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CLOTHING

Ask Helen: What to Wear

Q: I’m a mom of two, work at an IT company that doesn’t have a strict dress code. Thanks to that, I easily blur the boundaries between casual and sloppy. I want to incorporate trendy and chic elements into my outfits, but still look appropriate.

A: As a working mom myself, I totally understand your struggle. Below I put together three outfits for you:

First one is this chic office look that is also very easy to transition from day to night:

offic chic look, over the knee boots, vintage chanel necklace and sheatch dress

Clockwise from top left:

Dress: Zara

Necklace: Vintage Chanel (the best indulge-yourself gift! similar here)

Lip: Dolce & Gabbana (my favorite everyday lip gloss!)

Shoe: Stuart Weitzman

Second outfit is a glamorous party look that is perfect for the coming holiday season. I actually styled two outfits for you, whether you want to go a little bit unexpected with the first one–a turtleneck sweater paired with flirty feather skirt and sexy sandal, or you want more coverage but still look sexy and feminine with this sheer tie front blouse paired with the same skirt and a killer over the knee boots.

party outfit feather skirt, black sweater and stuart weizman

Clockwise from top left:

Sweater: J.Crew

Clutch: Ted Baker London (also available here; LOVE everything about it!)

Shoe: Stuart Weitzman in ‘Black Goose Bump” (timeless classic that can be worn year-round!)

Skirt: Sam Edelman (on sale here with code “VETSDAY”)

party outfit feather skirt, sheer blouse, stuart weizman over the knee

Clockwise from top left:

Blouse: Equipment

Skirt: Sam Edelman (on sale here with code “VETSDAY”)

Shoe: Stuart Weitzman

Clutch: Ted Baker London (also available here; LOVE everything about it!)

Lip: Stila in color “Beso”

Last but not least, an elegant outfit for school event. You can go with what showed on the model, pair this on-trend red midi skirt with a floral sweatshirt, or opt for an urban chic look by teaming it with a simple black sweater and coordinated low pumps:

shool event outfit idea red midi skirt, black turtle neck and quilted michael kors bag

Clockwise from top left:

Skirt: Asos (petite friendly!)

Sweater: J.Crew

Shoe: Manolo Blahnik (perfect heel height! great alternative here)

Bag: MICHAEL Michael Kors

 

Categories
CLOTHING

Winter White: Colorblock Coat & Red Accent

The art of accessorizing-Miranda Kerr, Lily Collins, white sweater, printed pants, red pump, white fur coat, jumpsuit,Louis Vuitton bagPhotos: Miranda Kerr & Lily Collins; Courtesy of filmmagic.comsplashnews.com

Thanks to the strong black and white trend, not only the traditional winter white shades like eggshell and cream are totally acceptable, the bright whites we usually see in summer are also can, and should be embraced in winter now. A crisp white piece can instantly make a monochrome look modern, sharp and chic.

Here, Miranda Kerr chose the classic white, blue and red color theme, while Lily Collins demonstrated the black & white simplicity. The faux fur coat on Lily Collins is colorblocked, combined with a black jumpsuit, making the stodgy fur youthful and flattering.

I’m glad that the red trend is back this fall. You can team it with almost any color, the combination of red and white is especially fresh and uplifting.

In Chinese: 感谢这几季强劲的黑白风,现在秋冬穿白色的概念已经完全被大家所接受了,而且色调上也不再局限于传统的米白、象牙白,连春夏常见的亮白色、银白色也完全四季皆宜了。

在色彩的搭配上,Miranda Kerr所穿的蓝、白、红以及Lily Collins身上极简的黑与白等都是经典的组合。我尤其喜欢Lily Collins的这件黑白撞色的皮草外套,和黑色的连身裤搭配起来,降低了皮草的正式感又能拉长腿型。

另外,今年红色又回潮了!就像小黑裙一样,每一个人一定有属于自己的那一款红。这个经典的颜色无论和中性的黑白灰,撞色的蓝、绿还是相近的粉或桔搭配起来都很漂亮,和纯白色配起来更是格外醒目。

