Posts tagged Diane von Furstenberg
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
Let’s Go To the Beach, Let’s Get Away…
Jul 25th
When heading to the beach this summer, be sure to do it in style. Here are eight essentials for a fashioniSTA’s seaside getaway!
1. Fun, Flattering Swimwear
There are endless possibilities of swimwear styles each year. We recommend going for a classic, flattering suit with a bit of a twist- whether its a pop of color or fun print, like the ones above all from J.Crew.
2. Complimentary Cover-Up
Pair your swim suit with a pretty cover-up. We love this one from DVF. Not only is a Diane von Furstenberg print always in style, but this tunic can take you from the beach, to the beach bar or restaurant, to running errands around town- comfortable, effortless and chic.
3. Beach Flip-Flops
Havaianas are a summer must-have for fashioniSTAs- the most comfortable and practical rubber flip-flop. They come in a variety of colors and prints, and you can even design your own to perfectly show off your summer style and personality.
4. Tory Tote
It’s no secret that we love Tory Burch at STA, so when it’s time to tote all your summer goods to the beach, we favor a Tory Burch carry-all.
5. Sun Protection
Keep your skin moisturized and protected with a good SPF.
6. Beach Bedding
Nothing says summer like a colorful Missoni knit, so when you’re laying on the beach, sunning in the sand, sun in style with a Missoni print beach towel.
7. Quality Reading Material
Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, WWD, Glamour, Elle, etc…oh and Fifty Shades of Grey, obviously.
8. Summer Tunes
Currently on the fashioniSTA summer playlist:
Robyn “Hang With Me”
Ellie Goulding “Lights”
Josh Turner “All Over Me”
New Kids On The Block “Summertime”
Avicii “Silhouettes”
Vanessa Carlton “White Houses”
Zac Brown Band “Toes”
What’s your beach essential? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter!
~Lisa, fashioniSTA
St. Patrick’s Day How-To: A Dose of Green Done Right
Mar 16th
Green is in the air this weekend, and it’s only natural to want to get in on the festivities. Resist the urge to wear an oversized green bow-tie and a t-shirt that says “Kiss Me, I’m Irish.” Instead, try a few fashionable approaches to the holiday to ensure that you don’t wake up with a bad style hangover.
Minty Fresh
With Spring just around the color, saturated pastels are popping up everywhere. One of the biggest colors this spring is mint (not to be confused with Thin Mints), which also happens to be a killer choice to celebrate in this weekend. Instead of going with traditional kelly green, try a fresh spin with mint, either in a pair of colored denim (like from Current/Elliott), a sleeveless top (like this one from Rag & Bone), or a full mint dress (like from Diane von Furstenberg). Touches of mint were all over the Spring 2012 runway, from Carolina Herrera to DVF, and have been making they’re way into all aspects of street style. If you’re not comfortable trying it out in an ensemble, go with a mint manicure, pair of flats, scarf, sunglasses, or a bunch of stackable prasiolite or peridot-accented bangles or rings. Or you could even find items of clothing that have small mint touches, like this colorblock dress by Tibi (two trends, one stone!).
It’s All in the Details
Unless you moonlight as a leprechaun, head-to-toe green might be a no-go. However, using a few individual touches of green can help you have a put-together - but still festive - look. Now is the perfect time to break out that bright green handbag or pair of flats that you haven’t been wearing. Green is a tough color to go to, but luckily this spring is all about brights, and this is the perfect opportunity to break out of your muted shell! Red jeans have been lighting up the streets, but to get ahead of the trend a bit, go for a pair of green denim. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and beyond!
