Posts tagged Rachel Zoe
A FashioniSTA’s Five Fall Essentials
Oct 15th
The leaves are changing colors, and so are our closets. While we bid adieu to breezy sundresses, and say hello to a olive/black/camel/brown palette, there are five definite fall fashion essentials that every FashioniSTA should have in her arsenal.
Leggings
Love them or hate them, none of us can deny their versatility and coziness. Perfect when paired with a longer tunic – they take any FashioniSTA from the casual Friday cubicle to the couch for a night-in with a full DVR.
FashioniSTA tip: Thickness is key. These fleece lined leggings from Shopbop.com are perfect to keep legs warm and appropriately covered.
Cashmere pullover
If there is one thing that makes fall’s chill a bit more bearable, it’s cashmere. We love throwing on a black cashmere tunic (like the Vince one below) as a season go-to. Perfect when paired with a chunky necklace and skinny jeans for dinner out with friends or with the aforementioned leggings and booties on the weekend, it’s a closet staple to wear again and again.
Stacked loafers
Whether we’re 6 years old or 26 years old, back-to-school always defines the fall. While this FashioniSTA might not be hitting the books this semester, a pair of stacked loafers (like the wedges in last week’s #shoesdaytuesday, pictured below) takes us back to the classroom in the best kind of way. If you’re not into wedges, any loafer with a heel is a great way to bring the classic, schoolgirl staple into the now.
Leather skirt
One of our favorite fall trends for 2012 is finding unexpected leather pieces. The attitude that comes with black leather, mixed with the femininity of a pleated miniskirt, brings any outfit to another level.
FashioniSTA tip: Pair a pleated leather miniskirt (like the Patterson J Kincaid one below) with supersoft tights and an interesting cropped tweed blazer for a perfect mix of textures.
Faux Fur Vest
Maybe it’s Rachel Zoe’s fault, but whether it’s faux or real, we love a good fur vest. Preferably mid-thigh length – and best when paired with platforms and skinny black pants (like Ms. Zoe does below). It turns an otherwise monochromatic outfit into something glamorous – and who doesn’t appreciate a heavy dose of glam?
~Meredith, FashioniSTA
This Fall: Lush Textures and Sleek Silhouettes
Sep 27th
To embrace the fall is to embrace everything warm and sumptuous, from thick, lavish fabrics to simmering Crock-Pots. This year it’s all about the balance between sleek and luscious, with top trends ranging from sheer details to menswear for women. So break out the rich colors and get ready to sink into fall.
The signature prints of fall get away from summertime florals and dive right into thick houndstooth and collegiate plaid. This fall is all about taking these more traditional patterns and channeling them in menswear-inspired garments (like the below right photo from L.A.M.B.). From full structured suits to box-pleated miniskirts, the masculine elements are gaining momentum and giving feminine garments a more stylish edge. Try this trend by accenting masculine pieces with feminine details, such as a sparkly statement necklace or a tie-bow blouse (like below photo on the left from Rachel Zoe).
If you’re more of the sleek and silky school of thought, then now is your chance to shine. Leather and sheer details flooded the runways, with sheer sleeves and leather skirts becoming staples for fall. If you choose the more exposed sheer option, you can take this trend from bold to bolder depending on your trend comfort (like the below right photo from Milly). Go dramatic by choosing a dress with a full sheer overlay (shown below left by Jill Stuart), or try out the trend with sheer cut-out details to take your LBD to the next level.
If you choose to go the leather route, you can also try it out with details - such as leather trim on a jacket - or go with individual leather pieces - such as a peplum top or a skirt (shown below left from 10 Crosby by Derek Lam). For a more dramatic take on the trend, go with a leather minidress or full suit (shown below right from Rachel Zoe), accented with a statement necklace, earrings or double cuffs.
So curl up for a quiet night in a cozy sweater or turn up the volume with a leather minidress, fall is here!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Our Favorite Trends at New York Fashion Week
Sep 18th
Just when we started to embrace fall’s temperatures and wardrobes (Layers! Cashmere!) – New York Fashion Week had to come along and tantalize us with some of the sleekest and chicest spring/summer 2013 offerings we can think of. The next six months can’t fly by quick enough so we can get our hands our favorite NYFW pieces.
