V-Style

How To Mix Patterns

top: Zara, skirt: Anthropologie, shoes: J.Crew, bracelet: J.Crew, studs: Bloomingdale's, rings: Ariella

Mixing Patterns can be very tricky. It's a hard thing to teach. First things first. Something between the two patterns needs to be similar. Color is the easiest. If they are both pink, as shown between my skirt and the wild heels, they will mix better. It is also a great idea if the have similar fabric in common. Now, my skirt pictured is not similar in fabric as my shoe, BUT my blouse is similar in fabric and texture as my shoe. It creates that balance. Balance is truly all you need to think about while dressing. Another key thing to think about is diversity. You don't want to mix two patterns that are similar. Two pink floral patterns is generally not going to be a good idea. Instead, mix floral with stripes. Or in my case, a barely discernible farming scene on a skirt with artistically floral shoes.

The last thing I would like to point out is the choice I made to put both patterns at the bottom of my outfit. Generally, I don't recommend this as it can become "bottom heavy" and disconnect from the blouse. You never want to look like the bottom half and the top half are part of two different outfits. My outfit pictured works because I have played with the gradation of pinks throughout the whole outfit, and, as I mentioned before, tied in the cotton of the shirt with the cotton based fabric of the shoe. Also, the band at the waist buffers between the blouse and the skirt and pulls in the cream color of the shoe. Balance!

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

Make-up: Antonella Annibale

Location: Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge

Can A Big Poufy Skirt Work Outside Of A Wedding?

skirt: ANTHROPOLOGIE, top: JOIE, heels: J.CREW, bracelet: VINCE CAMUTO, ring: ARIELLA COLLECTION, necklace: ANTHROPOLOGIE

The flounce of a long poufy skirt is a highly romantic and, may I add fun, characteristic in an outfit. When thinking of a voluminous hem, a wedding  gown or old fashioned frock comes to mind, but you can do a lengthy flounce without the bridal or Victorian nod. To modernize a floor length flounce, start with separates, instead of a dress. My skirt is from Anthropologie, which is a consistent resource for whimsical pieces such as the poufy maxi.

Once you have your skirt, pair it with a sexy and/or simple top. I prefer your shirt to have some volume to it to balance out the bottom mass. I know I usually say, if you have a lot of volume on the bottom of your outfit, go lean on top, and vice versa; but when it comes to skirts, I have a different opinion. A tight tank or tee is fine, but it can make the skirt seem even bigger than it is in reality. By blousing your shirt, or selecting a top with sleeves, you create a more seamless look with the flowing of volumes. As for shoes, you can wear just about anything, from a simple heeled sandal to crazy booties, it just depends on how funky you want to get. After all, you aren't wearing a a skirt like this to play it safe.... Following the photo shoot, dressed in this blue patchwork maxi skirt, Robin Dayley and I went to dinner, had drinks at my place, and then I met up with some of my favorite stylish ladies at Nunu's. Every where I went, my skirt was the topic of many a conversation. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley/Dayley Photography

Make-up: Antonella Annibale

Location: Claire de Lune Coffee Lounge

How To Wear Navy and Black Together

hat: BAILEY, blazer: DKNY, blouse: EQUIPMENT, pants: JOE'S, heels: J.Crew, watch: RAKANI, ring: ALEXIS BITTAR 

Pairing navy and black is divine. You only run into an issue when you use a navy so dark it looks black, and/or you don't balance the two colors throughout your outfit. For example, a navy top and black pants with black shoes, looks ill matched. It does not look intentional. The quickest way to an intentional look is with a garment that already combines navy and black and go from there. Pictured here, I have built my outfit around my navy blazer with black sleeves. The next step is to continually alternate the color, generally avoiding placing the same color next to itself. For instance, the body of the blazer is navy, so I chose black pants, instead of navy pants. Since I didn't have navy shoes to continue the alternating color pattern, I chose an unexpected ox blood heel for a pop. Although a seemingly unusual choice, the ox blood pairs well individually with both black and navy. Same goes for the choice of mint colored top. It pairs well individually with black, navy, and the ox blood.

With so many complicated color ways going, I wanted my accessories to touch back on the black and navy focus. I also wanted to keep it simple in general. I skipped all jewelry with the exception of a black ring, and a black Rakani watch that was recently sent to me. Constructed of black steel and swarovski crystals, this striking watch was the perfect embellishment. I also feel incredibly unique while wearing it. The giant gold watch has been so prominent the last few years, I have been itching for something different. This watch is the most interesting piece I have seen in ages.