If pants aren’t your thing, you can start by working green in with jewelry and accessories, and then when you’re feeling brave, you can move to bigger parts of your ensemble. Snap up a green dress, tank or skirt, and keep the rest of the outfit neutral for a classic look or go for colorblocking to bring on the bold. If you feel more comfortable with neutrals (black, white, camel, navy), you can work with different textures to achieve different looks. Go with simple knits for a minimalist vibe, or channel your inner urbanite with touches of leather - a huge trend for both spring and fall 2012. If you choose the colorblocking route, green goes great with all shades of blue - try a bright cobalt with a dark green for a great springtime look - as well as certain shades of yellow. Since neons are coming out in full-force, pairing a kelly green with a bright yellow is a surefire hit. But remember, for this holiday, pairing two shades of green together could come across as overkill.
Prints Charming
This is also a great time to work in some of the green-printed pieces you have sitting in your wardrobe. Whether it’s a green and white-printed wrap dress or a green polka-dotted blouse (like this Kate Spade option), St. Patrick’s Day is a safe occasion to try out a piece for the first time. Once you wear it out, you may be more comfortable working it into your current wardrobe rotation. (This holiday is also a great excuse to get another wear out of a piece.) Another great thing about wearing green prints is that it doesn’t look like you overdosed on the St. Patrick’s Day Kool-Aid. You’ll look classic and put-together, with just the right amount of holiday spirit.
Of course if you’re one of those girls who goes big or goes home, I won’t judge you for wearing a full sequined, green dress, as long as you channel Alice + Olivia’s Fall 2012 line rather than Poison Ivy from Batman.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2012
Feb 27th
One of the biggest fashion nights of the year has finally happened, and we are so thrilled that there was actually some glamour walking down the red carpet. From the style winners to the weirdest walking down the carpet (ashes, anyone?), there were plenty of gorgeous and gaudy gowns from which to choose. Yes, white dresses did seem to reign supreme, on the likes of Shailene Woodley and Rooney Mara, but we saw a sneak peek into the Fall 2012 world with touches of gold lamé on Stacy Keibler and Meryl Streep. Obviously the best dressed of the night was Miss Piggy, with Kermit her always-in-style arm candy, but we’ve racked our fashion brains to come up with those that we think are a close second, or third, or fourth…
Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen hit a home run this year with Jessica Chastain. The ornate gold detail is very en trend without being temporary, and it fit her like a glove. I loved that her stylist kept her hair loose and picked neutral jewelry, it was the perfect complement to an intricate dress. Glenn Close also looked phenomenal in Zac Posen, and had she removed the jacket for a red carpet pic or two, she might have rivaled Jessica.
Worst Dressed: While there were definitely gaudier dresses on the red carpet, Anna Faris in Diane von Furstenberg missed her fashion potential entirely. For a young girl with great features, she ended up looking old in the dress silhouette and dated with the short blonde bob.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: In probably the most flattering gown I’ve ever seen, Octavia Spencer looked unbelievable in Tadashi Shoji. The silhouette made wearing white possible on any body type, and the contrasting metallic sparkle against her skin was breathtaking. It’s not easy to look good in close-up shots, but Octavia proved that she has what it takes to be a style and Oscar winner.
Biggest Comeback: Kristen Wiig has almost fully recovered from her choker incident at the SAG Awards. While her J. Mendel tiered dress wasn’t a style grand slam, it was a welcome improvement and definitely a step in the right direction. With the right accessories and an up-do, this look could have been sensational.
Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy looked effortlessly glamorous without being boring or over-the-top. I guess it pays to be from France.
Leslie’s Picks
Best Dressed: Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. She looked spectacular top match her well deserved Oscar award. It showed that even woman with real curves can still have an Oscar winning red carpet moment. I felt that her look was flawless with the pull of the dress coming towards the front extenuating a smaller form waist and giving the puppies some love! Her hair pulled back with a small beehive bump was adorable and makeup was light and natural. I loved everything about her choice down to her Neil Lane clutch, xxxxx.
Worst Dressed: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi. The Grecian inspired gown didn’t strike me as flattering nor glamorous. Plus- size fashion is hard but with, a knock out of the park like Octavia Spencer, I can’t say its impossible! I’ve never been a fan of ¾ sleeve nor am I a fan of a bell sleeve period. I find it cuts, if not worn correctly, people off and make their arm shorter and stubbier. The rhinestone encrust on collar and empire waist put too much attention to her front. I would have loved to see her in something a little more subtle. LESS IS ALWAYS BETTER.
