Category Archives: Her Closet

Spring 2012 Must Have Pieces – Runway to Real Way

Posted on March 20, 2012 | 1 comment

Last fall, after scouring the runways, I identified the must have pieces for spring 2012.  Several months later it is time to shop… And we will shop, but with purpose and with key trends in mind and clever ways to take them from the runway to real life.

Gym Class Hero Runway: If this is the trend for you keep it streamlined and focus on details: an unexpected hoodie, zipper details, jersey and nylon fabrics, and racerback tops.

Gym Class Hero Real Way:Shop: Jacket, Dress, Vest, Sandals, Bag, Wedge, Skirt, Shorts, Tank, Bracelets, Buds, Bag
 

Trail Blazer Runway:It is completely over sized, has masculine structuring and detailing, and reminds me of the look when a dad offers his suit jacket to his daughter to keep her warm.

Trail Blazer Real Way:Shop: Dress, Blue, Black, White, Espadrille, Tunic, Short, Sunglasses, Belt, Hat
 

Jumpsuit Fever Runway: Highly reminiscent of the 1970′s, but with a twist from an earlier era of the 1920′s,  the standard jumpsuit looks more polished in flowing silks, deep deco necklines, slim waists and wide legs.

Jumpsuit Fever Real Way:Shop: Black, Floral, Cobalt, Headband, Belt, Earrings
 

1920’s Nightgown Runway: This look features perfect knife pleating, sheer panels, soft whispers of color, flowing chiffon, delicate beading.  The look is delicate, refined and secretly an alluring throw back to the 1920′s bedroom dressing.

1920’s Nightgown Real Way:Shop: Blouse, Dress, T-Strap, Dress, Cardigan, Short, Slip, Earring
 

Modern Marilyn Runway: The halter, the open back, bare arms, plunging neckline are made modern by new silhouettes and fresh detailing at the waist.

Modern Marilyn Runway Real Way: Shop: Blouse, Dress, Dress, Jacket, Denim, Espadrille, Earrings, Skirt, Clutch
 
Lady Who Lunches Runway: The Spring 2012 look has taken the ladylike suit, all prim and proper and made it pop.  In these styles it doesn’t feel costume  and it is not primed for next season’s Mad Men, it feels fresh.  The slim silhouettes, the modern details, the bold colors, all fabulous.  And for the lady who lunches, this look is all business.Lady Who Lunches Real Way:Shop: Jacket, Glove, Blouse, Dress, Short, Earring, Captoe, Skirt
 
Simply Bold Runway: It’s not going to be easy to wear, and rarely will you have an occasion for a large shimmering tent of a ballgown skirt, but it should make you consider the concept of a simple top paired with a dramatic bottom for spring, or all year long.Simply Bold Real Way:Shop: Tie Tee, Heathered Tee, Sweater, Print Skirt, Geometric Skirt, Glitter Skirt
 

Which piece trends are you most excited to translate from the runway to real way?  Tell me in the comments!

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A Berry Good Weekend

Posted on March 9, 2012 | Leave a comment

Last weekend I went on an impromptu trip to Florida to see my parents.  We cooked, hung out, and relaxed.  It was wonderful.

One of the perks of the weekend was enjoying true spring weather and seeing the sun – we haven’t had a ton of sun in DC this winter.  Another plus was being able to gorge on fresh Florida spring fruits like strawberries and blueberries.  Not flavorless like they are here, and not super tart they were perfectly sweet.

And so, my berry snacks have inspired me for this weekend.

Shop: Dress, Flats, Fruit, Denim, Lip, Smoothie

There is something so lovely about the freshness of a new season and the first crop of sweet fruit.  I hope you have a beautiful weekend with lots of sweetness and joy.

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Posted in Family, Fashion Inspiration, healthy, Her Closet, Her Inspiration, Her Kitchen, Spring

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Trendspotting: Must Have Details at NYFW Fall 2012

Posted on March 8, 2012 | 1 comment

In the last round up of the trends for Fall 2012 I have zoned in all of the little details that make a big statement.  I am especially excited about these trends because generally it is easier to find affordable applications of detail trends and they are often easier to wear.

On to the runway!

Bold Lace:This trend was manifested cooly in evening gowns and playful suits, fabulous tops and even pants.  Here dramatic black lace – always black, never white – is paired with bold colors like cobalt, neon green, and hot pink.

