Fashion – Page 7 – Perfectly Eventful

White Blazers Galore

White blazers by kerrychannon featuring a boucle jacket

My recent post on Olympic garb has me seriously jonesing for a white blazer. The perfect white blazer oozes casual class and more often than not is the perfect way to top off an outfit. Dressing for a date night or night out on the town? Top off a flowy top and short shorts with your white blazer and wedges or stilettos and you’ll be the picture of perfection. Headed to the office? Pair a pretty, printed dress with a white blazer and a pair of bold heels for a professional, yet fashionable look.

Sure, summer is almost over and white is probably not the best color to be purchasing. However, with the right cut, fit and styling a white blazer can pretty much be worn year round. Now is a great time to buy because anything white is typically on sale at the end of summer.

If you’re in the market for one, here are some tips for finding the right look without looking like you stepped off the set of your favorite 80’s sitcom:

Fit: Blazers can typically be classified in one of two fits, oversized or fitted. Oversized does not mean massive, it means slouchy, just slightly one size too large. The term “boyfriend blazer” can be confusing; if your boyfriend is more than 3 inches taller than you, immediately remove this phrase from your vocabulary.
Structure: Make sure the blazer has enough structure to provide tailored lines, but not enough to make you look like you could have been a linebacker in a past life.
Length: A slouchy blazer will have a longer length while a fitted blazer will be shorter or perhaps even cropped. If you’re going cropped, make sure it hits the bottom of your ribcage. A blazer is too long if your shorts disappear once you put it on. I know Miley pulled it off, but let’s face it, as much as we want to believe life is one big red carpet, very few of us are teenage starlets with super-toned gams and super-hot fiances we meet on movie sets. It’s ok, you wouldn’t wear the Hannah Montana wig either, so don’t let this one get ya down.
Details: Piping, double-breasted, three-button, no-button, peplum, lapels – there is a lot to consider when choosing the right blazer. If you are spending more than $50, go for classic details that will last for at least two years. If the price tag is sub-$50, have some fun and play with some fun trends.

Some of my favorite options are above, with varying price points. For now, I’ll be scouring sales at my favorite retailers to find the perfect white blazer!

Where have you found your favorite white blazer?

Accessorizing with Michael Kors

Michael Kors watches are one of my favorite accessories of all time. To date, it is the only item I’ve found that has the ability to be trendy yet classic at the same time. If I could, I’d have a different one for every day of the week. I did just recently acquire my second MK watch, so I guess I’ll just have to settle for ogling the newest designs as they come out.

The Parker collection, one of the newest releases, is my personal favorite. Below is the rose gold and tortoise shell version. I just about died over the silver and gold version – and apparently so did the majority of Nordstrom’s shoppers. The store is completely sold out nationwide of that particular version with no word yet on when they are expecting another shipment. So, looks like we’ll all just have to settle for the version below, or one of the many other colors or styles available. Tough settle, huh?

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style

I love the Olympics. I love the Olympics more than most people I know although I am proud to call some of my close friends members of the obsessive Olympic contingent. On the excitement meter, the Olympics are right up there with Chanel purses, Ryan Gosling and, dare I say, Christmas.

During the games, there are usually a fair amount of parties held to cheer on and admire the athleticism of Team USA, usually through the consumption of beer or any other alcoholic beverage of choice. Hey, we all have our strengths! With the mention of any party, my mind immediately drifts to…”gosh, what am I going to wear?”

So, I thought I’d throw together an imaginary outfit to rock, if I had unlimited funds of course. Unfortunately, all I want to do is shop for said clothing now – and here’s why:

Gold Medal Fashion: Olympic Style by kerrychannon featuring long sleeve button down shirts

Just the perfect amount of patriotism without looking like you belong on stage at a Fourth of July event. The J Crew pencil skirt can be worn a million ways for work or play. Pair it with a vintage Olympic or USA tank to support our athletes. Cover it with a white blazer or chambray shirt if you want to make the look work appropriate. Finish the look off with some metallic jewelry, after all, we’re going for the gold here, and some fun, sporty kicks and you are ready to go! Even budding fashion designer Ryan Lochte would be proud. Looking for more inspiration? Check out some more Fourth of July inspired fashion.

