Tag: trench coat

Happy Mother’s Day!

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 12, 2013

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-maternity outfit

As a mom-to-be, I definitely appreciate my mom more than before. As I said in my “mother’s day gift idea” entry, moms love us much more than we can imagine! The unconditional love started when we first appeared in her belly. She already loved us deeply long before she knew our gender and how we would look like. So treasure her more, hug her more!

To all the moms and moms-to-be: Happy Mother’s Day!

To all the lovely followers who sent me warm emails since I announced my pregnancy, I want to give you a big hug! Thank you for being on this journey with me! Thank you!

I’m having a baby boy and my due date is Aug 30! This is a snap from a few days ago. I’m wearing: Calvin Klein trench coat, New York & Company top, Asos cross body bag, Old Navy maternity leggings, Tory Burch flats.

Tags crossbody bag, Maternity style, mother's day, polka dot, trench coat

CLOTHING

Spice Up Your Trench

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 1, 2013

Coat: Madewell (extra 30% off with code EXTRA30; similar here)
Shoes: Madewell (great style here)
Accessories: CC Skye bracelet (similar here); M·A·C lipstick
Photo: Taylor Swift; Courtesy of justjared.com

I have been searching for a Khaki lightweight spring trench coat for a long time and finally find it at Madewell when I was drawn by their spring sale! The bright khaki flatters my skin tone, the details are classic, the tailoring is perfect, the length is just right, let alone the affordable price tag!

When searching for laid-back yet updated style inspirations for this trench coat, this look (above) of Taylor Swift from a while ago really caught my eyes. We all know that a classic trench like this goes with everything, but for this season, I get fixated on the idea of pairing it with menswear-inspired shoes, like the Oxford on Taylor Swift, or the velvet loafer on Miranda Kerr (here). To add a touch of chic glamour, think of glitter material, edgy jewelry and a bright lip!

Madewell is my all-time favorite store. I usually find designer pieces via Shopbop (up to 70% off year round) and The Outnet (up to 85% off designer items); get my trendy pieces at Asos & Forever21, and stock up timeless basic pieces at Madewell. The extra 30% off sale that is going on right now is a pretty good deal. Below are my picks and tips, hope can give you some ideas. Share with me what you got!

Clockwise from top left:

Long cardigan (adore the soft material and go-with-everything length. I always keep one in my bag during spring/summer when go to the library, shopping or attending alfresco soirees)
Striped mini (similar 25% off here; love everything: the classic print, simple silhouette and the deep pockets!)
Sidewalk skimmer (these are Madewell’s must-haves! I have several different colors in both suede and patent leather. For size references, I’m usually size 5H, and I wear size 6 for these, both insole length is 9″)
The chain minibag (great style here! leopard+crossbody=perfection! Crossbody is a trend for bag now; classic leopard print bag is also having a big moment this season and will go into fall/winter, which make this baby a must-have! And it is made of my favorite material for bags and shoes–calf hair!)

Tags colored flats, leopard bag, long cardigan, Oxford, spike jewelry, striped skirt, Taylor Swift, trench coat

CLOTHING

Styling Tips For In-Between Season

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 19, 2013

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!)