Posts tagged sequins
‘Tis the Season to Sparkle
Dec 20th
It’s officially the season of shopping, and we couldn’t be more excited. Okay, so maybe it’s about shopping for gifts, but we all still deserve to spoil ourselves now and then. After all, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit than with a festive wardrobe? Whether you’re attending or hosting a party this season, it’s time to start planning that perfect party outfit. And if you’re not quite sure how to give your look that holiday feel, add some sparkle and experiment with sequins!
Whether you go all out, or try just a touch, sequins are guaranteed to spread holiday cheer. It’s hard to go wrong with a sequin dress, which can work for both formal events or your casual soiree. Try all-over sparkle or a dress with sequin details! This statement dress makes it easy to pair with all of your go-to basic accessories. To mute the sequined number, pair it with rich textiles, like leather or velvet. It will tone down the sequins while still giving you that holiday formality.
If that seems like too much too soon, take a shot at sequin separates. A top, skirt, blazer, or even pants are all amazing holiday pieces. The possibilities are endless, but be careful not to out gleam the Christmas tree. Pair these dazzling separates with basic pieces. A sequin skirt is just right with a black sweater. Or throw on a sequin blazer over a t-shirt and jeans for an instant party outfit! For an even muted take on this look, pair it with traditional holiday pieces, such as a tartan skirt.
If you already have your favorite LBD set aside for the festivities, introduce sequin accessories as something special for the holidays. Heels or a clutch are a great way to add a little glimmer to your timeless looks. While sequin-covered attire might seem like a bold purchase, you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. After all, you can bring them out again for New Year’s! And even though trends change over the years, the holidays will always be a season to sparkle.
Countdown to NYE: Part 3, Lounging Up
Dec 30th
While we love a great glittery New Years Eve party on the town, we know that staying in for NYE is so underrated. Have plans with a cushy couch, faux fur throw, and take-out this upcoming Monday night? Not to worry, you can still look (comfortably) fabulous as you usher in 2013 with Carson Daly on NBC.
Even when staying in, festive sequins are a doable feat. Try a sequined sweatshirt (like this one by Three Dots). Pair it with a comfy pair of leggings or cashmere lounge pants, and you’re ready to chicly welcome the New Year. If you want to keep sequins out of your at-home wardrobe, try a luxe cashmere tunic in a festive color with your skinnies and Minnetonka moccasins for an equally perfect look.
Whatever your look for an at-home New Years Eve, don’t forget to accessorize with your favorite bubbly (or mocktail!). And check out our New Years Eve tips as we countdown to the start of 2013 on our Pinterest board and daily Twitter inspiration!
~Meredith, fashioniSTA
What’s in Season: Winter Dares for Every Style
Nov 29th
When the temperatures drop, it’s tough to muster up the energy to shop or put together an outfit. This season, however, the top trends are designed to keep you looking your best even when it’s cold outside.
Faux fur is making its way into retailers everywhere, ensuring that no one will be left out in the cold this year. Try this out with a faux fur color on a rich-colored jacket for a look that is decidedly now. If you’re not into fur of any kind, you can still take a dare this year by breaking out the white. From scarves to sweaters to even white denim (gasp!), winter white is having its moment, helping fashionistas everywhere break the rules and look good doing it.
The rich oxblood color that was everywhere during the fall is also sticking around for winter. The luxurious tone of this color can turn an ordinary cardigan into a statement piece or a suede handbag into a must-have. Try one piece out or do an entire monochromatic ensemble, you can’t go wrong with this color! This is also a great style to sub in during the holiday season. Instead of a traditional red dress for your holiday party, grab an outfit in lush oxblood, and don’t forget to throw the burgundy on your lips as well!
For this holiday season, it’s all about the sparkle, of course! Pair a sequin dress with a blazer for a modern look, or try out the shimmer with a sequin peep-toe shoe. Not a glitter girl? Not to worry, spikes are also in, giving any outfit a touch of embellishment that is more tough than girly. Go with a sweater with a spiked shoulder or a bag with a few spiky details to really nail this trend.
~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
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
Eighth Day of Style - Just Add Sparkle
Dec 29th
The holiday/NYE season is all about the glitz, and wherever I can get away with wearing a little extra sparkle, I’m all over it. From using a glitter topcoat on your nails to busting out the baubles, there are tons of great ways to infuse your everyday wardrobe with a little sparkle. Breaking out the sequins for a party is a great start, but add a little of that shine to your casual look, and it’ll make everyday a mini celebration.
A Pinch of Glitter From Your Head to Your Toes 
When the weather gets colder, it’s easy to slide into a dark-colors-only wardrobe. Don’t worry, you can still do that and not look like you’ve become seasonally depressed. An all-black or all-navy ensemble can look great with a multi-colored or silver glitter flat. To pull together a casual – yet polished – look, start with the pair of dark denim of your choosing (boyfriend, distressed, skinny, etc.). Pair your jeans with either a black tank/blazer, or with a dark cashmere sweater. Finish off the look with a thin, sparkly headband and either a sleek blowout or a messy up-do. Glitter flats also work great with darker jewel tones, such as cranberry or forest green. For a modern look, pair your jewel-toned corduroys with multi-colored glitter flats, topping off the look with a white button-down or a lace top.
For an even subtler look, try a black glitter belt paired with an all-black, fitted ensemble. Or you can always go with solid-color flats that have a sparkle cap toe. It’ll add just a tiny dose of glam to a basic outfit. Sparkle tights have been popping up everywhere as well, and they range from slightly shiny to full-on gold sparkle. Find what you’re comfortable with and add them into your tights rotation to spice up your normal work or nighttime attire.
Layer the Glitz In With Your Basics
Got a sequin or embellished tank that you usually reserve for after the sun goes down? Make the most of it and wear it during the day! Layer it over a basic black or gray long-sleeved knit top and pair with jeans, basic pants or a neutral skirt. Dress it up with heels or dress it down with minimal accessories and a blazer for a day at the office. The neutral layers will balance out any embellishment, and the glitzy detail will provide the same accent that your jewelry normally would.
You can also break out your sequin sweaters during the day as well. Pair any sequin sweater with contrasting neutral pieces for a fresh take on timeless chic. Lighter sequins tend to work better for daytime, but a black sequined cardigan, styled with a white cotton tank and dark denim, is a great casual option that can quickly go from day to night. Got a metallic sweater that doesn’t resemble a basic cardigan and you don’t know what to do with it? You can always layer it with a blazer or other indoor-appropriate jacket to tone down the sparkle, but these pieces are also great seasonal transition items. Pair a gold sweater with a pastel skirt (see below) for a winter-sparkle-meets-spring-awakening look, which will help you transition in style by using the best of both seasons.
Sequin skirts are usually reserved for nighttime activities, but if you own a sparkly skit in a lighter color, you can also work them during the day. Pair knee-high, flat boots with a cream sequined skirt and a cream cashmere sweater for a winter white ensemble that is daytime-appropriate and wonderland-esque.
Remember, fashioniSTAs, probably the easiest way to subtly sparkle in style is to brush a glitter topcoat across your nails, it’s quick and will complement any ensemble!
~Ashley, FashioniSTA