To finish the outfit, I knew I needed more navy, a color that is still relatively hard to find. Thankfully, a quick jaunt into Black Cat hat shop in Los Gatos lead to this navy fedora. It took me awhile to decide to buy it because I am not a hat person. My hair is nothing to write home about, but it takes a certain person to wear hats. Finally, I decided I am that person. If you decide you want to be a hat person, make sure you don't mind hat hair as a trip to the movies, a crowded venue or sit down restaurant inevitable requires you to take your hat off.

The  Fashionably Late by Rakani watch was gifted to me via Brand Backer.

Best Running Shoes For Street Running

blazer: ZARA, tank: BAR 111, jeans: GAP, shoes: Nike

I've searched extensively for glorious ballet flats and boots that embody stylish comfort in walking heavy cities like New York and London. It is amazing the collection of beautiful yet comfortable footwear I have acquired, but it turns out stylish footwear deteriorates quickly when you try to, basically, use them like athletic shoes. My AGL's were not made to lasts numerous hikes across Manhattan and London. Needless to say, it is not cost effective to keep purchasing fashionable flats to use as walking shoes. I have finally accepted that some days do call for an authentic athletic shoe. My shoe search started anew for a cute sneaker. After ten try-on's I selected Nike's 'Free 3.0 v5' running shoe. The comfort and fit was spot on, but it was the lean shape and bold color that sold me.

When styling my new running shoes, it was important to create an outfit that worked with the tone of the shoes without creating a gym outfit. Inspired by Amid Privelege's post, I paired them with rolled up jeans. For the first time in my entire life, I feel stylish in sneakers. This look is perfect for a day of exploring a new city on foot, or working on set. I planned on wearing this on Monday when I dayplayed for the new series, The Last Ship, but ended up going with a warmer outfit as the 5am call time was quite brisk. 

This post could end here, but it doesn't. I packed these cute shoes for my trip to London intending to use them only for stylish purposes, but in my packing frenzy, I forgot to pack my actual running shoes intended for running. When I realized this, I simply threw on the new purple Nike's and proceeded on my run. It turns out these actually are running shoes. Not only that, the best running shoes I have ever had. 

A little background, I have been running for 16 years. The only break I took was when I was thrown from a horse and couldn't walk, let alone run. Otherwise I run around 3 miles four to six times a week. Throughout my running career, I have tried a lot of different shoes. At one point I was running in shoes from Target and wondered why my feet were hurting. It turns out your shoes matter. And now I really get it. These shoes are incredibly thin and light weight, yet I can't feel any hard impact from the street. I feel like I am running on air. Another contradiction, you'd think the thinness would be a bad idea in London's cold, but my feet felt amazingly protected from the chill. The shoes seem to keep your feet at the perfect temperature because when I then switched to San Diego's unexpected hot weather last week, my feet were still  at the perfect temperature. I am wildly impressed. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

My product reviews are my honest and personal opinion. This shoe was not gifted, it was purchased at full price. 

Men's Neckwear on Women

scarf: PUCCI, top: J.CREW, shorts: AQUA, shoes: GUESS, studs: BLOOMINGDALE'S

I styled a wedding recently and wanted to perfect a quick double windsor knot. You never know when you need to tie one quickly at an event or shoot, and it had been a while since I had to be rapidly skilled at the double windsor, so I practiced on myself. I haven't seen a tie on myself in years. I suddenly felt like joining the party again. I love men's neck wear on women. I love the neatness of it, the juxtaposition, and the warm of it when the temperature drops. 

When wearing a men's neck tie, I recommend wearing a collared shirt. It could be a sleeveless collared shirt, long sleeved or rolled sleeves. I'm not going to like short sleeves as much. I also recommend using a skinny tie. Once you have your shirt and tie, embrace the versatility. You can pair it with shorts, pants, skirts, or throw it on a collared dress. My only request is skip denim. Keep it chic, and a little dressy. As for patterns, go ahead and mix them. You can see I mixed a red and navy checkered shirt with a navy paisley tie.