And, in case you need an excuse to shop, it is TAX FREE WEEKEND in Virginia. Take advantage!

Shopping for a Cause: Goodwill Pop-up Shop

I was fortunate enough to attend the launch of the Edited by Goodwill Pop-Up shop at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery on Tuesday night. Pop-up shops are all the rage lately and I think it is quite the novel concept for Goodwill to take advantage and host one of their own right smack, dab in the middle of the city. And boy, did it pay off! Tuesday night was a limited attendance event and the space was filled to the brim with shoppers sipping on cocktails, viewing portrait art, taking advantage of complimentary hair and makeup consultations and scouring rack after rack of bargain buys.

The window display complete with summer’s bright color trend and hanger-art designed by Gensler.

One of the many racks of clothing for shoppers to peruse.

Some of the art and product displays, also by Gensler.

When I say bargain, I mean it. I picked up a pair of gently used Nine West nude pumps for $9.98. YES – less than $10. The best part – the fact that they are used means they are already broken in for me! Say goodbye to blisters! I also found a J Crew olive green corduroy blazer for my brother-in-law. Some other great finds (that I didn’t purchase) included a few J Crew sleeveless blouses, a Monique Lhuillier cocktail dress, Calypso for Target sundress and tons of other brand names.

One of the shoe racks which featured Steve Madden, Nine West, Cocunuts and other top brands.

Here are a few tips for shopping consignment and gently used merchandise:

Shoes, accessories and homegoods are some of the best finds
Jackets and blazers are good items to search for as they are typically less worn than other types of clothing
Make sure to check for stains, loose threads, small tears or any other signs of abuse that will you might not see at first glance
Check for brand names – thrift shopping is the quickest way for a girl on a budget to snag a DVF/Monique/Milly/insert=any-other-top-designer-here
Trends always come full circle – you could score big on someone’s secondhand 70’s disco dress or 90s denim vest

To take advantage of these tips, shop the Edited Goodwill Pop-Up shop, open through Friday, so hurry up and get over to Chinatown to check it out! If you are going to shop, it might as well be for a good cause! You can even stop off at Rosa Mexicano for a margarita and a quick review of your new purchases.

Gap Chambray Shirt Dress

I don’t recommend doing this often, but sometimes you wake up, roll out of bed, throw something on only to realize once you get to work that you HATE your outfit. Normally, you’d deal. It’s just clothing, after all. I mean, what is a girl gonna do – rush home and change? Of course not! Head over to the closest Gap store to peruse the merchandise in the off-chance that you will strike fashion gold? Maybe. Ok, definitely. In my shopaholic defense, I have an uber-exciting event I’m attending that just so happens to center around fashion. Surely, I couldn’t show up in anything less than fabulous!

While, thanks to my admitted #shopaholicsanonymous addiction, I picked up this pretty little number:

Gap Chambray roll-sleeve shirt dress | $59.95

Perfection! It runs a little big, so I sized down which is nice to say every once in awhile. I love the versatility of this dress. August hits us tomorrow – summer is coming to a close, which means that any piece of clothing you buy between now and September should work for summer and fall. If not, you’ll end up with a closet full of super-cute summer clothes that you can’t possibly wear in the short month you’ve got left of the season!

This dress can work in any season. I’ll pair it with sandals or wedges to close out the summer months; boots in the fall; tights and booties in the winter and pretty pumps in the spring.

Tonight, I think I’ll rock it with some sparkly flats because, well that is what I wore to work today. I didn’t have time to go shoe shopping, too…or do I? 🙂

Pants of All Colors…

Colored denim and pants are on everyone’s must-have list this season. And, with only a few months left of summer, nobody wants to spend an arm and a leg on this trend. Options from J Brand and other designer denim labels will run you around $200.

But aren’t you lucky? Gap is offering 30% off on all purchases through July 26th. Which means you can score a pair of their bright khakis for $35 and colored denim, with our without an ankle zipper detail for $49. Now that is a price you can feel good about and pants you will look good in!

The khakis have a slightly loose fit, so some purchasers report going down a size. They tend to fit curvier girls perfectly. The legging jeans fit tight, as one might expect given the name. You shouldn’t need to size up, as Gap jeans typically stretch out after 1-2 wears. Mint and coral are my favorites!

