Posts tagged Alice & Olivia
Eila’s NYFW Pick of the Day: Pop of Sunshine
Sep 17th
Today’s Pick: Pop of Sunshine
Summer’s barely over, and the NYFW runways already have us lusting for sunshine. Yellow was a favorite from Tory Burch and Alice & Olivia. Elia eyed this Chado Ralph Rucci gown that takes pops of yellow into nighttime elegance. With a delicate tulle skirt, and intricate sheer bodice, this daytime hue goes right into the creme de la creme of eveningwear.
Want more from Eila? Check out her Amazon author page, blog Not Without My Gucci, and FashionWatch.com for the chicest fashion tidbits!
A Very FashioniSTA Birthday
Aug 14th
Earlier this week, this fashioniSTA celebrated a very stylish birthday (not to mention a double birthday for my fashionable twin sister as well). Friends and family gathered on a waterfront restaurant roof deck overlooking Boston’s harbor where the sun was shining and the sangria was absolutely delicious. To dress for the occasion I wore a white form-fitting Nicole Miller number, while my sister opted for a flowy feminine look in soft pink silk chiffon. FashioniSTA friends arrived in sundresses and full skirts covered in florals, lace, and summer stripes. It was quite the party.
On your birthday it’s your time to shine, and at your party you are already the center of attention so make sure you dress the part. Don’t be afraid to wear a bold color or to steal the show in sequins. Play up your personality and show off your own unique personal style. Here are some fabulous looks for a fashioniSTA birthday party:
LWD: The little white dress is easily summer’s version of the LBD. It’s classic, elegant, and chic, and is the perfect dress for any special occasion- especially on your special day. The little white dress allows you to accessorize in a way that really shows off your personality, like adding some personalized Alex and Ani bangles or a statement necklace. There are many options of silhouettes, fabrics and details, so chose something that flatters your figure and that you feel comfortable in.
FashioniSTA picks: Susana Monaco, Alice + Olivia, Nicholas.
Be Bold: Another option is to wear a bright color which really puts you as the center of attention on your birthday. Neon has been a huge trend this spring and summer, so if you’re feeling daring, don a dress if the super bright shades. If trends aren’t your thing, try a dress in a summery shade of coral or yellow. Wearing a bold color exudes confidence and shows a fun, playful personality.
FashioniSTA picks: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Herve Leger.
Sparkle and Shine: At STA we love anything that sparkles. If you really want to shine on your birthday, wear sequins. A little sparkle will never go out of style.
FashioniSTA picks: Parker, MICHAEL Michael Kors.
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
The FashioniSTA’s Summer Wedding Essentials
Aug 3rd
While summer weddings are guaranteed fun times of dancing, drinking, and plenty of ooh-ing and aah-ing at the lovely couple, it also raises the question of what to wear? With so many different types of ceremonies and parties, there are endless opportunities for style. We’ve chosen a few different looks and fashioniSTA essentials for any kind of wedding you may attend this summer!
Whether you’re celebrating in Nantucket, Cape Cod, The Hamptons, or Kennebunkport, anywhere along the shore is a perfect opportunity to play up that preppy beach chic look. Go ahead and wear a fun, festive seasonal color- it is summer after all. Accessorize with simple, classic accessories, and don’t forget to wear flat sandals, you don’t want to be wearing heels on the beach!
Above: Dress, J.Crew. Jewelry, Kate Spade. Sandals, Mystique.
For a traditional wedding, you can never go wrong with an LBD. Since this summer has graced us with the trend of the peplum, try a dress which has that feminine detail and shows off your shape. If the ceremony is held in a church, it’s a good idea to bring a light sweater or cardigan to cover up your shoulders. Add simple bangles and earrings, and choose a great pair of heels which you are able to dance in.
Above: Dress, Alice + Olivia. Clutch, similar one here by Lauren Merkin. Shoes, Christian Louboutin.
Backyard weddings, barn weddings, and garden parties are some of the most fun, casual, and laid back celebrations. Wear a light-weight, breathable dress- barns and backyards can become very stuffy and hot during a party. Accessorize with rustic, effortless jewelry and a neutral clutch. For outdoor weddings, wedges are a must! The last thing a fashioniSTA needs are the heels to her Louboutins sinking into the dirt!
Above: Dress, Diane von Furstenberg. Earrings, ASOS. Bangles, Alex and Ani. Clutch, Tory Burch, Shoes, Steve Madden.
