Menswear Inspired

Happy Friday!! 

Menswear inspired looks are something we consistently see on the runways and will be another big trend this fall. In my opinion it's a trend that's here to stay (so I guess that doesn't make it a trend anymore). Today I've styled a menswear inspired look that will keep you looking cool and effortless. 

This look is really all about the vest, which I actually "borrowed" from my dad some years back (hehehe). I've paired it with simple fitted trousers and heels, but you could easily wear this look with loafers for a more relaxed look; and of course the studs give me a little bit of edge. I've accessorized with my favorite chunky necklace, a cuff, favorite chevron ring and over-sized watch.

I love menswear inspired looks because it just gives off this easy, cool and effortless vibe. A couple of tips when wearing the trend:

• Keep it tailored. You want something that's fitted to your figure. Remember this is menswear “inspired”. You don’t want to lose those curves that will make this trend pop!

• Stick with the classics. Oxfords, vests, ties and blazers. You want pieces that are clearly identified as menswear in order to get your props for putting together such a dope outfit.

• Keep it simple. Men are very basic and practical dressers. Go for statement pieces like your shoes, hat or leather belt and keep the jewelry/accessories simple.

• Have fun.  So you don’t want to come away looking stuffy or like you left the set of Mad Men (although I think that would be pretty cool). So have fun with your makeup or rock super feminine hair.

Vest: My dad's, Trousers: H&M, Pumps: Nine West, Cuff, Necklace & Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M

Cozy AND Cute

Baby it's cold outside!! Time for gloves scarfs and tights. It can be a challenge to dress appropriately during the winter months and still be stylish, but just keep a few things in mind while putting your looks together and you'll stay cozy AND cute:

 

1. Texture: the fall/winter months are perfect for mixing textures. When else can you get away with combining wool, cashmere, leather and fur? Create visual interest by mixing it up!

 

2. Layer up: layer a collared button down under a cardigan and throw a blazer on top; put on a long sleeved v-neck and wear your sheaths all year long.

3. Outerwear extension: coats, capes and jackets are the first, and sometimes only, thing people see. Don't just throw on any old thing, consider what you put on over your outfit, as an extension of your outfit. Don't be afraid to accessorize your outerwear too! Pin a blingy broach on the lapel or throw a belt on...yes a belt!

4. Give 'Em the Boot: boots are essential to any fall/winter wardrobe. There are many varieties to choose from...booties, knee boots, over-the-knee boots, ankle boots, uggs. 

Of course go for function and practicality also...don't be COLD tryna be CUTE lol With these few tips in mind you can be COZY and CUTE!

Sweater: H&M, Skirt: Forever21, Studs: H&M, Booties: Bakers (correction in previous posts), Necklace: H&M 

Think Pink!

Who doesn't like pink?! Okay so there are some women who aren't into pink. But I think it's so feminine that adding a few touches here and there can put an extra spring in your step...I know I'm walking a little more upbeat this morning :-) There's just something about being a girly girl that's empowering. Like yes, I'm strong on the inside but these pink stilettos will take you out too haha. 

I've paired my pink accessories against a vivid magenta skirt. They're both in the pink family, though on opposite sides of the spectrum and yet it still works. The components of the outfit may be the boring corporate "uniform", but the color pallet makes it totally feminine and fresh. 

Whether you wear pink to make you feel instantly pretty or bold colors to make you feel daring, don't be afraid to play up your femininity. Woman=strength. Enjoy the day!

Shirt: H&M, Skirt: DeJanero (NYC), Necklace and Bracelet: Thrifted (Second Time Around, Madison, NJ), Cuff: Ralph Lauren, Shoes: Anne Klein (Thirfted), Watch: JewelMint, Earrings: Strawberry (NYC)

Color Block

Happy Monday!

One of my favorite fashion trends is color blocking because I love combining contrasting colors. It turns a plain outfit up a notch and if placed right, can slim the figure. There are many combinations of color blocking, I chose this sheath dress with a dark color pallet. Added a few light accessories because the dress speaks for itself.

Dress: DeJanero (NYC), Shoes: Nine West, Necklace and Ring: H&M

Oh, You Fancy Huh?

Hey guys!

So today was my church's anniversary and we were encouraged to dress in our Sunday Best! I found this gorgeous golden Isaac Mizrahi skirt and just had to have it :0) I went pretty simple on top but gave the look some golden finishing touches with my accessories. It's always fun to dress up for special occasions but remember make it your own so your totally comfortable and you own it. Case in point, I felt beautiful and didn't want to take this skirt off!

Skirt: Isaac Mizrahi, Shirt: Forever21, Cross Bracelet & Necklace: JewelMint, Earrings: H&M, Cuff: Thirfted, Bangle: Ralph Lauren

Weekend Wear

Happy Saturday Styl Islers!

Today was a beautiful fall day with above average temperatures ;-)

I had a few errands to run and wanted to be relaxed and causal but still put together. The print on the peasant blouse I'm wearing makes me feel modern and quirky while the bell sleeves and gathered collar make me feel Jane Austen romantic :-) I felt like being matchy matchy with the accessories; thew on some fold-over suede boots with a low comfortable heel and was good to go! And of course you can't forget a good sturdy weekend tote that will fit all the crap you'll be lugging here and there lol. This one from L.L. Bean, in addition to being a thrift store gem (thanks Mom), is the perfect size and made from good quality leather which will stand up this weekend's packing-unpacking, tossing over the shoulder and in/out of the shopping cart.

