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

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

Happy July 4th from Lulu