How To - My Style Pill

In How To · April 28, 2011

My Paper Doll: Color Blocking, Level 1

It seems as though everyone is color blocking at the moment, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to do, or for everyone. But because I love it and think it’s fun, I decided to create a mini series to show how you can rock this trend at three different levels: 1-for beginners, 2-for intermediate, 3-for advanced.

Today, I give you the first steps, level 1, in color blocking. We will start out slow and work our way up to super bright with lots of pizazz. But remember, each level is perfectly acceptable. It’s the fact that you are trying out a trend, even if it is out of your comfort area. That is what is important. I will be rolling out the three levels over the next week and a half, so make sure to check back. Alright, let’s get started!

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What I’m Wearing: 1. Zara Blouse and Cheap Monday Jeans 2. J.Crew Necklaces / Vintage Boots 3. H&M Cropped Trench, J.Crew Clutch, Kenneth Cole Shoes, Accessorize Ring

(You’ll notice I am wearing two different shoes in these photos. The truth is, as I am sure you all know, that happens when creating an outfit. You might put on one thing but decide in the end you want to go with something completely different. I just embraced it!)

How To Recreate It:

1. I started with one of my new favorite bright blouses. Then to offset its bold color, I went with a muted pastel for the bottom. These jeans are light blue, which I thought created a pretty, yet unique contrast with the vibrant green.

2. I did a little tuck with the blouse to keep it casual, then added a couple long necklaces to break up the solid color on top. I started out by wearing boots but realized I wanted to keep the overall look a little more light and not so blocky, so opted for sleek pumps.

3. Lately I have been pairing these maroon heels with lots of pieces, whether it’s black and white stripes or in this case, an unexpected grassy green top.)

I kept the finishing touches—trench and clutch—neutral so that the focus remained on the subtle color blocking, which I wanted to be the focal point.

***Now for a quick lesson about this look. I would not necessarily call this ensemble traditional color blocking, at least not compared to this, this or this look that I wore a little bit ago. But that is the point of this post. I wanted to help show how you can integrate color and seque into the color blocking trend without feeling overwhelmed. Hope you’ve enjoyed the first post of this mini series. Make sure to stay tuned for the intermediate version next week! xoxo

In How To · March 22, 2011

My Paper Doll: Taming A Blousy Top

What I’m Wearing: 1. H&M Blouse and UO Shorts 2. Charlotte Russe Necklace / Wanted Shoes 3. H&M Blazer 4. RayBan Sunglasses / Coach Bag 5. H&M Jacket

How To Recreate It:

1. I started with my my favorite, yet very billowy, polka dotted blouse that has a tendency to makes me look like a ballon when it’s not tucked in or tamed by another layer. (Hence the basis of this paper doll post!) Next, I chose my burnt orange shorts to offset the “loud” white and black pattern and soften it up a bit.

2. I felt like making this outfit super springy so I sprung for my new patent leather espadrilles. I added a necklace that was long and heavy enough to hang down in order to begin the taming of the blouse.

3. Plain and simple, it seems that when polka dots are in the mix, I need to pair them with leopard or stripes. Stripes won this time around.

4. Key accessories are added, such as my beloved RayBan Wayfarers, and my very first Coach bag (circa 2004) to add a pop of lemon zest.

5. The finishing touches? I could have left it as is. But, what’s the fun in that? So, on went the leopard coat. My favorite pattern pairing is complete! Stripes, polka dots and leopard, oh my!

***Now for a quick lesson/reason for this post. I love blousy tops, but they don’t often flatter my shape because I am curvy. So instead of draping over me, my chest and hips in a demure way, I look like a balloon instead, as mentioned above. The key to taming these types of tops is to layer with a structured piece, such as a blazer or vest. That way you can still have a bit of blouse, but it won’t overwhelm your silhouette, making you look bigger than you are. My other tip is to tuck it into a high-waisted skirt and belt it. But I will save that outfit another day. Cheers! xoxo

In How To · February 1, 2011

My Paper Doll: Winterizing The Summer Dress

What I’m Wearing: 1. Screaming Mimi’s Thrifted Dress 2. H&M Blouse 3. H&M Necklace 4. Steve Madden “Caryssa” Pumps, Black Tights 5. RayBan Sunglasses /Juicy Leather Jacket (c/o) / Coach Clutch (c/o)

How To Recreate It:

1. I started with my vintage summer dress that I have really only worn when it’s warm outside.

2. I started out by layering with my black and white polka dotted blouse to show how you can mix dark and light palettes together.

