Caught my eye...

I'm not sure why exactly, but I rarely check Arden B for new arrivals, neither online or in the store. I think it's mostly because the window stylings look a little... well, "cheap," in my opinion. At least at the store in Northpark. Anyway, can't recall how I stumbled upon it yesterday, but I found myself browsing through their new spring offerings. Hey-- I was pleasantly surprised! I found a cute dress, romper, and some great blazers whose quality seemed nice. Only seeing the stuff in person will reveal the truth, but I was still inspired to do some Polyvores with a couple items I'm loving. (And even used some of my already owned pieces, just in case I decide to purchase an item or two during my shopping spree in Vegas :) )

Totally loving that dress in the last set. How cute is that, especially paired with the Immutable Jacket? Mmmhmm, might have to be mine. And that white blazer is adorable. I've been looking for one, and really want one that's "girlfriend" style, since the more fitted blazers are coming back for the spring. This might fit the bill nicely. And notice the Foley + Corinna Disco City Bag? Courtesy Shopbop, it should be sitting on my doorstep by Tuesday. Eeeep! :) I love it when I finally make decisions.

Also, quick update: the spur-of-the-moment house thing did not come through. I'm definitely disappointed, but I'm sure there will be something else out there. Things happen for a reason, right? Right.   :)

Fetching Fashions Styles: the Romper

Again, let me know if there is anything else you'd like me to style, be it an individual piece or an idea or a trend. I'd be happy to oblige!

Mikaela asked me to style the romper, and she had several considerations: day vs. night; what sort of shoes; cardigan vs. blazer. As I quickly mentioned in the Q&A post, there is no right answer to this question. The great thing about this year's romper is that there are a million styles, from dressy to casual, and even within those styles there are a million ways to either do 'em up right or leave 'em as is. My personal belief about the romper is that it is such a easy-peasy outfit-- throw it on with some flat sandals and a necklace and you're GTG. But, if you want some ideas for how to do it up a little bit, here are a few ideas.

1. Cardigan versus Blazer?
As a very general (and not set-in-stone) guideline, I think the more casual the romper, the better it lends to a cardigan; the dressier, the better it is for a blazer. Always keep proportion in mind: that is key when deciding between something tailored and structured versus a more relaxed sweater. This Volcom romper (which almost has that skort/dress-short look) could go either way. Also, that style (shorts + thin straps/v-neck) is one of the more popular styles, so chances are you can take this idea to many other rompers you may already own. Here's how I did it:

Romper: Volcom

Cardigan: J. Crew Ruffles and Roses cardi

Jacket: Top Shop

Flats: Elie Tahari

Pumps: Aldo

Necklace: Charlotte Russe

The key is simplicity, I think. The blazer look is great with some pumps to accentuate the elegance and dress it up a bit, while the cardigan look is a nice daytime equivalent that is comfortable and relaxed. If you're not into the frills, no worries-- any regular cardigan in almost any color would do! Plus, in my opinion, a statement necklace goes with either and is super-versatile. I liked the pearls and bows to add the girly feel.

2. "Shoes... OMG. Shoes." ($10 goes to the one who knows what that's from. Ok not really, but I'd still think you're cool.)

The romper may be one of the best items for showcasing pretty shoes, because they can be such blank slates. This romper from Geren Ford is a perfect example (and may be one of my favorite rompers because of the more modest top contrasted with the short-shorts on the bottom!). To make it simpler for the purposes of this styling, I chose my most favorite romper shoe choices: the platform Shoetie or the embellished flat sandal. Click the photo for deets on each shoe, but they run the gamut from relatively inexpensive (Steve madden thongs for $100) to kinda pricey (Givenchy sandals for $500). Of course, that's what Polyvore had to offer-- there are plenty of shoes out there for any budget and any taste.

Oh-- and I think you can do flats for sure with a romper (see above), but because I prefer sandals, I gave sandals options here. For flats, I would suggest some neutral metallics (cute here!), especially if you're wearing a floral or printed romper, anything by Sam Edelman (I heart) or patent leather ones like above.

3. Day and Night (oww oww!)
This is where the tailored vs. loosey-goosey looks come in. To me, the more laid back and flowy, the more casual and good for day. The more structured and tailored (and blingy!), the better for night. I styled this very casual romper to show how even the most chillaxed romper can be taken from the pool to out to dinner with friends in the evening. It's by Ella Moss, the queen of comfortable casuals. I kept the look rather simple, but keep in mind: the day look could be accessorized with a slouchy bag, a scarf, more necklaces, etc... and the night look could be accessorized with bangles, drop earrings, bold metallics and even a low waisted belt (if it fit right and could cover the drawstring tie at the hip). I kept it simple so as not to overwhelm. (p.s., I love that necklace already styled in the product photo-- for day AND night!)

Jacket: F21 (no longer available, but you can find other sequin blazers out there!)

