December 6th, 2011 §
By: Cori Sue
With the holiday season comes sugary calorie-laden cocktails, overspending, overeating, and all the other traditions that accompany this joyful time of year. And, of course, there’s the slew of cocktail parties in which you must have a different outfit for each event, look absolutely stunning despite being pale as a ghost, and wear a dress although you’re freezing your butt off.
For me, when I think of dressing for Christmas parties, a little red dress paired with red lips, big cocktail rings, a gold clutch and fabulous earrings immediately comes to mind. Or, I turn to a mainstay in my closet, a form-fitting LBD (currently my Herve Leger) to keep me sucked in if I’ve had too much eggnog and spiked apple cider.
However, after spotting a few emerald green dresses underneath the mistletoe last year, I may be singing a different (Christmas) tune and taking a cue from ol’ Mr. Grinch.
Dark, rich emerald green flatters all skin tones. It’s subtle yet different—drawing attention to the lady in the green dress when she walks in the room without screaming “Look at me! Look at me!” Best of all, most gals will pull out last year’s red, gold, and black dresses from the closet while you’re on-trend (jewel tones), on-season (Christmas), sophisticated and unique.
Now, if only Santa had the perfect date in his Christmas sleigh.
For the girl looking to show a little skin, Tibi’s Swirls bustier dress on sale ($208) at Piperlime.
Photo credit: Piperlime
For the girl who loves that pattern but is heading to her office party, Tibi Swirls shift dress, on sale as well, ($208) at Tibi.com.
Photo credit: Tibi
For the girl who just wants to show a little shoulder, Rebecca Taylor’s textured eyelash dress ($318) at Bloomingdale’s.
Photo credit: Bloomingdale's
For the sophisticated sex pot, a little lace goes a long way with BCBG’s Natalya Strapless Lace Dress ($378).
Photo credit: BCBG
For the dancing queen who can’t get enough sequins, BCBG’s Marta Sequin Dress ($388) at Bloomingdale’s and BCBG.
Photo credit: Bloomingdale's
For the playful girly girl, Kate Spade’s Darcie Dress ($425).
Photo credit: Kate Spade
For the girl who wants to look hot but not break the bank, rent the Badgley Mischka Emerald Ruched Dress ($50) from Rent the Runway.
Photo credit: Rent the Runway
November 17th, 2011 §
By: Cori Sue
It’s about to get really cold and dreary, ladies. Scratch that, it’s already cold and dreary.
Why not add some color and class to your outerwear? There’s nothing that brightens up a cold winter’s day like a pop of color—and that color’s even better when it’s on your coat.
Swing coats are my new lust; they add a ladylike, but playful feel. Cut in an A-line shape, swing coats came into vogue in the 1940s to enable women to put their coats over their full-skirted dresses (which were over petticoats, I’m sure).
A swing coat compliments all figures, and the volume can minimize your upper body if you’re top heavy. Pair the coat with a streamlined bottom half—say black tights or black leggings with black shoes—and you’ll elongate your figure.
I love a swing coat with tights and ballet flats, perhaps even a beret, for a Parisian chic look, a la Audrey Hepburn. Here are my top picks for this winter …
Cherie Coat, $695, Kate Spade.
Photo credit: Kate Spade
London Coat, $368, Emerson Made.
Photo credit: Emerson Made
Academy Coat, $325, J.Crew. (Comes in 4 colors)
Photo credit: J.Crew
Swing Coat, $248, Boden. (Comes in 3 colors)
Photo credit: Boden
Ascot Swing Coat, $168, Anthropologie.
Photo credit: Anthropologie
Eastward Dress Coat, $79.95, Anthropologie. (Steeply discounted on sale).
Photo credit: Cori Sue Morris
October 4th, 2011 §
By: Cori Sue
They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Well, on first glance, my mother—who is nearly six feet tall, blonde, full-chested, with long skinny legs—looks nothing like the petite brunette that is yours truly. I still want to know why she kept all the boobs and blonde for herself and saved none for me … but, whatever, I’m not bitter.
Despite this disparity in age and appearance, and my failure to have come out as my mother’s twin, she dressed us—she and I—in matching outfits when I was a child. Nowadays, she does her best to ensure Daisy and I—Daisy being the dog—wind up with matching sweaters under the Christmas tree each year.
Point being, whether due to nature or nurture, there are some fashion tendencies I’ve adopted from my mother that, by no choice of my own, that I simply cannot escape. A love of navy and white stripes. A penchant for polka dots. A burning passion for color coordination. A tendency to pile on the gold cocktail rings. Black tights and ballet flats in the winter. You get the picture.
The woman especially loves black and tan color combos. Personally, I don’t strive to add either to my closet. I love color, but, somehow, I inevitably find myself sporting black and khaki outfits every so often. Genetics. They’re inescapable (even the fashion kind).
I stumbled upon Kate Spade’s tan-and-black striped skirt on Cupcakes & Cashmere the other day and fell in love. It’s rare Kate Spade sheds color for neutrals, but in this case they did it well. And, then I spotted black-and-tan horizontal striped skirts everywhere. Including a really cute one in Glamour that’s unavailable on the Interwebs.
