Something fresh, something new?? The Culotte.

It's hard to believe that it has been almost two years since my last post... that's when the morning sickness kicked in and the rest is history. Now my 14-month-old ginger devil-child keeps me quite busy, but I finally feel like I can jump into the world of fashion again... or at least get my toes wet.

I have been online a lot lately trying to find pants. That is probably the hardest piece of clothing to wear post-baby. Somehow comfortable, flattering and won't get ruined when you have snot and/or baby food wiped on you don't go hand in hand.

The jogger style has been my go-to since Charlotte was born last Spring, but I am trying really hard to brake out of that mode. It would be nice to not look like I am wearing the same thing everyday, even though I am... shhhh!

I have been fascinated with culottes lately. Not for any reason other than they aren't skinny, they're not joggers - they just seem new, fresh and perfect for summer. Then it dawned on me the other day... it was like déja vu... 2005 to be exact - GAUCHOS!!! How many of you remember these lovely knit pants that you had in a rainbow of colors? Before athleisurewear and the dawn of Lululemon, we all wore gauchos... all of the time. Gauchos for work, gauchos for leisure, gauchos for going out and most importantly gauchos pre and post baby! When pregnant with my first, that is all I wore and continued to wear for a long time... Omg, how quickly we forget these trends.

Let me give you a visual...

Do these ring a bell? 

Jessica Simpson embraced gauchos. 

The pregnancy look.

I think those days are best forgotten. It's time to take on the culotte of 2015 - definitely a more polished version and a breath of fresh air. Who wants to go out everyday looking the same as everyone else? As though we were all a bunch of style drones... At least the culotte allows us a chance to be different.. more options are definitely a good thing.

                                             

The key is how to wear culottes now. 2015's culottes have a different look... as though you were going to wear a pair of wide leg trousers/ball gown/maxi skirt, but the bottom has been cut off above to ankle to keep you cooler. Therefore, what you put on top should complement the style of the pant - for more inspiration think Katherine Hepburn or Grace Kelly. Some culottes are made to be the statement piece, some are very high-waisted and look great with a cropped, boxy top or sweater. Others are more fluid and casual, which look great with a not too large blouse or tee and/or a jacket or blazer.  

The key is to remember proportion. Don't let the culotte overwhelm you. Models may walk down the runway with long flowing tops paired with equally large and fluid culottes. Don't do it. Keep it simple. Keep it pulled together.

Tibi has some fabulous culottes right now... too bad they are so expensive, but great for inspiration.

 

 

 

As far as shoes go, keep them current. Simple sandals, strappy heels, pointy toe pumps or even a fab mule (my favorite right now). Do not wear a round/almond toe heel with these, please. And, if you are wearing a little heel or flat sandal, stick to a slimmer culotte.  A higher heel helps balance out the fullness of the more extreme versions.

Be adventurous, have fun and good luck.

Post pics of culotte success stories or if you have a question...

                                      - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google and tibi.com.

Liberty United: Jewelry With a Purpose

I feel as though I have been one of the biggest fashion ruts in history.  Not sure if it is due to the demands of my family (i.e. a slave to my girls' schedule), the lack of inspiring fashion this past season or simply that I am transitioning my own style... I have been feeling a bit more grown up these days.
Either way, it has been bad.  However, with summer on it's way out and a good dose of September-like weather - my creative juices seem to be flowing again.

Cut to a good friend of mine showing me a very cool bracelet that she just purchased at a trunk show last week.  It's not your typical Stella & Dot or Lia Sophia piece, it is a creative piece with meaning behind it.  So, what else would I do other than share it with you...

I could go on and on, but I am going to give you the cliff notes version.  It began with Peter Thum who founded Ethos water to help fund water sanitization programs in Africa as well as Asia and Latin America.  While working on these projects he was inspired to help reduce firearms in Africa.  This led to the creation of Fonderie 47.

Fonderie 47's mission is to turn reclaimed guns into high end art and jewelry.  Each piece contains the serial number of one of the weapons that has been destroyed.  Thum has worked with various jewelry designers and artists to create very unique and beautiful pieces with the proceeds going back to help take more assault rifles out of circulation.

The success of Fonderie 47 has led to the creation of Liberty United.  The brainchild of Peter's wife Cara, Liberty United is a jewelry company that puts the focus back on gun violence in the United States.  Committed to helping reduce gun violence on our own soil, each piece of jewelry contains the serial number of a gun that has been destroyed and taken out of circulation.  Proceeds from the sale of these pieces then go to various programs that are trying to reduce gun violence.  And, did I mention that all of these pieces are also made in the United States?!

Now for the fun part - Liberty United's first collaboration is with Philip Crangi.  He is none other than the designer behind Giles & Brother - one of my fave jewelry lines.  He has taken his signature railroad spike (a symbolization of the American spirit - to pioneer and build with courage), and made railroad spike necklaces, rings and bracelets made with bullets or gun metal.

Available in brass, steel, sterling silver or a gun metal and gold combo - these pieces are amazing.  While obviously a silver or gold bracelet is going to be quite an investment, a brass or steel bracelet is much more reasonable.  Not to mention they would look great with an arm full of Alex & Ani bracelets.

