Cents of Style

Plaid Bandeau Jumpsuit at Newport News $49/was $64, Stormy Sea Necklace at Anthropologie $48, Priscilla’s Oversized Sunglasses $10/was $18, Two Tone Slouchy Tote at Arden B $38, Maureen Flower Ring at Forever 21 $5.80, Luichiny Ty Ler at Zappos.com $68.95, Giant Simple Single Bicycle $330.

Weekend summer days are for calling up your favorite gal pals and brunching and leisure.  My morning started with a Yelp.com search on “bottomless mimosas.”  Then I rounded up my ladies and started planning my outfit.  The sun was shining; the perfect day for a plaid playsuit!  I skipped the matchy scarf and opted for this gorgeous tie on statement necklace from Anthropologie and despite the fact that I’m in desperate need of a pedi went for a funky bronze sandal.  A huge pair of enormous Jackie-O style shades are a necessity when patio dining.  I never leave the house on the weekends without a cocktail ring – I was drinking pear and pomegranate mimosas after all!  Knowing that brunch always ends in shopping; a big tote is the perfect vessel to stash all of my potential treasures in!  My favorite accessory, my retro inspired bike; I zip all over town in my sassy outfits!  What could be greener or cuter!?!?

Stylishly yours,

Holly Wood Goody

BDG Printed Linen Skirt at Urban Outfitters $48, Lucky Brand Jeans Sleeveless Braided-Strap Ikat-Print Dress at Macy’s $89, Deena & Ozzy Printed Belt at Urban Outfitters $28,  Ikat Fringe Scarf at Forever 21 $8.80, Ikat Head Wrap at Charlotte Russe $2.99, Ikat Clutch at Express $44, Nurture Cameron Dress at Dillard’s $129.

Everything about Ikat is easy breezy summery.  It has origins from the most exotic regions of the globe.  Ikat is a resist weaving style that is similar to tie-dye; no two ikats are the same.  Ikats hail from Malaysia, Indonesia, Central and South America.  Ikat is a striking vacation look, when I slip into my ikat maxi, I just want to be strolling down the sandy lanes of San Pedro, Belize or sitting on the patio of my over water bungalow in Fiji.

Pair ikat prints with neutrals, you wouldn’t want to go pattern on pattern with ikat.  These fuller minis are sassy with a tucked in white tank or t-shirt.  All of these dresses would pair perfectly with a flat gladiator sandal – the ultimate in summer casual chic.  Dress up a t-shirt and jeans with an ikat scarf, or carry an ikat tote.  The Express shopper is a mega clutch, you could fit an extra outfit in there for a weekend getaway!

Flounce Skirt In Indigo at 7 For All Mankind $165, Diamond Ikat Scarf at Ann Taylor Loft $19.99 was $29.50, Route 66 Humboldt Ikat Print Shopper Handbag at K-Mart $9 was $22, Blurred Ikat Maxi Dress at Forever 21 $19.80, Embellished Ikat Diamond Print Maxi Dress at Arden B $78, Silk Ikat Dress at Banana Republic $130.

Message Envelope Necklace at Urban Outfitters $24, Skinny Classic Leather Belt at Martin + Osa $24.15/was $34.50, Tiered Silk Party Dress at Arden B $98, Sweger Clutch at Aldo $30, Logo Bangle Bracelet at Liz Claiborne $19.99/was $35, Nine West Jewellite Sandal at Endless.com $49.97/ list price $89.95.

Lauren Conrad is super leggy and chic in this sunny 3.1 Phillip Lim tiered ruffle creation.  This dress currently retails for $575, and she’s paired it with Miu Miu platform sandals which retail for about the same.  That puts LC’s outfit at $1,150, not including the rest of her accessories.  Speaking of, she keeps her accessories on trend yet super simple.  Her necklace is a simple pendant and the belt is doesn’t compete with the gorgeous ruffles of the dress.