Biggest Comeback: Meryl Streep in Lanvin. She’s always been an Oscar nominee favorite but her fashion…not so much. I really think she hit a home run ( all these baseball analogies?!). The gold lame wrap was elegant and a new color to add to her older subtle color choices. Bravo, more than well deserved.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: I’d like to give a shot out to Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood. The hilarious Bridesmaid star was astonishing in her black one shoulder sequin get up. Making a statement is key; she nailed it. I believe her hair did it for me, superb!
Best Couple: I hate couples.
Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. She looked like she was emerging from a milk waterfall and I loved it. So sleek and effortless.
Worst Dressed: Sacha Baron Cohen in character from his new movie “The Dictator.” The Oscars are no time for publicity stunts, good sir. Emma Stone, who chose an overstated Giambattista Valli dress, was a huge disappointment. She looked flawless on the carpet all season, and now this.
Biggest Comeback: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi… while the choice is still questionable, and I can certainly understand the perils that plus-size women face with formal wear, this ensemble is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen. Completely glamorous… in fact, she might have been the MOST glamorous of the night!
Best Couple: George Clooney & Stacy Keibler (who wore Marchesa). She looked so appropriate for the event and they both simply sparkled. The Pitt-Jolie team just looked soooo severe. Booo, hiss.
Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab was the epitome of old-Hollywood-turned-modern glamour. She has the perfect complexion to pull off a dress like this with a deep red lip and a classic wavy up-do.
Worst Dressed: Sherri Shepherd’s bright blue Grecian number was not flattering on her. It was too much boob that it ended up looking kind of messy up top.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: Although Kate Mara wasn’t nominated, she donned the designer of the night - Elie Saab - and looked great!
Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy. Classy and sophisticated…plus he’s extremely handsome, that doesn’t hurt.
That concludes awards season! Tell us which celebs made your best and worst dressed lists on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/staconsignment)!
The STA Last-Minute Holiday Gift Guide
Dec 20th
Stumped as to how to be the best Santa this year? We’ve compiled a list of our stores’ best gifts, all sure to put you on the nice list for years to come. From small accessories to designer finds (new with tags, of course), all of these items have been fashioniSTA-approved and are available to purchase over the phone just in time to slip under the tree! Check out http://www.secondtimearound.net/locations.aspx for a list of all the stores and their phone numbers!
STA Stocking Stuffers
Stick any of these items into someone’s stocking and you’ll know the true meaning of holiday cheer.
New Marc Jacobs Mini Wallet $99 at Lexington Ave NYC store
Longchamp change purse $25, makeup case $29 at Atrium Mall store
Diane von Furstenberg headband $59, at Lexington Ave NYC store
New Coach leather wristlet $39.20, at Hoboken store
It Only Looks Like You Spent A Lot…
Want the glory but none of the expense? Here are some items that will gain you ooohhh’s and aaaahhhh’s without the hefty bill that’s usually attached!
New Ugg shearling boots $49, at Hoboken store
Cejon rabbit fur scarf $59, at Brookline store
Miu Miu handbag $199, at Upper West Side NYC store
Tory Burch python Reva flats size 7 $149, at Englewood NJ store
TSE cashmere sweater with fur trim $183, at 324 Newbury St Boston store
Tom Ford sunglasses $129, at Philadelphia store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Swarovski cuff $128, at 176 Newbury Street Boston store
Givenchy bracelet $69, at Newton store
Big Spender Santa
You cannot get your mother a vacuum for Christmas and have her not take it the wrong way. Are you now without a gift to give her? Go the extra mile with these suggestions, just don’t tell her they were a third of their retail value!
