Showing posts with label style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label style. Show all posts

Summer Style: Ikat

Ikat, aka that strange kind of Aztec looking print, has become very popular for this season. Now, we had never even heard of Ikat until recently, but from what we understand it is not really the print, but the method of weaving. Ikat is created using a process very similar to tie dying by tying off bundles of fabric and then dying them.  The process creates these patterns and they can be done in one color or, more often, many colors. These days it's kind of hard to pull off tie dye, but an Ikat print can give you similar blurred lines and a carefree look in a way that is still totally sophisticated.






1. Scoop | 2. Modcloth | 3. Lord & Taylor | 4. Macy's |


XOXO
Jen & Saira


Summer Style: Maxi Dresses

Looking for something light and breezy to keep you cool in the summer heat?  Maxi dresses are simple and easy and create a look that is effortlessly chic.  These dresses are meant to be long and flowy, but you certainly aren't looking to dust the floor with it so, unless you want to get it altered, prepare to get yourself a great pair of wedges too!  Maxi dresses come in a variety of styles, prints, and colors.  Here are a few of our favorites:





1. Anthropologie | 2. The Limited | 3. Nordstrom | 4. Gap |


XOXO
Jen & Saira

Rent the Runway

Drooling over that gorgeous, never-in-your-life-could-you-afford-it, $1300 D & G dress? What if we told you you could have it for $150...at least for a few days anyway?  First, there was Bag Borrow Steal. Billed in Sex and the City as the "Netflix" for purses, this site offers designer handbags for rent at a fraction of the retail price.  But, why stop at handbags? Rent the Runway has kicked it up a notch, offering savy shoppers like us the opportunity to rent dresses, handbags, jewelry and more! 



We are not among the fortunate few who can afford to pay retail price for high end designer clothes, but, that doesn't mean we don't dream.  Thanks to Rent the Runway, our fantasies of wearing gorgeous gowns and dancing the night away with Nate Archibald are just a little bit closer to becoming a reality. Concerned about fit or hygiene?  Don't fret, they want you to be satisfied so much that they send you a back-up size just in case.  And, they'll even pick up the dry cleaning tab so you won't have to worry.  We have not had the opportunity to try this out for ourselves but you can bet we'll let you know when we do!  Until then, take a look at some of the great styles, designers, and amazing prices Rent the Runway has to offer:


 Designer: Tracy Reese
Perfect for: that springtime wedding, engagement party, or graduation dinner you've got coming up. 

We love: the 50's style silouette and pretty lace. 
Retail: $525
Rent the Runway Price: $75





Ladylike Beaded Skirt Dress

Designer: Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent

Perfect for: looking totally sophisticated at your next office party or work event.

We love: the simple elegance of the soft fluttery top and beaded skirt.

Retail: $400

Rent the Runway Price: $50




Designer: Lela Rose
Perfect for: a chic cocktail party or for a modern bride/bridesmaid.
We love: the tasteful, elegant sparkle and halter neck!
Retail: $1,095
Rent the Runway Price: $150


Designer: Sachin & Babi
Perfect for: the edgy rocker chic with a soft side.
We love:  the hard metal details, soft tiers, and that gorgeous yellow!
Retail: $660
Rent the Runway Price: $125


Paris Love Dress

Designer: Milly

Perfect for: commanding the upper east side a la Blair Waldorf.

We love:  the bow, of course!

Retail: $450

Rent the Runway Price: $50




Romantic Sage Gown

Designer: Philosophy Di Alberta Ferretti

Perfect for: showing off your love for romantic and vintage style at your next black tie affair.

We love: the vintage blue color, rough edges, and dainty lace trim.

Retail: $1,895

Rent the Runway Price: $250





Red Ripple Effect Dress

Designer: Adam

Perfect for: stealing the show.

We love: the sexy siren-like confidence you'll exude by wearing this.

Retail: $495

Rent the Runway Price: $75





Glenda Necklace

Designer: Erickson Beamon

Perfect for: making a bold statement.

We love: the look of hard tangled metals paired with the delicate pearls and crystals.

Retail: $930

Rent the Runway Price: $85





Crystal Fringe Necklace

Designer: Rachel Leigh

Perfect for: the effortlessly chic bride on a budget.

We love: fringe!

Retail: $190

Rent the Runway Price: $25





So, what do you dolls think?  Planning to try this out for your next event?  Let us know!





XOXO

Jen & Saira




Romp Around

Everyone is gearing up for spring and summer and there's no doubt you've seen, and possibly considered purchasing, at least one romper.  The romper, or jumper, is a convenient one piece garment that combines both shorts and a shirt.  While they used to be popular for women back in the day (yes, there are pictures of Grandma Butler in her rompers back in the 50's and 60's) they were phased out and we've really always thought of them as apparel for toddlers.  The romper has returned in full swing, and while the PDR jury is still out on how we feel about them, we have to admit some are quite cute and the idea of having a casual all in one outfit is pretty appealing.



