Tag: White Shirt

Stripes: Dress Up or Down

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 16, 2013

Photos: Alessandra Ambrosio & Lily Aldridge; Courtesy of splashnews.com, refinery29.com.

I always invest in basic pieces that can be restyled in many different ways, striped pieces are a great example of that. Today’s featured looks above showed us how to dress them up or down with ease.

I especially appreciate the idea of dressing up casual ones, like the striped sweatshirt on Lily Aldridge (above right), or dressing down delicate pieces, like the soft blouse on Alessandra Ambrosio (above left). When paired with distressed denim shorts, a delicate silk blouse is more unexpected than a stripe tee, whereas when paired with sexy pumps and leather shorts, a casual stripe shirt stands out more than a blouse.

Of course, the two each added other signature items to echo their “dress code”: a wedge sandal is perfect when out & about; a roomy tote also adds laid-back casualness to Alessandra Ambrosio’s outfit. For a more dressier ensemble, Lily Aldridge worn a crisp button-down underneath the staple piece she designed for Velvet; a fedora, fine leather crossbody bag, and bright red lips, along with her delicate pumps, lend urban chicness.

Top: Equipment (on Ambrosio here; $14 here)
Shorts: Rag & Bone/JEAN
Shoes: Timberland (Chloé version on Ambrosio here)
Bag: Fossil (designer version Ambrosio carried here)
Sunglasses: Westward Leaning (it’s the pair on Ambrosio; similar here)
Necklace: Gorjana

Top: Velvet (see the same one on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley here; similar here & here)
Shirt: J.Crew
Short: Topshop
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (6 color options here!)
Shoes: Nine West (great find at $56!)
Ring: Jacquie Aiche

Tags Alessandra Ambrosio, crossbody bag, dainty jewelry, denim shorts, leather shorts, Lily Aldridge, nude pumps, orange tote, strap wedge sandal, striped top, White Shirt

CLOTHING

Stay Chic In Your 50s

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 13, 2013

Photos: Kris Jenner; Courtesy of stylebistro.com, gettyimages.com.

Although I’m not a big fan of Kris Jenner’s life style due to my traditional background, I definitely appreciate her fashion style. Just like many moms in their 50s and above, she doesn’t have a “perfect body”, but she is never afraid of bold colors and trends. These featured two outfits (above) exemplified her age-appropriate yet fashionable style.

My favorite part of these looks is the way she made evening dresses daytime appropriate: adding a fine cardigan or wearing a tailored white button-down underneath. These tricks not only extend the usage of our cocktail dresses, but also help to cover the part that we may not feel comfortable to show. Also, these outfits are ageless (see Emma Stone in a similar outfit), women at any age can wear them beautifully!

Wearing one color head-to-toe is a big trend this season. For accessories, you can choose those in the same color family with your clothing but in different shades for contrast (like the light pink pumps on Jenner). For a modern and fashion forward touch, go with metallic ones!

Accessories is always a great start to try a trend without looking overdone: a pair of latest sunglasses, an it-bag or of-the-moment shoes can instantly update your basics and neutrals or elevate your bright and printed pieces.

Cardigan: P.A.R.O.S.H ($15 here, $46 here)
Dress: Vivienne Westwood (similar here; Designer version on Kris Jenner here)
Shoes: Charles by Charles David (more color options here)
Sunglasses: Tom Ford (it’s the one on Kris Jenner)
Watch: Michael Kors
Nail: Deborah Lippmann ‘hit me with your best shot’

Top: J.Crew (similar 30% off here with code MAYCHIC)
Dress: J.Crew (great style here)
Shoes: Valentino (or this version, similar here & here)
Belt: Ann Taylor
Lip: M·A·C ‘Lady Danger’
Nail: Deborah Lippmann ‘It’s raining men’

Tags 50s, Cat eye sunglasses, cocktail dress, Kris Jenner, nude pumps, p, pink cardigan, pink dress, strapless dress, studded pumps, Valentino, White Shirt

CLOTHING

How To Wear Red (Part IV: Bags)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 1, 2013

Photos: Jane Keltner de Valle and Giovanna Battaglia; Courtesy of stylespotting.com, tumblr.com, hellocotton.com.

Last time we talked about adding a splash of bright red to punch up our casual, off-duty outfits, today let’s share another four polished looks, and see how a small red bag can spice up ladylike outfits that can take us from desk to dinner, and more.

For this first look (below), I love how Jane Keltner de Valle makes the normal white button-down shirt and black skirt effortlessly chic by simply adding a clear red bag and blue strap sandal. These two bight pieces not only add pops of color, but also add a futuristic and modern vibe to the look.

This clear bag is my favorite: the PVC part is a playful reinterpretation of the classic color and shape; the top handle and shoulder strap make it very handy and versatile. Moreover, it can keep you stylish on rainy days!

Top: J.Crew (great buy here)
Skirt: ModCloth
Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (also here; great buy here!)
Shoes: Sam Edelman
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (tried and true!)

Second look (below) is also from Jane Keltner de Valle. Compared to the preppy, playful look above, this one is so sleek and modern. The white dress with black details emphasizes the simplicity of the look. A pair of lace up booties adds edginess while a red clutch (adore the clean and timeless design of this one) brightening up the monochrome palette.

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-black and white with a pop of red inspired by Jane Keltner de Valle

Dress: Sportmax Code ($60 here)
Bag: Smythson (similar here & here)
Shoes: Schutz Arieli (similar here)
Sunglasses: Gucci ($14 here)

Third look is from beloved Giovanna Battaglia. I especially appreciate her ability to add different elements to her ladylike looks, from Bohemian flair to British nonchalance to rock ‘n’ roll edginess.

Take the look below as example: the soft pastel pieces (light grey top, pale blue skirt and blush bow pump) are sweet and girly, but the details make the look stand out:

The bright red clutch punches up the soft palette, the chain necklace and the leather material of the skirt toughen up the sweetness while the rolled up sleeves and drape front design of the top add ease and casual vibe. Soft, light-colored leather piece is a huge trend now, this baby blue one (great alternative here) becomes my current obsession!

Top: Mango
Skirt: Alice + Olivia (similar on sale here)
Bag: Tory Burch
Shoes: Steven by Steve Madden (lusting over this pair!)
Necklace: Fallon Jewelry (great buy here)

For the last look below, compared to a yellow or blue bag (which we can find the colors on the top), this red clutch is unexpected. Not every one can rock the cutout top on her, but this equally stylish version is a great alternative (adore the small cutout at the front!). With the flattering knee-length skirt which balances bare arms, this look is great for women at any age.

Top: Whistles Thea
Skirt: ModCloth
Bag: Tory Burch (lust worthy one she carried here)
Sunglasses: Gucci ($14 here)

Tags black and white, black skirt, chain necklace, drape front top, floral dress, Giovanna Battaglia, Jane Keltner de Valle, lace up booties, pastel, pleated skirt, red bag, Strap Sandal, street style, tropical top, White Shirt