Cents of Style

Reversible Racerback by Porridge Clothing $68 at Anthropologie, Slender Hip Slung Khakis $49.50 and Yoked Hip Slung Jeans $59.50 both at the Gap, Franco Sarto Amenity Pump $54.42 at Endless.com.

I scored this Porridge Clothing top at Anthropologie recently and couldn’t be happier that I picked it up.  Initially the price tag of $68 put me off a bit, but then, I realized that the top is REVERSIBLE!  I was getting two tops for the price of one!  Both of the prints are so gorgeous and this bow detail on the back is adorable.  It’s that perfect, “I-look-chic-but-didn’t-try-too-hard” top.  The colors in the top also made me look incredibly tan, the racerback cut made my arms look toned, and the blouse-y volume disguised my neglect of abs toning.  In short the Porridge Clothing reversible top is a miracle. 

The more exotic side is my fav, but the other tan geometric print makes it a great layer piece.  Both sides pair great with khakis for a work type environment and it looks fantastic with jeans.  Accessorizing this look is so simple it’s overwhelming.  Why – because this top goes with everything.  It’s gonna look hot with any brown sandal and warm neutral tone bag.  If you have a red sandal, give that a try – I paired the top with cuffed skinny jeans and a red patent wedge and it was perfection.

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Priorities “military” vest $98 at Dillard’s, Twill Military Vest $89 at Bebe, Military Button Front Vest $48 at Arden B, Long Military Vest $59.50 at Ann Taylor Loft, Forest Plaid Zip Front Vest $89 at Bebe.

 Military vests and jackets with retro style are popping up in shops like Bebe and Arden B.  The look is a little marching band, a little Revolutionary War.  Am loving this rich plum Steve Madden leather jacket especially with jeans, but it’s a bit warm for these jacket looks now, save them for early fall and transition wear, unless you find one in white and want to wear it over a sundress for some evening coverage.  The way to salute this trend now is by pairing military style vests over classic simple looks like a tank and jeans or get funky by pairing the vest with a more feminine sundress.

Just please don’t carry a tuba around while sporting this look – you’ll get sent straight to band camp!

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Twill Asymmetric Patch Jacket $139 at Bebe, Military Button Front Jacket $58 at Arden B, Cropped Military Jacket $49.90 at Alloy.com, Steve Madden Plum Leather Military Jacket at Macy’s, Bb Dakota Battalion Jacket in Black $79 at Chickdowntown.com.

Tribal Heart Buckle Belt $8.80 at Forever 21, Black Pyramid Stud Waist Belt $16.50 at Windsor, Plastic Belt $9.99 on sale/was $28 at French Connection.

Remember Molly Shannon as joyologist Helen Madden on Saturday Night Live, “I’m a joyologist and I lovvvvvvvve belts!!!”  I love belts too, and due to Patricia Field’s styling talents in both Sex and the City and Confessions of a Shopaholic, belts have been phenomenally popular in the last few years, and they just won’t quit!  Belts are a great way to add polish to an outfit and sculpt an hourglass middle.  Think of belts as jewelry for your waist!

Add rocker attitude to an outfit with a studded belt, or a pop of color to a neutral outfit.  Corset belts with fitted waist dresses is always a winning combo in both day and evening looks.  Try belts over open cardigans like style icon Michelle Obama does.  It’s a super chic look and a great way to emphasize curves. 

There are great belts out there at every price point.  Tory Burch has a gorgeous green stud belt on tan leather, but the idea of paying over $50 for a belt makes me cringe a little.  I got my version of the Sex and the City studded belt at Forever 21 for $6.80!

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Deena & Ozzy Stud Stretch Belt $24 at Urban Outfitters, Python Waist Belt $8.99 at Charlotte Russe, Oversized Ring Stretch Waist Belt $19.50 at Arden B, Belt Iris C $29.90 at Mango, Double Buckle Cross Cross Belt $28 at Rampage, Zip Up Stretch Belt $48 at Free People , Gold Shell Stretch Belt $14 at Fred Flare, Pyramid Studded Belt $49 at Bebe , Interlocked Belt $48 at Anthropologie

Katy Frayed Skinny Jean $29.80 at Forever 21, Destroyed Skinny Jean $58 at Arden B, Daredevil Skinny Jeans Black Destroy Wash $98 at Guess, Blank Boyfriend Jean in Shredded Wheat $78 at National Jean Co., Blank Shredded Jeans $75 at Kitson.

