Helen's Life & Style

Monochrome Chic: Printed shorts & Polka Dot Skirt

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date June 3, 2013

Photos: Olivia Palermo & Zoe Saldana; Courtesy of fashionbombdaily.com.

As the mainstay this season, black and white are everywhere. Since the monochrome palette can be a little bit heavy and boring, I featured two looks (above), hope they can give you some idea for staying fresh, cool and stylish.

Olivia Palermo kept her black and white combo season appropriate with whimsical elephant print shorts and a light weight, breezy blouse. The shorts are fresh from Milly for Banana Republic collection that just hit stores last week. As a master of vintage-inspired, Hamptons-ready patterns, Milly designed 60 pieces that are ideal for the coming vacation season and beyond. I have been eyeing the Medallion print top, color block maxi dress and the gorgeous coral bib necklace.

Right-on-trend Oxford can instantly give any outfit, either a lace dress, a tee-and-cropped-pants combo or the classic blazer and button down shirt look on Olivia Palermo above, some street cred. A pair of embellished cat-eye sunglasses add a luxurious touch to her look. This outfit is great for women of all ages and can be transformed for many occasions simply by changing the shoes.

Jacket: Express
Blouse: J.Crew
Shorts: Banana Republic (similar here & here)
Bag: Givenchy ‘Antigona’ (featured here; similar here)
Shoes: Tildon (great style here)
Sunglasses: Karen Walker (similar here & here)
Polish: Deborah Lippmann ‘supermodel’

Zoe Saldana also opted for a fun print–polka dot, which brought a flirty and youthful vibe to the sober palette. Her bright red pumps and lips make the look iconic. The piece on her is actually a dress from Emanuel Ungaro‘s Fall 2013 collection. We can easily recreate it by using this polka dot mini skirt and flowy color block top. The key is balance: use oversized top to balance the sexy, exposed legs. The high contrast shapes and classic color scheme make this look an understated statement choice for those special summer events!

Blouse: Vince Camuto (similar here & here)
Skirt: Joseph ($14 here)
Shoes: Tibi (on sale; great buy here)
Earrings: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Lip color: YSL ‘#17 Red Muse’

Tags ankle strap heel, black and white, black blazer, colorblock, Givenchy bag, Oxford, polka dot, printed shorts, red carpet style, street style, White Shirt

CLOTHING

Summer Allure: Bright Orange & Side Slit

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 31, 2013

Photos: Alessandra Ambrosio & Candice Lake; Courtesy of zimbio.com, candicelake.com.

Unlike last spring when pastels dominated streets, saturated brights take center stage this season. Among them, orange and raspberry are two of my favorites. From clothing to accessories, they will surely spice up all our summer whites!

As you can see above, orange is our featured color today. Since the shade is so bright and eye-catching, team it with neutral pieces, then choose one or two accessories in the same color family or the same shade to enhance the overall impact, like the two ladies did above.

Tangerine is not something new (since Pantone revealed it as the color of 2012, it hasn’t gone anywhere), so in order to make the look more current, Alessandra Ambrosio played a new maxi skirt trend: the double side slit version! Yes, the maxi dresses/skirts have gone from side slit to high-low to double split now!

Last but not least, keep proportions in mind: team a maxi skirt with a sleeveless slim fit top. If you want the eyes focus on your body-hugging pencil skirt and the sexy subtle side slit, keep your arms covered.

Top: NSF ($30 here; on Alessandra Ambrosio here & here, check the back design!)
Skirt: Charlotte Russe (great buy here)
Shoes: Ivanka Trump (designer version on Alessandra Ambrosio on sale here)
Bag: Gap (on Alessandra Ambrosio here & here)
Sunglasses: MICHAEL Michael Kors
Necklace: Gorjana (on Alessandra Ambrosio here)

how to wear double side slit maxi skirt; how to wear bright orange; street style; On Candice Lake: orange blouse, black pencil skirt with side splip, orange/red ankle stap sandal, black crossbody bag, red sunglasses Alternatives: Wallis Orange Petite Blouse, Mango slip pencil skirt, Calvin Klein Vivian orange ankle strap sandal, Givenchy Butterfly Frame Sunglasses, Loeffler Randall Rider Bag,

Top: Wallis (great style here & here)
Skirt: Mango (great buy here!)
Shoes: Calvin Klein (lusting over this pair)
Bag: Loeffler Randall
Sunglasses: Givenchy (48% off now)

Tags Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Lake, colored sunglasses, crossbody bag, maxi skirt, orange blouse, orange sandal, orange tote, pencil skirt, side slit, wedge sandal

CLOTHING

Refined Airport Style: Flounce Skirt & Printed Jacket

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 30, 2013

how to look good while traveling; On Olivia Palermo:Zara skirt, Louis Vuitton red satchel, black top, nude flats, oversized sunglasses, stick/arrow edgy necklace, embellished belt; On Rosie Huntington-Whiteley:Mary Katrantzou metallic printed jacquard jacket, AG skinny jeans, Viktor & Rolf brown bag, Jacquie Aiche jewelry, Maison Michel grey fedora hat, nude pumps Photos: Olivia Palermo & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; Courtesy of redcarpet-fashionawards.com, coolspotters.com.

T-shirt, jeans and sneakers/boots are what usually come up in our mind when planning trips. Can we stay polished and glamorous on the way to our destination? Today’s featured fashion connoisseurs can tell us how in two simple steps:

First, add one statement piece to elevate the otherwise laid-back, plain look. Take their outfits for example: the black tee and ballet flats on Olivia Palermo, gray shirt and blue jeans on Rosie Huntington are basic pieces we all have and would wear to the airport. Instead of pairing the black tee with jeans or sweatpants, try a right-on-trend flounce skirt, it’s easy yet fashionable, also convenient to transform after you land. Similarly, instead of bringing a hoodie or sweater for a T-shirt-and-jeans combo, try a statement blazer or even just a well-fitted leather jacket, which will instantly polish up your look.

Second, using accessories strategically. Compared to delicate fine jewelry, a unique statement fashion necklace, like this arrow version, will finish off your look with style. You don’t need to worry about damage and the style will go great with all the outfits you bring. Also, think of accessories that are multifunction: A well-made designer satchel can polish up any outfit while fits all your essentials; An oversized sunglasses can ensure you look good without makeup while offer UV protection; A stylish hat can cover your bad hair while keeping your ensemble chic; A fashionable watch can make sure you leave on time while being a statement accessory itself…

Top: Three Dots
Skirt: Zara (designer version on sale here & here)
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Bag: Clare Vivier (great buy here)
Necklace: House of Harlow (great style here!)

Blazer: Joie (also here; on Rosie Huntington here)
Jeans: AG Adriano Goldschmied (it’s the pair on Rosie Huntington, more sizes available here)
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini (great style here & here)
Bag: Prada “Saffiano” (great alternative here & here)
Hat: Wet Seal ($10; designer version 50% off here!)