Team-Up Thursday: Battle of the Stripes
Tag Archives: Alice + Olivia
Team-Up Thursday: Floral vs. Tribal
Color-Block Candy Colors: Chartreuse & Cobalt Blue
Dress – Single (Cusp)
Necklace – Anthropologie
Handbag- Balenciaga
High Heels – Alice+ Olivia
Team Up Thursday: Spots vs. Stripes?
Alice olivia
aliceandolivia.com
aliceandolivia.com
Alice olivia
aliceandolivia.com
aliceandolivia.com
Kelly Wearstler box clutch
kellywearstler.com
kellywearstler.com
Valentino leather shoulder bag
$1,795 – farfetch.com
$1,795 – farfetch.com
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.
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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.
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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.
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Prabal Gurung racer back tank top
target.com
target.com
Zara jacket
zara.com
zara.com
Alice + Olivia patterned jeans
$260 – harveynichols.com
$260 – harveynichols.com
Nine West slip on shoes
zappos.com
zappos.com
10 Crosby Derek Lam yellow handbag
neimanmarcus.com
neimanmarcus.com
Guess jewelry
guess.com
guess.com
Alexis Bittar collar jewelry
alexisbittar.com
alexisbittar.com
Flower Power Pumps
Ivory Tuxedo Jacket – Rachel Zoe Collection
Lilac Skinny Pant – J Brand
Floral Pumps – Alice + Olivia
Jewelry – Marlaina Stone (Marlee’s By Tappers)
Spring Trend 2013: Mod Prints
One doesn’t need a time machine to revisit 1960s Carnaby Street to experience the scintillating, beloved “Swinging London.” The revitalization of Mod prints and patterns – grid-like checks, wide stripes, chevron- allows you to relish in the fashionable heyday. This playful style graced many a runways – Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana, Moschino – of last September.
Stay traditional with the black and white palette or revamp the Mod trend in bold, bright pops of color. These bold prints are not as dizzying as you’d think. They are especially flattering on tall, slender body shapes – but what if you’re not? A great rule of thumb is to avoid displaying busy prints on your problem areas – i.e.- if you’re bottom heavy, pair a solid color pant or skirt with a chevron-patterned top and vice versa. If you’re not comfortable to wear this, a fantastic way to incorporate this trend into your style is via a fabulous accessory – handbag, shoe, headband, tights. If you’re feeling bold enough, play with mixing patterns – helpful to stay in the same color palette to start – chevron and checks!
Channel your inner Twiggy or Edie Sedgwick and acquiesce to the charm of the Swinging Sixties!
CHECK PLEASE
This ladylike ’60s classic is super haute in grid-like checks, checkerboard and cube prints. Step outside the black and white box and flaunt it proud in pastel!
J. CREW Collection Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in Windowpane Check – $268
FOREVER 21 Grid pattern Georgette Shirt – $15.80
KATE SPADE Checkered Lorelei Dress – $378
KATE SPADE New York Grid Sheer Black – $32 (Zappos Couture)
LOUIS VUITTON Envelope East/West – $3,700
BOLD & BRAZEN STRIPES
The wider the stripe, the better! Think vertical for the most flattering and slimming look.
BEBE Striped Multi Zip Skinny Jean – $129
HELMUT LANG Pax Combo Striped Leather Jacket – $1,2555 (Intermix)
MOTEL Dalia Striped Chiffon Blouse – $69 (Urban Outfitters)
MOYNA Stripe-Beaded Flap-Top Clutch Bag – $148 (Neiman Marcus)
ALIVE & OLIVIA Dina Stripe Faille Heel – $295
CHEVRON CHIC
You really can’t go wrong with this bold and slimming stripe. This figure-friendly print is fabulous on everyone!