Celebs and all sorts of ladies with plenty of cheddar to throw down on brand new designer denim are opting for ripped up shredded jeans in all sorts of styles like baggy cuffed boyfriend jeans or skinny jeans.  Isn’t it a bit ironic that one would spend hard earned cash for distressed destroyed clothes?  You won’t see this girl spending more than seventy-five clams on shredded ripped up jeans.  And another thing – if you’re wanting in on this trend, look for jeans that have been distressed in natural places, around the knees for instance.  While it may seem that the ass or crotch is a “natural place” for denim to distress, it is never acceptable for your ass and lady business to be hanging out of your clothes – respect yourself!

I’m loving skinny versions, which would transition into fall by tucking them into equestrian or tall wedge boots.  Cropped versions are a sweet way to beat the heat and look super cute with flats, but also can be dressed up with wedges and pumps.

Stylishly yours, Holly Wood Goody

Angie & Lola Clutch with Zippers $8.74 was $34.99, Gabriella Rocha Mylie Pump at Zappos.com $65, Multi Chain Linear Earring at Arden B $9.80 on sale, Ruffle Front Dress at AkiraChicago.com $64.

A few stars have graced the red carpet in this delightful zipper trim ruffle frock by 3.1 Phillip Lim.  I love this dress on Kate Bosworth, as it adds some heft to her oft too wiry frame.  At times, I’d like to gently wrestle her to the ground and cram sandwiches and cupcakes down her gullet.  I digress…

This 3.1 Phillip Lim Zipper Dress originally retailed at Bergdorff Goodman for $895 and is now on sale at for $537.  If you have an extra five hundred benjis laying around for a cocktail dress, go for it, this frock is fab.  While the budget version doesn’t have a zipper trim on the ruffles, it has ruffles and style aplenty!  Because you really love the zipper detail, the ultimate bag pairing would be this zipper trim Angie & Lola clutch at Target for $8.97.  Say what?  Yes, that is eight dollars and ninety-seven cents.   Buy 10 and givem away as Christmas gifts!

When you get to the styling stage, please resist the urge to glom on a whole bunch of jewelry, and you certainly would not wear a necklace!  There’s already so much going on with the dress, the look doesn’t need much else.  Choose one item – a big cocktail ring, a bangle or pull your hair back in a simple pony and wear a pair of chandelier length earrings.   Budget outfit – $147.50

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

Every once in a while I see an outfit so heinous that it’s worth giving a mention (after I  am able to clean the vomit from the corners of my frown).  Unfortunately in the Midwest, I frequently witness street style that sets off my gag reflexes.  There’s a lady in my office that wears a black leather vest over blouses.  Does she know that leather is for after 5PM?  Does she know that leather vests are for bikers from the 80’s?  Apparently not!  At least leather vest have not become a national trend!

Well there’s a trend on the horizon that’s scaring the crap out of me – HAREM PANTS!!! I was in Argentina in February and noted that tons of girls were wearing them, now I’m noting them cropping up in many designer’s collections and in dozens of shops.   Why on earth would you want to look like you are wearing a droopy adult diaper, or like you are trying to accommodate an excessively large labia?

The Harem Pant just isn’t cute!  I have yet to see it styled such that it could be construed as attractive.  I’m a pretty open-minded girl, please I beseech you, if you have any great styling ideas for the Harem pant, please post below.  Or if you agree that Harem Pants are totally gaggy – sound off.  I want to know what ladies think about the dreaded fugly harem pant.

Stylishly Yours – Holly Wood Goody

Ladies mark your calendars – Jimmy Choo is coming to H&M.  I just received the H&M Newsletter and was tickled to read the info below.  I wish there were more pix of shoes from the collection, but this is all that is contained in their press section at the moment.

Jimmy Choo Brings Glamour to H&M This Fall

On November 14, British accessories brand, Jimmy Choo will bring its international glamour, coveted shoes and bags to about 200 H&M stores around the world. This marks the first time H&M collaborates with an accessories brand. To celebrate the collaboration, Jimmy Choo will extend its design vision to create a women’s clothing range for H&M that will complement the accessory capsule. Additionally, this exciting collaboration will include a men’s collection of shoes, bags and accessories.

Antonio Melani Wide Leather Belt at Dillard’s $38, Mossimo Paz Faux-Snake Wedge $29.99, Calvin Klein Sunshyne Platform at Endless.com $100.27 on sale/ was $129.95, Pucker Pocket Jacket $128 and High Waist Yoked Skirt $59.50 both at The Limited.

