Cents of Style

Shoe credits:  Seychelles Slice N’Dice Pump @ Endless.com ($59.72), Rampage Raycee Pump at Endless.com ($19.95), Moda Spana Illume Pump at Endless.com ($41.22), Navins Pump at Nine West ($79).

I have a serious dilemma, I don’t have an LBP in rotation.  Say what?  Don’t you mean LBD, Little Black Dress??? No I mean LBP, Little Black Pump.  Although both are wardrobe staples every woman should own.  I’m on a staples kick lately.  My wardrobe consists of embellished and ornamented items.  Like monkeys, babies, and pirhannas, I am attracted to sparkly shiny things.  I have all sorts of funky cut out sandals, and beaded sandals, and funky elfin booties but no LBP!

I must purchase a LBP ASAP!  This is a shoe I plan to be able to wear daily to work with a myriad of outfits – pants & dresses, so I have some stringent specifications.  I would like this shoe to be comfortable.  I am a city dweller and I do a lot of walking and have very long days that often roll into evening.  I don’t want the shoe really higher than 3 inches, otherwise I may not be comfortable. I’d like a pointier toe; I’m not a fan of rounded or squarish toed shoes.  You are a fashion follower otherwise you wouldn’t be reading a style blog, therefore, you have seen TLC’s What Not To Wear at least once… Stacy London expounds on the pointy toe shoe and how it extends the line of the leg creating an illusion of added height. Try this yourself. In front of a mirror, try on some rounded clown shoes, then slip on a similar height pointy toe pump. You will think you’ve grown!

As I started my online shopping trip, I discovered that my task of finding a basic black pump was more challenging than I had anticipated – with so many trendy spectators & cage booties, a basic shoe is hard to come by, Then I determined that with spring on it’s way, perhaps I wanted a peep toe. Most of my selections are from endless.com, I’m finding that when I shop for shoes, endless.com is often $30-60 cheaper than zappos.com. I ended up with the Farylrobin peep toe, it should be arriving any minute!

All from Endless.com: Farylrobin Desiree Pump ($80), Franco Sarto Culture Peep Toe Pump ($39), Pour La Victoire Lisette Pump ($98.52), Vince Camuto Flame Peep Toe Pump ($56).

What do you think of this look, would you wear acid wash or bleach dye jeans? Poll or comment below.

Fashion Credits:  Jet-Set Acid-Wash Jean at Alloy ($19.99, was $49.50), Divine Rights of Denim Zipper Skinny Jeans at Charlotte Russe ( $68), Dereon “peek a boo” skinny jeans at Dillard’s ($69), Juniors Xhilaration Skinny Denim Joplin Tie Dye at Target ($24.99), Denim & Thread Lowrise/Super Slim Fergie Jean at Revolve Clothing ($72, was $178)

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I can’t believe I’m going here. What has come over me that I would post acid wash jeans? When I first saw a pair in a shop my jaw dropped open at the idea that any designer would think that any self-respecting woman would so much as dare wear these on any other day than Halloween. Then I saw a pick of style star Fergie wearing a pair. I really liked how she styled her outfit, the key I think that she kept the look simple, classic and fresh. The white button up shirt is crisp and gives a biz-casual downplay to the outrageousness of the pants. The accessories are well paired, the nude bag and shoe play in to keeping the look clean and the single pop of color in with the wide orange belt is unexpected and whimsical, yet doesn’t compete with the jeans. For a look that in theory would gag me with a spoon, I was pleasantly on board and am now considering buying a pair myself.

IF I go there – I’ve seen a $165 pair at TopShop also covered in bronze studs I’m ga ga for, but I can’t let myself spend that much on trendy jeans I may only have the gall to wear a few times. I see myself going for the Alloy or the Target pair and spending $25 max.

Wearing this trend – IF I was going to wear these jeans, I would keep it simple like Fergie does. Go overboard and you will look like a mail order sluttina. I like these jeans paired with a solid black or white top, black platform pumps and minimal accessories.

