Neon + Black

I’ve never considered my personal sense of style to be too “edgy”. I have always preferred classic silhouettes and subdued colors. However, there is a certain je ne sais quoi about the color combination of neon and black. It’s bright. It’s bold. It’s daring. There is just enough edge and interest to elevate the ordinary to extraordinary.  The neon trend of today is quite a bit more refined and sophisticated than it’s 1980’s “neon overload” counterpart.  Neon is particularly powerful when incorporated as the statement piece of an outfit. I particularly love pairing either a neon blazer or neon pumps with a simple outfit (think black skinny pants and a white tee).

Have you jumped on the neon bandwagon yet? Maybe you will after viewing this gallery of neon inspiration.

(image via Pinterest)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image via Pinterest)

(Image courtesy of personal files)

(Image courtesy of personal files)

There’s never been a better time to neon.

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.

Something Unexpected: Fall Looks You’ll Love

Fall is just around the corner. Amidst all of the school supply shopping (hello colored pens and patterned notebooks!), take some time to get a refresh on your fall wardrobe. For a bit of a twist, these looks blur the lines between conventional and kooky for an “appropriate eclectic” idea. Even if you are not headed back to the classroom, these looks will still give you an “A+” around the office and around town.

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1. Alone, a white button-up is a yawn. Take this idea from from “snooze button” to “up and at ’em” by adding a bold pair of printed slacks and neon pumps. Office bore no more!

2. Demure and…daring? Add a neutral leather jacket to a floral skirt and loose tee (tucked in) for a “Sunday best meets Saturday night” vibe.

3. I am business woman, hear me roar. Two of the hottest trends: tiger tee shirts and the color emerald, can be blended seamlessly in this office chic look. The boldness of the tiger tee can be tamed for the office by adding a pair of black slim fit slacks and a structured, although colorful, blazer. This look will keep you on your toes, especially if you add metallic pumps. 

Something Unexpected: Back to School Looks You’ll Love by emily-schroeder on polyvore.com

Would you wear these looks to the office?

~E~

Style. Study. Savvy.

Italian Street Style: Women’s Edition Part II

Italy is full of the chicest women who bring their flawless sense of style to the streets. Here is the second glimpse into the glamour seen all around Italy–from Venice to Milan.
In Venice: Brighten up your neutral palette with a bold pair of orange strappy sandals.

 

In Florence: Break up your punk-y layers and show some skin by rocking capris or even shorts with studded motorcycle boots.

 

In Florence: Style and grace, regardless of age. I love this subtle sheer printed skirt paired with wayfarer sunnies and of course, a bold lip.

In Milan: Let your look speak volumes by letting your (Burberry) purse be the voice.

 

In Milan: This is one very fashionable mom! Neon high tops, leather jacket, and a graphic scarf creates and edgy and rocker-chic look.

In Venice: Dressy flats and a graphic tee paired with slouchy pants of the perfect example of ultra luxe meets ultra casual.

 

Which look would you wear?

~E~

Style. Study. Savvy.

4th of July Looks You’ll Love

Happy Independence Day! In the land that allows you wear whatever you want, take some time to look extra stylish on the 4th. Whether you are hanging out at the parade, going out on the town and watching fireworks, or having a backyard barbeque, here are some looks you’ll love.

Boho Backyard BBQ

 

Pretty at the Parade

Flashy at the Fireworks

Let fashion freedom ring!

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy

Italian Street Style: Women’s Edition Part 1

The clear sartorial elegance of fashion is evident upon every street in Italy. Thoughtful style must be ingrained into every Italian’s nature…where else could one see such innovative combinations? From the punk-infused style of the youth, to the expertly tailored classics of mature women, Italian street style is a visual feast for the eyes.

In Florence: Add a bold pop of color to sweeten up an edgy look.

In Rome: Step into summer with a pair of breezy cotton pants in a floral print.

In Florence: Mix your prints with a floral blazer and polka dot scarf.

In Florence: Skinny slacks paired with a blazer and oversized scarf was one of the quintessential Italian looks.

In Milan: Is there anything more perfect than this outfit? A fitted camel jacket and slim black skirt will always be chic.

In Florence: It’s Laura Ashley meets grunge in this unique yet fascinating combination.

What outfit speaks the most to your style?

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy. 

Italian Street Style-Men’s Edition

The three “S’s” of Italian street styles are undeniably suits, scarves, and slim fit jeans. After two weeks of travelling all over Italy, it was evident that the typical man’s outfit was not complete without one, if not all, of these three “S’s”.

Slim fit jeans, when tucked into leather ankle boots, add a rock and roll aura to an outfit.

In Venice: A leather jacket and khaki suit pants when combined are casual, yet polished.

In Venice: Bring your suit into summer with a light linen blazer over a denim oxford shirt.

In Milan: Don’t let your style go to the dogs, even in inclement weather. Stay savvy with a neutral duster trench.

In Florence: Spice up the ordinary with a pair of mustard slim-fit chinos. Bonus points if you add a graphic tee and scarf.

In Florence: Even the Italian carabinieri (military police) are dressed to the nines.

In Venice: A classic black blazer and khaki chinos are a perfect representation of chiaroscuro (the contrast between light and dark).

In Venice: This David Beckham lookalike looks back to the ’90’s grunge scene with his sleeveless shirt, plaid flannel, and leather sneakers.

In Rome: Don’t let your button-up be boring. Add some visual interest by investing in a shirt with a bold alternating pattern of stripes and a small print.

In Milan: Good style knows no age. This variation on a three piece suit substitutes matching pants for charcoal chinos, and a cardigan instead of a vest.

