Month: July 2013

Summer Shorts: Edgy Leather & Sexy Pump (Part V)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 21, 2013

Photos: Lily Collins & Beyoncé; Courtesy of vogue.com, justjared.com.

The heat wave seams tamed, weather cooled down here in New York. Usually I would immediately pull out my favorite leather shorts, but with a huge belly at 35 weeks, I still need to wait patiently. The good part is my shorts can wait too since I can wear them year round: spring/summer with lace and pastel tops, early fall with jumpers/jackets, later with thick tights and booties.

Besides distressed denim cutoffs, leather shorts are what I wear most in spring/summer. I prefer faux leather because they are more breathable considering the weather. But this season, designers reinvented this beloved piece, treated leather like any other fabric, made them paper-thin, flowy, soft and colorful. Because of my pregnancy, I haven’t try one yet, so those of you who tried, please share with me your thoughts!

For those who haven’t, before move to any printed, colored, scalloped hem, cut-out leather shorts, the basic black pair is definitely a must-have. It goes with everything (from a simple white Tee to romantic lace blouse, from a floral printed blazer to tough motorcycle jacket) and instantly make the look effortlessly chic.

Here, Lily Collins & Beyoncé’s outfits are great for a date night or hanging out with friends. The structured blazer and sophisticated palette make these looks ageless too. Changing the shoes to sneakers or loafers, they are great for everyday wear.

And once again, the “Nothing has the transformational effect of a great shoe or beautiful bag” claim had proved: the red clutch and mint green pump on them instantly brighten up the outfits, making them fun & summery.

1. Helmut Lang blazer (70% off! also on sale here)
2. Tibi classic silk camisole (great alternative here)
3. Givenchy shark tooth necklace (similar here)
4. Topshop leather look shorts (on Lily Colins here)
5. Tom Ford lip color ‘True Coral’
6. Kate Spade New York pump (also here)
7. Loeffler Randall lock clutch (on sale!)

1. Helmut Lang jacket (on sale; under $60 here & here)
2. House of Harlow 1960 Carmen sunglasses
3. Splendid stretch camisole (or this one)
4. Topshop leather look shorts ($18 here)
5. Kate Spade New York pump (on Beyoncé on sale here!)
6. ASOS hat (featured here)
7. Sophie Hulme envelope crossbody bag (on sale here)

Tags Beyoncé, colored pumps, leather shorts, Lily Collins, party outfits, printed blazer, red bag, spring/summer, street style, White Blazer

CLOTHING

Helen’s Weekly Bargain Finds — 7/19/13

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 20, 2013

The art of accessorizing-helen's weekly bargain finds-leather skirt-floral clutch, strappy sandal, mirror sunglasses

Clockwise from top left:
J.Crew silk keyhole top (with code EXTRA 30)
Rhyme Los vegan leather skirt
ASOS aviator sunglasses
Gomax heel sandal (love this leopard version!)
ASOS A Novel clutch (with code TAKE10)
Kenneth Jay Lane enamel earrings

Tags Bargain Finds, floral bag, leather skirt, mirrored sunglasses, Strap Sandal

CLOTHING

Summer Shorts: Romantic White & Earthy Brown (Part IV)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 19, 2013

Photos: (from left) Nikki Phillips, Alessandra Ambrosio & Kate Bosworth; Courtesy of vogue.com, zimbio.com, justjared.com.

In Part Three, we shared the versatile yet stylish summer shorts: white denim cutoffs. Today, I want to talk about its innocent ‘sister’: white lace shorts.

Lace is so delicate and feminine, often associated with special occasions like wedding, or used in home decor. For daily wear, we may see it most in undergarments and sleepwear. Wearing it out, especially daytime appropriate, can be tricky.

My favorite way to style lace shorts is with a military shirt or leather jacket. But when it’s sweltering outside, pairing them with a crisp white top or airy tank is a better idea, like today’s featured ladies did, also as a nod to the white on white trend this season.

For girly and romantic outfits like these, accessories are key to get balanced, be it a tough ankle boot, rich earthy brown bag or futuristic mirror sunglasses. They give the look a more wearable and down to earth vibe.

These outfits are great for a variety of summer activities: music festival, road trip, backyard BBQ, hanging out with friends or just strolling around the town.