The most perfect dress and my most favorite dress...ever.
Every day style for the not-so-every-day woman
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Closet Consultation, Part 2
Here is Part 2 as promised from Missy's closet consultation. 3 more outfits for work and Casual Friday.
1. Outfit #1 (Left): This is created with an awesome, zipper-strap tank that would usually be found in a casual setting with jean shorts or some sort of cotton skirt and boots, however, when you throw a neutral cardigan over it and a high-waisted pencil skirt, it immediately becomes a chic and stylish look that is perfectly fit for the office. If the office dress code isn't too strict, removing the cardigan while inside the office is also an option, and if not, then save that for your post-work date or dinner.
2. Outfit #2 (Middle): This outfit is not only my favorite but was Missy's, too. She ended up wearing this for the rest of her Saturday because it was weather and environmentally appropriate. This get-up is so transferable from work to play time and it screams San Francisco with the cool, cropped leather jacket, layered green cardigan vest, knee high boots, and accent scarf. Throw on some textured tights for Winter and go. The layers work really well for the office because even as you peel them off, you still end up with a posh cowl neck dress suitable for the professional world.
3. Outfit #3 (Right): Lastly, Missy had recently purchased this gray flowy shirt and didn't know how to wear it. A flowy, loose shirt, in my opinion, should generally be worn with tighter fitting bottoms in order to avoid a frumpy look. With a cut that is too short for leggings, I thought a clean cut pair of dark skinny jeans and heels would be best suited for this blouse. Casual Friday is what we were going for with this outfit. Again, the cropped leather jacket appears so versatile and stylish and I actually think it's my favorite piece of Missy's wardrobe. It easily dresses up ANY outfit but still had an edgy, cool demeanor to it. Add a pop of color with the HALE Savannah necklace, completed with silver chain and lime green stones.
Missy and I had a lot of fun completing this activity and I hope it has given you some insight or inspirations to take with you on a daily basis. While the office is a professional setting and your wardrobe should compliment that, it is also really important to have some individual style and not blend into the crowd. Hope you've enjoyed the journey with us!
1. Outfit #1 (Left): This is created with an awesome, zipper-strap tank that would usually be found in a casual setting with jean shorts or some sort of cotton skirt and boots, however, when you throw a neutral cardigan over it and a high-waisted pencil skirt, it immediately becomes a chic and stylish look that is perfectly fit for the office. If the office dress code isn't too strict, removing the cardigan while inside the office is also an option, and if not, then save that for your post-work date or dinner.
2. Outfit #2 (Middle): This outfit is not only my favorite but was Missy's, too. She ended up wearing this for the rest of her Saturday because it was weather and environmentally appropriate. This get-up is so transferable from work to play time and it screams San Francisco with the cool, cropped leather jacket, layered green cardigan vest, knee high boots, and accent scarf. Throw on some textured tights for Winter and go. The layers work really well for the office because even as you peel them off, you still end up with a posh cowl neck dress suitable for the professional world.
3. Outfit #3 (Right): Lastly, Missy had recently purchased this gray flowy shirt and didn't know how to wear it. A flowy, loose shirt, in my opinion, should generally be worn with tighter fitting bottoms in order to avoid a frumpy look. With a cut that is too short for leggings, I thought a clean cut pair of dark skinny jeans and heels would be best suited for this blouse. Casual Friday is what we were going for with this outfit. Again, the cropped leather jacket appears so versatile and stylish and I actually think it's my favorite piece of Missy's wardrobe. It easily dresses up ANY outfit but still had an edgy, cool demeanor to it. Add a pop of color with the HALE Savannah necklace, completed with silver chain and lime green stones.
Missy and I had a lot of fun completing this activity and I hope it has given you some insight or inspirations to take with you on a daily basis. While the office is a professional setting and your wardrobe should compliment that, it is also really important to have some individual style and not blend into the crowd. Hope you've enjoyed the journey with us!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Closet Consultation, Part 1
I got a phone call from a friend named Missy who just scored her first ever full-time job. Missy has been a server and student for the past few years, so creating a professional wardrobe from an existing wardrobe can be difficult. I stepped in to help Missy put together sophisticated AND stylish outfits for her new job. One of my biggest pet peeves is dressing professionally but keeping it boring. I think it is extremely important to keep style in an otherwise drab fashion setting - it will set you apart but still allow you to be taken seriously.
Here are the first 4 outfits created at Missy's preliminary closet consultation. All outfits were created without purchasing anything new. At the end of this, I sent Missy a recommendation list...items I think she should invest in that are versatile enough to wear with a variety of outfits.
