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reworking last summer's dress

6/11/2013

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Sperry Top-Sider Summerlin $79.95
A new season means that you get to rediscover all of your favorites from past years. But sometimes even the best piece from last year can fall flat. When Emily tried this dress on, she said it felt a little like a sack, but she wasn't sure what to pair it with to create a better shape.

This dress comes with a thin sash in the same fabric, but since it doesn't add contrast or structure, I switched it out for a wide braided brown belt to create a waist.
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Jane Stone Bubble Bib Necklace $9.99
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LOFT Textured Braided Belt $29.50
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Vince Camuto Two Button Blazer $150
To add a punch of color, I added a bright bauble necklace in a warm red-coral. The necklace doesn't need to be as large as the one pictured, just look for something to lighten and brighten the tan and brown in the dress!

Emily is always looking for ways to wear her white linen blazer so I decided to pair it back to the dress to add more structure. When a dress needs definition, style it with jackets instead of cardigans to offset all the soft edges.
Finally finish off the outfit with a flat metallic sandal to look chic but not overdressed. Perfect for a summertime walk followed by dinner and drinks on the patio!

Have a difficult piece that you'd like featured on the blog? Send a photo or link of the item to practicallystylishblog@gmail.com with a quick description of why you are flummoxed by the item.
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stripes for the shy

6/9/2013

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ModCloth Coral-ly Yours Dress $74.99
This coral dress is a great example of stripes working to your advantage. The angular stripes on the bodice mimic the v-neck and create the illusion of a wrap dress (which is one of the most universally flattering styles). The lighter stripes actually help to tone down the bright coral while adding a detail that makes this simple silhouette exude summer elegance.
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Banana Republic Contrast Cutout Back Top $45
Although I am a huge proponent of stripes as a way to add color, pattern and detail to an ensemble, I know that I have not managed to convince everyone. Stripes still have a reputation for making people look wide (although in my experience I have found that horizontal stripes on your top will accentuate your smallest part to create an hourglass look) and can be intimidating to someone not used to high color contrast. The items I am featuring today all have at least one stripe in them, but they are done in a way that doesn't feel quite so stripe-y.
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Banana Republic Colorblock Ponte Skirt $79.50
Colorblocking is another easy way to add a stripe of color without your entire outfit screaming "nautical." Look for thin stripes of colorblock so that they don't interfere with the line of the dress. A stripe or two of color at the bottom of a dress or skirt is a perfect way to add an extra pop without worrying that you are dressed like a zebra.

When playing with stripes, remember that your accessories can add to the effect. Tuck in your striped top and add a belt in a complementary color or layer a few long necklaces to continue the pattern.

There is a stripe out there for everyone so even if you've been wary of them in the past, try something unexpected the next time you go shopping.
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Gap Knit Blazer $69.95
This season, the big trend in stripes is to play with width. Look for items that have non-uniform stripes or for stripes that don't cover the entire garment to get that little extra bang into your outfit. If you feel that stripes generally overwhelm you, try pairing them under blazers or cardigans to minimize the effect or look for color-on-color stripes that have minimal contrast.
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ModCloth Lines of Poetry Dress $89.99
Not shying away from bold stripes? This is a great season to go wild with both color and stripe width. The key is to choose something that is mostly comprised of neutral colors but has high contrast and one or two bright pops. Here are my favorites of the stripiest pieces out there right now:
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Ann Taylor Striped Pencil Skirt $78
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WHBM Lagoon Crystal Stretch Bracelet $44
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J. Crew Multicolor Stripe Scarf $44.99
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Banana Republic Multi-Stripe Ponte Dress $98
1 Comment

moonlight floral

6/7/2013

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Ann Taylor Moonlight Floral Dress
Earlier this spring, my sister bought the Moonlight Floral dress from Ann Taylor with the intention of wearing to a summer wedding. Now that wedding season is upon us and she has more details about the event, she asked for my help in accessorizing it. Since this fabulous dress deserves more than one spin through the limelight, I have assembled accessory "packages" for a variety of occasions and styles:
For a killer color combination that is always on trend, add pops of red to your black and white outfit. I chose a sparkly bracelet to be the statement jewelry piece of this outfit to avoid obscuring the detailed neckline of this dress with a necklace. The most important thing to remember when accessorizing a highly detailed dress is that your jewelry should not cover up the elements that make the item special in the first place. Although the earrings are only a stud, they subtly pick up the flower motif of the dress and mimic the red in the shoes to add sparkle near the face. This accessory set is a great way to add fun flair for a cocktail party or an evening wedding.

Red and metallic accents are also a great way to add a punch to your favorite little black dress or to spice up your basic black suit. To get the most use out of your red accents throughout the summer, try pairing them back to yellow, orange or navy.
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WHBM Flame Flower Post Earring $38
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J. Crew Factory Gold & Crystal Link Bracelet $21.50
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MICHAEL Michael Kors Mid Pump $99

For a completely fabulous nighttime look, add sparkle in silver, black and grey tones. Without a bright color pop, the focus of the outfit becomes the floral pattern of the dress. I chose non-matching accessories to play off the different shades of grey in the floral pattern to maintain the dynamic from head to toe. The crystal-encrusted flower on the clutch adds a bit of thematic whimsy, but the jewelry pieces are relatively simple- some shimmer and sparkle is all you need to create a truly showstopping ensemble.
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Bandolino Tufflove Peeptoe Wedge $69
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Nina Leiden $119.99
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LOFT Faceted Gem Stud Earrings $19.50
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Lands' End Simple Life Bead Bracelet $24
To transition this dress into fall, pair back to suede wedges in a deep jewel tone. If you need an extra layer for warmth, slip on a cropped black blazer or drape a pashmina over your shoulders.
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Pour La Victoire Mai-A Wedge $225

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Promise Kumar Patent Peeptoe Wedges $28.80
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Sequin Brights Enamel Bangles $28
The wedding that my sister is attending is outdoors in the afternoon so I suggested that she pair back to bright, fun accessories. A wedge generally feels more casual than a heel and since it is summer, a peeptoe is always on point. Coral and turquoise are typically paired back to lighter colors, so the color palette feels fresh and interesting when you bring them in to brighten up the black.

A simple stud earring and a bracelet with a splash of color are the only pieces of jewelry you will need- remember not to over-accessorize for afternoon. One place you can go bold though is with your bag. I love a brightly colored (and possibly oversized) clutch for afternoon. It shows that you are fun and stylish, but you can set it down on your chair when you want your dress to be center-stage.


If you have an item that you're not sure how to wear or are thinking about getting something that is out of your box, send a photo or link to practicallystylishblog@gmail.com and I will feature your item (with lots of practical advice) here on the blog!
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ALDO Landaverde Clutch $45
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Ann Taylor Pave Horizon Bracelet $38
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Jimmy Choo Bergen Peep-Toe Wedge $398
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