Burberry down coat XS $329, at Charles Street Boston store
Bottega Veneta ostrich woven handbag $1479, at Englewood NJ store
David Yurman diamond bracelet $2500, at Chicago store
Hermes scarf $239, at Englewood NJ store
Louis Vuitton Papillon $399, at Englewood NJ store
To: Me, Love: Me
Whoever said it was wrong to shop for yourself during the holiday season clearly never saw these.
New Christian Louboutin shoes sizes 36-41, at Thompson Street NYC store
Putting the ‘Fashion’ in ‘Fashion Hunters’ with Tara and Ambria!
Oct 19th
Craving the pieces you’ve seen on Bravo’s ‘Fashion Hunters’? So are we! To get you in the style spirit, we’ve outlined our take on the best part of the fall season (the fashion, of course), and how you can get in on the haute couture fun for less.
Summer merchandise is colorful and fun, but fall and winter is where our meaty, pricy pieces start to come in. Cashmere sweaters, wool coats, buttery leather boots…it’s that time of year again and this time we are going to be consigning all fall while our show airs. We are anticipating people will be excited to bring their gems for us to sell at this fabulous, soon-to-be-nationally-recognized store.
Some of our favorite items in the store now are a great mix of timeless and trendy. We love sexy staples like classic little black dresses, as well as sparkly pieces like this Chloe wave-printed, multicolor skirt (shown below), which we have priced at $149. It’s such a great statement piece that all you need is a black top and a neutral shoe and you’ve got a dazzling fall ensemble. We also can’t get enough of the interesting outerwear that comes through our doors. This M Missoni coat (shown right) is $329 and is a great classic alternative to a regular, black coat! These silver pumps (shown right) from Sergio Rossi ($219 at STA) are the perfect pop of metallic that will go with any outfit. But when it comes to shoes, no one can resist those absolute couture stunners that we see on our shelves, like the rose-gold grommetted Stella McCartneys that we recently had in the store. Cooler weather doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to be boring, we say bring on the sparkle and the shiny details!
While we love these couture and high-end designer pieces, we also love getting our ‘middle-of-the-road’ designer labels that are a huge component of our business engine. Labels like Diane Von Furstenberg, Theory, Tory Burch, Milly and Paul & Joe have been rolling right in. Ambria is clearly a DVF fan, wearing a printed dress (shown below) by the designer ($119 at STA), and pairing it with gold heels and hoops, of course. This is a great dress option for spring, summer or fall, it’s all about how you accessorize it!
We also love separates that these designers put out, especially for fall. We always have a bunch of individual pieces in the store that you can mix and match to maximize your outfit choices. It’s important to think outside the box with this as well, try out putting unexpected pieces together, you might be pleasantly surprised! Tara paired this A.L.C. soft denim blazer with leather lapels (shown below, $199 at STA) with this plaid-printed Rugby Ralph Lauren skirt (shown below, $39 at STA) for a modern take on conservative pieces. You can do this with as well with other plaid details and blazers, or you could try out mixing a traditional pencil skirt with a printed blazer, obviously found on the racks of Second Time Around. Same idea, great new look!
So if you come on down to New York City, or live here and just don’t find yourself with a reason to go to Nolita, let us give you one – our Mott St. location! It’s fresh, it’s packed with amazing merchandise and pretty soon you will be watching it on Tuesday nights at 10:30 p.m.! Couture kisses to all!
~Tara and Ambria, fashioniSTAs and Bravo’s Fashion Hunters
The Spirit of the Seventies
Sep 9th
As the summer crawls to an end, we realize that the time is nigh to re-evaluate our wardrobe. How can you even begin to fathom stretching those summer must-haves into an autumn-appropriate wardrobe? Which easy breezy trends will have to hit the storage bin and which ones can be expected to transition into fall?
Fortunately for all of us fashioniSTAs, the biggest summer trend shows no signs of slowing down. Don’t box up those platforms just yet; it appears that the ’70s are here to stay. This upcoming season, it’s all about re-inventing your mother’s wardrobe — time to transition the spirit of the ’70s into the spirit of the season! Grab your gold, dig that denim, and get crazy with the crotchet!
