October 3, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
My Mom had plaid pants from Talbots in the early 90s that WERE NOT CUTE. Sorry to through you under the bus, ma, but you are cute, but those pants… were less so. The reason why I’m sharing this is because my Mom has been a life-long lover of plaids, it seems, while I have skewed in the opposite direction, I think due in part, to the memory of those pants! I memory serves me properly, what was truly wrong with them was the fit (and they also were pegged and pleated)!
Being super petite, or any size really, can make things like printed pants a real challenge to master, so once you get the fit right, it will all fall into place. LOFT recently revamped its entire line of pants, specifically in the problem areas of the rear, thighs, legs, and tummy, taking advice and input from 10,000 women across the USA, so you can say that LOFT definitely did it’s homework! The result? I now don’t have to try on multiple pairs and can head directly to my style, “The Julie,” and size (varies if I do petite versus regular). and size that works best for my silhouette (click here to find out what pair works best for you). See below for the details on what I’m wearing and pairing in this look. Julie Plaid Ankle Pants
What I’m Wearing:
LOFT Julie Plaid Ankle Pants (courtesy of LOFT)
AEO Black Denim Moto Jacket (courtesy of AEO)
American Living Plaid Dress Shirt
mark. Got the Edge Earrings (courtesy of mark)
Sorrelli Riveting Romance Cuff Bracelets (2)(courtesy of Sorrelli)
MCM Faux Snakeskin Studded Wrap Around Bracelet
ShoeDazzle Studded Pumps
DVF Prescription Sunglasses
September 27, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation, available at Kohl’s, launched today! You can shop the collection online, or in-stores, with plenty of pieces and size ranges still available. Catherine Malandrino, known for modern, New York meets Paris-inspired designs complete with form fitting shapes, intricate knits, flounce hems, and sleek silhouettes has lent her signature style to Kohl’s for a limited time. I have never received as many compliments as when I wear my Catherine Malandrino dresses, so you better believe I planned to try a few of the styles out!
Courtesy of the brand, I had a blast in the Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation oversized striped cardigan $88, which is totally on-trend for fall/winter 2013, AND spring/summer 2014, with its bold mixing of black and white. My rule of thumb with pairing stripes, polka dots, or any busy pattern is to try to limit the colors in your look to three, max four, for a balanced aesthetic. I paired the stripes with a bit of plaid, and red jeans as the color pop option; I’ve always felt strongly that black, white, and red are shades that always look amazing together.
What pieces are you going to pick up from Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation at Kohl’s?
Stay tuned for my guide on how to shop designer collaborations, which may come in handy!
September 13, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
As the week is wrapping up, the trends are being to gel, and exhaustion is setting in, I’m keeping my best foot forward with some of my favorite dresses and a splash of bright pink on the lips!
Day 6 of New York Fashion Week, Spring 2014 Collections:
What I wore:
Trashy Diva Sweetie Dress
DVF Prescription Sunglasses
Naya Shoes
Linea by Baume & Mercier Watch with a Classic Maroon Wrap-Around Strap
ShoeDazzle Kenmore Bag
Riveting Romance Cuff Bracelets (3)
Sorrelli Perfect Pear Cut Earring
Sorrelli Stacked Circular Crystal Ring
On my lips:Nuance Salma Hayek Color Vibrance Lipstick in Passion Pink
Day 7 of New York Fashion Week:
A fine day it was, starting off the day with a hair updo by TRESemmé, followed by a series of shows and backstage coverage!
What I Wore:
Catherine Malandrino Knit Dress
Aerosoles Plush Pillow in Blue Multi Pattern
Accessorize Necklace
Sorrelli Aquatic Series Ring
Sorrelli Sparkling Shards Earrings (see similar)
Custom Designed Bracelet, The Palladium Project
ShoeDazzle Kenmore Bag
Full Disclosure: Some of the items in this post were given to Fashion Pulse Daily for editorial review.
April 22, 2013
by Julia DiNardo
After a brutally long winter, my fellow Manhattanites, and, for the most part, East Coasters as well are reveling in the sunshine. Finally, puffer jackets can be shed and lightweight layers can make their much-deserved debut in the latest silhouettes, colors, and patterns for spring/summer 2013. What better to help me kick off my favorite fashion season than with a piece from Mara Hoffman, the designer who makes the most gorgeously engineered prints in ethnic-inspired motifs?
Courtesy of The Orchid Boutique, the amazing online and brick-and-mortar destination for swimwear and all things warm-weather related, I stepped out in this incredible confection, the Mara Hoffman Basket Weave Maxi Dress, this weekend. I let the dress do most of talking, balancing it out with some matching hues found in my essie polish in “beach bum blue” and color block wedge sandals.
The trick to wearing a maxi dress on a petite frame is managing the proportions so that it doesn’t appear to be too dramatic of a triangle shape, i.e. tight on top and loosely flowing on the bottom. With a racer back cut that lengthens and a streamlined, body hugging silhouette, I’m not engulfed in fabric nor is my height dwarfed or frame hidden underneath with this particular maxi dress.
I look forward to more warm days ahead, and maximizing my usage of the Mara Hoffman Basket Weave Maxi Dress for spring/summer 2013.
What’s your favorite maxi dress that you LOVE to wear in the summer?