LIMITED Chevron-Striped Dress – $64.90
MILLY Carina Stretch Cotton Sheath Dress – $375 (Nordstrom)
ANTHROPOLOGIE Chevron Shawl Top – $68
SWEATY BANDS Chevron Shuffle Head Wrap – $15 (Nordstrom)
What-To-Wear Wednesday: “Cirque” Edition
Our WTWW is dedicated to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) upcoming annual, stylish gala, “Cirque,” on Saturday, February, 9 – from 8 P.M. – 12:30 A.M at the DIA’s Kresge Court. This year’s theme is “City Lights, Dark Nights” and attire is ‘winter chic’ – swanky, dazzling cocktail attire. Cirque’s 2o13 theme makes me think of monochromatic black & white, golden glitter and painting the D’ red! Ladies, if you’re still deciding on what to wear, your indecisiveness has been solved. I’ve selected a multitude of last-minute luxurious looks to peruse from. Also, if you haven’t purchased your tickets already, you may do so here or by calling 313.833.4005. FYI- This prime event will sell out, so nab those tickets and exquisite ensemble ASAP! Just in case you didn’t know “What happens at Cirque, stays at Cirque…”
Michael Kors Ikat-Print-A-Line Dress – $2595 (Neiman Marcus)
ABS Strapless Floral Dress – $340 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Alice+Olivia Luna Leather -Top Maxi Dress – $597 (Neiman Marcus)
BCBG Beaute Lace Jumpsuit – $268
BCBG One Shoulder Asymmetrical Chiffon Dress – $228
Badgley Mischka Sequined Scoop-Back Long-Sleeve Cocktail Dress – $395 (Neiman Marcus)
Black Halo Colorblock Dress – $375 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Shoshanna Amber Ruffled One-Shoulder Dress – $375 (Neiman Marcus)
Cynthia Steffe ‘Malena’ Sequin Bodice Pleated Handkerchief Dress – $268 (Nordstrom)
ABS Sequined Dress – $420 (Saks Fifth Avenue)
Mark+James By Badgley Mischka Sequin Pattern Cocktail Dress – $595 (Neiman Marcus)
Herve Leger Metallic Fit and Flare Bandage Dress – $1850 (Neiman Marcus)
Herve Leger ‘Mondrian’ Colorblock Bandage Dress – $1390 (Neiman Marcus)
Herve Leger Cut-In Bandage Dress – $1190 (Neiman Marcus)
Nicole Miller Lace Sheath Dress – $420 (Nordstrom)
French Connection ‘Ozlem’ Scoop Back Sequin Fit & Flare Dress – $248 (Nordstrom
Alexia Admor Lace Overlay Dress – $158 (Nordstrom)
Oscar de la Renta Ruffle-Hem Lace Dress – $3190 (Neiman Marcus)
A.B.S. By Allen Schwartz One Shoulder Silk Dress – $198 (Nordstrom)
Vince Camuto Metallic Bead Trim Chiffon Shift Dress – $168 (Nordstrom)
Tadashi Shoji Textured Lace Dress – $308 (Nordstrom)
A Modern Romance, Part Deux: Courting Your Closet
‘Tis the season (and month) for enchantments of the heart! With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, the timing is perfect for romance to dominate spring 2013! Last week highlighted ways that romance ruled the runways via -ravishing ruffles, lady-like lace, sheer silks, charming chiffon, pretty pleats, astonishing appliqués, precious pastels and fancy florals. Now it’s time to incorporate fairy tale fashion into your very own wardrobe. Ladies, prepare to court your closet (and yourself) with a sprinkled selection of swoon-worthy amorific pieces.
RUFFLES GALORE
BCBG ‘Arabella’ Cocktail Dress – $338
Anthropologie ‘Dolly’ Chambray Dress – $298
Karma ‘San Suu’ Jacket – $108 (Nordstrom)
Red By Marc Ecko Ruffle Hobo – $58.99 (Macy’s)
PEEK-A-BOO LACE
3.1 Phillip Lim ‘Peek-A-Boo’ Lace Collage Shirt- $357 (Neiman Marcus)
Free People Floral Mesh Lace Dress – $128
Free People Diamond Knit Lace Skirt – $168
Valentino Couture-Bow Lace Platform Pump – $895 (Neiman Marcus)
SHEER APPEAL
Free People ‘Merrie’s’ Limited Edition Flapper Dress – $700
Express Chiffon Overlay Wedge Top – $39.90
Mossimo Chiffon Pleated Maxi Skirt – $24.99
Forever 21 Heart Print Scarf – $8.80
APPLIQUÉ ALL DAY
Milly ‘Skyler’ Embellished Tee – $178 (Nordstrom)
Tracy Reese ‘Colwyn’ Brocade Dress – $398 (Anthropologie)
Mossimo Large Hinge Glitter Clutch – $14.99 (Target)
Forever 21 Knotted Bead Headband – $4.80
PRETTY IN PASTEL
Alice+Olivia Extra-Long Wide-Leg Floral Pants – $297 (Neiman Marcus)
Alice+Olivia ‘Arie’ Tied Blouse – $264 (Neiman Marcus)
Xhiliration Mint Crossbody Small Quilted Bag – $19.99
J. Crew ‘Maddie’ Ballet Flats – $198
FLOWER POWER
Rachel Roy A-Line Flouncy Dress – $448 (Neiman Marcus)
BCBG ‘Ksenia’ Printed A-Line Dress – $298
Anthropologie ‘Ayora’ Brocade Jacket – $168
Alexander McQueen ‘Dragonfly De-Manta’ Clutch – $525
Here’s the FUR-One-One: Tips on Fur Fashion
For the past three days, I’ve awoken to a thermostat that has consistently read 0°F. Yes, you’ve read right… 0°F!! It’s so cold that when I blink outside, I may suffer from having my eyelids frozen shut. Holy ISH, it’s COLD in the mitten! For my national and international friends, at this moment, I am willing to comply with your affixed perception that Michigan is precisely akin to the frigid Arctic climate. For years I’ve tried dispelling your asinine beliefs that Michiganders: live in the North Pole, ice fish with polar bears and have pet penguins –mind you, this debate was common when I resided in Boston. But, for this hyperboreal week, geography aside, the Arctic climate convictions are not so asinine.
