Fashion – Page 8 – Perfectly Eventful

Fourth Fashion: Don’t let the Fireworks be the Only Show Stopper!

First of all, I can hardly believe it is July already. It seems like I was just celebrating New Years Eve and here we are nearly halfway through 2012! But, I digress. Let’s focus on more important things – like the fashions we can don while celebrating America’s birthday!

I usually travel for the 4th of July, but I am very excited to be celebrating here in our Nation’s Capital for once! There is nothing quite like the displays of patriotism that occur, leaving us all feeling more American than a slice of Apple pie washed down by a swig of Budweiser.

As you can imagine, here in D.C., there is no shortage of things to do, places to be and people to see on the 4th. In fact, the trouble often is choosing just one option! I’m taking a more laissez faire approach to my plans tomorrow and just seeing where the day takes me. However, if you have your plans all ironed out you are probably now wondering what the heck to wear! Fret no further and take a peek at some of the outfit ideas below. No matter what your plans are, you’ll be prepared to do America proud in these patriotic ensembles!

One tip to make sure you look like Miss America and not Uncle Sam – don’t over do it! Anchor your outfit with one patriotic color and accessorize with the others; don’t try to let them all compete.

Fourth Fashion: From Day to Night by kerrychannon featuring cat eye sunglasses

– Planning for an outdoor bbq or staking out a plot of grass for some evening fireworks? Take the casual approach with these looks.

Fourth Fashion: A Daytime Celebration by kerrychannon featuring peplum and polka dots.

– Does your 4th of July call for playing a bit of dress up? Pair your favorite red, white or blue dress with some eye-catching accessories and you are ready to party the night away!

Fourth Fashion – A Dressy Affair by kerrychannon featuring a bib necklace

Sale Roundup: J. Crew and Ann Taylor Loft

I’m making this a quick one since I am bouncing around a lot here on the West Coast, but I had to share some of today’s sales with you.

The J. Crew Factory Store is running some nice specials on some of their classic pieces with some items up to an additional 40% off. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Factory Store, it is basically the J. Crew outlet you’d find at your average outlet mall, but J. Crew was smart enough to but the steals and deals online. Now we can pick and choose our favorite items at our leisure, without having to fight our way through the masses and take down that crazy lady who thinks she is getting that last pair of pants. Er…ok, let’s just take a look at some of their best deals…

Factory Drawstring Day Dress – originally $79.50, on sale for $49.50. The perfect casual dress for any summer day. Throw it on with your favorite sandals and you’re ready to go!

Factory Bell Skirt in cotton – originally $54.50, on sale for $29.50. I own this skirt and blue and can attest, it is a versatile piece that you can pair with a tee or tank for the weekend or a button up for polished, work appropriate look.

Ann Taylor Loft is running two different sales today, both with pretty stellar savings! Now, it is no secret that I tend to make a lot of purchases from Loft and a significant percentage of my wardrobe can be attributed to the store. Well, with these savings, you can understand why! Online, you can score 30% off all purchases with the code SHOP30. In stores, you can rack up 50% off all items today as long as you shop from 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Check out their Facebook page to snag the deal.

Honey Stripe Knit Maxi Skirt – Originally $59.50. On sale for $54.99 and an additional 50% off – $27.50. Another incredibly versatile piece, pair with a tank or tee and a fun jacket.

Cotton Batik Carnation Print Tie Neck Peasant Tunic – originally 49.50, on sale for 50% off – $24.75. A bold, bright tunic top will help add an element of the unexpected to your wardrobe.

This is a great time to stock up on some of your summer staples. With prices this low, you really can’t afford NOT to treat yourself to something. It is Friday after all!

Look Smokin’ While Getting Your Sweat On

Summer is a fabulous season. It bring sunshine, warm weather and fantastic memories. Along with said benefits comes the potential of needing to be in a bathing suit at any time with no notice. Yay bikini season!

If you’re still working off that little extra bit of padding that made its way on to your delicate frame this winter (um, bears hibernate, so can we), I highly recommend you take a trip to lululemon. At lululemon, you can find all you need to look fabulous even if you don’t feel so fabulous as your sweaty, huffing and puffing self. With an endless assortment of tops, bottoms and accessories, you can search for your new workout wears by sport, function or just because it looks pretty. And trust me, all their things look pretty. Now, I will caution you. The price point is probably a bit more than you are used to paying for some sweaty gym clothes. However, the price is worth it for most items, as the quality is top notch.

As a runner, I discovered lulu about midway through training for my first marathon in 2008. I purchased a pair of running crops (similar to these) for training. With a nearly $90 price tag, I wasn’t sure I could afford anything else. Four years later, I am training for my third marathon with those same pair of pants. So ladies and gents, consider lulu purchases as a bit of an investment. They will last and they will look darn good on you, too.