Create this look starting with ruffled tank dress.  The dress featured is from Arden B, but J Crew has a cute version in four colors under $100 as well.  The heel on Lauren Conrad’s Miu Miu pump is chunkier than the heel I chose, but the heel on the Nine West is so deliciously Christian Louboutin.  Poor LC isn’t carrying a handbag in this pic, but I adore the idea of an oversized red envelope clutch.  The yellow red combo is so Reese Witherspoon-Golden Globes 2007.  A single gold bangle pushed up high on the arm is a unique styling twist.  As a pendant option I’m so in love with this gold envelope pendant from Urban Outfitters that actually opens with a little engraved message you can pull out!

Budget Outfit – $246.

Stylishly yours,
Holly Wood Goody

Kitty One-Shoulder Dress at Dillard’s $89, Rhinestone Burst Ring at Forever 21 $5.80, Faloctor Clutch at Aldo $30,
Nadri Pavé Bangle at Nordstom $58, Monet Glass & Crystal Teardrop Earrings at Macy’s $35, Guess Face Peep Toe Platform $89.30.

Demi Moore steps out in a classic yet very sexy Prabal Gurung asymetrical black cocktail dress with white diagonal stripe detail. Prabal’s dresses go for $900 to $4,000. Demi and her style team really know what works for her gorgeous defiantly youthful
bod, she always looks fashion forward and elegantly assembled. Her accessories are timeless pieces. Achieving this look can be achieved for a fraction of the price with a one shoulder knee length dress and accessories that go beyond trend. Demi’s look is enviably gorgeous.

The Demi-wannabe look was achieved for a mere $307, I’ll bet that’s less than what her shoes cost!

Stylishly Yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Style Star Elizabeth Taylor as featured in Cleopatra, RJ Graziano Coin Necklace at Bloomingdale’s $125, Pattern Disk Necklace at TopShop $60, Beaded Collar Bib Necklace at Urban Outfitters $48, Coin Cluster Necklace at Wet Seal $8, Livia Necklace at Anthropologie $48.

If you’re looking to add drama to an outfit, a statement necklace is a perfect accessory. The origins of the bib or collar necklace harkens back to the days of ancient Egypt. The inner walls of the tombs were made ultimately more fashionable with hieroglyphic depictions of Isis, Nefertiti, and of course Cleopatra wearing their bib and collar necklaces. In the move Cleopatra, diva Elizabeth Taylor playing the Egyptian queen explains that her necklace is Roman coins depicting Caesar. After his assassination, she wanted him all about her neck.

The movie Cleopatra and Elizabeth Taylor are both legendary style studies.

The RJ Graziano Coin Necklace bears striking resemblance to the Caesar coin necklace in the film, but at a mere $8 the Wet Seal Coin Cluster Necklace provides affordable drama! Bib or collar necklaces pair perfectly with a strapless dress or top, or a piece with a deep V neckline. I’m coveting the Banana Republic bib necklace, with the multi colored crystals; I can’t imagine an outfit I couldn’t wear that fetching retro inspired necklace with. TopShop is rocking my world with all of their accessories, and the Sherbert Cascade Necklace and the Pattern Disk Necklace are absolute must haves! It’s amazing to find anything in Anthropologie under $100, but right now they have some super glam statement necklaces for around the $50 range.

I really love the idea of a fitted solid strapless dress with an outrageous bib necklace. It’s the perfect look for a summer evening event, especially if you want a little attention!

Stylishly Yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Sherbert Cascade Necklace at TopShop $45, Sun Rise Nectar Necklace at Anthropologie $42, Statement Bib Necklace at Banana Republic $125, Tonal Beaded Collar at TopShop $40, Short Ring and Stone Bib Necklace at Arden B $24.

RL Blue Graphic Sailcloth Triangle Bra Top & Hipster Bottom at Dillard’s (top $75, bottom $58),
Felix Rey Envelope Clutch with Shell at Target ($29.99), Rope-Handle Striped Tote at Speigel ($39 was $44), Anchor Tee  at Delia’s ($24.50/BUY ANY 2 & SAVE $10), Harajuku Lovers Label Sandal at Endless.com ($89.95), Strapless Bra Top dress at Victoria’s Secret ($34.99 was $58).

Anchors away ladies!  Summer’s here, and if you don’t own a sailboat then it’s time to start dressing like you do.  Start with classic navy stripes and pair a nautical accessory like a rope belt, an anchor compass pendant from Urban Outfitters or Target, or this fabulous anchor ring by Betsey Johnson!  Don’t forget to pack an anchor bikini in your stripey rope handled tote so you can sun yourself on the starboard deck.  What will you wear on your feet?  Well, I nearly flipped my flop when I saw that Sperry Top-Sider was making adorable wedges.

