Colorful jeans are one of the easiest ways to integrate color into your everyday routine. I can honestly say I was never much for color in New York - one of my favorite things was pairing black and navy and feeling like I was somehow being totally fashion rebellious and breaking the status quo of never mixing the two. Now when I check into the NY Times Style section or Style.com for New Yorker street style - I see why I was so dark-driven, it’s just the culture - edgy, interesting, chic.
In the south, things are a bit different. Not one day goes by where I don’t feel totally overdressed, but I’m starting to get the hang of it a little more by pairing offbeat hues together that let me re-invent myself a bit, and step outside of my way too chic for Austin little box. It’s like living resort everyday - and you’ll be surprised with how many colors compliment each other in your wardrobe, without even pulling out the color wheel.
With yellow - think of pairing bold bottoms with royal blues & violets - and with tangerine, think yellows & fuchsias. The best way to experiment without coming out of it looking like Rainbow Brite, however, is to pair the jean with a chic white top, and layer on the color with seed bead necklaces or earrings that give just a hint of colorful contrast. Not so surprisingly, playing with color really makes you feel bright.
Delia’s $49.50 (BOGO 50%)
Element @ Lulu’s $62
Express $23.99
Akademiks $29.95
By far one of Vogue’s best shoots. I actually unpacked that blanket and had NO idea at the time that it was all over a baby elephant in Africa - but obviously I’m still alive and kicking so it was fine. I think this was the last time I can say I was truly inspired from one of Vogue’s celebrity spreads - maybe it’s budgeting, maybe it’s location, but everything about the safari chic was done so right. You could imagine yourself in the clothes and living the story, and when I started at Polo this spread was actually the inspiration for the first season I worked on, which I thought was an absolute dream.
Images like this make me dream of linen, gauzey flowing dresses in the summer heat. The summer heat is going to be a lil different this year in Austin - so I will definitely be investing in a lot of lightweight dresses for the Texas sun. When attempting safari chic, your best bet is to stick to khakis, olives, and whites as your base palette. A splash of modern Maasai inspired red and plum will liven it up, but the key is to keep it minimal. And - by no means does safari equal animal print in my book. There is a time and a place for that and it is called Bridge & Tunnel in the Meatpacking District.
Forever 21 Tunic $22.80
American Eagle sandals $29.50
Delia*s shirtdress $44.50
Paul & Joe Sister @ Urban Outfitters $98
Girl Props bangle $6.99
The Victoria’s Secret bathing suit catalog was mailed out this week, and I was so excited to see the new styles but so disappointed while flipping through and realizing that it’s the result of a realllly bad last quarter. If anyone is really into the industry - Yahoo finance by retail sector is a great resource for apparel biz news, which is where I’ll often read about wholesaler inventory being way down this year. That means retailers like Victoria’s Secret aren’t buying that forward 50’s pinup suit this year because they can’t bank on the consumer to show up for it – so the wholesaler (design team) essentially scales back their style production.
What’s even crazier, as I hope this is the explanation for it and the cute suits aren’t gone forever – is that they featured a $300 crystal encrusted swimsuit on the cover. In reality, this reads not a penny over $60 worth – but what could be cute, inexpensive beading is instead Swarovski. Limited Brands - get your stuff together and put a key item feature on the cover (mix & match suits) that will actually drive people to spend. It’s so saddening because Victoria’s Secret swimsuits are always so playful, colorful, something for not only every body type - but every personality, and I always end up having to edit down 10 choices to 2 because of the incredible offering.
So, because I couldn’t find anything worthwhile, I’ve hunted down some adorable looks elsewhere:
Betsey Johnson $200ish (expensive, sorry!)
Urban Outfitters $98
Delia*s $44.50
Top Shop $50
Let’s ignore the fact that the hemline on this dress needs about 3 inches – and concentrate on the rich color story. As Thanksgiving is only a day away, a lot of us are starting to plan our feasting outfits. I plan on scouring my closet for anything cranberry or squash colored, inspired by who other than Gossip Girl. Seriously though, autumnal colors like berry, rust, and evergreen are perfect for not only this time of year, but as an excuse to exercise your closet for the family. I remember when I was at V, I went home for the holidays and my mom said “Jennifer, you look like you’re right out of a magazine” – my mom is a lovable crazy, and so I say - well mom, I do spend most of my time at a magazine. She still has no idea what I do. As family dynamics seem to get more crazy as you get older – here’s to filling up your glass of wine and looking good while doing it.
Delia*s beaded skirt $38.50
Newport News ombre shoe $39
Top Shop blouse $65
American Eagle scarf $19.50
Nine West patent satchel $69
I have no idea what Twilight is about (beyond vampires) - but I do know that people are completely obsessed with it, and that the guy in it is bangin’. So - as the lead character (Robert Pattinson) is the second coming of Johnny Depp, the starring actress (Kristen Stewart) had no choice but to take it up a notch at the premiere in her very on trend and very Fall color block Balenciaga. Enjoy the color blocking, crazy fans!
Top Shop dress by Alice McCall $110
Forever 21 $22.80
Jonathon Saunders for Target $18.89
Delia’s Corinne dress $49.50
Twilight photo taken from People.com
