What To Wear Wednesday: BravoBravo! 2013 Edition

What’s black and white and glamorous all over?
And no, it’s not a zebra in Chanel. It’s you, if you’re planning to attend BravoBravo! 2013 on Friday, June 7th at the Detroit Opera House. Since it’s inception in 1999, the annual DOH’s fundraiser for the arts is touted as Detroit’s most sophisticated party of the year.  Enlisting local businesses – restaurants, artists, musicians – to showcase at the gala, will be a fabulous feast for the mouth, eyes and ears, all in the name of a worthy cause.
This year’s theme is Black and White: Elegance and Sophistication. In regards to dress code, think cocktail dresses and evening wear in the aforementioned color theme. Opt for a monochromatic look in your preferred hue or make a stunning appearance in a bold, black and white pattern print. To add extra oomph to your glamourous ensemble, accessories are key – think bling and metallic hardware (the shinier the better). Stud adornments are HUGE this season, so sporting a sleek studded heel or studded clutch will catapult your look to runway chic tenfold. But, if you’re one who LOVES primary colors, plan on expressing it via statement jewelry and if need be, shoes and handbags. Personally, for a more cohesive look to obey the theme, try to save the color burst for jewelry.
Plan on bringing an appetite and a desire to dance the night away in your chicest black and white attire at one of the hottest galas in Detroit!
What To Wear Wednesday: Bravo Bravo 2013 Edition

Astr sheer maxi dress
nordstrom.com

Topshop
nordstrom.com

Yves Saint Laurent peep toe platform pumps
farfetch.com – for Tender Birmingham

Versace patent leather sandals
farfetch.com – for Tender Birmingham

Valentino pumps
farfetch.com – for Tender Birmingham

ALDO patent handbag
aldoshoes.com

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What To Wear Wednesday: Fringe-worthy

Summer’s just around the bend and accompanying it will be quintessential care-free, bohemian days and Boho-chic style. In a nutshell, Boho-chic is all about being effortlessly cool in a vintage, casual style. Welcome the free-spirited season with a touch of fringe for a classic approach to Boho-chic style.
Fringe-worthy

What To Wear Wednesday: Tribal Weekend Warrior Chic

Summer is fastidiously approaching and so is my desire to break out my warmest weather wardrobe – regardless of Michigan’s fickle climate. What better way to welcome deliciously balmy, sunny days than with energetic, vibrant tribal prints?
I’m drawn to this Topshop tribal print dress because of its stunning geometric pattern and bright, bold citrus hues. It looks fabulous either styled elegantly and edgy (L to R).
To make it elegant yet trendy, pair with a sleek white jacket and strappy sandals or heels. If possible – as an extra style bonus – try to find pieces with pops of color(s) of the main item being showcased (i.e.- lapel trim, clutch, shoes). By doing so, it instantly sophisticates the look and makes it more polished. This outfit is perfect for daytime  – luncheons, bridal showers, weddings- and evening events – date nights, cocktails with the ladies, soirees.
If edgy is up your alley, metal hardware adornments are key (i.e. – chain purse strap, studs on shoes, zippers, layered necklace).  Opt for boxier shapes and darker shades for the ultimate bad-ass chic style. This style is also versatile for day and night – lunch dates, concerts, painting the town black!
Whichever style is clever, summon in summer with a stylish dance of global graphics!
Tribal Weekend Warrior Chic

Topshop bubble dress
nordstrom.com

Chalayan neon blazer
net-a-porter.com

H M biker jacket
$45 – hm.com

Giuseppe zanotti sandals
$1,440 – harrods.com

Jimmy Choo black strappy heels
bergdorfgoodman.com

STELLA McCARTNEY crossbody handbag
$840 – brownsfashion.com

Sass bide
sassandbide.com

Betsey Johnson bow necklace
betseyjohnson.com

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What To Wear Wednesday: Mint Green and White Patterned Dress

What To Wear Wednesday: Mint Green and White

What To Wear Wednesday: Punk Rock Chic

The worlds of punk rock chic and Hollywood glamour collided on the red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute Gala in New York City on May 6, 2013. Starlets embraced the culture clash by hybridizing metal spikes and studs with luxurious gowns.
For “What To Wear Wednesday,” I’ve decided to honor this year’s theme, “PUNK: Chaos to Couture.” You can’t get any more punk rock chic than red leather pants – the side zips scream rocker cool!
The look on the left is more on the glam side while the look on the right is edgier.  The key to keeping it glam is through feminine adornments and details. A sleek stiletto will always swank up an outfit. Along with delicate jewelry pieces and light, sheer materials. To achieve an edgier look, think the opposite of the aforementioned. Opt for  heavier materials, chunky adornments and masculine details.
Regardless of style, don’t forget to incorporate the S trilogy: skulls, studs and spikes- quintessential punk rock chic!
Punk Glam

