practically stylish
  • practically stylish
  • pursuit of practical style
  • contact
  • bread and flowers

splash on some color

6/30/2013

1 Comment

 
If your summer wardrobe is mostly filled with light colored neutrals it can be hard to add the bright colors and patterns of the season. It either feels like an overwhelming task to find those pieces which are out of your comfort zone or seems like a waste of money to buy pieces that you aren't sure you will actually want to wear. Try picking up a few brightly colored accessories (lots of great pieces are on sale right now!) and incorporating them into your existing neutrals to give them a summery pop!
Picture
J. Crew Belt $42.50
Picture
LOFT Fuchsia Stone Bracelet $29.50
For a simply chic look, tuck a white tee into white or khaki cropped pants (or shorts). Add a brightly colored skinny belt and either a necklace or shoes in a coordinating color. I love to warm up stark whites with oranges - it's a color that many people shy away from but in small pops any skin tone can pull it off. If you don't like wearing white because it never seems to stay truly white try this look with a navy top & cropped pant instead. Navy and orange look stunning together but also try splashing in teal or yellow for a cooler color combo.
Picture
LOFT Belt $34.50
Picture
Boden Leather T-Bar Sandals $52.80
Picture
Lands' End Necklace $19.99
Don't feel like you have to add on lots of extras to make a big impact. For day wear, stick with two accessories in similar colors. Use them to brighten up your outfits, but don't go so crazy that you are lost behind them.

Most of your bright summertime extras can be transitioned into fall so make sure you choose accessories that you like enough to wear for a few seasons instead of picking the trendy items.
Picture
Gap Patent Perforated Flats $29.96
If you want to mix bright accessories in several colors, stay in either a warm or a cool color palette. If you do mix warm and cool colors, keep the pops small so you don't overwhelm your outfit.
It may seem odd to wear a scarf during the heat of the summertime but with a/c so prevalent in most cities and cool evening breezes it is prudent to keep an extra layer handy. Don't feel like you have to wear it around all day- when you leave your chilled office for a lunchtime outing tie your scarf in a floppy bow on the handle of your tote bag. When you get into the cool restaurant you can easily throw it back on!
Picture
Lands' End Cotton Linen Scarf $24.99
Picture
Gap Printed Canvas Tote $39.95
Picture
Banana Republic Jacinta Scarf $49.50
Picture
Lands' End Enamel Rings Bracelet $12.99
Picture
Banana Republic Buckle Leather Belt $39.50
A patterned tote bag or a brightly colored shoe is also a great way to add a fun pop. You don't need it to match every outfit exactly-- think of it like your bright trench from spring and make it your signature.

You don't need a lot of pieces to create an impact. With a just a handful of pieces--a belt, a necklace, a bracelet, and a scarf--you'll be able to mix and match to add something fun to all of your summer ensembles.
Picture
Ann Taylor Beaded Station Necklace $48
There are lots of great bright colors out there right now and I am having trouble choosing a favorite this season. Let me know in the comments what accent color you are loving this summer!
Picture
Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal $89.95
1 Comment

comfortably chic

6/19/2013

1 Comment

 
The week before you go on vacation is always a test. I am heading to the Grand Canyon in just a few days and my mind is already in relaxation mode. That can make it difficult to put on structured and professional clothes for work, but luckily there are plenty of options that look chic but feel like weekend wear.

This first outfit is comprised of a mixture of the softest, stretchiest, and silkiest fabrics out there right now. I paired a navy & white striped blazer in my favorite comfy fabric (ponte!) over a colored tee with just a hint of detail at the neckline. Tuck the tee into this season's most versatile navy pant and finish off with a simple metallic flat and coordinating bracelet. You'll be so comfortable that you won't even want to change once you get home from work!
Picture
Banana Republic 3/4 Sleeve Ponte Blazer $130
Picture
LOFT Peasant Tee in Violet Lattice $24.50
Picture
Ann Taylor Drapey Wide Leg Pants $88
Picture
WHBM Bead Coil Bracelet $38
Picture
Lands' End Blythe Ballet Flat $59

This J. Crew ponte dress is the perfect base layer for this second outfit. It looks like a cream shell tucked into a black pencil skirt, but since it is all one piece, you don't have worry about coming untucked throughout the day. Pair with a short sleeve cardigan (or a black blazer for a more conservative office) and accessorize with just the basics. You'll be lounging around in so much stretch that you'll forget how polished you look until you walk by a mirror!
Picture
Ann Taylor Peplum Jacket $109.99
I love a nude pump or wedge for the office in the summertime. It feels lighter and cooler than basic black, doesn't push the envelope- the only statement it makes is polished sophistication so you can shine through.
Picture
J. Crew Colorblock Ponte Dress $128
Picture
Ann Taylor Floral Print Crew Neck Short Sleeve Cardigan $78
Picture
Banana Republic Caged Leather Bangle $39.50
Picture
Nine West Garcen $79

