Top Shop on Top

I feel like I need to apologize for being a slack-a-saurus rex (dinosaur species phased out asap for their lack of motivation for anything including hunting, gathering, etc). Something about the summer, and the heat makes me move reaaaaal slow mentally, physically, everything. Continuing with the lazy slug attitude I decided to just do my top picks from a new favorite retailer Top Shop. I signed up to be notified when a certain dress of theirs came back into stock in my size but I have also received the pleasure of almost daily emails from my dearest Top Shop. Here are my current fave picks

who wears short shorts?

These Co-Ord Boucle Shorts are kind of amazing. First, you have to have a pretty tiny waist and really long legs to pull of shorts these short but the diet would be well worth it! These shorts are fun, sophisticated and classy while still being colorful. I love the color variation in the texture of the pattern, and the fit would be awesome with a black or white blouse tucked in. And if you are on the fashion fast track you would wear these bad boys with black tights and booties in the fall! Not for work, unless your working the corner : )

cool and causal

Next, this romper is super cute. I won't lie, I was probably one of the last girls to jump on the romper band wagon but the fact is unless you style them correctly they look juvenile and sloppy. This particular romper has a really great pattern, beautiful piping on the pockets and a little knotted key hole to make this play suit less play pen and more downtown playful. I would suggest ordering one size up on a romper because if anything is tight the look is all wrong, it should be loose fitting at the waist and very top only! This would be a really cute look to rock this summer.

almost famous

This final dress is a great answer to the current peplum trend. I can understand where ladies maybe hesitant to rock the peplum trend, especially with really large and fluffy peplums in stores. This dress is peplum trend lite, with just a dainty ruffle at the waist. This dress would be an incredible add to any girls closet because of its form fitting nature this dress would likely compliment any ladies shape, but the modest hem line and collar would make this frock really wearable for a variety of occasions. Furthermore I really like the bold blue color, and I could easily see this dress on a variety of celebs!

 Photo Credit: topshop.com

The Fashion Games

Let's face it, everyone's talking about it, NO not Kristen Stewart's slut-capades the OLYMPICS silly! Personally, while I want the US to dominate I think everyone loves watching fit boys and girls jump around, throw things and put their game faces on. And realistically everyone going to the Olympics is ripped, so what a great platform for fashion, right? In a weeks time I am sure we will have plenty of personal favorites when it comes to countries competing, uniforms, ceremony wear, etc but right now the US and UK have released their official looks, lets compare shall we?

Salute to Ralph Lauren

Starting with the US designed my American classic Ralph Lauren. Personally, I don't think they could of picked a better clothing designer. Ralph Lauren has historically been known for classic looks, clean lines and selling millions. This look for the Olympic opening ceremonies is right on the mark with all of Ralph's usual elements. Classic colors? Check! All American look? Check! Clean lines? Check! Naturally, the only colors used are red, white and blue as it should be. I dig it all, except the hat. Now, I love a topper I really do, but it is a beanie, a beret, wtf? Not to mention none of those previous choices are really American born styles (beanie and beret rather french in origin). And the girl outfit is a bit of a mess too. She gets a scarf instead of a tie, I can appreciated that but scarf, blazer and over the knee skirt? I get its respectful and classy but these women have amazing bodies, why cover almost every inch of them up? If your sticking with the scarf I would suggest a form fitting cable knit sweater with the skirt, or if the blazer is a must then no scarf just a nice blouse under and skirt! Overall good showing from Ralphy.

Now the UK of course went with Stella McCartney paired with Adidas and naturally I am feeling these uniforms. Now I maybe comparing apples and oranges, opening ceremony looks vs. actual competition uniforms but its all Olympic related so its kosher in my book. Shown are a man's and woman's look along with a jacket. The jacket, top and bottom of leggings all have about half of a Union Jack flag in blues, instead of red, white and blue, an interesting twist. Also the overall look is more form fitting with space to breathe and move of course. Also, I am really loving the bit of sheen in the women's leggings, its a small touch but something a bit feminine for the ladies! Finally, I really like the orange/red they chose to accent the look, the fact that its not classic red makes it fresh and personal to the 2012 Olympics. Beautiful job Stella, I am sure Papa Paul is proud and your country will be as well!