Take it from Gregg Andrews, Nordstrom Fashion Director: “There were a lot of beautiful, chic clothes from the ’70s and a lot of people forget that. There was a great feeling of luxury and little bit of decadence, but it was more about a lifestyle than the way you dress.”
So while the designs from the Disco Decade continue to make waves on the runways , here are a few key elements to work into your fall closet this season: wide collars, flared or wide leg trousers with high waists, maxi hems, floppy hats, wraps, crochet and embroidery, denim-on-denim, one-shoulder pieces, big prints (especially paisley), and stripes in multiple colors.
Of course, reading about the trends isn’t as fun as actually seeing how to piece these all together… so let STA be your guide! Check out these looks, pulled from the racks of our Harvard Square location! Add a denim jacket and you’re good to go!
Dress: What Goes Around Comes Around (size S) $79 / Vest: Club Monaco (size S) NWT! $25 / Bead & Crotchet Necklace: $12 / Leather Belt: $15 / Vintage Yves St. Laurent Bag: $79 / Cynthia Vincent Slides (size 6.5) $69
Gryphon Dress (size M) $89 / Necklace: $9 / Sequin Belt: $15 / Stuart Weitzman Sandals (size 9) $89 / Jessica Simpson Sunglasses: $19
Arden B. Knit Halter (size S) $19 / Patchwork Denim Skirt (size S) $15 / Rope and Clay Necklace: $10 / Isabella Fiore Embroidered Bag: $99 / Karen Millen Sandals (size 7.5) $69
BCBG MaxAzria Crotchet Halter Dress (size M) $49 / Carlos Falchi Bag: $79 / BCBGirls Sandal (size 8.5) $39 / Necklaces: $6 & $12 / Belt: $15
Diane von Furstenberg Wrap Dress (size 10) $69 / Plastic Necklace: $9 / Frye Sandal (size 10) $59 / Vintage Bag: $15
L’Amadei Maxi Dress (size L) $25 / Necklaces: $8 & $14 / Rope Belt: $15 / Kors by Michael Kors Sandal (size 7) $79 / Vintage Tote: $15 / Straw Hat: $15
~Kim, FashioniSTA/Harvard Square Store Manager
A Letter to Target on Behalf of Shopaholics Everywhere
Oct 11th
Dear Target,
You have broken the mold on inexpensive clothing with your designer collaborations. From Rafe to Richard Chai, each GO International collection that you debut makes you even more of a fashion superpower. On behalf of the shopaholic nation that flocks to your store, I must let you know that with great power comes great responsibility. How you handle this responsibility is up to you, but we have a few suggestions on designer lines we think could really help you live up to your potential.
Diane von Furstenberg
There is not one girl on planet Earth who does not love a DVF wrap dress. Want to see what mass mayhem looks like? Pair DVF style with Target prices and prop the doors open. Everybody looks good wearing her designs, and I know the only thing keeping most people from buying everything she ever puts on a department store rack is the steep price tag that seems to find its way onto every one of her garments. Just imagine it with us, Target: Racks filled with colorful, printed wrap dresses; chiffon-draped, floral summertime blouses; tiered, ruffled skirts; all topped off with a couple pairs of her animal-printed sunglasses. And maybe some rubber flip-flops with her signature love knot design.
Herve Leger
This isn’t so much of a suggestion as it is a desperate plea. I need a bandage dress, Target. And by “I,” I mean every woman in greater North America. Preferably one that is in a vibrant – yet classy – color and maybe with a little sequins. You don’t need to go over the top with the ombré and the full glitz effect, just a couple bandage skirts in both pencil and A-line, as well as a few variations on the classic bandage dress with different necklines.
Yes, this line would be slightly one-sided, what with the lack of pants and tops available, but I doubt you’d hear anyone complaining. His dresses seem to look good on a variety of body types, and I’ve never heard of anybody saying that looking great was a bad thing. So by not putting this line in your store, Target, you might as well tell all of us that you don’t want us to look great. And that’s just offensive.