Their items are designed to flatter, taking into account all of the things that make slipping on spandex and stretchy fabrics less than exciting, including muffin top. You can get double time out of many of their items as their leggings, yoga pants and tops can work their way into your daytime wardrobe. Did I mention that the brand is not afraid of color either?

Here are some of the goods on my wish list:

Run: Sun Sprinter Crops – $88 (comes in purple, pink and black)

Run: Tie And Fly Tank – $52 (pink, neon yellow, purple and black)

Who says you can’t look good while working on your fitness? The company is also committed to community involvement and works with local fitness studios to offer complimentary classes.

Find out which store is closest to you and check out their calendar! For you DCers, there are stores in Clarendon, Logan Circle, Georgetown and Tysons. Check it out for yourself and let me know what your favorites are!

Sale Alert: Kate Spade!

Calling all Kate Spade fans! If you haven’t moseyed on over to her site in the last few days, you should visit. Like now. The top-name designer is running a massive sale on some of its best – and brightest – merchandise from this season. Kate Spade’s designs are preppy, colorful and bold. While most of these summer pieces aren’t for the color-shy, they can function as your next wardrobe workhorse with their classic shapes and pops of brightness that will compliment any outfit. There really is something for everyone though, as the sale also has a few neutral bags.

The sale started on Friday, at which point I had about $700 worth of items in my cart. I resisted the urge, as I did just get my dream purse a few months ago for my birthday (thank you, husband). But, that doesn’t mean I can’t live vicariously through all of you, so please, take a look at some of the highlights of the sale merchandise and head on over to Kate Spade to pick out some of your own must-haves!

Colorblocking at its best! Stella Heels – Originally $328. On Sale for $171.

Make a statement in turquoise – Mulholland Drive Double Row Necklace. Originally $178, now $79.

And more turquoise…Cobble Hill Kori purse. Originally $478, on sale for $250.

Make everyone green with envy…Irving Place Nadine. Originally $528, on sale for $237.

This is just a small selection of the massive savings you can score. Clothing, belts, earrings, wallets, clutches, totes, sandals and more are all on sale, just waiting for you to scoop them up!

Friday Fun with Neon

Neon is a great look for summer and a big trend in stores. I am all for bold, bright outfits, but sometimes they can be a bit too loud for the office. A great way to make the most of this season’s neon trend is to scoop up some awesome accessories in fun, neon colors.

I purchased the pink neon belt pictured below on Monday on sale from J. Crew. It arrived yesterday and I’m wearing it today. I can already tell I am going to get my money’s worth!

You can also look for earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even sandals in an array of neon colors. Limit your neon pieces to two accessories (such as a belt and earrings) or one bold piece (such as a skirt or top). This will help you avoid looking like you are channeling a package of highlighters, or the 80’s…

Friday Fun with Neon by kerrychannon featuring white denim and neon accessories.

Hot Town, Summer in the City

Holy heat wave, people! It is HOT out there. If you are anywhere on the East coast, you are likely trying to avoid the 100 degree temperatures while trying to get from Point A to B without looking like you could have just run a marathon. I’ve run two of them and trust me, I think I looked better crossing the finish line than when I arrived at work this morning. Heat, humidity and no air conditioning on the metro do not bode well for this girl.

Sweat happens, but that doesn’t mean we have to let it beat us. Dressing for hot summer weather while still remaining office appropriate can be a challenge. Halter tops and shorter hemlines are tempting, but you can still look great while beating the heat with this simple formula:

1 light, airy dress + 1 lightweight blazer = the perfect outfit for a hot day

Hot Town, Summer in the City by kerrychannon featuring ray ban sunglasses

The key is to pick summer dresses in breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, that are not too form fitting. Go for sleeveless and pair it with a lightweight blazer at the office. The office A/C is usually working overtime on exceptionally hot days, so you’ll likely need that blazer to keep warm indoors.

Take the blazer off on your walk to or from work or for that happy hour cocktail your parched self will clearly need. Pick up a pair of nude wedges if you don’t already have them. They are a summer stable and will take you from work to play and everywhere in between. Not to mention they are in stores everywhere this season, so you can easily find a pair that match your price point.

The even better news? You can get twice the wear by pairing almost any of these dresses with tights, boots and a cute cardigan for the Fall!

Back to standing in front of the A/C vent…

Front of the Line LORAC Eyeliner is Top of My List!

It’s no secret that I love a good makeup product. If I was forced to answer that age-old cliche of a question about what one makeup product I’d choose to wear for the rest of my life, I’d have to say it would be a toss up between eyeliner and mascara.

For a fair-skinned, blue-eyed lady such as myself, eyeliner is essential for defining my light features. If you have the good fortune of having features that don’t need some help in the definition department, eyeliner is still a fun, creative way to punch up your look.