Photo Credit: runway2reality.com, freshnessmag.com

BOY STYLE

This past week my little brother (a huge muscle-y man) celebrated yet another glorious birthday. I will admit I am envious of my younger sib for a number of items, thing 1 being his youth, he will always be younger than me(dammit), another would be his toned bod in combination with the fact he eats basically whatever he wants. Oh to be in high school again . . . . . okay I am not envious of that! So this week I decided to do a men's gift giving LTF, because we all have men in our lives, and they all get older at some point!

From low to high, my brother is a big fan of AE, myself not so much but gift giving is not about being selfish! This striped AE t-shirt is one of my fave things on there website currently. I love a striped shirt, on a girl or a boy and the fact that this stripe alternates with another color (green in this case) makes it different and interesting. And at 24.95 its pretty much a steal, but with big retail stores like AE if you can wait long enough everything will go on sale, you just have be willing to take the risk the sale item may no longer be in your size!  I think the bro would dig this shirt, and I wouldn't be embarrassed to walk around with him wearing it!

This next item is from vineyard vines and maybe a bit more mature.  It definitely has the scent of a post grad fratstar lingering about it. Regardless I am a fan of bow ties because everyone wears ties, be different, wear a bow tie. Also, vineyard vines is kind of infamous of really colorful fun printed ties and bow ties. This particular bow tie would really suit my brah because he loves to LAX is up. If it was solely up to me, I would probably go with the mermaid print....... but I think both bow ties are winning! And at 45 dollars each your love just got a little bit deeper.

Finally this Brooks Brothers jacket would make a really cool gift. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a good snap shot of the color I really like of this jacket, the green shown is okay but definitely not a color my brother would wear (would yours?). If you want to check this jacket out yourself you will see it comes in dark blue and red both much better choices but personally, I prefer the red. This jacket is a really cool combination of causal and chic, slimmer fitting and pretty versatile in wear-ability. And currently this jacket is on sale for $99 but originally cost $198, making it the most expensive item of the gift list, but also would probably be the most practical gift!

So your call, but next time you buy for your man, your brother, father, etc remember they need fashion guidance too! 

photo credit ae.com, vineyardvines.com, brooksbrothers.com

High Low Week Part Deux

After I went a little lux last blog, this blog is devoted to basement bargain items! I personally think a real fashionista mixes high and low items, as well as mixes designers, brands, etc! For example I ALWAYS find amazing belts at Target. Like why? How? I don’t have a clue, but they continue to deliver in accessories that keep my pants up in the most stylish ways! Also, I think most ladies know there are a few stores that continue to deliver in the look for less department I.E. forever21, and H&M etc. So here are just some fun picks from the other end of the spectrum

This super cute dress from forever21 is only $19! This is a really great basic and is a classy way to do the color block trend. This dress is a shift, so the lines are bound to be flattering on most everyone. Also, the black and white color allows you to really play with color in accessories and shoes, or keep it classic with black tights and patent shoes. At this price the dress is a must have to work or play.

This buster/tube top is from H&M and is only $17! There is no denying the look of this tube top is trendy but at 17 bucks you can wear it a season and donate it no hard feelings. In the mean time this top is graphic and fun. You could wear it like the model with grey jeans, or regular jeans, or even better yet bright colored jeans (like coral pink would be amazeballz). Depending on what kind of bottoms you pick would better determine what kind of accessories to pair on top but a bold colorful necklace or big fun earrings would be equally stylish. This top would also be amazing under a sheer colored blouse a la pretty little liars aria blog a few weeks back! Regardless buy it and try all the different options.

 

 So this last item is more of an accessory but fashionable none the less. This juicy couture phone cover is on sale for $19 at endless.com.  I know everyone gets otterbox or other h-core phone covers because they are so scared of dropping their precious iphones but I would rather take a risk for fashion. This juicy print phone cover is simply a really cute print and I haven’t seen everyone and their uncle carrying it! Just a fun little accessory under 20!

photo credit: forever21.com, h&m.com, endless.com

HIGH LOW WEEK

This week I did a short reflection on past blogs, which one needs to do from time to time and while overall I am pleased with a lot of the subject matter I realized a re-occurring theme, budgets, deals and sales! I am going to be perfectly honest budgets are very real for most people and I can’t deny I love the thrill of a good sale (because saving money means more shopping!) but we all need an escape from real life sometimes right? So here are some glam pieces to drool over!

