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

xosusan1

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

xosusan1

Jump Into January

Image

Giuseppe Zanotti ‘Metallic’ – $895 (Nordstrom)

Image

Isabel Marant ‘Bekett’ – $386 (Isabel Marant)

Image

Ash ‘Bea’ – $249 (Nordstrom)

Image

Express – $88 (Express)

Image

N.Y.L.A. ‘Collosus’ – $54.95 (DSW)

Image

Luxury Rebel ‘Bowie’ – $195 (Neiman Marcus)

Image

Aldo ‘Graziano’ – $110 (Aldo)

The impossible has been made possible; sneakers that bolster femininity and chic style whilst lengthening your legs and adding boost to your derriere!  A sneaker and platform hybrid? Who’d of thunk it? For those who’ve grappled with the idea of how to incorporate comfort of a sneaker -without looking boyish and/or  too casual- I believe we have Isabel Marant to thank for this. Two years ago, she paved the way for the hidden wedge gem to become a staple for shoe fashionistas. Her ‘Bekett’ hidden wedge platform sneaker became a fave amongst celebrity style icons, such as Beyonce, Miranda Kerr, Kate Bosworth, etc. Soon after, a host of designers (such as Steve Madden, Ash, Express, Aldo, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Chloe) took to the edgy street style trend and have made Ms. Marant’s luxury shoe more wallet friendly.

Personally, when it comes to shoes, my motto is: the higher the heel, the better! Firstly, I’ve always had a height complex and have strived to achieve the long-legged look for as long as I can remember. Secondly, I am an uber girly girl, so sneakers were obsolete in my closet because I considered them to be too boyish. Part of me believes there really isn’t a grey area between high heel lovers and sneaker fans. But, I do believe the hidden wedge sneaker hybrid has potential to act as a liaison between the two shoe worlds – an interesting juxtaposition of feminine and boyish structure.

So how do you pull of this look? The possibilities are endless and will add a flirty, edgy look to your style. They look fantastic with a skinny leg jean/pant or leggings and just as stylish with a skirt or dress. If you choose to pair it with a skinny jean or legging, try adding an oversized sweater, a billowy top, an off the shoulder shirt or tailored jacket to balance the outfit’s proportion.  If you’d like to be a little more daring, pair it with tights and shorts or a mini-skirt with a fitted blazer. I’m a little partial to trying the latter look.

xosusan1

Image

Image

Image          Image 

Imagexosusan1

ImageImage