Category: 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

CLOTHING

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!