Categories
CLOTHING

Back to Basics: Timeless White Shirt (Part I)

how to wear black and white, wardrobe staples, white button up shirt for every agePhotos: Milla Jovovich & Lily Donaldson; Courtesy of vogue.fr, vogue.co.uk.

I’m tired of the twice a year wardrobe purge and seasonal buying process, do you feel the same way? I really think that half wardrobe should be filled with high-quality (not equal high price) staples that have permanent residence. No better time than now to go back to basics, because this season, they are taking center stage!

Let’s get started with what I consider the No.1 wardrobe essential: a crisp white button down shirt. It’s versatile, timeless and ageless. When hunting for classic pieces like this, I always look for details that are subtle yet make a huge difference:

For casual occasions, I love it in soft, comfy material, with laid-back details, like this one by Splendid, adore the slightly dropped shoulder and front pocket; For office wear, I love it with structured silhouette and minimal details, like this one by J.Crew, adore the perfect cut and clean shape; For fancy and formal occasions, I love it with luxurious touches and unexpected design, like this one by Elizabeth and James, love the jeweled buttons and amazing waist design at the back!

As for styling, it’s all about balance: women in their 20s and early 30s can give their white shirt a playful, youthful vibe by pairing it with mini or skater skirt, ankle booties or sneakers; For women in their late 30s and above, I would suggest that focus on quality over quantity, invest in a few key items, like black pants, high-waist pencil skirt and great pumps, use accessories to keep your outfits current and updated.

how to wear black and white; wardrobe staples; Alternatives: Elizabeth and James Jeweled Button Cohen Shirt in White, Lafayette 148 New York 'Menswear' Trousers,  Brian Atwood Maniac Patent Platform Pumps,  Charlotte Olympia Pandora Classic Clutch in Clear,  Michael Kors 'Small Madison' Twin Row Crystal Watch,  David Yurman Sterling Silver Cable Stackable Ring,

Shirt: Elizabeth and James (love the jeweled buttons! great buy here)
Pants: Lafayette 148 New York (similar here)
Shoes: Brian Atwood ($50 here)
Clutch: Charlotte Olympia (great find at $48 here)
Watch: Michael Kors
Ring: David Yurman (similar here)

wardrobe staples; Alternatives: Splendid Button Down Shirt,  J.Crew Denim mini,  Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties,  Gorjana Viceroy Earrings,

Shirt: Splendid (40% off! great buy here)
Skirt: J.Crew (similar here)
Shoes: Sam Edelman (more size options here)
Earrings: Gorjana
Lip: M·A·C ‘Vegas Volt’

Categories
CLOTHING

Statement Accessories: Retro, Punk or Ethnic

 how to wear bold, retro, futuristic, edgy, cut out, ethnic jewelry by helen hou, the art of accessorizing

Photos: (clockwise from top left) Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, Shala Monroque, Coco Rocha, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Sofía Sanchez Barrenechea. 
Courtesy of celebrityredcarpet.co.uk, vogue.comsplashnewsonline.com.

Spring/summer is a great time to play with different types of statement accessories–when we dress less, eye-catching accessories really help to elevate the simple outfits while filling in the blanks. Today, I picked several of my favorites this season, from Miranda Kerr’s retro sunglasses and Punk finger ring set to Olivia Palermo’s ethnic choker necklace and futuristic slate-colored pearls, from Shala Monroque’s whimsical brooch to Sofía Sanchez Barrenechea’s edgy cut-out cuffs, hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore more sides of yourself!

Retro round sunglasses on Miranda Kerr-by helen hou, the art of accessorizing, Alternative: Quay Retro Sunglasses,  A.J. Morgan 52mm Retro Round Sunglasses,  Madewell hepcat shades,  3.1 Phillip Lim Amber And Yellow Tortoiseshell Sunglasses,  Prada Baroque Round Sunglasses,  Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Round Sunglasses,

Sunglasses:
Quay
A.J. Morgan 
Madewell
3.1 Phillip Lim
Prada (truly an art piece!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs ($14 here)

Shala Monroque-white and gold-by helen hou, the art of accessorizing, Alternative: Forever 21 Panther Brooch,  Alexis Bittar 'Allegory' Dragonfly Statement Pin,

