Category: CLOTHING

One is Enough: Outfit Maker

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 12, 2013

Photos: Miranda Kerr; Courtesy of modeogmyter.blogspot.com, coolspotters.com, fashionweekblog.com.

Close followers know that Miranda Kerr is one of my favorite style icons. I appreciate her attitude about fashion and trends: you hardly see her taking any trend head-to-toe. She always uses one statement piece and mixes it with classic wardrobe essentials.

Also, although she has the perfect body that allows her to try any trend, by knowing what best suits her body, she builds up the irreplaceable “Miranda Kerr style”: have you ever seen her in baggy and slouchy pants?

Today’s three looks are the perfect example of her signature style. By using one outfit maker (either the black and white checked blazer which is the hottest now, or bold leopard print top), and mixing it with timeless classic pieces that have been spotted on her many times (a pair of dark washed skinny jeans, simple black flat, a leather workhorse bag and basic tank top), she easily got camera-ready outfits that are edgy and glamorous, stylish yet classic.

Of course, details are key. For instance, girly, pull-down hair balances the sleek, menswear inspired look (above middle), whereas sleek bun tones down the sexy bold look (above left and right). Also, a classic red lip is always a quick and easy way to pull together an outfit.

Find your perfect outfit makers for this season! They will instantly make all of your basics current and spring-ready!

Top: Mango (the jacket version on Miranda Kerr here)
Jeans: Frame Denim (great style here)
Bag: Givenchy Antigona (great style at half the price here)
Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target

Blazer: Rag & Bone (similar here, lust worthy one on Miranda Kerr here)
Jeans: Frame Denim (yes, it’s the one on Miranda Kerr; great style here)
Bag: Givenchy Antigona (great style at half the price here)
Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target

Top: Equipment (also here, $22 here)
Jeans: Frame Denim (great style here)
Bag: Givenchy Antigona (great style at half the price here)
Shoes: Prabal Gurung for Target

Tags dark skinny jeans, EQUIPMENT, Givenchy Antigona, leopard shirt, Miranda Kerr, pointy toe shoes, printed blazer, statement piece, Stella McCartney, wardrobe essential

CLOTHING

Street Style: Coral Coat & Colorblock Tote

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 8, 2013

Photo: Hanneli Mustaparta at Paris fashion week; Courtesy of vogue.com, hanneli.com.

Cheerful coral and sunny yellow are two of my favorite colors for spring. Perhaps because they are associated with my childhood memory: that beautiful common bombax flower and Jasminum nudiflorum blooming in my backyard every early spring.

These two colors go great with this year’s hottest palette: black and white. Especially for romantic coral, the high-contrast black and white color combination toughens up girly, romantic coral, giving it a modern, chic vibe. The juxtaposition is bold and attractive, just like what Hanneli Mustaparta’s latest look (above).

Inspired by this combination, I paired four outfits for different activities in the new season: A bright coral coat and ankle trap booties are great for early spring, this timeless striped bag makes the coral even more eye-catching; A draped coral dress, paired with a nice structured handbag and elegant heels (like this pair), can take you from desk to dinner; A high-waisted coral gown is a perfect choice for wedding, and for an intricate, graceful dress like that, nothing is better than a sleek clutch; A coral sundress is great for warm weather getaway, and the simple silhouette creates the perfect canvas for this romantic tote.

Coat: J.Crew
Shoes: B Brian Atwood (great buy here)
Bag: Kate Spade (great alternative here)

Dress: Mango
Shoes: KORS Michael Kors
Bag: Reed Krakoff

Dress: Eliza J
Bag: Diane von Furstenberg (similar under $20 here)

Dress: J.Crew
Bag: Sondra Roberts (great style here)

Tags beach tote, Colorblock Tote, Coral Coat, Fashion Week, Hanneli Mustaparta, strappy sandals, street style, suede boots, summer dress

CLOTHING

Transform Your Winter Black Into Spring Statement

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 7, 2013

Photos (from left): Beyoncé, Olivia Palermo and Sarah Jessica Parker; Courtesy of abclocal.go.com, zimbio.com, refinery29.com.

Spring is on its way. But don’t rush to purge your winter wardrobe. The weather is till chilly, some of our favorite fall/winter pieces can keep us warm, and when teamed with a few other items, they will keep us stylish as well during this time of transition. Today, let’s learn “how” from these three ladies who are on top of their game.

As a role model that President Obama singles out for his two daughters, Beyoncé is definitely outstanding in many fields. Her impeccable fashion choices in the past year have greatly increased her impact on the fashion world too. As her nod to the black and white trend, she chose a monochrome jumpsuit by Osman as her center piece. A hint of red (her scarlet lip and nails) and glitter (her jewelry) completed her stylish modern look.

Inspired by Beyoncé, pull out the black straight-leg pants that we worn the whole fall/winter, team it with this black and white peplum top. The smart tailoring and color choice make this top so flattering, let alone the irresistible price tag. The gold cuff, along with the elegant metallic heel of this beautiful Micheal Kors pumps, adds a hint of sophisticated luxe.

Top: Astr
Pants: Theory (great buy here & here)
Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (great style here)
Jewelry: Charles Albert (similar here)

Olivia Palermo is undoubtedly a fashion icon. I especially appreciate the creative ways she restyles the same piece in her wardrobe. We saw her in this fur vest and knee-high boots several times (above middle). But by pairing them with an emerald (which is the color of year 2013) skirt and jeweled statement necklace, she made these two pieces glamorous enough for a night-out.

Vest: Alice + Olivia (similar on sale here)
Skirt: T by Alexander Wang (or this one)
Shoes: Jimmy Choo (similar 60% off here)
Jewelry: Stella & Dot (great alternative here)

Sarah Jessica Parker is never afraid of bold fashion choices. Here her bright Misha Nonoo furry coat and romantic coral Christian Louboutin pumps really spice up her LBD. Lace is a big trend last season. If you, like me, can’t stop wearing that favorite black lace dress, use colors to make them spring-ready. A structured blazer balances the romantic soft lace. These Manolo Blahnik BB suede point-toe pumps are my absolute favorite. I wish that I could have them in every color!