Colored Pants from Gap by kerrychannon featuring leggings

As part of the Gap family, Old Navy is also offering 30% off all purchases. Conveniently, they just released a whole new selection of their Rockstar Super Skinny jeans which come in 14 colors! Taking into account the 30% off, you’ll pay only $25 a pair, so you can afford to get two!

The sale is happening in-stores and online (use the code JULY2012) through tomorrow. So what are you waiting for? Get to shopping!

Upscale Sale Roundup!

Oh, it’s that time of year again! For what you ask?

Time for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Apparel, accessories, shoes, handbags, makeup and more is on sale now at some majorly discounted prices. You can snag Fall’s top picks for a fraction of their regular retail prices. There are some good deals online, but you’ll find the best steals in-store. The sale is over August 6th, so don’t miss it! Here are some of my favorite items online:

Michael Kors ‘Bradshaw’ Watch: Sale: $183.90 After Sale: $275.00

Michael Kors ‘Lucy’ Crystal Bezel Watch – Sale: $129.90 After Sale: $195.00

Michael Kors watches are classic, yet contemporary. They are one of my favorite accessories and I believe a girl can never have too many MK watches!

La Mer ‘The Collection’ Anniversary Set (Nordstrom Exclusive) ($325 Value) $270.00

I’m not sure I could justify nearly $300 on my face, but if you have the additional income and are looking to get rid of some wrinkles sans Botox, La Mer is for you. Renowned as the best skincare product in the business, La Mer always comes with a hefty price tag no matter how you slice it, but you can save yourself a pretty penny during the Annual Sale!

Frye "Melissa Trapunto" Boots — Frye Melissa Trapunto Boots – $239.90! You’ll pay $357.95 regular price.

Frye boots should be a staple in every woman’s wardrobe. The quality makes the price well worth it, as you can get several seasons out of them. This price is hard to believe at $239.50 – you can save more than $100!

Bod & Christensen Leather & Ponte Crop Jacket
Sale: $279.90 After Sale: $425.00

It is hard to think about leather when its 90+ degrees outside, but your bank account will thank you for thinking ahead with this purchase. You can save almost $150 on this jacket.

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Click on over to Neiman Marcus for an additional 25% off of all of their Last Call merchandise. You’ll find some top designer brands on sale, including Dian von Furstenburg, Rebecca Taylor, Michael Kors and even Lanvin. The best deals are on dresses, most of which you can expect to start around $100 and go up to as much as $1,200.

DVF Karin Tie-waist Dress
Originally: $365.00
NOW:$127.00 (+25% off)

Need I say more? DVF under $100? Sign me up!

Rachel Zoe Krista Bubble Dress
Originally $395.00
NOW:$138.00 (+25% off)

Another brand name, Rachel Zoe, at close to $100. Designer duds at dramatically discounted prices. Sizes are limited and the sale ends tomorrow, so start shopping!

Totes for All Your Summertime Needs

On Saturday, my friends and I began our day at the National Portrait Gallery and then moseyed on over to the US Botanic Gardens. Schlepping my laptop, sketchbook and camera across the city, I was thankful for my over-sized purse but wishing I had invested in a great tote for all my summer needs. Summer means more pool trips, beach weekends and more activity in general, which equals more stuff.

If you’re in the market for a good tote bag, take a few tips into consideration:

Size – Make sure it is big enough to fit everything you might need, but not big enough that it is too cumbersome to carry comfortably.
Fabric – In the summer months, stick to fabric totes and steer clear of leather. If a sun tan lotion spills or your bag gets wet by the pool, you can throw a fabric tote in the wash but a leather one will never recover.
Straps: Make sure the straps are comfortable. Some extra padding can never hurt and if you are going to fill this baby to the brim, you want to avoid it digging into your shoulder.
Color – Make sure the colors won’t rub off on to your clothes – or your skin if you sweat. This is more of an issue with brighter, bolder colors, so if you purchase one of them consider throwing it in the wash before you use it.
Price point – If you’re on a tight budget, don’t spend more than $100 on a tote. There are a ton of great options out there, many for around $50. You want something that is affordable and stylish, but not something that will cost you the better part of your paycheck.
Durability – Be sure to look at the construction of the bag to make sure it can hold up to the task of lugging your goods. If it isn’t, you could find your belonging strewn across a sidewalk courtesy of a tote tear.

