Transitional Style: Summer Nights, And Fall Days ... 'The Cropped Pant'

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Crippen via Vogue

Talk Back! There's nothing better than a cropped pant and high heels; it elongates your body adding about 3 to 5 inches! And who doesn't want height? While reading Vogue's article, (Susie Crippen's) Ten Tips for Looking Good in Cropped Pants, I was pleased to read attainable style advice geared toward most of us cropped-pant-lovers. In the picture above, four (4) different cropped pant looks are featured -- tell me (I want to know), which is more your style? Personally, I love outfits with a little edge that says I'm in control, and would wear (from left to right) Look #2 and Look #4.

Re: Look #4 -- I heart a plunging neckline; it showcases a flattering silhouette.  

Hey, Stylistas! Want to Wear Cropped Pants? Read Susie Crippen's Ten How-To Tips:

When wearing skinny cropped pants . . . 

1. The leg needs to be short: I am five foot five and I get all my inseams hemmed to 25 inches so there is a good amount of skin showing. I am convinced this makes me look taller. 

2. The leg opening should be as narrow as possible. Have them taken in if necessary. 

3. On the subject of tops and shoes, a good heel, like my white Céline pump, works with an oversize men’s shirt. I like the contrast of feminine with masculine. 

4. With a simple T-shirt, I wear a statement flat sandal that has a bit of flash. 

5. In snow or rain, I love pairing skinny cropped pants with a short engineer boot, oversize sweater, and a good raincoat. 

When wearing wide-leg cropped pants . . . 

1. This is my new favorite shape. I am all about playing with the notion of clothes that are oversize and still sexy. It reminds me of pictures of Lauren Bacall and Katharine Hepburn in the forties. There are so many great flats and booties out there right now that make it easy to create a really feminine look with a looser trouser or jean. 

2. Even more than with skinnies, the inseam has to be short enough to make them looked cropped—not just poorly hemmed. Above the ankle is my hard and fast rule. 

3. This fall, I can’t want to wear them with a fitted sweater to make the look a bit more sexy. 

4. The best choice for a tall ankle boot is one that hugs your ankle. That shape creates a beautiful silhouette and you avoid looking like the guy walking on stilts at the circus. Knee-length boots are also good under wide-leg cropped trousers if the boot is fitted to your leg. 

5. Wide-leg pants are also great with a midheel like Roger Vivier. 

Final Tid-Bits for Wearing Cropped Pants: If you're short and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels. Similarly, if you're tall and want to look taller, wear cropped pants with heels (maybe a kitten heel). However, if you're tall and don't want to look taller, wear cropped pants with flats. See? #StyleOptions for all. I like attainable style. xx :) -ns

 Video: Meet Susie Crippen

Designer Spotlight: Jennifer Fisher

Photo Credit: The Aestate

Jewelry Designer Spotlight! This morning while sipping coffee and browsing my Twitter feed, I was wholeheartedly excited to see the following headline: Jennifer Fisher: The Reigning Cool Girl of the Jewelry World. I have been keeping a close eye on Jennifer Fisher from the very beginning, as I was (am!) totally inspired by the designer's authenticity. In other words, I can so spot a piece of Jennifer Fisher jewelry. 

Excerpt via The Cut:

Who is the Jennifer Fisher Girl? Someone who does not

want to be like everyone else. I make sure to have enough variation in the line to give everyone access to express their own personal identity. 

How would you describe your aesthetic – your personal style as well as for your collection? Utilitarian with a laid-back sensibility. I dress from day to night daily which brings a casual edge to everything I wear. You will never find me in a skirt. Ever. As for design, all of my pieces are meant to be layered and worn daily, year round. The pieces are utilitarian too. 

What inspires you? I am constantly inspired by photography and architecture. Clean lines and geometric shapes are constants in my collections. 

What inspired the fall collection? I wanted to darken the line a bit and give it a moody aesthetic. Not in a Goth way, but in a simple, abstract way. Currently, I am loving Stanley Kubrick’s pictures he took for Look magazine in the 1940s. 

You sold privately for a long time. What encouraged you to make the move to sell more commercially? When Mark Lee and Danielle Vitale (Barneys CEO and COO, respectively) show up in your showroom, you do not say ‘No.’ I had actually been creating larger statement pieces in brass for editors and editorial stories when Barneys came to me. It was the perfect partnership at the perfect time. 

After the success with Barneys, do you see expansion with other retailers in your future? Timing is everything and Barneys continues to be my one large US retailer. I never intended to sell commercially and I still do not. We keep the line to limited distribution for a reason. Who wants to have the same jewelry as everyone else? Selling directly to the consumer is our main business here for fine jewelry and the new revamped website will be launching in September, hopefully changing the way women shop for fine jewelry on the web. 

You are known for piling on your jewelry and making it look effortless. How would you encourage others to adopt a personal style when it comes to jewelry? The key is to be yourself. None of my employees, friends, or clients wear the jewelry the same way. That’s the point. As for me, I never wear earrings so I make up for it on my hands and wrists. That is why my line is so heavy in bracelets and rings.

Read more via The Cut.


Video - "Things I Love With Jennifer Fisher"

Photo Credit: JF Facebook

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M

Photo Credit: vogue.co.uk

Maison Martin Margiela for H&M! See more.