The casual romper would be great for running errands or just lounging around on a warm day. It's billowy top and terry shorts are sure to keep you comfy and cozy while the bow pulls it all together and keeps you from looking frumpy.


Another comfy looking option is this taupe romper with sparkly golden thread sewn in.  It's casual, but still has some pizazz making it easily wearable to the beach during the day and to the bar with your girlfriends at night.


Romantic florals dot this pretty blue romper.  The fitted top and wide leg shorts look comfy and casual but the real show stopper here is the sexy strappy back! 


Sun kissed skin, strappy sandals, and gold jewelry are the perfect accessories to accompany this bright orange romper.  With flirty ruffles and playful pleats, this romper is sure to add a little cheer to your wardrobe.


  With a tie neck halter and off center zipper detail, this BB Dakota number is certainly not your grandma's romper.  We love it's sexy, edgy look and the sultry, smoky blue hue.



Need a look that could go from day to night with little effort?  This solid blue romper has a lightweight fabric and romantic draping that would be perfect for casual wear but it's deep v neck and side tie make it sexy and chic enough for the evening when paired with black or metallic sandals and  some fun jewelry.


You can't wear just any old thing to that graduation party that you've got coming up.  But, what you wear can be comfy!  This romper is sweet and sophisticated and would be great for that grad party or just everyday summer wear.




And finally, another casual but totally stylish option would be one like this from Michael Kors.  This romper has a comfy fabric and beautiful wide scoop neck.  This would look great with sandals, sun kissed hair, and maybe a nice, long charm necklace to top it all off.



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Hats Off to You!

With all the Royal Wedding hoopla last week it wasn't hard to get caught up in the romance, the extravagance, and of course, the hats! Sure, some of the guests and royal family had hats that were a little over the top (see Princess Eugenie and Beatrice), but others were chic and definitely tasteful.   Most of the time we think of hats for baseball games, old ladies, or as a cure for a bad hair day but the Royal Wedding has us excited to try some for every day or formal occasions. Here are some very wearable head ornaments for spring and summer.





Not only is a floppy black hat the easiest way to achieve instant elegance, it is seductive and mysterious -reminding us of old Hollywood glamor.  Wearing black to formal events is typically, but wearing a hat like this will insure you don't get lost in the crowd.




Who says fedoras are just for gangsters (or pimps?).  This girl looks cool and casual in this straw fedora from Nordstrom with it's pretty and romantic oversized flower.




You don't need to go on safari to wear a cool hat!  This simple white hat, adorned with a fun leather strap and buckle, will look great poolside or while roaming those flee market aisles. Available at Urban Outfitters.




Straw hats are all the rage, from floppy to fedora, they come in a wide variety of style and give you that carefree, laid back look.  We like this hat from Free People because it's a little bit country but has a great old fashioned shape and chic, feminine bow.

 



Another great straw hat is this one from Banana Republic.  It's a fun hat with a large brim and is detailed with a pretty, delicate eyelet pattern.  Careful though, reviews say this hat is great but runs a little large so order the smaller size if in doubt.





Love the straw style but looking for something bolder?  Go with stripes and instantly modernize your look!  We love this citrus striped hat for it's bright, sunshine color that is sure to add a little punch to the spring and summer palette.





Not the laid back, straw loving, farm girl?  Show your a little edgy and go metallic from head to toe!  This sexy and dramatic hat, from Bloomingdales, would be a greatway to jazz up an outfit with it's sexy, floppy style and metallic silver sheen.





XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Spring Fever

Dolls, rejoice! It's officially spring, so let's celebrate the season with some lovely floral looks available this year.  While floral prints usually exude all that is soft and feminine, it's easy to make these pieces more hip and edgy, or glamorous and stylish.  It's all about the attitude and accessories.  Here are some ideas:





A soft floral printed dress, like this belted dress from Forever 21, can be worn with a light colored cardigan, flats, and soft curls for a very sweet ensemble. But add some stockings, military boots, and eye liner, and all of a sudden you're Little Miss Grunge-Shine, à la Angela Chase.




Who said florals are for kids? Throw on this gorgeous sparkle necklace from  J. Crew, and you'll dazzle even Edward Cullen.  It would look great with a crisp white blouse and pencil skirt for some major style at work, or with your trusty LBD to make a major statement out on the town.






 We consider this dress to be our Dream Dress, as both of us separately fell in love with it on Mod Cloth and are still dreaming of excuses to purchase it.  The soft floral print, lovely pastel colors, and perfect vintage style fit is exactly what we dream of in a springtime dress.  The only downside is the price, but if you have an event in mind to wear this too, then there should be no stopping you.