But heed my trend advice – don’t go overboard on any trend!

Stylishly yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Nautical Striped Top at Charlotte Russe ($10.99 was $21.99), Naval Cotton Shorts at French Connection ($108), Waterfront Anchors Halter & Side-Tie Bottom (top & bottom each $31.50), Betsey Johnson Anchor Ring at Nordstrom ($55), Anchor Toggle Necklace at Forever 21 ($4.80), Multi Rope Belt at Armani Exchange ($58), Sperry Top-Sider Castle Hill Sandal at Nordstrom ($46.90, was $79.95 ), Sperry Top-Sider Southshore Wedge at Piperlime.com ($99.99 was $120), Nautical Compass Necklace at Urban Outfitters ($28).

High-waist pique pencil skirt at Banana Republic $59, Plaid Pencil Skirt at White House Black Market $78, Sateen High-Waist Military Pencil Skirt at Express $59.50, Bow pencil skirt at Victoria’s Secret Special $39.50, Delamere Pencil Skirt at Ralph Lauren $89.50.

Ladies take a note, if you find that you’re constantly wearing pants & trousers then maybe it’s time for a pencil skirt.  The pencil skirt is another universally flattering silhouette.  Pencil skirts are quite slimming.  Creating a pencil skirt outfit is so very simple but there’s two simple guidelines to follow:

1)      Please tuck your top in

2)      Wear a heel, even if it’s just a 1 inch kitten heel

By adhering to tucking and heeling, you create one slim column.  The effects are stunning.  A daytime office look is instantly sexy if you pair whatever button up blouse you were planning on with your go-to black trouser.  Maybe there’s a hot guy in your office you want to impress or you are going day to night for drinks after work – a pencil skirt is the best way to look really sexy yet work-appropriate at the same time.  If you want to look a little edgier then you can go freakin’ bananas with accessories like funky ass belts, bags, studded pumps, and jewelry. 

Check out Express for a wide assortment of pencil skirt styles and colors.  The high waist military pencil skirt with buttons and pockets is super sexy. 

Stylishly Yours,

Holly Wood Goody

Sailor Pencil Skirt at Express $59.50, Ombre pencil skirt at J. Crew $88, Luxury Stretch High-Waist Plaid Pencil Skirt at Express $69.50, Catch My I Pleated Pencil Skirt at Dillard’s $14.40 was $24, City Style Python Print Pencil Skirt  at New York & Co. $36.95.

Tribal Bead Shirred Dress from Arden B (on sale $39.99, was $68), Circle Beaded Flat Sandal also Arden B (on sale $24.99, was $38), Xhilaration Trista Beaded Thong Sandals at Target ($19.99), Mia Suri Beaded T-Strap Wedge at Endless.com (on sale $79.90, was $89.95), Beaded Halter Top at Forever 21 ($22.80).

This is one of my favorite trends this season – squaw style.  Any summer outfit is instantly sassified with any of these fabulous beaded sandals.  A beaded collar on a top is built in jewelry!  Native American stylized touches are both embellished but down to earth at the same time.  Working the tribal trend couldn’t be simpler — pair flowing sundresses with beaded or fringed flats or wedges.  Embroidered tops pair sweetly with jeans and shorts.  Snap up these pieces pronto-Tonto, the Arden B pieces are on final sale now!

With any trend, it’s important that you don’t wear all pieces from that trend at once or you will look trail-of-tears-tragic. If you partake in Pocahontas chic, wearing more than one piece would appear costumey.  Never wear head to toe trend!

Axcess Beaded Cuff at Kohl’s (on sale $12.60, was $18.00), Tribal Beaded Gladiator Wedge from Arden B (On sale $24.99, was $48), Studded Fringe Moccasin at Free People (on sale $49.95, was $128), Tribal Woven Halter Top at Forever 21 ($17.80), Embroidered Babydoll Top at Forever 21 ($27.80), Suede Fringe Beaded Sandal at Urban Outfitters ($48).