Helen's Life & Style

Sweet Statement: Red Dress & Ankle Strap Sandals

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 18, 2013

How to wear a red dress; strappy sandals; wedding guest outfit ideas; On Miranda Kerr: Jill Stuart red dress, Barbara ankle strap wedge sandals, Stonehenge jewelry, Samantha Thavasa red tote; On Amanda Seyfried:Givenchy High-Heel Ankle-Wrap Shark-Tooth Sandal; Preen red printed dress, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry

Photos: Miranda Kerr & Amanda Seyfried; Courtesy of wireimage.com, redcarpet-fashionawards.com.

Bold colors can really make women shine, especially the classic red. Like the LBD, there is a perfect red dress for everyone. With subtle differences in hues and details, red dresses can reflect many different personalities.

As you can see from today’s featured looks above, by paying attention to details and accessories, these two stars took the right-on-trend fit and flare silhouette to the next level. Miranda Kerr chose one with mesh stripes and beautiful neck design, the peek-a-boo effect along with her scarlet lips adds sexiness to this girly sweet sundress.

Amanda Seyfried’s take on red is more edgy and mystery. The abstract print and front zip on her dress and the shark tooth closure on her heels add a nonconformist touch to her look.

Both outfits are great for weddings, graduations, and countless summer parties. The fit and flare shape flatters many body types.

How to wear a red dress; strappy sandals; wedding guest outfit ideas; On Miranda Kerr: Jill Stuart red dress, Barbara ankle strap wedge sandals, Stonehenge jewelry, Samantha Thavasa red tote; Alternatives: Tadashi Shoji Mesh Stripe Short Sleeve Fit & Flare Dress, Tadashi Shoji Mesh Stripe Fit & Flare Dress, Eliza J Seamed Drop Waist Dress,

From left:
Tadashi Shoji (more colors here)
Tadashi Shoji
Eliza J

How to wear a red dress; strappy sandals; wedding guest outfit ideas; On Miranda Kerr: Jill Stuart red dress, Barbara ankle strap wedge sandals, Stonehenge jewelry, Samantha Thavasa red tote; Alternatives: ModCloth red Mesh Dress, Prada Saffiano Vernice Tote Bag, ModCloth Living on the Coast ankle strap Wedge, Guerlain ‘Habit Rouge 121′ lip color,

Dress: ModCloth (great buy here!)
Bag: Prada (it’s sister here; similar here)
Shoes: ModCloth (great style here)
Lip: Guerlain ‘Habit Rouge 121′

How to wear a red dress; strappy sandals; wedding guest outfit ideas; On Amanda Seyfried:Givenchy High-Heel Ankle-Wrap Shark-Tooth Sandal; Preen red printed dress, Lorraine Schwartz jewelry Alternatives: A.B.S. BY ALLEN SCHWARTZ Printed Sleeveless A-Line Dress, ModCloth red printed Dress, Diane Von Furstenberg Walker red and black printed dress

From left:
A.B.S. By Allen Schwartz (also available here)
ModCloth (or this one)
Diane Von Furstenberg

Dress: A.B.S. By Allen Schwartz (also available here)
Shoes: Givenchy (similar here & here)
Jewelry: Vince Camuto

Tags Amanda Seyfried, ankle strap sandal, Miranda Kerr, party outfit, printed dress, red bag, red dress, spring/summer

CLOTHING

Gingham Chic: Trendy Accessories & Classic Staples

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 17, 2013

How to wear gingham; Sarah Jessica Parker; Olivia Palermo; Street style; On Sarah Jessica Parker: Splendid Gingham Button Down Blouse, MiH skinny jeans, jimmy Choo rebel crossbody bag, Jean-Michel Cazabat "Elba" white cut out pump, Ray ban Shield sunglasses; On Olivia Palermo: Banana Republic Mad Men Collection Hampton-Fit Gingham Crop pants, Juicy Couture black shirt, menswear black oxford. Photos: Sarah Jessica Parker & Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of pacificcoastnews.com, fashionbombdaily.com.

My fondness for anything gingham was literally revived when I spotted this photo from Vogue. Since Gustav III first created gingham as a style for interiors back to 18th century, this simple, minimalist print that combined Rococo with Neo-Classicism never goes out of style. Today, I featured two of my current favorite looks incorporated gingham, hope they inspire you to update yours.

Unlike the born-with-it modern vibe of stripes, gingham naturally has a retro, country flair. To make it fresh, style it with your favorite basic staples, be it skinny jeans, leather leggings, black cashmere sweater or sharp blazer, then spice up the whole look with trendy accessories, like the white cut-out pump and lace-up Oxford on today’s featured stars, both very of-the-moment.

These two looks are easy to adopt and very versatile: add a well-tailored jacket to SJP’s outfit, or change Olivia Palermo’s Oxford to a classic black pump, then add a structured tote, you can easily transform these two casual chic looks to polished, office-ready outfits.

Top: Splendid (available here & here; $24 here)
Jeans: J Brand (on sale here!)
Shoes: Shoe Dazzle (great style here)
Bag: Asos (great style here; on SJP on sale here!)
Sunglasses: Versace (or this pair)
Nail: Deborah Lippmann ‘Fade To Black’

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-Olivia Palermo Banana Republic Gingham Crop pants, black sweater,oxford.

Top: Kain (70% off! great alternative here & here)
Pants: Banana Republic (similar here)
Shoes: Asos (great style here)
Sunglasses: Topshop
Nail: Deborah Lippmann ‘Supermodel’

Tags black sweater, cut out, gingham, Olivia Palermo, Oxford, Sarah Jessica Parker, skinny jeans, spring/summer, street style, white pump

CLOTHING

Fresh Summer Looks: White Blazer & Colorful Dress

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 15, 2013

Photos: Reese Witherspoon; Courtesy of stylebistro.com, justjared.com.

Last time, we shared two ways to style a white blazer: one is bold, another is laid-back chic. If neither fit you, today’s looks you will surely love: two girly, sweet outfits from American’s sweetheart Reese Witherspoon.

Although she is already a mother-of-three, her looks always have a youthful, girly and optimistic flair. She knows her strength and what suits her best:

Start from the blazer, this particular one on her has a mix of subtle textures: twill, satin and leather (yes! the notched lapels are beautifully made of smooth white leather!) which give the whole look a luxurious, elegant and fashionable vibe.

White blazer creates the perfect canvas for beautiful bright colors. The fresh red printed skirt and blue dress on her are perfect for warm weather. To highlight her lean legs, she chose above-knee versions, with nude sandals, the total look is leg-elongating.

For women about her age, I would say don’t be afraid to try above-the-knee length skirt/dress, as long as you choose age-appropriate patterns/colors, and keep your arms covered with a cardigan or a well-tailored jacket.

Last but not least, accessories are great to keep up with trends without being overdone, like the white IT bag, safety chain cuff, strappy sandals and layered necklaces you see on the star.