Dove VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash: Trial But No Error

Photo Credit: savingaddiction.com

Beauty Notes | My skin is sensitive. I mean super sensitive.

My dermatologist recommended eons ago that I use Dove and/or Cetaphil skincare products -- and to stay away from brands that contain a heavy fragrance. Boring, right?

Anyways, despite the 2011 advertising controversy, I've been using Dove's: VisibleCare™ Renewing CRÈME Body Wash. The product is lightly scented and literally locks in moisture instantly. Furthermore, the body wash assures, "softer, smoother skin in one week." I can attest to the fact that yes -- in addition to the romantic scent and lock-in moisturizer -- after just one week [my] skin felt as smooth as butter, as well as noticeably more appealing (meaning no redness, dry patches, or flakes!)

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Grab your pink shower puff and lather up! Shop 

Final Thoughts: By the way, personally, I thought the ad was perhaps a little culturally insensitive but definitely  harmless -- and unintentional.



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For Love & Lemons

Source

Style Find! Ready for fall? Then hurry and head on over to Planet Blue and shop pieces by For Love & Lemons, a cool Southern California-based lifestyle brand.

I adore the "For Love & Lemons" girl; she totally reminds me of someone...me! A strong-minded and confident yet free-spirited female who dances to the beat of her own drum. 

About the For Love & Lemons Girl:

The For Love & Lemons Girl is effortlessly chic. She loves life, freedom and only the best parties. She is controversial and adventurous, but never reckless. She stands out on her own. She is the new tomboy. She knows what she wants. And exactly how to get it.

Editor's Picks!

Lulu Dress $158.00

Lulu Dress - Back 

Wild Horses Dress $224.00

Cash Blouse $172.00

Photo Credit: courtesy of For Love & Lemons  

The Newly Launched: DVF for GapKids

Glamour asks: What do you think of DVF for GapKids? Will you be shopping this collection?

The featured video displays an age-appropriate collection of  mixed prints and vivacious colors—inspiring all little girls to look and feel fun. I heart DVF for GapKids!

Photo Credit: ny.racked.com

Response: So, would I shop this collection for a family member? Though a bit pricey, ranging from $20 to $120, I would certainly purchase an item, such as the espadrilles in ming jade for $45.

Would you shop this collection? Tweet me.

REVEALED - Kelly Osbourne For Material Girl

Style Notes | I am having an 'oh-em-gee' moment. Love this campaign!

New Deréon Ad Campaign: Fall 2010

Style Notes |  Deréon goes rocker-chic this fall. Interesting. So check this out: I love a bad girl, but I wish Beyonce went with a different hair color. Maybe jet black with highlights? Not feeling the blonde. Everything else—yes. 

Photo Credit: Black Voices

Jessica Simpson, Fall 2010 Collection: Top 3

Style Notes | Check out my Top Three Picks from Jessica Simpson’s Fall 2010 collection. I find Simpson’s pieces to be for [that girl] that likes a clean-cut yet funky edge to her appearance ... like me! I so have to add some funk to my outfits.

Photo Credit: Jessica Simpson Collection

Wood Bracelet with Grommets

Style Notes | I came across this wooden bracelet at the Gap for $16.50. So my style! This piece of creatively designed wood looks completely fashionable. 

However, I wonder what the quality is like. Will the grommets fall off after only a day, or so?

Photo Credit: Gap

Delicious Blue

Style Notes! Have you ever been in a situation where you see a piece of clothing and you immediately fall in love? And then convince yourself that you must have it? That’s exactly how I felt when I saw this gorgeous blue sapphire sweater wrap dress (BCBG).

The color of the dress—amazing. The layered pleating—fabulous. Furthermore, the v-neck adds a delicate feminine touch. The overall style highlights every perfect curve! 

On sale now, for $98.00 (limited time only). Shop the look.

Photo Credit: Ideeli

The Buzz: Helena By Gucci

Style Notes! Here's the high-priced platform boot by Gucci that all the fashion enthusiasts are chatting about (i.e. bloggers, fashion designers, journalists, stylists). I love this boot, and if money were no object, best believe I'd knock down several barriers like a wild animal to get a pair. Cost: $1,550.00

Photo Credit: Rachel Zoe; BlogHer

Get The Kors Experience—for less!

Style Notes! Care for some style inspiration this weekend? Check out this outfit, courtesy of Michael Kors. Hot, isn't it?

"Labels" can cost several pretty pennies; if you want the Kors' version of the featured outfit plan on spending $3,945 — shoes and accessories are not included. But don’t lose hope just yet...you can definitely pull off this look for less! Let me explain: The outfit is comprised of basic staple items, which means you might already possess similar pieces in your closet.

Closet Checklist

• Knee-Length Bubble Leather Skirt
• Black Long Sleeve Turtleneck 
• Accessories: Silver Linked Chain and Wristwatch 
• Strapp-y Heels (stilettos will suffice)

If you do not own the items listed above, I am almost certain that you can find pieces (probably on sale) at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or Macys. Now, go explore!  ;)

McQueen Lives On

Style Find! New arrival at Feathers: python skin leather clutch bag with a four-finger knuckle ring as the handle. Love it. The Python Clutch Bag is not only rocker chic, but is available in one of spring’s hottest colors — blue. 

Photo Credit:  Feathers