studded clutch – Helen's Life & Style

Photos: Gwyneth Paltrow; Courtesy of instyle.com, justjared.com.

Photos: (from left) Alessandra Ambrosio & Rihanna; Courtesy of vogue.com, justjared.com.

Black and white are huge color trend this season. Today I picked four of my favorite looks incorporated this combination to show you the versatility of this classic color palette. As you can see from above, these three stylish ladies, in their 20s, 30s and 40s, showed us four completely different styles of black and white: from Gwyneth Paltrow’s understated classic to Alessandra Ambrosio’s rock chic edge to Rihanna’s carefree spirit.

First two looks are from 40-year-old Gwyneth Paltrow. From the knee-length dress to oversized boyfriend blazer and shorts combo, she showed us how to be trendy yet age-appropriate.

Another thing we can learn from this queen of understated elegance is the “less is more” beauty. She always keeps her jewelry to a minimum. But it is that just right amount of luxe glamour makes her stand out.

From left:
David Meister asymmetric-neck sheath dress (similar here)
Sportmax belted dress
Gap eyelet split neck dress

Jacket: MICHAEL Michael Kors (great style here)
Top: Intermix (similar on sale here)
Short: Topshop ($16 here)
Shoes: Boutique 9 (designer version here)
Bracelet: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here)

Like black and white, another “old trend” that gets updated this year is jumpsuit. The effect is even more powerful when these two meet, like this IRO version on Alessandra Ambrosio (below). I love how this Victoria’s Secret Angle brought out the edgy side of black and white by adding punk accessories. Besides a studded clutch, another piece you can’t miss now is a pair of safety pin earrings!

Jumpsuit: IRO (yes, it’s the one on Alessandra Ambrosio! also here. similar here & here)
Bag: Natasha Couture ($28 here)
Shoes: Alice + Olivia
Earrings: RACHEL Rachel Roy

The most important thing Rihanna showed us from her outfit below is how to make a trend your own. Here the hint of sexiness, unexpected juxtaposition and carefree attitude totally reflect her own personal style in this monochrome canvas.

Jacket: Rag & Bone (it’s the one on Rihanna! great buy here)
Short: J.Crew
Shoes: Prada (similar here, great buy here)
Bracelet: Asos

Photo: Blake Lively; Courtesy of vogue.com, aceshowbiz.com.

Apparently, winter is not done with us. Every time I was expecting sunshine, another heavy snow came. Although adorable spring pieces are calling, we still need winter clothes for a while. Thankfully, we are not alone, even celebrities can’t “beat” the cold. But the tips to make fall/winter numbers fresh and current? Take a hint from today’s look of Blake Lively.

The Marios Schwab dress on her is made for next fall/winter, but I’m sure burgundy pieces can be easily found in our own wardrobe. By pairing the dress with fresh white pumps that are right on trend this spring, she made it in-between season appropriate. Her bare legs balanced the thick wool coat. The total look is not harsh in cold weather while sending that fresh spring allure.

Like what Blake did, a little bit of balance is what we need for this awkward transaction time: warm cashmere with light jacket instead of wool coat; thick outerwear with flowy dress or airy button-down shirt instead of winter knits; fitted jacket paired with ankle booties whereas long coat with sexy pumps or sandals.

Below are my favorite ways to update my burgundy pieces in chilly early spring: studded clutch and black/white sandals go perfectly with an A-line dress; a delicate lace dress needs modern metallic add-ons; fresh white pumps add sexy, feminine touch to the casual sweater and jeans combo (don’t you love the unexpected heel? It’s truly a piece of art!)