Showing posts with label Michael Kors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Kors. Show all posts

One Dress. Three Styles.

July 6, 2013

One of the best ways to create a bargain chic wardrobe is to utilize a few pieces in mutliple ways. The key is to accessorize. And a lot of the Michael Kors' style rules I've been offering the last few weeks touch on the necessity of accessories -- belts, shoes, jewelry, etc. -- and how they play a vital role in developing one's style. What better way is there to express that than to enhance a simple dress with different accoutrements. You save money, while also looking fabulous chic!

And here's an example. Take a simple affordable dress -- a good length, a good shape, and a fabulous color -- and then change up the accessories. Add a jacket, a necklace, a cute clutch and some great shoes. And viola! Three distinct outfits for all three seasons, and all for a minimal amount of money.

Oh, and by the way, I featured this dress a few weeks back that highlighted another of Michael Kors' rules about dressing for your shape (LINK)

The Dress
 Cue the Compliments dress, ModCloth. $64.99

Three Styles
    

The Yin and Yang of Style

June 28, 2013

Keeping with the style tip theme of the last couple weeks, here is an essential rules when it comes to developing a personal style of your own.

Michael Kors' Rule #9

Combine covered arms with bare legs; classic trousers with plunging necklines; conservative dresses with an outrageous shoe.

What's great about this rule is that it is pretty versatile. It's taking classic pieces and adding some oomph to them -- and that is basically the essence of style.


Nine West Bezel sandal, Piperlime, $79.99; Polka-dot sweater and miniskirt, Mango, $24.99 for each; Top with waistband, Zara, $35.99; Asymmetric top, Zara, $39.99.

Keep It Simple

June 19, 2013

Another very simple style rule – number 2 on the Michael Kors’ style  list – is to, well, keep it simple. That is, pick items that are effortless in structure, shape, and color. If you build your style around well-made items – either a more expensively made item or a tailored one – that are classically built and in a neutral color, you can create a foundation for any other look. It’s like a house or a painting or a cocktail – the foundation, the background, and the liquor needs to be constructed well, accentuate the positives, and be top-shelf enough to make a statement. Once you have them all in place, you can add almost anything else to it.

And, so, here we are at Rule #2:

"Buy tailored jackets, coats, dresses, and pants in neutral colors."


There are plenty of budget-friendly stores out there that offer an array of these types of clothes – Ann Taylor, LOFT, Banana Republic, J.Crew, The Limited, just to name a few. And, most department stores carry all sorts of pants, dresses, and jackets to fit almost any size.

The key, however, to getting a tailored fit is to actually get these items tailored. I know it is an added expense, but let me tell you, it is a wonderful feeling when you have something fit your body perfectly. It makes buying an okay-fitting sale item even more special when it is alter just enough so that you feel like you spent triple what you paid. And finding a descent tailor is not that hard or expensive either. The last time I had something altered – two skirts – I believe I paid around $15 for each piece.

In the meantime – while you find a good tailor – here are some almost-tailored-like items that fit Michael Kors’ #2 rule.



 1035 Jacket & Trouser, J.Crew, $240 & $140; Ellen Tracy Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress, Nordstrom, $110; Double-Breasted Raincoat, Zara, $99.90; Kate Spade "Brent" Linen Sheath, Nordstrom, $398 (not very budget-friendly, but probably well-worth it!)

A Guide to Style on a Budget

June 17, 2013

I recently came across a wonderfully succinct and essential list of style advice from fashion designer Michael Kors. Since a lot of women struggle with figuring out how to dress themselves in a way that enhances their figures and their individuality, I thought it would be a great idea to relay Mr. Kors' nuggets of wisdom -- but with a twist of budget-friendly finds. 

Most of the tips on the list are common sense, body conscience advice that transcend the cost factor, and, thus, can be followed whether you have a Prada budget or an H&M budget. And even those that are more specific can be adapted so frugal-types like myself are able to still look chic and stylish for less.

To start off the series, here is Michael Kors number one style tip:

"Don't put a round peg in a square hole. Buy clothes based on your silhouette: 1950s - hourglass; 1960s - gamine; 1970s - small-chested."


1950s: Cue the Compliments Dress, ModCloth, $64.99 (It's currently out of stock, but you can receive an email reminder when they get more.) 1960s: Twin Palms, Shabby Apple, $62. 1970s: Sikuli Diamond Dress, Anthropologie, $168.

NY Fashion Week

February 15, 2008

It's been awhile since my last entry, but I've felt a little fashion-challenged lately. Flipping through my fashion magazines, I came to a realization that the new trends for '08 are kind of redundant and boring. It's kind of the same old, same old, and I'm already sick of seeing the same regurgitated looks from past seasons.

Designers keep producing these sack frocks and billowy tops that look too simplistic and unflattering on most women. And, some of the most over-saturated trends that many designers are lapping up are accessories like belts, pockets, hats and colored tights. In some instances, they do add depth & character to the outfits, but often than not, it seems they are an afterthought and a coalescence of artistic expression.

Despite my rant, I still believe there is talent and vision out there, and in honor of that, here are my pics of the best designer looks from NY Fashion Week. Enjoy!

BCBG Max Azaria

I enjoy the fluidity of the fabric and how it has been draped. Note the belt -- it could work either way: on or off.

Benjamin Cho

The cut-outs and tailoring of this top/tunic/dress is amazing. I'm not familiar with this designer, and his other pieces were slightly avant-garde for my taste, but this piece really pleased my senses.

Bill Blass


The plum color of the jacket really stood out against the neutral black & gray pieces underneath it. And, the gray skirt has interesting details on it. Note again the thick belt & pockets!