Fashion Credits:  Stone Wash Color Skinny Jean at Forever 21 ($19.80), Lilac acid wash jeans at TopShop ($80), Pastel Acid Wash Skinny Jean at Wet Seal ($14.99, was $29.50)

Fashion Credits: Long Maxi Dress at Boutique to You ($42), Rip Curl Cozumel Maxi Dress at Tillys.com ($46.99), Element Orchard Dress at Swell ($49.50), Twist Dye Maxi Dress at Forever 21 ($24.80), Juniors Xhilaration Floral Maxi Dress at Target ($24.99), Floral Maxi Halter Dress at Wet Seal ($34.50), Watercolor Floral Maxi Dress at Charlotte Russe ($32.99).

I was going to save this post for later in the spring when I am sitting on my patio in a maxi dress with a margarita in hand watching my husband grill my favorite jerk pork loin… but my one of my besties is sitting at a Ritz Carlton somewhere in Hawaii drink in hand. Thusly, I started fantasizing about the perfect summertime lounge wear – the maxi dress.

The maxi is the sweat suit of summer.  It’s roomy and nothing you could put on would be more comfortable.  We owe the great Mrs. Roper of Three’s Company fame for this sweet look.  Helen was always boho fab in her big colorful exotic printed mu-mus dripping in plastic costume baubles.  On a Google hunt for a pic of one of my all time fav television characters I ran across the pic below; and whadda ya now Chrissy Snow is wearing a utilitarian jumpsuit!  Too bad the costume department couldn’t fix the camel toe.

I started pulling dresses for this blog and everybody’s got ‘em.  I found so many in a variety of price points, even a Nanette Lepore version that is breaking my heart for $695!  So I challenged myself to present options that are under $50 – so that’s what we have here all of these fab frocks are under fifty freaking dollars.  I picked all playful prints, sure, plenty of options abound in solids, but Mrs. Roper style is all about a loud vibrant exotic or even a hippy print.  Go big, or go home. 

 Accessorizing this look could not be easier.  Flat sandals + big necklace + a straw or raffia bag = SMOKIN’ HOT!

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Fashion Credits:  Patent Thong Sandals in 5 colors at Old Navy ($19.50), Raffia Mat Clutch at Top Shop ($44), Merona Woven White Clutch at Target ($19.99)

Strapless Bra Top Dress at Victoria Secret ($68), Ruffle Henley Sweater at Express ($49.50), Suzi Chin Maggy Boutique Twist Tab Ponte Knit Dress at Nordstrom ($68.90, was $138), Ruched-Front Shirt Jacket ($69.50)

I had the Today Show on this morning, as I usually do – to torture myself I guess, and Meredith Viera was dressed like a big puffy menopausal Leprechaun.  I thought to myself, “there has got to be a chicer way to rock kelly green shamrock chic!”

Green has been a long time favorite color of mine – that and leopard print.  Leopard print IS a color.  Do not argue with me.  Combine the two and I could just melt.  All of my favorite clothing is green including two of my basics, my trench and my day tote (no, I don’t wear them together).  I’ve been very into wearing greys and blacks lately and my green tote which, ahem was a $129 bag that I picked up at Filene’s Basement for $29, adds that perfect punch of color to an otherwise neutral outfit.

Green is almost a neutral – it goes with almost any color on the color wheel.  I’m loving green dresses with a bright yellow belt.  Green pairs so beautifully with jeans.  So so so many possibilities.  I’m loving all of these clothing items above.  This Victoria’s Secret dress has a built in bra and has that I-look-so-pretty-but-I-didn’t-try-too-hard look.  This ruffle Henley V Neck from Express is so feminine and sexy!  I’m loving this Nordstrom dress on sale for ½ off for work, and this ruched jacket would be perfect for a fat day!  That Forever 21 necklace for $7.80 – it’s like they are giving stuff away over there.  I’d like to thank Amanda Bynes for combining my favorite color combo, leopard and green!  Happy St. Patrick’s Day ladies.

Stylishly yours,
Holly Wood Goody

P.S. Coupons for Express & Victoria’s Secret on the Coupon page!

Oh Deer! Geneva Flat ($65, was $99.95) and Mia Mabel T-Strap Pump ($44.07, was $59.95) both shoes at Endless.com, Iridescent Floral Necklace at Forever 21 ($7.80), Miranda white canvas and green patent tote at AmiciAccessories.com ($32.00), Green/Jade Square cubic zirconia Ring at Target ($24.99).

