Tag: statement necklace

Three Simple Tips To Upgrade Your White Dress

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 20, 2013

Photos: (from left) Nicole Richie, Taylor Swift and Rachel Zoe; Courtesy of redcarpet-fashionawards.com, mirror.co.uk, yesitiskevin.blogspot.com.

Three ways to instantly update your white dress? You probably can tell from the looks above: add a pop of color with an eye-catching red box clutch, draw the eye up with a pair of exotic turquoise earrings; perfectly frame your face with a bold statement necklace. But not all three together of course.

Pay attention to the details when you are picking these outfit makers: for a sharp, modern black and white dress, Nicole Richie picked a red clutch with a whimsical antiqued golden clasp. The snake skin effect faux leather also echoes the edginess of her dress; Rachel Zoe balanced her innocent, sober dress with bold statement necklace and oversized bracelet. Since all of her add-ons are pretty bold, she kept them in a similar tone.

As you can tell from the three pictures below, Taylor Swift’s look is my favorite. Her curvaceous, ravishing dress fits like a glove, a perfect balance between sexy and elegant. The turquoise earrings are truly unexpected on red carpet. To steal a scene, grab the attention, red carpet dressing is all about the unexpected. That’s why a bold turquoise piece can easily beat expensive diamond (remember this look of Hedi Klum?)

We don’t have many chances to wear gowns, but today’s three simple tips work perfectly with your white sundress, maxi dress or sheath. Don’t forget to give them a try when you need to dress up for a night out, a fancy dinner or a formal event!

Details of Taylor Swift’s look; Courtesy of mirror.co.uk, redcarpet-fashionawards.com, stylefrizz.com.

From left:
BCBG Max Azria strapless cascade gown
ONE by Babs Bibb maxi dress
Tory Burch Breanna dress

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-red clutch and black white gown inspired by Nicole Richie

House of Harlow 1960 Olivia clutch (on sale!)
Diane von Furstenberg crystal & patent leather clutch
Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry wishbone necklace & butterfly necklace

From left:
Bounkit turquoise & clear quartz earrings
Kendra Scott Danielle earrings
Kenneth Jay Lane turquoise bead drop earrings (similar here)

Ben-Amun pearl and dangling pendant necklace (similar here)

Tags black and white, DIANE VON FURSTENBERG, House of Harlow 1960, Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry, Nicole-Richie, Rachel Zoe, red clutch, Roberto Cavalli, statement necklace, Taylor Swift, Turquoise earring, white dress

CLOTHING

Make Your Evening Dress Day-time Appropriate

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 14, 2013

emma stone, lanvin black dress, statement necklace, white tee shirt, nude pumps,make black dress daytime appropriate

Photos: Emma Stone; Courtesy of justjared.com.

To bring down the cost-per-wear ratio of the pieces in my wardrobe, especially those expensive ones, I always keep my eyes open for tips and tricks that can maximize usage of the same item and constantly share them with all of you along the way (like here, here and here and more).

Today is another one learned from Emma Stone: to make your glamorous strapless cocktail dress daytime-ready, wear a simple white tee underneath, throw on nude pumps, and finish the look with some not-so delicate accessories, like the chunky statement necklaces on her.

Inspired by this “formula”, we can come up with more pairing ideas: for work, wear a shirt underneath or a blazer over the dress, finish it with a structured leather bag and one piece of simple jewelry; for weekend, top the dress off with a chambray or military shirt, finish it with a woven belt, crossbody bag, and comfy wedges…Also, think of denim jacket, nautical shirt and cardigans. They do the same–tone down the “evening feel” of your dress and make it work for day.

Below are my favorite strapless dresses and ways to style them, hope can give your some ideas to restyle yours!

From left:
Shoshanna Jane strapless jacquard dress (70% off now! also here)
Zimmermann laced strapless dress
Splendid stretch tube dress (can be worn so many ways!)

Dress: Mango (the strap is detachable!)
Top: J.Crew (on sale; great style here)
Shoes: Charles David (or this pair)
Necklace: House of Harlow 1960; Ginette_NY.

Dress: Mango
Jacket: Madewell (great buy here, 30% off with code GAPFRIENDS)
Bag: Loeffler Randall (similar here)
Shoes: Rachel Roy (or this pair)

Tags black and white, colorblock, denim jacket, Emma Stone, lavin, little black dress, nude pumps, plain white tee, statement necklace

CLOTHING

Transform Your Winter Black Into Spring Statement

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 7, 2013

Photos (from left): Beyoncé, Olivia Palermo and Sarah Jessica Parker; Courtesy of abclocal.go.com, zimbio.com, refinery29.com.

Spring is on its way. But don’t rush to purge your winter wardrobe. The weather is till chilly, some of our favorite fall/winter pieces can keep us warm, and when teamed with a few other items, they will keep us stylish as well during this time of transition. Today, let’s learn “how” from these three ladies who are on top of their game.

As a role model that President Obama singles out for his two daughters, Beyoncé is definitely outstanding in many fields. Her impeccable fashion choices in the past year have greatly increased her impact on the fashion world too. As her nod to the black and white trend, she chose a monochrome jumpsuit by Osman as her center piece. A hint of red (her scarlet lip and nails) and glitter (her jewelry) completed her stylish modern look.

Inspired by Beyoncé, pull out the black straight-leg pants that we worn the whole fall/winter, team it with this black and white peplum top. The smart tailoring and color choice make this top so flattering, let alone the irresistible price tag. The gold cuff, along with the elegant metallic heel of this beautiful Micheal Kors pumps, adds a hint of sophisticated luxe.

Top: Astr
Pants: Theory (great buy here & here)
Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (great style here)
Jewelry: Charles Albert (similar here)

Olivia Palermo is undoubtedly a fashion icon. I especially appreciate the creative ways she restyles the same piece in her wardrobe. We saw her in this fur vest and knee-high boots several times (above middle). But by pairing them with an emerald (which is the color of year 2013) skirt and jeweled statement necklace, she made these two pieces glamorous enough for a night-out.

Vest: Alice + Olivia (similar on sale here)
Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (or this one)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar 60% off here)
Jewelry: Stella & Dot (great alternative here)

Sarah Jessica Parker is never afraid of bold fashion choices. Here her bright Misha Nonoo furry coat and romantic coral Christian Louboutin pumps really spice up her LBD. Lace is a big trend last season. If you, like me, can’t stop wearing that favorite black lace dress, use colors to make them spring-ready. A structured blazer balances the romantic soft lace. These Manolo Blahnik BB suede point-toe pumps are my absolute favorite. I wish that I could have them in every color!