The wonderful thing about Target is that they tend to have the cutest shoes and accessories, even if for only a limited time. These floral flats by Xhiliration are one of the cutest shoes we've seen at Target for a while, so make haste and grab yourself a pair before they're out of stock.  Saira's already invested in a pair, and for $19.99, so should you.







This floral skirt from Top Shop is so Kelly Kapowski, and we love it. While we don't suggest wearing this with a giant scrunchie, rolled down socks, and keds, we do think this would look great with nude colored peeptoes and a racer back tank, with maybe a long necklace to complete the ensemble.





Crossover bags are very in right now, and we can see why.  They're a nice change of pace from our oversized bags that can be used as a miniature weapon, resulting in an accessory that has both form and function.  If you plan on traveling this spring, or just don't want to feel weighed down, then go for this tapestry crossbody bag by Ecote.  It's just the right size to fit your cell phone, camera, lip gloss, and a pack of tissues (if you have nerdy allergies), and has a rustic tapestry print that is perfect for the spring.





A floral, flowing mini is pretty much our go to outfit for warm weather.  Just wear a plain tee or tank, and you're ready to go.  Delia's has a few nice choices, just remember to go for a size up because we're no longer 16!  Forever 21 is also a great place to look, as they have a number of different prints and colors available, the majority of them for less than $20 a pop!





Just because you're stuck indoors all day doesn't mean you don't appreciate seasons!  For your work wardrobe, incorporate florals with a simple patterned cardigan.  This would look lovely with a pencil or full 50's style skirt and is seasonal but subdued, perfect for a stodgy office. 





Spring is in bloom!



XOXO,



Jen & Saira

Color Day: Dreaming of a White Christmas

Here in NJ it is rare but, on occasion, we are lucky enough to wake up Christmas morning to a soft dusting of snow.  A white Christmas is something we always dream of and it certainly helps to add to the magic of Christmas. We're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, so it's only appropriate that our last color day before the holiday represent just that! Glistening tree tops, sleigh bells ringing and fluffy, white, blankets of snow are part of what makes this season so beautiful. You can go with cool white and silver for an icy mix or warm white and gold for a fire-side glow.  This board shows a little bit of both worlds with a mix of cool and warm whites that captures the essence of candle lit, cozy snowy evening.  


Winter White Christmas Wedding Inspiration Board

Holiday Style: Office Holiday Party

Tis the season of presents, snow flakes, mittens, and office holiday parties! Depending on your office, the holiday party can be very simple (takes place during lunch on the day before Christmas Eve) or extravagant (takes place at the Empire Hotel where all your clients are invited). You know your office style best, so when dressing up for the office holiday party, carefully consider the timing of the event, the guest list, and the venue. Here are some ideas to get the ball rolling:




If you're office is fairly casual, you can easily get away with a simple, festive cardigan.  This one, from New York and Company, has just the right amount of sparkle to spread some Christmas cheer.  Pair it with a nice grey skirt like in the photo and some black tights and heels and you'll be comfortable and stylish all throughout your work day.




Need something just slightly less casual but still polished and professional?  Add a little pizzazz to your otherwise boring office attire and go for ruffles, metallics, and varying patterns this holiday season. The combination of textures adds a level of luxury and the warm winter white and gold creates a luxurious and sophisticated holiday look.




Want to be a little more cozy? This tweed, cowl neck dress from MANGO is wonderfully versatile. How you wear it depends on your office style and your personal flair. Wear it casual with an oversized belt and booties with hoop earrings,  or dress it up black pumps and tights and silver bangles. Either way, you're sure to look chic and warm.




 If your holiday office party takes place right after work, leaving you no room to do a wardrobe change, then pick an outfit that is work appropriate but is still dressy enough for an after-work gathering. This tweed, cowl neck dress from Mod Cloth is a perfect choice. It's modest and sensibly cut, so you can definitely wear it to work with flats and a cardigan without feeling over done. Then after work, throw on some heels, ditch the cardigan, and add some jewelry and you're ready for whatever the night brings!




Another great dress option is this silk petal dress from Banana Republic. Depending on where you work, you could wear this dress during the day with a blazer with your hair throw up in a messy bun, and then take down your hair (literally) for the office party. We really like how this dress looks with black tights (as shown on the model), but you can also wear it with high boots to make it more casual. We also suggest adding some red accessories to get into the Christmas spirit!




Ditch your pencil skirt and go for something a bit more casual this holiday season. This high waisted, paneled skirt from Zara is the perfect length for an office party, showing just the right amount of leg. The basic black makes it safe to wear in the office, but the fullness of the skirt makes it softer and more feminine. Pair the skirt with a simple blouse or a brightly colored cardigan and look perfectly sweet under the mistletoe. 




