Tag: spring/summer

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.

1. Helmut Lang blazer (70% off! also on sale here)
2. Tibi classic silk camisole (great alternative here)
3. Givenchy shark tooth necklace (similar here)
4. Topshop leather look shorts (on Lily Colins here)
5. Tom Ford lip color ‘True Coral’
6. Kate Spade New York pump (also here)
7. Loeffler Randall lock clutch (on sale!)

1. Helmut Lang jacket (on sale; under $60 here & here)
2. House of Harlow 1960 Carmen sunglasses
3. Splendid stretch camisole (or this one)
4. Topshop leather look shorts ($18 here)
5. Kate Spade New York pump (on Beyoncé on sale here!)
6. ASOS hat (featured here)
7. Sophie Hulme envelope crossbody bag (on sale here)

Tags Beyoncé, colored pumps, leather shorts, Lily Collins, party outfits, printed blazer, red bag, spring/summer, street style, White Blazer

CLOTHING

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: 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.