In Milan: Add a pop of color in the form a bold tie to your every day suit.

In Milan: Another example of a duster trench and perfectly tailored suit.

What’s your favorite look?

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.

Short Story

If there is only one garment that truly screams “SUMMER!”, then it has to be shorts. In the summertime, shorts are a clear choice for daytime wear and with a bit of styling, shorts can easily translate to more of an evening look.  Today, there is a veritable plethora of trends hitting the shorts scene. While jean shorts and bermudas are still classics, they might be getting a run for their money with some other choices.

Chino Shorts: Made from a comfortable cotton twill material, chino shorts are lightweight yet more structured than other short counterparts. Chino shorts are also easily available in a rainbow of colors to pack a punch. Additionally, chino shorts with their simplicity of construction are a great canvas for bold prints.

Pair with: a button down shirt, plain white tee, or a frilly blouse.

(via J. Crew)

The Classic Jean Short: Always in style, the classic jean short will never let you down. Try a dark pair for a slimming look that will go well from day to night.

Pair with: Anything! From your favorite tee to a dressy blouse, anything goes.

(via Big Star Denim)

Lace Shorts: Frilly, feminine, and youthful lace shorts are a must-have in your summer closet. These shorts are often constructed with either a conventional button-fly closure or elastic, and are perfect for special occasions when you get bored of skirts and slacks.

Pair with: a slim fitting tank or tee that is void of any embellishment or frills. Add a statement necklace or big earrings for interest on the upper half that doesn’t compete with the shorts.

(via Main Elements Apparel)

Bermudas: Worried whether your shorts are “too short”? With Bermudas, you never have to question the appropriateness of your shorts. Bermudas, like their Chino friends, are often available in a variety of bold colors.

Pair with: A tunic style top, lacy blouse, or even a blazer.

(via Macy’s)

Leather Shorts: Bring out your inner rock star with a pair of leather shorts. Leather shorts are especially suited to concerts, or other times when you feel extra edgy. Wear them for a night out at the clubs when other garments just won’t suffice.

Pair with: A destroyed tee, tights, or a vest.

(via Free People)

What shorts are already in your closet?

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.

P.S. I will out of the country for the next two weeks, so stay tuned to hear of my Italian adventures!

Looks We Love: Summer Chic

While temperatures may skyrocket past 90 degrees, don’t let the threat of sweat keep you from being chic. Keep your sense of style entertained this summer with these three chic looks.

“Nautical but Nice”

Ahoy there! Channel your inner yacht sailing prepster with a navy striped tee (perfect for cool evenings) and classic Sperry boat shoes. Add a stack of gold bangles and cat eye sunnies for a touch of class, and top it off with a bright pair or coral shorts. Sailor chic has never looked so good.

“Damsel in Distress”

Give yourself a style challenge and merge ultra casual with high sophistication by pairing distressed shorts, a comfy tee (ironic statement shirts and concert tees are great options) and a luxe rhinestone statement necklace together. The glamorous necklace elevates the look from ordinary to extraordinary. Bonus points if you further this eclectic conglomeration with pointy-toe flats and aviators.

“The Last Resort”

Resort wear isn’t just for sunbirds in Boca Raton. You are guaranteed to  turn heads with this triple threat of trends outfit. Pair a maxi in a bold and bright print with a solid peplum top. Add a statement necklace in a complementary color for more interest. Finally, invoke your sun goddess with wedges, sunglasses, and the requisite floppy hat. Happy travels!

How are you staying “summer chic”?

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.

Retail Therapy

Why pay a therapist when you can go shopping? Retail therapy may be associated with “buyer’s remorse”, but an article by the Huffington Post actually shows that 82% of buyers who shop to improve their mood experience no remorse at all. At the top of the list of most frequent “therapy” purchases is clothing. Wearing a fresh outfit can really change your whole perspective on life.

Maybe it’s the fact that finals are around the corner, but I have found that a little bit of retail therapy works wonders for the mood. Sometimes it’s buying the little things, like nail polish or a latte, that immediately decreases my stress levels. Retail therapy also incorporates the whole shopping experience (taking a break, browsing, getting personal attention and help, etc.) to boost your mood. The next time you feel like taking out your frustrations verbally or physically, try shopping instead!

Retail therapy is good for the economy (and you)…try it out sometime!

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy

Handbag Trends: Spring/Summer 2013

For any woman, handbags are understandably a vital part of one’s wardrobe. Handbags serve the purpose of carrying all of our necessary items, while at the same time adding another visual statement to one’s outfit. Handbags can be fun and functional at the same time. With summer quickly approaching, I thought it would be a good idea to showcase handbag trends for the warmer months.

1. Cool Metallics: You may be sweating from the heat, but a metallic purse in a chill tone will cool you off. Metallic handbags are great for more formal summer occasions, such as weddings.

(Guess via Main Elements)

2. Crossbody Satchel: Lighten up your load with a small purse that holds the essentials (phone, wallet, gum, chapstick, etc). With the rays beating down, a breezy satchel eliminates sweaty discomfort.

(Big Buddha via Main Elements)

3. Bold Brights: It’s summer! Celebrate the barbeques, pool time, tanning, and lazy days with a bright handbag. Lemon yellow, poppy red, and cobalt blue are just a few colors to put some spring in your step.

(Big Buddha via Main Elements)

4. Totes: For the times when you need to carry more that just the necessary, turn to a tote! Totes are absolutely perfect for trips to the pool, picnics, and they double as a great airplane carry-on.

(Big Buddha via Main Elements)

Which handbag is your favorite?

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.