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!   

5 STEPS | DEVELOP YOUR PERSONAL STYLE

For a lot of people trying to dress well can be downright frustrating. Trying to figure out what is in style, where to buy it, how to match it with other items, make sense of what to wear in a situation – it is no surprise that it can be intimidating and stressful.  Not sure where to start? No worries, Velvet Lope Styling has you covered!  The following tips represent the perfect building block for a polished wardrobe and will allow you to easily add new styles into the mix as seasons dictate.

5 STEPS

1.  Assess Your Current Wardrobe.  First step is to go into your closet and conduct a wardrobe audit by asking yourself the following questions:

·        Is it worn out, ripped or stained?

·        Has it been hanging in your closet unworn for more than 2yrs years ?

·        Does it fit?

·        Does it match anything else in your wardrobe?

2. Accentuate the positive. Dress your body type

What are the best parts of your body? Stick with silhouettes that flatter your body shape. Focus on the areas that you like best; choose clothing and accessories to highlight them!!

3.  Try something different while staying within the limits of your comfort zone

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, LOL!

Experimentation can fun and effective.  Actively seek out new styles, colours, and silhouettes  that are outside your typical comfort zone. Don't suffer in a style that makes you uncomfortable or doesn’t fit your personality.

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME, LOL!

NEVER JUMP ON TRENDS IF IT DOES NOT WORK FOR YOUR BODY TYPE AND LIFESTYLE. ULTIMATELY DO WHAT YOU MAKE YOU FEEL YOUR BEST YOU!!!!!

4.  Trust Your Instincts

Even if you aren’t all too happy with the state of your wardrobe right now, chances are you own at least a couple of individual pieces that you do like. Buy more quality versions of the pieces you wear the most.  Since you have been wearing all of those things for a while already, there is a much lower risk that you’ll buy something that will end up un-worn at the back of your closet. 

Bring new life to your favorite go-to by doing a little online research and search how people are styling your favorite pieces to gain new inspiration.   At the same time, if your instincts are telling you to put on the same ratty sweat suit you've been wearing for ten years, that's the time to ignore them.  Whatever you are, be a good one.

5.  Incorporate Wardrobe Essentials

Something magical happens when you create a solid base of classic clothing items in your closet. By investing in certain essential items, you can ensure you’re well-dressed outfit is prepared for just about any occasion!

MEN

Statement trench coat. - In terms of investing wardrobe pieces, a trench coat is right up there. A trench coat is the perfect business companion.

Wing tip dress shoes -  Dress shoes is one of the most important thing he will wear. You can get away with dress or casual with wingtip dress shoes.

Pin stripe suit.  -  Is a dapper choice for important meetings, events, and speaking engagements?  Good rule of thumb is that any shade a white pinstripe would stand out against is medium gray.

Dress boots -  Play an important role in your wardrobe.  Dress boots look fantastic with dressy and casual clothes.

Double-breasted blazer -   The double-breasted blazer is definitely a more formal jacket and you want to dress it up.  The double-breasted blazer is an iconic article of men's clothing, but finding a jacket that fits well and the quality is most important.

Denim jeans - As the weather changes, denim is the perfect way to look stylish but remain casual.

Silk or non-silk tie – A smooth tie is the go-to factor for business professional men. This wardrobe staple should be bought in different options to provide versatility.

Sleek watch – Incredibly versatile, can be dressed up or down with a suit or a t-shirt.  A sleek watch is the best investment because it will provide the final touch to any outfit.

Button down shirt/oxford -   This option will give you a tailored look and will not give off the feeling of being unkempt or over-sized.  Invest in a variety colors and textures to substain multiple seasons.

Dress Trousers – Another staple that allows you to diversify your overall style. Trousers, quality button down, dress shoes, and or tie are a very sharp option for the not-so-causal destinations.

WOMEN

3 Piece suit – You can break up piece and wear it together or separately with other clothing items in your closet. You can create multiple looks within one suit.