Black tie weddings may be the most difficult to shop for, but if you think of it as playing dress-up, it can also be the most fun! Look for a classic gown that will last forever. Choose black or a classic color that will never go out of style, and steer away from trends! Go for a simple gown, with a simple silhouette and simple details- classic and chic. Antique jewelry is a great way to accessorize for a black tie event, it’s unique and always glamourous. Carry a small structured clutch, and add sparkly sandals to brighten your step.
Above: Dress, Rebecca Taylor. Shoes, Manolo Blahnik.
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
FashioniSTA Adventure: Vegas Essentials
May 31st
This weekend I’m heading out on a Las Vegas adventure to watch my best friend and STA supporter compete for the crown at the Miss USA pageant. As I get ready for days by the pool, evenings wining and dining, and nights sure to be filled with plenty of dancing, I make sure I have all the fashioniSTA essentials for a Vegas vacation. Here is the fashioniSTA checklist for a weekend getaway with the girls in Las Vegas.
Airport Essentials:
Leggings
Comfortable tunic
Lightweight cardigan
Ballerina flats
Sock bun or top knot up-do
Fully-charged iPod
The latest issues of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour magazines
Photo: Tory Burch “Quinn” flats
Pool-Side Staples:
Bikinis
Sandals:
Basic flip flops
Dressier pair of t-strap sandals
Sky-high wedges for dance parties by the pool
Beach cover-up
Cut-off denim shorts
Neon tank
Oversized sunglasses
Photo: Jessica Simpson wedges, Chanel sunglasses, azure bikini
Dinner Date Must Haves:
Skirts - a bandage mini and a form fitting pencil skirt are sexy staples for every fashioniSTA wardrobe
A few silk blouses
Clutch
Pumps
Stackable jewelry
Photo: Alice + Olivia python-print skirt (purchased from STA), Chanel heels (purchased from STA), leather turn-lock clutch
Night Out Necessities and Pageant-Attendee Attire:
A variety of cocktail dresses - cut-out details, bandage dresses, and backless LBDs are some favorite fashioniSTA trends
Strappy stilettos and platform pumps
Plenty of glam jewelry - you can never have too much in Vegas
Metallic clutch
Photo: Report Signature pumps (purchased from STA), Express clutch, black and white colorblock dress (boutique purchase), chandelier earrings
With this packing list, this fashioniSTA is sure to have an entire weekend full of fun in the most stylish way.
~Lisa, fashioniSTA traveler
Sneak Peek #3…and #4
Sep 29th
We’re getting to the glitzy with this sneak peek. This amazing Alice + Olivia beaded capelet definitely pushes the runway envelope, but you’ll have to catch the show to see how it gets styled! If you can’t make the show on Friday, remember to stop by our 176 Newbury Street location after the show to shop the looks from the runway!
We also have a bonus sneak peek, especially added for the fans of our 219 Newbury Street location. Wondering where this bag has been hiding? It will be making an appearance in our fashion show! This gorgeous Lanvin is new, and you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with it at our shopping after-party!
FashioniSTA File: MTV Movie Awards
Jun 6th
We all expect to see teen idols on the MTV red carpet, but this trendy event this year has brought out the fashion elite, showcasing some serious style power. Whether a teen fashion icon in training or a red carpet veteran, this year’s awards show was definitely not boring. From the best to the worst, here are the looks that caught our fashioniSTA eye.
Animal Prints
Straddling the leopard line is always a dangerous feat. Let’s remember the golden rule: Going subtle is always best, lest you look like a Jersey Shore castoff. Tonight we saw some hints of exotic prints, on Lily Collins (right) and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (center), both donning D&G, as well as the ever-stylish Reese Witherspoon (left). While Lily and Reese’s outfits are cool and understatedly sexy, Rose’s look is a little too eye of the tiger for me. Although she’s a Victoria’s Secret model, this look screamed VS catalogue rather than high fashion.
Most Improved
Let’s all think back to the Met Gala. Ok, now let’s rack our brains for what Kristen Stewart wore. Need some help? Try remembering the outfit that looks like your angsty friend wore it to your freshman semi formal (left). To say that her MTV look is an improvement is a clear understatement. While she’s still working within the red and black color palette, she has drastically stepped up her game in this Balmain mini (right). The detail is stunning and the easy hairstyle is the perfect complement, love it!
