Tag: street style

The One-Minute Change I

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 12, 2013

Photos: Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of fashionrollcall.com, zimbio.com

We have to admit that dressing in the morning requires more than “3C”: being comfy, chic and confident. The outfit we pick needs to be “multitasking” too. There are so many things to do everyday and we want the outfit we put on in the morning can help us accomplish all of them with minimal change: from sending kids to school to client meeting to dinner and happy hours.

That’s why I focus on featuring and sharing versatile pieces and quick outfit transforming tips in my blog (like previous posts here, here, here and more). Today’s looks from Olivia Palermo are also a great example: by changing one or two pieces, you get different but equally stylish outfits.

There are more we can learn from these two looks: the way Olivia Palermo mixed and matched winter and spring pieces for in-between season (keep the turtleneck sweater and wool coat we worn in winter, pair them with fresh printed skirt and bright clutch), and the way she nailed the black and white trend (keep the color palette simple and classic, then add one or two eye-catching hue with accessories to brighten up the monochrome look).

Sweater: J.Crew (buy one size bigger to get a relaxed look)
Skirt: Thakoon Addition (also here)
Bag: Cole Haan
Shoes: Aquazzura (also here)

Cardigan:Mango (great style on sale here)
Skirt: Thakoon Addition (also here)
Bag: Cole Haan
Shoes: Aquazzura (also here)
Hat: French Connection (65% off now!)

Slowly but surely, the weather in New York is getting warm now. Many mid-season sales have started. I want to take full advantage of Kate Spade’s two day F&F sale and get this beautiful cobalt blue trench coat and the bright orange cross body bag that I have been lusting. With an extra 25% (use code S13FFUS) on top of the 60% off, I think it’s time to bring it home! What’s your find for the new season?

Tags Aquazzura, black booties, black cardigan, burgundy hat, Club Monaco, colorblock shoes, French Connection, J Crew, leopard skirt, Mango, Olivia Palermo, orange clutch, street style, turtleneck sweater

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

What A Shoe Can Do

Post author By Helen Hou
Post date April 5, 2013

Photos: Olivia Palermo; Courtesy of coolspotters.com, purseblog.com.

Have you built your outfit from bottom up? If yes, then you definitely understand the power of shoes. Especially when you are in basic pieces, changing shoe can instantly transform your look. Take these two outfits of Olivia Palermo for example: for the same pieces, a pair of sneakers gave them a casual, laid-back vibe, whereas delicate heels instantly dressed them up.

As always, details make this one-second transformation work, and ensure both looks are chic: The pieces on you should be versatile, as those on Olivia Palermo: a brown slim fit sweater and black leather pants can both be dressed up or down easily; the textured black leather handbag is equally edgy and formal. As for the sneaker she chose, the leather material and thick white rubber sole add chic details. Compared to basic neutral or solid colored pumps, a printed floral version screams “spring” and instantly brightens up the look.

Jumper: Reiss (great style here)
Pants: J Brand ($40 here)
Bag: Dooney & Bourke (lust worthy one Olivia carrying here)
Shoes: Target ($25! The designer version on Olivia Palermo here)