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.

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. 

Lilly Pulitzer-the Princess of Prints-Dies at 81

(via The Atlantic)

Blindingly bright. Playful and young. Carefree. Sunny. All of these adjectives describe the fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer’s unique aesthetic. It is unfortunate that Ms. Pulitzer passed away a few days ago, but her sassy prints will forever be imprinted on the hearts of her dedicated fans.

Lilly Pulitzer clothing is a staple of the upbeat and preppy. Her clothing screams to be worn on a yacht, or at the Kentucky Derby. Even the most shocking color combination or cartoon creature was not off limits to Pulitzer’s designs. Such unique combinations were created out of necessity. In an article by the New York Times, Lilly Pulitzer created a dress that would camouflage orange and grapefruit juice stains. Her ingenuity paid off, and soon enough Lilly Pulitzer was a household name in the yuppie crowd.

(via Lilly Pulitzer)

Today, Lilly Pulitzer’s iconic prints can not only be found on her quintessential shift dresses, but on iPhone cases, tumblers, scarves, mugs, and more.

In the word’s of Lilly P. herself, “It’s always summer somewhere”.

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy

Best and Most Powerful Fashion Quotes

Fashion powerhouses such as Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent have joined poets and philosophers by inspiring and guiding with just a sentence or two of wisdom. Live every day in style with a word of advice from the greatest designers and innovators.

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy.

SOS- Style on the Sidewalks

Meet Hayley B. She’s 20 years old, from Berkeley, CA, a psychology major, and a vegetarian. She also happens to be a radiant example of campus fashion…and my first “style on the sidewalk” star.

Hayley was so gracious to let me snap a quick photo, and since she was done with classes she even granted me an interview so I could explore her personal sense of style.

Q: Tell me about your personal sense of style.

A: Well, I’m a California girl at heart and I strive to bring that sunshine everywhere I go.

Q: So how does that translate into your clothing choices?

 A: I like to wear a lot of interesting stuff…and I don’t take myself too seriously. I want to wear clothes that accentuate my personality. Pieces that remind me of home especially pique my interest. I really don’t go for a specific type of “look”.

 Q: What types of “interesting” pieces do you have?

 A: Well, my mom was a huge hippie back in the day (seriously), and she made me a maxi-skirt out of organic cotton from a 1970’s vintage pattern that she used when she was my age! It’s one of my favorite pieces and reminds me of where I come from.

 Q: That is so neat! So, tell me a bit about your outfit that you wore today?

 A: Umm…I wasn’t sure what the weather was gonna be like today…so I wore shorts and a scarf, just in case. As for the fedora…well I guess you could say I was feeling a bit sassy!

 Q: If you had to come up with your personal style motto, what would it be?

 A: Hmm…be an individual, and when in doubt look to your roots for inspiration.

So, there you have it. Some style inspiration hot off the streets…errr, sidewalks I mean!

~E~

Style.Study.Savvy