Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Style Spotlight On: Spring Trend - 80's Glam!

Hey there, StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

Let's get out our flux capacitors and dig into some 80's Glam!

"Um, Kat? How is it possible to do this without looking like you're wearing a costume?"
Never fear, my Dear - Kat is here!

The easy trick to pulling this off is a word that was the antithesis of the 80's: moderation!
Pick a single feature from the concepts below, and stick to that...comme ca:

COLOR, FLASH & GLITZ!

--COLOR!
Remember how the super-bright shades were so big in the 80's? They were all over the runways for this Spring, and so were miniskirts...not feeling brave but love the leggy look? Check out the hi-low hem on this bright little number!

Source: kohls.com
So now we need to bling this up 80's style, so what's my recommendation for a shoe?
The black shoe in the pic is ok, and it does reflect the current lace up trend but...the 80's were about FLASH! It's called 'glam' for a reason so....check these out, from one of my fave online retailers, Venus:
Nothing says 'Lookout, Evening Out!' like a gold heel...
Source: Venus.com
I know right?! Too fabulous....please, extend my apologies to anyone nearby that just heard you squeal like Mariah just now :)

--FLASH! So next up we have that famous 80's glitz...here I've included my choices for modern takes on garments inspired by the decadent decade. These looks are (slightly) toned-down bits of shine. The key to rocking any trend is to focus on translating runway-fantasy into street style worthy modern incarnations (like drinking water flavored with cherry essence, rather than straight up cherry Kool-Aid)...


Girl's Night Out? Rock this sexy but sophisticated number with the black and gold heels below....
Source: Kohls.com

Aren't these simply too die for?! A touch of flash and the look pops for evening.
Source: Venus.com


Off the shoulder sheen? Absolutely! With the right accessories this could go rocker-chick or girl-next-door in a heartbeat!
Source: Kohls.com
Off the shoulder ruffles and a hint of shimmer? Perfect!
Source: Kohls.com

--GLITZ! What would 80's Glam be without:....sequins!! Not nearly as much fun, that's what it'd be...so take a gander at these affordable and drool-worthy items, and remember, one trend element at a time...

Stunning isn't it?!
Source: Venus.com

Great for a pop of  80's glam without a huge commitment...a sequin bag! Note: Do NOT think this bag should EVER be worn with the above sequined skirt...that would definitely be trend overload!
Source: Venus.com


We've covered how to master the trend without seeming silly in evening looks, but what to wear to work?:

The ruffled shoulders are a bold 80's inspired statement that here, when done in office basic neutral black and white, read as sophisticated and clean.
Source: Kohls.com

Here's a fun bag with a slim profile; the embellishment and chain details are evocative of the 80's without being over the top.
Source: Venus.com
There's also no need to go all out to look on-trend either - throw on just one piece, like an embellished belt or eye catching pump!:

Not too sure you want to pile on the glam? Add a belt over a basic sheath dress for a pop.
Source: Venus.com

Mirror shine pumps look amazing with a slim fit dark wash jean + a bright colored blazer...effortlessly 80's-esque!
Source: Kohls.com



Ok Gang, that's all for now!

Coming up...: 
-- Are flat shoes professional?
-- Spring Trend: Utilitarian!

Good Night, and Good Dress!
XO
Kat

Thursday, March 2, 2017

Style Spotlight On: Spring Trend - Romantic!


Hey there StyleWise Guys and Fellow Fashionistas!

In my next few features, I'm going to outline how to put together the Spring trends in real life and on a budget (two things that go hand in hand: Reality & Budget)....

So, what's this 'romantic' thing?
All over the runways, that's what it is! So, how to master it without looking like a Victorian lampshade?

Get familiar with the overall concept first - think a more womanly take on Bohemian.
Mostly what I've been seeing are flowing cuts and floaty fabrics (great news after a Winter's worth of yummy holiday treats). Colors....you read my last post right? Of those on the chart, the ones really showing up are the dreamy blues and soft blushes, that delicious lemony yellow, even pops of grassy green. Throw in soft, ruffled edges on white skirts and tunics well, this is NOT just about florals!

Beat the Winter blahs with a dash of the fresh new Spring colors....and what better way than with a great dress, huh girls? : )

First, here's the runway - look and (gulp) price:
Ss 17
Source: https://www.fendi.com/us/woman
Features:
- Soft, flowing silhouette
- handkerchief hem
- white ribbons (the soft trail of the fabric adds a movement and grace)
- Floral print that has an almost paisley inspired appearance (remember, Womanly Boho)

--Price: $2,900.00
(!!!I know!!! It's bea-u-tiful, but yee-OWZA!)

Now, here's MY (real life & real budget) translation:
Source: http://www.venus.com
Features:
- Soft, flowing silhouette
- handkerchief hem
- white background reminiscent of the original dress, and OH! This one has adjustable straps  (as opposed to satiny ribbons that could result in an unfortunate untying-incident, AKA: the Wardrobe Malfunction)...
- Floral print that has an almost paisley inspired appearance (remember, Womanly Boho)

...and Price: $34.00 (on sale, was originally $39.00)
*BOOM*....almost all the same features and the overall look, plus you have enough for...shoes!


--A low shoe with an embellished, pointed toe to lengthen the leg line will bring this into the realm of everyday wear: 
Women's Amelie 2-Pc. Kiltie Flat, Gold, hi-res
Source: www.payless.com

Price: $10.00, on clearance down from $34.99!

....And if you're feeling brave, the latest and greatest (not to mention comfy and breathable) shoes for Spring lace your leg for added visual interest:
Women's Lisabeth Ghillie Heel, Black Suede, hi-res
Source: www.payless.com
 Price: $18.00, on clearance down from $39.99!

So.....$34.00 (adorable Spring dress) + $10.00 flats = $44.00
-OR-
$34.00 (adorable Spring dress) + $18.00 mid-height lace up heeled sandals = $52.00

Not bad, when you consider the dress we started out with was $2,900.00!

Next up: Spring Trend - 80's Glam!!

That's all for now kids~
Good Night, and Good Dress...

XO
Kat