Helen's Life & Style

Stripe on Stripe

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 21, 2013

Photos: Heidi Klum & Beyoncé Knowles; Courtesy of pacificcoastnews.com, splashnews.com.

Love something? Double it! Print on print, denim on denim, and now, stripe on stripe! Like varying the shades of two denim pieces we talked here, the key of mixing stripes is varying the sizes: different widths and directions of the stripes create balance while adding depth and modern vibe to the monochrome ensemble.

To take it to the next level, stars and trendsetters look for details. Today’s featured ladies captured the skin-revealing trend by choosing sheer blouse or cropped top. To rock this trend gracefully, remember two words: balance and peek-a-boo. Long sleeves and modest underwear balance the see-through sheer fabric; Midi length skirt or high-waist pants elevate a crop top.

Choose accessories that are anything but sexy ones, be it classic black pump, whimsical sunglasses, tomboy backpack, or menswear fedora. Make the juxtaposition unexpected and attractive, in a good and graceful way.

Top: Nili Lotan (on sale now! great style here)
Skirt: Robert Rodriguez ($14 here & here)
Shoes: Charles by Charles David (on Heidi Klum here)
Necklace: Michael Kors ($12 here)
Nail: Deborah Lippmann ‘Lady Is A Tramp’

How to wear stripes with stripes; How to wear crop tops; How to wear sheer tops; Heidi Klum, Beyoncé Knowles; On Beyonce: Topshop stripe crop top,Topshop Stripe Tube Skirt,KURT GEIGERDASH RUCKSACk black leather backpack,KAREN WALKER 'Blue Moon' retro round sunglasses,bright orannge red pumps, black hat; Alternatives: kate spade new york 'licorice too' pump, ASOS Roll Brim Felt Boater Hat,

Top: Topshop (similar here)
Skirt: Topshop (also here)
Shoes: Kate Spade New York (on sale! also here)
Bag: Kurt Geiger (great style here & here)
Hat: Asos (or this one)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker (similar here)

Tags back pack, Beyoncé Knowles, black hat, black pump, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, crop top, Heidi Klum, neon pump, party outfit, retro sunglasses, spring/summer, striped shirt, striped skirt, turquoise necklace

CLOTHING

Monochrome Chic: Dress Up You Striped Shirts

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 20, 2013

Photos: (clockwise from top left) Michele Hicks, Jenna Lyons, Jen Brill & Jennifer Meyer; Courtesy of vogue.com.

Striped shirt is widely loved for its classic yet modern vibe and built-in Parisian chicness. It’s easy to dress down for lounging by the pool or roaming around. Here, I want to share with you four ways to dress it up for parties and events.

Basic versions like the blue and white one seen on Jennifer Meyer are more vacation-related, thus require a little more thoughts to be polished up. Take a hint from the beloved jewelry designer, choose a well fitting version, tuck it into a bright skirt, which also adds a pop of color, then elevate the look with accessories: lace up heels, structured leather bag, and loads of jewelry.

Updated versions with unique details, like the ones spotted on Michele Hicks and Jenna Lyons, can be a centerpiece themselves, so stay with a monochrome color palette to maximize the impact. Also choose pieces that are sharply tailored for cool sophistication, be it a vest, leather pants or glossed leather pointy-toe pumps.

1. Saint James for J. Crew shrunken Tee
2. Gap twill skirt
3. Nadri crystal bangle
4. Vince Camuto crossbody bag

how to wear a striped sweater/top,how to dress up a casual shirt/sweater;Michele Hicks, Jenna Lyons, Jen Brill,Jennifer Meyer,party outfits,casual attire. On Jen Brill: long sleeve striped shirt Alternatives: French ConnectionTruro Stripe Top, Velvet Lily Aldridge for Velvet Pearl Top, Bobeau Stripe Roll Sleeve Top,

1. French Connection Truro stripe top
2. Lily Aldridge for Velvet pearl top
3. Bobeau stripe roll sleeve top

how to wear a striped sweater/top,how to dress up a casual shirt/sweater;Michele Hicks, Jenna Lyons, Jen Brill,Jennifer Meyer,party outfits,casual attire. On Jenna Lyons: Vince 'Linked' Stripe Cashmere Sweater, vest; Alternatives: J.crew Engineered striped cotton-jersey top , Ann Taylor Striped Double Scoop Neck Cotton Tee,

1. Vince ‘Linked’ stripe cashmere sweater (similar 60% off here)
2. J.Crew engineered striped top (on sale here!)
3. Ann Taylor striped scoop neck tee

1. MICHAEL Michael Kors striped ribbed knitted top (similar here & here)
2. Antipodium Syntax T-shirt
3. Shae split stripe sweater
4. Marc Jacobs glossed-leather Mary Jane pumps

Tags Jen Brill, Jenna Lyons, Jennifer Meyer, Leather Pants, Mary Jane pumps, Michele Hicks, party outfit, spring/summer, striped top, yellow skirt

CLOTHING

Double Denim: Chambray Shirt & Chic Flats

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 19, 2013

Photos: Miranda Kerr; Courtesy of justjared.com.

Close followers know that in my blog, I mainly focus on wearable outfit ideas from style savants, especially when their looks incorporate recycled pieces or wardrobe essentials, like the chambray shirt on Miranda Kerr featured above.

There are countless ways to style a denim shirt/jacket. Among them, the denim on denim look is the trickiest: If you pick the wrong shade (too dark or over blenched), the wrong accessories (say a crystal belt), the ensemble will look unfashionable and dated. Here, Miranda Kerr showed us how to play this resurgent trend in a modern way:

Pick two pieces in different hues, extra bonus for those with different “characters”: A simple, minimal embellished top paired with a deeply distressed skinny or right-on-trend patchwork denim shorts for example.

Use accessories to keep it current: compared to menswear loafers or studded boots, metallic ballet flats and suede/satin slippers are equally chic while adding a luxe and feminine touch.

Keep the rest sleek and clean: Instead of wavy hair, hoop earrings, stacked bracelets, try a modern updo, dainty everyday jewelry and structured handbag in a sophisticated hue, like this understated suede grey tote or this modern black satchel.

Shirt: Mango
Shorts: Maison Scotch (similar here & here)
Shoes: Ralph Lauren (similar here)
Bag: Liebeskind (on Miranda Kerr here)
Sunglasses: Gucci (on Miranda Kerr here)