MODERN LOVE | MARIMEKKO EDITION

Ankle boots and anything black are style mainstays for me, especially as the chill of January sets in. When Marimekko asked me to create a style story inspired by their new spring/summer collection, I knew exactly how I wanted to feature the "Mel" ankle boots. I fell deeply in LOVE with the modern look and luxe construction of these boots. As I slipped into the most comfortable ankle boots EVER,  my mind started spinning visions of me when I lived in Germany.......because it was bone freezing cold!  I love ankle boots styled with mid calf skirts and sweaters for a "European" chic sense of style!  

Photo Cred :  Shawn Pilgrim  

Ankle Boots - Marimekko, LAUNCHES SPRING 2016* Coat - Elie Tahari (old) similar here *  Sweater- SI-IAE (sold out) similar here  * Skirt -  Forever21 (sold out) similar here * Satin clutch - Saks on Fifth (old), similar here   * Knitted cap -handmade * Shades - Blue Seven  (old), similar here  * Cuff - House of Harlow * Lipstick color - Mac Ruby Woo. 

It was a tremendous honor and I had so much fun creating "Modern Love" style story for Marimekko’s soon-to-launch footwear, spring 2016. This marks the first collection under a  brand new creative director and first footwear since the turn of the decade! Below is a sampling of luxe worthy eye wear, accessories and footwear options from the NEW spring/summer collection.  Until the glorious launch day, click here and explore Marimekko's latest designer collection .  HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!

1 ❤️ Eureka!   

THE ART OF SPORTY CHIC | WOMEN EDITION

Forget tight dresses and stuffy fabrics and embrace an unexpected "Sporty Chic" element!  Don’t be thrown, these sporty looks are very feminine, the key is to match pretty with active. This style is about stepping outside the box and pairing cute loose silhouettes with cropped jackets, ball caps, and a fresh pair of kicks (sneakers). The look will definitely set you apart from the masses.  Softer color hues and fabrics can also bridge the gap between the sporty and sophisticated. The results are the perfect combination of feminine and comfort!!!

BASEBALL CAP

The baseball cap is the easiest way to pull off the sporty chic look – not to mention the best way to hide a bad hair day!!!

VARSITY JACKET

The quickest way to go from casual to sporty chic is to throw on a sports jacket. Style with a pair of jean or skirt a varsity jacket and baseball cap is one of  my favorite staples for the fall. 

SWEATSHIRT

Not a fan of varsity jackets…..designer’s sweatshirts is the new hotness. The sweatshirt had a huge comeback last fall, which also happens to be a great transitional piece from winter to spring.

ATHLETIC SPORT BRA

What's amazing is that timeless pieces may consists of a variety of sports bras depending on your lifestyle. So why not incorporate this element into your everyday ensembles. Tip:  The sports bra can be pulled down to "cover" if need be (if you catch my drift).  

SWEAT & TRACK PANTS

Sweatpants and or track pants are excellent options for the sporty chic element.  To make these relaxed pants look a little more chic, pair them with a luxe fur and or cute pair of pumps to complete the outfit.  

SNEAKERS

With sporty chic, you should almost always wear a pair of sneakers. Well now you can have your cake and eat it, too, with a feminine chic skirt or dress and sneakers that completes the sporty trend in two simple steps. 

ATHLETIC SOCKS

A great opportunity is offered with the addition of athletic socks, to add bright and fresh pointed heels, platforms, and or  strappy sandals, in any color is the order of the day when it comes to footwear.

Sporty chic is the perfect cheat for lazy day dressing. You don't have a think a whole lot. Just grab your joggers or your track pants and top it off with your t-shirt or your favorite sports team jersey. Pull it all together with some pointy-toe heels and that way you'll still have those feminine elements and touches!!!

TIP:  For those who are not used to this look, start with accessories like a simple hat, colourful duffel bag, or sporty watch to add a touch of sporty to any outfit.

Now the ball is in your court!  How will you style this athletic inspired trend?    

1 ❤️ Velvet Lope

WARDROBE MUST HAVES | CLASSIC WHITE SHIRT

I am obsessed with the simple white shirt. It is just so chic. I purchase a new tuxedo style shirt every season.  A white cotton shirt is crisp, clean and sophisticated. It provides instant polish whether worn on its own or under a suit or sweater. For autumn it is taking center stage once again as designers explore collars, cuffs and a buttoned-up secretarial silhouette. It’s the ultimate all-season wardrobe essential. A white shirt will always be in style!

THE STANDARD 

If you tend to move in the direction of a conservative/casual style, pull out your classic white shirt this week. It will work just as well with your favorite jeans. Or for the ladies try a playful A-line skirt, which allows you the freedom to be bold with accessories.

BEYOND THE BASIC 

For the unconventional ladies and gentlemen, mix and match your textures this autumn by pairing a fine knit worn over a white shirt, leaving only the crisp white collar peeping over the top. Or for the fellas add a crisp white shirt to any suit.  This is a great weekend look, and layers are perfect for transitioning from warm summer days into autumn’s chill.

Have fun and play with proportions by styling a menswear version of this classic with a shrunken waistcoat and ankle-high sport socks.  

COLOR SPECTRUM 

A bright jewel colored suit is a fabulous way of working two trends simultaneously. By teaming a simple white shirt it allows the suit to do all the talking. Try adding a white element (classic white shirt) when color blocking, to compliment the array of colors.  

THE UNCONVENTIONAL 

Because a simple, classic white shirt is much like a man’s shirt, you may feel uncomfortable in it. Play with feminine textures for white shirt like silk, satin, charmeuse.  If your style is more romantic, look for a shirt with ruffles. If you’re sporty, choose something in a fabric that is anything but stiff. If you’re dramatic, look for a blouse with an element that stands out, such as a bold collar detail

THE BREAK UP - BLACK ON BLACK 

If your whole MO is more black-on-black-on-black, there are many, ways to make a great black outfit stand out, so start experimenting. While there's no "right" way to wear black, styling a white oxford underneath is going to feel like a whole new world to you. 

MONOCHROMATIC 

The idea of waiting until Memorial Day to wear all white seems like an eye roll of a fashion rule. There is still something to be said about the head-to-toe white on white look that feels highly appropriate. 

NOT SO AVERAGE

When it comes to evening style staples, a classic button down doesn't exactly top the list. True, they tend to come in handy on days that call for polished or preppy.  Perhaps, though, we've underestimated this not-so-basic basic classic white shirt.  

TIPS:

1.  No matter what your size, ensuring the right fit and proportion is key to looking your best. The most important things to consider are how a shirt fits over your bust and on your shoulders.

2.  For my well endowed ladies, You want the shirt to fit closely, but not so closely that it clings to your sides or gaps between the buttons. One option is to purchase a shirt one size bigger that fits in the bust and have the waist altered by your favorite seamstress.  

3.  White is prone to stains; it can end up looking a bit bland.  While on the go Tide To Go stain remover is your best friend.  To keep all my whites looking like fresh falling snow my staple will always be Tide with Bleach.....powder not liquid!  

4. Bright white doesn't flatter everyone.  Your "white" shirt can be soft white, ivory, or even a pale pastel (such as mint or blush). What ever color makes you light up, go for it.  

5. When you are not prone to spend $$$ on higher end clothing a crisp white button down adds a sophistication to a thrifted suit or a dramatic skirt you found on clearance. You will be fashionable for any black tie event ie charitable gala, red carpet, etc.  

Rules were made to be broken, and if you're going to "live on the edge" and wear white after Labor Day, why not go all out? As if you needed another reason why this fashion essential belongs in your closet!

1 ❤️ Velvet Lope