The Fashion Enthusiast

Fresh Whites.

Mon, 28 May 2012 11:49:41 -0400

Memorial Day Weekend signals the beginning of Summer. And now - we can wear head to toe white. It’s a refreshing color palette and easy to put together.

Check out these outfits for inspiration and put together your own:

[ All images via Pinterest ]

[ White Tank ($13) at H&M, Link Bangle Set ($5) at F21, Carin Skirt ($38) at Monki, Buckled Lace-Up Sandals ($23) at F21 ]

Let's Get Tropical.

Thu, 17 May 2012 22:14:00 -0400

Summer is around the corner and it’s becoming evident that looking like you’re on vacation 24/7 is perfectly normal. Exaggerated Hawaiian prints, oversize hibiscus’ and palm trees are being splashed over tops, skirts, dresses, shoes and sandals.

It’s an easy, fun trend to try (in small doses please).

[ Lipsy Body-Con Dress ($70) at Asos, Posey Stud Earrings ($58) at Kate Spade, Wrap Skirt ($13) at H&M, Satin Scarf ($10) at H&M, Hard Case Purse ($25) at H&M, Bandeau Dress ($52) at Asos ]

[ Floral Tulip Top ($18) at Forever21, Printed Blouse ($20) at H&M,Pencil Skirt ($70) at Asos, Tropical Platform Wedges ($87) at Asos, Tropical Dress ($49) at Wallis ]

The Shops at Target

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:11:00 -0400

This week, Target launched The Shops: a store-in-store concept featuring boutiques from around the country.

The Webster - Privet House - Cos Bar - Polka Dog Bakery - The Candy Store

I’m loving all the tropical prints from The Webster, a Miami-based boutique. Featuring both men’s and women’s clothing, you can find breezy tunics, maxi dresses & tanks in muted corals, blues and teals.

[ Short Sleeve Dress ($37), Flutter Sleeve Dress ($43), White Tiered Dress ($40) ]

Collaboration Alert!

Thu, 03 May 2012 10:20:00 -0400

Coming this October, fashion icon Anna Dello Russo will be rolling out a collection of over-the-top accessories for H&M. Expect to find jewelry, sunglasses, shoes & bags at affordable H&M prices!

The collection will hit stores October 4th.

Spring Fashion Tips: Tip #3

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:38:00 -0400

Get in touch with your GIRLY SIDE!

Pleats are a major trend in dresses, skirts & tops this Spring, and it’s undeniably feminine. Wear a delicate pleated skirt with a structure top or pair a rugged leather jacket with a knife-pleat dress!

[ Pleat Midi Shirtdress ($100) at Topshop, Pleated Dip Hem Skirt ($65) at Topshop, Midi Dress ($64) at Asos ]

Peplums are also making a huge feminine statement, accentuating the hips and nipping at the waist. Try a peplum top with a pencil skirt, or throw on a peplum dress with a cropped jacket and heels.

[ Mint Peplum Skirt ($68) at Topshop, Peplum Top ($36) at Tobi, Peplum Dress ($69) at Asos ]

Doily Lace is the new eyelet and looks great in tops and skirts. H&M took a cue from Louis Vuitton this season and created a few pastel pieces featuring the lace fabric.

[ Lace Tank ($15) at H&M, Broderie Lace Shell ($40) at Asos, Floral Lace Peplum Top ($51) at Asos ]

Spring Fashion Tips: Tip #2

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:26:39 -0400

Try a new HEMLINE!

High-Lo hems, or the “mullet dress”, is the new maxi. Show a little ankle in a high-lo dress or skirt. And always remember to pair with heels! Flats need not apply here.

[ Rare Corset Dress ($70) at Topshop, High-Low Tee ($15) at F21, Ombre Curve Hem Vest ($30) at Topshop, Earth Printed Skirt ($64) at Topshop ]

Drop-waist dresses are reminiscent of the Roaring 20’s and look great for Spring. Look for solid colors, embellished details and always pair with heels.

[ Tulip Dress ($69) at Joe Fresh, Scuba Skater Dress ($92) at Topshop, Drop Waist Pleat Dress ($55) at Asos, Polka Dot Print Dress ($80) at LOFT ]

Ankle pants are replacing capris right and left. Hitting just at the ankle bone, these slim trousers can be worn with loafers, flats, single-sole pumps or wedges!

[ Street Style via Lovely Street Style ]

Spring Fashion Tips: Tip #1

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:04:43 -0400

Don’t be afraid of COLOR!