Whether you’d like to incorporate the look as a pencil skirt for work, a comfy cotton midi skirt for weekends, a maxi skirt for a look that’s on-trend, or a mini skirt for a night out—these black-and-tan striped skirts come in every style. Pick your poison.
Personally, I’ll be ordering the BCBG skirt to wear with a white button down and blazer for work, a black silk cami for an event, or a loose black LnA T-shirt tucked in and ballet flats for brunch and shopping on the weekend.
Kate Spade Clemence Color Blocked Skirt, $325, Bloomingdales.
Photo credit: Bloomingdales
BCBG Wilma Striped Skirt, $110, Lord & Taylor.
Photo credit: Lord & Taylor
Bailey 44 Sacred Bleu Striped Skirt, $109, Nordstrom.
Photo credit: Nordstrom
Free People Striped Column Skirt, $78, Shop Bop.
Photo credit: Shop Bop
Mini Striped Body Con Skirt, $50, Top Shop.
Photo credit: Top Shop
January 19th, 2011 §
By: Cori Sue
Fashion confession: I own six navy-and-white-striped pieces. My closet’s sailor parade includes a long-sleeve tee, a three-quarter-sleeve tee, three tank tops, and a t-shirt dress. There may even be more, but that’s what I can think of off the top of my head.
Fashion bloggers are currently chirping that nautical will be “in” this spring. But, I protest, nautical has never been out! In fact, the striped tee emerged in 1858 as the official garment of the French navy and has been worn by just about everyone, including Pablo Picasso, James Dean, Lauren Hutton, Cary Grant, and Edie Sedgwick, since then.
Recently, J.Crew started selling the classic striped tee, remade by its original creator, Saint James, the French company that’s been designing their classic “Breton tee” since 1850.
Photo credit: J.Crew
While I was dying for a Saint James tee, upon trying it on, I discovered the fit wasn’t for me. I know it’s supposed to be loose and drape-y, but it just didn’t work on my figure. Thankfully, along came Chance, a fashion house led by former Kate Spade creative director Julie Leach, who, of course, is half French.
Chance brings us a multitude of striped choices – boatnecks, crewnecks, short sleeve, long sleeve, tank dresses, polo dresses – in several stripe options, including the classic navy-and-white. Be still, my beating heart.
Photo credit: Chance
A navy-and-white-striped tee pairs well with practically anything: jeans, white slacks, pencil skirts of nearly every color of the rainbow (red, pink, yellow, green, orange) and of course, khaki. It even works with a multitude of patterns, believe it or not. So, get your hands on this closet anchor as soon as you can.
December 1st, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
Nothing says holiday spirit like a little sparkle. Here are some lovely embellished pumps that I’m hoping Santa puts under my Christmas tree.
A pair of these would be perfect to throw on with a simple black or red dress, gold clutch, red lipstick, and big cocktail rings for New Year’s Eve or a cocktail party. I’d imagine putting them on instantly makes you feel merry and bright.
Oh, Santa Baby …
Twirl Karolina, $350, Kate Spade.
Photo credit: Kate Spade
Stuart Weitzman Swoon Glitter Evening Pumps, $335, Bloomingdales.
Photo credit: Bloomingdales
KG By Kurt Geiger Jasmine Evening Pump, $172, Asos.
Photo credit: Asos
Steve Madden Ultra-G Pump, $89, Macys.
Photo credit: Macys
*A lower heel than yours truly approves of (go big or go home) but an affordable and cute option.
Audrey Brooke Kari Pump, $39.95. DSW.
Photo credit: DSW
*Sadly, these are the only pair I’ve found that don’t look like they cost $40.
If you’re looking to snazz up your days rather than your evenings, Kate Spade ($125), J.Crew ($125) and Tory Burch ($250) have some pretty cute glitter ballet flats.
November 18th, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
What do you get when you cross Kate Spade’s ultra-feminine flair with Brooklyn hipster style? Sartorial splendor, that’s what.
I give you Whit, a new Brooklyn-based line designed by Kate Spade’s niece, Whitney Pozgay. (Who is clearly adorable, just check out her inspiration.)
The line is perfect for the grown-up girlie girl. There are touches of stripes, polka dots, ruffles, and metallics. And the palette is nothing but neutral fall colors like navy, grey, camel, and brown.
I’m in lust.
Outfits like the striped tee paired with the full wool skirt (my personal favorite) are preppy, slightly whimsical, and a wee bit flirtatious. They’re all that without making you look like you’ve stepped out of Pleasantville, a la Kate Spade’s candy-colored confections.
To me, Whit says, “I’m fun and playful, but you can still take me seriously,” proving you can wear polka dots to the office and still get promoted.
Unfortunately, no D.C. boutiques carry the line yet. You can find it in New York, or you can score some pieces online through Honey in the Rough and ShopBird.
September 8th, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
In the cyclical nature of fashion, it is a fact that leopard prints will rise to the top of the fashion foray every few seasons. Every two to three years, fall will arrive and you’ll notice a preponderance of spots in your favorite boutique or department store. This year, the fashion magazines are focusing on leopard accessories – mainly footwear and handbags – and leopard coats.
