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

wearing stripes

11/26/2012

1 Comment

 
PictureLOFT Long & Lean Pieced Stripe Tee $29.50

It is time to throw out the old adage about not wearing horizontal stripes. Like any garment, fit is more important that color or pattern for looking and feeling good. When a top fits well, adding a stripe can be a fun and chic way to add some pizzazz to your outfit. Plus, the horizontal stripes will accentuate the small of your waist and help define an hourglass figure. If you are still uneasy about trying out stripes, try a dark color combo without high contrast like black/forest green (shown left) or layer with a solid such as a vest (shown below) to break up the pattern.

Picture
Gap Fitted Puffer Vest $88
Picture
Banana Republic Striped Timeless Tee $34.50
Stripes aren't just for t-shirts anymore! Add a striped sweater topper or jacket to your outfit to brighten up your neutral outfits. This is also an easy way to dress down your favorite dress. Just layer with a striped topper and pair with tights and boots for a casual yet polished look.
Picture
Banana Republic Belted Stripe Sweater $150
Picture
Land's End Stripe Felted Wool Jacket $119
Picture
Gap Happy Stripe Crew Sweater $49.95

Stripes are great under another big trend of this season-capes. A striped sweater gives a great pop of pattern at the neck and at the wrists. Pair with jeans and add a brightly striped top (left) for a relaxed look or a neutral one (far right) for a night out.
Picture
Ann Taylor Tie Wool Cape $148
Picture
WHBM Sparkle-Stripe Bateau Neck Sweater $98
Picture
LOFT Cotton Shirred Shoulder Back Zip Tee $34.50
Picture
Ann Taylor Belle 3/4 Sleeve Jacket $178
Picture
Ann Taylor Striped Cotton Jewel Neck Long Sleeve Tee $32
Want to wear stripes to work? Pick a pattern that has some variation to it, either stripe size or color. Then layer under a blazer (I prefer 3/4 sleeve length to give extra pop of color at the wrists) and pair with your favorite trousers or pencil skirt. Since you are adding pattern, minimize the number of colors you are wearing.
1 Comment

black friday

11/23/2012

0 Comments

 
Picture


Happy Thanksgiving and a successful Black Friday! Hopefully everyone survived their shopping experiences today. Since I work in retail and this is a pretty crazy weekend, regular posts will not resume until Monday.


Thanks for your patience and for continuing to read my thoughts here!


Like what I wore on our "Black & Bling" themed Black Friday? Get the look:
-Ann Taylor Sequin Tulle Mini Skirt $98
-LOFT Tie Back Tee in Black $29.99
-Banana Republic Mint Majesty Necklace $69.50
-Ann Taylor Exotic Leather Skinny Belt in Rich Verdigris $38
-Me Too Kim Black Nappa Flat $69.95

0 Comments

tis the season: holiday pieces

11/20/2012

2 Comments

 
PictureWHBM Sequined Sweater Jacket $148
One of the best parts about holiday fashion is that you are expected to go a little overboard. Sequins, lace, brightly colored patterns? It's all fair game when eggnog is in season. This year don't be afraid to go out of the box to find a great holiday piece that brings a smile to your face. These are some of the pieces that have me in the holiday spirit!

Picture
Banana Republic Alyssa Bow Ballet Flat $110
Picture
LOFT Metal Flower Bracelet $39.50
Picture
LOFT Square Pink Gemstone Stretch Ring $9.99
Picture
Ann Taylor Trellis Print Sweater in Alpine Apple $68
Picture
Ann Taylor Trellis Print Cardigan in Rose Taffy $78
Picture
Ann Taylor Modern Twill Straight Leg Pants in Winter White $98
Picture
Lands' End Canvas Sequin Mini Skirt $90
Picture
Banana Republic Lace Sheath $150
Picture
Lands' End Duet Dress $84
Picture
LOFT Petra Sparkle Tweed Pumps $79.50
Picture
Nine West Flash Lite Shopper $38
Add bright pops of color to your holiday wardrobe with jewelry and printed sweaters. Pair with winter white trousers and metallic flats for a snow dusted look.
Picture
Gap Happy Stripe Crew Sweater $49.95
Picture
Ann Taylor Deco Trellis Bangle in Berry Glaze $48
Picture
Ann Taylor Honeycomb Bangle $38
Picture
Banana Republic Sparkle Stud Earring $29.50
Picture
Chico's Asha Short Necklace $44
Picture
Ann Taylor Garden Stretch Bracelet in Dusty Pink Powder $38
What better way to add holiday spirit to an outfit than with a fun blazer? Choose a winter fabric or a seasonal color and you will be the hit of every holiday party you attend!
Picture
WHBM Cardinal Red Military Ponte Jacket $148
Picture
Lands' End Canvas Velvet Tuxedo Jacket $150
Picture
Nine West Asymmetric Clutch $49
Picture
Banana Republic Monogram Lace Pencil Skirt in Fairview Taupe $110
2 Comments

cold weather outfit roundup

11/19/2012

0 Comments

 
PictureBR Flannel Trouser $110
This is the eighth and final installment of the cold weather outfit series. All of the pieces mentioned in this post (except for shoes & hosiery) are part of the cold weather wardrobe post. In this post I have taken a few of the pieces that were not heavily used in the rest of the series to show some additional versatility. If there are any other pieces you would like additional suggestions for, let me know in the comments!