If you work in a more conservative office, this sleek sleeveless top from The Limited may be a good choice. It comes in a number of different colors,  depending on how bold you want to be. If your office has a stricter dress code, then wear it with a pencil skirt and a blazer. Otherwise, we think this would look really great with the paneled skirt from Zara, pictured above. Just top it off with a red cardigan, and you're all set!





And then for some the holiday party is a lavish cocktail party and time to let loose and cut a rug.  For an occasion like this you'll surely need a fancy and flirty little frock.  We love this LBD because it is fitted and and sexy without being inappropriate. Plus, let's face it, it isn't really Christmas unless there is velvet involved.



Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!



XOXO

Jen & Saira

Travel Essentials

We've both been bitten by the travel bug: Saira just returned from a trip to Russia and Jen and her hubby will be traveling to China and Japan in just a few short weeks. Accordingly, we thought a post about travel must-haves is in order. Traveling, while great fun, can be exhausting and uncomfortable, so here are some tips to stay fresh and relaxed while traveling overseas:





Whenever you see pictures of celebrities traveling, their hair always look fresh and perfect, with no sign of greasy overnight traveling (except for Kristen Stewart, but let's not go there). If you don't have the luxury of a personal hair stylist flying with you, then try using some dry shampoo, such as this travel sized bottle available at Sephora. Just sprinkle some powder into your hands, massage into your scalp, and you get instant hair therapy! It removes oil and buildup, and helps give your hair some much needed volume. Plus it smells great! 




When traveling on airplanes, layers are essential. Temperatures vary on airplanes from warm and stuffy to downright frigid, not to mention the fact that you may be traveling from one extreme climate zone to another. As a result, it's best to dress in a manner that allows you to be prepared for whatever temperature. Comfy cardigans are a wardrobe staple for us, and you should definitely bring a few when traveling as it's both practical and fashionable. Our suggestion is this ultra soft tri-blend cardie from American Apparel, which comes in a number of different colors and is durable and super comfy. 




Traveling can really kill your feet, so don't leave home without your sensible shoes. Let us preface this by saying we're not really the type to forego fashion and focus only on function (case in point -- we absolutely detest Crocs). However, there are other options:  for cold weather, nothing can beat a cozy pair of Uggs.  But in the summertime or tropical vacay you'll need something more breathable. Worishofer has been producing lines of sandals for years that are just as comfortable as Crocs, and are super cute! They come in a number of different styles and colors, and aren't too pricey. Fondly dubbed the "bunion shoes," these platform cork sandals have a contoured insole which provides maximum foot support, and the open sandal allows the foot to breathe. While we personally can't vouch for these, we've read rave reviews, and if the shoe fits...




Keeping our focus on the feet, how about some foot deodorant? We know, we know... this sounds ridiculous, but it's actually a really great idea! Yves Rocher makes this amazing foot cream that keeps your feet dry and smelling fresh all day. While the spray form is no longer available (we were big fans of that when traveling in Paris a few summers ago), the cream should do the trick as well. It's amazing what a big different fresh feet can make! 




Let's be clear: tights are NOT pants. Leggings, on the other hand, can be worn as pants so long as there's no unsightly camel toe action going on. Air travel is uncomfortable enough, and trying to squeeze in a nap in a tiny space can be incredibly difficult. That's why we think wearing leggings while traveling is the best solution. Leggings are flexible, expand with your waistline, and allow you to contort your body while you struggle to find the perfect sleep position. Plus they are very easy to clean, which is clutch if you're traveling for an extended period of time and don't have access to laundry service. 




Airplane bathrooms skeeve us out, so if you don't want to do your beauty regiment in a 2-by-2 box, then we recommend some freshening face towelettes by Yes to Cucumber. These face towels are perfect because they allow you to remove your make-up and travel grime without the use of water. It's also useful if you're traveling in countries where the plumbing isn't the best, as you can avoid break outs and water related illnesses.





This one seems kind of boring, but imagine flying to a foreign country and trying to plug in your phone/computer/HAIR DRYER!  It's like fitting a square peg in a round hole, so you'll need something to convert your outlet and your power so that your electronics can actually be used.  We learned this one the hard way a few summers ago and ended up paying way too much money for a much less awesome version than this one.  Best bet it to shop around for deals and order one before you go!





A large tote bag, like this one by Dakine, can be your best friend while traveling.  Airplane luggage requirements are so strict these days and you never know when a large tote might be necessary. We say, if you're allowed a personal item, you might as well make it a multi-functioning one. This one can serve as a purse, laptop bag, and as extra storage for all those precious souvenirs you'll pick up along the way.




Bon voyage!


XOXO,


Jen & Saira