leather sleeve coat – Helen's Life & Style

Photos: (from left) Anja Rubik & Alexa Chung; Courtesy of splashnews.com, vogue.co.uk.

Work-wear in origin, denim has been a fashion symbol for decades. Classic staples worth notice and repeat (as you can see here, here & here). Today let’s share two more stylish looks, see how the utilitarian and versatility make denim a non-fail choice whether you want to team with avant-garde pieces for a fashionable look or wear with other basics for an understated outfit.

The printed skinny jeans that Anja Rubik wearing (below) combines several hot trends this season: black and white stripes, checks and botanical pattern. If you are not ready to wear a strong piece like that, t his pair from Theyskens’ Theory is a great alternative: with the psychedelic print which is another trend now, it’s equally stylish, easier to pull off and wallet-friendly!

For loud bottoms like that, casual, easy denim shirt or jacket is great choice to pair with. Add a simple basic pump, you are ready to go. For chilly days, top it off with a black coat like this one, the faux leather sleeves echo the overall edgy chic vibe. This grey Loeffler Randall bag is my current favorite, it will instantly add an understated urban chic touch.

Coat: Asos
Shirt: J.Crew (similar here & here)
Pants: Theyskens’ Theory (also here; the designer version on Anja Rubik here)
Bag: Loeffler Randall
Shoes: Kate Spade New York (investment choice here)
Necklace: Stella & Dot

For a laid-back, shabby chic look, distressed denim pieces are ideal. They are great to toughen up delicate pieces like a chiffon floral top, add edginess to other basics as Alexa Chung did below. When the color palette is simple, I like to add details, like the matte gold hardware on this “school girl” bag and the subtle glitter heel on this affordable booties. A delicate bar necklace adds a hint of sophistication.

Shirt: Equipment (similar on sale here, extra 30% off with code SPRINGTHAW)
Shorts: Rag & Bone (similar here)
Bag: Asos (real leather at a great price!)
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Gorjana (also adore this one)

Photos (from left): Emmy Rossum,Nicole Warne and Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of justjared.com, fellt.com, au.lifestyle.yahoo.com.

Spring is a great time to “go green”. To incorporate this great color in our outfit, I featured these three looks above. Let’s learn some tips on how to rock different shades of green at every age stage!

The understated dark green on Emmy Rossum (above left) is a great start, especially for those of you who are wary of any brights. You can pair this color with neutrals (like the brown and grey on her) for a sophisticated look, or with prints (like the nautical striped sweater I paired below) for a modern, fresh look.

For women over 40, you can choose a knee-length version. Beware of proportion though: A-line skirt with fitted or cropped top (like Emmy Rossum did above) whereas pencil or mini skirt with oversized top (like I did below).

Sweater: Tory Burch (great style here)
Skirt: DKNY (great buy here)
Bag: Coach (also here)
Shoes: Nicholas Jocelyn

If you are ready to try bright colors, accessories are always a great place to start. Nicole Warne’s look (above middle) nailed the black and white trend and brightened up the outfit with a pop of beautiful eye-catching kelly green bag.

Not all of us are lucky enough to have her vintage dress and designer coat, but a printed sundress that can be worn year round and right-on-trend colorblock coat with leather sleeves are pieces easy to find and take no effort to style. PS: you have to own at least one pair of white shoes this season! This classic singe sole pointy toe version is definitely worth the investment.

This look is great for women at any age. You can change the green bag into any bright colored ones you already have in your closet.

Coat: Mango (lust worthy version here)
Dress: Parker
Bag: J.Crew
Shoes: Manolo Blahnik (great buy here)

Olivia Palermo is never afraid of colors and prints. And I especially appreciate the modern, fashion-forward way she mixes and matches them.

This look (above right) from her is easy for us to recreate: play with colors by pairing this sharply tailored green blazer with bright yellow skinny jeans, and ground the outfit with neutral bags and pumps, extra bonus for two tone versions.

Tailored blazer, skinny jeans and classic pumps are great go-to choices for women at any age. When it comes to colors, get experimental with any bright combination (blue and orange/pink, purple/red with yellow…) when you are under 30. Pick one bright piece for a more sophisticated look when over 40.

Blazer: Reiss (similar here)
Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (similar on sale here)
Bag: Loeffler Randall (lust worthy one Olivia Palermo carrying here)