On the left, this form-fitting yellow top is perfect for the office. With a square neck, sleeve, and length that can be tucked in or left out, as you can see, it is perfect for slacks or a high-waisted skirt. The yellow shirt and white skirt ensemble is ideal for a presentation or business meeting as it proves style and professionalism all in one. The yellow top, slacks, sweater, and waist belt combination is nicely put together for the office and giving the ability to remove the belt for a still-professional but somewhat more casual feel, perhaps for Happy Hour following work.
On the right, you will find a flowy red top that again is perfect for tucking in or leaving out. Pair the top with some pinstripe slacks and a colorful teal stone necklace for an everyday office look or throw on some leggings, boots, and the HALE Cheryl Waist Belt for a completely different yet still polished appearance.
So what do you think of the outfits made from Missy's withstanding wardrobe? Stay tuned for more outfits pieced together at Missy's closet consultation later this week.
Here are the first 4 outfits created at Missy's preliminary closet consultation. All outfits were created without purchasing anything new. At the end of this, I sent Missy a recommendation list...items I think she should invest in that are versatile enough to wear with a variety of outfits.
On the left, this form-fitting yellow top is perfect for the office. With a square neck, sleeve, and length that can be tucked in or left out, as you can see, it is perfect for slacks or a high-waisted skirt. The yellow shirt and white skirt ensemble is ideal for a presentation or business meeting as it proves style and professionalism all in one. The yellow top, slacks, sweater, and waist belt combination is nicely put together for the office and giving the ability to remove the belt for a still-professional but somewhat more casual feel, perhaps for Happy Hour following work.
On the right, you will find a flowy red top that again is perfect for tucking in or leaving out. Pair the top with some pinstripe slacks and a colorful teal stone necklace for an everyday office look or throw on some leggings, boots, and the HALE Cheryl Waist Belt for a completely different yet still polished appearance.
So what do you think of the outfits made from Missy's withstanding wardrobe? Stay tuned for more outfits pieced together at Missy's closet consultation later this week.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Countdown to Christmas
Christmas is ONLY 5 paychecks away!
Get a head start on your Christmas Gift List (or Wish List) and buy some HALE Jewelry! You can visit our ETSY shop to see some of the collection available. We can also make custom orders, if you have something specific in mind.
ETSY: www.etsy.com/shop/shophale
To ensure you get your HALE for Christmas on time, please order by December 15th, 2010!
For more information or inquiries, feel free to drop a note to HALE at info@shophale.com
Get a head start on your Christmas Gift List (or Wish List) and buy some HALE Jewelry! You can visit our ETSY shop to see some of the collection available. We can also make custom orders, if you have something specific in mind.
ETSY: www.etsy.com/shop/shophale
To ensure you get your HALE for Christmas on time, please order by December 15th, 2010!
For more information or inquiries, feel free to drop a note to HALE at info@shophale.com
Exquisite
The beauty of this blog is my ability to share all the things I love in life - whether it be about Hale Jewelry, fashion in general, or dance. Today, it's dance.
These teenagers have impeccable technique and the dancers that come from this Southern California studio are waaaaaaaaay above par. I wish I had trained here when I was growing up!
These teenagers have impeccable technique and the dancers that come from this Southern California studio are waaaaaaaaay above par. I wish I had trained here when I was growing up!
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
My Classic Picks for Fall (and beyond!)
Some of my favorites pieces of the moment have nothing to do with the current “trends” like utility-inspired gear, the kitten heel (which I hate, by the way!), or the glitzy sequin look (although I do love a little sparkle). Trust.
These pieces are new and currently for sale on the market, but they are also great pieces that you will carry with you throughout time. Although these are staple pieces for every wardrobe (or should be), I also adore the modern twist embedded in almost each pick.
I’d like to call this my Classic Picks for Fall (and beyond!) This is my style guide to daily wear. Everyone needs a good pair of jeans, a perfect everyday sexy heel, a legit tee shirt, and of course, a solid perfume – so see what pieces made the cut for my favorite timeless trends.
1. Moonlight Blazer – Anthropologie - $128; every woman needs a black blazer, whether you’re in finance or in fashion design. It is a statement piece that is a level of professionalism that says “you can take me seriously,” and when paired correctly, it will exude style. I love the lace material on this otherwise classic blazer – it gives it the right touch of sexuality and femininity and creates a less rigid but still structured cover up.
2. J Brand Straight Leg Jeans - $174; straight leg jeans are great because you can wear them with a heel or tuck them into a boot but don’t give the “too tight” look like a skinny jean does. Many body shapes look flattering in straight leg jeans and the ability to dress these up and down makes it the essential jean for any wardrobe. A dark denim color always gives off a more sophisticated look and can easily be paired with a basic tee shirt or a snazzy blazer like the one above.
