Category: CLOTHING

Back to Basics: Timeless White Shirt (Part II)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 23, 2013

wardrobe staple: versatile white t-shirt; also featured: leather look jeans,clear shoes, asymmetric peplum skirt, pointy toe pump Photos: Lily Aldridge & Leelee Sobieski; Courtesy of vogue.com, refinery29.com.

Continue our “Back to Basics” series, today let’s talk about the versatile plain white t-shirt. Like a perfect blank canvas, it allows us to be even more creative and encourage us to think out of the box. Its easy-going “personality” really makes it compliments almost anything we pair with.

For a casual yet effortlessly chic look, you can team it with simple black jeans and statement shoes. I especially love this look of Lily Aldridge (above left): the juxtaposition between her edgy coated jeans and sexy, futuristic PVC pumps is so attractive, let alone the classic color theme: the never-failed black & white with a pop of red.

I always admire artistically minded women who can rock the most basic pieces for glamorous events (remember this look of Poppy Delevigne?). In a sea of flashy, sumptuous dresses, Leelee Sobieski’s ensemble (above right) is fresh, unexpected with a nostalgic glamour. Take a hint from her, look for high quality pieces with outstanding design to elevate your white tee!

wardrobe staple: versatile white t-shirt; also featured: leather look jeans,clear shoes, Alternatives: T by Alexander Wang Classic T Shirt with Pocket, Citizens of Humanity Rocket Leatherette Jeans, Gianvito RossiPlexy Laser Suede Pump in Red, Joie Sunday Vintage Croco Tote, Ray-Ban Vintage Oversized Round Jackie Ohh Sunglasses, Adia Kibur 3 Layer Chain Necklace,

Top: T by Alexander Wang (also here, great buy here)
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity (great style here & here)
Shoes: Gianvito Rossi (similar here & here)
Bag: Joie (great buy here)
Sunglasses: Ray-Ban
Necklace: Adia Kibur

Top: Helmut Lang ($15 here)
Skirt: Bless’ed are the Meek (similar here)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (great alternative here!)
Ring: Jennifer Fisher (wishful thinking here)
Lip: Estée Lauder ‘Scarlet Siren’

Tags asymmetric skirt, black tote, clear pump, Leather Pants, Leelee Sobieski, Lily Aldridge, oversize sunglasses, pointy toe pump, red carpet look, street style, White Shirt

CLOTHING

Back to Basics: Timeless White Shirt (Part I)

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 22, 2013

how to wear black and white, wardrobe staples, white button up shirt for every age Photos: Milla Jovovich & Lily Donaldson; Courtesy of vogue.fr, vogue.co.uk.

I’m tired of the twice a year wardrobe purge and seasonal buying process, do you feel the same way? I really think that half wardrobe should be filled with high-quality (not equal high price) staples that have permanent residence. No better time than now to go back to basics, because this season, they are taking center stage!

Let’s get started with what I consider the No.1 wardrobe essential: a crisp white button down shirt. It’s versatile, timeless and ageless. When hunting for classic pieces like this, I always look for details that are subtle yet make a huge difference:

For casual occasions, I love it in soft, comfy material, with laid-back details, like this one by Splendid, adore the slightly dropped shoulder and front pocket; For office wear, I love it with structured silhouette and minimal details, like this one by J.Crew, adore the perfect cut and clean shape; For fancy and formal occasions, I love it with luxurious touches and unexpected design, like this one by Elizabeth and James, love the jeweled buttons and amazing waist design at the back!

As for styling, it’s all about balance: women in their 20s and early 30s can give their white shirt a playful, youthful vibe by pairing it with mini or skater skirt, ankle booties or sneakers; For women in their late 30s and above, I would suggest that focus on quality over quantity, invest in a few key items, like black pants, high-waist pencil skirt and great pumps, use accessories to keep your outfits current and updated.

how to wear black and white; wardrobe staples; Alternatives: Elizabeth and James Jeweled Button Cohen Shirt in White, Lafayette 148 New York 'Menswear' Trousers, Brian Atwood Maniac Patent Platform Pumps, Charlotte Olympia Pandora Classic Clutch in Clear, Michael Kors 'Small Madison' Twin Row Crystal Watch, David Yurman Sterling Silver Cable Stackable Ring,

Shirt: Elizabeth and James (love the jeweled buttons! great buy here)
Pants: Lafayette 148 New York (similar here)
Shoes: Brian Atwood ($50 here)
Clutch: Charlotte Olympia (great find at $48 here)
Watch: Michael Kors
Ring: David Yurman (similar here)

wardrobe staples; Alternatives: Splendid Button Down Shirt, J.Crew Denim mini, Sam Edelman Petty Suede Booties, Gorjana Viceroy Earrings,

Shirt: Splendid (40% off! great buy here)
Skirt: J.Crew (similar here)
Shoes: Sam Edelman (more size options here)
Earrings: Gorjana
Lip: M·A·C ‘Vegas Volt’

Tags ankle booties, black pants, clear clutch, denim skirt, Lily Donaldson, Milla Jovovich, platform pumps, silver watch, wardrobe essentials, White Shirt

CLOTHING

Statement Accessories: Retro, Punk or Ethnic

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date May 21, 2013

how to wear bold, retro, futuristic, edgy, cut out, ethnic jewelry by helen hou, the art of accessorizing

Photos: (clockwise from top left) Olivia Palermo, Miranda Kerr, Shala Monroque, Coco Rocha, Miranda Kerr, Doutzen Kroes, Sofía Sanchez Barrenechea.
Courtesy of celebrityredcarpet.co.uk, vogue.com, splashnewsonline.com.

Spring/summer is a great time to play with different types of statement accessories–when we dress less, eye-catching accessories really help to elevate the simple outfits while filling in the blanks. Today, I picked several of my favorites this season, from Miranda Kerr’s retro sunglasses and Punk finger ring set to Olivia Palermo’s ethnic choker necklace and futuristic slate-colored pearls, from Shala Monroque’s whimsical brooch to Sofía Sanchez Barrenechea’s edgy cut-out cuffs, hope to inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and explore more sides of yourself!

Retro round sunglasses on Miranda Kerr-by helen hou, the art of accessorizing, Alternative: Quay Retro Sunglasses, A.J. Morgan 52mm Retro Round Sunglasses, Madewell hepcat shades, 3.1 Phillip Lim Amber And Yellow Tortoiseshell Sunglasses, Prada Baroque Round Sunglasses, Marc by Marc Jacobs Oversized Round Sunglasses,

Sunglasses:
Quay
A.J. Morgan
Madewell
3.1 Phillip Lim
Prada (truly an art piece!)
Marc by Marc Jacobs ($14 here)

Shala Monroque-white and gold-by helen hou, the art of accessorizing, Alternative: Forever 21 Panther Brooch, Alexis Bittar 'Allegory' Dragonfly Statement Pin,

Brooches:
Alexis Bittar
Forever 21

Doutzen Kroes-silver cuff Alternative: K KaneSilver Signature Cuff, Forever 21 Cutout Chevron Cuff, Vince Camuto 'Basics' Cuff, Mango Embossed metallic cuff, Deborah Lippmann Nail Color,

Cuff: (clock wise from top left)
K Kane
Forever 21
Vince Camuto
Mango
Nail: Deborah Lippmann “hit me with your best shot”

Miranda Kerr-rock and edgy jewelry set Alternative: Gorjana Chloe Necklace, CC SKYE Mini Spike Bracelet, Ariella Collection 'Messages - Love' Script Station Bangle, Maison Martin Margiela Open Ring Set, ASOSChunky Bracelets & Rings Multipack ,