Pastels are a sure-thing every Spring, but they’re making quite the statement this season. Dresses, skirts, denim, tops, shoes and bags look updated in this Spring’s iteration of mint, lavender, and salmon.

[ Satin Peplum Top $40 at H&M, Mint Pencil Skirt ($50) at H&M, Coral Viscose Shirt ($44) at Wallis, Lilac Cropped Pants ($52) at Wallis, Lace Ups ($64) at Asos, Acid Wash Bag ($27) at F21,Slip Dress ($64) at Asos ]

Brights are also giving us a reason to shop this Spring with a large selection of brightly colored denim. Cobalt blue, saturated green & cherry red are amongst the most popular colors to try on bottom!

[ Green Maxi Dress ($84) at Wallis, Pink Patent Satchel ($60) at NG, Strapless Dress ($20) at H&M, Fringe Sandals ($29) at GoJane, Blue Blazer ($35) at H&M, Cobalt Jeans ($44) at Wallis, Flounce Dress ($20) at F21 ]

Colorblocking is key. Mix your colors, but remember to keep them in the same hue. Some of my favorite color combos are…

Pastels: Mint & Lavender, Salmon & Lavender, Mint & White

Brights: Orange & Hot Pink, Cobalt Blue & Teal, Red & Purple

Charlotte Free x Forever 21.

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 09:52:00 -0400

Indie model Charlotte Free collaborated with Forever 21 to bring affordable, punky/glam pieces to the masses. The collection if filled with sleeveless button-ups, printed shorts, high-low dresses and crop tops.

I love the collaboration, and I think you will too:

[ High-Low Dress ($20), Sheer Polka Dot Shirt ($25), Colorblock Skirt ($23), Collared Polka Dot Top ($18), Floral Premium Denim Shorts ($20) ]

Shop Surf or City.

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:00:00 -0400

Snatch up summery dresses, rompers, and sandals just in time for the crazy warm weather. Surf or City has a unique selection of merchandise that any beach-goer or city-dweller could appreciate!

The shop is relatively new, so be sure to check back for fresh merchandise!

Seeing Spots.

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:45:01 -0400

I caved. I finally bought printed denim. It’s surprising how easy it is to put together an outfit around a statement pant.

My rule of thumb: Play up your printed denim (whether it be floral, polka dot or cheetah) with a neutral top.

Waterfall Jacket: Shoshanna ($20 at Goodwill)

Silk Tank: Material Girl ($15 at Macy’s)

Printed Denim: Billabong ($15 at Pacsun)

Suede Booties: Nine West ($40 at Marshall’s)

Braided Bracelet: LOFT ($25)

Cheetah Bracelet: Forever 21 (Gift)

Dressing up Paul.

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:44:00 -0400

My best friend Paul gave me a style challenge: Put together an Easter outfit for $150 or less. He already had a few necessities like dress shoes and ties, but I wanted to put together a complete look (or two) for him.

Outfit #1:

Mixing prints is a key trend in menswear for Spring. I gave Paul the option of two shirts - a striped shirt or a gingham button-up to pair with a plaid tie from Urban Outfitters. Instead of basic khakis, I opted for burgundy chinos from H&M and added a belt and leather oxfords to finish the look.

Outfit #2:

A more universal option, I suggested slim grey trousers and a light pink shirt. Paul could utilize his own black dress shoes and glasses to pair with a fun bow tie and suspenders.

Would You Splurge?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:52:00 -0400

Typically, you wouldn’t think twice about dropping $700 on a pair of shoes. Or would you? From my four years at fashion school in NYC, I’ve learned that seemingly reasonable college students and young professionals are in fact willing to invest in a serious pair of designer shoes.

I can appreciate the craftsmanship in a pair of Jimmy Choo’s or the signature red bottoms of Christian Louboutin’s. And living in the city… you’re practically required to buy quality just so your shoes last from one season to another.

Take a peek at my favorite designer shoe splurges for spring:

[ Pierre Hardy Platform Wedges ($595), 3.1 Phillip Lim Sandals ($395), Miu Miu Wedges ($990), Kate Spade Elina Flats ($225), Chloe Wedges ($795), Christian Louboutin Wedges ($695)]

[ Stella McCartney Python Sandals ($615), YSL Tribute Sandals ($1025), Manolo Blahnik Netochka Heels ($885), Jimmy Choo Snakeskin Gladiators ($1050), Fendi Espadrilles ($475), Missoni Ballet Flats ($495) ]

Shop Mickeys Girl.