Sleek  Slacks - The quickest way to dress up any shirt is to put on a pair of black pants. Pick a versatile fabric that will take you through the seasons.

Black tank top - Wear it solo during the day, or throw a blazer over it to dress it up for nighttime.

Black turtleneck - Unless you live in Miami, you need this winter wardrobe staple in your closet. Just like the tank top, it can stand on its own or be used for layering.

White blouse - A plain white blouse never gets old, and you'll never run out of ways to incorporate it into your wardrobe.

Denim - Have a couple pairs of everyday blue jeans and a pair of black jeans for going out. Just make sure they fit you well, and don't forget your skinny jeans -- they're real lifesavers on those "I feel fat" days.

Little black dress or LBD - This isn't a cliché. Every woman looks great in her little black dress. It's slimming, sexy and versatile.

Pencil skirt. - Perfect for interviews or elegant dinners, this classic piece looks best hovering about two inches above or below the knee.

Trench coat. - It looks stylish, and it will keep you dry and warm when the seasons change.

Black high heels - Nothing shows off a great pair of legs better than a set of high heels. Black is the most versatile color. When you're looking at heel height, go for both design and function. You can't look good if you're stumbling.

Once you have these essentials hanging in your closet, you can keep them updated with jewelry, belts and shoes. But your best accessory is a healthy body and a balanced mind!!!!!

Starter graph for the fashion newbies!!!!

No matter what the hottest designers, celebrities and stylists are saying on the pages of the fashion magazines, ultimately the only person you have to please is yourself. Generally the characteristic of a well-dressed person with style is someone who has mastered the skill of knowing what works for their body shape and lifestyle!!!!

STILL FRUSTRATED?  BOOK YOUR "STYLE SPOTLIGHT" CONSULTATION HERE !!

1 ❤️ EUREKA

THE SPORTY MIX UP | GENTS ADDITION

Majority sporty men sincerely don’t know what to wear outside the gym and feel that if they were to “dress up” it would be too “dressed up” and it would not match their personality. The industry is proposing loosening things up?  Men now do not wear suits on a daily basis, there’s been a general loosening up of the rules of menswear.  The new men’s look goes a step beyond the corporate “business casual” style of blazer, dress shirt and slacks. It incorporates sporty items such as hoodies, puffer vests or jackets, camouflage patterns, sneakers, polo shirts and bomber jackets.  Giving the fellas some inspiration they can use to look effortless in something else than the dreaded track suit.  It's easier than you think!!!! 

When a suit or a tuxedo must be worn, designers and retailers are encouraging guys to inject some personality into it.

This new guy doesn’t live and breathe fashion or overthink his outfit—or at least is not supposed to look like he does.

Active wear may be an ever-growing street style trend (hello, sneaker mania), but there has always been something stopping us from stepping out looking like we’ve just come from a workout. It turns out, though, that your gym clothes are surprisingly transformable—add a few accessories, and you can easily take them out to lunch or for a day of shopping.  

There are alternatives to tracksuits! Keep it monochromatic or go wild on prints, colors and textures. 

Get your GQ on with jogger pants teamed with a crisp button-up and unstructured sport coat.   Love a modern suit paired with a polo or cotton T-shirt.... and then paired with leather sneakers, or cashmere joggers with a tailored blazer and a sleeveless puffer vest to get the ultimate informal and formal combination

This new guy uses unconventional accessories to express his own style and personality.

No rules, remember, it’s all about feeling and looking great!  The secret is in the colors: the color combinations are big contrasts and they really make each clothing choice stand out. 

This sporty look was made for the street—but you can add a little more style cred with a brimmed hat.

More than just a trend, athletic-inspired styles are finding their way into every facet of menswear. The target guy is blurring the lines, in fashion and in life.  I imagine him going to the opera on his bike or on his skateboard!!!

Do you have a sporty personality? How do you balance the work-out clothes with the casual and formal clothes? Share your thoughts.... 

1 ❤️Velvet Lope