3. Steve Madden ‘Caryssa’ Pump – Nordstrom - $89.95; while many woman are afraid of the platform base, you’d be surprised to find how easy a saucy shoe like this is to walk in. Every woman needs a go-to stiletto (I, unfortunately, have about 18 go-to pairs) and a closed-toe black patent heel will not steer you wrong. These pumps look amazing with jeans, a skirt, or even a cool pair of patterned shorts for your night-out repertoire.
4. Crop Top Corded Lace Bra – Top Shop - $44; more than likely, no one (or a very select few) will see you in this, however, why not start your day feeling sexy in a little lacy number? The power of lingerie is underrated in the confidence department - slip on something sexy and go about your day. You’d be surprised to see how you end up feeling.
5. Brissey Boot – Aldo Shoes - $180; this boot is one of the most current “trendy” items on this basics list but look at that boot! How stylish is that? I love a unique brown boot that can be worn over pants or bare legged with a dress. This covers the utility look when matched with army green or other earth-tone colors or the bohemian style when paired with a floral-patterned dress. It’s a pretty bad ass.
6. Double Layered Chiffon Skirt – American Apparel - $42; an elastic waist band on skirts is one of my favorite things because it creates a waist on any woman but can also be worn lower on the torso or higher, like an empire waist. This ultra-feminine skirt is one of my favorites because it’s long enough to be work appropriate but also perfect for a Saturday afternoon coffee or even a date night.
7. Garden Floral Scarf – Top Shop - $32; patterned scarves have this amazing ability to turn any simply constructed outfit into a whole new look. Adding a pop of color to the most simplified monochromatic outfit is essential and screams “Hey, I’ve got great style.” Whether it’s utilized for warmth or for looks, it’s very rare to go off the beaten path when wearing a scarf.
8. Botkier Bag – ShopBop - $595; I have to admit, I’m not a huge bag girl. I would rather spend $900 on another pair of shoes than spend $30 on a bag from Target, however, I have developed an appreciation for a good bag when I see one. I am in love with this bag – the perfect mix of black leather and studs make this bag edgy but ageles and fluent in both day and night use, which is exactly what I look for in a bag…the ability to transform with different looks.
9. Bleecker Street – Bond No. 9 Eau de Parfum - $220; my scent palate is magnetically pulled to unisex or spicy smelling perfumes. I mean, I wear men’s deodorant for the smell, so it’s no surprise that I like more masculine smelling perfumes. I am obsessed with the Bond No. 9 line and have 3 different scents, all different but all equally great. Bleecker Street is my favorite of them all – maybe because it was my first purchase at Bond. Regardless, I think perfume is sometimes the most forgotten accessory in the daily grind, and realistically, it should be the most necessary!
10. Chloe White Leather Aviators – Chloe - $295; aviators will never go out of style, seriously. They look good on every one, they present a calm, cool, and collected aura and also command authority (think police officer). Some cool modern accents like the winter white leather arms make these aviators a must-have, for any season.
11. Pacific Park Top – Anthropologie - $58; by no means am I a tee-shirt and jeans kind of girl, but I will say I do love a comfortable v-neck. They literally go with anything and never go out of style! You can tuck them into a skirt and create a feminine but casual look or wear them over jeans and heels, downplaying the casualness of the shirt and creating a more refined feel. I believe, like I do with shoes, that a girl can never have enough tees, but I also think it is important to put effort into wearing these (without looking like you are) so you’re not just another “tee-shirt and jeans kind of girl” when wearing one.
Meeting Lauren Conrad
Yesterday, I went to the Cal Bookstore where Lauren Conrad was doing a book signing. I like how much I can relate to Lauren Conrad on a number of levels - she gains success by being nice and not by being mean, she knows what she wants and has a good head on her shoulders, and she has a range of fashion styles that are polished and classy but still current and cool.
We weren't allowed any photos when she was signing, but I did take 2 photos of the cover of the book and the signed page inside.
I took a piece of Hale (the Hollywood necklace) in a box and included my resume, a cover letter, and business card. It was a bold move that will probably never have anything come from it but at least now she has not only a piece from my collection in her hand, but also my resume. We will one day cross paths in the career field.. I just know it.
When I walked up to her to have her sign my book and hand over the Hale, she gave me a number of compliments on my outfit. What a sweet girl she is! As I was leaving, her publicist asked to take a photo of my outfit, as Lauren likes to tweet her favorite outfits from her appearances. Whether or not I make the cut, I do not know - however, what I am most excited about is how she now has a face to match the jewelry and resume.
Like I said, I expect NOTHING to come of this - but I'm just SO glad I went. Had I listened to my own brain, I wouldn't have gone. Had my friends not PUSHED me to go, I wouldn't have gone. I hate being told no, I really do. That's why I follow rules so much - but yesterday, I turned the brain on auto-pilot and just went with it.. no thinking involved... and now, I couldn't be happier and more motivated.. making me realize I DO have the power to do big things.. it's just a matter of taking risks!
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