I can't wait to purchase one... or more.  Which one will look best with my rainbow loom bracelets??

                                                                      

                                                                                                            - Allison

*Photos courtesy of fonderie47.com and libertyunited.com.

Not Just for the Hippies...

There are two things that you may or may not know about me - I adore maxi dresses and I am always cold.  This slight obsession of mine has left me a closet full of dresses and not much else.  I still don't own the essential pair of white jeans, but I have the perfect maxi to wear to the playground, to a concert... even for an elegant evening out.

My biggest problem - what to wear on top.  Unfortunately I don't wear my maxis as much as I should because I am always cold and seriously lacking in the cute topper department.  Yes, I can wear my jean jacket.  Yes, I can wear my shrunken navy blazer or a colorful cardi.  But, I would like to step it up.  I want to give my dresses a little more style and personality.

What I have found is that it might not be as hard as I thought...

Take a peek at my new favorite ensemble...  this dress is from Zara.  I absolutely love it, but it is a wee bit sheer (hence the $90 price tag).

Zara Long Printed Dress

It's perfect for a dinner or possibly a wedding, and I have the perfect jacket...

A&F Libby Jacket

Yes, this is from Abercrombie & Fitch.  This is what happens when both your sister and sister-in-law work for the company.   I have visited the store much more often lately... Anywho, this jacket is super cute and very lightweight.

I am also newly obsessed with this jacket from Zara.  I do not own it, but I would like to...  I love the shape of the jacket and the casual feel would be perfect to dress down a more formal maxi.

Zara Studded Jacket with Pockets

I would wear it with a voluminous maxi to give it more shape - just like this dress from J.Crew.  Yards and yards of silk... the drape is amazing.

J. Crew Silk Maxidress

And speaking of structure, this coat from Club Monaco is gorgeous.  

Club Monaco Erica Jacket

I would pair this with a long slim-fitting maxi.  I love the idea of mixing this chic and sophisticated jacket with a boho tie-dye dress...

Young Fabulous & Broke Aphrodite Maxi

The only thing maxis don't go with... rain.  Too bad it is pouring today.

                                                                                                         

                                                                                                              - Allison               

*Photos courtesy of zara.com, abercrombie.com, jcrew.com, clubmonaco.com and shopbop.com.

The Multiple Personality Conundrum

As I venture further into my Style Cleanse, I have run into a bit of a hiccup.  How do you streamline your wardrobe while balancing all of your "style personalities"?

There are those of you who seem to innately know and love your style.  It is amazing how you dress to fit your personality everyday - workout clothes, casual or dressed up - it doesn't matter.  I think it is safe to say you have the Victoria Beckham thing down pat.

Then there are those of you who are like me.  During the winter I have the edgy/rock n roll/vegan leather look, the West meets Ski Country/Cowboy boots are cool look, and my sporty spice gym look.  The warmer temps seem to bring out my sophisticated country club side, preppy - like I summer at the Chatham Bars Inn look, or the always fun boho - I am leaving for a music festival tomorrow side of me.  The hardest part of balancing these personalities is trying to plan a wardrobe to meet my needs.  Trying to predict who will be emerging each morning is like asking "which way does the wind blow?"... Hence the challenging part of the Style Cleanse.

For guidance, I tend to look to one of my favorite multiple personality style icons - Carrie Bradshaw (yes, I know that she is not a real person).  When I gather some of my favorite Carrie looks, they may be a little out there, but are always grounded by mixing in an unexpected element that keeps the look from going off the deep end.  Granted, some of looks could only be pulled off on a tv show, but they are still great for inspiration.

A nod to Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Note the hair and pearls mixed with a casual tank. Classic pieces, updated a bit and grounded with a casual tee and layering of necklaces.

My all time fave, the studded belt.  She can make anything look cool with this belt.  And it keeps the dress or coat from looking to prim and proper or just plain boring.

Not only is this dress amazing on it's own, the neutral studded belt and nude shoes help to bring it down a notch, and make it much more wearable.

Who doesn't want to go on a dream date in giant tulle skirt?!  I like the addition of a tailored blazer and neutral shoes to once again bring it back into the realm of wearability.

I looove this look.  I am not sure if I would ever traipse through a market in Abu Dhabi sporting a giant silk maxi skirt, but I heart it just the same.  The j'adore tee makes the look.

So, what have I learned... When suffering from multiple style personalities, it is imperative to start with the basics.  Make sure you own a fitted denim jacket, tailored blazers (black, ivory and navy are good place to start), a fab pair of dark jeans (preferably with slight flare) and a fun pair of destroyed skinnier jeans.  You must own a pair of skinny black pants as well as something in the pleather/leather family. I also recommend sailor stripes as we enter the warmer months. 

Fear not, you will not be able to acquire the basics all at once.  It definitely takes awhile.  I am still working on my list, but I try to add a piece or two each season.  I guess you could say you will have two running lists - the Basics & the Fun Stuff.