Fashion Credits: Silence & Noise Buttoned-Up Jumpsuit at Urban Outfitters ($78.00), Go International Jumpsuit at Target ($34.99), Linen Twill Alex Jumpsuit at Free People.com ($128), Cropped Jumpsuit at Armani Exchange ($99.00, Was $150.00), Button Front Short Jumpsuit at Express ($39.50).

Jumpsuits have been turning up on red carpets and then naturally found their way into lots of shops.  Jumpsuit dressing couldn’t be simpler; there’s no agonizing over pairing separates.  There’s a utilitarian ease to the jumpsuit;  it’s like a uniform, but still maintains a Charlie’s Angels chicness to it.

I’m obsessed with versions of this look that have an “I’m-part-of-the-pit-crew” feel to them.   I nabbed a cropped satin version at Bebe last week much like the Armani Exchange version above, mine is no longer available online.  I’m so in love with my jumpuit – it’s covered in zipper and cargo pocket details. I look like a SERIOUSLY SEXY full-service filling station attendant!

I’m pairing this look with funky studded platform heels, a wide belt (or a tool belt), and a super glam metallic clutch with lots of hardware.

I’d like to throw out all of my other clothes and rock this look everyday.  There’s just something so effing hot about a woman in uniform!!!

Fashion Credits:  Editor Pant at Express ($79.50), Bow Tie Vest at Armani Exchange ($88), Sexy Basics Cami at Express ($24.50)

What is going on in  my closet?  I have no pants!   I don’t know how I manage to dress myself each day.  All I have in my closet is cocktail and sundresses.   Time for some chic basics.  I took inventory and determined I needed a few pieces that could be hip yet professional for work and pull double duty as fun evening pieces.  I seemed to be out of black pants.  Whenever I need pants, I usually start at Express.  I adore the editor pant.  It is slimming and has a gorgeous fit.  Here’s how my super chic, black and white sassy menswear inspired look came together…

CLOTHING
I love love love plaid (you will see proof of this in future posts I promise), and this black and white plaid editor pant from Express will be a funkified classic I will wear at least a hundred time. My inner Gwen-a-be was drooling!   I never shop in Express without a coupon, they are available constantly.  I had a coupon for $30 off a $90 purchase.  I grabbed a couple of camis to go under my vest.  Express had camis on sale, buy 1 get one ½ off.  Who can’t use a black or white cami!?!?  The camis I grabbed had a sexy lace detail.  The vest was a piece I have had my eye on – I have a penchant for bow details!  I also loved the cinched in back and the zipper detail on the back.  So freakin’ cool!  I see this piece being so versatile.  I topped the look with a swing jacket I had, but if I had to grab a jacket now – holy wows! This adorable swing jacket from Forever 21 is on sale for $15.99!  Okay, we’re ready to accessorize!

ACCESSORIES
The menswear style pieces inspired me to pair this ensemble with a pair of heeled oxfords.  In keeping with the black and white all over look I went for two-toned black and white oxfords. Wow, what a striking shoe!   This is a shoe I can see pairing with dozens of outfits and is THE perfect work shoe.  With all that bare arm, I wanted one big jewel statement and stacked multi textured black and white thick bracelets on one arm.  When I do head to toe all black or black and white outfit, I like to throw in a bold color somewhere in the look.  I opted here for a bright multi color clutch.

MIXING IT UP
I’ll wear all of these pieces over and over.  They’re all neutrals, that’s the beauty of the outfit. As worn, it had great impact and I felt totally sassy all night.  When I wear this variation to work, I’ll stick a button up shirt under the vest, probably in a bold bright color.

THE DAMAGE
For this look, I had the following items in my closet already: jacket, bracelets, & handbag.  I pulled items similar to those I wore at prices I would have paid.  This look as I wore it was about a budget friendly $385!

* See my Coupon Corner page for an Express coupon!

Fashion Credits:  Martina Fur Trim Jacket at Forever 21 ($15.99, was $32.99), Studded Bangle at Forever 21 ($3.80), Large Natural Bangle at Express ($24.50), Black Carmen Faux Leather Clutch at AccessoryBug.com ($41.99), Pour La Victoire Women’s Joelle Oxford Bootie at Endless.com ($115, was $249), Rhinestone Strip Bangle at Forever 21 ($9.80).

