Following a great styling session I had with a client - she works on The Hill and has an amazing eye for fashion but a tough time making the most out of her wardrobe to create looks that are both fashionable and office-appropriate on a limited budget - I wanted to share some of the pieces I picked out for her which were all under $200, with the exception of 2 splurge-worthy pieces at the end. :o)
My first thoughts when I walked into her closet was to "add a POC (pop of color) immediately!" Her outerwear consisted of black and tan - classic and lasting, but not fun. Since the orange family is back on-trend this season I found a fabulous bright orange trench from Banana Republic which she can wear just about everywhere. The trench will never go out of style and you'll brighten up a rainy day when you hit the pavement in this sunny number.
Ladylike looks ruled the catwalks again last Fall when they showed SS '13 collections, making this vintage style dress from JCrew so on-trend. With it's flirty and flowy skirt and foulard-style polka dots this dress will have you feeling like doing the cha-cha-cha after work (after all a flowy bottom like this makes any gal want to take a twirl, right?!) all the while remaining appropriate enough for the office with a cropped cardigan thrown over your shoulders to keep you warm. :o)
Peplum is another trend for the season and the fun thing about having a peplum top is that you can wear it different ways - with a pair of cropped skinny ankle pants or a fitted pencil skirt. If you want to switch things up, throw on statement necklace or a neutral, print or colorful skinny belt.
Black and white will be very on-trend which means you can mix and match your existing tops and bottoms or opt for something like this unique loose fitting dress from Zara with a inverted white scoopneck and black bottom. I'd love to see this piece paired with cobalt blue pumps!
Graphic prints are not always the easiest to incorporate in to your wardrobe, so I suggested my client try this black and white knit skirt from Banana Republic. It offers stretch (which we all love, especially after meals, heh) and given that it's a neutral it can be paired with so many colors. Oh and PS - ditch the neutral shoes once in a while and pair this skirt with a deep blue or cherry red heel!
Still-in-stripes are always on trend and this next blazer is something I turn to often whether I'm dressing for a flight and want to kick my denim & T look up a notch or thrown over a coral maxi dress for a summer dinner out with friends.
MICHAEL Michael Kors at Bloomingdales, $160
One thing my client lacked was a colorful blazer, so I suggested this cherry red cropped blazer from The Limited. The cinched waist flattered her figure and it's extremely versatile as she can throw this bold-colored jacket on over just about any dress or wear it with a pair of white skinny jeans for a casual weekend look.
Don't let the picture fool you, this next dress looks amazing on! It can be worn as seen and looks fabulous but you can also change things up from time to time and wear it with a pair of colorful heels - like a baby blue or a coral suede pump - and change out the matching belt with a colorful skinny belt - like a leopard print or a bright fuchsia.
Every girl needs a little black dress and this fitted black dress from Zara will work from the office to dinner and provides a sleek look for the office which can be amped up with a statement necklace and colorful shoes.
Nothing makes a statement quite like a colorful pair of pumps and I suggested these aqua green heels by Ivanka Trumps to go with the black fitted dress above. I suggested Ivanka's brand because the shoes are well-made, stylish and won't break the bank.
At the end of our session, she wanted my opinion when it came to a couple of splurge-worthy items to fit her lifestyle. I suggested a classic tote - the Prada Saffiano Lux Tote - and a
Nobody designs dresses perfect for the office and beyond 5pm like Monsieur Elie Tahari. I suggested she invest in one of his dresses, like the sea blue Gia dress below, as they are perfectly appropriate for The Hill or drinks with friends later in the evening. In addition, I can personally attest to the quality of Elie Tahari's pieces - they're never too tight and give where you need them to all the while creating a flattering silhouette!
XOXO
~MyDCStyle
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