Bold Lace: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Caught in the Net:What happens when your favorite old fisherman partners up with the fashion world’s hottest designers?  This.  Designers sent models down the runway in sportswear looks and tops and sweaters with teeny and tight netting and voluminous wide nets.  The look features mixed materials of knits and leather and always with a fierce sensibility and in modern black and dark hues.  Either way, I’m caught, hook, line and sinker.

Caught in the Net: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Flight of Fancy:Several designers made an avian statement on the runway by featuring lighter than air skirts that were molting slim black feathers.  What I like about this trend is the very modern way it has been interpreted.  These are not your grandma’s frocks, or the feathers of Dynasty.  The playful colors, fabrics and accessories but this trend in a flock of its own.

Flight of Fancy: NYFW Fall 2012

 

From Nature:In the past two seasons we’ve seen a lot of prints that ethnic and tribally inspired.  I loved seeing this new trend of fabric prints that looked borrowed from National Geographic.  Prints were reminiscent of live and wild coral, spewing lava, violent and raging wildfires, but were never so literal that the fashion became anything but art.

From Nature: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Pop Tart:Some of fashion’s most youthfully relevant designers turned out big and playful prints that were a joy to look at and a seemingly a lot of fun to wear.  In bold black and white and in knits, both structured and relaxed, this trend is an easy to own and wear idea for fall.

Pop Tart: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Shining Shoulders:Long live the grandeur of the 80’s in these cocktail dresses and evening gowns.  Designers played with a lot of sequins, mesh and beading on the Fall 2012 runways, but no trend was more of a standout than the application on the shoulders.

Shining Shoulders: NYFW Fall 2012

 

 

Now that all of the best fall trends have been reviewed – the colors, the pieces and the details which trend are you most excited for?  Tell me in the comments!

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Trendspotting: Must Have Pieces at NYFW Fall 2012

Posted on March 6, 2012 | 1 comment

Hello friends, I am back and ready to continue trend tracking the fall runways from NYFW.  So far we’ve covered color (I’m sure by now you’re loving the orange, teal and berry) and now we move on to the must have pieces that showed up again and again (or at least 3 times) on the runways.

Bear Arms:This isn’t a subtle look, in fact it’s rather fierce and aggressive.  Several designers showed outerwear looks that at their base were streamlined and sophisticated but a look to the right or the left revealed sleeves in furs and pelts.

Bear Arms: NYFW Fall 2012

Over the Top Toppers:Another outerwear look, which might be easier to pull off, is the idea of resplendent and sometimes over the top coats.  In velvets and satin, featuring ornate beading, textures or embroidery these coats aren’t ideal for the next blizzard but they make a beautiful statement.

Over the Top Toppers: NYFW Fall 2012

On Top:Several designers showed models in hats.  Some were a part of the sartorial statement (Jason Wu), others were a outlandish statement all their own.  The use of hats on the runway is a nice way to see fashion imitating life, see Kate Middleton.

On Top: NYFW Fall 2012

Urban Prairie Girl:There is the city girl, you know her in leather and black.  And now there is the urban prairie girl; she’s wearing layers, leather, sheepskin, hats, scarves, neutral tones.  Frankly, she looks like an extra from The Road.

Urban Prairie Girl: NYFW Fall 2012

Military Precision:As a throwback to the 40’s there were quite a few looks that were expertly tailored and reminiscent of the 1940’s military aesthetic.  In slim silhouettes, natty tweeds, and even the bomber jacket were on the runway.

Military Precision: NYFW Fall 2012

She’s a Groovy Kind of Girl:I loved this look, and it was great to see the 1970’s style on the fall runways after it had been stocking spring shelves for years.  Kicky mini dresses and dramatic maxi dresses were the base for corduroys, suede, floral prints, and knit textures.

Groovy Kind of Girl: NYFW Fall 2012

What pieces are you excited for for Fall?  Are there styles that you’re falling for already?

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Trendspotting: Color Trends at NYFW for Fall 2012

Posted on February 29, 2012 | 2 comments

Over the last two weeks, just like last season, I went through all of the amazing Fall 2012 runway shows.  And not surprisingly several trends began to surface.  If you’ve been hanging out with me for a while you know my rule on trends: it takes 3, and so I’ve captured these trends that we’ll be shopping in just a few months and loving in a few more.

Three colors really stood out and were played with in casual and formal styles.  What was especially exciting is that these colors are a bit outside of the traditional fall shades of cranberry, navy and hunter green.

