Bucklin' Down

I know, I know- it's been a minute.  But that's what makes the title of this post so appropriate. I've been quite busy with the new gig, but I can't let this fabulous Fall trend pass by without a nod from this forever fashionista!

So, last Fall/Winter was all booties, all the time. I am a huge fan of the bootie as it provides lift, but more importantly accentuates the leg line as opposed to cutting it off with the contrast of a knee high boot.  This year we continue to see the bootie; studded, fabric-ed, bejeweled and divine, but the "it" shoe is a buckle wrapped bootie/brogue- an old favorite with an edgy flare and I couldn't be more excited to bring a pair (or four) into my wardrobe.  See below for suggestions:


This is a nice way to incorporate class with edge and a great substitute for a now rather boring, wedge bootie.  Wear this with flirty dresses and a leather jacket or a dark denim or dark grey jeggings, a soft flannel and an army-inspired anorak. Both create the perfect rocker-chic look.

Image from Nordstrom.com

The below is a perfect example of an updated cowboy boot.  Don't style this shoe too literally-so no plaid or overalls- but go wild with your classic JBrand cargo skinnies and a slouchy sweater. Again, roughing up a feminine dress with this bootie creates the perfect hard/soft contrast.


Image from Nordstrom.com

This shoe is a gorgeous update to the black suede bootie.  I see this bootie immediately with leather leggings or black tights and a pencil skirt.  It's a sexy shoe, so balance the top with a looser fitting piece, like a beautiful drapey dolman shirt.

Image from Nordstrom.com

Don't buckle under the pressure- you can incorporate this now look boldly or subtly, but no matter what, rock it!!!

XOXO, WEWS

www.westendwardrobe.com

A Few of My Favorite Things

Since there's already plenty of buzz about Holiday Party style, what to wear on New Year's Eve and keeping cozy this Winter, I'd like to share a few of my all-time favorite trends of 2012 instead of letting you know what to wear for your parties this coming week.... (Sequins and leather, duh!).

So in no particular order, here are a Few of My Favorite Things:

-Denim on Denim!!! I love this trend and it works all year round! It's easy, it's sharp and it's fresh. My rule is always lighter denim (chambray) on top, paired with darker denim on the bottom.  You can do so much with this smart duo; throw a chunky cardigan sweater over and a pair of suede wedge booties.  Or, use a leopard print skinny belt and a pair of colored pumps for a splash of bold with an otherwise neutral palette.  Oh and don't forget the key to this look- A bright red lip!!!!!

Images from Jcrew.com




-The Leather (Faux Leather) Legging: I'm absolutely loving substituting a leather legging (faux or otherwise) for your typical skinny jeans or black cotton leggings.  You can utilize this extremely versatile piece to dress up or dress down, but always look chick.   My rule of thumb when you wear a leather top or bottom: No leather immediately next to your 'showcase' piece.  So for example, if you wear a leather legging, wear a suede bootie or patent pump, but don't go with a leather boot or leather jacket.  I love a loosely fitting, billowy dolman-sleeve blouse over a black leather legging and suede booties.  To dress up these sassy pants, pair a beaded top and fitted blazer over a pair and a colored or patent pump.  Here's a couple of my favorite ways:

Image from: designmedailyblog.com



-Mixing Prints and Patterns! I know this seems like the most daunting of recent trends to achieve from within your own closet, but I can share a few tricks of the trade to make it somewhat easier: First, the clear combination of black, red and leopard is like Mixing 101! A key insight into pulling off this trend is to pair very opposing patterns- so instead of a plaid shirt and plaid pants, try polka dots and stripes or floral and stripes. Finally, adding a finishing touch like a necklace, scarf, belt or jacket in a color that ties the two differing pieces together perfects this trend and will have you looking like a true fashionista!

