Edgy Chic

Edgy Chic by styleshack featuring lace up pumps

Giuseppe Zanotti lace up pumps
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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!

ROOTS ‘Casablanca’ Baseball Jacket – $398

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)

BRAHMIN Shopper Tote – $365

 

New York Fashion Week 2013 – Let’s Hear It For the NYC Boys!

I must admit, that when I think of New York Fashion Week 2013, I find myself singing “Let’s Hear It for the Boy” – Deniece Williams’ catchy single from the 1984 cult classic “Footloose” – but in this case, I’ve pluralized ‘boy’ in honor of the crème de la crème of New York’s male designers. It’s an appropriate anthem for the dapper, fashionable foursome – Jason Wu, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung and Marc Jacobs. Granted, Wu is Taiwanese-Canadian and Gurung is Nepali -American- both take residence in NYC, so technically they are ‘New Yorkers’… The NYC boys did their best to represent and ingrain New York’s mainstay as a global fashion mecca.

JASON WU- RTW F/W 2013

Jason Wu is inimitably known for his refined, ladylike designs. He was the coveted designer of the Inauguration gown for the First Lady, Michelle Obama- two terms in a row. But, for his seventh show at NYFW, Wu was determined to depart from the polished, demure limelight and embrace a sexier, edgier tone to his work. He refers to the collection as”Extreme Femininity” and his inspiration is “Smoldering.”  Wu tapped into sex appeal via decor – leather detail, sheerness- and color – black, white and ‘smoldering’ blue and red. Perfect examples of this sultry sojourn is displayed in plunging necklines and seductive leather-strapped cinched waists. I am Wu’d over with his provocative lineup.

MICHAEL KORS -RTW F/W 2013

Michael Kors stepped out of his minimal, neutral-toned element to enter a futuristic sporty world of loud, vibrant colors and exaggerated shapes and silhouettes. This F/W season is in homage to his sporty urban chic clientele – mostly transfixed on statement outerwear. Kors went as far as to name his yellow ‘Taxicab.” He dabbled in sturdy, durable materials – perforated felt, rubberized knits, heavy wool -and excessive boxier cuts. The futuristic black shades and fitted long black gloves were the perfect accessories to this cutting edge look. Kors definitely upped the ante! FYI-  I LOVE the shimmery cobalt blue houndstooth print!

PRABAL GURUNG – RTW F/W 2013

Interesting to note, Prabal Gurung was inspired by “Time” magazine’s article, “The Best Inventions of 2012.” He was drawn to a piece regarding the U.S. military testing body armor specifically designed to fit women because the men’s gear is too large for a high percentage of active women. Gurung’s inspiration led him to alter the classic military style by adding a feminine twist- slimming cuts, accentuated waists, slinky skirts, silk details/epaulets, plush fur, sheer sleeves, asymmetrical high slits and peplum. Another fascinating point is he specialized this collection by incorporating his Nepalese heritage through a gorgeous black and red folkloric print – which paired beautifully with the military chic attire. The icing on the cake was the stunning black leather slit gladiator thigh-high boots… I’d go to combat for those!

MARC JACOBS – RTW F/W 2013

Marc Jacobs is eminently known for his superb innovative and brazen designs, but for this collection it seems his eccentric side went into hibernation. To be quite honest, he did a splendid job with a more demure, elegant style. Jacobs played with a more neutral color palette of dusty rose, pale grey, burgundy, brown, gold, green and blue. It’s as if he’s channeled Gatsby and old Hollywood style – the gowns are definitely red carpet ready. Jacobs shined – no pun intended- with metallic paillettes and lushly sequined gowns and matching coats. To add luxe upon luxe, he topped it off with opulent, plush fox fur collars and capes. Elegance at it’s finest.

Overall, it seems the fabulous foursome have one theme in common this season – stepping out of the box and successfully executing a brave, new concept. They truly dominated the NYFW runways with their phenomenal collections. Equivalently, it was each one of their best shows to date.

New York Fashion Week, Day 1 Highlights: BCBG MAX AZRIA

Istanbul is the new Paris.

Max and Lubov Azria’s fall 2013 collection was inspired by the architecture of Istanbul and the Gypsies of southern Europe. The patterns were stylized after the tiles and mosaics of the ancient Turkish mosques. Boxy boyfriend cut embroidered leather jackets and fur had a huge presence. Along with a more traditional color scheme- shades of blue, oxblood red, black and white. A total nod to bohemian chic – breezy, flowing tunics, over-sized sweaters, lots of layering, laser-cut patterns, expansive coats, fur trim, all topped off with a stylish knit cashmere cap and thigh-high lizard embossed boots.

Hello, modern gypsy woman!

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