Month: March 2013

How To Wear Red (Part III: Bags)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 28, 2013

Photos: (from left) Nicole Richie & street style; Courtesy of instyle.co.uk, theyallhateus.com.

Besides the different kinds of lust-worthy red pumps that we shared in my last entry, handbag is another great way to incorporate this bright, dynamic hue. Today, let’s start with those we use most in daily life–big totes.

Nicole Richie is known for her edgy Bohemian style. Today’s look is no exception: the tie dye dress perfectly showed her casual chic sensibility with an infusion of Bohemia, while the eye-catching Givenchy tote, Balenciaga ankle boots, beanie and sunglasses keeping the look modern and edgy.

This outfit is great for weekend getaways, hanging out with friends or running errands, also a stylish option for pregnant women like myself: I’m living in my loose shift dresses and flat ankle booties now!

When the color scheme becomes as simple as you can see on the right look above, it’s the detail that really matters: from the subtle brown trim on her sweater to the asymmetrical hemline of her skirt to the cap-toe oxford. The colorblock red tote really brightened up the whole look while echoing the simplicity. Change the mini skirt into shorts, skinny jeans or cropped pants, this look is great for women at any age!

How to use a pop of red to create more ladylike, party-ready outfits? Coming soon!

Dress: Raquel Allegra (similar here)
Bag: Tory Burch (the Givenchy Nightingale Nicole Richie carried here)
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (Balenciaga version on Nicole here)
Accessories: Asos beanie; House of Harlow 1960 sunglasses

Sweater: Topshop (adore the unique sheer panel on the sleeve!)
Skirt: Cacharel (65% off now! under $50 here)
Bag: Marni (two sides for two totally different looks! also adore this one from the brand)
Shoes: Tildon (a super comfy pair here!)

CLOTHING

How To Wear Red (Part II: Shoes)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 28, 2013

Photos: (from left) NYC street style, Jessie J and Taylor Tomasi Hill; Courtesy of fabsugar.com, whowhatwear.com.

Compared to the bold red clothing pieces we shared in my last entry, shoes are one of the easiest ways to incorporate this classic, eye-catching color without being overwhelmed:

You can make the red shoe as a centerpiece by teaming it with understated neutral items, like the crisp white shirt and grey pencil skirt in first look above; You can emphasize it by wearing another red piece, like the red jumper on Jessie J (above middle); Or you can play with colors by adding analogous colors (like Taylor Tomasi Hill’s purple floral blouse, above right), or adding complementary colors (like green).

As always, details make a big difference: for the first outfit, the blue printed scarf and leopard sunglasses really spice up the look. I like to take one step further by adding this modern diamond colorblocked skirt by Ann Taylor. This look is great for any age.

For the second outfit, compared to a regular skinny jeans, a two-tone tuxedo version nails this season’s hottest trend while a school-girl vibe satchel adding ease to the look. Change the bag to a more sleek, structured version, I can see this outfit on women over 40.

The third outfit is all about colors, from the printed blouse to the colorblock pumps. Use neutral pieces to cool the loudness. Another ageless look that’s great to embrace the coming spring!

Shirt: J.Crew
Skirt: Ann Taylor
Shoes: Dolce Vita (also here, similar here)
Accessories: Forever21 scarf; Stella McCartney sunglasses (similar here)

Sweater: Topshop
Pants: Tibi (70% off now! also here)
Bag: Ted Baker (great alternative here)
Shoes: Topshop (lust worthy one here)

Top: Lord and Taylor
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim (similar here)
Shoes: Pierre Hardy (60% off now! great style here)

Tags Ann Taylor, black leather bag, colorblocked sandal, Colorblocked Skirt, Fashion Week, floral shirt, Forever21, J Crew, Jessie J, Mulberry, red pump, red sweater, skinny jeans, Stella McCartney, street style, Taylor Tomasi Hill, Topshop, Tuxedo pants

CLOTHING

How To Wear Red (Part I: Clothing)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 26, 2013

Photos: (from left) Peony Lim & Garance Doré; Courtesy of vogue.co.uk, garancedore.fr.

To “fight” against the desolation of early Spring, nothing is better than a bold, bright, dynamic red piece. It can instantly lift up our mood, brighten up a dull ensemble. No wonder we spot this vivid hue everywhere recently: from celebrities to street trendsetters.

Since it’s such an bright color, styling it in a modern, chic way can be a challenging. In case you have the same question, I started this “how to wear red” series. Let’s start with clothing pieces today.

To stay cozy on chilly days, the great colors to pair with red are camel and black. Inspired by Peony Lim’s look (above left) during fashion week, I paired this camel sweater with red skinny jeans. The python tote adds detail and texture to the look while the fringed booties echoing the edginess. To balance the heavy colors on bottom, a black fedora is great (it’s also a bad hair day saver!). Take off the convertible jewel collar on the sweater, you get a classic outfit that’s great for any age.

Sweater: J.Crew (the collar is convertible!)
Jeans: J Brand (great style here, $18 here)
Bag: Sam Edelman (lust over this one)
Shoes: Sam Edelman (also here, adore the fringe!)
Hat: Forever21 (a steal under $6!)

Garance Doré is my favorite fashion blogger. Her looks have that perfect masculine/feminine balance that I deeply adore. This outfit of her (above right) incorporated one of my favorite color combination: red and white.

Inspired by her, for the warm weather ahead, you can pair a bright red silk blouse with fresh white colored add-ons (like classic white pumps and a clean-lined white tote. And yes, it’s OK to match your shoes to bag).