If we are talking about ascots, you can wear a proper ascot, or you can cheat by using a 16-inch scarf, fold it diagonally, place the points at the front of your neck and then tie the corners at your back. As pictured, you get the esence of an ascot look without having to run out and get one. Again, pair the ascot with a collared shirt of your choice. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

top: J.CREW, vest: ZENANA OUTFITTERS, tie bar: J.CREW, pants: J.CREW, boots: NAYA, ring: BCBG

Photo Credit: David McClory

The Patterned Short Suit For Cooler Days

short suit: J.Crew, bangles: Ralph Lauren, Wedges: J.Crew, bag: Cole Haan

San Diego is still toasty, while most of the stores are chilling out, literally. They are selling us fall wear and blaring the air conditioning. During fall, San Diego is an interesting temperature that ranges between a light sweat when moving around to "maybe I should have worn pants" when your movements are still. This becomes a problem when stores are still operating like it's summer (or maybe they just want to encourage sales of the cold weather clothing.) I head to the mall, in professional bare arm looks that feel great in the outdoors, and end up shivering once in the stores. In the summer the chilly air was a great relief from the stifling outdoor heat, but right now the outside is perfect. We don't need man made machines to alter our body's temperature. I am not the only one with a cold work environment. Many of my clients have this problem with their office space. 

The solution to overzealous air conditioning is lightweight layering. There are a variety of ways to cover-up lightly. An easily folded up cardigan is perfect. Just throw it in your purse when you leave the cold buildings. For a more fun idea, wear a short suit. With fall wardrobe moving in, you will be able to find them on sale at Nordstrom Rack, Loehman's and other discount retailers that take a lot of the clothing that didn't sell this summer. 

When wearing a short suit, anything goes... you can wear a tank, a blouse, heels, flats, whatever you like. You can dress it up or dress it down, just be ready to be on attention. A short suit is both rare and stylish, inspiring many eyes to connect with your attire. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

 

How To Take Pictures With Your Man

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

An image of a happy couple smiling is great, especially with authentic grins, but we all know cheek to cheek smiling is a bit boring. Especially when said couple decided to wear the same colored shirt. Whether you are taking engagement photos or simply want to capture the affection between you and your lover, ditch the standard poses and try something different... or perhaps something exactly the same. Search Pinterest or the vast internet for sexy, funny, or interesting photos of couples. When you find one or a few you like, imitate it or take inspiration from the outfits, poses and location. 

You can also think outside the hand holding and get shots of you two enjoying your favorite past times. Do you like baseball? Have your photographer shoot your gentleman pitching a ball to you. Love movies? Hit the couch, grab some popcorn and get a shot of you cuddling. Think of all the activities and hobbies you two share and come up with a scene.

Another idea is a joint boudoir shoot. With strategically posed hands and such, you may even be able to show people the sensually driven images. If this feels too risqué or exposing, don't feel pressure to undress. Sport revealing clothes that actually cover. For your legs, try tights from a place like Tights Tights Tights. Your top can be covered by a sheer blouse and full body shape wear can take care of that torso. A bed sheet can also do amazing things to reveal and cover. 

The key is to capture the uniqueness between you and your partner. Even if you feel like an average couple, skip the average camera ops. Find the uniqueness between you two. 

Is The Peplum Too Trendy Now?

top: Bar 111, pants: 7 For All Mankind, shoes: Tahari, clutch: J.Crew, earrings & embellished bangle: Alexis Bittar, gold bands: gifted from Mimi & Lu, ball rings: JewelMint, watch: StyleCo

A peplum dress or top has paraded itself all around stores, television shows and celebrities. When a trend gets this much exposure, it usually means it's time to move on. Photographer Robin Dayley admitted to me when the peplum first showed up, she was itching to try it. Mere moments later, she was sick of it... until she saw me in this photo shoot's peplum top. "That's adorable!" I believe is what she said. 

The problem with trendy trends is not necessarily the piece itself. Anything can be done beautifully with a fresh eye. The issue with trendy pieces is the way it trails down the line of availability. It begins as a surprise. It is interesting simply because you have not seen it or not seen it in awhile. The first round of a trend tends to be so-so, but because they are first, they are amazing. The second and third round of a trend corrects and invents upon the first flush. It is around this time you get the pick of the litter of fabrics, patterns and unique tweaks. Then the stores get oversaturated and generic and cheap versions of the trend storm the retail castle, confusing the original point and roping in amateur fashion lovers.  

Is the peplum too trendy to purchase at this point? Not if it is unique, cut to flatter and paired well. If you are loving it, dive in. Scour the last round of peplum pieces, but only if you have the eye or a personal stylist with the eye for originality, quality and silhouette. If you are feeling unsure, then, yes. Time to slip the peplum.  