Hope you guys are enjoying your weekend and get to flex your style muscles a little ;-)

  Does this print quantify me as the "cat lady"? lol

Corduroys: Joe Fresh, Blouse: Reneec, Belt: Thrifted, Shoes: Nine West, Bracelets: H&M, Tote: Thirfted L.L. Bean, Lippie: Black Radiance--Reggae Red

Style Recycle

The skirt I'm wearing today is one of those pieces you find in the back of your closet like "Hey! I remember that!". I especially love feeling the satisfaction of having something "new" without the guilt of shopping and spending money.

One of the things I appreciate about style is the way in which you can take an article of clothing, combine it with other pieces in such a way that your wardrobe seems endless. Okay, so maybe I DO have a lot of clothes ;-) BUT the main reason it's probably perceived as excess is because I rarely wear the same piece the same way twice! This is a great style tip I've learned from one of my ALL-TIME-FAVORITE style icons Michelle Obama. She is consistently seen in the press recycling pieces but they seem so fresh because she combines them differently. Take a cue from Mrs. O and work that wardrobe people!

Below are a few examples of Mrs. O recycling some of her favorites:
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/7/15/dots-on-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2012/6/27/feeling-dotty.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/7/12/black-and-white-florals-and-polka-dots.html

http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2013/6/16/tracy-reese-repeat.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/6/8/nice-day-for-a-picnic.html
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2010/4/14/hola-mexico.html

Follow Michelle Obama's style blog @ http://www.mrs-o.com

No lie, just before posting this one of my co-workers came up to me and complimented my skirt saying, "Okay, seriously...you never wear the same thing twice!" I mean this post is predestined*sigh*

Skirt: Forever21, Turtleneck: H&M

Day to Night

So for those days when I know my day isn't ending at 6pm, I try to plan out an outfit that can easily transition from day to night with as little fuss and manipulation as possible. Because most likely you'll have to carry something extra with you and who wants 5lbs. of extra crap to lug around? Often my "to night" consists of just dinner or choir rehearsal, but I usually don't want to start my evening with the same outfit I've been wearing for the passed 9 hours. A change of shoes and accessories are usually my saving grace. Accessories are light-weight, fit easily into your purse and I already keep 6-7 pairs of shoes under my desk at work...hey variety is the spice of life right? Lol 

Below I've styled a couple of "to night" examples for dinner and something more casual. 

However you take it from day to night, remember the Styl Isle approach and put your spin on it...make it unmistakably you!

To the office...

To dinner...

Accessories case doubles as a clutch!

To the office...

To choir rehearsal...

Here are side by sides of the looks at a glance...

Office to dinner: Skirt-Forever21, sequin tank-Express, Blazer-DeJanero (NYC), Booties-DeJanero (NYC), Suede shoes-Bakers. 

Office to choir rehearsal: Blazer-The Limited, Corderoys-Joe Fresh, Cardigan-Forever21, Bracelet-H&M, Tote-H&M

Black Monday

Happy Monday!

Back into the groove of things at work and I'm still wishing it was Sunday. 

Today I decided to keep things simple with all black. Très chic right?! Slimming, quick and easy--black is a no-brainer. But of course I had to put my personal stamp on it with accessories. 

Bracelets: H&M, handmade by a friend; Necklace: JewelMint; Ring: H&M; Chiffon Shirt and Skirt: DeJanero (NYC)

Bathroom Selfies

Okay so if you've been a member of any social media outlet for more than 5 minutes, you've seen the infamous selfie. Those shameless pictures we take of ourselves and post online. I, for one, LOVE a good selfie...hey as a single woman who else is going to take pictures of my fabulousness in the car, on the train, at dinner, in the bathroom...???!!!

Yes! I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the bathroom selfie is the most pictured selfie on the web. This is a fitting topic for my second post b/c as you will come to see I am a relentless bathroom selfer (can I call myself that?). Since most of my time is spent at work, this makes the most logical location for my photoshoots lol. An abundance of mirrors and great lighting...how can one resist! 

Anyway below are a few (and I do mean a select few lol) of my shameless bathroom selfies which, at this point, I consider a perfectly acceptable commonplace practice! lol

Get it? lol

The Styl Isle approach to pesonal style...

So what better way to start off my first style blog than a few selfies ;-) 

My style is very much about mixing classic pieces with quirky unique ones you may not see everywhere. I shop at mainstream retail like H&M and Forever 21, but I also love to peruse those "off the beaten path" vintage boutiques and consignment shops for special finds. 

As an artist and graphic designer, I approach most things from a different perspective which is why personal style resonates so much with me. As the poet John Donne said, "No man is an island." I say that is true except that everyone's personal style is signature of their own personality and expressions. Individual style is as vast as the sands on a beach hence...STYL ISLE! Okay, enough deep philosophical chit chat let's get to the pics ;-)

WebRep

currentVote

noRating

noWeight

Dress: JC Penny, Head Piece: Capelli (NYC), Watch: JewelMint, Ring: H&M