Winter can get, well, BORING. There are only so many times you can wear your black trousers from J.Crew before your co-workers start to notice your slovenly appearance. When faced with such a dire situation, look no further than Miranda Kerr's edgy street style. The model can be seen stomping down the pavement in fabulous looks that include strong blazers, rich leather accessories, and retro sunglasses- looks that could snap anyone out of their winter slump. The exact look pictured above is definitely more suited for taller gals (cuffed jeans AND ankle boots? yeah, you need to be about ten feet tall to wear her outfit and still have legs that look a mile long), but with some adjustments (either stick to full length skinnies, or wear a more classic heeled pump) petite ladies could sport the ensemble as well. And while Kerr is strutting in head to toe designer, this look is SO simple to recreate with cheaper pieces. Head over to Forever21 for an enormous selection of blazers, or to ASOS for chic booties that won't break the bank. Remember, celebrity style can serve as inspiration for any outfit- don't feel like you have to copy the look exactly. Each person has a slightly different body, so adapt the outfit to a version that looks best on YOU!
Items pictured above:
Hollister Co. destroyed jeans, $50
TopShop black booties, $124
Banana republic handbag, $90
Mulberry zebra print scarve, $150
House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Sunglasses in Black, $139
Wilfred satin jacket, $195
Traveling eye liner is SO not cute- who wants to look like a raccoon come 3 p.m.?! With the right tools and techniques, your eyeliner can stay put through the work day...or through a hurricane...or through a marathon...or whatever else you may be tackling on that particular day.
First, create a line using either a pencil, gel or liquid liner. I really love Mac pencil in Teddy, a bronze color that is a nice alternative to standard brown or black. In the drugstore, I am obsessed with Prestige Total Intensity Pencils- they stay all day and are ridiculously inexpensive at around $3. I have them in several colors, and they are all fabulous and easily compare to Urban Decay's more famous 24/7 pencils. If gel is more your thing, Physician's Formula, Bobbi Brown, and Maybelline all make fantastic versions. Liquid liner normally takes the most skill and time, but if you have mastered the steady-hand method, my favorite is Maybelline Line Stiletto. Once you have a thin layer of liner, which by no means needs to be perfect (I actually prefer a more smudged, natural look), take a similar color shadow on a flat or angled liner brush and gently press (don't rub or you will move around your base line!) onto the original line you created. And that's it! Just as you would set foundation or concealer with a powder, or as you would finish an up-do with hairspray, the shadow sets your line and intensifies the color and the defining power of any product! I almost always do a brown liner, and so would chose a complimentary brown or bronze shadow. Some of my favorites include NYX in Deep Bronzer, Urban Decay in Smog, and Bobbi Brown in Espresso. To amp up the look for night, take a little of the same shadow onto your bottom lash line with a smudge brush or simple q-tip! This will keep you looking glam all through your day and well into your Friday night.
If you are still stuck on getting your little sis a Justin Bieber T-shirt or Hannah Montana disc set, upgrade to one of these fun and colorful gifts!
1. Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum, $60
2. Ettika link jewelry, $62
3. Deborah Lippmann Do Ya Think I'm Sexy, $18
4. Wildfox Couture denim top, $105
5. TopShop bra, $22
6. Fresh Sugar Honey Lip Tinted Treatment, $23
7. Forever 21 Necklace
8. Kate Spade Iphone 4 Cover, $35
9. Tory Burch patent handbag, $395
10. tokidoki Kabuki Brush, $28
11. Juicy couture pajama shorts, $55
Go the extra mile for your mom this holiday season, and spring for luxe fabrics, luscious scents, and leather goods. Because we all know our "One Free Hug" coupons were only cute for so long...
1. Chanel Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour, $32
2. Ole Henriksen Seven Skincare Sensations, $55
3. Viktor & Rolf 'Flowerbomb' Eau De Parfum, $105
4. Modalu Pippa Bag
5. All Saints draped top, $175
6. Crystalline White Wine Glasses (Set of 2), $390
7. Melinda Maria bangle, $135
8. Cashmere Exclusively by Bloomingdales woven scarves, $76
9. Nest Luxury Votive Candle Set, $40
10. Kindle Touch, $79
Men like to act low-key, but in reality they can be the hardest people to shop for during the holiday season. Each of these ten items will simplify your search and delight the man in your life, whether that is a boyfriend, father, best friend, etc. And if none of these gifts fits your guy's personality, resort to food or sports tickets and you will be a star in his eyes.
