Tag: black and white

Maternity Style: Modern, Classic or Edgy

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 2, 2013

Photos: (from left) Kim Kardashian, Duchess of Cambridge and Miranda Kerr. Courtesy of eonline.com, instyle.co.uk, celebrityphotos.sheknows.com.

In my fifth month of pregnancy, my regular clothes don’t accommodate the growing belly any more, but I really don’t want to invest in maternity pieces that have limited options and can only be worn several months.

If you, like me, are hunting clothes, or considering reworking old pieces in your closet, to put together stylish outfits that can be worn in different occasions, during pregnancy and long after the baby is born, today’s tips are for you.

Being pregnant doesn’t stop Kim Kardasian from wearing curve-hugging clothes and sky-high heels. I do not recommend any mum-to-be wearing high heels, but I do find that after my belly getting bigger, compared to loose, shapeless pieces that are tent-like in profile, properly fitted garments are much more flattering.

This look of her nailed the hottest black and white trend. I love how she wisely chose black and white accessories to maximize the graphic effect. A scarlet lip is enough to brighten up the look. Instead of her high heels, I found this pair equally stylish and much easier to walk in.

Dress: Emporio Armani (great style here)
Bag: Sondra Roberts
Shoes: BCBGeneration (also here)
Accessories: CC Skye cuff, M·A·C lipstick

Kate Middleton’s look (below) is an excellent example of how to rework the old pieces during pregnancy. As Pantone color of the year 2013, this understated, elegant emerald hue is not only trendy, but also universal flattering. Choose a belted or high-waist design which is comfy to wear during pregnancy. Both of the pieces picked below are so Kate-like, but cost much less!

Coat: Target ($49!)
Dress: DKNY

Miranda Kerr’s off-duty look is always sleek and modern, with an edgy touch. This look is no exception. Loose shift dress doesn’t add pressure to the belly. A structured leather jacket and bare legs show off her figure. A pair of easy-to-walk-in ankle booties are must-have! I literally live in mine: with maxi dress, maternity jeans (the only maternity piece I bought) or knee-length sheath.

Jacket: Alice by Temperley (similar here)
Dress: Mango
Shoes: Steve Madden

As you can see from all the looks above, being pregnant doesn’t mean that you need to completely change your personal style. All you need is some tweaking, to make your outfits flatter your new body, but still reflect who you are.

Tags ankle booties, black and white, black cuff, box clutch, emerald coat, Kate Middleton, Kim Kardashian, Leather Jacket, Miranda Kerr, pregnancy style, printed dress, white pump

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

Three Simple Tips To Upgrade Your White Dress

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date March 20, 2013

Photos: (from left) Nicole Richie, Taylor Swift and Rachel Zoe; Courtesy of redcarpet-fashionawards.com, mirror.co.uk, yesitiskevin.blogspot.com.

Three ways to instantly update your white dress? You probably can tell from the looks above: add a pop of color with an eye-catching red box clutch, draw the eye up with a pair of exotic turquoise earrings; perfectly frame your face with a bold statement necklace. But not all three together of course.

Pay attention to the details when you are picking these outfit makers: for a sharp, modern black and white dress, Nicole Richie picked a red clutch with a whimsical antiqued golden clasp. The snake skin effect faux leather also echoes the edginess of her dress; Rachel Zoe balanced her innocent, sober dress with bold statement necklace and oversized bracelet. Since all of her add-ons are pretty bold, she kept them in a similar tone.

As you can tell from the three pictures below, Taylor Swift’s look is my favorite. Her curvaceous, ravishing dress fits like a glove, a perfect balance between sexy and elegant. The turquoise earrings are truly unexpected on red carpet. To steal a scene, grab the attention, red carpet dressing is all about the unexpected. That’s why a bold turquoise piece can easily beat expensive diamond (remember this look of Hedi Klum?)

We don’t have many chances to wear gowns, but today’s three simple tips work perfectly with your white sundress, maxi dress or sheath. Don’t forget to give them a try when you need to dress up for a night out, a fancy dinner or a formal event!

Details of Taylor Swift’s look; Courtesy of mirror.co.uk, redcarpet-fashionawards.com, stylefrizz.com.