Rompers, Jumpsuits, Pants, Oh My!
Some of the stars opted for an alternative to a dress, going with pants and shorts. While this is a great way to break out of the cocktail dress rut, if done wrong it can be a huge miss. Elle Fanning (in D&G) and Jessica Szohr (left, in Alice + Olivia) both went for printed jumpsuits - Elle in a romper version - but both were out-shined by Hailee Steinfeld in a Louis Vuitton pantsuit (right). Her feminine version of a tux was sleek and event-appropriate, while the printed jumpsuits missed the mark. It looks like this 14-year-old fashioniSTA has a definite style instinct!
Everyday Halloween Costumes
Oct 28th
Coming up with a Halloween costume is a great way to experiment with your sense of style in the most extreme way. No one dresses up like a fairy and rolls around in glitter if she doesn’t like to wear sparkles on a semi-regular basis. And while this night can help you channel your fashion creativity, why limit it to just one night? Extend the life of your Halloween fashion sense by (semi-subtly) incorporating it into your everyday wardrobe. While I’m not suggesting that every one of your workday ensembles should have a theme, pumping up the creativity once in a while is sure to make getting dressed in the morning a fun experience. Here are a few themes that you can work into your wardrobe to create your own everyday Halloween costumes.
Prep Schooler
Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf
Channel your inner Gossip Girl and pump up the preppy. While this style is all over the place thanks to The CW, you can take it a step further than just wearing an argyle sweater or a big headband. For a traditional look, go with a plaid kilt (pleating optional), like one from Burberry in either traditional Nova print or their latest army green color. Pair it with dark tights and a white cable knit sweater or cardigan. Finish off the look with loafers from Tod’s or Mary Janes with white ankle socks, and a thin headband. For a more Blair Waldorf look, go with a large pleated skirt in a solid color, paired with argyle tights and a Peter Pan blouse paired with a v-neck cardigan. Check out Land’s End for the traditional basics - such as the blouse and a khaki skirt - and then go all out with a Jennifer Oulette headband. Trade in the sweater for a Juicy Couture blazer and try Commes de Garcons’ latest lace-up loafers or Joie’s Louis Louis. If this still isn’t enough, layer on strands of pearls and carry a structured handbag, like Tory Burch’s flat Dayton leather clutch.
Egyptian/Spartan
This is a great theme to try out at a nighttime event. This theme is all about draping and gold accents, so to go the Cleopatra route, try Temperley London’s appropriately-named Queen of the Nile dress, and accent the look with two identical cuffs on each wrist. Top off the outfit with bold, geometric earrings, like ones from Gerard Yosca. Or try Rachel Roy’s gold sequin dress or Yigal Azrouel’s gold lamé dress, both excellent mini dress options. Finish it off with Low Luv x Erin Wasson’s welded cuff or an upper arm bracelet, extra points if you can find one in the shape of a snake. If you’re feeling full-length inspired, you can go with Yigal Azrouel’s white open-back gown, just pair it with a large, gold bib necklace and gold cuffs or multiple gold bangles.
Nothing gets more cheers than a modern Spartan look
To channel a Spartan queen, go with Alice + Olivia’s Goddess dress and drape a couple of delicate gold necklaces. You can also try this look with brown leather accessories, such as a headband and thick, brown leather cuffs, for a truly Spartan warrior-ready ensemble. With any of these looks, you can wear gold sandals, either gladiator style or strappy - like Jimmy Choo’s Lance Mirrored Sandals. For a more daytime-appropriate look, go with Tory Burch’s Aziza blouse with white pants and gold sandals or bejeweled flats. Try an updo with a couple thin, gold headbands for a truly Spartan-inspired look, and of course top it off with large golden cuffs.
Viking
Should you be one of those people who hop on the fur bandwagon every year when it starts getting cold out, then this theme is right up your alley. Start with a fur vest, either in brown or white from Juicy Couture or Rachel Zoe’s QVC line, and layer it over LaRok LUXE’s Weekend Warrior tank. Pair these with leather or liquid leggings and add fur boots - like from Tory Burch or Dolce Vita - for an authentic look. Top it off with a brown leather headband. To go all out with this theme, you can go with a fur skirt from GAR-DE and pair it with booties and a banded top. You’ll be itching for a horned headpiece in no time. 