Carolina Herrara

The fabrics and colors of these two outfits epitomize Fall to me. The dress is reminiscent of golden leaves on an Autumn birch tree, and the pop of red pouring out of the tweed coat is like turning a corner on a Vermont highway and catching an eye-full of red oaks. Magnificent!

Derek Lam

Simple, double-breasted coat, but with a flair of the unexpected. (Not too sure about that beehive, though.)

DKNY

I couldn't quite put my nose on why this outfit intrigued me, but I think it is the juxtaposition of the floral baby-doll dress, the gray knit scarf, tights and the pop of purple shoes. All of it somehow works!

Donna Karan


I am not a huge fan of Donna Karan, and most of her Fall collection seemed a bit too... languid. But of all her pieces, this one incorporated her love of draping loose fabrics with a bit of unstuffy structuring. Plus, the color is beautiful and the fabric combinations are to die for!

J. Mendel

If I could go to an event where I had to wear a gown, I would give my right arm to wear one of these! (Okay, so I wouldn't look as fabulous with only one arm, but the beauty of the dress would avert all attention away from that missing limb!)

Michael Kors


The dress' lines and construction were done masterfully, and I think any woman wearing it would look damn sexy!

Oscar de la Renta


The colors, my friends, the colors!

P.S.: In the coming weeks, I am planning on returning to my bargain chic ways, and present to you, to the best of my ability, some bargain looks that mimic the aforementioned outfits. Until then, be fashion and don't let fashion be you!

P.P.S.: Photo creds go to www.style.com

A Coat of Many Hounds

September 18, 2007

A great coat can compliment any outfit, and this season's array of colorful and uniquely shaped ones are no exception. This whimsical houndstooth pattern is one such addition to the ever-growing collection of chic outerwear.

Designer Look

Houndstooth Coat, $2395, Michael Kors



Bargain Look

Wool Houndstooth Coat, $95, fredflare.com

The Fabric of Our Lives

September 16, 2007

Cotton knit ensembles are coming out of the shadows of casual-wear and appearing in the fashion spotlight for fall. You no longer need excuses for wearing knits -- now they can be worn for comfort & style.

Designer Look

Pleated Sweater, $530, Scalloped Skirt, $340, Tunic Dress, $410, See by Chloe



Bargain Look

Puffy-Sleeve Turtleneck, $27, Love Lola



Sweater Dress, $19.80, Forever 21



Tie Dye Skirt, $41.01, MICHAEL Michael Kors



Flow Slide, $56.95, Two Lips



Totals
Designer Look: $1280
Bargain Look: $137.75

Grey Matters

August 8, 2007

One trend for Fall is wearing grey -- all shades and textures. Below, you'll see three twists on grey through a rockin' hot sweater dress, a sophisticated wide-leg trouser and fabulous jacket, and, finally, a platform pump. All three looks showcase grey in varying ways and hint at what I think will become the mantra for Fall Fashion 2007: Grey Is The New Black! (Haven't we heard this before...wink...wink!)

Designer Looks

Cashmere Turtleneck Dress, $1395, Michael Kors



Embroidered Jacket & Wide Leg Pants, $3880, Oscar de la Renta



Sunset High Heel Platform Sandal, $550, Gucci



Bargain Looks

Tie Front Sweater Dress, $34.99, apt. 9



Ruffle-Collar Blazer, $59; Wide-Leg Pants, $49. Both Spiegel



Daryn Square Peep-Toe Pumps, $24.99, Mossimo



Totals
Designer Look: $5825
Bargain Look: $167.98

To Cover or Not To Cover? That is the Question.

April 9, 2007

You have a fabulous swimsuit now, but you don't want to cover it up nor do you want to walk around flaunting your fabulousness everywhere and making everyone jealous. So, some decorum may be required -- that is, only if you really, really want it. Here are some great option, one cover-up a little more revealing than the second, plus some hats for those who want to protect their beautiful & ageless skin! Of course, I could never justify paying the designer price, but if you have the dough, I say go for it!

Designer Look

Gail Hat, $235, Helen Kaminski



Cap Sleeve Crochet Dress, $271, Milly



Linen Tie Caftan, $220, Diane VonFurstenberg



Halter Sandal, $325, Michael Kors


Bargain Look

Crushable Straw Hat, $28, Talbots



Portocruz Knot-Front Dress, $21.43, Kohls



Sweater Tunic, $39.50, Gap



Women's Knotted Cork Wedges, $19.50, Old Navy

Bringing Sexy Back

March 16, 2007

Sexiness can be defined in many ways. I believe sexiness is an attitude; a way of being. Of course clothes and accessories can help, but I don't believe less is more when it comes to radiating sexiness. It's all about how you feel in your clothes and, in turn, how you project those feelings to the world. The outfit below is an example of one kind of sexiness. For some, this look may seem intimidating, but for me it exudes confidence and sophistication... and that, girls, IS sexy!

Designer Look

Double-Breasted Jacket, $1595; Stretch Poplin Shirt, $325; Skinny Pants, $650; Black Leather Belt, $395; Chain Sunglasses, $225;
Wrap Pump, $355. All Michael Kors

Bargain Look

Classic Tailored Jacket, $34.99, La Redoute



Cotton Poplin Shirt, $9.99, La Redoute



Black Cigarette Pants, $39.99, La Redoute



Wide Band Belt, $5.80, Forever 21



Square Sunglasses, $19.99, Isaac Mizrahi for Target



Sandals, $29.99, Bakers


Totals
Designer Look: $3545
Bargain Look: $140.75
 

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Words to Inspire

"One cannot consent to creep when one has an impulse to soar." ~Helen Keller