Back to the unbearably, icy, cold temperature- it has sparked my desire for all things warm, cozy and especially, furry. This winter I’ve been alternating between my Alice+Olivia ‘Kyah’ wool double-breasted fur trimmed coat (pictured above left) and my Add Down Goose down fur-lined hood coat (pictured above right). Both function as brilliant statement outerwear pieces and keep me comfortably, bundled warm from the frostiest of temps.
“Anna Karenina”
Banana Republic (F/W 2012)
This winter season I’ve gravitated to almost all things adorned with fur – collar/hood trimmed coats, hats, earmuffs, vests and scarves. Perhaps it’s partially (or more so) due to my current infatuation with 19th century Imperial Russia. I recently finished Tolstoy’s “Anna Karenina” and watched Joe Wright’s “Anna Karenina” (Oscar nominated for Costume Design) which have catapulted me back to a time of opulent, luxurious fashion (or at lest dreaming of it). In the film, the women’s costumery is beyond breathtaking and divine – lush taffetas, chiffon, brocade, lady-like lace, velvet and LOTS of plush fur! Not only was I inspired, so was Banana Republic‘s fall/winter 2012 season collection.
The resurgence of fur continues strongly after dominating the runways of Paris, New York and Milan for Fall/Winter 2012-2013 – indubitably in outerwear. From keeping it neutral with likes of St. John, Michael Kors, J Mendel, Iceberg and DKNY to bold, vibrant pops of color and graphic pattern via Giorgio Armani, Jean-Paul Gaultier , Meadham Kirchhoff, Moschino Cheap and Chic, and Iceberg. It was a delight to see the play in variation of lengths, cuts and styles. Michael Kors’ long, thick, fringe-cut coat adds a playful and modern twist- it breaks up the heaviness in length. Jean-Paul Gaultier breaks away from the boxy structure by belting the waist to accentuate the silhouette. Regardless of hue + style, they all share finesse and sophistication as a common theme.
So, now you’re probably wondering where to begin? How and where do you choose a fur piece? What is the fur criteria? Firstly, you should begin by choosing the proper furrier (fur specialist), whom can be found in a department store, such as the Fur Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue (Somerset Collection in Troy, MI) or a local fur salon, Ceresnie & Often Furs (181 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birminham, MI 48009 – 248.642.1690) and Dittrich Furs (39515 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 – 248.642.3000 & 7373 Third Ave, Detroit, MI 48202 – 313.873.8300). According to Dittrich Furs, in regards to choosing the type of fur, “Consider how you’ll wear your fur. If you want an everyday fur, mink, beaver, raccoon or coyote may be your best choices. If you prefer a luxury or dressy fur, mink, sable, lynx or fox may suit you better. In any event, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to buy a fur that will be appropriate for all occasions. So select the one that will suit your overall lifestyle best.” It’s interesting to note that warmth isn’t gauged on fur length- outer hair. It’s determined by the dense underfur. The different types of fur are for aesthetic appeal. FYI, Dittrich Furs is currently celebrating their 119th Clearance Sale -Every Fur Reduced 50% or more!
Plus, 1000 Fur Fashions tagged for an EXTRA 10%, 20% or 30% OFF! The sale runs until Saturday, January 26th! If I were you, I’d run, not walk, to this epic clearance!
If a full-on-fur coat is too overwhelming, think of introducing it through accessories and adornments. You may not be entirely ready to jump into this trend,which is perfectly fine, but might be interested in dabbling in the style. I would suggest looking for a coat or jacket with a fur trimmed hood or collar. Other options include a fur scarf, fur-trimmed handbag, fur-lined boots and a fur hat (Ushanka- Russian style; my personal favorite). You can become one with the trend per the power of accessories! It will add just enough panache and sophistication as its larger counterpart. Remember, fur is timeless, re-styleable and environmental friendly (it’s a sustainable and bio-degradable resource). In order to maintain a fur’s timelessness, make sure to take proper care of it by annually cleaning it via a fur specialist (ask your furrier for a local cleaner) and to store it properly in a dark space to avoid sun damage- direct light will wreck the original hue. Regardless, on what you decide, wear it with confidence, make sure to take proper care of your newfound fur prized possession and stay warm!
Saks Fifth Avenue Collection Fox Fur Headband/Collar – $225
Cole Haan Black Sheepskin Shearling Long Coat – $1,799 (Bluefly)
Blue Duck Silver Fox Fur Jacket – $850 (Nordstrom)
Pajar ‘Kayla’ Down Parka with Rabbit & Coyote Fur – $398.65 (Nordstrom)
Notes from the Styleshack... 