On with the trend show!

Orange Crush:This color, softer than rust and richer than citrus, floated down the runway.  Many times it was used with beautiful silks, flecks of metallics, and in luxurious silhouettes.

Orange Crush: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Teal My Heart:This color really was swoon-worthy.  It’s a layered color between blue and green that would make even the most glamorous peacock jealous.  It plays beautiful with other jewel tones and near monochromatic shades of blue and green.

Teal My Heart: NYFW Fall 2012

 

Berry Be Mine:Pink is ultra feminine, red is sexy and fierce, purple is regal and grand.  The shade of berry, or oxblood as it is being called, that was used on the runway is an amalgamation of all of these adjectives.  It is pure sophistication whether in street ready leather, or gala ready silk.

Berry Be Mine: NYFW Fall 2012

 

What do you think?  Would you wear these colors this fall?  I am especially loving the teal and berry!

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2012 Academy Award Red Carpet Recap

Posted on February 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Last night was the 84th Academy Awards.  I have a few take away notes after teh 3+ hour telecast: the show, like Oscar, felt pretty old; plastic surgery, especially on a man (I’m talking to you, Billy) rarely works; the “used to be fat” jokes for Jonah Hill feel really mean-spirited and cheap; and one montage is usually enough, I counted 4-5.

Now, on to the important stuff, the Red Carpet.

I have to say, I didn’t have an out and out favorite.  Some looks were pleasant surprises, and other were slightly disappointing.  But there were no show stoppers, or major risk takers on last night’s carpet.

Best in Red: Michelle Williams has the ingenue look down, and this night was no different.  In any other awards season Emma Stone wouldn’t have ended up on the worst dressed list, however, this style is so similar to the Gucci dress that has been worn to death it didn’t feel fresh or fun for this major event.

Best in White:Gwyneth Paltrow and Rooney Mara both wore white modern updates of classical styles.  However, on Hollywood’s biggest night Gwyneth Paltrow looked like the grande dame of “the industry” and Rooney Mara looked like she was playing in another star’s dressing room.

Best Mint:Berenice Bejo and Missi Pyle both wore a springtime hue of mint.  Berenice looks lovely, ethereal, and like a star.  Missi looks kind of messy.

Best in Nude:Cameron Diaz and Kristin Wiig both wore gowns with a fitted bodice and tiered delicate skirts.  However, in this showdown Diaz gets Oscar gold.  If I had a favorite dress of the night, it was this peachy nude Gucci gown with cascading skirt and beaded details.

Best in a Cinch:This one is hard for me to do, as you know I do love Jennifer Lopez.  However, on the Red Carpet and during the show her beaded and sheer Zuhair Murad gown read more Vegas glam than Hollywood glam.  I thought Octavia Spencer looked lovely, regal and glamorous on her big night.

Which dresses were your favorite?  Tell me in the comments!

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What to Wear to a Winter Wedding

Posted on February 15, 2012 | 1 comment

Is your social calendar filling up and your refrigerator door decorated with Save the Date magnets, postcards and invites?  When you’re in a certain age it is always wedding season, even during the winter season.

Look, I’ll be honest when it is cold my “party clothes”  are leggings and boots, maybe a cool sweater… but, when it is someone’s special day it is time to dust off the salt, scrape away the snow and put on your party best.

Is your event a refined afternoon, a lovely cocktail party, or a glamorous evening?  Either way you’ll want to look your best without completely breaking the bank – you do have wedding gifts to buy, after all.  Each set has two outfits with accessories that lend themselves to both.

This set with prim dresses, a feminine coat, and thick navy tights are perfect for a winter’s wedding.  Luckily both of these dresses with their vibrant prints would transition into the spring season with ease.

Daytime Winter Wedding

Shop: Dress, Dress, Coat, Clutch, Tights, Pumps

For a cocktail party soiree mix in some sequins, a more seductive silhouette and playful details like feathers and mixed patterns.  The standard trench coat is a sophisticated and every-season topper that plays just as nicely with sequins as it does with denim.

Winter Cocktail Party

Shop: Dress, Dress, Coat, Clutch, Pumps

If that invite is ready formal and black tie it is time to pull out the stops, go regal, go glam, go as your most fancy self.  Go sleek in black and pair with bold accessories, or bright and playful.  With either outfit you cannot go wrong with long and some sparkle.