In another episode of, “It’s hot – what do I wear to work?”  I present Marion Cotillard looking effortlessly gorgeous and cool in a crisp off white skirt suit.  Achieving this look is as easy as running to the Limited and pulling out your credit card!

This is such a great summer work look, and styling is so simple.  I’m loving the belt over the jacket.  You could even do a metallic shoe for day as Marion does with her strappy silver sandals.  Look for darker silvers or pewters.  Beware; cheap metallic shoes can look more evening, as in lady of the evening.  You never want to look like you turn tricks at your job, unless your job is to turn tricks! If you worry a strappy metallic sandal is too flashy for day/work, try a reptile wedge like the Target version here.  (I have this shoe, it’s totes comf!) You can easily take this look day to night just by swapping out your sandals!

I love when I see stars in looks that easily translate to the everyday woman as Marion Cotillard’s skirt suit does here.    Budget Outfit – $325.77

Stay cool & stylish ladies – Holly Wood Goody

Fashion Credits:  Jax Floral-Print Belted Dress at Dillard’s $84 on sale/ was $140, Guess Homer Open Toe Pump at Endless.com $64.47 on sale/ was $89.95, Orange Erica Quilted Faux Leather Tote at AccessoryBug.com $49.99, Buttoned Cut-Away Jacket at The Limited $79.50,  Seychelles Babydoll Peep Toe Pump at Endless.com $89.95, Angie & Lola Satchel with Coin Purse at Target $49.99, Graphic Print Tank Dress at Newport News $49 on sale/ was $74. 

I was excited to ride the train this morning sitting next to a very stylish lady.  She was in a chiffon floral print sundress in yellow and orange hues with a white background, topped with a black ruffle sleeve linen jacket, black peep toe pumps, a mustard tote, and orange crystal earrings.  She was so polished and professional and still was utterly summery.  This time of year I’m fully grateful to be a woman, in that I don’t have to wear a suit, tie or button up shirt to work.  My summer day look when it’s 80 degrees and over is built around a dress and sandals.  If my dress isn’t quite work appropriate (ie spaghetti straps or completely strapless), I just throw on a cute lil jacket.  My go to jacket is a cropped black jacket that has studded sleeves from Forever 21 I included several posts back, but I’m super loving this cropped black jacket from The Limited.  This jacket is a great basic to add to your wardrobe and if paired with a dress that is super fitted in the torso would emphasize a tiny waist, or create the illusion of one.  It’s jacket magic!

When you’re styling a floral dress that doesn’t have a black in the pattern, pairing a shoe and a jacket keeps the look cohesive.  This idea would translate equally as well with a white jacket and shoe combo.  When accessorizing pick up colors in the floral pattern.  Summer is the perfect time to opt for pops of bright colors.

Stylishly yours – Holly Wood Goody

PS – Take an extra %25 off at Newport News today with this code: 524.

Fashion credits: One-of-a-kind Hamburger Dress, Type Z Leah Dress at Zappos.com $60, H81 Bold Stripes Sundress at Forever 21 $22.90, OC by Oleg Cassini Floral-Print Matte Jersey Dress at Dillard’s $90, Americana Print Tiered Halter Dress at Arden B $78.

A friend recently emailed me a pic of this one-of-a-kind  hamburger dress by Joy Kampia.  Wouldn’t it be sweet to put in a BBQ appearance in that crochet creation?  At $900+, it’s over my budget for novelty clothing.  If only I knew how to crochet, oh the dresses I’d make.  A patriotic alternative would be a red, white and/or blue printed frock.  This Type Z dress from Zappos.com is the ultimate in retro summer Americana.  I’m loving the idea of pairing any of the blue and white dresses with cherry red accessories.  The Urban Outfitters dress would pair sweetly with a red belt & pumps ala my Cameron Diaz post a few days back.  You could also pair these dresses with red bangles or handbags for the ultimate American effect!  The print on the T-Bags dress reminded me of fireworks!  Why would you go to a holiday BBQ in anything but red, white and blue?  If you do, you’re a communist.

Happy 4th of July – Holly Wood Goody

Ecote Smocked Tube Dress at Urban Outfitters $58, T-Bags Sweetheart Pocket Dress in Mystic Floral at Revolveclothing.com $86 on sale/ was $215, Contrast Printed Dress at Forever 21 $24.80, Dress VCD at MangoShop.com $33.99 on sale/ was $69.90, Donna Morgan Border Print Dress at Nordstrom $98.