Every Day with Ebony and Ivory: Holiday Parties

We've been spreading a lot of holiday cheer at various events and parties this last week, which was capped off with a fun Christmas party Nat threw last Saturday. Naturally, we saved our favorite holiday outfits for this festive affair. Hopefully these outfits will help you thing outside of the proverbial holiday box when picking out an outfit for your next party.

What made you choose this outfit?
Nat: I have been on the market for my version of a perfect jumpsuit for quite some time. I was ecstatic when I popped into Wink boutique one evening and found this one in burgundy by 6 Shore Road. I was even more thrilled when it fit me perfectly. Between the beautiful rich color and the open lace back, I felt it was the perfect choice for the occasion. And in the spirit of all things merry and bright, I accessorized it with a metallic belt and shoes.

James: Instead of dressing head-to-toe in traditional holiday colors, I opted for something that would stand out among the crowd: winter white. The light and refreshing tone, which was done in a soft angora, gave the bodycon dress a festive feel without being too cliche. With winter white as my main focus, I was able to add a little holiday cheer to my look with emerald earrings and a Ruby Woo red lip.

The Weekender: Easy Fall Granola

As fall brings cooler weather, people find themselves spending more time indoors—and a weekend indoors is the perfect time to explore fall flavors. One of our favorites is this easy fall granola recipe adapted from Martha Stewart Living. This recipe is also a guilt-free and waistline-friendly alternative to candy corn and caramel eating.  Happy cooking!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
4 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/3 cup canola oil
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup dried cranberries

Directions:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spread shredded coconut onto a baking pan and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 300 degrees. Line two baking pans with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine oats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, canola oil, and honey. Stir together until well combined. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet; bake until golden brown, about 25 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool.

Break up cooled granola; sprinkle with dried cranberries and toasted coconut. Stir to combine. Store in airtight container for up to 1 month.

Color Pop

 Sweater: Reiss. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: MICHAEL Michael Kors (old). Clutch: J.Crew.

I always feel a sense of satisfaction when I find a garment in a great blue like this J. Crew skirt. And lucky for me, the silhouette and fit were spot-on, as well. I wanted to keep this outfit sophisticated and understated, so I mixed it with muted neutrals and let the skirt be the main focal point.

Nat's Picks: Stylish Shoes for Women on the Go

My dear friend from home, Nina—who is a mom of a toddler and 6-month-old—called me a few weeks go asking for comfortable and stylish daytime shoe recommendations for running errands and chasing kids. Lucky for all of us busy women, there are a lot of great options out there that allow us to have it all, footwear speaking. 

So, ladies, ditch your running shoes for day and opt for one of these fashionable alternatives: 

Cole Haan Gramercy Oxford: $198

*I also love (and own) the Breslyn Oxford if you want a dressier option.

Keds for Kate Spade Kick Sneaker: $75

*30% off Friends and Family Sale starts today. Code: FALL13FF

Madewell Teddy Loafer: $148

James's Fall Favorites

 

Fall never fails to deliver beautiful colors and rich scents. So I've taken my cues from nature (and menswear) and chosen my favorite items of the season. Enjoy!

 Comptoir des Cotonniers: Over-size Coat

Oasis: Slinky Knit Tube Dress

 

Jo Malone: Pomegranate Noir Cologne

Madewell: Bobbie Oxford in Canterbury Red

J.Crew: Collection Mini in Jade Foulard

Menswear Monday: Resolve

Ahhh, fall! It's the season in which we pack away our espadrilles, exercise our right to layer garments, and tote the September issue of our favorite fashion magazine (which often weights more than a small child). For those of us who love great style, it's basically the fashion New Year! And, men, why not use this time of year to make a new fashion resolution? Here it goes:

I, (state your name here), will tune into Our Style File's latest segment for men: Menswear Monday.

And to kick off our new segment, we thought we would share one of our favorite fall accessories videos from GQ Magazine.

 

 
If you enjoyed this video as much as we enjoy a hot bowl of soup on a fall afternoon, take a look at GQ's other videos here.

Orange is the New Black

Blouse - Joe Fresh; Pants - J.Crew; Shoes - Christian Louboutin (similar here and love these; Lipstick - Chili by MAC; Necklace - Nordstrom (old)

Photo Credit - Angie Harding

Two-Ways Tuesday: Back to School

Natalie: Skirt: Kate Spade. Shirt: J.Crew.  Sweater Vest: J.Crew. Shoes: Cole Haan (old).
James: Shirt, Sweater, Blazer, & Pocket Square: J.Crew. Pants: Zara(old). Shoes: Ralph Lauren. Clutch: Madewell.

Photo Credit: Angie Harding

Anglophile

 Tank: The Laundry Room. Jacket: Gap (similar here). Denim: JBrand.

Since I was young, I have always loved all things British: the history, the fashion, the monarchy, and, dare I say, the food! The UK and I just get each other. So when I was looking on Piperlime for some casual tanks to add to my wardrobe, I knew this one would find a special place in my drawer. Long live the Queen! (And a special shout-out to the photo-bombing pigeon.)

*Note: Piperlime is having a 20% off everything sale that ends today.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

Feathers of Fancy

Top: Club Monaco. Skirt: eBay (similar here). Shoes: Ralph Lauren. Earrings: Sequin New York (old). Lipstick: Silhouette by Chanel.

 Photo Credit: Angie Harding

Hot Pants

 

Pants: alice + olivia. Jacket: Mackage (old). Necklace: J.Crew. Shoes: Nine West.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

How to Walk in Heels

We are nearing the end of New York Fashion week and have seen model after model walk down the runway in 5-inch heels. They sure make it look easy! However, take a stroll down the streets of NYC on any given day, and you'll see some precarious high-heel situations.