Marc Jacobs
This one should be pretty obvious. Yes, I’m aware that he has a lower-priced line, but unless you happen to be a millionaire, his Marc by Marc Jacobs line is still a little on the pricey side. But his designs could easily translate to a GO International collaboration with his ability to create a broad spectrum of looks under one label. Military-inspired or library-chic, this versatile designer could create a versatile line that would appeal to your extensive consumer base. It’s actually pretty poor business management if you don’t implement this designer into your stores.
Target, please take his bold patterns and edginess from his Marc line and pair it perhaps with a few takes on his premium designer-line handbags. Nothing fancy, just a couple quilted handbags with chain straps and big hardware. But pair those handbags with exposed-zipper skirts and cardigan-style dresses, and you’ve got all the tools of a major style superstar.
Christian Louboutin
Hey, a girl can dream.
So you see, Target, we’re not asking for too much. We haven’t requested elaborate, real-fur vests or bedazzled booties encrusted with Swarovski crystals. This is just one, simple fashion-obsessed plea to the powers that be. We’ve given you all the tools, all you have to do is say yes. So easy.
Love always,
Shopaholic Everywhere
PS - Love the new Tucker line.
~Ashley Bell, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Rank Your Travel Style on the Sunglasses Spectrum
Sep 14th
While we all use our cars to take us from point A to point B, if you’re anything like me, your car has become almost like a second closet/bathroom sink. I think we all forget that when we step into our cars, people outside of our vehicle can actually still see us. I know that I always thought I was invisible when I turned on the ignition, until I started getting weird looks when I applied eyeliner at red lights. It’s about time that we started using the highway as a runway, and the best way is to learn to accessorize what people see the most when we’re on the road: our faces. But instead of just slapping on any kind of sunglasses, let your vehicle be your guide.
Convertible
Flashy car, flashy accessories; it’s an unwritten rule. Diane von Furstenberg has pushed the UV boundaries this year with cool shades in even cooler colors and patterns. Try an all-white ensemble with a pair of her purple glasses, or go in the other direction with a sleek, all-black look completing the outfit with a pair of DVF’s leopard-print shades.
SUV
Whether you fit into the “Rugged SUV” category or the “Trendy SUV” category, there’s one eyewear that will fulfill all of your needs: Aviators. This versatile accessory can easily be paired with khaki (or army green) and black for an “I can jump out of a helicopter and change a tire while still looking good”-look, or these sunglasses can go with a preppy ensemble, complete with argyle and Jack Rogers. Think of them as your key to any fashion world, all you have to do is put them on.
Sedan
Your best option: Ray-Bans in a bright color to stand out. There are so many of these cars on the road and you’re low to the ground, it’s strategy, people. This twist on a classic will put you ahead of the game, giving off a low-maintenance sedan vibe while revving up the cool factor. Consider yourself an undercover superstar about to be discovered.
Train
Channel a Serena van der Woodsen boho vibe with large, square-shaped sunglasses in an earthy brown or olive color. Complement this eyewear with a long, drapey open cardigan – sans buttons, of course – in an olive green or deep, earthy neutral, and straight-leg jeans. Top off the look with leather riding boots.
Or go with a pair of gold-rimmed aviators to give off the whole Top Gun, frequent flier style, it’ll make you look like you routinely fly your own plane and you’re taking the train for some classified, badass reason. (And if you happen to also own an SUV, these will perform double-duty.) Pair with a fitted, brown leather jacket or a simple jeans and a tank look. Extra points if you manage to work in an Army duffle bag.
Cab 
Go for the glam when taking it cab, it makes the experience more chauffeured-living rather than schlepping in public transportation. Try big, round sunglasses in black, like from David Yurman (right) or Prada with subtle embellishments and studded detail on the arms for extra glamour. Pair them with a shift dress or cigarette-style pants – either jeans or black riding pants for a complete uptown look. Hermès Birkin bag optional.
