[Outfit Post] with Lace Bandeau, High Waist Black Skirt, Long Cardigan, and Christian Louboutin Nude Heels…A Stylishly Hip Look

I have actually worn this outfit a few times and finally just posting this now.  

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a black bandeau with pink lace detailing from Victoria’s Secret.  I purchased this a couple years ago at a semi-annual sale and the moment I saw it, I just knew I would be able to find creative ways to style this out in public (I suppose it was totally not intended this way, lol but I found a way to make it work ;)).  Bandeaus are great layering pieces and the lace detail adds a pop of color, which I’m all about!  Although bright colors are on trend this season, if you haven’t noticed, I’m already obsessed with bright colors!

The black stretch high waisted skirt is from Bebe.  I purchased this during the holidays.  Although I have only worn it a few times, I find this to be such a wardrobe staple.  I’ll find a ton more ways to style it, believe me!

The long white open cardigan is from Express.  I love this layering piece, it really completes a lot of outfits while keeping the skin exposure to a minimum.

The nude lace up shoes are by Christian Louboutin.  Yes, these are the love of my life, so I try to wear them sparingly, but being that they are nude, they truly go with just about anything.

[Where to wear this outfit]:  I have worn this outfit a couple times already.  Once while out with a friend and also on Mother’s Day.  I like it that much!

[Stylish Notes]:

–  This outfit not only happens to capture current trends (with pop of hot pink and exposed midriff), but also is a true reflection of my stylish soul.   I love that there is a high contrast between the colors and the layering is simple, yet so visually intriguing.

–  I am completely in favor of the exposed midriff this season.  The key to styling this trend tastefully is to make sure you’re still covered up and not completely exposed.  That’s why the long white cardigan is a necessity!

– I actually styled this outfit a year ago, except with a pair of high waisted black shorts.  Both variations of the outfit are stylishly effective and there is no doubt that I will be wearing this outfit throughout the season.

[Fashion for Thought]:  A fabulous outfit does not always necessarily need to be trendy, but it should always be a true representation of who you are.  

I always dress for aesthetics and physical comfort comes secondary.  By that I mean that I do not feel “comfortable” unless I’m aesthetically comfortable with the visual outcome.  When looking at an outfit, if something bothers me visually, I reach a state of discomfort.  Whereas, wearing a pair of 4″ heels does not phase me whatsoever.  It may not be the most physically comfortable thing in the world, but visually, I’m content and that’s what matters most from my styling standpoint.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]

[Outfit Post] with Black Bodysuit, Aqua Lace Shorts, and Hot Pink Accents…A Posh Spring Look

Thankfully, the weather was amazing this weekend, so I was able to pull off this nice spring outfit with a new pair of shorts I picked up a week prior.

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a black Bebe bodysuit.  It’s really hard to appreciate the styling details of the bodysuit, but it actually has a beautiful tribal-esque design embroidered on the front.

The aqua lace shorts are from Forever 21, purchased a couple weeks ago.  I really don’t need another pair of lace shorts being that I just purchased a nude pair and also own a black pair, but the color was simply too gorgeous to pass up.  Plus, I am always looking for brighter pieces to mix with my excessively black wardrobe.

The nude cuffed peep toe shoes are Miss Sixty.  I wear nude shoes a lot during the spring/summer months as you have probably picked up from my most recent [Outfit Posts].

The black belt with the lace up center and gold accents is by Guess.  I own a ton of black belts, but this happens to be one of my personal favorites.  It’s so incredibly versatile and really pulls the final look together in an instant.

[Where to wear this outfit]:  I actually wore this to a Greek festival that I was invited to.  It was in the evening, so i actually had a white jacket that I wore over this since it got much cooler in the evening.

[Stylish Notes]:

–  What I love most about these shorts are that I can wear style them high waisted or as regular shorts.   High waist bottoms are inevitable this season and personally, I can’t get enough of the trend!

–  Aqua happens to be one of my favorite colors, especially within fashion.  What can I say, I love my bright colors!  It’s refreshing and fun while adding the right amount of contrast to any look.