Flapper
To try something from the past other than another 1950’s ensemble, try something from the roaring ’20s. Antik Batik’s Laria mini dress (right) is perfect for a night out, and you can pair this dress with seamed fishnet tights from Club Monaco and a rhinestone headband from Juicy Couture. Or go with a simple mini dress and accessorize it with Haute Hippie’s Faille Jacket and peep-toe stilettos. To go slightly more modern, pair Temperley London’s Giovanna tunic with a pair of leggings and vintage-inspired crystal earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane or a banded, chain headband worn across the forehead. For especially chilly nights, go with a faux fur jacket from Juicy Couture.
For those of you who just want to infuse the spirit of Halloween into your wardrobe, try a couple of key pieces to create haute Halloween spirit in your ensemble. Go with DSQUARED2’s Chain Skeleton Gilet as an option for a truly daring nighttime look. Or try one of the many black lace tops offered by designers such as Alexander Wang and Nanette Lepore and pair with a black leather skirt and black tights (fishnets optional). The combination of different black textures mixed with a touch of sparkle will create a truly bewitching look.
Happy Halloween!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
To Dye For…
Jun 8th
Remember that sense of pride that you had as a child when you returned from camp and could parade your newly tie-dyed clothes around your non-camper friends? It’s like that feeling all over again, except instead of Hanes dipped in food coloring, designers are taking the tie-dye trend and applying it with new sophistication through different materials and dye patterns. I have always loved this trend because of its unexpected versatility, from traditional tie-dye to modern, monochromatic examples. This trend can span the realm between preppy and bohemian without looking out of place. What used to be just reserved for tee-shirts is now making a breakthrough with tailored pieces and even cocktail attire.
The designer to watch this year with this trend is Tory Burch. Branching out from the usual tie-dye motifs, she has made this trend office-appropriate and applied it to new materials, like leather (which, for the record, I didn’t even know you could tie-dye). While I’ve never been a big fan of leather shorts, Burch has made hers look more uptown chic than like lederhosen. If shorts aren’t your thing, there’s also a leather skirt in the same pattern. Burch has also used tie-dye on her blouses, testing the versatility of this trend with casual tanks as well as work-appropriate blouses. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing one of these blouses with a full, conservative suit, if you work in a creative field, you can pair it with a neutral-toned skirt or linen pants for a breezy, summertime look.
Other designers are jumping on this bandwagon as well, from casual C&C California to upscale, lavish designers. If you’re feeling extra bold, you can incorporate this trend into your eveningwear. Try a tie-dye maxi dress from Alice + Olivia or a shorter, striped version from Leyendecker. Another option for the fashion risk-taker: tie-dyed accessories. Designers aren’t excluding handbags and wallets from this trend, so should you be feeling courageous, try out a tie-dye statement accessory like one of the ones this year from Rebecca Minkoff or Tory Burch.
These are definitely for the fashion extrovert, so if your style isn’t quite that outgoing, you can still include this trend in your casual-wear. Going for something like a tie-dye stripe pattern in a skirt from Joie or a loose tank top from Patterson J. Kincaid is perfect for a weekend or vacation look. Or you can always go super casual with a tie-dyed bikini, a sure-fire way to make you stand out at the beach or pool—in a good way, of course. Designers such as Tyler Rose, Martha Rey, and Victoria’s Secret have put out colorful options that’ll make your all-white cover-up pop.
There are also pattern variations of tie-dye that are popping up in designer collections. The dip-dyed trend made waves with Alice + Olivia and Graham + Spencer a few years ago and has equally evolved. Not to be confused with ombré’s gradual color gradation, this technique is when there is a stark contrast between colors, making it look like the garment has been dipped into the dye. Check out the options from Juicy Couture, like their silk shorts that you can pair with a white cotton tank and metallic, flat sandals. This is a softer way to try the tie-dye trend if you’re unsure of the real deal.
If you’re still afraid of looking like you stepped out of a child’s birthday party, you can always take this trend subtle with a tie-dye summer scarf. Take one with a monochromatic tie-dye or dip-dye pattern in a bright color –think orange from Juicy Couture – and make it pop against a white tee-shirt and skinny jeans for an easy and chic look perfect for summer. Or try a tie-dye headband, like the ones from Bop Bijoux, perfect for keeping your hair out of your face while running errands or at the beach.
Whichever way you choose to experiment with this trend, tie-dye will breathe life into your wardrobe, adding a punch to your summertime ensembles.
Until next time,
Ashely, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around