Posts tagged Theory
Three Styles, One Fashionable Thanksgiving
Nov 26th
Thanksgiving, the one holiday that is actually about food. If you’re anything like me, I don’t necessarily feel my most beautiful and put-together self when I’m stuffing my face for 24 hours. It’s hard to resist those comfy and stretchy yoga pants, but don’t give in! Here are three fabulous outfit inspirations to keep you looking fabulous (as usual) this Thanksgiving.
1. Cozy and Versatile
This outfit is great for all of the active ladies. Whether lounging with the family or running around with the kids, this outfit is comfortable but ready to go! Citizen jeans are the epitome of classic casual, and the Theory knit sweater is a subtle touch of cozy and confident. Tory Burch boots add a little glam, and the Burberry scarf ties the whole thing together for an unstoppable ensemble.
And wouldn’t you know, this Burberry quilted jacket from STA 324 Newbury St. goes perfectly when it’s time for the family football game.
2. Elegant and Feminine
Sometimes we celebrate Thanksgiving with a loved-one’s family instead of our own. But don’t let that frighten your holiday fashion sense! A feminine, chic outfit is appropriate for any Thanksgiving atmosphere. We love this blouse from Ralph Lauren, which you can dress down with Calvin Klein black skinny jeans. Then add your personality in the accessories! We added some sparkle with Rebecca Minkoff loafers and a Marc Jacobs bracelet.
These Prada silver jeweled flats from STA Armitage are a fabulous way to add some glam to your sophisticated ensembles. And If you’re a guest, the Chanel cross body from STA Haddonfield can carry all of your little necessities while you’re out!
3. Stylish, Yet Forgiving
Maybe you’re like me and love to spend Thanksgiving with a glass of wine in the kitchen with the women of the family. All I know is I don’t want to wear anything too restricting, especially as I’m nibbling all day! A dress is a great way to stay comfortable and fashionable. This Marc by Marc Jacobs short dress allows you to move freely around the house. Paired with black tights and Chanel boots, it screams bold and down to business. And we can never resist a good accessory, like this Michael Kors collar necklace.
And don’t forget a Michael Kors boyfriend watch from STA 176 Newbury St. is a mandatory accessory on Thanksgiving to keep track of all the madness!
Happy Thanksgiving fashioniSTAs!
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
Dress the Part: Family Gathering
Jun 16th
No matter how large your family gatherings may be, there’s always at least one person present that you need to “dress your best” for. Picky grandparents, that cousin with whom you’re always competing, mother-in-law… time with the extended family should never be taken for granted, but who wants the added stress of dressing for the occasion? No one, so here’s how you can make it a breeze! Learn how to incorporate your taste into outfits that are coordinated and pulled together. Keep your outfit consistent in textures and patterns so as not to clash; it helps you come across as pulled together, not to mention make you appear as if you made an effort to dress well. Some simple fashion rules to keep in mind…
- Dress comfortably, both physically and emotionally. Don’t take a risk with a color / print / style if you don’t feel 100% confident in it; if you feel self-conscious all day about your choice, you won’t be able to relax, and people pick up on that. The same goes for wearing something too structured; if you’re physically uncomfortable in something after only an hour of wearing it, you won’t be able to stop thinking about your discomfort all day. And who wants that?
- Dress your size. Don’t squeeze into something because you reeeeeeally wanted to wear it, and don’t wear anything too oversized (unless it’s intentionally sized that way) — you’ll come across as if you’re hiding (or hiding a baby bump).
- When in doubt, dress up instead of down. Many fashion icons have stated that it’s better to be overdressed for an occasion than under. You can be noticed for looking too fabulous or for looking too boring. You choose.
- Never sacrifice your own personal style for the sake of someone’s expectations. Just temporarily tailor it to put your best face forward for the situation!
Check out some outfit choices from our Harvard Square location:
Tank: Dharma Imports (size S) $28 — NWT! / Jersey Knit Scarf: American Apparel $9 / Skirt: Chip & Pepper (size 6) $35 / Bag: Dooney & Bourke $49 / Flats: Enzo Angiolini (size 8.5) $29
Dress: Dharma Imports (size M) $34 — NWT! / Wooden Bead & Rope Necklace: $8 / Bag: Isabella Fiore $59 / Sandals: Prada (size 8.5) $119
Dress: Theory (size S) $59 / Wood & Leather Necklace: $16 / Bag: Donna Dixon: $19 / Sandals: Miz Mooz (size 7.5) $25
Top: Dharma Imports (size S) $24 — NWT! / Jean Skirt: Theory (size 
$35 / Suede Belt: $15 / Wooden Bead Necklace: $14 / Bag: The Limited $25 / Sandals: Frye (size 10) $59
~Kim, Store Manager-Harvard Square/FashioniSTA
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
First Job Fashion Survival Kit: Your Work Wardrobe Lifesavers
Jun 1st
Springtime brings college graduations and often the beginning of summer internships. Stepping out into the real, working world can be scary, especially if the only work-appropriate attire that you own is an interview suit. There are a few life-saving pieces that many people overlook, but are definitely worth making part of your style survival lineup:
Flats
In your first working experience, you will probably have a job where you will need to bring upper or mid-level management their coffee. And you will need to do it quickly, usually by running. Give yourself a break and wear flats – at least for the first few weeks – so you don’t have to worry about maintaining your balance in heels. Cole Haan flats are like an extra lifeline with their Nike Air technology, but any pair of soft, leather flats work great. Either invest in a neutral color – such as Chanel black or nude leather – or use your flats to liven up your office outfit by adding subtle embellishments as seen with Vera Wang Lavender Label or Delman. Also, flat boots are completely acceptable as well, and you can usually commute in them.