Styling Tip:  A belt at the waist is one of the easiest ways to complete a look while emphasizing a small waistline with a slimming effect.  (Hey, I’m a big believer of the saying, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”  In other words, always know your styling assets and work with it!  Trust me, everyone has them!)

I also want to point out that I incorporated other pops of color on both my lips and nails. I’m thriving on hot pink in all forms, from beauty to fashion.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]

“That’s So Hot White Now” – [Spring 2012 Trend Alert]

With bright colors making a splash this season, we cannot forget to go back to the basics and value the beauty of a classic, crisp white.

I feel that a monochromatic white look is the new black.  It’s a much more refreshing styling alternative, so let’s embrace it.

I had been on a fashion hunt for a simple white jacket which I was able to find yesterday at Forever 21.  From my existing wardrobe, I have a pair of white denim shorts with gold hardware, white denim skirt, white cotton mini skirt, and white sunglasses (I have been wearing the same white sunglasses for the past two years!  Whether it is on trend or not, I just like them and the design is surprisingly very simple!  Until I find something that I like better, I will probably rock these for years to come!)

[What white pieces are you investing in this season?]

Pretty, Pretty Pastel Please? – Spring 2012 Handbag Trend

I wanted to showcase spring’s freshest handbags with a little fashion eye candy that captures pretty pastels in various shades.  It’s also nice seeing pastels with feminine touches:  lace, floral designs, bows, hearts, and all other girl styling details.  

I actually do not like to wear too much pastel clothing (I’m too fair, so it doesn’t contrast against my skin as nicely), but when it comes to handbags, I am all about it! Personally, I’m very much liking pastel peach sorbet shades, which I’m seeing a lot this season.

[Are you loving pastels this season?]  

[Outfit Post] with Black Beaded Halter, White Capris, and Pink Sweater Shrug…A Metallic Black and White Look

This is a look that I wore recently that’s very simple for the day but also dressy enough to carry you into the evening for going out to dinner and drinks.  

About This Outfit:

[The Outfit]:  I am wearing a black halter with ties at the sides and beading at front from Guess.  This is one of my favorite black tops that I own.  It’s hard to see the styling details because of the outer layer, but the fit and proportions it hits on the body is pure perfection.

The pink sweater shrug is from Express.  This shrug has silver threading in the fabric which adds shine and makes it a little more glamourous looking.

I’m wearing white capris that are from Delia’s.  I don’t shop there anymore but was happy to find this recently at a consignment store and they fit great!  Typically their clothing run exceptionally small since their clothing caters more to teenagers.

The black peep toe wedges are by Rebecca Taylor.  They are velvet and the wedges have silver beading on the sides which coordinates perfectly with the embellishments of the black halter top.

[Where to wear this outfit]:  As I mentioned, I think this is great to wear at day and night.  It’s nice to have outfits that you can wear all day that are comfortable but don’t compromise style.  I find many people want to feel comfortable at all times but just don’t know to pull it off while still looking effortlessly stylish.

[Stylish Notes]:

–  Being that I own a good amount of black tops, I always like to have an assortment of white bottoms to contrast the black.  Besides these white capris, I also have a white pair of shorts and two white skirts (one is denim and the other is a stretchy cotton blend).

Styling Tip:  They say that white can make you look bigger on the bottom, but if you find bottoms that have an amazing fit to begin with, you will not face this issue.  The color should not dictate whether or not you look bigger/heavier.  You need to just always pay closest attention to the fit of the garment itself!

–  To accentuate a small waist, I always explain that there needs to be a horizontal line created right at the smallest part of the waist (or close to it).  This is why I always go for shrugs and cropped pieces because they visually draw the eye towards the waist.  In this look, the shrug hits a little above the waist, but it’s also not a straight line cutting across, so it’s okay that it’s hitting the body slightly above.  You still see a slimming effect at the waist thanks to the tight fit of the first layer, which is the black halter top..

–  Anything with ties in the front adds visual interest to an ensemble.  I love that this look features a tie at the front center and then the top has ties on the sides as well.  Both are great styling details that compliment each other quite fantastically.

[Thanks for viewing!  Thoughts?]