Image from: stuffetconline.wordpress.com

Hope you enjoyed A Few of My Favorite Things, happy holidays and happy dressing!!!! xoxo, WEWS

West End Wardrobe and Styling

Sequins of Events

It's that time of year again when your sequined skirts, tanks and dresses have made their way to the forefront of your closets and are being considered each time you get ready for or think about your next festive party.  Well, I'm here to challenge the concept that sequins are only for your big New Year's Eve party or that holiday event where you can dress a little funkier.  Sequins are all the rage and I'm loving the idea of incorporating a piece here and there to add a little sparkle and interest to your daytime outfits! Here's a few of my faves:

First, a JCrew sweater with sequins- this can be worn so many ways- with a pencil skirt, tights and boots or for a more casual look I'm obsessed with layering it over a chambray and skinnie jeans or cords, as shown below:


Next, a sequined skirt, but not your run-of-the-mill black sequined mini; this one can totally be worn for day time with a silk cami and blazer, tights and boots and an oversized sweater! Pick this one up at Express for $60!!!

Lastly, a small pop of sparkle and cheer that you can wear every day this winter! We all love giving to those in need and what's better than philanthropy AND fashion?! The Tom's Sequins Slip-on achieves just that! Wear these with dark denim skinnies and a black crewneck sweater:




Images from JCrew, Express, Nordstrom.com

So, now's the time to have more fun during the holidays this year and add a little dazzle and shine to your everyday outfits! xoxoxoxox, WEWS

West End Wardrobe & Styling




Pens and Pencils

Now that school is back in session, I've been thinking about pencils...skirts, that is!  Pencil skirts are the new black and I have seen so many fabulous ways to wear them.  I don't know if it was the Mad Men influence (I just finally started watching and am obsessed) or that the 50's is just the next decade in the recycled trend rotation, but whatever the reason, this timeless piece gets a big vote of confidence from me!

The great thing about a pencil skirt is that it's a very flattering item that anyone can wear. Below are a few ways that I've seen it work:
1. The leather pencil skirt: Leather is ALSO the new black this season, shown on everything! The great thing about adding tights and a mary jane platform is you can wear this look to work or out for the night.  A printed blouse and blazer make it perfect for the office and a dark, drapey top with a dolman sleeve and a pair of ankle boots dress it up for a night out!



2. The multi-colored, wool pencil skirt: Definitely a nod to Mad Men- wearing this kind of skirt can make a plain, black outfit come to life. Try it with a merino wool turtleneck and opaque tights.


3. The textured mini pencil: This skirt is youthful but is really versatile.  To make it work during the day, throw an oversized sweater and slouchy boots.  For evening, try a beaded, boxy top and sassy pumps!

All images from Nordstrom.com

Now that you've dotted your I's and crossed your T's, go out and find yourself the perfect pencil!
xoxo, WEWS

West End Wardrobe and Styling

Loafin' Around

I can very happily report that making the switch from a Corporate Road Warrior to Fabulous, on-the-go and on-my-feet Personal Stylist has an been easy transition on my psyche and my schedule... The two areas that it's been the most difficult? My left foot and my right foot!  I've quickly learned that I'm just not a 'Carrie Bradshaw' who can stand in heels all day long.  But never fear, I've taken full advantage of my new career at Nordstrom and its employee discount to invest in my new fave item- the Loafer!

I just recently went through and cleaned out my shoes and discovered two pairs of soooooo not-cute, brown and black "work shoes" that I bought in '84 (ok, I'm slightly exaggerating) but that were so horribly unfashionable, I can't even articulate their design.  This is not the type of loafer that I'm discussing here.  The type of loafer I'm talking about is the new "work shoe" loafer, showing up everywhere for Fall!  They come in Fur, in Brights, with Studs and Spikes (it rhymes!) in Prints, in Skins, with heels thick or thin.  It's the PERFECT solution to wanting a comfortable shoe that adds a pop of something chic to an ordinary outfit.  See below for my personal bests:


First, I'm LOVING the animal print thing... If you prefer to wear black with black, please for the love of god, consider this instead of a black shoe!!! Leopard print like this goes with denim, red, grey, black, any solid color and looks good with those new, colored skinny jeans!  For those of you fur-conscious, most of the ones I've seen and own are faux! :)



The cool thing about this Sam Edelman loafer is that it totally succeeds at mixing soft with edgy.  The blush leather is very feminine and goes great with black, but also with earth-tones and greys, while the metal toe adds some spunk and some sass to announce your stylish arrival with that first step through the door!