Great designers to consider: Chanel, Tod’s, Cole Haan, Pour La Victoire, Delman, Lavender Label Vera Wang, Joie
Raincoat
It never occurred to me when I got my first job that I would need to commute there as well. What also never occurred to me was that it might rain. One of the best decisions you can make is investing in a rain jacket with a hood. Go for the double-team on this one and find a jacket that you can also wear when the weather is nicer, whether it’s a classic Burberry trench or a toggle front option from Jane Post.
Great designers to consider: Burberry, Theory, Jane Post, Preta LoBue
Basic Tanks and Blouses
One of the great life lessons I received when I started working was that you can never have enough basic tanks. Stockpile them in a variety of colors that you can use to layer, and never underestimate how many you will go through in the course of a week. In addition to these essentials, I also learned that investing in colorful and patterned blouses is key. While basic tanks work great under cardigans, structured blouses create instant professionalism when standing alone. Go for traditional neutrals to establish the basics, but also try bold colors and subtle embellishments – these become the new neutrals. These details on top will transform your skirts and pants from separates into a cohesive ensemble. While fitted blouses work with any look, you can pair looser tops with skinny jeans or tuck them into your pencil skirts for a professional, yet chic outfit. Even if you don’t work in a creative field, you can still wear an embellished or colorful tank – mastered by Tory Burch – under a blazer and with a conservative skirt or pants.
Great designers to consider: Basic Tanks-James Perse, Vince, Theory; Blouses- J.Crew, Tory Burch, Nanette Lepore, Diane von Furstenberg
Cardigans
Office weather can be unpredictable at best. Instead of wrapping yourself in a blanket when it gets too cold or wearing your coat indoors, make a cardigan a critical staple of your style survival kit. One sage piece of advice I learned: a black cardigan is like a best friend, it will help you out in any fashion situation. Make sure that you have at least one that’s fitted as well as a longer, looser cardigan and you’ll have any outfit covered. Feeling bolder? Experiment with different sleeve lengths, materials, colors and buttons to spice up your wardrobe.
Great designers to consider: J.Crew, Tory Burch, Juicy Couture
Commuting Tote
While you won’t need to show up at the office with a full set of luggage, you will need at least one tote bag, usually in addition to your purse. This bag will help you cart around extra work materials in addition to your lunch or cardigans, so make sure it has sturdy handles and a roomy interior, but opt for one that is still slim enough to fit in your desk drawer. From clear and plastic to slim and leather, this bag will become an indispensable part of your working routine.
Inside your tote should also be a golden nugget of fashion wealth: a shoe bag. Since commuting in your nice shoes is generally impossible, carrying a small cloth bag for your commuting footwear will give you the peace of mind that you aren’t bringing the street grime into your tote.
Great designers to consider: Louis Vuitton, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Lulu Guinness, Carlos Falchi, Bottega Venetta
Ok recent grads, good luck with your jobs! We know you will be (and look!) great.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
Get great looks for less at STA Mott St.
Mar 10th
Wow! Between the end of fashion week and the premiere of Housewives, time’s been a-flying!
Simon and I attended 18 shows and presentations this fashion week – it was a wild week with all sorts of new ideas for fall. This season I either wore a dress from the designer’s show we were seeing, or I wore something off-the-rack from the Mott Street STA, and found myself wondering as I often do – how do you execute these runway looks in real life? Aha…I feel a project coming on!!
Don’t have a Neiman Marcus budget of $3,000? At Mott Street we found a collection of separates – an Armani jacket, Ann Taylor turtle neck, Laundry tuxedo pants, a black fedora and (of course) some Michael Kors shoes. Total STA look = $400.
Next – this Academy of Art University look is cute, young and sexy in a wholesome way. Linlee and I found pieces from Theory and J. Crew paired with stiletto thigh high boots. Again, we trimmed that runway budget down to $200.
Finally, I love this full, swingy skirt from Pamella Roland though it’ll set you back a few thousand. Linlee, Sophie and I found this great mauve silk tie neck dress and paired it with peach Manolos…always a girl’s best friend. Grand total $350. Go fashioniSTA!! ~Alex
Meet Alex this Thursday, March 11, at our Mott Street location in SoHo between 2-5pm. She will be doing consignment so come on by! 262 Mott St., New York, NY, 10012 (212) 965-8415.