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:00:06 -0400

A little mix of Threadsence and Nasty Gal, Mickeys Girl is a well-curated online boutique with up-to-date styles at reasonable prices. Find high-low hems, lacy kimonos and dresses with cut outs.

Shop Mickeys Girl.

Shop Spool No.72

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:41:00 -0400

I discovered this adorable online boutique via Pinterest the other day - Spool No.72. The e-tailer offers up retro and vintage-inspired tops, dresses, shoes & accessories at reasonable prices.

Check it out!

Friday Fashion.

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:56:00 -0400

I put a conscious effort into my outfits everyday. Unfortunately, I do not have a photographer following me around on the daily to document my outfits - which would probably explain why I haven’t posted personal style in months.

Here’s to more outfit posts and sharing my awesome shopping finds!

Chambray Tunic: American Apparel ($20)

Liquid Leggings: Pacsun ($10)

Wedge Booties: Steve Madden ($35)

Leather Handbag: Marc by Marc Jacobs (Gifted)

Bracelet: Macy’s (Gifted)

Aviators: Ray-Ban

Dressing Up My Bridesmaids.

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:00:05 -0400

Perhaps I’m too particular, or I’ve looked at too many wedding blogs, but I just can’t seem to find the right dresses for my bridesmaids - and I know I’m not alone. I drew my inspiration from the ethereal Elie Saab SS2011 runway show and took from it my three core wedding colors: cornflower blue, beige, & coral.

Three colors, three bridesmaids, three dresses. Sounds easy right?

Thus far, the only surviving dress in my wedding party is my sister’s pale blue Melissa Sweet dress (which was a steal by the way for $35 at their salon closing sale!).

Now to find coral & beige chiffon dresses, that are in-stock, flattering, and well-made at a reasonable price. Piece-of-cake… just kidding.

The Transfer Chain

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:00:00 -0400

My friend Alberto clued me into his blog/eBay store hybrid for men.

The Transfer Chain, an eBay store created by two Fashion Institute of Technology students, focuses on transferring pre-loved men’s clothing to other fashion-conscious men around the world. Their blog compliments the pieces in their e-shop, offering up style advice like how to accessorize with a pocket square.

Make sure to browse their eBay store, as it has pieces from Barney’s New York, Hugo Boss, Topman & Giorgio Armani!

More Mint Please!

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 09:54:19 -0400

I have a love of mint. As does half of the female population right now. Paired with cool greys or pops of cobalt blue, mint can be the center of any outfit this Spring.

If the color is too daring to wear on your bottom, try a simple mint-strap watch or this Essie Mint Candy Apple nail color!

[ Essie Mint Candy Apple ($8) at Nordstrom, Metal Tip Clutch ($27) at Asos, Oversized Crochet Sweater ($18) at F21, Pastel Jelly Watch ($23) at Asos, BDG Cigarette Jeans ($58) at UO, Sporty Platform Sandals ($156) at Topshop ]

[ Bright Blue Blazer ($35) at H&M, Pammy Wedge ($100) at Steve Madden, Color Block Smart Bag ($81) at Asos, Lavender Bangles ($9 each) at Threadsence ]

Would You Wear... Wedge Sneakers?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:31:00 -0500

We’re not talking about the platform get-ups from the days of the Spice Girls. Wedge sneakers have been popping up all over my radar at work, on fashion blogs and certainly in street style (particularly during NYFW).

A bit sporty-a bit orthopedic, these sneakers are a friend of mine. They add height where it’s needed (I’m only 5’4) and provide comfort otherwise foreign to me. Isabel Marant and Ash are the go-to brands for wedge kicks, but inexpensive priced Nine West and H&M versions are available for the budget-conscious like myself!

[ Aldo ($63), Guiseppe Zanotti ($650), Asos ($152), Isabel Marant ($680), H&M ($35), Nine West ($95) ]

Cheap Chic Finds.

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 12:00:06 -0500

All you need to spruce up a ho-hum wardrobe are some new key Spring pieces. Take the colored skinny jean: any color can become the focal point of your outfit. Colorblocking too difficult to figure out? Try this maxi dress - it’s only $40!

And if you’re a fan of the neon Cambridge Satchel, get a similar look with Old Navy’s version for a mere $15.

[ Color-block Keyhole Dress ($40) at ON, Leather Sandals ($30) at H&M, Crepe Blouse ($25) at H&M, Striped Keyhole Swimsuit ($30) at ON, Mini Messenger ($15) at ON, Colored Skinny Jeans ($35) at ON ]