To help you learn how to properly strut your stuff in heels, we found this short video with some basic tips:

And, New Yorkers, if you want hands-on help, you can now take a "How to Walk in High Heels" class by Victor Chu, whom the NY Post has dubbed "the stiletto whisperer." (Read more about his class here.)

Photo credit: AP Photo/Louis Lanzano

Everyday Leather

 Skirt: Banana Republic (in-store only but same style here). Blouse: Topshop. Shoes: Madewell. Earrings: Ann Taylor

Leather is still a big trend this season—and one of my favorites! While I love the tough edge of leather, sometimes it's nice to soften the look. Therefore, I was pleased to find this ultra-feminine 100% leather skirt at Banana Republic. It's strikes the perfect balance of tough and sweet, making it a great capsule piece to style around for day or evening!

I chose to keep this outfit simple with a floral blouse and my new favorite plum-colored Madewell loafers.

Photo credit Angie Harding

Americana

 

 Natalie: Top: J.Crew. Skirt: J.Crew. Shoes: J.Crew (old). James: Jumpsuit & Necklace(vintage). Shoes: Zara (old).

What about this polka-dot piece made you want to purchase it? 

Nat: While I have a lot of great summer dresses, my seasonal closet inventory manifested that I was lacking in versatile summer skirts. I am a huge fan of an Americana look, and I like that this skirt is in that genre without being a stripe like most of my patriotic pieces. Plus, we all know I love color, and this bright blue really resonated with me.

James: This jumpsuit wasn't exactly a purchase I made. I acquired it from a client who insisted it suited my style more than hers. At first glance I thought it was dress, but when I put the piece on I realized it was a culotte jumpsuit! It was an absolute score. I love that it's an unexpected twist on Americana style.

For what occasions can you wear this? 
Nat: I won't buy a separate unless I can make at least three different outfits from it. For this particular look, I wear gold sandals for daytime errands and pop on these fuschia heels for a casual dinner. When I want to make a more work-approprate look, I pair the skirt with a classic white button-up shirt tucked in—and sometimes complete the look with a fitted navy blazer when I want to feel ultra preppy.

James: The styling options for this look are endless. For a long work day on set or shopping with clients I prefer to wear this look with a comfortable pair of flat metallic brogues. When I want to dress it up for a cocktail party or girls night out, I wear it with these pin-dot peep-toe heels. For a nautical look, I pair it with a white blazer and simple yellow strappy sandals--captains hat is optional.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

Three Essential Items for the Sartorially Savvy Man

You've purchased a closet full of great clothes and are looking dapper, but now it's time to stay on top of your look. We recommend every man purchase these three items to keep you sartorially savvy.

 

The Laundress Sweater Stone: $18. The Laundress Sweater Comb: $18. The Container Store Sweater Comb: $7.99

 

1. Sweater Comb and/or Sweater Stone: Nothing ruins the look of a beautiful cashmere sweater like pilling. These tools will ensure your sweaters always look new by keeping them pill-free.

  

BOSS Hugo Boss Metal Collar Stays: $90. Brooks Brothers Plastic Collar Stays: $9

2. Collar Stays: Just because you had your shirt professionally pressed, doesn't mean it will stay that way all day. Raise your hand and repeat: "I will NEVER leave home without my collar stays." In fact, leave a pair or two at the office just in case. However, make sure you remove them before you send your shirts to the cleaners; otherwise, they will likely be gone forever.

The Container Store Cedar Shoe Trees: $19.99. Church's Norfolk Wood and Metal Shoe Trees: $95

3. Shoe Trees: Put these in your shoes anytime you aren't wearing them, and shoe trees will significantly lengthen the life of your shoes by helping them retain their shape and prevent creasing. Also, we recommend buying wood (usually cedar) shoe trees, which help absorb moisture and prevent odor.

Short and Sassy

 Skirt: Club Monaco (similar style here). Jacket: Zara (old). T-shirt: Gap. Shoes: Kate Spade.

 

I have a general style rule I share with all my clients that I call "The Rule of Skin," which is: If you go mini on bottom, keep it more covered on top and vice versa. Because this skirt is on the short side, I decided to pair it with a conservative Chanel-style jacket. (Note: Jacket is a repeat offender, and one of my go-to staples. See how else I styled it here.) If you ever have doubts as to whether an outfit is appropriate, follow this rule to ensure that you always keep it classy! 

Concrete Jungle

Top: Club Monaco (old); Pants: J.Crew; Shoes: Christian Louboutin (similar here and love these; Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim (old)

When I was a girl, I was never short on women sharing their fashion advice with me. The most common belief that many of them shared was that a woman should always match her shoes with her handbag. Well, I'm no longer a little girl, and the Garanimals way of dressing, quite frankly, is for kids. If there is one thing I have learned while living in the concrete jungle it is to MIX IT UP! When it comes to your accessories, feel free to go a little wild—mixing skins is definitely in.

Here's a little tip: Be careful not to mix too many animal prints in a single outfit. The goal is to look chic, NOT like a taxidermist.

Black and White Oasis

 Dress: Oasis (similar style here and here). Shoes: Nine West. Earrings: J.Crew (old)

 

This is another gem that I found at Oasis on my trip to London this past spring. I love that I can wear it day or evening, and the embroidered details around the neckline are lovely. However, my favorite part about this dress is that even with the deep V and cutout in the back, I can still wear a regular bra! I wish more designers would follow suit, don't you?!

Photo credit: Angie Harding