Here are just a few ideas for your perusal. I highly recommend the Gap color block tote. I know two people who have it and it is their Saturday Summer staple. Any favorites?

Summer Totes by kerrychannon featuring colorblock handbags

Hair Tie Double Duty

Hair ties – can’t live with them, can’t live without them. Necessary at a moment’s notice to get the hair out of your face or for some reprieve from the summer heat. Throw one in the abyss of your purse and you might never find it again. So, there they sit on our wrists, ugly and distracting – and forever to remain…or so we thought!

Ladies, rejoice! A true “why didn’t I think of that” invention: Emi-Jay Hair Ties. These multi-functional hair ties are bright, bold and colorful, making them to look great in your hair AND fashionable on your wrist. Emi-Jay makes hair ties in neons, neutrals, patterns, polka dots, the possibilities are infinite but one thing is for sure. You can wear every option on your wrist like you meant for it to be there.

The best part (YES, there is more)? The soft, stretchy material is ideal because it does NOT dent your hair. All of that time you spent straightening won’t go to waste if your hair up!

The ingenious inventor even offers beaded styles to amp up the bracelet function and now sells headbands, too.

Check out some of the styles here:

Neon Collection — The neon collection is the perfect way to weave in this season’s day-glo trend without going head to toe highlighter. $11.99 for 5 ties. (image courtesy of Emi-Jay)

Crystal Bead Hair Tie — This bejeweled version is fancy enough to serve as arm candy on a night out and functional enough to get your hair out of the way when you’re showing off your dance moves. $12.99 for 1 hair tie. (Image courtesy of Emi-Jay)

Headbands — Don’t forget about the headbands, too! One of these can instantly turn a ponytail or bun into a chic hairstyle.

I bought the neon set this past week at South Moon Under. I have the green one on my wrist as I’m typing, and it looks pretty darn good! You can find other retail locations here, or just shop the Emi-Jay site to see how much you love them!

All About the Eyes

My love for eye makeup is no secret. However, I wasn’t born with my affinity for a good shadow, liner and mascara. I remember the first time I wore eyeshadow. I smeared on so many layers of that light, slightly sparkly beige Clinique shadow my mom had received as part of a Bonus gift, that you could almost see it. I snuck into her makeup bag and stole every complimentary eyeshadow she scored until I could finally purchase my own. I didn’t discover the power of eyeliner until my senior year of highschool and with one stroke, I was hooked. MAC, Clinique, Maybelline, black, brown, blue – I had it all. Too much of it all, in fact.

So, it is no surprise that I have dabbled in my fair share of shadows. I’ve used various brands and had favorites depending on the look I was going for at the time. Choosing eyeshadows can be hard. Sometimes colors can be deceiving or the texture isn’t quite right. Before you know it, you’ll have acquired enough shadows to open up your own makeup counter – and you might have to in order to cover the cost!

A great way to introduce fun, new colors to your makeup routine is to consider purchasing an eyeshadow palette from one of your favorite brands. A palette is a case with multiple shadows, usually 6 or more, in varying colors to provide you with a range of basic colors and a few bold shades to play around with. You can expect to spend $40-$50 on a high quality palette, but it will last for an extended period of time since there are more colors to choose from.

It is important to play around with the different shades to make sure you like – and will use – at least 75% of them. Make sure you are satisfied with the texture of the colors and how they look when they are applied on skin. If you have a favorite makeup brand, check out their website or Sephora to see if they offer a palette. Here are some of the best bets I’ve seen:

Too Faced The Return of Sexy Eyeshadow Palette – $48
This palette groups colors into sets to make it fool proof to achieve several different looks.

Tarte Femme Naturale Eyeshadow Palette – $44.
I own this and love it. I’ve worked nearly every color into a look at one time or another and the more neutral shades are perfect.

LORAC Pro Palette – $42
LORAC liners and shadows are exceptional quality and the 16 colors are all wearable.

Urban Decay Naked2 Eye Shadow Palette – $50.
This palette is so popular it sold out twice! You might want to get it now while you still can…

Do you have a favorite eyeshadow palette, color or brand?