The “Classic Trench” as worn by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany’s.

In most  parts of the country, warm will break through the chilly air of winter and win the battle.  The mornings will be frosty but as the sun rises, the temperatures will as well.  We’re all so sick of our winter coats that we’d love to toss them in a dumpster.  I encourage you to do so, you’ll have a great reason to buy a new one this fall!

It’s time to bust out a chic trench coat.  The trench is a serious timeless classic.  Every woman should have some sort of trench in her closet.  The all time super duper uber classic of course is the tan trench as made famous by Holly Golightly in the romantical kiss in the rain scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Paul Varjak: I love you.
Holly Golightly: So what.
Paul Varjak: So what? So plenty! I love you, you belong to me!
Holly Golightly: [tearfully] No. People don’t belong to people.
Paul Varjak: Of course they do!
Holly Golightly: I’ll never let ANYBODY put me in a cage.
Paul Varjak: I don’t want to put you in a cage, I want to love you!

Modern lady style owes so so much to Audrey Hepburn.  If she were alive today, I’d throw my arms around her neck and thank her for the LBD (little black dress), capris + black turtlenecks + flats = effortless classic cool, big huge shades, and of course the classic trench.  Mental note – write future blog to expose on the brilliance of Audrey Hepburn’s style.

Belted Trench coat @ Old Navy ($49.50), Laundry by Shelli Segal Pipe Trim Trench Coat @ Nordstrom ($128), London Fog Women’s Asymmetrical Neck Trench Coat @ Overstock ($99).

One could spend oodles on a say a Burberry trench, but oh girl, why!?!?!  Any Golightly can find a fab belted trench at Old Navy, H&M and the like.  While a tan trench goes with virtually anything (seriously I dare you to show me something that doesn’t go with tan), I prefer a more funkified trench.  I had a leopard Betsey Johnson trench coat that I wore for years until it started looking raggy on me.  Last season I acquired a kelly green Nanette Lepore trench with a black and white floral print and a chain detail on the back.  Still I lack a basic jacket I could throw on with virtually any color and virtually any outfit – be it a day or evening look.  Time to rip a page from the Audrey Hepburn style catalog and score a basic knee length trench – I’m loving this Laundry trench with the pipe trim available at Nordstrom.

Stylishly yours,
Holly Wood Goody

Zebra Trench Coat @ Arden B. ($98),  INC Printed Trench Coat @ Macy’s (Sale $89.99, Reg. $129.00),  Merona Double Breasted Jacket @ Target ($39.99),  City Style Python Print Trench Coat @ New York & Co. ($79.95).

Fashion Credits:  Express “Essential Shirt” ($39.50, less when you buy 2 or more),  Nordstrom/Nexx “Ruffle Pintuck Shirt” ($62), Banana Republic “Ruffle Pintuck Shirt” ($59.00).

I’m not really a “basics” girl.  I’m always drawn to flashy pretty things, which leaves me in a severe deficit when it comes to the foundations of a wardrobe.  So let’s shop!!! Any stylist or wardrobe consultant would agree that a white button up shirt is a cornerstone of a great closet.  In his show, Tim Gunn’s Guide To Style, he always has “white button up shirt” on his list of wardrobe essentials.

Few clothing items are as versatile as the white button up shirt.  It can be worn as a simple understated casual classic with jeans and just about any shoe.  Tuck a white button up into wide leg trousers for a classy simple work look.  Make that look more feminine when pairing a white button up with a pencil skirt.  Wear it under short or no sleeved dresses in the fall and winter. Pair it with capris and flats for a nod to Audrey Hepburn chic.   I’m looking for a longer men’s style white button up to toss on over shiny leggings with boots inspired by a Kiera Knightly photo.

I like a white button up with some ornamented detail:  pin tucking, a ruffled sleeve or collar, or a fitted waist.

A great resource for button up shirts is Express.com, they have a great variety of styles, most of which are fitted.  Express is often running this special: buy 3 or more for $29.50 each, buy 2 for $34.50 each.  You may as well pick up 2 button ups while you’re shopping and save yourself a little money!

With the white button up shirt – the possibilities are endless.