Who says sequins are for evening only? Us fashioniSTAs love everything that shimmers, like this Rachel Zoe. With its silver sheen and a hint of gold, we can’t wait to incorporate this top into our everyday wardrobes. Adding a bit of bling at the supermarket, on the subway, or at a dinner date never felt so easy. (We love it paired with Zoe’s crisp seafoam green shorts and oversized cat-eye sunnies too!)
Amping up our arsenal of summertime day dresses is one of the best things about spring (along with fresh flowers and paper-thin cardigans). Victoria Beckham’s new line, Victoria Victoria Beckham, makes our selection that much better for 2013. With a blended watercolor-inspired print, and a bold pop of cobalt blue, this dress will be one suitable the first al fresco brunch of the year. Perfect for brunch with your girlfriends, throw on some sandals and an aforementioned paper-thin cardigan and you’re good to go.
A common fashioniSTA dilemma? How to dress for warm weather to the office. Thanks to Z Spoke by Zac Posen (left) and Juicy Couture (right), short suits are on-trend in a big way. With their bold prints and vibrant colors, we’re able to bring tailored professionalism to the 9-5 work day. Pair them with flats and neutral accessories to make them instantly office-appropriate, whether your daytime style is quirky or sleek.
Want to see what else we loved from NYFW – and what we’re currently lusting after from London Fashion Week? We have you covered over at our Pinterest boards.
~Meredith, fashioniSTA
Met Gala Trends, Who Wore Them Best?
May 8th
The Met Gala is arguably the most high-fashion red carpet event of the year, where the style risks are lauded and the boring are never invited again (if only). This is a great night for the avant garde to sneak in with the red carpet glamour, giving us great pieces that are sure to inspire (or give us a sneak peek at) upcoming runway collections. Here are the top four trends of the night, and who wore them best!
1. Dripping in Metal
Gold has continued to earn its weight worth, at least in the style arena, and it was definitely a key power player last night. Between Anna Wintour’s gold detailed Prada, Karolina Kurkova in a full-on Arabian-inspired Rachel Zoe ensemble, and Jessica Pare’s square neckline/cap sleeve dark golden L’Wren Scott gown, there was enough sparkle to go around. Not only was all of this glitz great to watch on the red carpet, but it inspires the rest of us to break out the bold metallics when we have our less-formal (but still fabulous) events to attend.
Who wore it best? We’re torn between Lana del Rey’s flawless sweetheart Altuzarra and Camilla Belle’s plunging Ralph Lauren. Both style stars donned the dark gothic makeup to accentuate their dresses’ lighter metallic shades, but Camilla Belle’s flawless accents with her hair/makeup/earrings put her in the lead.
2. Embellished Mermaids
Instead of body-hugging silhouettes or outrageous ball gowns, the biggest shape contender last night was hands-down the mermaid silhouette. And since we’re pretty sure that these ladies weren’t trying to hide oversized calves, we can only speculate that the mermaid trend is stationed to take to new heights in the near future. From the tame - like Julianne Hough, to the outrageous - Beyonce in a lace and feather concoction - these ladies added appliques, feathers, tulle and pretty much every other material on the planet to create dramatic volume below the knees.
Who wore it best? While it seems a demure choice, Reneé Zellweger gave us all a shock when she decided against wearing her signature Carolina Herrera. However, dressed in Pucci (left), she rocked the long sleeves, sheer details, and an embellished mermaid train without looking like a trend wreck.
3. Feather Intensity
A flock of feathers covered the red carpet last night. This trend popped up everywhere from Donna Karan’s clutch to Kate Bosworth’s backless full-on feather Prada dress. Amy Poehler looked shockingly chic in a Fontini black peplum gown with a mermaid train of black feathers, and Diane Kruger’s purple Prada gown swept the carpet with the trim and train drenched in feathers. The red carpet had it’s grand finale when Beyonce arrived in a jaw-dropping Givenchy Haute Couture embroidered gown with a purple ombré train of feathers, proving to us that she properly holds the title of World’s Most Beautiful Woman. I guess stylish birds of a feather really do flock together.
Who wore it best? We have to go with Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen. Don’t let the black dissuade you from far away, the actress brought the glamour by marrying intricate feather detailing from the bodice to the train with impeccable fit.