If you work in an environment with a relaxed dress code, then it can be easier to accidentally cross the line from chic-comfy over to sloppy-comfy. The indulgent comfort that you are enjoying in your pre-vacation outfits should only be obvious to you--the rest of your workplace should only be thinking how fabulous you look! To keep this third look casual, but not schlumpy, choose simple pieces with clean lines and narrow silhouettes. Use bright colors to make your basics fun again!
Picture
Banana Republic Gingham Shirt $64.50
Picture
Lands' End Canvas Slim Chinos $39.99
Picture
Ann Taylor Woven Belt $29.99
Picture
Boden T-Bar Demi Wedges $68.60
As the tag line of this blog says, I believe that you should love what you wear everyday. The best way to do that is to feel confident and comfortable in your clothes. Choosing fabrics that move easily can make the difference between an outfit that you are readjusting throughout the day and an outfit that you can put on and forget about (except when you are getting compliments). Incorporate some polished stretch into your work wear and enjoy your most comfortable summer yet!
1 Comment

three tips for shopping the summer sales

6/16/2013

1 Comment

 
1. There are lots of great skirts and dresses on the sale racks right now, but there is a hidden issue to be aware of. Many tailored skirts and dresses have a back vent that is temporarily tacked down and thus, not initially visible. Make sure to check the length of the vent to ensure that you are not showing more skin in the back than you are comfortable with. The tacking stitch cannot be left in as-is, but if you love a piece and don't mind spend a few extra dollars, you can bring it to a tailor and have them sew the vent closed permanently. If you are ordering online, be sure to look at the back view of the item and zoom in to get a sense of the vent size.

2. Don't say "I can't wear anything like xyz."  For example, maxi dresses and skirts are a huge trend right now, but I constantly have clients at work (of all shapes and sizes) tell me that maxis don't work for their body type. But what they really mean is that they tried one on once and didn't like it. Every piece is created differently so don't write off a whole style based on one bad experience. If something about the item appeals to you--color, pattern, whatever!--then try it on. The worst case is that it doesn't work, but you'll never find the gems if you don't take a few chances. Lots of great pieces get relegated to the sale section because they don't look good on a hanger, but since you'll be wearing them on your body, make sure you wait to make your decisions until you've seen it on.
Picture
St. John Marocain Skirt $495
3. Although the prices are reduced, limit yourself to a small number of trendy items. The goal is to have a wardrobe that transitions between seasons so don't buy twenty pairs of neon floral jeans, even if they are super cheap. Remember that price shouldn't be your only consideration--if you fill up your closet with lots of seasonal pieces that will be collecting dust in eight weeks, then you won't have room, physical or emotional, to buy your classic and staple pieces. Lots of women have closets that are overflowing but still feel like they have nothing to wear because they are buying based on an individual item instead of based on the overall health of their wardrobe. But don't worry! If you love a bargain hunt, think of adding on the extra criteria as an advanced level. Not only do you have to find a great price, but your piece must also be classic and wearable at least one and a half seasons out of the year! Happy hunting!
1 Comment

the skirt, not all dressed up

6/14/2013

1 Comment

 
Picture
Have a difficult piece that you'd like featured on the blog? Send a photo or link of the item you'd like styled to practicallystylishblog@gmail.com with a quick description of why you are having trouble wearing the item.

I also love to see success stories! If you have styled an outfit that you love, please share it via email, Twitter or Facebook so that we can all be inspired!
Picture
Teva Mandalyn Wedge Ola 2 $30
Skirts and dresses are always a tempting option during the hot months when light and breezy is key, but many women struggle to transition them into their casual or day-to-day life. Although there are plenty of casual-only skirts and dresses available in stores during the warm months, you don't need to buy a whole new wardrobe.
Picture
Land's End Initial Necklace $39
Picture
Ann Taylor Perfect V-Neck Tee $28
Emily submitted this patterned skirt which is a great piece for "dressing down" because it has a fun ruffle detail at the hem and has some stretch to it. A pencil skirt can look too stiff when you are wearing it casually, so choose something that moves easily. I paired it with a brightly colored t-shirt (you can wear it tucked or untucked depending on your proportions) to add a fun pop. When dressing down a skirt, look for a basic knit without sheen or embellishment.

Although I love to layer on the accessories, for this outfit I only added a simple sterling silver necklace. It adds enough polish so that the outfit feels complete without being dressy. Finally, I added a casual wedge sandal with a hint of color that will keep your feet comfortable and your outfit looking effortless.
1 Comment

practically stylish on facebook

6/11/2013

0 Comments

 
practically stylish now has its very own Facebook page! Swing by and check it out- I'll be updating it with photos, quick thoughts and links to other interesting things! Please like the page and share with your friends. Thanks so much!
www.facebook.com/practicallystylish
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Tweets by @practicalstyl

    RSS Feed

    Visit Practically Stylish's profile on Pinterest.

    categories

    All
    12 Days Of Holiday Parties
    Accessories
    Athletic Wear
    Beauty
    Birchbox
    Blogher
    Books
    Casually Stylish
    Cold Weather Wardrobe
    DIY
    Emily's Closet
    Evening Chic
    Fabulous Shoes
    Fall Essentials
    Fashionable Food
    Fashion Finds
    Gift Guide
    Guide To Elegance
    Halloween
    Holiday
    Inspiration
    Jane's Closet
    Key Pieces
    Men's Fashion
    Nautical Inspired
    Office Attire
    Ootd
    Outerwear
    Outfit Guide
    Packing Tips
    Polyvore
    Q&A
    Review
    Room For Debate
    Shopping Tips
    Spring Style
    Style At Home
    Style Tips
    The 10 Basics
    The 10 Basics
    Warm Weather Wardobe
    Wedding Season
    What To Wear
    Work To Weekend
    YouTube

    Picture
    Picture

    archives

    February 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012

    Picture
Proudly powered by Weebly