Whatever your mode of transportation may be, travel in style, fashioniSTAs!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
The Long and Shorts of It
Jul 9th
With the warmer weather finally upon us, it’s only a matter of time before summer comes full-swing and pants no longer become a viable option. While skirts and dresses are clear favorites for the summer months, a new contender has blown into town: shorts. This casual summer staple has taken on new superpowers, making it work-appropriate as well as red-carpet-worthy.
Working It Out
Wink Shorts - You'd Never Know They Weren't a Skirt!
No longer just for lazy weekends, shorts are popping up in the most unexpected places. What was strictly a “no-wear zone” has taken a dramatic turn to office-friendly. While I wouldn’t recommend wearing this trend if you work in strict office environment, if you happen to work in a fashion-friendly zone, wearing shorts to work will make your summer approximately a billion times easier. To keep them work-appropriate, stick with variations on the classic short. Go for a pair of knee-length, straight-leg shorts in a dark neutral with a tucked in blousy tank to slim a pear shape, or try out a pair of blousy harem shorts to create curves. Quick tip: harem shorts are a great way to indulge in your Sex and the City 2 movie fashion fantasy without committing to the overly-indulgent harem pants that the stars sported in the movie. However, the shorts version is not for the fashion faint of heart, but if you are a risk-taker, they are a great way to complement a basic tank. Wear with metallic gladiator flats for a true statement outfit.
Another way to rock this trend in the workplace is to go with shorts that almost look like a skirt. These definitely work best in a creative field, but with designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Nanette Lepore paving the way with this trend, consider yourself in good hands. While you can go down the skort route with this option from Marc Jacobs, if you prefer to not revisit the ‘90s just yet, going with a patterned or textured pair is the perfect alternative. Try out the floral pair from Nanette Lepore, or the tiered, ruffled version from Wink. Going with a pattern or a texture will minimize the shorts element and maximize the element of style.
Eveningwear
Tired of your usual jeans and tank combo when you hit the town? Try a pair of short, tailored shorts in a neutral color - like black, white or metallic - to spice up your night out. Opt for a sleek pair from Winter Kate, Alice + Olivia or Theory, paired with one of your usual embellished, loose tanks or a fitted, black button-down. This is the only time that stiletto heels with shorts is permissible, so try out your highest pumps with the first option, or your strappy sandals with the latter. You can also add a cropped, lightweight blazer for cooler nights.
A dark denim short is also a great alternative. This cuffed pair from Joe’s Jeans can easily be paired with metallic flat sandals and a tank for a more casual night out.
Should you be feeling a little Lindsay Lohan crazy, you can try out sequin shorts from Gryphon or Diane von Furstenberg in place of the sequin leggings you wore during the colder months. Clearly not for the faint of heart, you can pair it with a matching sequin top to create the look of a romper, or go for a flowy, black top in a lightweight material that still fits close to your torso. You don’t want to look like you’re wearing sequined board shorts about to hang ten.
Lauren Conrad's Weekend Shorts Look
Weekend Chic
When the work week ends, anything goes on your days off. This is a great time to explore what I think is the greatest trend known to (wo)man: nautical. Play off this trend with a pair of cuffed, denim shorts from Joe’s Jeans or Citizens of Humanity, pairing them with a conductor-striped top and chunky, gold link bracelets or a necklace. Or go with a blue seersucker pattern with a red tank and metallic sandals.
You can also channel your inner Daisy Duke with denim shorts, either cutoffs or cuffed. Pair with a floral top for a hippy vibe, or try out gingham on top for a retro feel to your look.
For extra comfort, try a pair of paper bag-waist shorts. Go for a pair in an earthy neutral to create a safari look. Complete your ensemble with a tank in a complementary neutral and pair with gold accessories and oversized, tortoise shell sunglasses.
No matter where you go, remember that shorts with more spandex than your tights are reserved for biking or in-house lounging only!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around