3. Next I tied the top at the waist in place of a belt and my favorite statement necklace.

4. I chose solid black tights and suede black pumps to add some contrast to the over-all summery ensemble.

5. The finishing touches? A sleek black leather jacket, classic black RayBans and my favorite tan clutch.

Now I have the perfect outfit mix of light and dark palettes in the middle of a cold, blustery winter. :) xoxo

In How To · January 25, 2011

My Paper Doll: Layering…With Polka Dots

Today’s Paper Doll feature is showing how to add/layer a dose of polka dots to an outfit. I absolutely adore this sheer version from H&M and so I thought it would be fun to do a mini remix and show you two different ways of doing so.

Look #1

What I’m Wearing: 1. H&M Polka-dotted Blouse / Poetrie “I’m Seeing Spots” Skirt 2. Gray Sheer Nylons (Drugstore) / Seychelles Suede Pumps. 3. F21 Sweater / Charlotte Russe Necklace 4. Zara Cape / Ann Taylor Loft Faux Fur Collar

How To Recreate It:

1. I started out by mixing two polka-dotted patterns.

2. I tucked the top into the skirt and chose sheer gray tights versus the typical black to give some “warmth” to the outfit. The gray-brown tone of the nylons goes better with the suede rust-colored Seychelles pumps.

3. Next I chose a neutral-colored sweater to layer over the blouse that blended well with the outfit but that didn’t take away from the overall look. I picked a clear statement necklace to act as pretty, yet subtle accessory.

4. Lastly, I stuck with my warm-toned theme and slipped on my favorite camel cape from Zara. Then finally, the ever-so-handy detachable Ann Taylor Loft Faux Fur Collar from my hunter green blazer went on top for the finishing touch.

Look #2

What I’m Wearing: 1. H&M Blouse Polka-dotted Blouse / Becky Sullivan Gray Wool Skirt (also a lovely sponsor of MSP!) 2. Aldo Boots 3. H&M Sweater 4. J.Crew Necklace / H&M Blazer

How To Recreate It:

1. This time, I paired the polka-dots with a solid colored skirt for a little juxtaposition play.

2. I tucked the blouse into the skirt and opted for tall boots to keep a long and fluid silhouette due to the mid-calf length of the skirt.

3. The gray, white and brown combination needed a punch of color so I went for my favorite rust-colored, boatneck knit. I made sure that the polka-dots peeked through by pushing up the sleeves of the sweater.

4. Lastly, I finished off the look with a brown tweed blazer and once again “layered” the sleeves by pushing them up and allowing the pattern of the blouse to show. Final touch: a sparkly necklace.

***Please feel free to leave suggestions for the next Paper Doll feature in the comments!***

In How To · January 18, 2011

My Paper Doll: Layering…with a Faux Fur Vest

Over the past couple of years, many of you have contacted me with questions regarding clothing and style advice, and I’ve found that the general theme seems to center around how to wear certain styles/items and look “put together.” So, with that thought in mind, I decided to create a new dedicated weekly post called “My Paper Doll.” It is simply a breakdown of images showing what I’m wearing and how I got to my final look. Depending on what your outfit/style requests are, the ensemble and breakdown will vary.

I want to get as much feedback from you as I can about how to make this weekly post more helpful to you, and what kind of outfit breakdowns you would like to see, so please share your thoughts in the comments!

Today, I’m showing you an easy way to layer a faux fur vest over a pretty but plain top, and under a thick winter jacket. OK, let’s begin!

What I’m Wearing:

1. Abercrombie plain white tank, Jessica Simpson skinny gray tuxedo jeans.

2. American Apparel lace top, H&M statement necklace

3. Apart Faux-Fur Reversible Vest

4. Coach bag, Wanted tan “Akira” lace-up military-style combat boots

5. Vintage brown leather belt, Nordstrom’s Rack faux fur jacket

How To Recreate It:

1. Start with a basic white tank and your choice of jeans. I chose skinny jeans because I knew I wanted to tuck them into tall boots.

2. Layer any lace top over the tank and add a statement necklace of your choice. I went with a black and metal version to break up the brown tones in the jacket, bag and boots.

3. Next slip on the key layering piece, which in this case is a reversible faux fur vest.

4. Decide on a caramel or cognac-colored bag and similar colored boots. I chose brown as the base for these accessories because I wanted a “warmer” look. This is also why I chose a black-based statement necklace so that the overall look didn’t turn out too matchy-matchy.

5. Finish off with a faux fur jacket, one that is long enough to belt, if you are comfortable doing so. Pull the faux fur vest lapels up and out and layer over the top of the jacket, letting them act as a collar. Select a thin-ish belt, but one that has enough structure so that it holds the outfit together. This is why I chose leather instead of something flimsier. A stretchy woven style works great as well. Et, volia, I give you the final look!

Remember, leave your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comments so that I can keep adding to this weekly segment to make it the best it can be!

***P.S. By way of random.org, the winner of the Plume feather hair extensions, is comment #9. Congratulations, Em!

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