I’m crazy, you say? I would never lead you astray, dear readers. And, if you dont believe me, some of my very favorite bloggers, The Glamourai, Cupcakes & Cashmere, and D.C.’s own local fashion guru, Capitol Hill Style, also reported on the trend.
Per usual, we bitches love our shoes. In a wise move of foresight, I’ve kept my lovely calf-hair leopard peep-toe pumps in my closet through many seasons and many moves, often to collect dust. Well, I’ve dusted them off (quite literally) because leopard is back (again). If you were not so lucky, here are our footwear faves.
Whether it’s pumps, peep toes, booties, wedges, or ballet flats that you prefer, you can have your leopard however you want it. Tory Burch’s iconic reva ballet flat has also gone spotted. Even the dreaded clog <gasp> has been made-over in leopard courtesy of Coach.
Franco Sarto Platform Pump, $99.95, Nordstrom.
Photo credit: Nordstrom
Chariot, $398, Kate Spade.
Photo credit: Kate Spade
Rock and Republic Angie, $295, Zappos.
Photo credit: Zappos
Tory Burch Sophie Wedge, $325, Nordstrom.
Photo credit: Nordstrom
Evelia Leopard Haircalf, $89. Ralph Lauren.
Photo credit: Ralph Lauren
Leopard Print Reva, $225, Tory Burch.
Photo credit: Tory Burch
If you’d prefer a leopard flat sans-bow or Tory Burch logo, J.Crew ($248) and Kate Spade ($245) have simpler, but equally cute, versions.
September 2nd, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
I recently said all ladies must have a chain-strap black shoulder bag at their disposal. It’s a wardrobe must-have. But, if you already possess the aforementioned bag, or are looking to spice up your wardrobe, may we suggest adding some texture?
Anything reptilian—crocodile, alligator, or python—will do. Texture and animal prints are big for fall. If you’re ready to expand your palette beyond traditional prints, these babies come in a variety of colors.
Marc Jacobs Single Python-Embossed Shoulder Bag, $695, Bloomingdales.
Photo credit: Bloomingdales
Kate Spade Knightsbridge Darcy Crocodile-Embossed Shoulder Bag, $425, Bloomingdales.
Photo credit: Bloomingdales
Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Belle, $350, Endless.
Photo credit: Endless
Tory Burch Heidi Printed Leather Shoulder Bag, $209 (on sale!), Nordstrom.
Photo credit: Nordstrom
August 17th, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
Note from Becca: Cori Sue is out of the country on vacay (cue jealous groans), but never fear, she left a stockpile of fabulous fashion updates and brunch reviews for our enjoyment. Here’s the first.
Although I’m still roasting in this weather, my monthly stack of fashion magazines filled with fall fashion remind me that, soon enough, it will cool off and fall will arrive.
The thought excites me to no end, because fall is my favorite season to dress for. Just think: the blazers, the layers, the scarves, the boots, oh my! Luckily for my wallet, fall trends this year are focusing on a resurgence of all things classic, but with a few playful things thrown in (we’ll save these for another day).
This fall, think tailored slacks (both skinny and wide-leg will do—nothing in between), clean-cut pencil skirts, crisp button-downs, form-fitting red dresses, camel coats, leather bomber jackets, and lady-like chain-link handbags.
On to the handbags, you say?
Every woman should have a black, chain-strap purse in her closet, preferably with a small or non-existent logo, to go with everything all year long. First, I give you the holy grail of classic handbags, brought to you by Miss Chanel herself. Then, on to more realistic lustables.
Chanel 2.55. (Retail for $2,600; this vintage one at Shop Bop is $5,295, sigh).
Photo credit: Shop Bop
Marc Jacobs Single Leather Quilted Bag, $625, Neiman Marcus, Cusp, and other retailers.
Photo credit: Cusp
Kate Spade Gold Coast Elizabeth, $365.
Photo credit: Kate Spade
Rebecca Minkoff Alligator Belle, $350.
Photo credit: Rebecca Minkoff
The Chelsea Bag, Top Shop, $38
Photo credit: Top Shop
May 13th, 2010 §
By: Cori Sue
Oh, the espadrille, my footwear staple for many years, you have finally returned to me. After a brief (say, 2 year) stint on the out list, the espadrille is in again. (Thank goodness I saved all of mine!) This spring, they’ve jazzed up the espadrille with stripes, flowers, tribal motifs, and even snakeskin. Because, we’re so over boring footwear.
The espadrille: comfy, sexy, springy all in one straw-laden wedge.
Kate Spade Candice, $225, Zappos
Photo credit: Zappos
Kate Spade Blooming, $225, Zappos
Photo credit: Zappos
Franco Sarto Cool, $89, Zappos
Photo credit: Zappos
Franco Sarto Creed, $89, Zappos
Photo credit: Zappos
And, if you’re looking for a safe, trend-free bet, go with MICHAEL Michael Kors Juniper Espadrille ($140, Zappos) in a lovely light gold that will go with everything in your closet.
Photo credit: Zappos
