How To: Parkas

It has been quite a while since I have done a tutorial/how to and I thought with this beautiful Spring weather, it would be appropriate to feature parkas. I love this as an alternative to the classic trench because it adds some edge to an outfit and isn't so overdone. Most parkas are made out of nylon making them equally perfect for those rainy April days. Since it is a somewhat masculine piece, I would style it with a flowy dress and some flats or even rainboots with stockings. I also like playing with proportions and love the idea of pairing a parka with skinny jeans and wedges.

 

I will for surely be keeping my eye out for the perfect parka for this Spring, most likely at an H&M near you. Just sayin.

How To: Leather Pants

Keeping on the trend of leather, I thought I would do a How To on leather pants. After seeing them all over, I am assuming this trend will stick around and soon been an alternative for your everyday denim look. I was initially intimidated by the thought of leather pants (minor flashbacks of Ross from Friends when he attempted the trend...!), but there are actually many different ways to wear leather pants and with a variety of colors, it is an easy addition to any wardrobe. I love that they make such a statement, especially when coupled with a fabulous clutch or handbag. Leather pants can easily transition from day to night by switching up shoes/accessories - simple flats to statement making pumps. Can't wait for Zara or Topshop to come out with their Spring versions!   

How To: Leather Jackets

I think this is the perfect How To for this time of year. The temperatures are rising just enough that a big, bulky winter coat isn't needed anymore. But what is the perfect replacement, you ask? Without question, the leather jacket. The leather jacket is a must for in between seasons and you can't go wrong with a classic black moto style. I have even seen some pretty good versions at Forever 21, which is proof that you do not need to spend a grand to achieve this look. I also love to mix a leather jacket with feminine pieces such as a floral print blouse or a flowy dress. However you decide to wear it, you will no doubt look chic, so hang up your winter coat already!

How To: Winter White

I just hate the cliche fashion rule that white should only be worn between Memorial Day & Labor Day. I am one of those people that lives in white during the summer, so who says it can't be done during other times of the year? I think this rule is definitely meant to be broken - enter Winter White. This color is a great way to incorporate some white into your Winter wardrobe. It is super classy and is such a great neutral. So go ahead, break this fashion rule and add some Winter White into your wardrobe!

How To: Valentine's Dressing

Ruffles. Lace. Bows. Valentine's Day is the PERFECT occasion to go all out girly. I coupled statement making platforms and clutches with elegant dresses and am loving the combination. I usually dress feminine so this was a fun "How To" for me. There is something to be said for dressing like a woman; I think it can be very empowering. So, find the girliest pieces in your closet and go all out this year!

How To: Wide Leg Pants

Looks like the 70's are making their way back! At first I was nervous when I noticed the wide leg/extreme flair jean look making its way back into department stores, but I think with the correct styling it can look very chic. To avoid looking like a member of the Brady Bunch, I suggest wearing wide leg pants with a lightweight top tucked in (This is a must for any type of high wasted trouser, fyi.) Also, with wide leg pants, heels are a good option because this trend can really elongate the legs. Add a pretty top and you're good to go!

How To: Fur Vests

Top Shop Cardigan, $98

Alexander McQueen blouse, $635

J Brand Skinny Jeans, $230

Baton Flat Riding Boots, $1,750

Chloé leather bag, $1,790

Fur Waistcoat Gilet Volpe Black

Lanvin | Ruched top mătase | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 990 EUR

FUR SHOULDER VEST, 13,965 JPY

J-Brand Jeans, 239 EUR

The Sidewalk Wedge - Madewell, $215

Rebecca Minkoff Striped Tote, $525

T by Alexander Wang / Boatneck Sweater, $165

 Anorak - American Eagle Outfitters, $70

J. Crew -  fur vest, $150

Edie mid-rise skinny jeans, $81

YSL platforms, 280 GBP

Alexander Wang leather bag, 910 EUR

If you buy one piece this winter, let it be a fur vest (real or faux). It will keep you super warm and also add so much style and glamour to your everyday look. I am beyond obsessed with the first look here, it is the epitome of an outfit I would wear. While I think the second would be more appropriate for spring, the colors go together so well. And I could see the final look being perfect for a transitional time - such as work to cocktails. How would you wear a fur vest?