Now for the Fun Stuff.  This is where you get to add in the pieces that express your different personalities.  But, it is very easy to get off track and just start randomly buying (and this would defeat the entire purpose of the Style Cleanse). Therefore, to keep everything streamlined, you must determine a buying strategy at the beginning of each season.  

My buying strategy tends to be based on a color scheme.  I try to buy a piece for each personality that can (hopefully) coordinate with other pieces that I am purchasing.  If you can't mix & match your spoils, there is no point in making the purchase in the first place.  

To demonstrate my strategy - this is my wish list this spring...

This Cascade of Ruffles Tunic from Free People looks great with destroyed denim, but would also be so cute over a swimsuit or skinny patterned or black pants.  

Thinking it might be fun to throw this super cute J. Crew Neon Tweed Blazer over my new tunic and jeans or maybe a maxi dress...

The Aurelian Brocade Dress from Anthropologie is pretty, feminine and polished.  It would be perfect for showers, First Communions, dinners, etc.  It would also be fun to play with...

Just to be different yet still country club chic, I would love to add the Linea Pelle Allegra Colorblock Swirl Belt...

The view from behind...

This J. Crew Invitation Clutch in Cork would finish this look off quite nicely.

These J. Crew green floral pants would totes satisfy my preppy craving.  The entire look would be awesome.  But, alas, not only are the pants way too expensive, I cannot seem to find them online anymore.  

That doesn't stop me from dreaming - if I owned these pants, I would definitely pair them and everything else with these flirty flourescent yellow Kate Spade Licorice Pumps - so fun!!

Okay, so one last item.  I have to satisfy my need for an edgy/minimalist look, and I don't know what would be more perfect than a jumpsuit.  I am currently obsessed with the Emerson Thorpe Juliette Wrap Front Jumpsuit.  While I love it in blue, the khaki would look fab with the tweed blazer and Kate Spade heels

A little bit of this and a little bit of that, which will all work together and mix well with the pieces you already own.  This is the best way to keep your wardrobe streamlined and organized, while maintaining the ability to meet the needs of your various identities.  Believe me, I know.

                                             - Allison

*Photos courtesy of google.com, jcrew.com, freepeople.com, anthropologie.com, lineapelle.com, singer22.com, nordstrom.com.

How Black is Your Halo?

I think it was fate.  I have been spending a lot of time lately trying to simplify my life and wardrobe... my "style cleanse".  Then last week - lo and behold - Laurel Berman, the owner/designer of Black Halo, happened to be making an appearance at my local Neiman Marcus.  

I had to meet her, obvi.  I couldn't pass up the chance to meet the woman who created the iconic "Jackie O".  This is a dress that can instantaneously make any woman look and feel sophisticated, sexy and like she owns the world... pretty good for one dress, right?!

This is exactly the type of chic, simplified style that I have been aiming for... a perfect palette to then add the accessories and shoes to make it your own.  Most importantly it is easy.  Slip into a dress and run out the door.  There isn't much time or thought that is required - perfect.

This dress is still an investment (retailing right around $345), but it is a well-made, timeless style.  It can be worn to work, to a bridal shower, or even out with some sexy shoes, earrings and a leather jacket.  You can achieve that Victoria Beckham look without taking on a second mortgage.

The Jackie O

Easter-worthy Jackie O's (both available at Neiman's)...

Amazing dress, aside, Laurel Berman is an inspiring woman as well.  After working hard her entire life, she was able to start this L.A.-based brand where everything is designed and made in-house.  To have that much control over your business is so rare these days.  Not only does this ensure quality work, but this is what made the Jackie O possible.  

This (now famous) dress started as a high-waisted pencil skirt.  Laurel used to wear it with silky tops that always came untucked.  Out of frustration, she sewed a tank to the skirt... and voilà, the Jackie O was born.  This dress spent a season or two as a mixed media dress, and has since transformed into the various versions pictured above.

What I found most interesting is how she deals with what she calls being stuck in "the dress box".  While very thankful for the success of the Jackie O, it is challenging to get past that... it is what you are known for.  I likened this to my quest of finding "my look".  

She knows her customer is working woman, a mother, someone who is out and about attending meeting and events.  However, it is not just about being prim and proper.  There is a little edginess in her designs as well.  Hence, the name Black Halo.  Everyone's halo is a bit tarnished isn't it?!

As Laurel continues to design for this woman, she has begun to add colorblocked styles, peplums, fuller skirts, and evening wear.  While keeping her same aesthetic, she has begun to add additional looks that are still easy and sophisticated, but give her customers other options to express their individual style.  

After chatting with Laurel, I realized that creating "your look" can only come after you have defined your style.  Expressing your personality doesn't have to come through perfectly matching those leopard and floral prints, but from the details in a well-made dress, a perfectly chosen bracelet or an edgy pair of shoes.  Easy ways to express yourself while maintaining a chic - not overdone - style.

More food thought while trudging through the "Style Cleanse"...

                                                                                                                     - Allison                                                                                  

*Photos courtesy of neimanmarcus.com, glamour.com and shopbop.com.