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.

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.

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

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

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

Two-Ways Tuesday: Beaded Beauties

 James: Top: J.Crew. Chambray: J.Crew. Denim: Old. Shoes: J.Crew. Natalie: Top: J.Crew. Skirt: Anthropologie (similar styles here and here). Shoes: Vince Camuto.

What about this beaded top caused you to purchase it? 

James: The mere site of a sweatshirt gives me flashbacks of my less-fashionable days in college. In fact, I have pretty much shied away from them since undergrad. But leave it to J.Crew to add a little glitz to an otherwise drab garment. Voila! I am instant fan.  

Nat: I love that this top has a tough "Rosie the Riveter" feel, but the pretty beadwork keeps it feminine. Also, the fit is great. Worn untucked it has a nice long and lean silhouette that works well on my body type.

In what ways do you style this piece? 
James: A chambray shirt is a great item to have in your closet. It is an easy and casual way to add layers, and a dotted print like this one gives the outfit an extra dimension of visual interest.

Nat: For this look, I went for a 1950s vibe by tucking it into a full skirt. Both of the patterns relate enough in size and color to work well together, while the beading in the top is subtle enough to not compete with the skirt's more dominant patterns. I also enjoy wearing the top casually and simply by pairing it with dark skinny jeans and oxfords. When it's chillier, I add a long cardigan in a fun color—a great look for traveling or running errands.

Photo credit: Angie Harding

Rosa Mexicana

Dress : Vintage (similar look here). Shoes: BCBG (so old may be considered vintage soon). Earrings:  Kate Spade.

Sunny summer days in New York are a constant reminder of my Los Angeles roots. As a nod to the cultural-influence of my hometown, I enjoy Latin foods, activities, and (you guessed it) clothes. One of my favorite pieces is this vintage "Mexicana" dress. I was drawn to the color-blocked ruffle top and the cinched waist, which I emphasize with a brass belt. When I know I'll be subject to arctic temperatures indoors, I pair it with a cropped-sleeve denim jacket.

Photo Credit: Michael Wiltbank

Floral Freshness

 Blouse: Ted Baker. Jeans: J Brand.

I have been in search for a good white jean for the last couple of summers. I finally found this pair from J Brand. What I like about them: they are thick; they are opaque (no white pocket outlines); they are a mid-rise; they aren't too skinny on bottom, which helps balance hips; and they have a little texture. I love pairing them with breezy, feminine pieces like this beautiful Ted Baker top!

Photo credit: Michael Wiltbank

Two-Ways Tuesday: A Star & Stripes

James: Top: VS (old). Shorts: Zara (similar here). Shoes: BCBG (similar here). Belt & Bangle: J.Crew. Natalie: Blazer: Aqua (old). Top: J.Crew (similar here). Denim: J Brand. Shoes: Cole Haan

After a trip to the new Kate Spade store on Madison Ave & 67th, we thought we would save our summer stripe how-to post and share our love for a glittering star: The Kate Spade Bayside Park Small Coal bag is a perfect tote for the summer.

Bag. Espadrilles. Sunscreen. OFF WE GO!

Kate Spade Bayside Park Small Coal Tote in Pale Gold

Photo Credit: Michael Wiltbank

Hydrangea Heaven

 Dress: CALLA for Comptoir des Cotonnieres. Shoes: Cole Haan. Clutch: Vintage (from Poppy)

 Dress: CALLA for Comptoir des Cotonniers. Shoes: Vince Camuto. Sunglasses: Stella McCartney

Sundresses tend to be my summer staple, as they are an easy way to stay stylish on those 90+ degree humid NYC summer days. The recent collaboration between French label Comptoir des Cotonniers and Paris-based designer Calla Haynes has my heart aflutter. I love the hydrangea prints, and the touches of white mesh add an unexpected edge. With such great colors and prints in the clothing, I don't need to do a lot of accessorizing to make a bold statement.

Visit here to check out the complete Calla for Comptoir des Cotonniers collection.

Photo credit: Michael Wiltbank

[Maxi]mum Style

Skirt: Ted Baker. Denim jacket: Gap. Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff.

On my recent trip to London, I got a little retail crazy and, of course, had to stop in Ted Baker—one of my favorite brands. When I saw this maxi skirt, I immediately started mentally shopping my own closet to create outfits for it. (Shopping tip: You should be able to make at least 3 outfits out of any new piece you purchase.) For this look, I wanted to make the skirt appropriate for daytime, so I paired it with a casual denim jacket. I could transition to an edgier evening look by wearing a leather jacket instead.

If you are like me and love the maxi skirt trend, here are a few of my tips to help you pull off the look:

• Make sure the hem length and heel height mesh. In this case, I wore flats so the skirt would hover just above the ground. 
• For you shorter gals, a high-waisted maxi skirt will give the illusion of more height. (Heels never hurt either.) 
• If you are pear shaped and want to camouflage your hips, avoid clingly material like a jersey knit and wear darker colors on bottom and lighter on top to balance your figure.

Happy shopping!
Ivory

Photo credit: Michael Wiltbank

Special thanks to The Jake Walk for allowing us to shoot outside their restaurant.

Juxtaposing

James: Blazer: Zara (similar here). Blouse: Zara: (similar here). Trousers: Banana Republic (similar here). Shoes: Zara (similar here). Natalie: Dress: Oasis (similar here). Cardigan: J.Crew. Shoes: Vince Camuto. 

James: I am a woman who typically lives by Diane von Fustenberg's famous quote: "Feel like a woman. Wear a dress!" But with a name like James, I was destined to don my fair share of menswear. When I am looking to exude femininity in a tuxedo, I opt for a bow blouse instead of a standard tuxedo shirt. Then I up the female factor with a stunning pair of peep-toe pumps and a red lip. The juxtaposition is bold and elegant, and it shows Justin Timberlake that ladies can look just as good in a suit and tie. 

Nat: Ever since I got my platinum pixie haircut last year, I have leaned toward playing up my flirty and feminine style. I like to joke that otherwise I may be mistaken for Peter Pan when I'd rather look like Tinkerbell. In addition, with this more edgy and boyish hairstyle, I can wear all the floral fit-and-flares dresses I want (like this one from one of my favorite UK stores Oasis) without feeling like a Stepford Wife.


Photo Credit: Michael Wiltbank