As somewhat of an eyeliner aficionado, I’ve gone through dozens of different types – liquid, pencil, crayon, liner pots, drugstore and department store versions, I’ve tried them all. There are several great pencil options out there, but my absolute fool-proof favorite is LORAC’s Front of the Line Liquid Liner.

For $22, this liner lasts – both on your face and in your makeup bag. I never have to reapply and, while I don’t wear it every day, I’ve had one that is pushing 6 months. It is my go-to for anything from just a basic daytime look to a smokey eye, and is the absolute best product I’ve found to create a dramatic winged, cat-eye look. The felt tip makes no-nonsense application a breeze, even when attempting difficult looks.

LORAC products are not always easy to find. You can purchase via their website, at Sephora.com, or in Sephora stores located in JCPenny stores.

If you’re on the hunt for something with a bit more instruction, check out LORAC’s Close Up Real Life to Read Carpet Eye Tutorial, complete with a shadow trio, mascara, primer, brush, instructions and, of course, the Front of the Line Pro Liner!

Sale Roundup!

My philosophy – a bad case of the Mondays can always be easily remedied with some retail therapy. An even quicker solution? Retail therapy at a discount! A good bargain has the potential to put anyone in a good mood.

Here are some Monday sales to help turn your frown upside down.

J. Crew – 30% off all sale items with online code SHOPNOW

Great deals on the dresses and pants in particular! Check out their accessories, too!

J Crew Dress Lucille Dress – $118+30% off = 84$

Nine West – 60% off select items

The perfect opportunity to stock up on some basics and some not-so-basics!

Nude Pumps — Nude pumps – $49 – perfect for summer!

Victoria’s Secret Semi-Annual Sale

This is a big one. Virtually of my undergarments have been purchased via the VS semi-annual sale, but why not think outside the ~~bra~~, uhh box? Treat yourself to a bathing suit and some beach cover ups!

***One tip, this year’s suits run very small! If you’re in doubt of sizing, err on the side of caution and size up.

VS Bikini — The Abbie Pom Pom Suit – Top $24 Bottom $19.50

Accessorize on a Budget

Earrings and bracelets and necklaces, oh my!

Ahhhh accessories. They can make or break an outfit. A statement necklace will take a cotton dress from casual to chic and the earrings can add just the right finishing touch to a blouse and jeans. They aren’t called “statement” pieces for nothing! Summer is the perfect time for an accessories refresh.

The bright, bold colors of the season are making their mark on accessories in stores everywhere. It is tempting to buy up one of everything in every color, but you don’t necessarily need to spend more, you just need to spend better.

Lou Lou is one of my favorite stores to frequent when I want an envy-inducing piece of jewelry on a budget. The store features all types of accessories – earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, sunglasses, scarves, watches and even bags. Prices for smaller items start in the single digits ($8) and can go up to $200 for top of the line items, but the majority of merchandise can be found for $10 – $75.

I typically visit Lou Lou for earrings and necklaces, but patrons will find a superb variety of choices to accessorize their wardrobe. The selection ranges from the understated, think stud earrings and single-color scarves, to the unique, read: brilliant baubles and bright, funky sunnies.

Here are some of my personal favorites from Lou Lou’s website:

Statement Necklace — Mint Julep Necklace – $25

earrings-_tickled_pink — Tickled Pink Earrings – $15

necklaces-_blue_bib — Blue Bib Necklace – $20

earrings-_ocean_sunrise — Ocean Sunrise Earrings – $15

bracelets-_bali_cuff_orange — Bali Cuff – $30

With 8 locations in the DC Metro area and a 9th to open soon, there isn’t a Lou Lou far away. If you aren’t a DC area resident, peruse Lou Lou’s website. You’re sure to find something you just can’t live without! At this price point, it is the perfect opportunity to try some of the season’s top trends.

Saturday Summer Style

A Saturday in DC in the summer holds infinite potential. A girl just never knows where she might find herself, so she has to be prepared for anything. This past Saturday, I went from a bridal shower, to a snazzy outdoor hotel bar, to the Pride parade and a Pride-celebration house party and miscellaneous other stops along the way.

How’s a girl to be ready for any spontaneous event that might present itself? My answer is a maxi skirt. The length instantly dresses up an outfit and it pairs so well with a casual top and a statement necklace that you can easily transition from one event to the next without looking over or under dressed.

I just blogged about my favorite new basic tank, so of course I had to break it out for the occasion. Here was my outfit of choice (I’m in the middle):

And where you can buy it all:

Saturday Summer Style by kerrychannon featuring maxi skirts

Seamless tank top
$24 – anthropologie.com

Steve Madden leather shoes
$60 – swell.com

Oasis flat shoes
$36 – asos.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs leather messenger bag
$670 – mytheresa.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors gold watch
$250 – nordstrom.com

Stella dot jewelry
$198 – stelladot.com

Stella dot jewelry
$138 – stelladot.com

Pintucked Maxi Skirt
$44 – loft.com