4. Sculpturesque
One of the biggest trends on the Fall 2012 runways was the architectural shapes and details, and it carried over onto the red carpet last night. While January Jones stepped out in a Versace hip-action number that we feel like we’ve seen her in a million times, stars like Elizabeth Banks (in a somewhat bizarre Mary Katrantzou dress) and Jessica Stam (in a pale blue, ornate Christian Dior Couture design) brought over-exaggerated sculpted details to the event.
Who wore it best? Ok, don’t judge us, but for some reason Thakoon-dressed Christina Ricci’s oversized bow and architectural neckline really spoke to us (right). Maybe it was the risk or maybe we’re having a Casper flashback. Don’t ask, we really can’t explain it.
Do you think someone else wore it better? Tell us in the comments, post on our Facebook wall or Tweet us!
~Ashley and Lisa, FashioniSTAs
All Wrapped Up: 3rd, 4th, 5th & 6th Days of Style
Dec 27th
To keep with the season of giving, we’re wrapping up four days of style in a neat little blog bow. Whether you were camped out in front of a Hallmark holiday movie this weekend or burning the shopping candle at both ends, here’s some holiday style cheer to brighten up your look into the new year!
Third Day of Style – Primp Your PJs
Styling your sleepwear isn’t just for opening presents on Christmas (or Hanukkah) morning. Although you might not have a photo-op every morning to make you jazz up your jammies, investing in nightwear doesn’t have to begin and end with what you wear out of the house.
Of course it’s easy to throw on sweatpants and a t-shirt and hop into bed. However, it’s just as easy – and comfortable – to throw on a satin pajama set, they’re all elastic-waist! If you’re hesitant to give up your t-shirt, I sympathize with you, so start small. The best part about stylish pajamas is the fact that they pretty much look the same on everyone. You can grab a pair of printed PJ pants or shorts from a bunch of stores, no matter what your age or body type. From Aerie to Victoria’s Secret to Neiman Marcus, you can stock up on your favorite patterns and fabrics without having to empty your bank account. Go with classic satin with contrast piping for a timeless winter vibe, or bold floral to infuse some warmth into the season, or try a quirky print by Primp to liven up your bedtime routine. For an extra dose of style, slip on a pair of lined slippers that look more like ballet flats for a polished look.
With just a quick change, I can pretty much guarantee that you’ll feel better when you wake up in the morning. Another perk? You won’t be embarrassed staying in your pajamas all day, don’t pretend you actually like putting in the effort to get dressed when the weekend comes. And who knows, maybe this will inspire you to host sleepover parties (what, you thought that you were too old for them?).
Fourth Day of Style – Braid Your Own Way
Braids have been popping up everywhere, from the runway to the red carpet to my house when my sister is there. This is another easy trend that anyone can try, plus it’s versatile enough to go from day to night.
To easily try out this trend, you can take a small section of hair from anywhere on your head, braid it, secure with a small elastic and you’re done. How easy was that? Try it out at first on a section behind your ear to take it slow, or work a piece in front for a bohemian look. If you know how to French braid, expand on the single braid by taking a small section right at your ear and do a tiny French braid that curls behind your ear. Part your hair to the opposite side and you’ve got a classic style with a twist.
To take it to the next level, you can step into the French and fishtail side of the trend. Tons of celebs – from Kristen Stewart to Miley Cyrus – have been stepping out in a low fishtail braided to one side and styled in front of the shoulder. If fishtails aren’t your thing, take a French braid into nighttime by braiding one side of your hair, stopping at the nape of your neck and gathering all of the hair into a low ponytail a la Rachel Zoe. Go asymmetrical by doing a large braid on one side, a smaller braid on the other and gathering both into the ponytail.
For the advanced hair connoisseur, go with multiple braids styled into an up-do for a unique and fresh look. You can French braid a couple small sections across the front of your hairline, then finish off the look by pinning everything into a low, tousled bun like Rachel McAdams (flower optional).
Whether you go with a basic low braid over your shoulder or an intricate French-braided up-do, this trend is a great way to subtly upgrade your regular hairstyle!
Fifth Day of Style – Stack ‘Em Up!