This first dress would be a great piece for any girls wardrobe (if she could be so lucky!). This fun frock is from Diane Von Furstenberg, and is a true signature of her feminine style.  Amazing wall paper worthy print? Check. Super breezy and flattering wrap style? Check. Diane Von Furstenberg label? Check. In case you haven’t heard wrap dresses are a chic lady’s best friend. Why you ask? Well because they travel well, and flatter most every form highlighting your natural waist, which by nature is where most every woman is teeny tiny, hence giving you that goddess hourglass figure! Also, there is generally a great bit of give in a wrap dress so if you go up or down a size it will still fit comfortably (happens to the best of us, no worries). You could pair this dress with a  solid blazer for work and flats for work, sandals and chunky jewelry for play and with knee high boots for fall!

This Tory Burch tweed jacket may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I am obsessed! First you could wear this jacket with a skirt for tea with your granny or with jeans out at night. The cut, the fringe on closure and cuff details, pocket placements, the whole thing is a work of art in my eyes. I really love a tweed jacket but the blues in this one are particularly amazing because they make this jacket really versatile. Most girls drool over Tory Burch’s line of beautiful leather handbags and boots, well cut blouses and trousers, but at the moment this jacket takes the cake for me!

This last look is a gorgeous dress is Marc by Marc Jacobs. There is just something about the entire Marc by Marc Jacobs line that is just really fun, kind of graphic and a little alternative looking that really draws me in. I can always spot a Marc by Marc Jacobs pieces a mile away, and that really says something about the strength of a designer (tip of the hat to you sir). One more thing I have to rant about, the entire Marc Jacobs site is amazing! The design is immaculate, with well organized tabs, clear photo displays (like boards placed by color, collection, etc) and great close up options of individuals items. I suppose I shouldn’t expect anything less from a high end designer but small things like a well put together site can make all the difference! Anyways back to this stylish dress, it gives an obvious nod to the peplum trend in a girly sophisticated way. And while the peplum can be very frilly (and sometimes too over the top) the navy and red colors keep it grounded, and I personally love a horizontal stripe on top any day. Finally, you can’t tell in this shot but this dress zips up the back, very cool! Love, love, love me some Marc

Photo credit: shopbop.com, marcjacobs.com

TEAM SATURDAY

Remember the 90s, and awesome groups like 98degrees, S club 7 and O-town? Arguably one of the best bands of the 90s was the Spice girls, remember their crazy/awesome fashion sense? Let me introduce you to the newest girl group from across the pond The Saturdays! If you’re a fan of the British girl group “The Saturday’s” then I am a fan of yours (and theirs)! They have had many successful singles and albums in the UK and now they are filming a reality show in the States (I know gasp!) so don’t be surprised if they “crack” the US market asap! The Saturdays are made up of Vanessa, Una, Rochelle, Frankie and Mollie, all of these girls are BEAUTIFUL and all have their own awesome sense of style. Frankie is well known for her short haircut, and was named of the UK’s most beautiful people. Una just married Rugby star Ben Folden, and had the most precious baby girl Aoife. Bandmates Vanessa and Rochelle have dated equally famous/gorgeous guys, and Rochelle is engaged to JLS singer Marvin (ow, ow lucky girl). I know its rude to play favorites but I can’t deny I am kind of obsessed with Mollie King! First, Mollz is a very pretty girl (fellow blonde, ello!), she has an amazing sense of style and is rumored to have dated (or currently dating, you never know) prince Harry! In a cosmo interview Mollie described her own style as “classic” favoring navy’s and brown colors. Most any outfit Miss King rocks but here are a few of my fave.

hey girl, what you doing Saturday?

True to Mollie style this very classy mini dress flatters her figure and looks chic all at once. I really like this look because the dress is short and form fitting the high neckline makes this dress fun and trendy, plus Mollie really has the pins to pull it off! Mollie finishes the look with a great tan bag, and fun heels. The bag is a classic cut and a wonderfully neutral color that would go with many outfits and work for many different occasions. To switch up this look (and recycle like Kate Middleton) you could try different types of jewelry, like watches or fun necklaces. Looking hotty totty Miss King!

