Archive for January, 2014
The Grammys: Get the Look
Jan 30th
To pick a “best-dressed” from the Grammys has always seemed like an overly ambitious decision to make. So many stars, so many designers, so many styles who could possibly pick one (or ten) favorites? But from all the looks, there was one that stood out to inspire a unique addition to our wardrobes. The look we can’t wait to embrace was inspired by none other than the sensational Katy Perry. Katy’s unique Valentino dress on the red carpet (the dress that opened Valentino’s spring 2014 show in Paris) and her stunning ice blue gown for the after party had one thing in common - tulle.
A tulle skirt is definitely the easiest way to incorporate this fairytale fabric. While the texture itself is whimsical and bold, we like the look of pairing it with a toned down piece like denim or a sweater. For a more versatile approach, a tulle top is great for layering! Make it the top layer over a camisole, or the bottom layer under a sweater or jacket. But wait, it gets better. Tulle is a great option for this time of year, where it’s no longer the cozy holidays, but not yet springtime sunshine. Tulle’s elegant flair hints at the remnants of winter, while its femininity calls for the beauty of springtime.
We can’t wait to try incorporate a touch of tulle to our looks! Thanks Katy Perry for the inspiration, I hope we can rock it as well as you do!
Photos from pintrest.com and huffingtonpost.com
Did Someone Say 50% Off?
Jan 24th
You heard right. Right now at STA we’re hosting our winter clearance sale! As usual, we plan to take full advantage of this indecently awesome opportunity. New arrivals, furs and jewelry are 20% off and EVERYTHING ELSE is 50% off? Excuse me while I grab my purse and my shopping list.
For this sale in particular, I’ll be looking for winter to spring transition pieces. And as always, investment pieces that I haven’t bitten the bullet for yet.
1. Rain Boots
Rain boots are a winter and spring essential. They’re great for this time of year because you can continue to wear them as it snows in to March, and then there they are, ready to go for spring showers! They especially irresistible when they’re Tory Burch. Not only are these weather-proof, but they look so similar to riding boots that you can wear them with any daytime outfit. Jeans, leggings, skirts you name it, these Torys are awesome in any season, any outfit and any weather.
2. Designer Tote
There comes a certain point where it’s about time we have a nice, big tote in a killer designer. The problem is, the bigger the bag, the higher the price. Well ladies, 50% off couldn’t have come at a better time. Is there a Prada, Louis or Milly bag you’ve been stalking for weeks? It’s 50 % off. Especially in a neutral color, a big shoulder bag can fit any season.
3. Flats
We all know February, March and April can never make up their mind as to what season they really want to be in. It’s obviously too cold for sandals, but on those sporadic warm days you want to give your boots a break. What better time to be equipped with a classic pair of flats? Not only are they the perfect transition shoe from winter to spring, but they are also ridiculously easy to match with all outfits. Dress them up, dress them down, they go with anything and everything. Wear them to work with your crisp trousers, on the weekends with jeans or at night with a dress.
4. Vest
Vests are statement piece that are perfect for transitioning between seasons. Especially in a faux fur, they have a cozy winter feel, but are warm enough for those spring-like days when you’d rather leave your coat at home. Not only are they seasonally versatile, but they make a simple long sleeved shirt look stunningly fashionable.
See you there!
The Golden Globes to Your Closet
Jan 17th
Yes, we all saw the overwhelmingly unanimous decision that Lupita Nyong’o was the best dressed at the 2014 Golden Globes. But dear fashion magazines, how is that supposed to help us? I’m sorry but we are not about to try to pull off a fire engine red cape. We’re looking to these celebrities not just to adore their glamorous wardrobes, but for style inspiration! Luckily many other stars among the best dressed flaunted styles that we can’t wait to try. Here are our favorite looks from the 2014 Golden Globes to inspire our every day style.
1. Olivia Wilde
Designer: Gucci Premiere
Inspiration: Emerald Green
With a color like this, we just can’t take our eyes off her. So why not try to incorporate such an eye-catching color into your wardrobe? We love the idea of adding a pop of emerald green to your go-to looks. To add a little zest to your casual every day wear, how about shimmering emerald heels? Or glittering emerald nails anyone?
2. Kate Beckinsale
Designer: Zuhair Murad
Inspiration: Beaded Texture
There is just something so glamorous about beaded texturing. Kate’s beaded gunmetal gown turned a simple metallic dress into a spectacular work of art. We love this look so much that we are determined to add more beaded accents to our wardrobe. Whether it be a touch of beads in a headband or a beaded skirt, the texture give the piece a one-of-a-kind, hand made feeling.
3. Naomi Watts
Designer: Tom Ford
Inspiration: White Gold
While many fear light hues will wash them out, Naomi shone brilliantly in her embroidered, white gold gown. We can’t get enough of this color for its ability to add some shine to winter outfits without going all out holiday sparkle. The elegance of white gold is perfect for a blouse, for a sophisticated look without being stuffy. On a more casual note, we love this white gold shimmer skirt with a laid back T-shirt. It’s just enough to sparkle without wearing sequins. White gold’s versatility makes it a great piece to wear when dressing up or down.