If you think wearing one piece of jewelry is fabulous, adding more will onlymake you exponentially more fabulous! (It’s math.) We’ve all seen the girls who wear an armful of bangles and look like they just stepped out of Harper’s Bazaar. Well, now with just a few additions, you can look just as good.
To try this trend inexpensively, first look to your own jewelry stash. Take a few bangles and put them together, making sure to mix up widths and textures. Go bold by mixing metals or keep it classic with similar color schemes and a single bright bracelet mixed in. There’s also so many ways you can wear a watch or a statement bangle, but if you pair either with a couple of thin bangles in a similar color scheme, you’ve got a fresh new look. If you happen to have a couple of really nice bracelets, those can look great as well in smaller groups so that each piece still gets to shine.
Got a bunch of thin rings lying around that you never wear? Stack three or four of them – depending on width – on a single finger and you’ve tried out the trend from your own jewelry box. You can also seek out stackable rings pretty easily, just look for bands in a uniform shape all the way around for maximum stacking potential.
This is an easy tweak for any ensemble, and it instantly makes you look chic with a few simple additions. Voila! You’re making the most of your accessories and spicing up your normal outfits.
Sixth Day of Style – On Dasher, On Dancer, On…Blazer
In the fashion reindeer lineup, Blazer would be guiding the style sleigh. I would not be exaggerating to say that wearing a blazer has simultaneously improved my style and made it a thousand times easier to get dressed in the morning.
A blazer is like an instant style-maker that can work with any outfit and make you look put-together at a moment’s notice. Feeling uninspired and just want to something easy? Throw on jeans, a tank and a blazer. Want to be comfortable? Leggings and a jersey tunic might make you look slightly homeless, but you pair a blazer with this combo and suddenly you’re a style star. Modernize a shift dress by throwing one on and adding stackable jewelry (see above). Even going out at night, arming yourself with a blazer makes you unstoppable. Pair a cropped version with a sequin dress to tone down the sparkle, or invest in a sequin blazer to pair with a basic black ensemble for a nighttime event.
Easy chic at its best can be found in the form of one article of clothing. And with about a bazillion different versions, anyone can find one that works.
Did you try out any of these trends and want to share the results? We’d love to see! Post on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or Tweet us (@STAconsignment) with photos or comments!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
A Halloween Perfect Pairing: Regis & Kelly
Oct 25th
This week is Halloween week at STA! For those of you who have been tuning into our “Perfect Pairing” blog series, we are mixing it up a little this week in honor of the spookiest day of the year. We at STA have unanimously decided that the Perfect Halloween Pair Award goes to Regis & Kelly. Not only are these two on the ball when it comes to covering every pop culture reference in their costumes, they’re also not above have 97 costume changes in an hour-long show. I totally endorse this by the way, one costume is for people with one personality.
These two have dressed up as pretty much every pop culture reference from reality television “characters” to real life master chefs to a tribute to High School Musical. Here is a closer look at my favorite costumes:
1. Rachel Zoe and Brad (…and Taylor…and Rodger)
If we had to name a fashion power couple, they would be it. Not only do they dress for a living, but between their voices and catchphrases, it’s hard not to talk like them after watching The Rachel Zoe Project. You also know it’s a good costume when just a photo of the two of them makes you burst out laughing. The hand gestures, the semi-nasal/Valley voice, the oversized accessories, I can’t get enough! The only thing that would’ve made this costume skit better would’ve been if it was Gelman who had come out in a bleached, unbrushed wig and threw a Taylor hissy fit.
2. The Kardashians
Kelly Ripa’s facial expressions are so priceless that she nailed Kris Jenner with a cropped wig, huge set of hoops, and that signature power pout. But this bit was truly an ensemble production, with pretty much every crew member taking on a different Kardashian character, with Regis occasionally chiming in as the token man’s man that is Bruce Jenner. But the best part is the realization that one person can play every female part just by adjusting the wig length…minus Kandy, of course, their long lost Kardashian sister, which had to be played by Art Moore.