All images and shoes from Nordstrom.com

Finally, this carmel colored leather loafer with tassles is the perfect upgrade from your old brown flat.  This color really goes with so much: navy, browns, black, and true, Fall colors.  The hardware at the toe gives it just a little bit more hipness!

You and your feet will thank me for this one! xoxo, WEWS

West End Wardrobe and Styling

My Fashion Family Photo Album

Over the years, as my fashion and styling endeavors have grown, I have been fortunate to cross paths (and become friends) with many, many talented artists, designers and small business owners.  Tonight, I thought I'd showcase a few of my fave women and their creations.  Let me provide a disclaimer: Lily, my trusty (and stylish) sidekick, loves to be included in my ego-blog pics, so you may see her from time to time in these.

The first member of my fashion family is Whitney, owner of Lingeshoes.com.  Her unique concept of adding a twist to the traditional ballet slipper by offering them in a wide selection of on-trend, bright colors was an immediate must have for me! Below are two of my favorite ways to wear these delicate yet totally cool flats:

The perfect way to joojsh up a casual, mono-chromatic outfit! Love my red ones!

Perfect with a boyfriend jean, white tee and blazer, adding a touch of femininity!

Next, I must talk about my fashion family member, Katie May, who's exquisitely designed clothing can be found on her website by the same name, katiemay.net.

See below for some fun ways to wear one of my favorite pieces, the Betty Blouse.  The pictures don't do it justice, but you'll get the idea!

Here, I'm wearing this beautiful soft grey silk blouse with a pin-tuck neckline with high-waisted cords and a nubby, drapey sweater vest- great for work or a daytime excursion!

And here, I'm ready for a night out on the town, wearing my brand new crocheted, *going out shorts* and patent leather heels.

Finally, I must include the designer, artist and owner of Talon NYC, www.talonnyc.com and one of my best friends, Emily.  Emily creates unique, delicate and wonderfully wearable jewelry, including her signature amulette necklace; a small, hand-made vile filled with a beautiful customed-blended scent that can be dabbed on the body, using the amulette's own cork stopper... Visit Emily's beautiful website and check out the simply-stated yet wonderfully interesting pieces pictured below.
 
Images from talonnyc.com

Happy "photo-shopping", XOXO WEWS

West End Wardrobe and Styling

It's Not So Scary!

As most of you know, I've saturated my blog posts with praise for brightly-colored fashion and much of my Spring/Summer obsessions revolve around wearing neon, pairing brights together or accessorizing with a pop of color.  Well today I thought I'd write about one of my other favorite things in fashion for a change: Skulls!!!!  Who knew this little lady was so edgy, you ask? Oh yes, I have quite the rock and roller side and a more than vague idea of when and where I fell in love with skulls- about the same time I fell in love with a very tattooed, skull-loving ex-boyfriend! Well, it's the truth, what can I say.

However in direct contrast to me, many women with even an ounce of femininity to their name, veered far away from anything with a skull on it, (including *warning, warning- the tattooed, skull-loving men*) not to mention paying for something with such a sinister symbol.  Well fear no more, my delicate flowers, because skulls are IN and they come in a variety of wearable and feminine styles!!

Behold below, my favorite new version of the skull necklace.  This one is by Dogeared, can be found at Nordys for $52, or in gold, for $62.  Notice the eyes are hearts!!! Who could be scared of that?



Next we have one of my other favorite ways to make skulls non-threatening and totally wearable- the scarf!
Who doesn't love a black and white print scarf to throw over a drab t-shirt and jeans? This is a very cute- with a slight edge- skull-loving statement piece.  This one below can also be found at nordstrom.com for only $36!



Now for a real treat.... a beautifully designed and detailed suede pump, by the late, ever-so-talented Alexander McQueen.  This last example is more to highlight the successful juxtaposition of soft- with the lines and suede- and edgy- with a jeweled skull embellishment.  This particular pair of powerful pumps will cost you a pretty (and edgy) penny; but never fear, this trend is major so be on the lookout for ballet flats, purse closures, belt buckles and the like, all with this type of embellishment. 


All Images from Nordstrom.com

Now go find yourself a pretty little skull and get trendy!!!!!!! XOXO, WEWS

West End Wardrobe and Styling