4. Amy Adams
Designer: Valentino Couture
Inspiration: Minimalism
Talk about a statement! We are drooling over Amy’s plunging neckline and the ruby red color. In fact, the outfit is so stunning that she felt no need to over accessorize. We’ll take a page from Amy’s book and say, let your outfit do the talking! While it’s fun to dress up a simple outfit with bold accessories, the opposite can be just as appealing. When it comes to a bold style, own it! Don’t let accessories distract from your sleek outfit. Like Amy, rather than sport bold jewelry, rock a bold color (and we love the idea of red and maroon)! We love this eye opening idea. Sometimes less is more.
Photo Credits: Pintrest.com, Vogue.com, eonline.com, Huffingtonpost.com
A Vision in Winter White
Jan 15th
Whoever said you can’t wear white after Labor Day must be pretty embarrassed. Winter white has plowed its way back into style with a vengeance. Thank goodness.. anyone else get a little teary-eyed putting away your white jeans? We are loving this trend, because the color itself IS the trend. Forget pieces, cuts, or looks that are trendy, but don’t flatter your look. You can still wear all your favorite looks, just try it in white! Poof! You’re wearing the latest trend. Now while white is known for symbolizing innocence and purity, it doesn’t have to be worn that way. There are endless ways to wear white to fit your style personality. Here are a few of our favorites!
Okay, so maybe sometimes white has a dreamlike fairytale feel. And if your style reflects the princess in you, winter white is your prince charming. The color is clean, crisp, and exudes a feel of class and grace. We especially love pairing white with other neutrals like cream or nude to emphasize this innocent style. Looking for a great versatile piece? A white peacoat is a great go-to to make any outfit sweet and refined. We also love the timeless simplicity of white lace for its undeniable femininity, or a white sweater for a polished, sophisticated style.
Sometimes you just can’t resist building a snowman, catching snowflakes on your tongue or taking a walk in the falling snow. But to have all the fun in the cold, bundling doesn’t always leave us feeling feminine. To feel cute in the winter wonderland, white pieces are a great option. A white down coat with a fur-trimmed hood a perfect way to get that cozy style. Disclaimer: we are not suggesting you should dress like a bunny. However, a great way to get the girl-next-door snow bunny look is to add a little fur. Even adding a fur scarf or fur-lined gloves with your white puffer coat adds a cozy lovable quality to your outerwear. And don’t forget your fuzzy white earmuffs!
Don’t worry. Elegant princess and cute snow bunny aren’t the only options white has to offer. If you prefer an edgier look, white certainly challenges the status quo. White leather is crisp and sharp, and we love the contrast it gives to classic winter pieces. Paring an edgy white leather jacket with a soft sweater is the epitome of opposites attract. Or even pair your favorite white sweaters with black leather pants for a unique stylish twist on this cozy winter top. Even easier? Pair your craziest shoes with your everyday skinnies and a simple white top, and you’ve got a great winter white outfit to suit distinctly you.
All pictures from pinterest.com
Ring in New Styles
Jan 6th
It’s the new year fashionistas! And that means a time to start fresh. No doubt, 2013 served us well with many memorable trends. Peplum tops, colored pants and statement necklaces were loved by all. But with the new year comes new resolutions. It’s time to venture out of our beloved trends and explore new styles. For 2014, we have a few style resolutions of our own.
1. Venture Outside of Riding Boots
By no means do we mean stop wearing them. Leather riding boots are a necessary staple of any wardrobe. However, it’s time to stop relying on them for every outfit. There are so many shoes and so many styles, why should we limit ourselves to tall boots (especially in the winter). We particularly love trying a lower rise boot or wedge booties for a similar yet unique style. And don’t forget about loafers, flats or heels! in 2014, we’re all about stepping out of our style comfort zone and giving the rest of our shoes some love.
2. Experiment With Mid-Length Skirts
We’ve all loved maxi skirts and our fair share of the mini. But what about the neglected middle child? Mid-length skirts are whimsical while modest and sophisticated. Pair with a cardigan for a sweet and almost vintage feel, or go with a leather jacket for a sartorial look. Give them a try in any season! We’re loving this new trend.
3. Wear More Blazers
Blazers are perhaps the easiest way to turn any casual outfit into a chic ensemble. Having just one or two in your wardrobe offers endless mix and match possibilities. A blazer can complement every item in your closet and instantly adds flair to any outfit. Even pair with a tshirt and jeans for an effortless daytime outfit.
4. Flaunt Pastel Pieces
2014 is bringing back pastels in full force. We love pastels for their undeniable feminine flair and positive energy, and they’re not just for springtime (pastel leather anyone?). Pastel jewelry and skirts are two pieces we’ll be sure to try this year.
We’re looking forward to 2014 and the fashion it brings! But for now, we’ll try to keep these new year’s resolutions. Happy New Year FashioniSTAs!
All photos from pintrest.com