3. Real Housewives of NJ
So my bias towards the RHONJ aside, the “Last Supper” skit was the greatest Halloween idea since bite-sized candy. Since the finale to season one of the series was by far the greatest moment in housewives history, obviously it deserved the homage that Regis and Kelly paid, but the combination of real clips and reenactments really took this to another level. Between the hairline and the facial expressions, it’s like looking in a mirror, isn’t it, Teresa? Just a sidenote, Regis looked a little too authentic as season one Caroline…
This year I think they should revisit this theme and hash out the Teresa/Melissa/Kathy drama…while Gelman dons a knit hat and makes an appearance as Jacqueline’s daughter Ashley (Ashlee?).
4. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen
Putting aside the fact that I’m serious about my love for Elizabeth and James and The Row, I find the Olsen twins to be outrageously satirical. How can you not dress up as them when the only thing you need to do is wear sunglasses and carry Starbucks cups that are bigger than their calves. (P.S. how am I just now seeing the identical similarities between them and Rachel Zoe? Is this a West Coast thing, or are they all secretly from the same gene pool?) There was a very important factor missing in this: Gelman as a resurrected Bob Saget.
5. Katy Perry and Elmo
Ah, the cleavage heard round the Sesame Street universe. This would be good enough with just Kelly and a puppet, but to put Regis in an Elmo costume skyrocketed it to TV gold. I never want to hear another person complain about wearing a uniform, a 70something man had to wear a costume for made exclusively for preschool teachers.
If I could be so bold as to suggest Halloween costumes for them this year, I would recommend an all-Housewives-themed event, with a side of the royal couple, obviously. Am I the only one that desperately wants to see the two of them as Will and Kate? No, I’m not. However, I would happily accept Regis as Charlie Sheen and Kelly Ripa as Nikki Minaj (day day day day day day).
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Runway Rookies Take on NYFW
Sep 15th
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What do Rachel Zoe, Tory Burch and J Crew have in common? Well, aside from all being huge powerhouse brands in their own right, they’ve never had a runway show during NYFW - until this year that is. This week all three fashion houses hit the runway for the first time, and after viewing each spring 2012 collection - if I may quote Rachel Zoe - “I die.”
Tory Burch
From polka dots, to stripes, to little ribbons adorning the models shoes, it’s evident Tory Burch’s spring 2012 line is intended to be playful and, better yet, more than wearable. Tory Burch was able to fuse 1920’s retro-glam femininity with masculine touches, in the best way possible. She not only got away with, but excelled at pairing usually boring grandpa cardigans with brightly printed ankle-cut trousers, double pocketed jackets with pleated skirts and button downs, and making pastel and nautical color schemes look anything but boring or played out.
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Rachel Zoe
If you’ve been keeping up with Rachel Zoe’s show on Bravo, you know she’s been stressing - as only Rachel Zoe can - over her fashion line debut. Sure she is the number one stylist in the country but could she pull her weight when it came to designing her own line? After perusing the looks that went down the runway, the only logical answer is yes, yes and more yes! Rachel has definitely stayed true to her boho-chic style with draped and gauzy maxi dresses, but her line showcases some immaculately tailored pantsuits in bold colors that could complement any style maven’s wardrobe. One of the great things about her collection is her interest in separates that can be worn together for a work-appropriate look, or individually to create a more toned-down ensemble. And of course she’s now got me wanting to invest in a printed jumpsuit…
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J. Crew
A company known for making t-shirts fashionable walking the runway at NYFW? Yup! This year J. Crew head honcho Jenna Lyons has made some big waves in the fashion world, and if you ask me, this can only be a good thing. Although, I may be biased because once you prove comfortable also means chic and sophisticated, you can do no wrong in our eyes. Also, have you seen their male models? Swoon. But, I digress. Back to the fashion - unlike the pastel trend that seems to be rocking the runway (and the shelves at J. Crew), for their spring 2012 line, J. Crew veered toward color blocking some bold and bright combinations including teal & yellow, pink & orange and white & yellow. And while you may be thinking “that’s so this summer 2011…” - well, you’d be right but we’re excited it’s sticking around! Plus, its integration with bold, floral prints make this collection an interesting take on a trend that we love.
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~Kristen, FashioniSTA
Fun Fashion Risks for Winter
Jan 4th
While we all make the shift from fall ensembles into winter outfits, this is a great time to try out some of the riskier trends that are popping up in stores. If you happen to be someone who genuinely enjoys dressing up for Halloween, then take that enthusiasm and apply it to your everyday wardrobe with a couple key fall risks. Drab to fab is just one key piece away.