Wear to Work:
Tuck in a teal silk long sleeve blouse and layer with a black blazer. Add a belt (worn through the belt loops) for a polished finish.

Holiday Party:
Wear a white long sleeve tee underneath a buttoned taupe cardigan. Accessorize with a short, sparkly necklace and a skinny belt.

Family Reunion:
Pair with a plum silk blouse, a metallic belt (worn through the belt loops) and a gold bangle.


Wear to Work:
Tuck into a black pencil skirt and pair with a gunmetal cuff. Want added versatility? Just layer on a grey blazer. Shoes can also make a big difference--try a suede wedge for a modern twist or a black pump for a traditional office.

Around Town:
Pair with grey chinos and metallic flats. Accessorize with a grey printed scarf. When the temperature drops, layer with a sweater jacket for a chic and easy look.

Holiday Party:
Tuck into a silver tweed skirt and pair with a gunmetal cuff. Finish off with a grey pump, like this one or, if you prefer a metallic heel, try matte pewter for maximum versatility.

Picture
BR Shawl Collar Wrap Top $39.50
PictureBR Denim Trouser $89.50


Casual Friday:
Tuck in a striped oxford, layer with a grey cardigan and accessorize with a skinny belt (worn through the belt loops). Pair with suede wedges.

Around Town:
Layer a purple merino pullover sweater underneath a a grey/white striped cardigan. Add on a grey printed scarf and slip into your favorite flats.

Lunch Date:
Pair with a polka dot ruffled shirt and a grey ponte blazer. Wear with a pair of brightly colored flats or heels for a pop of personality.




0 Comments

all about the belt

11/18/2012

2 Comments

 
Belts are one of the easiest ways to accessorize and add polish to your outfits, but somewhere along the way they got saddled with a reputation for being clunky and boring. There are so many options for belts today that there is no reason for your belt loops to be empty. And pretty soon you might even be looking for excuses to wear belts with things that don't have loops!

the three essential belts

PictureJ. Crew Patent Leather Square Buckle Belt $29.50
A black belt is an essential piece of every wardrobe. Since this is a staple for work, I prefer a width of 3/4"-1". That is wide enough to be professional, but is still fresh and modern.

PictureBanana Republic Bow Skinny Belt in Red $39.50
Every closet needs at least one colored belt and red won't go out of style. Paired with black it is an easy statement piece that is chic and sophisticated.

PictureWhite House Black Market Silver/Gold Reversible Skinny Belt $38
The metallic belt is a trend that never seems to go away. This is because a little sparkle can make a big impact on an outfit. Wear over your favorite LBD to accentuate your waist, with your jeans to add some polish or with any outfit that just needs some extra pop.

the (not boring) work belt

PictureAnn Taylor Patent Skinny Belt in City Taupe $29.99
The key to a great work belt is to keep it simple. At the office you do not want your belt to be the focus of your outfit so keep the colors neutral (but not always black or brown). Make sure that your belt is not too wide for your belt loops--a good rule of thumb is between 3/4" and 1" wide to give some little breathing room within your loops. Look for patent or lightly textured leather belts that will be more distinctive against a trouser than a plain matte leather belt and don't be afraid to wear a contrast color--black belt with grey pants, oxblood with taupe, etc.

Picture
Cole Haan Enamel Dressy Belt in Ironstone Patent $48
Picture
Banana Republic Exotic Skinny Belt in Oxblood $39.50
Picture
Ann Taylor Exotic Leather Skinny Belt $38

the trendy belt

PictureLOFT Enamel Bow Belt $29.50
The most important thing about choosing a trendy belt is that you like it and feel confident wearing it. Unlike the work belt, the trendy belt is a statement piece and will set the tone for your outfit. You might only be wearing jeans and sweater, but if you add a bright pink patent belt, you are not just adding color, you are adding your personality. To get the most use out of your trendy belt, make sure that the size you buy fits you around your waist (to wear with dresses) as well as through your belt loops.

Picture
Lands' End Patent Belt in Rich Raspberry $34
Picture
Ann Taylor Zebra Print Skinny Belt $48
Picture
LOFT Metallic Inlay Belt in Fresh Coral $29.50
2 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