1. iPhone Lens Dial, $240
2. The Art of Shaving The 4 Elements Starter Kit Lavender, $100
3. Beats by Dr dre, $275
4. The Spoon Sisters Moustache Cufflinks, $50
5. Michael Kors Dress Shirt, $125
6. Paco Rabanne 1 Million Gift Set, $73
7. LRG 47 Seasons Mens Hoodie, $98
8. Mougin & Piquard™ for J.Crew Grande Seconde watch, $425
9. Makr Bottle Key, $11
10. Bass suede boots, $70
ASOS is my go-to shopping website for trendy pieces. This UK-based brand has beautiful basics, but the site is absolutely brimming with neon, animal prints, leather and sparkles. Many items are runway-ready at an affordable price (see the structured shift dress above, which could have easily rocked any of the Fall 2011 collection runways). Want harem pants? No problem. Want a wool and leather capelet? Sure thing. Want a leather bib necklace? Done. Want it all under $200? Go to ASOS. And now that US shipping (including returns!) is free, I just might need to add a couple more items to my wish list.
ASOS Black mini cocktail dress, $129
ASOS a line dress, $82
ASOS pleated pants, $64
ASOS platform heels, $68
ASOS platform heels, $155
ASOS flat, $45
ASOS leopard print handbag, $36
ASOS chunky ring, $16
ASOS statement necklace, $27
Pilgrim jewelry, $36
Winter in NYC involves a verging-on-depressing sea of black pants, black coats, black gloves (you see where I'm going with this). I can, shamefully, include myself in the all-noir clad mass of city dwellers. Something about the chilly months from October to February forces my hand towards my staple charcoal skinnies and black wool Elie Tahari coat almost every morning (similarly to how my feet seem to walk me into Starbucks every morning). When I see myself in head to toe sable for weeks on end, I have one sure-fire cure. Nothing pumps up a dull cold-weather outfit better than leopard accessories, but because of the gradients of color in the print, it can successfully be utilized as a neutral in your wardrobe.
Jessica Alba showcases this trend de jour with her Tolani leopard infinity scarf, that easily adds punch to her lazy day jeans and tank top look. A nice alternative to the Tolani is this Michael Kors version, which adds a unique red tone to the ubiquitous print. Banana Republic makes a fantastic pair of leather gloves that also highlight the print without sacrificing toasty fingers.
When all else fails, I look to shoes. You can't walk for a second down Park Avenue without catching a fleeting glimpse of leopard hitting the pavement. These on-trend Aldo slippers are perfect with skinny jeans and a sleek white blouse, while these vertiginous booties by House of Harlow and Fergie can spruce up your favorite LBD in no time. An animal-print purse provides the same subtle pop- Badgley Mischka and ASOS make great options which are surprisingly affordable and definite cocktail-time musts!
Style maven Joanna Hillman shows spots don't have to be contained to accessories. Just check out her neatly tailored leopard coat from Zara, which she expertly paired with a nautical-inspired striped shirt. What could have been an over-the-top look seems exceedingly wearable, as Hillman pairs her outerwear with classic navy trousers and luxe brown leather accessories. The classic and sophisticated separates keep her ensemble from looking too trendy- I think the coat would also pair nicely with the pieces from my Olivia Palermo-inspired post.
If leopard still has you running scared, pick up Too-Faced's series of printed bronzers that will have you looking sunkissed in seconds. Whichever way you decide to wear this style, leopard print will have you looking simply prrrfect this winter.
See my polyvore set here for the full list of products.
To top off her enviable ensemble, Palermo smolders in a super-shiny bob, classic red nails, and lashes to die for. Replicate her look with Kiehl's Silk Groom Serum, Essie's Turning Heads Red, and Eylure Feathery Lashes. The finished look is polished, sophisticated, and undeniably sexy!
You know the feeling when you kiss a boy for the first time? Or when you wake up to six inches of snow on the ground and no work? That's the feeling I get when I walk into a Kate Spade store. It's a brand with a little humor, lots of whimsy, and TONS of sparkle. What's not to love?