Cardi: Top Shop

Sandals: Florina by Playhouse

Platform sandals: Fergie (via Piperlime)

Hope that helps (somewhat)! Again, it was hard for me because I really, really think rompers can be done almost any way imagineable. Like I said, my only guidelines are keeping proportion in mind (balance low cut tops with longer bottoms; proportion a longer pant line with taller heels, making sure to accentuate the smallest part of you in bulkier items, etc) and keeping day time looks laid-back and flowy/night time looks tailored and structured. How do you do the romper??

Styling help: The Boudoir Shorts.

First-- glad you liked the giveaway! Click there to the right on my sidebar to enter if you already haven't... still plenty of time left to comment the post or tweet for some entries!!

I freaked a little when I saw these on F21's website... I think I even posted about them because I was so excited. I hesitated on them, and thought about it for some time but just couldn't seem to get them out of my head-- they just seemed to be the perfect way to try the boudoir-inspired hot-shorts that is a trend this spring. I really wanted a silk pair with lace edging (in cream, ahem), but since I never found those, I decided to get this pair.

Yay!

But.

Uhh... how in the hell do I style these things?!

Ok, so they're just black shorts with a bit of lace on 'em, nothing way too far out there. But they need to be the center of attention... I mean, c'mon. They're lace shorts.  The first look is good 'cuz it's rather neutral, but it's just not special at all. The second look with the floral BCBG blouse is OK, too, but maybe doesn't let them shine like they need to. The third look with the blazer is just too much for the dainty shorts and definitely doesn't say "spring," and the last one is blah. Just blah.

I'm going to have to play around a bit on Polyvore to see how this will work, but I'm forseeing a requisite purchase in order to achieve the look I wanted. What I envision= something sexy without being over the top, something light and feminine (keeping with the boudoir-esque feel; think silk and pastels), and something that says "Spring."(Patterson J. Kincaid has some fun tops that are pretty casual but flowy to balance the short and body-hugging shorts; love the Lilac top!)

So, my lovely and talented readers-- what say you? How would these look best? Top? Cardi? Blouse? Tee? (help. please.)

OOTD: (g)ruched skirt.

OK. That is not how you spell her Etsy name (it's gruhche), but it was just too punny to pass up. Sorry folks.

As per expected, I'm in total lust over this skirt. It's a beautiful tulle over a knit body-con skirt and is the most amazing cream color. And again, I'm finding a lot of ways to style it... I totally recommend one for everyone. That is, if you're ok with the super-crazy-body-hugging clothing. Because nothing is getting hidden in this baby, whew. Here are some of my stylings (again, PICTURE OVERLOAD follows).

 

  

 

1. Pretty casual. I think the fun pattern and colors on this top make the skirt a little more casual. Although, it's not really a casual skirt. Could be paired with my fave denim jacket (heh) for the afternoon and then worn as is for the evening. 

Top: Express

Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors

Necklace: Nordstrom BP jewelry

  

  

  

2. Sexay. The lace + tulle combo definitely says "nighttime" to me and would be gorge for dancing and drinks. I spiced it up a bit with the edgier shoes. 

Top: Free People lace top

Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell

Necklace: Express, ages ago.

  

  

  

3. Color! This is wearable tucked in or out and is a popular way to style for this season. Pair a loosey-goosey top with a fitted skirt and voila! Insta-spring.

Top: F21 satin top

Shoes: Chinese Laundry zebra hair wedges

Necklace: (top) EPIC apparel; (bottom) ModCloth 

  

  

 4. Copy cat. OK. I copied this idea from Coley. Heh. I like the striped idea, especially belted like this. But this top is a little too long (since it's a tunic), so I would ideally go with a shorter top. Still like it, though. :) Plus, it's definitely casual!

Tunic: F21 striped tunic (this would be better prolly)

Belt: Steve Madden via Nordstrom

Shoes: Circa Joan and David kitten heels

Faves? Dislikes? What would you pair with it?

Spring Fling: the Soft Pant.

So, Shopbop  recently featured a blog post on the "Easy Pant," or the "Soft Pant," which is essentially defined by a jodhpur-esque dropped crotch, lighter material and tapered leg. The look really taps into that laissez-faire styling that spring will be seeing this year. I have to admit, I've been quite intrigued by this look since last year when it started becoming popular but held off in suspicion that it wouldn't last long. Would ya look at that, here they are, back in full force for this spring. I'm excited, really, because no matter how "easy" Shopbop makes it seem, I feel they aren't as easy to pull off. A challenge! The blog recommends a loose fitted blouse with a jacket, or a simple tank. Hmmm. I think I have other styling ideas:

1. Keep the colors neutral. This is just a personal thing, really, and the reason I say so is because it is so quintessentially Spring 2010 that it just seems right to pair it with a soft, muted pallate.

