Helen's Life & Style

European Chic: Striped Wide Leg Pants

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 22, 2013

Photos: Nicole Richie & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley; Courtesy of pacificcoastnewsonline.com, instyle.co.uk.

If you ask me what to pack for a trip to Europe, the first thing that comes into my mind should be a pair of navy/white striped wide-leg pants! Whether walking round in Paris, enjoying dinner in Greek, or soaking up the sun in Mediterranean, it just fits all the scene perfectly, let alone how versatile and practical it is:

The silky breezy material and comfy loose fit make it great for traveling; the chic and luxe vibe make it easy to transform when arrive at your destination: with wedges/flats for day or stilettos for night. The classic color combo just goes with every top you bring. After the vacation, you can wear it straightly to the office with a tailored blazer and structured tote!

When choosing yours, those with vertical stripes and high waist design are more flattering and leg-elongating. Also, don’t take “wide-leg” too literally. Find one that is relatively slim fitting. Pair it with fitted, sleeveless tops to get the right balance, like today’s featured ladies did.

1. A.L.C. Huntley top (on sale; similar here & here)
2. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses
3. ThreadSence striped trousers (great style here)
4. House of Harlow 1960 bangle
5. House of Harlow 1960 leather cuff
6. Mango studded belt
7. Manolo Blahnik BB suede pump (great alternative here)

1. Oak draped jersey tank (or this one)
2. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses (on Rosie Huntington here)
3. Vita Fede bracelet (gold here; similar here)
4. Camilla and Marc striped trouser (great style here; similar here)
5. Steve Madden sandal
6. Rebecca Minkoff convertible crossbody bag (more colors here)

Tags black pump, Nicole-Richie, party outfit, pink bag, printed top, Rosie Huntington, spring/summer, Strap Sandal, street style, striped pants, wide-leg pants

CLOTHING

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.