Personal Style

outfit looks of the week

June 2, 2014

Brighten Up Your Summer Look with Accessories

Happy June! My undisputed, absolute favorite month of the year is finally here, and I can’t wait to wear my favorite warm weather clothes and accessories, mixing old standbys with new, exciting pieces. This weekend, I kicked off the month with a punch of bright accessories, including color mixes of orangey-red, bright cobalt, turquoise, coral, and mint. The larger pieces, such as my chambray dress and kitten heel pumps, remained in more neutral shades to keep the overall aesthetic clean. Although it’s at least three years old, this dress also features two big trends for summer: pleats and a full skirted bottom.

This was the first time in many months that I’ve donned a coral lip and mint digits, which felt just so right in the heat of this 80 degree Sunday.

A GREAT accessory, be it a beauty product or fashion item, can make a world of difference to your look, and I think it’s most important to wear one that pops, but also makes YOU feel comfortable, confident, and effortlessly chic.

In this Look:

Pleated Chambray Denim Dress from ModCloth

MICHAEL Michael Kors Jade T-Strap Hemp Washed Canvas Printed Crocodile Kitten Heels (courtesy of Zappos.com)

Sorrelli Turqoise Cuff & Teardrop Earrings (c/o the brand)

Orla Kiely Bow Belt (c/o the brand)

Comme des Garcons Quilted Pouch (gift; see similar here)

Vogue Cat Eye Sunglasses (c/o Sunglass Hut)

Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick in Tropicoral (c/o the brand)

essie nail polish in Fashion Playground (c/o the brand)

May 26, 2014

Choose the Shoes: Elegant or Casual

by Julia DiNardo

Whichever pair I end up wearing with this look will still end up being refined and polished, don’t you think? Even if the sneakers are worn in-transit, at least it looks much more pulled together than flip flops or roll up flats. I probably spend too much time thinking about each component of my outfit and the different scenarios that may play out along the way, but I think there’s something to that which helps to hammer out my personal style. Although the variance of what I wear can be summed up by the disparity of a classic kitten heel pump versus a spunky pair of canvas sneakers, I do think there is still a unifying quality of thoughtfulness to the look that is just so me.

How would you describe your personal style?

May 19, 2014

(Almost) Sandal Weather

by Julia DiNardo

Soooo close! But no cigar. I am grateful that I haven’t done the winter to summer clothing/handbag/footwear switch over in my closet yet, but on the other hand… I’m really starting to miss using some of my warm weather pieces. Going all light cotton with the wardrobe, I managed to pair together some pieces that left me adequately dressed for the unpredictable temperament of the sun these days, as well as the in and out of buildings degree fluctuations.

Ivory-hued swiss dot dresses are still on hold for the time being, but at least I can let my tootsies breathe a bit in a new pair of sandals! Speaking of, I received these Vionic Sandals as part of the brand’s #solestory campaign, and am enjoying the stability and support, so that I can just continue doing my thing, not having to worry about doing a “shoe change” at some point my day to relieve foot pain.

I’m off to Texas for a long weekend in a few weeks, which will certainly be sandal-ville 24/7, but in the meanwhile, I am hoping that NYC experiences a prolonged heat wave soon!

In this look:

J.Crew Pink Long Sleeve Tee

Gap Camo Chino Pants

American Eagle Outfitters Denim Moto Jacket (courtesy of the brand)

Designer Necklace from T.J.Maxx (courtesy of T.J.Maxx)

Sperry Top-Sider Nautical Watch (courtesy of the brand)

Sorrelli Cupcake Collection Teardrop Lined Statement Cuff Bracelet (courtesy of the brand)

Vionic Catarina T-Strap Wedge (courtesy of the brand)

DVF Sunglasses

May 12, 2014

Throwing Lines and Casting Shadows

by Julia DiNardo

After a long day at work, the sun was still shining at 7pm and felt absolutely glorious, yet the opportunistic moments for photos was quickly depleting. As I laid a series of kisses on Fashion Pulse Kitty’s little head and ran out the door with Fashion Pulse Hubby to snap a few pics, I didn’t realize until later, but my shadow tagged along to say hello!

The look that I pulled together today thrived on clean, smooth, well-defined lines, found in seamless, foundational garments and the color blocking in my dress, all the way through to the quilting on my bag, with precision and symmetry being key elements. I like to keep the balance of color largely black and white, with a pop of blue and faux croc texture from the bag, partnered with a surprise flash of metallic via the gunmetal hue of the pumps and crystal shine of my earrings. Maintaining a similar, linear shape throughout my look was essential to its completion, and even though the dress was already erring on the futuristic side, the metallic pumps solidified it in that direction. I love that the quilted pattern continued, albeit in miniscule form, onto the shoulder strap, which provided extra style AND comfort.

Which piece is your favorite?