Brooches:
Alexis Bittar
Forever 21

Doutzen Kroes-silver cuff Alternative: K KaneSilver Signature Cuff,  Forever 21 Cutout Chevron Cuff,  Vince Camuto 'Basics' Cuff,  Mango Embossed metallic cuff,  Deborah Lippmann Nail Color,

Cuff: (clock wise from top left)
K Kane
Forever 21
Vince Camuto
Mango
Nail: Deborah Lippmann “hit me with your best shot”

Miranda Kerr-rock and edgy jewelry set Alternative: Gorjana Chloe Necklace,  CC SKYE Mini Spike Bracelet,  Ariella Collection 'Messages - Love' Script Station Bangle,  Maison Martin Margiela Open Ring Set, ASOSChunky Bracelets & Rings Multipack  ,

 

Necklace: Gorjana
Bracelets: 
CC Skye (similar here)
Ariella Collection (40% off)
Rings: 
Maison Martin Margiela (similar here & here)
Asos

futuristic bold grey pearl necklaces Alternative: stella & dotIsadora Pearl Bib Necklace,  AZ Collection Mirror Polished Ball Necklace,

Necklaces:
Stella & Dot
AZ Collection

statement necklace transforms an outfit Alternative: DANNIJO Medine Bib Necklace,   Stella & Dot Indira Necklace,

Necklaces:
Dannijo
Stella & Dot (50% off now!)

Olivia Palermo wearing ethnic accessories Alternative: Pachamama necklace,  Mango MANGOEthnic necklace,

Necklaces: 
Pachamama
Mango

Categories
CLOTHING

Brighten Up Your Work Wardrobe

Miranda Kerr street style: wearing Alexander McQueen Heroine orange bag, Stella McCartney printed blouse, Manolo Blanhik blue pumps, black cropped pants and oversized sunglasses Victoria Beckham airport style wearing Victoria Beckham Collection coat and aviator sunglasses, orange pants, white shirt, Chloe sandal by helen hou, the art of accessorizing

Photos: Miranda Kerr & Victoria Beckham; Courtesy of akmgsi.com, instyle.com.

A fresh new week just started, with coming work and meetings, we definitely need some inspiring outfit ideas to lift up our spirit. Today, I featured two office-friendly looks from leading ladies in fashion industry. Take a hint from them, dress stylishly yet appropriately.

Adding a punch of color through accessories is a great start to try brights in the office: a scarlet skinny belt,  a statement banglea bright tote, a delicate pump, or even just a pair of colored sunglasses.If you are comfortable with more than one bright color, there are several great combinations to play with: orange and blue/teal (like Miranda Kerr’s orange satchel and blue suede pumps),  yellow and purple, green and red.

After you are comfortable with bright colors, feel free to move to colored clothing, they can be totally professional as long as you do it right: Choose those with sleek and classic silhouette and keep them tailored; Pair them with other 9-to-5 staples, like Victoria Beckham did above: a crisp white button down shirt paired with bright orange trousers; Keep the accessories neutral and simple. 

Miranda Kerr street style: wearing Alexander McQueen Heroine orange bag, Stella McCartney printed blouse, Manolo Blanhik blue pumps, black cropped pants and oversized sunglasses by helenhou.com-the art of accessorizing; alternative:Reiss Josh printed oversize shirt, Gap Slim cropped pants,Furla 'Candy' Transparent Rubber Satchel, Chinese Laundry Area pump,Tory Burch 59mm Oversized Sunglasses

Top: Reiss (great style here)
Pants: Gap (similar on sale here)
Bag: Furla (more color options here; Designer version on Miranda Kerr here)
Shoes: Chinese Laundry ($56! great style here; Designer version on Miranda Kerr here)
Sunglasses: Tory Burch

Victoria Beckham airport style wearing Victoria Beckham Collection coat and aviator sunglasses, orange pants, white shirt, Chloe sandal by helen hou, the art of accessorizing;Alternative: Jcrew stretch perfect shirt, DV by Dolce Vita Tremor platform sandal, Ray-Ban 'Original Aviator' 58mm Sunglasses,Lauren Ralph Lauren Reversible Croc Embossed Belt,VANESSA BRUNO Casual orange wide leg pants

Shirt: J.Crew (great buy here)
Pants: Vanessa Bruno (also here; similar here)
Belt: Lauren Ralph Lauren (also here)
Shoes: DV by Dolce Vita (now on sale for $54!)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (also here; on Victoria Beckham here)