What To Wear Wednesday: Cobalt Blue Is the New Black

I’ve decided that cobalt blue is the new black for spring. The chicest way to sport this trend is in the IRO ‘Ashville’ Blue Leather Jacket. I am absolutely infatuated with this bright, bold jewel-toned blue beauty!  My favorite facet of this supple leather find is the adjustable side buckles that let you refashion the fit to your liking.
It looks flawless and uber chic dressed up or dressed down. Pair it with a pastel pink pencil skirt and a black & white striped crop top for an ideal spring look. This is a fantastic transitional outfit from day to night. Wear the jacket fully zipped during daytime for a conservative, corporate-friendly style and unzipped at night to exhibit a flirty flash of peek-a-boo midriff for fun.
Add it as a finishing touch to  jeans and a flowy tank top. Tis a perfect outfit for any daytime activity –  running weekend errands, brunch, shopping, etc. In like manner, it’s suitable to transition for an evening out. Trade your sneakers for stilettos and swap out handbags – to glam up either look – a rhinestone clutch for play and large black tote for day.
Cobalt Blue Is the New Black

What ToWear Wednesday: White Tuxedo Jacket – Printemps Style

I’m currently obsessing over white tuxedo jackets and floral pants for spring. The combination of the two is a sharp, refreshing style for the season of bloom.
The classic white tuxedo jacket is a quintessential transitional wardrobe piece that should be hanging in every fashionista’s closet. I raved about it this past winter  for its glamorous finesse of imbuing a dash of chicness and fresh flair to an outfit. The aforementioned attributes are applicable, continuously, for each season.
I chose to pair the white tuxedo jacket with daffodil yellow and mint green because they’re two of my favorite hues for spring. The yellow floral print pant has minimal pops of green that become strikingly visible when styled with a matching mint green top. Additionally, styling it with mint green accessories – high heels, jewelry – help amplify the color pop effect. FYI- this is a fabulous fashion tip to emphasize the slightest hint of a color’s presence.
White Blazer - Printemps Style

What To Wear Wednesday: Lace Print Rain Boots

If April showers bring May flowers, in two weeks time, the mitten state will be in full bloom with a fulsome of flora.

Personally, I LOVE a fierce, majestic thunderstorm. From this point, I digress… I am a storm zealot – being awoken by thunder and lightning is far better than an electronic alarm clock buzzing in my ear. Especially in the warmer seasons, torrential downpours are beyond comforting and delightful. All I want to do is curl up on the couch, wrap myself like a burrito in a blanket, light my favorite Voluspa candles, watch movies and nosh – a major plus is a storm extension into the evening (night storms are sublime). Unfortunately, my spring footwear doesn’t share my storm  zealot view.

I believe I’ve found the perfect solution for the soggy season. In the words of Shirley Manson, “I’m only happy when it rains,” if I’m lucky enough to splash around in the Valentino lace print rain boots! These buoyant beauties are the rage for keeping your feet soak-free from spring showers. The delicate lace design counterbalances the typical bulky, flat, rubber, rain boot whilst sophisticating your daily wardrobe. Style these versatile boots with denim, leggings, tights or sans tights – with a skirt/dress.

Happy splashing, Styleshack-istas!

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VALENTINO Lace Print Rain Boots – $295 (Nordstrom)

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What To Wear Wednesday: Leather Baseball Jacket

Two more days until Tigers Opening Day at Comerica Park. Otherwise known as “the best holiday of the year,” according to my brother-in-law. Indubitably, his view is shared amongst thousands of loyal Tigers fans who will be in attendance (either inside or outside the stadium) on Friday, April 5. Despite the wonky weather, Detroiters will be blessed with a somewhat warm (temps in the upper 50s) and pleasantly, sunny day .

So… what are you going to wear??

Luckily, it’ll be warm enough to eschew an oversized parka, but not to forgo outerwear altogether. My solution – Roots  Casablanca Baseball Jacket. This two-toned leather splendor is a vogue version of a varsity jacket. The slim cut is slenderizing – especially around the waist (which will come in handy after one too many ballpark hot dogs and ice cold brewskies). It’s sporty chic at its finest!

The Casablanca is one of many sporty chic jackets to opt from at your local Roots store. Take a gander in the Birmingham locale at:  211 W Maple Rd/ Birmingham/ MI/ 48009/ (248) 723-1407.

Pair this with your Detroit Tigers Ballpark Tee and denim ,or leggings, to glam up your Opening Day attire. Who knew baseball could be so fashionable? Enjoy the home opener in style!

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ROOTS ‘Casablanca’ Baseball Jacket – $398

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What-To-Wear Wednesday: Easter Brunch Frock

I look forward to Easter for two reasons: feasting at the DAC’s immaculate Easter brunch and sashaying in a bright, fanciful frock whilst indulging at the former. As a rule of thumb for most feast-worthy holidays, I tend to veer towards an A-line dress or a style that allows room for wiggle. If at the end of brunch (smorgasbord) I feel like I might need to be ushered out like Violet Beauregarde, no-one will be none the wiser due to my holiday conscious fashion choice of excess skirting; dutifully acting as a stylish smoke screen. Note to self, stay away from monochrome blue…

Which is exactly why I adore this bright, bold orange and yellow frock from Trina Turk. It matches all of my requirements for the spring holiday. The citrusy color-block design is fresh and playfully represents all the bright wonders of spring. Plus, the slim orange belt helps accentuate the waist and slim the silhouette.

It’s a must-have for Easter and will be a fantabulous edition to your spring wardrobe!

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TRINA TURK ‘Nautilus’ Print Silk Dress  – $398 (Nordstrom)

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