Tag: skinny jeans

Tried-and-true Denim

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 19, 2013

Photos: (from left) Anja Rubik & Alexa Chung; Courtesy of splashnews.com, vogue.co.uk.

Work-wear in origin, denim has been a fashion symbol for decades. Classic staples worth notice and repeat (as you can see here, here & here). Today let’s share two more stylish looks, see how the utilitarian and versatility make denim a non-fail choice whether you want to team with avant-garde pieces for a fashionable look or wear with other basics for an understated outfit.

The printed skinny jeans that Anja Rubik wearing (below) combines several hot trends this season: black and white stripes, checks and botanical pattern. If you are not ready to wear a strong piece like that, t his pair from Theyskens’ Theory is a great alternative: with the psychedelic print which is another trend now, it’s equally stylish, easier to pull off and wallet-friendly!

For loud bottoms like that, casual, easy denim shirt or jacket is great choice to pair with. Add a simple basic pump, you are ready to go. For chilly days, top it off with a black coat like this one, the faux leather sleeves echo the overall edgy chic vibe. This grey Loeffler Randall bag is my current favorite, it will instantly add an understated urban chic touch.

Coat: Asos
Shirt: J.Crew (similar here & here)
Pants: Theyskens’ Theory (also here; the designer version on Anja Rubik here)
Bag: Loeffler Randall
Shoes: Kate Spade New York (investment choice here)
Necklace: Stella & Dot

For a laid-back, shabby chic look, distressed denim pieces are ideal. They are great to toughen up delicate pieces like a chiffon floral top, add edginess to other basics as Alexa Chung did below. When the color palette is simple, I like to add details, like the matte gold hardware on this “school girl” bag and the subtle glitter heel on this affordable booties. A delicate bar necklace adds a hint of sophistication.

Shirt: Equipment (similar on sale here, extra 30% off with code SPRINGTHAW)
Shorts: Rag & Bone (similar here)
Bag: Asos (real leather at a great price!)
Shoes: Urban Outfitters
Necklace: Gorjana (also adore this one)

Tags Alexa Chung, Anja Rubik, ankle booties, Balmain, black pumps, black shirt, denim shirt, denim shorts, Gorjana, leather satchel, leather sleeve coat, Mulberry, printed pants, skinny jeans

CLOTHING

Embrace Spring: Same Palette, Different Looks

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 9, 2013

The art of accessorizing-helenhou.com-red jacket, denim staples and statement shoe inspired by Stephanie Lacava and Olivia Palermo

Photos: (from left) Stephanie Lacava & Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of fashion.telegraph.co.uk, zimbio.com.

A bright cheerful jacket is always a great way to embrace spring. We shared sunny yellow here, today let’s talk about coral-red. These two stylish outfits featured above, which can be easily adapted into our everyday wardrobe, happened to have the same color scheme: coral-red, black and denim blue.

It’s not a coincidence: coral is such an eye-catching color, to tune down the loudness, basic black is perfect. But red and black combo can be too serious and mature, that’s why we need the never-fail denim.

Besides the balance of colors, we also need some equilibrium in terms of proportions: pair shorts with long sleeve top, toughen up soft bottom with structured blazer, team an A-line coat with skinny bottom, show off beautiful footwear with ankle length pants.

Jacket: Tibi (50% off now!)
Shirt: Madewell
Shorts: Mango (great style here)
Shoes: Rosegold (great buy here)

Coat: Akris (50% off now! similar here)
Jeans: J Brand
Bag: Givenchy (see other stars carrying it here, similar here)
Shoes: Reiss (yes, it’s the one on Olivia Palermo, 50% off now!)
Sunglasses: Kate Spade

Tags ankle strap pump, black shorts, Cat eye sunglasses, chambray shirt, Fashion Week, Givenchy bag, Olivia Palermo, red jacket, skinny jeans, Stephanie Lacava, street style

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!