Look Book!

Want to define a signature style but have no clue where to start?

For me, I looked to my favorite magazines and ripped out my favorite pages to create a Look Book. I put them in a binder but they don't have to be an actual book, lots of fashionistas create shared look books online at fashion portals such as http://www.style.com/

Look Books give you an idea of what to shop, where to shop and how to style.

And they are true to you! I have pages from years ago but I still fall in love with the styles.

Here I pulled 6 of my favorite pages from my look book to prep for spring style.

From Top, left to right
I love busting out skirts and baring some leg when the weather starts warming up (not today though, it's rainy and depressing today in D.C.) Bright colors, full volumes and even matching prints makes it even more fun and feminine.

Next, I am always inspired by the simplicity of this Chanel look. The straw hat gives it a fresh young look and luckily cuban hats are everywhere this year.

A detailed look of  different take on the one shoulder look. I keep my favorite looks from my look book in the back of my mind when I go shopping or even better yet, you can take them with you as a guide!

On the right of the top row is a glam Michael Kors dress and matching fur coat. I wouldn't do the fur in the summer! but I'll be wearing bright bright colors like hot pink not only at night but in the day!

Spiegel Signature Sateen Safari Dress in Pink Raspberry, $69

Click here to buy

Keira Knightly is rocking polka dots and aviators on the bottom left. Usually I shy away from polka dots but done in a sexy pinup 50's way they actually look pretty cute.

Target Merona Polka Dot Dress, $39.99

click here to buy

The T-Strap Heel gives it a more vintage feel!

In the middle is one of my favorite all-time prints, leopard. But it doesn't have to just be leopard, animal prints are big right now and can be done in big ways! You can add a leopard print in a heel or flat to spice up a basic dress or do a whole shift in leopard or snakeskin! I also love it in a bag such as a (fake) embossed alligator tote.

Macy's, INC "Princy" Pump, $49.99

click here to buy

Christian Siriano for Payless Downtown Zip Sandal for $24.99

Click Here to Buy

On the bottom right is the lingerie as regular wear trend. And I like the being unabashedly feminine confidence of pairing it with soft hair and makeup. You don't have to bust out your Victoria's Secret but look for delicate materials like chiffon and intricate details such as ruffles and thin pretty straps.

How to Make 1 Dress into 3 Different Looks

Stocking up on basics is the best way to build a reworkable wardrobe that's easy to revamp and restyle into different looks.

A strapless denim knee-length dress in a dark wash is flaterring by itself

Target, $39.99

Click here to buy

I bought this dress last year except without the sweetheart neckline which I love.

This is obviously a summer dress so you can just add a belt and heels

The heels are from one of those super grocery stores called Meijers in Michigan and the bag from a vintage store in Clifton, Virginia.

And if it's a little colder outside add a fun, animal print cardigan for a different look

The patent leather pointy heel makes it more polished

I like to break out a cape whenever I can but they can sometimes be hard to pull off. Luckily the dark denim makes the houndstooth 'pop' and keeps the silouhette simple.

I used the same patent leather heels and red vintage Hermes Birkin-esque bag.

Total 6 pieces making 3 looks

Now, that's how you rework it.

Breezy Basics for a Steal

With the weather warming up (finally!) it's time take off the bulky layers and frolick in your favorite soft tees and tanks.

Stock up on some all-time favorite without spending a fortune.

Take this Old Navy Rosette Tank for only $12.50

vs.

Jcrew Tank for $45

Other great (sales) finds at Jcrew and Old Navy

Jcrew Cargo Pants $69.50 to $39.99

Old Navy Espadrilles for $20.00

And don't forget the denim trend and can easily be accomplished season after season with these 2 wardrobe basics

Old Navy denim jacket for $30

Old Navy Denim Pencil Skirt, $16.99-$24.99

Now add the pieces together to make a relaxed weekend outfit

You can even roll up the bottom of the cargo pants to show off the espadrille which give you some height and layer with some pretty dangly necklaces. I also like to roll up the sleeves on my denim jacket.

Total Damage?  $102.50

Not Bad

Pick of the Day!

Spiegel Colorblock Jersey Dress for $49

http://www.spiegel.com/

Sophisticated and fun, add color to your evening wear with this pleated wrap dress. Flattering on almost anyone just make sure to order one size down since Spiegel does cut big.

Not bad compared to some more expensive options:

bcbg strapless colorblock dress for $318

Aqua Sateen for $88

Tailor to the Rescue Part 2

Last week I took 3 frumpy dresses to my local tailor last week. I tried them on and talked about what I didn't like about each dress. After discussing with my tailor what could be done I left the rest in her hands.

A week later and I am loving the results. They look like new dresses!

In doubt if a flaw can be fixed? Too big, too small? too long? Take it to a tailor, the magic they work can be suprising.

Too long? The tailor can hem it easy for under $15, this include sleeves. I have freakishly long thin arms so I even like to make the cuff narrower and the sleeve 3/4 length.

Too wide? The tailor can take almost anything in (blazers, skirts, dresses) as long as it's not at the shoulder. Again a pretty cheap fix.

Too Short? Trickier, some clothing lines will build in 1/2 inch to an inch of extra fabric at the sleeves and hems for the tailor to extend. However, if this is not the case, you can use extra store brought fabric to add and make some clever design changes.

Pick a pretty fabric and have your tailor add it for a fresh look

Too Tight? I have this sexy sequined floor length dress from a Georgetown Vintage Store that I call my Barbie Dress. Except it's a little too small in a few areas. The tailor can add extra store brought fabric in clever ways. You can be your own designer but picking your own fabric and thinking of where to add it. Look at magazines or pictures from vintage archives of what the new look will be.

what cant' tulle fix?!

Shorts in the Winter?

Last night I was taking a leisurely walk around downtown Boulder after work and spotted an adorable girl with the most adorable look.

She was wearing black patterend tights under some woold shorts, heels, a belted loose plaid top and a floppy hat. It instantly reminded me of Bridgette Bardot but I never thought it could be pulled off in this day and age.

I saw similar looks in Georgetown but with more a punk feel with cut-off shorts (short and cute, not like the ones Tobias wears in Arrested Development) with sheer black hose and a loose T-shirt.

I think I'll be shooting for look number 1 but I think the most important tip is to keep the rest of the outfit the same as the material of the shorts. So if they are wool, do boots and a sweater but if they are more of a summer material then do breezier materials.

You can also take a pair of vintage trousers and hem them into shorts for all your DIYers. Like this girl did, notice the higher waistline.

Girly Girl, Macarons & Fashion

Macarons (macaroons) made news this week in the WSJ as their popularity pushes them to become the next cupcake.

Last winter I bitterly try to product perfect macarons with no success but tried relentlessly because I couldn't get over their loveliness.

Their pretty blooming palate and delicateness reminds me of this seasons girly girl trend.

Unabashedly feminine pinks, creamy nudes and powdery lavenders were combined with tulle, chiffon and cashmere.

And in there own way, they were just as strong as Givenchy's strict lines, promoting feminism with their unapologetic pride in being one of the girls :D

Note* Grab your delicate sheer tops pair them with dark skinny jeans, pretty pretty dresses in nudes with messy hair and strong lips, printed cardigans tucked into miniskirts, dangly keychains and fun hair accessories

A new year, a new look means trying new trends