Formal Winter Wedding

Shop: Dress, Top, Skirt, Earring, Clutch, Wedges

Of course the other must have wedding accessory, a smile and well wishes for the happy couple – and maybe handwarmers in the car!

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A Cozy Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 7, 2012 | 1 comment

In the life of a woman I think there are a few must have ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, and if you’re luck you’ve had a few really great Valentines.

First is a little girl’s dad, my dad is a great card giver.

Then come a series of puppy-loves, and their Whitman Samplers.

Then come the girlfriends, the rose wine, the shared meals at The Cheesecake Factory, and teary movies.

Then comes true love.  My forever Valentine is always filled with surprises and his thoughtfulness comes through in small gestures and grand ones.

Mark and I have had so many great Valentine’s Days and dates.  But, the truth is, we try to make each day special, and make every day Valentine’s Day if you will.  This year (next week!) Valentine’s Day is a Tuesday – smack in the middle of the week and so it calls for a cozy night at home.

Cozy and Sweet for Valentine's Day 2012

 Shop: Stripe Set – Shirt – Casablanca – Cookies – Card – Socks

This sweet little inspiration board is just perfect, something sexy, something soft, something cozy and a lot of somethings that are sweet.

What is your favorite Valentine’s Day memory?  What makes your day – are you a homemade cards and cookies gal, or champagne and a little box kind of a gal?  Or maybe somewhere in between?

 

Tell in the comments!

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Posted in gifts, Her Closet, Her Home, Her Inspiration, Holidays, Personal

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Weekend Wardrobe: Yoga Class

Posted on February 3, 2012 | Leave a comment

Two weekends ago we stretched, sweated, and savasana’d for three days straight.  Eoin Finn was in town and led a four-part workshop in DC in his version of yoga, blissology.  We have been practicing yoga for a few years now, and so just like I have favorite poses I also have a few favorite outfits.

If you’re just getting into yoga, my tips for dressing include getting over any self-consciousness, and finding what makes you the most comfortable.  You don’t have to buy $100 yoga pants, or made for yoga undergarments.  You might like them, and they all certainly have their benefits, but they aren’t a must have.

Weekend Wear: Yoga Class

Shop: Scarf, Bag, Shoes, Bra, Leggings, Tank, Drink

My yoga uniform is leggings, a sports bra and a tank top.  I prefer a skinny legging for yoga, a flare legging will ride up or flip over.  For the holidays I got an infinity scarf and that has been a must have to layer before, during, and after class.

What do you wear to class?

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Faux Real Color Blocking: Looks for Less

Posted on January 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

How have your New Year resolutions been going?  Hitting the gym daily? Twice a day?  Cut out all alcohol?  Chocolate?  Junk Food?  No.  Yea… me either.  Well, my friends the color block is here to hide a bevvy of spots, and create new curves that your Pilates instructor only warned you about.

The lady like sheath dress has a cut a place for itself as a fashion must-have on everyone from Victoria Beckham to Michelle Obama, but this past fall Kate Winslet with a lot of help from Stella McCartney turned the volume up on the sheath to take it from lady to vamp.

Kate Winslet in the Stella McCartney Octavia Dress - Us Weekly

The Octavia dress has been referred to by stylists as a girdle, and being capable of holding everything in the right spot, while also visually creating the illusion of a very svelte hourglass.  All of this nipping and tucking when Stella McCartney is your fabric surgeon comes with a price, and no insurance won’t cover it… So we look for the look for less.

The first “save” option is from Evan Piccone (at Macy’s).  While not quite as va-va-voom as the Octavia is cuts a slim figure with the color blocked side panels and is probably the best bet for a day time look.

Evan Piccone Dress

In the “splurge” category is the Asher Paneled Dress by VPL.  Taking inspiration from a slip and underpinnings this is definitely a younger and sexier style, but is balanced by a casual fabric in stretch terry.  In this case the panels are more subtle and accomplish the same knockout curves.

VPL Asher Dress

In the “savings account” category we have the Octavia, but also the Color Block Sheath Dress by Jason Wu.  I actually like the Jason Wu dress better, the geometry in the paneling feels modern to me, but if you’ve got “savings account” to play with it’s an easy guarantee that either dress would turn heads.

Jason Wu Colorblock Dress

Would you wear this shape-shifting dress?  And is it something you would be willing to splurge on?

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