How To: Red Pants

Wow, what a statement this makes! I love the character that red pants instantly add to an outfit and they are actually much more versatile than one would think. They can be styled with gold chain bags and a blazer if you're going for a ladylike/classic look or with a fur vest and leather booties for an edgy twist. I also like pairing them with neutrals for a simple daytime look. I wouldn't be surprised if red pants end up being a huge trend this year. Ch-ch-check it out!

Stripe sequin boatneck tee - J.Crew, $72

Deconstructed blazer, $380

Red Crepe Fold Over Hareem Trousers, $80

Shoes - Woman - New collection - ZARA Italy, 80 EUR

MAC Clutch, $375

Eastpointe Garden Top - Anthropologie.com, $58

Stone Double Storm Flap Trench Coat, $180

Etoile Isabel Marant Louise striped mid-rise skinny jeans, $290

Tory Burch Reva Tumbled-Leather Flat, $195

Black Drummed Patent Leather, $1,200

Carine Roitfeld cashmere sweater, $192

Thakoon / Mongolian Fur Gilet, $895

Pencil Leg Waxed Jean: Venom, $180

Alexander Mcqueen Embroidered Faithful Booties For Women, $892

Miu Miu Leopard-print calf hair clutch, $950

How To: Shorts & Tights

I think shorts with tights is a very underrated Winter/Fall styling option that many people don't consider. This is a fun way to style items that you usually don't have the opportunity to wear and all it costs is about $15 for a new pair of tights. It is also nice being able to mix in separates from other seasons into your current wardrobe. I love all three of these looks and their ability to easily transition from season to season.

The Slouchy V-Neck; Women's Tops; Isabella Oliver 365, 76 GBP

Black jacket from H&M (www.hm.com)

Juicy Couture - Rhinestone Knit Tights (Black) - Hosiery, $30

Elizabeth and James Moxy Suede Hiking Booties in Mocha, $237

Chanel vintage bags BLACK, 1,908 GBP

Yves Saint Laurent Leopard-print silk-muslin scarf, $560

All by Alice by Temperley | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 385 EUR

Studded Mineral Plaid Top, $50
Rick Owens Leather Jacket Shearling Cord from Mrs H, 18 800 SEK
H&M dark denim blue shorts
Lace Up Combat Boots, $31
Mulberry Oversized Oak Alexa Bag, 915 GBP
Amazon.com: Black Thick Oversized Slouchy Ribbed Knit Beanie Cap Hat:..., $13
Kate Spade New York - Spangle Tight (Grey) - Accessories, $36

Hazy Days Tank - Madewell, $88
Hope x Nina Persson / Nina Coat w/ Fur Collar, $1,419
Reed Krakoff Belted cotton-twill shorts, $480
Anna Sui - Flower Crochet Sweater Tight (Black) - Hosiery, $27
OPEN HEEL BOOTIES, 308 EUR
Chloé Paraty Medium leather bag, $1,895

 Do you ever mix pieces into your current wardrobe from different seasons?

How To: Maxi Skirts

As much as I have lived in jeans and boots this winter, I love the idea of mixing up my cold weather style and dressing more feminine. The maxi skirt is the perfect solution to get out of a boring winter style rut. Maxi's can also easily transition into Spring/Summer (I'll do another How To: Maxi Skirts when it warms up!) I think this piece adds a ladylike touch to an outfit and looks best with a tucked in top and platforms - the higher the better; the skirt will most likely cover them but it will make your legs look super model long!

