to the ‘80s, the bodysuit is reclaiming its place in the limelight. Its form-fitting silhouette is the perfect complement to oversized shapes, like slouchy pants and boyfriend blazers. The styles are extensive, including lace tanks, turtlenecks (big for fall!), long-sleeve boatnecks, and more. (American Apparel v-neck bodysuit; $36)

7. Body Paint. Our lips, eyes and nails are like built-in accessories. Make good use of them! This season brought us subtle and dramatic palettes, like soft beiges and vibrant neons, that can create endless beauty possibilities. Try new applications, like dramatic teal eyes, hot pink nails or fuchsia lips. (Make Up For Ever in Aqua Cream; $22; Sephora)

8. Mix the Hard and Soft. Every girl has a rebel side and a soft side. This season is the time to embrace them both. Such a fashion mixture is a dynamic, interesting way to play with your own style. Soft pieces, such as floral prints and flowy dresses, combined with harder items, like leather vests and biker boots, is never a dull ensemble. (Photography by Chicago Looks)

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Pucci, Rebecca Taylor, City Soles, Karen Millen, Topshop, American Apparel, Sephora, and Chicago Looks

Tags: American Apparel, Chicago Looks, City Soles, Karen Millen, Make Up For Ever, Mea Shadow, Pucci, Rebecca Taylor, Sephora, Spring 2010, Style Tips, Topshop, Trends
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Where the Wild Things Are

Friday, January 15th, 2010

It’s no secret that bold prints are one of the season’s biggest trends. From geometrics to florals, the variety is extensive, but today it’s the leopard print that’s driving us wild! Such patterns can be an intimidating addition to your wardrobe, but when done right, you can look impeccably fearless and chic. To harness your inner tigress, we went on the prowl for some statement-making leopard prints that are as fierce as they are easy-to-wear. Take a look at these pieces and discover how surprisingly simple it is to master this trend!

1. Throwing on an amazing winter coat is one of the easiest ways to add serious style in mere seconds. Rebecca Taylor’s “Runway Ruffle Coat” ($495) is discretely dramatic, with its dark hues and girly ruffles.

2. What fashionista doesn’t want a handbag that attracts a little attention? This leopard bag by Karen Millen ($199) has a sassy print and edgy hardware, but it won’t overwhelm your look.

3. We love tights and cherish the opportunity to go all out with this accessory. Pair these leopard tights ($20; Dillards) with a LBD and neutral heels for a polished look with lots of attitude.

4. A pencil skirt is one item every woman needs in her closet. Step away from the classic black and venture into new territory with this “Ocelot Pencil Skirt” by MICHAEL Michael Kors ($80; zappos.com).

5. Hello, Lover! Giuseppe Zanotti’s leopard slingback pumps ($635; Saks Fifth Avenue) have us dizzy with delight. At first glance, you may think you’ll only wear these with a few cocktail dresses, but this heel is totally versatile. Try a casual twist by pairing them with skinnies and a fitted tee or boyfriend chinos and an oversized sweater.

6. We have a pretty deep affinity for belts, whether they’re barely noticeable or outfit-completing accents. This one ($40; J.Crew) will play up neutrals or add an interesting contrast to other prints.

7. The thought of these gloves ($150; Tory Burch) with a solid-colored wool coat is truly exciting. It’s one of the little ways you can add an unexpected edge to your outerwear.

8. Shorts in fresh prints will be a major player this spring, and these cuffed ones by Peter Som ($680; Saks Fifth Avenue) boast the neutral hues necessary to create a bevy of looks. Pair these shorts with a simple tank or even a vibrant floral top.

9. If you ask us, this is the perfect leopard flat ($40; Steve Madden)—no bows, frills, etc. Just a classic, delicate shape in an intriguing print.

If wearing leopard prints, remember to use discretion when pulling your look together. These prints can hold their own, so don’t layer these pieces with competing garments and accessories and other animal prints. Sometimes too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing.

By Meghan Turner

Images courtesy of Rebecca Taylor, Karen Millen, Dillards, zappos.com, Saks Fifth Avenue, J.Crew, Tory Burch, and Steve Madden

Tags: Dillards, Giuseppe Zanotti, J.Crew, Karen Millen, Leopard Prints, Michael Michael Kors, Rebecca Taylor, Saks Fifth Avenue, Steve Madden, Tory Burch, Trends, zappos.com
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