Are you done with the peplum?

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography

How To Wear Printed Pants

top: Forever 21, pants: J.Crew, jewel ring: Macy's, gold bands: gifted from Mimi & Lu, bracelet: Vince Camuto, heels; J.Crew, clutch: Kate Spade

So, you bought the printed pants, now what? You like the fit, you like the print, and now you are standing in your closet looking at your tops, looking at your shoes and wandering what on earth is going to go with these [insert pattern type and color] pants.

Let's start with tops. Wear a solid colored top. The color should be complimentary to all the colors in the print. For instance, a tan, brown, and yellow patterned pant will go nicely with a green top, because green will go with all three of those colors. Another example is pictured above. My crazy floral print pants is full of yellow, white, green, baby blue, orange, and red. The indigo shade top I chose compliments every single one of those colors.

The other option is choosing a top in the least used color in the pant. In my case, a white top would be lovely because there is very little white in the pant. I could have also worn a baby blue shirt.

When talking shoes, I find a metallic, or nude works wonders. I chose a gold heel to bring out the warm tones of my printed pant. Again, you want to keep things simple. As you can see I went a bit daring with the sparkly cap toe pumps, but the entire shoe is still gold, therefore, it does not disrupt the pants' print party. If the pant had black tones, a black flat would work. Think basic colors and simple color pairings for your shoes. A colored shoe can definitely work, but can be tricky. The louder the pant, the better it is to have a neutral shoe. In my case, these pants are loud. Had I used a white shirt, I could use dark green shoes, but since I chose the bold indigo hue, a neutral shoe is a must, in order to avoid an over the rainbow look. 

Photo Credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photograph

Statement Necklace & Bold Colored Clutch

studs: Bloomingdale's, necklace: The Fabulous Rag Boutique, top: J.Crew, skirt: J.Crew, bangles: Forever21.com, white & gold ring: Kohls, gold bands: Noon Boutique, watch: Kenneth Cole, pave rings: Jewel Mint, heels: J.Crew

V-Style photo shoots often do not have content attached to the ideas during their planning. On these occasions, the amazing Robin Dayley and I work for our moods. Sometimes my outfit du jour dictates this type of shoot, other times, Robin's discovery of a new wall or concept pushes me to find the right outfit. 

For the most recent free style collaboration, I became overwhelmed as I looked at the finished photos. During the shoot I was so busy sitting on a filthy couch, I did not realize the extent of advice one could take from our over-styled-pencil-skirt-in-the-alley photo shoot. I immediately saw seven blogs in the images. I decided to merge them into one post and break it down into a flurry of fashion advice. Here are a few ideas you can take away from this outfit. Can you think of more?

1) Bold Colored Clutch

This golden tan suede clutch is of vintage descent, but you can create the same look at home with any bold colored clutch. By making a statement in your clutch you are free to wear simpler outfits and more neutral colors without feeling boring. 

2) Statement Necklace

I adore a statement necklace with a white button front top. When creating any statement necklace look, place an unusual yet, complimentary stud in your ears. The gold pyramid studs play up the light gold detailing of the ethnic inspired necklace. 

3) Multiple Rings

My favorite fashion trend of the 90's was the hand styling. I adored the piling of rings done by Phoebe on Friends and Drew Barrymore in everything. These days I prefer gold bands to butterflies and strong jewels to flowers, but the sentiment remains the same, let's wear it all!

4) How To Wear A White Button Front

Choose a cotton based white long sleeve button front top and then always roll the sleeves. You can tuck it into skirts as shown, pair it with jeans and heels, or sport it with shorts. 

5) Funky Pencil Skirt

The pencil skirt does not just come in office appropriate black. Try a printed pencil skirt instead. This way you can flaunt it at a party or dinner out; then spice up your work attire by wearing it 9-5.

6) Gold Heels

I'm a broken record I know, but gold heels are fabulous. Basically, gold heels can go with most outfits as long as you are wearing gold jewelry. 

7) J Crew

Although bought in different seasons, the top, the skirt and the heels were all purchased from J Crew. Some people still see J Crew as a conservative retailer, but I beg to differ. Yes, I am always taking clients to J Crew for their basic shorts, stretchy pants and belts, but I am also there for the stand out coat, skirt, print, and necklace. It's always a good idea to check in with J Crew, even after you've acquired their chic basics.

 

Photo credit: Robin Dayley of Dayley Photography