2. Pair with a structured jacket. I tried lots of different looks here, lovies, and photographed them all to see what worked. To be honest, the tailored jacket worked best. The boyfriend jacket seemed way too unstructured and maybe even pajama-ey. So here's my example of how to pull it off:

 

  

  

  

 Jacket: Halogen (Nordstrom) ca. 2007

Top: Express embellished neckline top ca. 2006

Pants: Lulu's At Ease Trousers

Shoes: Steve Madden Tristanos

Necklace: Nordstrom (forget the designer's name but she is super cool...)

3. If you are to do a more loose fitted top, just make sure it doesn't look like you rolled out of bed. I tried to achieve this with the statement necklace, but it could be taken further with a great updo and some bold, fun makeup. I also liked that this cardigan had some depth to it with the fluttering ruffles, so maybe that helped keep it polished and not too loungey.

  

Sweater: LINE ruffle cardigan

4. Tailor them if they bunch. I haven't done this yet, but I think if the length were more at the ankle instead of bunched at the shoe, it would just look better. (That's on the to-do list.)

And if a jacket or cardigan is not in the books (i.e., when it's way too hot out there to wear more layers), I do think a pretty embellished tee or tank would work, just like was recommended on Shopbop's blog post.  Ground the look with some chunky platforms or wedges. I'll definitely be keeping these comfortable pants in the running through the warmer months and I can't wait.

What do ya'll think? Is this look easy to pull off, or is it on the "Black Diamond" level of fashion?





Note: uhhhh... Please ignore "Answer 5." Damn Polldaddy....

New F21 Items came in!!! Review!

OK lovies, here's the deal. I'm going to review the items I'm keeping from my recent splurge (because uploading on to Blogger sucks). To note, the items I'm returning, honestly, aren't because I didn't think they fit well, or were of bad quality- I'm returning them because I don't need them or won't really wear them based on my taste. So, to summarize: F21 CAN DO NO WRONG.

(ok that's false. But I really have come to love them lately!! And look how cute the following items are!)

First, the canvas textured knit sweater. I liked this a lot, but I'm actually still on the fence about it. The canvas-esque fabric is very soft and it fit well enough to wear with a slim tank or a thin sweater. I think I might have something similar enough to return it. But oh, the PEPLUM! Love.

Next, the Parlor Tunic Sweater. This is for sure a keeper. You can tell in the second picture, which you couldn't in the first or online, that it has SPARKLES. yes. OK. Great fall colors, again very soft material, versatile, and oh-so MINEMINEMINE. sorry.

Then there's the Striped Cinched Sleeved Jacket, which looks as cute on as it does online. Pretty true to the website picture. I like it, but either this or the black parlor jacket is going back. What do you think???

Now for the Animal Printed 3/4 jacket. OMG. Love. Seriously guys, so cute on, and I just love leopard print done tastefully for the Fall. To me, two things say Fall-- purple, and ANIMAL PRINT. So I know it sounds tacky, but you can't tell me this print is tacky. It is adorable.

Umm, can you tell I love it? Heh.

And finally, this is an outfit I put together yesterday from a recent trip to my local F21. (yeah no, not addicted or anything.) I love this look. Especially because the top was $8.80 and the skirt was $10.80. This outfit seriously cost me less than $100. That's the style I like! :) And it's perrrrrrfect for mambo taxis (aka best drink EVAH) in the West Village for happy hour.

Uhh, yeah. Leopard print AGAIN. :) And sorry about the grown-out-bangs-in-eye look. Ugh.

So help me out here, lovies. Which of those blazers (striped vs. peplum) shall I keep? I'm just not sure... Help!!

Style of the Day: Brocade Brigade

I love brocade. I've struggled with this for some time. Because it seems to me that one has to be careful with such a heavy, weighed-down material. It can also appear mature; a 20-some-odd should be careful, my instincts say.

But, I've learned over the years that fashion is NOT about rules. It's about getting around the rules.

Here's an example: my mom always taught me never to wear black growing up. "It conceals," she said. I didn't have anything to conceal. NOTHING. Catching my drift? Anyway.

I grew up afraid of the color black. Which is why I believe I always took a chance with colors-- with no go-to black in my closet (the ever-amazing LBD ne'er by my side), I had to rely on the other neutrals and pops of color to get me through. (I know, I know, *waaahhh*. But it's proving a point, so just listen, gahh...) In the process, I learned that sometimes, mom/"the rules" aren't always right. (Sorry, momma! You give good advice otherwise! heh)

So, here we are, Justine in her mid-20s, and trying to defy the rules that "people" assume have to be there (no white after Labor Day? Watch me! Black and brown don't mix? Yeah right). Why can't I wear brocade? Here is my take, lovies, on a rich, elegant fabric.

I love pairing the unexpected. Even when that means taking a risk like wearing skulls, brocade, and caged shoes all at the same time. I can picture a tall, mysterious woman, walking the streets of NYC on a cool, drizzly night, the streets shining with rain... And this outfit.

Yes. Breaking the rules is fun. :)