Classy and Sassy

This next look is a really awesome outfit for work or play.  Mollie pairs a navy (her signature) cardigan with a glitzy textured cream dress and looped tan skinny belt to bring it all together. This dress maybe a bit short for some offices but the idea and the lines of the outfit are really amazing! If you wanted to wear this look to work I would suggest a tad longer dress or a pencil skirt J This outfit is perfect for dinner with the girls or a fun night on the town as well. Furthermore, all of these pieces can be re-used to create many different outfits, a navy sweater and tan skinny belt are really great basics any girl should have. Finally, the Mollster adds brown peep toe heels (super cute) and a matching brown clutch to complete this classy look. We can certainly see why Harry is interested.

Finally, one of my absolute favorite looks Mollie pictured with band mate Frankie! Mollie has been known to rock some knee high socks, and she always does it right! I have to say for some reason girls tend to get skanky with the knee highs or air on the side of school girl, not Miss King! From head to toe Mollie wears a really cute coral tank with zippered back and large pendant necklace. Mollie pairs this versatile top with nice burgundy high waisted shorts. The look is completed with wine colored knee highs and awesome brown booties. Mollies look is fresh and I can’t wait to attempt to copy it myself. Once again all of these pieces will work well to create other outfits! Love it, team Sat all the way!

photo credit musicjuzz.com and pinterest pins

Red, White and Fashion

Feeling patriotic? You should be so close to the 4^th! If not, pop in the patriot and you’ll quickly learn Mel Gibson gave his life for this country and most of his sons (if only it was that easy to get rid of him, right?) and you’re likely to well up with tears and go buy an American flag. While America’s definitely not as loud, strong and proud as it was in the very beginning, but there are lots of great things about the 4^th of July. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) the 4^th doesn’t land on or around the weekend, instead looks like your hump day is about to get a little more feisty. So whether your heading to the cape for a bangin’ crab bake, the beach for some sandy toes and blue lemonade, or you’re staying home with hopefully a cold beer in your hand (Amurica) I’ve got ya covered on festive outfits.

Britain, missing us since 1776

The first look is ironically from a British retailer (I know, I know shame on me). Also, I know what your thinking, I mention Jack Wills A LOT, they must be paying me (I wish, hint hint, nudge nudge, Jack are you listening?), but I reference them a fair amount because I think they have really well made basics, and some really nice distinctive pieces. All nationalism aside, this outfit is kind of perfect. I originally was just interested in the top because its red, white and blue in a unique fun way and you could pair this really cute top with jeans, shorts, or a skirt. But, this outfit as a whole is really put together and polished, white pants paired with this patriotic top looks really fresh. The final touches of matching brown wedges and sling bag make this outfit causal and cool. To make it your own, I would add a big watch and some colorful (red/white/blue of course) friendship type bracelets, or a silver bib collar necklace. Now that you’re done judging me, suggesting a British retailer (that’s where many of us came from, that’s right I said it) go out and buy it!

Next is this blue dress from lulus.com. For $41 this dress is a steal you’ll wear again. With a basically open back you may need to slap on some bug stray if you’re kicking it outside for fireworks but it will be worth it! Compared to the above option this dress definitely shows more skin, just in case you have a rad summer tan. Besides the low back with lovely bow detail, this blue dress is pretty simple. I would suggest a jean jacket if the temperature drops in the evening and red shoes (flip flops, sandals, heels, your call!). With this dress the back is the highlight, so I would put my hair all up in a ponytail or bun and wear big earrings and fun bracelets or rings. Don’t be blue, get this dress for the 4^th.

Tomato/Tom-ahto?

The last option is less costume-y and more everyday chic. This top is from banana republic top is more tomato-y red, which would make your 4^th of July look more fashionable and less color by numbers. The looping lace texture on this top gives visual interest and like the model I would pair with white shorts or pants for the 4^th. Finally, the Banana Republic model’s jewelry is okay, but the necklace’s length competes with the neckline of her top, I would recommend a longer necklace (maybe a white one?) and the white bangle is fine, but personally I am over the bangle look. This top is really a good piece because you could easily wear this top again for work under a blazer, or on the weekend with shorts! For the more fashion forward 4th, rock this top with white accents!

Photo credit jackwills.com, lulus.com, bananarepublic.com