The art of accessorizing-Miranda Kerr, white sweater, printed pants, red pump,  aviator sunglasses, Louis Vuitton bag

1. Tibi honeycomb crewneck sweater (great style here & here)
2. Chloé patterned trouser (similar here)
3. Manolo Blahnik BB suede pump (great buy here & here)
4. Ray-Ban sunglasses (on Miranda Kerr here)
5. Prada Saffiano Vernice (similar here)

The art of accessorizing-Lily Collins, white fur coat, topshop jumpsuit, red clutch, ankle strap heel

1. Topshop jumpsuit (also love this one)
2. Gorjana Camila ring set
3. Minkpink coat (also here)
4. L.A.M.B. shoe (great style here)
5. Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Pur Couture’ lip color #001
6. Salvatore Ferragamo Vara bow clutch (also here; great buy here)

Categories
CLOTHING

Sweet Monochrome: A-line dress & Bright Splashes

how to wear black and white; how to wear ankle strap shoes;  Kris Jenner, striped dress, black cardigan, red valentino pump, red valentino studded clutch, black dress, white cardigan, colorblock ankle strap pump,  On Kris Jenner: Dolce & Gabbana Striped Sleeveless Dress,   Valentino Rouge Patent Leather Rockstud T-Strap Pumps,    Valentino Rouge Rockstud Chain Flap Bag, Photos: Kris Jenner; Courtesy of wenn.comsplashnews.com.

Like I said when first featuring Kris Jenner, I may not a big fan of her lifestyle, but definitely appreciate her bold choices when it comes to fashion. Sometimes she may dress too young for her age, but mostly her outfit choices are fashionable yet perfect for women her age. Today’s two looks are great examples.

Timeless A-line dresses/skirts are women’s best friends. They cover the parts we may not comfortable with while giving us the ultra feminine hourglass shape. To make them age-appropriate, like Kris Jenner did here, choose the right length and stay in a simple, sophisticated color palette.

Monochrome clothing gives us room to play with accessories: The red studded strap pump and clutch, along with the rests, result a classic, iconic combo; A black and white ankle strap pump enhances the power of simple black and white. For both looks, she wisely kept her makeup natural and quiet.

Upper arm may be a problem area for moms, a lightweight cropped cardigan can cover that area, elongate our legs, or transform an evening dress daytime appropriate, like the strapless version featured below. Of course, a perfectly tailored blazer will do the same.

These two looks are actually great for women at any age: For younger ones, you can wear the dresses alone, accessorize them with bold, fun fashion jewelry or top them off with a denim, military or motorcycle jacket.

how to wear black and white; how to wear ankle strap shoes;  Kris Jenner, striped dress, black cardigan, red valentino pump, red valentino studded clutch, black dress, white cardigan, colorblock ankle strap pump,  On Kris Jenner: Dolce & Gabbana Striped Sleeveless Dress,   Valentino Rouge Patent Leather Rockstud T-Strap Pumps,    Valentino Rouge Rockstud Chain Flap Bag,  alternatives:  ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo Combo Cardi, Elizabeth and James Lafayette Cat Eye Sunglasses

Cardigan: ATM Anthony Thomas Melillo (similar here)
Dress: Dolce & Gabbana (great alternative here & here)
Shoes: Valentino (remember she worn the nude version?)
Bag: Valentino (similar here & here)
Sunglasses: Elizabeth and James 

how to wear black and white; how to wear ankle strap shoes;  Kris Jenner, striped dress, black cardigan, red valentino pump, red valentino studded clutch, black dress, white cardigan, colorblock ankle strap pump,   alternatives:  REBECCA TAYLORStrapless Dress, NastyGalFaye Platform Pump - Colorblock,  J.Crew Jackie cardigan,  'Kate Spade New York metro' round leather strap watch

Cardigan: J.Crew
Dress: Rebecca Taylor (similar here)
Shoes: Nasty Gal (great style here)
Watch: Kate Spade New York