Helen's Life & Style

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.

1. MICHAEL Michael Kors runway watch
2. SpaRitual nail color ‘Marble’
3. Anthropologie tunic (or this one)
4. Forever 21 shorts
5. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses (featured here)
6. Low Luv by Erin Wasson knuckle ring

1. San Diego Hat Company ribbon floppy hat
2. Urban Outfitters high/low necklace
3. Chelsea Flower silk tunic top (on sale; similar here & here)
4. Pieces belt
5. Lacey Ryan bracelet set
6. Free People scalloped lace skort
7. McFadin fringe bag (similar here)
8. Isabel Marant studded boot (worn with dress here & here)

1. Topshop scallop lace top (more colors here)
2. Gorjana arrow cuff
3. Free People scalloped lace skort
4. Frye crossbody bag
5. Sam Edelman suede boot (last seen here)
6. Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses

Tags Alessandra Ambrosio, Ankle Boots, aviator sunglasses, coachella, embroidered top, festival outfit, Kate Bosworth, Lace shorts, Nikki Phillips, spring/summer, street style, white shorts

CLOTHING

Summer Shorts: White Denim & Exotic Top (Part III)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 18, 2013

Photos: Heidi Klum & Alessandra Ambrosio; Courtesy of celebritybabyscoop.com, justjared.com.

As you can see from above, we moved from classic blue to crisp white today! How can we get through summer without a perfect pair of white shorts? They just make everything instantly summer-ready, even the dark black or warm brown.

The pure, clean color makes a perfect canvas for beautiful printed tops, be it a bold animal print version like the one on Heidi Klum (above left) or an tropical ombre shirt like seen on Alessandra Ambrosio (above right) which slightly dresses up the look, makes you stand out effortlessly.

Instead of wearing ankle boots that we usually do with blue denim, team your fresh white shorts with sandals: casual Gizeh version for a laid-back weekend or embellished strappy ones for hanging out with friends or a casual date.

To let all eyes focus on your top, pay attention to the accessories: they need to compliment your clothing without competing. The best way to do so is to keep them in a similar color family of your clothing, like the two stars did here: one chose earthy brown and warm gold to go with the white, another opted for cool blue and silver.

The art of accessorizing-street style, white denim shorts, Heidi Klum, snake print top, studded bag

Top: Equipment (also here)
Shorts: Current/Elliott (great style on sale here & here)
Shoes: Birkenstock
Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors (great alternative here & here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Hat: Columbia

Top: Acne (similar here & here)
Shorts: Current/Elliott (great style on sale here & here)
Shoes: Sam Edelman (also here; featured here)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke (similar here; on Alessandra Ambrosio here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (also here; $20 here!)

Tags Alessandra Ambrosio, blue bag, degrade blouse, Heidi Klum, mirrored sunglasses, printed top, sprint/summer, Strap Sandal, street style, white bag, white shorts

CLOTHING

Summer Shorts: Distressed Denim & Ankle Boots (Part II)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date July 17, 2013

how to wear distressed denim shorts; summer outfit ideas;Featured Heidi Klum & Nicole Richie with ankle boots, leopard print top, black bag, white pleated top, balenciaga bag, aviator sunglasses, Jimmy Choo solar studded hobo bag, Isabel Marant. Photos: Heidi Klum & Nicole Richie; Courtesy of startraksphoto.com, instyle.co.uk.

In part two of our “Summer Shorts” series, I want to talk about a specific catalog of the beloved denim shorts — the distressed ones. The worn out look lends more carefree, edgy and relaxed vibe to our outfit.

It’s such a versatile piece that can be worn year round and paired with almost anything: With an animal print top as seen on Heidi Klum (above left) for an edgy, adventurous look; With a retro pleated high neck top as seen on Nicole Richie (above right) for an urban bohemian look; With an ethnic graphic sweatshirt for a globetrotter girl look; Or with a silk striped blouse for a city chic look, and the list goes on… When temperature drops, top it off with a leather jacket or structured coat, as Alexa Chung did here.

When it comes to accessories, ankle boots, studded belt, hobo bag, aviator sunglasses are it’s best friends. They echo the edgy, relaxed and youthful vibe of distressed denim, great for a feminine meets masculine look.