Month: March 2013

Three Simple Tips To Upgrade Your White Dress

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 20, 2013

Photos: (from left) Nicole Richie, Taylor Swift and Rachel Zoe; Courtesy of redcarpet-fashionawards.com, mirror.co.uk, yesitiskevin.blogspot.com.

Three ways to instantly update your white dress? You probably can tell from the looks above: add a pop of color with an eye-catching red box clutch, draw the eye up with a pair of exotic turquoise earrings; perfectly frame your face with a bold statement necklace. But not all three together of course.

Pay attention to the details when you are picking these outfit makers: for a sharp, modern black and white dress, Nicole Richie picked a red clutch with a whimsical antiqued golden clasp. The snake skin effect faux leather also echoes the edginess of her dress; Rachel Zoe balanced her innocent, sober dress with bold statement necklace and oversized bracelet. Since all of her add-ons are pretty bold, she kept them in a similar tone.

As you can tell from the three pictures below, Taylor Swift’s look is my favorite. Her curvaceous, ravishing dress fits like a glove, a perfect balance between sexy and elegant. The turquoise earrings are truly unexpected on red carpet. To steal a scene, grab the attention, red carpet dressing is all about the unexpected. That’s why a bold turquoise piece can easily beat expensive diamond (remember this look of Hedi Klum?)

We don’t have many chances to wear gowns, but today’s three simple tips work perfectly with your white sundress, maxi dress or sheath. Don’t forget to give them a try when you need to dress up for a night out, a fancy dinner or a formal event!

Details of Taylor Swift’s look; Courtesy of mirror.co.uk, redcarpet-fashionawards.com, stylefrizz.com.

From left:
BCBG Max Azria strapless cascade gown
ONE by Babs Bibb maxi dress
Tory Burch Breanna dress

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-red clutch and black white gown inspired by Nicole Richie

House of Harlow 1960 Olivia clutch (on sale!)
Diane von Furstenberg crystal & patent leather clutch
Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry wishbone necklace & butterfly necklace

From left:
Bounkit turquoise & clear quartz earrings
Kendra Scott Danielle earrings
Kenneth Jay Lane turquoise bead drop earrings (similar here)

Ben-Amun pearl and dangling pendant necklace (similar here)

Tags black and white, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, House of Harlow 1960, Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, Nicole-Richie, Rachel Zoe, red clutch, Roberto Cavalli, statement necklace, Taylor Swift, Turquoise earring, white dress

CLOTHING

Styling Tips For In-Between Season

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 19, 2013

Photo: Blake Lively; Courtesy of vogue.com, aceshowbiz.com.

Apparently, winter is not done with us. Every time I was expecting sunshine, another heavy snow came. Although adorable spring pieces are calling, we still need winter clothes for a while. Thankfully, we are not alone, even celebrities can’t “beat” the cold. But the tips to make fall/winter numbers fresh and current? Take a hint from today’s look of Blake Lively.

The Marios Schwab dress on her is made for next fall/winter, but I’m sure burgundy pieces can be easily found in our own wardrobe. By pairing the dress with fresh white pumps that are right on trend this spring, she made it in-between season appropriate. Her bare legs balanced the thick wool coat. The total look is not harsh in cold weather while sending that fresh spring allure.

Like what Blake did, a little bit of balance is what we need for this awkward transaction time: warm cashmere with light jacket instead of wool coat; thick outerwear with flowy dress or airy button-down shirt instead of winter knits; fitted jacket paired with ankle booties whereas long coat with sexy pumps or sandals.

Below are my favorite ways to update my burgundy pieces in chilly early spring: studded clutch and black/white sandals go perfectly with an A-line dress; a delicate lace dress needs modern metallic add-ons; fresh white pumps add sexy, feminine touch to the casual sweater and jeans combo (don’t you love the unexpected heel? It’s truly a piece of art!)

Dress: ModCloth
Coat: Burberry London (similar here)
Bag: Natasha Couture (under $25 here)
Shoes: BCBG Max Azria

Dress: J.Crew Collection (love everything about it!)
Coat: Burberry London (similar here)
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (great style here)
Shoes: J.Crew

Coat: Burberry London (similar here)
Sweater: Topshop
Jeans: J Brand (great style here)
Shoes: Balmain (great buy here)

Tags black and white, Blake Lively, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, burgundy dress, distressed jeans, lace dress, Marios Schwab, metallic bag, mirror bag, studded clutch, trench coat, white pumps

CLOTHING

Go Green: Shades and Tips For Every Age

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 16, 2013

Photos (from left): Emmy Rossum,Nicole Warne and Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of justjared.com, fellt.com, au.lifestyle.yahoo.com.

Spring is a great time to “go green”. To incorporate this great color in our outfit, I featured these three looks above. Let’s learn some tips on how to rock different shades of green at every age stage!

The understated dark green on Emmy Rossum (above left) is a great start, especially for those of you who are wary of any brights. You can pair this color with neutrals (like the brown and grey on her) for a sophisticated look, or with prints (like the nautical striped sweater I paired below) for a modern, fresh look.

For women over 40, you can choose a knee-length version. Beware of proportion though: A-line skirt with fitted or cropped top (like Emmy Rossum did above) whereas pencil or mini skirt with oversized top (like I did below).

Sweater: Tory Burch (great style here)
Skirt: DKNY (great buy here)
Bag: Coach (also here)
Shoes: Nicholas Jocelyn

If you are ready to try bright colors, accessories are always a great place to start. Nicole Warne’s look (above middle) nailed the black and white trend and brightened up the outfit with a pop of beautiful eye-catching kelly green bag.

Not all of us are lucky enough to have her vintage dress and designer coat, but a printed sundress that can be worn year round and right-on-trend colorblock coat with leather sleeves are pieces easy to find and take no effort to style. PS: you have to own at least one pair of white shoes this season! This classic singe sole pointy toe version is definitely worth the investment.

This look is great for women at any age. You can change the green bag into any bright colored ones you already have in your closet.

Coat: Mango (lust worthy version here)
Dress: Parker
Bag: J.Crew
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (great buy here)

Olivia Palermo is never afraid of colors and prints. And I especially appreciate the modern, fashion-forward way she mixes and matches them.

This look (above right) from her is easy for us to recreate: play with colors by pairing this sharply tailored green blazer with bright yellow skinny jeans, and ground the outfit with neutral bags and pumps, extra bonus for two tone versions.

Tailored blazer, skinny jeans and classic pumps are great go-to choices for women at any age. When it comes to colors, get experimental with any bright combination (blue and orange/pink, purple/red with yellow…) when you are under 30. Pick one bright piece for a more sophisticated look when over 40.