The It Accessory | Fashion Pulse Daily - Part 10

The It Accessory

May 7, 2014

Pair it with This: Sculptural Crop Tops

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crop top trend

[Pictured: McQ Alexander McQueen Layered-Front Crop Top; Saks.com]

Wait wait wait – before you write off the trend, and think you are too old, not in good enough shape, etc, can I just request your attention for a moment, so that I may  share a little bit of information first, that could change your mind. It’s no so much about showing your midriff or tummy, but rather, the beauty of it lies in the illusion, or possibility, of a sneak peek at an itty bitty, tiny bit of skin. That is truly what is sexy, sophisticated, and modern about the silhouette, and as you’ve probably observed, most people do it dead wrong.

In order to make the crop top, and you, look at the height of refinement, the garment calls for a sculptural silhouette, made of a very sturdy, high quality fabric. A thicker, densely woven, more expensive iteration is what you’ll end up with, but it will look a million times better than the fast fashion versions.

trends in crop tops

Keep the color of the crop top solid and neutral; all-white or all-black will be the easiest way to pair it with what you already have in your wardrobe. And speaking of…show off the stark, slim-fitting garment by contrasting it with wide legged pants, or try it with a high-waisted skirt. If the lines are smooth and clean in the bodice of one of your dresses, wear the crop top over it for a streamlined, and hence, no-skin silhouette.

I’ve had numerous vintage pieces over the years that have been exactly this crop top/dress combination as previously described, however the crop top was in many cases, built into the dress as one full piece (p.s. – check out this version by Just Cavalli).

The simpler the crop top is kept, the better it will look, so stay away from heavy embellishment, unless you plan to drastically pair down the rest of your look.  A sleeveless or half-sleeve version will lend you the most versatile of options as well as movement. All in all, I know you can rock the crop!

In This Look:

Tracy Reese Sleeveless Crop Top

J.W. Anderson Butterfly Silk/Cotton Top

Bec & Bridge Bitter & Twisted Textured Top

Alexander Wang Asymmetrical Cropped-Side Wrap Tank

 

 

April 23, 2014

Pair it With This: White Sneakers

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white canvas sneakers trendForget about trends such as wedge sneakers for a moment, and think about an effortless, timeless, sophisticated look for the warmer months. That look?  White sneakers! Select a breathable, season-friendly fabrication  like canvas, and the simpler the silhouette the better, so that you can easily pack them and pair them with a variety of garments, from flowing sundresses, cuffed boyfriend jeans, and hot pink short shorts. If you do decide to try a leather pair, keep it light and spring/summer friendly by finding a pair with perforation (see above) or merely some leather paneling.

Keep other shoe colors at bay, and only allow the brand’s signature striping or markings to show, or pick a pair that only slightly alludes to introducing a second shade, like the white and black pair above. The good thing is that a bevy of iconic brands offer a white sneaker AND at an affordable price at a ton of retailers, so it will be a breeze to pick up the pair that is decidedly you.

The one catch with white sneakers, particularly with canvas ones, is that you’ve got to keep them clean. Give them a quick wipe after wearing them and store in their own box. It’s also a good idea to make sure the forecast calls for 0% chance or rain on the days you decide to wear them to preserve them even longer. With a little TLC, your white sneaks will stylishly get you through several seasons, and when stays occur, a little spot-cleaning or gentle wash surely won’t hurt either.

Which pair is your favorite?

In This Look (from left to right):

Vince Blair Slip On Sneakers

Superga Cotu Classic Sneakers

Chuck Taylor Low Sneaker

Converse Jack Purcell

TOMS Classic’ Canvas Slip-On

Vans  ‘Authentic’ Sneaker

Bucketfeet ‘The Dro’ Slip-On Sneaker

 Keds ‘Champion 2K Canvas’ Slip-On

April 16, 2014

Pair it With This: Mirrored Sunglasses

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mirrored sunglasses

I never really thought I’d see this one coming back into fashion, but it seems like people are in two camps when it comes to mirrored sunglasses: they either loathe it, or love it. If you are in the smaller percentage of the population, being unsure how you feel about them, I can certainly think that finding the right pair for your face shape, and trying to maintain no bias when trying them on helps.  A variety of shapes, from the classic Wayfarer to 90s-inspired ovals have mirrored lenses in them, with a tint of blue being the coolest of them all.

Here’s my top picks, that I think you may automatically or soon grow accustomed to loving this trend. Just like any pair of sunglasses go, they look fabulous with practically everything, especially sportswear and it’s more casual little sister, streetwear. Shop for more great styles at retailers with a nice selection of them, such as Nordstrom and Glasses.com.

Featured Shades (from left to right):

Steve Madden 52mm Sunglasses

Wildfox ‘Twiggy Deluxe’ 44mm Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Aviator RB3025 Sunglassses

Toms Beachmaster White Backspray

Persol PO2931S Polarized Sunglasses

Michael Kors  ‘Katrina’ 56mm Retro Sunglasses

 

 

April 2, 2014

Pair it With This: Pastel Purses

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pastel handbags

A pastel handbag this spring/summer season is pretty much mandatory! Bury all neon bags back into the depths of your closet for now, and spring for a few options that may have a bit of punch to them, but are still decidedly pastel. Rebecca Minkoff is doing an amazing with her offerings for the spring, but plenty of other brands offering a variety of styles and hues, from nude and blush to mint, baby purple and blue, softened pink, and more! Sizes tend to skew a bit smaller and structured, however choose the shape and shade that feels right for you, from dusty to glossy, and you will be amazed how easy the paler shades are to incorporate into your existing wardrobe!

In pairing a pastel handbag with other items, you don’t want to go too juvenile OR look like a walking Easter egg with your look, so keep the pastels found elsewhere to a minimum with one item, be it a dress, blouse, or pants. Sticking to a largely neutral palette

Pictured above:

 Henri Bendel Empire Satchel

Fossil ‘Sydney’ Satchel

Forever 21 Everyday Faux Leather Crossbody

Marc by Marc Jacobs ‘Classic Q Natasha – Mini’ Crossbody Flap Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip

Kate Spade New York ‘cobble hill – ellen’ leather crossbody bag

Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Affair

Henri Bendel West 57th Mini Crossbody

 

pastels

In this look:

Helmut Lang Cubist-Print Canvas Pants

Moschino Cheap & Chic Pointed Toe Ballerina Flats

T BY ALEXANDER WANG Classic Tank With Pocket from T.J.MAXX

Holst+ Lee Eagle Scout Necklace

Want to go pastel via your nails too? Check out this assortment of hues from brands including essie, Deborah Lippmann, Ciatè, Jin Soon, tenoverten, Butter London, and Clinique!

 

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