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retro

October 25, 2011

Welcome Back Wide Leg Pants

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[Alice + Olivia Black Wide Leg Pants, J Brand Wide Leg Trouser Jeans, and Diane von Furstenberg Rein Ann Red Wide Leg Pants all via Shopbop.com]

Just when we finally have mastered our skinnies, wide leg pants have made their comeback and resurfaced in a major way on the runways. I finally bought a pair of wide leg jeans and in wearing them, felt a renewed and revived sense of style!  In order to make your look appear effortless when transitioning to this new shape, we are offering up some of our best tips on wearing… scratch that– rocking wide leg pants.

How to Rock Your Wide Leg Pants:

1. Length– The pants should not be dragging along the ground, but ideally should not be any higher than an inch off the floor either (when wearing heels or flats). You’ll want your cute shoes to peek out, yet not be completely on display.

2. Tops– Stick to form-fitting tops or something you can tuck in. A cropped jacket adds structure. It’s best to define the waist (belts look great with wide legs!). The width and span of fabric  is on the bottom of the silhouette, and the goal is to keep it that way.

3. Shoes – Any excuse to wear heels and I’ll take it, however, not everyone feels that way. If you’re comfortable rocking flats (especially if you’re tall with super, long legs then go for it), do it, just remember our rule #1 with length-.  For this look, the only absolute NO is a pointy toed shoe. Stick to a rounded toe or open toe pumps or wedges or platforms that are slightly retro without being too literal.

[Cropped Jacket, Lace Crop Tee; both via Topshop.com]

4. Accessories – The pants are making a statement on their own, so it’s best to keep accessories minimal. This doesn’t mean you can’t pair your wide legs with a sleek clutch for night or a structured handbag for day or chunky bangle bracelets. Just don’t go into costumey, overkill mode with too much.

5. Vibe– Wide leg trousers are appropriate for the office, but can also be funky and retro. It’s up to you to decipher the mood you are going for, and what is appropriate. For a business vibe, tuck in a classic, crisp button up. For an edgier look, try a cropped jacket or a simple tee. No matter what look you are aiming for, just be confident in your stride.

[Pour La Victoire Platform Pumps, Elizabeth and James Open Toe Pumps, Sam Edelman Platform Wedges; via Shopbop.com]

[Darby Glitter Loafers, Lula Snakeskin Ballet Flats Flats via JCrew.com]

-Alana Quagliariello

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July 19, 2011

Everything Old is New Again; Norma Kamali’s Bill Swimsuit (and Giveaway!)

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[Images via Norma Kamali]

Influenced by classic films from the 1930s and 40s and the “classic American movie start style,” Norma Kamali introduced the iconic Bill swimsuit decades ago. A feminine skirted silhouette with a sweetheart halter neckline with ruching is flattering on every body type. The chic, fun, and elegant retro style is here to stay. Who said you have to wear a two-piece to be sexy?

Luckily, Kamali reintroduced the Bill swimsuit last year in a range of colors at an affordable price ($98), available exclusively at her flagship store in New York City and online. To celebrate the one-year anniversary of the new, affordable style, Norma Kamali will be giving away four swimsuits on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Foursquare.  Can I get one of every color, please?

[September 1987 in WWD]

[Miranda in Sex and the City]

– Ambika Makin

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August 12, 2010

Not Your Mother’s Swedish Hasbeens

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It can be great fun to hark back to the nostalgic styles of the 60s and 70s, but also important to execute the look just so, in order to not look too ironic and time period perfect. Instead, channel retro styles in pastel and virbant hues like a Swede, with the shoes and boots from Swedish Hasbeens. Voted the 2008 Trend of the Year at the Trend Award Gala in Stockholm, the brand is retro chic made even cooler with their nature-friendly practices; styles such as the Lace-up Booties ($310), the Peep toe Sky High ($177), and the Braided Sky High ($188) channel the classic clog, but are all made from alder and lime-tree wood and rubber, use chrome-free leather, and are vegetable tanned in delicate pastels. According to Swedish Hasbeens, you can wear their shoes for a lifetime, and if you don’t, you can always bury them and they will disappear! In regard to their name reference, the brands says: “A Hasbeen shows their love for creativity, joy and quality in what they wear.” Rather than think has been, channel the laid back vibes of the decades of yore, with some contemporary styling and an injection of the best of your on individual fashion sense.

-Kaci Hamilton

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