Womens's NEW ARRIVALS - tees & tanks - Linden Lace Tee - Madewell, $50
COTTON DOUBLE JK, 74,760 JPY
CHLOE PLEAT MAXI SKIRT | Skirts | Shop | Sportsgirl Mobile
Christian Louboutin Futura nappa leather peep-toe ankle boots, $1,095
Lanvin Happy Mini Pop Bag, $1,390
ASOS | ASOS Leather Tie Detail Embossed Belt at ASOS, 12 GBP

Splendid Top Knot White, 85 EUR

Welikefashion.com - Jacket Rebel by Muubaa

ASOS ALESHA Leather Platform Chelsea Boots, $60

Bottega Veneta Knot Intrec Pointillisme Clutch, $2,100

Jil Sander | Fluoro side-split twill maxi skirt | NET-A-PORTER.COM, 680 EUR

Coral Knitted Stitch Yoke Jumper, $65
Haute Hippie Fellweste Goldie, 1.398 EUR
LNA Long column skirt, 80 GBP
ASOS Pocket Front Bowler, $52
LF Stores x Jeffrey Campbell Limited Edition

Outfit Inspiration: Chambray

After working retail at J.Crew this season, my life was changed by my love for chambray (..okay, maybe not my life...but my style for sure!) Although it is a masculine piece, I think that a chambray shirt adds character to an outfit without much effort. It is one of those items that I have to think "Did I wear this already this week?"; I love it THAT much! I have 3 chambray tops, all different colors and styles. At first I wasn't sure how to style chambray but it is very easy to work into any wardrobe. After putting together many combinations, my favorite is to style a chambray top with a cardigan and black bottoms. With that, here is some chambray "inspiration" for all of you:

Images via J.Crew, The Sartorialist, Cardigans And Couture, La Vie Boston, Stockholm Street Style

How To: Sequin Skirts

Sequin skirts have become popular in the last year or so and they have really started growing on me.  I love their versatility and who doesn't want to incorporate a little sparkle into their outfit? I've been excited to try some of these looks, even at the office (excluding the last one - save that for a night on the town!) J.Crew has had some great options, they are a bit more expensive but high quality none the less. I would suggest going for a looser fitting skirt and/or high waisted with a tucked in top to prevent a look reminiscent of a street walker...unless that's what you're going for and if that's the case, more power to you!

{J.Crew Unisex Saint James® Meridien II nautical tee, $85}
{Chloé Silk-crepe jacket, $1,840}
{SUEDE ANKLE BOOT WITH HEEL AND LACES - Shoes - Woman - New collection...}
{Chanel vintage bags BROWN, 3,048 GBP}
{Vince skirts GOLD, 258 GBP}

{EXPLORER MILITARY SHIRT, 269 EUR}
{By Malene Birger sateen shoulder detail blazer, 150 GBP}
{Women - shirts - Paper poplin workshirt - J.Crew, $275}
{BILLIE, $110}
{Rebecca Minkoff MAC Clutch, $295}

{Rock and Roll T Shirts : Band Tee Shirts : Punk Shirts : Rock Clothes..., $22}
{Premium Red Fringed Leather Biker Jacket, $300}
{black sequin mini skirt $330NOW $247.50, $248}
{Ankle boots, $820}
{BLACK PATENT SKULL CLUTCH, $1,150}

How To: Skinny Cargo Pants

The military fashion trend is nothing new and is probably something that will be around for some time.When done correctly, I think this trend can look quite stylish. Enter the Skinny Cargo. Not only flattering, but also very versatile season round; day or night. Here is how I would wear mine:

Casual, day time look - loving the stripes + leopard print!

Women - sweaters - Sailor sweater - J.Crew, $198

MyShape - Heartloom - Studded Dinah Cardigan, $110

Vintage Olive Skinny Cargo Pants Houlihan, $315

Tory Burch Reva Leopard-Print Ballerina Flat, $225

Tory Burch Reva Tumbled-Leather Flat, $195

Jeffrey Campbell CHARLI C, $125

Jeffrey Campbell 'Nena 2' Sandal, $100

LOVE DOVE SATCHEL BAG, 59,850 JPY

Same pants, completely different look - very edgy/glam.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pocketed silk blouse, $425

Theory | Robena Airy leather jacket, 460 GBP

Vintage Olive Skinny Cargo Pants Houlihan, $315

Freja Patent Leather & Suede Open-Toe Ankle Boots, $695

Tory Burch Halima Leopard Booties, $333

BUFF GOLD STUDDED KNUCKLE BOX CLUTCH, $1,895

Christian Louboutin Black Silver Studded Pumps