style inspiration: Olivia Palermo

where do you find your style inspiration?

true, we as americans find it via celebs, and this post is no exception. in my defense, i don't really think that everyone knows who Olivia Palermo is, but her star is definitely rising and she is {thankfully} making a name for herself aside from her reality show persona {google her if you have no clue what i'm talking about}.

whether she's wearing her hair dark or light, long, cropped, curled or straight, Olivia P has a true sense of personal style that i love. her lady-like ensembles almost always include a statement necklace along with a great bag and shoes. the looks are well put-together, and yet she always looks comfortable and at ease.


in addition, she's not afraid to take risks and plays with many silhouettes and prints. take a look at these random pics, and you'll see why she's definitely a gal to look to for style inspiration...















p.s., i'm happy to report that fashion e-tailer Piperlime.com is expanding its guest editor program to include Ms. Palermo for fall along with Rachel Bilson and Byrdie Bell! :)

all images via tumblr

inspired-style: mixing prints...

when it comes to mixing prints, my daughter is a pro. from a very young age i told her my #1 rule: just make sure to coordinate your colors. she's very good with it now. she loves having fun with her clothes {exhibit a, above}, but manages to stay coordinated, never thinking twice about taking fashion risks! :)

i myself am a huge fan of mixing prints, but to do it right {and in a more, sophisticated, grown-up way}, you should keep these guidelines in mind:

**be sure that at least one color repeats throughout your outfit.
**loose prints work well with structured prints {think swirls with stripes}.
**blending small designs {think plaid} with larger-scale ones {bold flowers} are fun and look great year-round.

for more ideas regarding this inspired trend, check out this article on RealSimple.com

source

On My Holiday Wish List: Mia Tote by Big Buddha

it was the huge ruched flower that caught my attention, but i love that this Mia tote bag by Big Buddha is simple in its overall structure. it also has an embossed print on the faux leather that gives it a special look. factor in a very wallet friendly price tag and it's a perfect pick for my holiday wishlist. :)

xo

what i'm reading: Fierce Style by Christian Siriano

Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self by Christian Siriano* allows every woman the opportunity to get advice from Project Runway's most successful and fierce winner.

i admit, i was always a huge fan of Christian's-- every week i would tune in to PR, eager to see what he would create. he was even memorable to hubby because of his repeated use of the word "fierce"; the man couldn't remember Christian's name, but if i said "you know, the 'fierce' guy", he instantly remembered, LOL!

with a foreward from Tim Gunn (if you get the book, don't skip this part!), Fierce Style touches on everything from how to create your own signature style, give your wardrobe more pizazz, how to dress your body type, the best places to shop for your style preferences (even on a budget!), beauty and hair tips, what inspires him, and the list goes on...


pic of Christian working, featured in chaper 7 (page 98)

throughout the book, Christian shares his own style blunders and missteps, lists his favorite (and not so favorite) things, and the best part of all? the glossary of terms at the back of the book (i'm glad i'm not the only one who uses the word fabulous to describe everything i love!)!

i really like this book because it's practical, fun to read, has amazing tips (and pics!), and each chapter is broken down into bites, rather than being long and drawn-out. you can literally pick this book up, open it to any page, and get a style tip, beauty inspiration or an idea on how to make the most of your own time and talents so you can be your most fabulous, fierce self.

great job Christian!

you can find Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self in bookstores now and online at amazon.com

xo
first pic taken by me :)
Christian Siriano photo via amazon.com
*the publisher, The Hatchett Group, sent this book to me for review

Michelle Obama's Style Lessons

in these uncertain times, one thing is certain: Michelle Obama knows her own style. from casual to dressy, the first lady knows what looks best on her and realizes that it's ok to wear your favorite pieces over again. she admits to loving fashion and spending money on shoes like any other woman who loves shoes, and i think it's safe to say america has really looked to her as being a style icon.

there are a few "lessons" from Michelle (based on her clothing choices alone) that you can adopt into your own style:



• wear bold colors: from head-to-toe hot pink and lemon yellow, bright colors photograph well and brighten your skin tone.




• belt it: if your waist is a small part on your frame, wearing a bold belt will show it off.



Michelle in a cardigan from the Gap and skirt by Michael Kors

• mix high with low: is it ok to wear Gap with Michael Kors? absolutely! you don't have to break the bank on a cute cardigan.




in a Tracy Feith dress on jan. 21 (left), and may 5 (right)

• wear your favorites over and over: never repeating an outfit is so passé! Michelle wears her wardrobe favorites often.


xo

via instyle
images Landov, Mandel Ngan/Getty Images, Win McNamee/Getty Images, Spencer Platt/Getty Images, Martin H. Simon/Corbis, Washington Pool/Sipa Press

Summer 2009 Must-Have Accessory: Statement Necklace

statement necklace-- whether you loop a long strand necklace for added layers, layer multiple necklaces or choose a bold collar style, this season is all about eye-catching pieces. of course (as a general rule of thumb), be sure to keep the rest of your look simple, and if you must wear earrings, choose a small pair or classic diamond (or cz) studs.






check out some more statement pieces (including the ones pictured above) that you may want to pull inspiration from or even purchase for yourself.


xo

personal style

this is the article i wrote for The Be Ready Lounge's Smile Beauty Week (unfortunately, the site will be closing on august 15):


in our world of trendiness, it can be easy to get caught up, and lose sight of who we really are in regards to style.

i have always had the opinion that it is best to find what works on your own body, stick to it, and as each season presents its dozens of trends, figure out what you like. try it on for size, and if it doesn't work, leave it. when you find something you do like, buy one or two pieces to add to your wardrobe or accessory collection, and you'll be current.

trends aren't meant to stick around, that is why they are called trends. timeless looks are those that allow us to build on so as not to find ourselves standing in the closet wondering, why don't i have anything to wear?

of course standing out is essential to most of us, and personal style is how we define ourselves without saying a word.

so how do we do this?


first, think about your life. are you dressing for it, or are you dressing as though you are someone else? that is not to say that you have to dress like a bum because you don't have a job, or in ill fitting clothes because you don't have anywhere special to go. choose clothes that are practical for you, but with a twist.

give yourself permission to express yourself through your clothing and makeup choices. be bold, experiment. find out what colors flatter you best. do you really look amazing wearing a bright lip color? wear it! do you have a flair for shoes? stick to basic clothing and make those your focal point.

i personally am a huge fan of skirts and dresses, bags, heels and earrings. i never wear short-shorts or mini-skirts. flats aren't really my favorite, and if an article of clothing comes in pink, mauve or plum, i'm all over it. i am fond of my eyes, so i like to play them up. i wear my hair full of waves and curls most days, and when it comes to accessories, if i have to choose one, i'll pick earrings over a necklace.

when it comes to style, let trends inspire you, not rule over you. dress the body you have, and dress it as best as you can afford. it may take some time, so be patient, and don't forget to have fun and be fabulous!



what is your personal style? what do you do to make sure you stand out?



xo

photo: impulse boutique