Multi-Colored/Patterned Tights
This is one trend that can be universally applied, no matter what your style might be. I’m not suggesting wearing anything striped or patterned, but a pair of raspberry-colored tights against an all-black ensemble makes a great and easy statement. If you happen to be slightly more adventurous than that, go with a pair of argyle tights for a preppy statement, or you can try out the textured tights that are making their way into every high-end store. I wouldn’t suggest going with anything that you feel borders on a wicked witch motif, but trying a diamond-stamped pair would modernize a traditional shift dress.
Leg Warmers
Are you a Dancing with the Stars fan? Of course you are. They wear leg warmers on the show like their legs would fall off without them. Since I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t want a body like a DWTS dancer, I feel like wearing leg warmers might make me look a little more like them, and then I’m one step closer. Go with a pair from Alexander Wang or Rag and Bone, and whether you choose to scrunch them down or wear them straight, the possibilities are endless. Wear them scrunched and pair them with leggings and a jersey top for a fitness fantastic ensemble, or pull them straight and pair with a knit dress for a modern - and warm - look.
Not into the whole 80s vibe? Try a pair of heavy knit knee socks under Hunter rain boots – or brown leather knee boots or those rare sunny days – and pair them with leggings or a knit dress for a cozy, autumn look.
Pea Coat Vest
Tommy Hilfiger has put out what I think is the latest and greatest in fall outerwear. Basically taking an army-green pea coat and cutting off the sleeves, he managed to create a great vest that looks like it’s straight off of the Onassis yacht (only truly fabulous people yacht in the fall). This soon-to-be staple is the perfect combination of preppy and innovation, and I’m personally dying to own one. Pair it with a turtleneck, jeans and riding boots for an equestrian-friendly ensemble. Or try it with a long-sleeved dress and knee-high, heeled suede boots for a more urban-chic look.
Tommy Hifiger Icon Sleeveless Trench
Military
I know that there are a lot of simple and subtle ways to introduce the military look into your wardrobe, so this should not be shocking. But instead of sticking with just an army-green piece or a jacket with “military-inspired” gold buttons, go for a real military risk. Check out a runway-worthy military jacket from Juicy Couture or Of Two Minds, or go all out and find one with military detailing on the shoulders.
If all of this is a little extreme for your risk factor, try one statement piece in a subtle camo print, like LaRok’s sequin camo skirt or Manolo Blahnik’s camo flats, sure to make you army-chic in no time.
Fur
There’s nothing that Rachel Zoe loves more than a fur vest, so if you happen to live to watch her die over everything vintage she finds, this might be a good place to start. Try a vest from her own QVC line for something moderately-priced. This season there are also some great fur boot options that are sure to be your new best friends once the temperature dips below freezing.
While it seems like a fashion risk, the right faux-fur (or real fur) jacket in a winter white color can be a classic piece for fancy events. The off-white option from Juicy Couture this season is a great example, and is sure to keep you warm when wearing a cocktail dress as well as make sure you’re cold-weather chic.
Pattern Knits
Whenever I think of wintertime, I always think of those Jan Brett picture books from when I was younger, and pretty much all of them involve a little girl wearing a Swedish-inspired knit sweater, usually with large snowflakes knitted into it. Although I’m sure no one else would think that’s a basis for a current trend, these sweaters are popping up all over the place (and not just in the children’s section). Go for a Fair Isle sweater for a low-key risk, or pump up the risk factor with an all-over print like the ones this season from Rag and Bone and Marc Jacobs. Should you want to exude Christmas spirit early, go with See by Chloé’s reindeer pattern sweater (right), it’s like it was ripped straight from the pages of my favorite childhood books. Or if you happen to be feeling a little saucy lately, try Ralph Lauren Blue Label’s off-the-shoulder snowflake sweater.
For the over-achiever, Juicy Couture’s Faux Fur-Trimmed Cardigan covers two fashion risks at once, but if you’re only feeling up for one, the fur collar is detachable. With all of these options, you’ll be all set for anything, from the apple orchard to the ski slope.
Remember fashioniSTAs, you’ll never know your true style potential until you take a risk!
~Ashley, fashioniSTA, Second Time Around
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